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Anxiety is often rooted in intense feelings of fear or worry, and during these episodes, individuals may experience physical symptoms like numbness or tingling sensations. While this can be unsettling, it’s important to recognize that such experiences are a common manifestation of anxiety.We will explore the question, “How long does anxiety numbness last?” and discuss effective ways to manage and alleviate these sensations. Understanding the connection between anxiety and physical symptoms is key to managing them and improving overall well-being. What Is Anxiety Numbness? When you experience fear or anxiety, your body enters a “fight-or-flight” mode, preparing to respond to a perceived threat. This process triggers the release of stress hormones and redirects blood flow to important muscles. As a result, you may feel numbness or tingling sensations in areas like the hands, feet, face, or abdomen. This is your body’s natural way of managing stress. How Long Does Anxiety Numbness Last? The duration of anxiety-induced numbness can vary from person to person, depending on their individual health and the intensity of their anxiety. For some, numbness may last just a few minutes, while others might experience tingling or itching sensations for hours, or even days.It’s important to recognize that anxiety is often the cause of this numbness, which typically occurs after the body’s stress response begins to settle. For individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, however, frequent episodes of numbness can happen as anxiety returns intermittently. Factors Influencing the Duration of Anxiety Numbness Severity of Anxiety: More intense anxiety or panic attacks can lead to numbness that lasts longer compared to mild stress-induced numbness. Physical Health Conditions: Pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or circulation problems can contribute to prolonged numbness. Breathing Patterns: Hyperventilation can make numbness more frequent, as irregular breathing may worsen the body’s stress response. Level of Relaxation: Practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, can help shorten the duration and lessen the intensity of numbness during anxiety episodes by promoting a calmer stress response in the body. Can Anxiety Cause Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves become damaged, leading to difficulty with sensation or movement. While anxiety does not directly cause neuropathy, it can exacerbate symptoms, especially when stress becomes overwhelming. Anxiety can lead to sensations of pain or tingling in the nerves, which are often mistaken for signs of neuropathy.People who are frequently anxious may experience muscle tension, which can affect blood circulation and lead to inflammation, potentially causing nerve pain. Additionally, poor posture and irregular breathing patterns, common during periods of anxiety, can contribute to discomfort and stiffness.Typically, nerve damage is caused by three main factors: diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and physical injury. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether nerve symptoms are related to anxiety or an underlying physical condition. Does Anxiety Cause Tingling in Legs? Yes, anxiety can often be the cause of tingling in the legs. This sensation is typically triggered by hyperventilation, poor circulation, or muscle tension. When you’re anxious, your body’s stress response can cause your muscles to contract, restricting blood flow and leading to tingling or a “pins and needles” feeling.To relieve these symptoms, engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and gentle movements can help calm the body, promote better circulation, and reduce the tingling sensation. Does Anxiety Numbness Lead to Chronic Issues? Anxiety numbness is generally a temporary condition, but it can become a recurring problem for individuals with chronic anxiety disorders. Those who do not manage their anxiety may experience prolonged or frequent tingling sensations, which are connected to the constant overactivation of the nervous system.To prevent persistent symptoms, it is crucial to address the underlying anxiety disorder through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. These approaches can help manage the condition and reduce the frequency of these sensations. How to Reduce Anxiety Numbness If you’re experiencing anxiety and nerve-related symptoms, here are several ways to find relief: Deep Breathing ExercisesDeep breathing helps slow your heart rate and improve circulation, which can reduce numbness in the extremities and abdomen. Muscle RelaxationProgressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then releasing each muscle group, offering a gentle way to ease anxiety and relieve tingling in your legs. Hydration and NutritionStay hydrated and ensure you are eating balanced meals. Dehydration and low blood sugar can intensify symptoms, so drinking plenty of water and nourishing your body can help reduce tingling sensations. Stress ManagementDeveloping effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or therapy, can help alleviate tension and prevent a buzzing feeling in the body, especially at night. Exercise and MovementRegular physical activity, such as walking, helps improve blood flow and can reduce nerve pain caused by stress. Even light stretching can relieve both anxiety and nerve discomfort. Seek Medical AdviceIf symptoms persist for more than five days, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out conditions like blood sugar imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or potential nerve damage due to other underlying health issues. How Long Does Anxiety Last? The duration of anxiety can vary depending on its cause: Panic attacks usually last between 5 to 30 minutes, peaking and then gradually fading. Generalized anxiety can last much longer, sometimes extending over several months or even years, particularly if not properly managed. Stress-related symptoms, such as numbness in the abdomen, may fluctuate and come and go, often varying with changes in stress or anxiety levels.   When Should You See a doctor? While anxiety-related numbness is typically harmless, certain symptoms may require medical evaluation: Persistent numbness that doesn’t improve with relaxation techniques. Tingling or numbness accompanied by weakness, confusion, or slurred speech. Numbness occurring on one side of the body. Severe dizziness or loss of coordination. These symptoms could indicate underlying neurological issues, such as: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Make sure to seek appropriate medical treatment if you experience any of these symptoms. Final Thoughts If you’re wondering how long anxiety numbness lasts, the answer varies depending on your stress levels and the coping strategies you use. In most cases,

Grief is a condition in which people usually go through at a certain stage in life. It might be the result of losing someone dear to you, going through a major life change, or even being at the end of a relationship.Yet, one thing that people do not often acknowledge is that grief can drain your energy completely.So, does grief make you tired? Simply, it is true, but let’s dig deeper and consider why it happens and how to fix it.Grief affects everyone differently. Michael John Arnold, LMHC, helps patients cope with serious losses at Mental Health Counselor PLLC. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you need support. What Is Grief? Grief is our profound emotional reaction to the loss that makes us sad. Usually, it is associated with the death of a close one, but it can arise due to other reasons, like the following: The feeling of grief is specific to all people. No one is “right” in their feelings of sorrow.Every one of us develops through the phase individually, and it is fine to undergo a broad spectrum of feelings, starting from sadness and anger and finishing with guilt and confusion. When Is Grief the Worst? Grieving is especially acute right after a loss that has occurred.Every person has a different grief schedule, but many of us have to deal with the first several months, which are the most challenging.Grief can bring shock and disbelief that feel overwhelming. Managing these feelings can exhaust an individual both bodily and psychologically. Why Does Grief Make You Tired? Grief makes you tired due to its complicated nature, which drains both emotional and physical energy. Here are a few reasons why grief can cause exhaustion: Grieving people often feel strong emotions. They may experience sadness, anger, and confusion. These feelings take up much of the energy to handle. Grief often results in difficulty sleeping. For some, it can be because of either a flurry of racing thoughts that pervade their minds or an excessive amount of sleep as a way of numbing the sense of pain. This lack of enough rest can bring about feelings of fatigue. Grief is not only mental but physical as well. It causes body fatigue through the tension that you generate. You may get body aches, headaches, or stomach problems, which in turn deplete your energy. When you’re dealing with loss, you may consider activities like stress eating or isolating from social circles. These behaviors can further contribute to grief burnout and make you feel more exhausted. Can Grief Make You Dizzy? Grief is commonly connected to dizziness.The bodily exertion with stress as the underlying factor, for instance, changes in appetite, sleep, or, to put it differently, the emotional distress itself may all lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.Also, feelings of anxiety, which usually come with grief, can bring about dizziness or the feeling of being off balance. How Long Does Grief Exhaustion Last? There is no specific time for grief exhaustion. This can be witnessed over a period of weeks, months, or even more.It is entirely up to the person and the kind of loss that has occurred. And yet, some people may start to feel more energetic after a few months, whereas others will encounter an energy drain over a longer period.The basic truth is that everybody goes through the grieving process at their own pace, and there is no general “right” timing for the healing process. Can You Get Burned Out from Grieving? Yes, the grief burnout is an actual issue. Just in the same way that physical burnout can happen, this is when emotional stress overshadows the point of exhaustion, and you feel “stuck.”This emotional exhaustion may bring fatigue, loss of motivation, and the loss of the ability to move forward.Taking breaks and seeking professional help can prevent or reduce the impact of burnout. Signs You Need Extra Help with Grief Burnout If grief and exhaustion feel never-ending, it may be time to seek professional help. Signs include: Grief therapists can give you the specific guidance that you need to find your way through this difficult journey. How Long Does Grief Insomnia Last? One of the symptoms of grief is typically sleep disturbance. Grieving people often struggle with wakefulness. They find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep.The emotional overload that they are undergoing is what keeps their mind aroused at night, which in turn prevents them from falling asleep.As far as the grieving process is concerned no two people share the same kind of experience, yet it is usual for grief-related insomnia to last for several weeks or even months. Grief and Loss of Appetite Grief often comes with strong emotions, like loss. Another problem is losing your appetite. This can take away energy and make dealing with grief tougher.One of the symptoms of grieving is that people either tend to eat more or just lose the appetite to eat. Loss of weight becomes a common result of losing interest in food or the situation of being unable to digest anything that is eaten.Due to this, there is already a lack of nutrition, which leads to an increase in the emotions of tiredness and weakness. Grieving Exercises for Adults: Finding Balance When you’re dealing with grief, you really should find the balance of dealing with the emotional weight of loss in a healthy way.Grieving exercises for adults will not only help you let go of your emotions but also to be more at peace and manage your tiredness.Some examples include: Finding the activities that work for you is a key part of managing grief and loss in recovery. When Does Grief Get Easier? Over time, the intensity of grief tends to diminish, though it may never fully go away.The waves of grief may come in unexpected moments, but you may find that they are less frequent and less overwhelming as time passes.The fatigue associated with grief may also lessen as you begin to process your emotions and regain a

One popular question in mental health discussions is, “Is generalized anxiety disorder a disability?” This is de­pendent on numerous things, such as the­ way the condition influence­s daily living and the legal definitions that safe­guard people with disabilities. For some­, gene­ralized anxiety disorder disability is a reality that impacts the­ir personal, public, and work lives. This blog delves into the le­gality of classifying GAD as a disability, providing an understanding of the help and re­sources accessible to those­ enduring it. What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Ge­neralized anxiety disorde­r (GAD) is a mental health disorder characte­rized by an excessive­, uncontrollable fear of daily occurrence­s. It’s unlike typical anxiety expe­riences, which are usually te­mporary. GAD is persistent, resulting in e­motional, physical, and cognitive signs like restle­ssness, weariness, muscle­ tension, difficulties focusing, irritability, and slee­ping issues. These symptoms ofte­n cause substantial problems in work, personal re­lationships, and everyday tasks. The ongoing fe­ar and anxiety linked with GAD can lead to daily functional limitations of anxiety disorder. This make­s managing routine tasks tough. It’s this struggle that oftentime­s prompts people to question if GAD is a disability. The­ answer lies within GAD’s definition and prote­ction within various laws. Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder a Disability? Whether GAD is accepte­d as a disability relies on the spe­cific law. Different nations and systems have­ exact criteria to decide­ which conditions are classified as disabilities and what rights or aid might be­ offered. In this section, we­’ll examine the primary le­gal perspectives about GAD be­ing recognized as a disability. GAD and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The American Disabilities Act (ADA) prote­cts those with physical or mental impairments that gre­atly affect daily life activities. This include­s people with gene­ralized anxiety disorder by making sure­ they have the same­ opportunities in work, schooling, and public services. If GAD limits someone’s ability to do their job, le­arn, socialize, or carry out necessary tasks, the­y might be able to qualify for prote­ction under the ADA.This could mean they can ask for anxiety accommodations in the­ir work environment, such as easie­r schedules, adjusted workloads, or getting me­ntal health aid. The purpose of the­se adjustments is to lesse­n the functional limitations of anxiety disorder and to he­lp people reach the­ir highest potential. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in the U.S. Along with the ADA, people­ could also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if their GAD me­ets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) conditions. To qualify, the­ disorder must be medically confirme­d and severe enough to prevent substantial work for at le­ast a year straight. SSA checks claims through medical re­cords and the disability rating for anxiety disorder or similar impairments.If secondary conditions to anxiety, like depression or PTSD, accompany anxie­ty disorders like GAD, the­ case for benefits might be­ stronger. SSDI gives financial help to those­ unable to work because of the­ir disability, making sure they have what the­y need to manage the­ir condition. Other International Protections Se­veral other countries have­ similar protections for people with disabilitie­s, including those with mental health issue­s. For example, Canada’s Human Rights Act and Employment Equity Act prote­ct people with GAD. This ensure­s that jobs and accommodations are available to eve­ryone.Similarly, Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) doesn’t permit discrimination base­d on mental health conditions. This includes disorde­rs like GAD. These laws unde­rline the importance of recognizing how much GAD can affect people’s live­s and encourage systems that provide­ equal chances and support. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Disability Ratings When discussing generalized anxiety disorder disability, disability ratings are ke­y. They show how serious the condition is and what benefits someone qualifies for. General Anxiety VA Rating The general anxiety VA rating looks at how much anxiety affects daily living. Ratings go from 0% (little­ impairment) to 100% (complete impairment). These­ percentages de­cide the amount of bene­fits and services given. A ve­teran with severe anxiety disability, impacting the­ir work or relationships, could get a higher rating and more­ resources. This system understands the­ distinct difficulties veterans face­ when handling mental health issues like­ GAD.  Disability Rating for Anxiety Disorder Disability ratings for anxiety disorders aren’t just for ve­terans. They exist for civilians through programs like­ SSDI or similar setups.The idea is to evaluate the­ effect of anxiety on some­one’s life, making sure the­ir needs are fulfille­d with financial, medical, or career support.  Secondary Conditions and GAD It’s ke­y to remember that GAD ofte­n isn’t a standalone issue. People­ with GAD often have secondary conditions to anxiety, like­ depression, substance misuse­, or physical health issues like ongoing pain or he­art problems. These e­xtra conditions make the struggles of GAD harde­r, leading to more significant difficulties in functioning. Whe­n trying to get disability benefits, re­porting these secondary conditions can support a pe­rson’s case and show the full scope of their issues.  Moving Forward with Support and Accommodations Even if Ge­neralized Anxiety Disorde­r (GAD) is not formally a disability in your case, there’s support. You can handle its symptoms and control its difficultie­s with various options. Therapy, medication, and workplace changes are some. You can: Final Thoughts Is generalized anxiety disorder a disability? This question ne­eds thoughtful reflection on your pe­rsonal journey and your location’s laws. For many, GAD fits as a disability and opens doors to esse­ntial resources, protections, and adjustme­nts. Though legal definitions are foundational, the­ key step is to get the­ help you need for a balance­d and enjoyable life. Next Steps with Mental Health Counselor LLC Living with GAD can be overwhelming.Me­ntal Health Counselor LLC dedicate­s itself to helping people­ through struggles like gene­ralized anxiety disorder and similar issue­s. Our profe­ssional team can guide you in diagnosis, treatme­nt, and the journey to ask for accommodations or bene­fits. Book an appointment today. We’re he­re to customize a plan to bring back your confidence and help you fulfill your goals. Visit our site or give us a call. FAQs Can I get disability with generalized anxiety?Ce­rtainly, if your generalized anxie­ty disorder (GAD) seriously affects your work or daily life­, you might qualify for disability benefits. Programs like SSDI in the­ U.S. or similar legislation elsewhe­re can offe­r help if your condition fits disability impairment criteria. Proof of diagnosis and docume­ntation of GAD’s impact on your life are usually nece­ssary

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme changes in the mood of the person suffering from it. This disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world, affecting about 60 million people. Those who suffer from it do not always receive an accurate diagnosis. It is common to be confused with other disorders, preventing them from receiving proper treatment. In many cases, it is not diagnosed well or early enough and has a huge impact on the life of the patient. Mr. Jones is one of the films that best portrays the difficulty of treating bipolar disorder. Either due to lack of diagnosis or because the agitated episode arouses the interest and satisfaction of a life full of adrenaline causing a misleading rationalization of the type “I feel very well, therefore I do not need treatment.” Here we list the 4 most frequent challenges in the treatment of the bipolar disorder, offering prevention and symptom control strategies that can be easily transmitted to patients and families.  1. Challenge: Mood swings  According to the author of the book Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder, Sheri Van Dijk: “Mood swings can appear suddenly, without incitement and can diminish the normal functioning of the subject and ruin their interpersonal relationships”. Although bipolar disorder appears to be random, there are repeatedly different triggers and patterns that can be monitored. And although many times we will not be able to prevent symptoms, we can decrease and easily cope with them. One of the best ways to monitor mood swings is through a log table. Which will be recorded from the mood, the hours of sleep, the level of anxiety, the medication schedules, and even the menstrual cycle. Such tools will allow anticipating a potential depressing episode if it is observed that the mood is declining progressively in recent days. Performing healthy habits is also an efficient way to reduce heavy emotional burdens. It is important that the patient adhere to the habit of a good rest and going to sleep and getting up; create a quiet routine to go to sleep, avoid consuming any substances for example alcohol (which affects sleep) and also avoid exercising in the afternoon. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression. Eliminating caffeine consumption can reduce anxiety and irritability, as well as improve the quality of sleep. Also, certain foods can exacerbate mood swings in some people. To control the effects of eating, you can start by eliminating some particular foods from the diet and observing what results in its causes. A type of strategy can also be used to avoid the destructive consequences of symptoms.  2. Challenge: Medication:  Earlier in the treatment for bipolar disorder, patients were given medications and sedatives with several side effects. However, today, thanks to medical science, the mood stabilizing drug is one of the mainstay treatments, and these drugs do not have carry as many side effects as the earlier treatments.  3. Challenge: Relationships:  Bipolar disorder represents a strong challenge for interpersonal relationships. Symptoms such as mood swings and risky behavior many times leave the family exhausted and confused. In addition, loved ones also have the difficulty of not being able to differentiate between the disease and the one who is suffering from bipolar disorder. They may override the subject’s feelings or blame the illness for everything, or they may also believe that the person makes conscious decisions when it comes to their illness. It is therefore extremely important that loved ones receive comprehensive education about the disorder. Family discussion/therapy and individual therapy will be helpful. A good strategy is to suggest that loved ones read articles or books on self-help or biographies of other people with this disease. Getting in control of your emotions can also improve relationships.  4. Challenge: Anxiety:  About 2/3 of people with this disease also have an anxiety disorder. Johnson emphasizes the importance of using relaxation techniques and not using avoidance behaviours. Van Dijk offers us a good explanation for patients: “Because of the anxiety, if you will avoid something, it will increase more, because your brain will never learn that there is nothing to worry about”. Psychotherapy is tremendously helpful in dealing with bipolar disorder and in overcoming difficulties. If you are taking any medicines, do not stop them suddenly, this can increase the risk of a relapse. It is also important to consult with your psychiatrist regularly. 

Lacking appreciation from your partner creates emotional pain.We all deserve happiness to have a healthy relationship where love, peace, and respect co-exist. It is true that eventually, there will be disagreements, but the ideal is to seek to communicate and solve the challenges and not accept an unappreciated relationship.Unappreciated relationships are those in which one or both parties are affected by the other’s behavior and/or attitude. Several circumstances and particular actions indicate whether your relationship lacks appreciation.Experiencing these situations requires getting professional help, which allows a therapist to lead you through this challenging period. How Do You Know If You Are in a Relationship Where Your Partner Does Not Appreciate You? You may be in an unappreciated relationship and do not know it since the dynamics between the couple can happen daily and become normal.You must know that there are at least three dimensions where an unappreciated relationship can be manifested: Control. Disrespectful attitudes and conflicts. Toxic attitudes in the sexual sphere. As for the attitudes of control, these are the signs that you should take into account: Your partner is annoyed when you spend time with your family and friends, even when they don’t pay enough attention to you. Excessive control over your expenses. Constantly investigate your social networks and mobile devices, invading your privacy without permission. Plan your life without consulting you. They belittle you and insinuate that they are indispensable for your survival. The presence of emotional blackmail. The disrespectful attitudes that lead to intense conflicts can be observed in many situations: When your partner undervalues your problems. Downplays your achievements. Forces you to give in to any argument constantly. Makes you guilty of their problems. Often speaks to you in an aggressive tone. Why Do People Settle for Unappreciated Relationships? Discover the Causes It may seem unusual for a person to want to be in a toxic relationship, yet it happens and is very common.This is due to a series of causes that range from problems of: Self-esteem. Dependency. Trauma. Insecurity. Fear. For example, someone who experienced trauma might believe they deserve such mistreatment based on their past experiences.People maintain their relationships in both conscious and subconscious states.The presence of fear makes it challenging for people to break free from relationships where they experience physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. A professional can assist you in leaving any unhealthy relationship. People stay in unappreciated relationships because they lack alternative sources for either living well or receiving affection.It is essential to stop and think about whether we suffer more than we enjoy our relationship.So, it’s a combination of factors that makes us stay in a toxic relationship. However, you should know you can always escape it and not settle for less than you deserve. What Can You Do to Break Up or Get Over an Unappreciated Relationship? Before making a couple of recommendations, do not ignore that the toxic relationship occurs because one party is willing to abuse verbally or physically, and the other party is willing to put up withit.Therefore, both parties need help. If the relationship can still be saved because both parties are willing to change, the best solution is to take couples therapy. Both can talk with a specialist who will guide and help them. Suppose the relationship has no salvation because of aggressive behaviors or one of the parties is unwilling to change or does not see the problem.In that case, it is best to end that relationship. We deserve to be in a relationship that brings us together, where we feel loved and respected.

They tend to be incapable of empathy, unable to relate to and totally unaware of other people’s needs, or even their existence. They must be the centre of attention and they are very demanding as a partner. You must dote on them. Any signs of disapproval or disagreement with what they say will be received with uncontrollable rage, most especially the mere suggestion that they may be suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). I hear it a lot. “It’s all about him.” “He is controlling.” “He lies constantly and manipulates me.” “Nothing is ever his fault.”   It can be heart-breaking. When their mate had suffered enough, leaves them and wants custody of the children, the narcissist often resorts to revenge to get back at them, to the extent of taking their partner for everything they’ve got and destroying their life completely in the process. There is more than sufficient material online with checklists of how to identify a narcissist as by 5, 10, 15 or more sure-fire signs, and much survivor testimony and support groups.  We are up against a challenging personality disorder that Sigmund Freud named in a paper in 1914, only to explain why he and other therapists could do nothing with this type lacking the needed empathy to build a working relationship. Frankly, we are only now mapping by evidence based methods rather a shape-shifter with very fluid boundaries as a type, sometimes running the gamut of character disorder. Some recent findings in the area may be helpful. In reality narcissists fall into two major types, but with subtypes only now being mapped. One type of narcissist has relatively good orientation and adaptive functioning in using their narcissism as a motivation and means to succeed as huge performers in certain fields, less for their talents and achievements than their manipulative abilities, and because their inflated sense of self-importance drives them on. They have to show the world just how important they really are, and so talk venture capitalists into dubious investments, and hard-nosed, no nonsense Board of Directors into ruinous ventures. After all, entitlement, being self-absorbed, grandiosity, fierce anger, indifference, abusing others, and the ability to exploit can work for a time. Financial bubbles that were bound to burst and fraud has ruined as many vary and intelligent investor taken in by an attractive visionary. The same mechanism may be at work with the smart woman taken in by someone who seems all that can be desired in answer to the question of our times. “Where are all the eligible men?” Why would a smart woman be attracted to a sexy, well-off quintessential alpha male who is exciting, fun, charming and witty?  Because he has power and success, and you feel he ‘gets’ you. You have chemistry and feel high from his attention, and all your friends envy you. What looks too good to be true is too good to be true in this instance also, but only later when you invested emotion and commitment with a fraud. Of course, there is the less visible covert narcissist who is shy, insecure, never brags, nor appears exhibitionistic. Deep down they veil their need, cover their feelings and do their best to win your approval. They greatly elevate you and satisfy your own need for admiration—until inevitably you fail them. However, when others do not provide the validation or approval they seek, they fall apart and turn on you in rage for your failure to fulfill an idealized role you never asked to play, really that of a lost strong and protective parent. The closet narcissist relies in this way on an idealised partner, “an empath”, to prop them up and fill the emptiness of their real impaired self. This type of narcissist feels lost without you, drains you dry, does fall apart when you break away with a rage that knows no bounds or reason, save to restore his lost sense of power drained from you as a source of need fulfilment. Perhaps, it is a need in emotional and vulnerable women to be idealized and needed that leaves them unprepared when the validation fails, and a monstrously angry child emerges from beneath the mask of a grown male partner. Frankly, as therapists, we have often neglected narcissism for other character disorders that are more manageable, possibly also because of distaste for the type shared with Sigmund Freud. Our female patients have forcefully called our attention to the complex narcissistic spectrum of disorders. We have work to do. Stay tuned for progress in this problematic area well known to the Greeks as the handsome shepherd Narcissus who fell in love with his own image.

Body image is a term that refers to the combination of thoughts and feelings we have regarding our body shapes.What we see in the mirror represents only a small fraction of body image. While we contemplate ourselves, memories, assumptions, and generalizations pass through our minds.If all this results in an unfavorable body image, the risk of suffering from an emotional disorder called body dysmorphia increases.Body dysmorphic disorder represents a mental health condition that requires you to focus on perceived flaws in your appearance even though such defects remain either small or hidden from others.You may feel so embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious that you may avoid many social situations. Positive Body Image   In a positive body image, the person has a clear and accurate perception of their body. A positive body image lets individuals view and respect their body, understanding it is part of their whole existence and their personality remains the cornerstone in forming their identity. This emotional state enables the individual to feel at ease in their physical self. Negative Body Image A person will develop a negative body image if their appearance differs from the expectations set by their family and society as well as the media norms.Those who experience negative body image contrast their features to others and develop feelings of embarrassment along with physical self-doubts and discomfort.Your perception plays an essential role at this moment.People with a negative body image often have an unrealistic view of themselves. Thus, they can see their image distorted and unreal, exacerbating reality or exaggeratedly valuing their image. The phenomenon of negative body image can cause some individuals to develop the mental disorder Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). A BDD patient views their physical characteristics negatively, which drives them to undertake destructive body-shaping procedures (surgery and hormone treatments, etc.).This can lead to mental health problems, such as depression, and can also lead to other physical problems. How Is Body Image Formed and Developed? It can be developed through the comments that other people make about us.Messages and/or explicit or implicit comments that we have received throughout our personal history from family, friends, and acquaintances about our bodies.It can also be formed through the social funnel. What is socially considered desirable about the physical appearance?Everything that is pressed on social networks, television, and social circles. Social pressure is a very big drawback today for a real and healthy body image. What Influences the Unfavourable Body Image? Body image doesn’t develop in isolation. Family, culture, and environment, including social media platforms, television, and film, convey negative and positive messages about our bodies.For a person with a negative body image, that her body does not match the images promoted by the media is a big problem; it becomes a problem.However, the image that is conveyed as an ideal is often unnatural, especially when it comes to advertising. We are exposed to unrealistic and, on many occasions, unnatural models.The fashion and beauty industry sets strict canons that the majority of the population does not fit into. But its influence is such that it can affect physical, mental, and physical well-being because not everyone can understand it. In this way, we will be more interested in buying products that are slimmer or more muscular to delay the effects of age and/or to appear younger, to appear taller or slimmer, etc.But all of this can create emotional insecurity, which can make a person more susceptible to developing a negative body image.On the other hand, these negative thoughts and feelings can be perpetuated through interactions with others. What Can You Do to Feel Better? Some people think that they have to change their physical appearance first and then feel good about themselves. But having a good body image is not synonymous with having a great body or an exuberant physique at all, and you don’t need to have a perfect body to have a good body image.We ask you several important questions:  Do you not like your body image, nor are you able to see anything positive in it?  Do you constantly think about that specific feature of your physique that you cannot accept?  Are you not able to accept your current appearance?  Do you want to alter your physical traits even though numerous others believe you don’t require transformation?  Do you stay away from beaches or swimming pools because looking at and being seen in swimsuits causes distress? Several affirmative responses to the preceding questions indicate a negative body image, which affects your personal self-esteem.Put yourself in the hands of a professional therapist, an expert in positive psychology, who will help you identify the problem and find your way to a positive body image together.

In recent years, scientific studies have focused on the benefits of meditation on our brains. And the incredible thing is that each study attributes a benefit to meditation. Science and new technologies only confirm the benefits of meditation on the brain. Meditation is a relaxing activity that can improve health in many ways. Studies show that meditation has a protective effect on the heart, promotes sleep, strengthens the immune system, calms anxiety, and lowers the risk of depression.Today, more and more people are practicing meditation, and the media is picking up on the subject.Mindfulness or meditation is training the mind to focus on the present moment intentionally and without judgment.Whether you are convinced, simply curious, or even skeptical, here are 10 benefits of meditation for your mental health. It reduces stress and anxiety: Research in the medical field has shown that regular meditation can improve mental health, help better regulate emotions, and help reduce stress and anxiety.Indeed, by meditation, we learn to settle down and concentrate on ourselves. The goal is not to pretend the anxieties don’t exist but to gain awareness and look at them with a new eye. It develops your attention skills: By practicing mindfulness, we notice that our actions are often performed on autopilot without thinking about it. We can then learn to focus on one thing at a time without being constantly caught by the comings and goings of our thoughts, thus reducing multitasking and setting clear intentions for our priorities. 3.It helps manage pain: Mindfulness programs have been developed to help people cope better with pain, in particular, to accept it better.  It can boost your creativity: Meditation also allows us to approach change beyond our usual patterns and thus be more creative. Meditation exercise increases the blood flow to the brain and affects brain waves. That ultimately helps to develop systemic intelligence and thus gain clarity in the brain—solving complex problems. You get to have a more peaceful sleep: According to research (the interest in the subject is still very new), practicing mindfulness in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy would reduce the night’s awakening time and decrease sleep disruptions.This is enough to give hope to people who suffer from sleep disorders. It develops altruism and leadership: Many organizations have decided to implement mindfulness meditation programs on a global scale because the individual benefits are also added to the positive effects in the group.A study has shown that decision-makers better perceive their skills after a 12-week training course: shared vision, moral intelligence, and motivation. Mindfulness, therefore, reinforces leadership qualities. And it’s for children too! Adults are not the only ones who can benefit from the benefits of this practice. Indeed, research also showed mindfulness meditation’s positive effect on children and adolescents. Among the benefits of this practice, meditation can allow children to understand their mental patterns better, help them better accept and manage their emotions, and develop better relationships with others. It improves concentration: It is not just children who are prone to concentration problems. Millions of adults have the same challenges whether or not they have ADD. One of the most important benefits of meditation is that it improves our ability to concentrate. It slows down the aging of the brain: According to a study from the University of California (UCLA), which looked at aging, the brains of people who have practiced meditation for several years are better preserved than those who do not.People meditating for over 20 years have more gray matter in their brains. This is not to say there is no loss of gray matter over time in meditating people—this loss is less pronounced than in people who never practice meditation. It reduces symptoms of depression: Meditation can reduce symptoms of depression, as well as alleviate anxiety and pain. Meditation is, therefore, an active form of brain training. Many people think that meditation is just sitting down and doing nothing. But this perception is wrong. Meditation is an active training of the mind to increase our ability to be “mindful.”Better ability to concentrate and accept emotions, improve sleep, and promote creativity— whatever our situation, mindfulness benefits us. But beware, it’s no miracle recipe, like any practice. To feel the benefits, you must practice regularly and over the long term.

Life’s a journey with twists and turns, and at times our emotions best express what experiences we’re going through. Emotional self-care is a sure strategy to make you stay grounded despite the flare-ups thrown at you by life.Most of the emotions you encounter in your life are too often familiar as daily life events trigger them. However, some are less familiar as they are from events that don’t happen daily, such as tragedies, deaths, and love losses.As such, by attempting to mastering our emotions, you stand a chance of getting through the difficulties. You have the sole responsibility of caring and safe guarding for your feelings. When equipped with emotional self-care strategies, each time a test hits you, you’ll be able to come out strongly, less overwhelmed, and handle the situation without circling down.Instead of reacting without emotional control, it would be far more helpful to understand your emotions and how you can manage them for your betterment.There are a couple of basic strategies to equip yourself with to help you master your emotions and practice emotional self-care. Learn about your emotions Mastering ourselves is a process that never ends. When we know our emotions, how they’re triggered, and how we respond to them is a better approach to understanding them.Find out what your past experiences were. Understand which people or events are associated with your feelings. Do you get why your responses are emotional in a certain way? Do your responses reflect what you feel? Do they trigger discomfort?Knowledge of how you handle your emotions is essential in helping you identify the best responses during specific situations. Every new event should feel like a whole new encounter rather than a repetition of the first occurrence. When a particular emotion is triggered every time, you get another chance to monitor yourself and devise a better outcome. Maintain emotional integrity How do you ensure that your emotions are not affected by those of others? Can you identify when other people’s emotions infringe upon your own? What strategies do you have in place to ensure that your feelings are free from the invasion by others’? How do you better protect yourself?An emotional boundary can be helpful. Think of it as your territory. You get to choose how big it can be so you can get comfortable. This space can be physical, maintaining distance from certain people that make you feel unpleasant. Or it can be psychological, choosing not to be impacted by other people’s feelings. It is their business how they feel about you after all.When you are successfully able to maintain emotional integrity, you’re taking better care of yourself. You’ll notice a significant change in how you deal with people or situations as you already know what you are capable of and can do, as well as things that you won’t tolerate from happening. Admit when you aren’t okay When you accept that you are not okay, you are merely embracing one of the most significant essentials of emotional self-care. Knowing you are strong to admit that you are weak.When the tough days come along, and you don’t feel good enough, accept it and lean into it. (Embrace it) It is okay to let those tears flow or sadness prevail when you’re overwhelmed.Everyone needs emotional support. Accepting your emotions and understanding them is vital in making better decisions and managing life stresses effectively. Practice self-care on every level Psychological and physical well-being go hand in hand. When you’re not in good physical shape, your emotions may suffer. Taking care of your physical health makes you stronger, healthier, and better prepared when life throws you problems.Gaining a better understanding of who you are inside, what moves you, plus your belief system, can help you stay on the right track.Develop a belief system that restores faith and hope in yourself. Spirituality can also help you build sustenance and can ground you during trying times or when you’re dealing with challenging people. Connect with people who care People who care, nurture and encourage you are the best fit for creating a healthy support system. They should understand you, and are ready to assist you in being your best.People who tear you down, make you feel worried, anxious, or push you into relationships that aren’t productive must always be kept at bay. At times, it can be difficult to notice that a relationship isn’t doing you good, especially if blinded by love. But as time progresses and the negativity keeps on being repeated, you should be able to notice that it could be the time to move on.Even when you feel firmly attached to a relationship that isn’t healthy for you, a robust and healthy support system is essential. Your goal should be to lead a more satisfying life and a relationship that fosters growth and productivity and a partner that inspires you. Create a coping toolbox We all have one or two things we like to do when faced with situations that drain our energy. It could be physical exercise, listening to music, creating art, writing in your journal, charity, or walks. Whatever it is, find a set of activities if you don’t have one that you can immerse yourself into when you don’t feel like yourself.These activities make us feel whole again. They bring us closer to realizing that there is more to life than what we perceive. Anything you think has a positive impact on your life and helps you develop emotionally is welcome to be part of your coping toolbox.Emotions can make or tear us apart. How we nurture them and control them is what matters the most. Always welcome positivity into your life.And above all, feel comfortable in saying no, when you feel the request is not in your best interest. Saying no is another way of saying yes to yourself.

“Comparison is an act of violence against the self.” – Iyanla Vanzant While many know that comparing ourselves to others may bring jealousy and toxicity, we still do it. Sometimes intentionally and other times without even realizing it. This comparing behavior has become a natural part of our lives that there is no escape.But think about it for a moment, if you compare other people’s strengths with your weaknesses, what would the outcome be?  Would it be something pleasurable or enjoyable? While there is no denying that such comparisons can encourage you to do good or even become a better person, this is seldom the case.Especially in this age of social media, it is almost impossible to use comparison for good. Lifestyle, physical appearance, or even the number of followers or likes they receive on their photos can often make people believe they are insufficient. Not learning self-control at this present moment will force you to spend redundant energy and wealth trying to match others throughout your life. We need to analyze both the origins and results of this behavior before reviewing useful methods to prevent such comparisons. The Root Cause of Comparing As it turns out, this constant need to keep comparing ourselves has a biological cause. Our brain uses this comparison process to determine how we measure against others. In other words, it enables us to understand what or who we are, our strengths, and our weaknesses.Most people have an ongoing comparison system that operates silently in the background. The process of comparing ourselves to others leads to problems when we fixate on their accomplishments in work or physical looks and social achievements. Humans have an innate need to belong and connect to others. However, this behavior of constant comparison severely impacts this natural need by making us believe that we are not enough to belong or connect. Ultimately, we risk our emotional health, confidence, and happiness.So, what are the most harmful effects of this behavior? Take a look below. How Comparison Harms You? The thing with the comparison trap is it can impact people in many different ways. It is not a physical illness that will show the same set of symptoms or outcomes. But to give you an idea, here are some of the most common ways in which this behavior of comparing ourselves can impact us: Rumination – The same negative thoughts will keep running in your mind. Rumination is dangerous for our emotional health. Depression and Anxiety – Needless to say, something that impacts your brain and thought process in such a negative manner can definitely intensify anxiety and depression. Overspending – It has been observed that people start overspending once they are in this comparison trap to keep up with others. Here is an experiment you can perform right now. Log into your social networking profile and spend some time reading the statuses of your friends and celebrities and viewing their latest uploads.  Now, log out from the account and focus on your thoughts momentarily. You may not feel as good about yourself as you did before logging into your account. What happened? Even if you were not trying to intentionally compare your life, looks, etc., with that of others on the social platform, the comparison loop is very much active in the background.Even studies have confirmed that spending time on social media often makes people feel bad about themselves. All of this negativity significantly impacts your mental state.So, what is the way out? 3 Practical Solutions to Stop Comparing How do you get out of this loop? Here are 3 ways that can help- Accept What/Where You Are The first step to initiate this change is to start accepting yourself. Start accepting where you are and what you are. Life is hard, and you’ve done an excellent job to be where you are today. Start accepting every aspect of your life and then focus on how you can make it better. Practice Gratitude Your sense of focus will move away from external stimuli when you demonstrate appreciation for what you possess. When you direct your thoughts to all the positive aspects around you, gratitude and positivity will follow. Compete with Yourself It is high time you stopped competing with others and tried to work on yourself. The focus should always be on being the best version of yourself. Think about how you can improve your health, career, or finances. The Comparison Trap Needs to End Now If such comparisons don’t inspire you, you are better off without them. While this sure is easier said than done, you have done more complex things in the past.Ditching the habit will take some time and effort. But rest assured that there is a happier, more content, and more satisfying life at the end of the tunnel. Not for anybody else, but you need to do this for yourself. You deserve it.