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World of Psychology


Brain and Behavior

5 Tips for Dealing with Guilt

Guilt has an incredible way of popping up even when we're barely doing anything at all.

Most of us learn guilt throughout normal childhood development. Guilt clues us in when we've stepped outside the boundaries of our core values. It makes us take responsibility when we've done something wrong and helps us to develop a greater sense of self-awareness. The feeling of guilt forces us to examine how our behavior affects others and make changes so that we don't make the same mistake again.

How can we learn to deal with guilt -- accepting it when it is appropriate and letting it go when it's unnecessary?
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Psychology Around the Net

Psychology Around the Net: May 18, 2019


Could establishing a stronger life purpose help you maintain a healthier lifestyle? Which mental health concern is your state most interested in (and does it apply to you)? What's the difference between healthy and dangerous narcissism and what's the best way to deal with a narcissist?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in this week's Psychology Around the Net!
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Children and Teens

Sign our Letter to the G7 Today to Make a Difference for Youth Mental Health

Join Us: #ChangeDirection

Want to make a difference in youth mental health? Sign on now to drive global collective action for youth mental health, as we petition G7 Leaders to make mental health a priority. 

Help us get the word out. Share this with your friends and encourage them to join us in solidarity to demand action now by world leaders. Show the extent of the passion around the world for youth mental health. We must shine a light on the widespread but often “invisible” social and economic costs of mental illness, uniting mental health efforts around the world to mobilize political leadership.
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Best of Our Blogs

Best of Our Blogs: May 17, 2019

How do you end something that's not serving you? It's one thing to get rid of a toxic relationship or the unhealthy workplace. But how do you let go of the good things in your life?

Maybe you don't have the bandwidth for that new opportunity or relationship. Saying, "No," seems terrifying because you don't want to miss something special.

Then again, if saying, "Yes," to others means saying, "No," to yourself, you'll be missing out on something greater than opportunity. You will be neglecting and betraying yourself.

As we head into the weekend, take time to reflect on what areas of your life have overstayed their welcome. One of our top posts on knowing what you can and can't control should help.
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Brain and Behavior

How Our Brains & Guts Work Together for Mental Health

Ten years ago, if you had asked a neuroscientist are we on the right path to understanding the inner workings of the brain, she probably would've gave a hearty "Yes!" But more recent research calls a lot of older assumptions about the brain -- and in fact, the whole body -- works.

We're only now beginning to understand that the brain doesn't stand alone in being responsible for our thoughts and emotions. Instead, new research is shedding light on how the gut and the bacteria that call it home have a much bigger role to play than anyone had ever suspected.

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General

Podcast: Humanizing the Patient Experience



Being hospitalized for any reason is never a fun time, but there are some instances where it can be a harrowing experience. This is especially true for psychiatric patients, who are already in a crisis even before being plunged into the hospital atmosphere, which can overwhelm them. This disconnect between patients and hospital staff has long been an issue. Today’s guest shares some insights on her work to improve this relationship.
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Chronic Pain

‘At Least You Don’t Have…’ How to Be Supportive of Someone with Chronic Illness

I was speaking with someone recently who has a series of chronic and painful conditions; some of which are noticeable and some 'invisible'. What is particularly distressful is that people sometimes say to her, "At least you don't have cancer." How dismissive is that? I know they are trying to help her feel better about what she does have and perhaps even attempt to minimize the impact, but it is not compassionate or helpful.

There are diagnoses such as fibromyalgia, lupus, diabetes, arthritis or neuropathy which some people have to navigate. It might mean taking naps on an as-needed basis, engaging in pain management protocols, delegating tasks, re-negotiating agreements and, in extreme cases, making major lifestyle changes such as applying for disability or hiring at-home help.
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Depression

Common Signs of Someone Who May Be Suicidal

About 70 percent of people who commit suicide give some sort of verbal or nonverbal clue about their intention to end their life. That means you could be in a position to guide someone to get help before they commit the one action that can never be taken back.

While 30,000 Americans die each year due to suicide, more than 800,000 Americans attempt suicide. Although women attempt suicide three times as often as men, men are four times more likely to be successful in their attempt.
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Best of Our Blogs

Best of Our Blogs: May 14, 2019

I haven't watched the movie yet, but when I heard Kelly Clarkson's song, "Broken and Beautiful" from Ugly Dolls, I thought it was so touching and moving that I wanted to post it here.
"I never held my hand out and asked for something free
I got pride I could roll out for miles in front of me
I don't need your help, and I don't need sympathy
I don't need you to lower the bar for me
I know I'm Superwoman, I know I'm strong
I know I've got this 'cause I've had it all along
I'm phenomenal and I'm enough
I don't need you to tell me who to be..."
Sometimes illness makes us feel broken. Sometimes it makes others feel pity. I think this song has an empowering message especially since it's #mentalhealthmonth.

Songs can make us feel strong and courageous. Do you have a song that empowers you?

Speaking of which, our top posts on how to stop being passive-aggressive, how OT can help you, and ways to have a happier Mother's Day will empower you. Have a good week!
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