what happens during EMDR

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a leading evidence-based therapy. Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, this method has evolved and broadened its reach, helping people with other mental health challenges reclaim control over their lives. But what can you expect during an EMDR session? How does it channel the power of the human…

women discussing mental health stigma during mental health month

Mental Health Month: Addressing the Stigma

In May 1949, Mental Health America launched Mental Health Month to raise awareness and remind people that we can take positive actions to improve people’s lives. Learn about the negative impacts of stigma related to mental health and how we can educate others and promote change. Understanding Stigma and Its Effects Stigma happens when people…

narcissistic personality disorder

How to Deal With a Narcissist

Having a narcissist in your life can be challenging. While many people have narcissistic traits like self-importance and entitlement, people who meet the official diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder are emotionally draining, manipulative and need constant admiration. Ways to Tell Someone Around You Is a Narcissist Narcissistic people have high self-esteem and crave the…

emotional vampire

What Is an Emotional Vampire?

Ideally, all your relationships would be positive, affirming and leave you feeling good about yourself. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Some toxic people prey on low confidence and self-esteem. In the worst-case scenario, these emotional vampires make you feel unlovable. Others gradually chip away with snide comments that make you feel bad about yourself.…

apathy

Apathy as a Sign of Depression

A leading characteristic of depression is a persistent sense of apathy, as if nothing you do matters and there is no joy in your life. While occasionally experiencing some level of apathy might not be cause for concern, ongoing sadness and an inability to take pleasure in things could signify that you have major depressive…

what does mania feel like

What Does Mania Feel Like?

Mania is a condition that causes someone to display a noticeably heightened level of activity, energy and mood. If you’re experiencing a manic episode, you may feel a euphoria that puts you on top of the world. Talking quickly, sleeping very little, being easily distractible and having delusions of grandeur are also symptoms of mania.…

Learned Helplessness

Learned Helplessness and Substance Use

It’s not always easy to make positive choices in life. Sometimes, these decisions feel impossible, especially if someone feels helpless in a situation. People naturally wonder if our circumstances can be changed and become discouraged when they face hardships. However, living in a state of learned helplessness is often debilitating and can contribute to the…