Almost everyone has had the feeling that they’re watching themselves. Sometimes when you’re tired or stressed, you can experience the sensation you’re watching yourself from outside your body or not in control of your movements. When this feeling persists or makes it difficult for you to function, it is called depersonalization. This is a real disorder, and it can be frightening for the person suffering it and their loved ones. Depersonalization Definition Depersonalization is a psychiatric phenomenon that may result from stress or traumatic incidents, especially early in life. When it occurs at a clinically significant level, it is categorized as [...]

In recent years, “triggered” has become somewhat of a catch-all buzzword to describe anything that makes people upset. But if you are a trauma survivor, you know that triggers can be overwhelming, unpredictable and cause you to restrict your life in hopes of avoiding them. What Are Trauma Triggers? Trauma triggers can be anything that reminds you of what you went through, which might include a scent, sound or location. When you encounter a trigger, memories of the trauma suddenly come rushing back, forcing you to relive the event. Triggers can make you feel helpless and unsafe. You could be wary [...]

Contrary to widespread stereotypes, eating disorders can affect people of any race, age, gender identity or belief system. Another misconception is that eating disorders are a choice, not a severe mental illness. Eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes, and no two people have an identical experience. What Causes Eating Disorders? According to an estimate from the National Eating Disorders Association, 20 million women and 10 million men will have an eating disorder during their lifetime. While researchers have yet to pinpoint one specific cause of eating disorders, these complex conditions likely stem from a combination of biological, psychological and [...]

Online shopping is a convenience many of us take for granted. With only a couple of quick clicks or keystrokes, we can order anything from a pencil to a car to show up on our doorsteps a few days later. The lure of the internet makes it almost too easy to buy things online – especially around the holiday season. With retailers starting their Cyber Monday sales earlier every year and advertising discounts that sound too good to be true, you may find yourself justifying pricey purchases and going in over your head. What Is Online Shopping Addiction? While most of [...]

Addiction is a holistic issue that can affect every facet of your life, including your ability to maintain meaningful employment. Bouncing between jobs or having large gaps in your resume can be red flags for potential employers, making it harder for you to find work you enjoy. Participating in career development training during addiction recovery can teach you valuable life skills that make it easier for you to return to the “real world” after completing a treatment program. What Can Career Development Training Do for You? Many women leave rehab hoping to “pay forward” what they’ve learned on their journey. Struggling [...]

Though researchers have thoroughly studied the pervasive problem of bullying, most studies have focused on immediate intervention and prevention. Still, the effects of childhood bullying can be widespread and persist into adulthood, including social and emotional issues, mental health disorders, substance abuse and decreased academic performance. Victims may also become acutely socially anxious, which can lead to other issues like agoraphobia. While some of bullying’s harmful side effects are easy to recognize, others may be subtle and cause problems like low self-esteem or unpredictable mood swings. If you experienced childhood bullying and struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma or suicidal ideation as [...]

If you live with chronic pain, anxiety, depression or insomnia, your doctor may write you a prescription for a specific medication to help you find relief. While these drugs can improve your quality of life in the short term, they can also be habit-forming and cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit taking them. Women who are pregnant or hoping to be should talk to their health providers about drug-free ways to manage these conditions, because many prescription medications can be dangerous for a growing baby. Understanding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, is a form of [...]

While any trauma can have long-lasting ramifications, some events are significant enough that future generations feel a ripple effect. You may have grown up with intergenerational trauma if your great-grandparents or grandparents survived World War II, the Holocaust or the Great Depression. Similarly, your children’s children might mature into adulthood touched by the echoes of today’s momentous, life-changing events like global climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding Intergenerational Trauma Our bodies and brains have a built-in response to frightening or life-threatening events. Fight-or-flight mode is a survival mechanism that evolved to protect early humans in dangerous situations, and it was [...]

Diet culture rests on the idea of exclusion, or restricting what you eat by eliminating specific foods. However, denying yourself choices that are supposedly “bad” or “off-limits” can lead to intense cravings and preoccupation with all the things you’ve told yourself you can’t have. In contrast, taking a more neutral stance without judging yourself harshly for the decisions you make will allow you to trust yourself and eat when you are hungry, instead of counting calories, obsessing over every meal or viewing the world through a black-and-white lens. How to Prevent Disordered Eating Ultimately, labeling some foods as “bad” can lead [...]

Emotional manipulation is a tactic some people use to control or victimize others. It’s one characteristic of a dysfunctional relationship, and it can be highly successful. Someone who knows you well might turn your weaknesses and triggers against you, gradually increasing the pressure over time. Emotional manipulation might be so subtle that it’s hard to recognize, but knowing the warning signs and taking steps to manage them can help you regain control of your life. What Is Manipulation in Relationships? Manipulation is a way some people attempt to get what they want and avoid taking responsibility for their actions – at [...]