Mental Health

What to know about gender socialization

Gender socialization is a fundamental development aspect, shaping how people perceive themselves and interact with the world. Gender socialization is the process of a person learning and internalizing the norms, behaviors, and roles that a particular society expects of their gender. From a young age, individuals experience exposure to specific messages about what it means to be male or female, influencing their behaviors, interests, and self-perception.

Can gender dysphoria go away? What to know

Gender dysphoria may be a lifelong condition, but people can find ways to change their feelings about their bodies. Gender dysphoria is a condition involving significant distress or discomfort due to a discrepancy between an individual’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. It can lead to profound emotional, psychological, and social challenges. The intensity and experience of gender dysphoria can vary widely among individuals.

Laxative abuse: Consequences and getting help

Laxative abuse can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, organ damage, and dependence. Anyone who misuses laxatives should seek medical advice. Laxatives are a convenient solution for addressing occasional constipation or related discomfort. Options such as sennosides (Senokot, Ex-lax, Senna) and others are readily available over the counter without a prescription. Although laxatives are safe for occasional and legitimate use, there exists potential for misuse.

Bipolar disorder vs. mood swings: What is the difference?

Bipolar disorder causes significant and sustained fluctuations in mood. This differs from the fleeting mood swings that many people experience from time to time. Mood swings are very common and may happen in response to daily stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. They are usually short-term, lasting less than a day. In contrast, bipolar mood episodes can last and may affect a person’s decision making or judgment. People may experience euphoria, depression, or a combination.

Triggers for bipolar mood episodes and what helps

Potential triggers for bipolar disorder mood episodes can include stress, hormonal fluctuations, and changes in sleep patterns. Depending on the person, triggers may induce periods of mania or depression. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant shifts in mood and energy levels. These shifts can be challenging to manage. By identifying triggers, people may be able to manage them more proactively.

Bipolar disorder and aging: Does it get worse as you age?

Many experts consider bipolar disorder a progressive condition that worsens with age, especially without treatment. Some people notice changes in the frequency and severity of episodes as they age. Bipolar disorder (BD) causes extreme changes in a person’s mood and energy, leading to emotional highs and lows. Although symptoms can vary between individuals, the frequency and severity of episodes tend to shift as people age.

Atypical anorexia: What it is, symptoms, treatment, and more

Atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) is a condition where a person has the typical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa. However, their weight remains within or above the medically defined healthy range. As individuals with AAN are not within the underweight range, doctors may not immediately detect the condition, posing significant challenges for diagnosis and treatment. However, people with AAN demand the same degree of support and therapy as those with more conventional presentations. They are s

Somniphobia: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and more

Somniphobia is a fear of falling asleep. It can occur if anxiety about sleep turns into an extreme fear or phobia. Certain situations, such as night terrors or sleep disturbances, can trigger somniphobia. Regular sleep is important for a person’s health and well-being. However, for individuals with somniphobia, it can become a source of concern. Some experts may refer to the condition as hypnophobia. Somniphobia disrupts the natural rhythm of rest and rejuvenation, leaving people feeling distres

Is Depression a Disability? ADA and SSDI Criteria | HelpAdvisor.com

Is depression a disability? It's an issue that merits thoughtful examination. The ADA and SSDI have established criteria that can help to determine if depression is a disability eligible for financial assistance.

In this article, we'll look into how physicians diagnose clinical depression, the criteria for qualifying as disabled under ADA and SSDI regulations, and why these programs may be advantageous to those dealing with mental health conditions like depression.
• How Does the ADA Affect Dep

Is PTSD a Disability in the United States?

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) does not include a comprehensive list of all medical conditions and mental disorders that it classifies as disabilities.

Instead, it states someone has a disability if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Each person should be judged on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they have a disability or not.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notes that as PTSD severely impacts

Is Bipolar Disorder Considered a Disability?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme fluctuations in someone’s mood, energy and activity levels. It's characterized by periods of mania (highs) and major depression (lows).

Symptoms typically begin around age 25 but may occur as early as childhood or much later. When someone has bipolar disorder, it affects not only the individual but also their loved ones.

Bipolar disorder can be highly disruptive at times, making everyday tasks difficult to complete. The severity

Robotic Pets for Seniors

There’s a common perception that seniors resist technology, but studies show that older people are embracing the digital age.

A 2019 report found that people over 60 spend more than half of their daily leisure hours using TV, computers, or other electronic devices. In addition, nearly 75% of people aged over 65 are internet users, compared to just 14% at the turn of the century.

As seniors incorporate more technology into their lives, robotic pets may be the next frontier.

Robotic pets are ro

Self Care Activities You Can Perform at Home

The world is a demanding place. You can quickly become drained of time and energy as you deal with family, friends and work. It's so easy to get caught up in the humdrum of daily life that you forget to care for yourself.

Self-care is essential to improving your well-being. You must take steps to promote your physical, mental and emotional health so you're equipped to live your best life.

This guide reviews how practicing self-care can help meet your body and mind's unique needs. Turn off your

Humanistic therapy: Benefits, cost, and more

Humanistic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of authenticity. It goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on understanding the whole and unique person. Humanistic therapy stems from the philosophy that every person has an innate drive for self-improvement and personal growth. It focuses on the here and now, fostering an environment of trust and empathy. It encourages people to explore their feelings, thoughts, and aspirations without fear of judgment. Humanistic

Humanistic therapy: Benefits, cost, and more

Humanistic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of authenticity. It goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on understanding the whole and unique person. Humanistic therapy stems from the philosophy that every person has an innate drive for self-improvement and personal growth. It focuses on the here and now, fostering an environment of trust and empathy. It encourages people to explore their feelings, thoughts, and aspirations without fear of judgment. Humanistic

Anorexia treatment: Therapy, residential care, hospitalization, & more

Treatment for anorexia needs to address both the physiological and psychological complications of the disease. It may include nutritional support, therapy, medication, and more. Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder that doctors characterize with a distorted body image and an extreme fear of weight gain. Individuals with anorexia restrict their food intake significantly, which can lead to a range of potentially life threatening complications. A healthcare professional will recommend treat

Narcissistic rage: Signs, causes, and support

People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may fly into fits of rage without a seemingly obvious trigger. Although it is not a distinct symptom of NPD or a type of rage, it can be a trait of narcissism and occur due to the condition. In the 1970s, the psychoanalyst and author Heinz Kohut introduced the term “narcissistic rage,” describing a phenomenon observable in people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These individuals may erupt into fits of anger at the slightest provoc

What is apathy? Symptoms and management

Apathy is a loss of interest or emotion. A person with apathy feels indifferent about a particular situation or life in general. Occasional apathy is normal, but persistent apathy can indicate a mental health condition. When a person experiences apathy, they have an absence of feelings or emotions. They feel generally indifferent or unbothered about specific social or emotional situations. Most people have short periods of apathy at some point where they feel they “cannot be bothered.” Apathetic

How to stop feeling guilty

Guilt is a typical emotion, but it can overwhelm a person. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to stop feeling guilty to support mental and emotional well-being. Guilt is a complex emotion deeply embedded in human psychology. It from the sense of responsibility and self-reflection for past actions, decisions that have caused harm or disappointment to others, or failure to meet self-imposed expectations and standards. Feelings of guilt can overwhelm a person, distress and affecting their self

What to know about sexual repression

Sexual repression is the conscious or unconscious suppression of sexual desires, thoughts, behaviors, or expressions. Repression of sexual desire from cultural norms, including those relating to religion. It may also occur as a result of personal beliefs or traumatic experiences. This article explores sexual repression, including its causes, possible effects, and how a person can manage or overcome it. Trigger warning: This feature mentions experiences of trauma and sexual abuse. Please read at

Breakthrough depression

Breakthrough depression refers to a state where depressive symptoms persist or worsen despite an individual taking antidepressant medications that were previously effective. Doctors breakthrough depression, also known as antidepressant tolerance, challenging to manage. It can also be distressing and frustrating for the individual with depression. This article explores the concept of breakthrough depression, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Breakthrough depression refers to

Undiagnosed schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition that doctors characterize by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and difficulties with social interactions. Undiagnosed schizophrenia means someone has these symptoms but has not received a correct diagnosis from a healthcare professional. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the condition affects people worldwide. The inability to recognize and diagnose schizophrenia can cause significant distress, as people have issues making
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