Interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for bipolar disorder—acupuncture, omega-3 fatty acids, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), massage, homeopathy, naturopathy, hypnosis, etc.—has exploded on social media. But does any of it actually work? If you know me, you know that I look for medical evidence. Someone once attempted to insult me by saying that I would try…
Sigmund Freud is best known as the father of psychoanalysis. Through psychoanalytic theory, Freud attempted to explain behavior while simultaneously mapping out a way to treat mental illness. The Oedipus complex is a central concept in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Freud believed that one’s personality and adult life were shaped and molded by important events from…
By Dr. David Laing Dawson Some years ago I researched the amount of press received by the Ontario Hospital (psychiatric hospital, mental hospital), and mental illness in general, over the years in the Hamilton Spectator. (The Hamilton Spectator is the newspaper for the greater region of Hamilton, Ontario, founded in 1846.) As one might guess,…
When Your Strength Becomes Your Armour You’re the one people turn to. The steady one. The capable one. The one who always holds it down. Probably, the big sister, wife or mother who everyone depends on! You know how to keep moving, how to manage, how to show up even when it costs you something….
Changing Futures Bristol has released an impact report showcasing the successes of its innovative approach to supporting people facing multiple disadvantage. The report highlights the transformative effects of collaboration, strategic partnerships, and their unique ‘My Team Around Me’ model. Changing Futures Bristol, delivered in partnership between the mental health charity Second Step and Bristol City…
Peter Pan syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a term that describes someone (usually male) who refuses to grow up, avoids personal and professional responsibilities, and displays a general unwillingness to face the adult world (Overprotecting Parents Can Lead Children to Develop “Peter Pan Syndrome,” 2007). There is also a related slang term…
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a therapeutic approach within cognitive behavioral therapy that follows the basic belief that the way people think impacts the way they feel and behave. Mental health practitioners using REBT work with patients to change the way they think, causing them to change and impact the way they feel and…
One of the things we desire in romantic relationships is to be heard and given space to express our innermost thoughts and feelings, which is a key aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Therapy sessions typically last an hour, providing ample time for clients to express their feelings and thoughts openly. This is precisely what therapists…
Lachanophobia, or the irrational fear of vegetables, is a specific phobia, an intense and irrational fear of a thing or situation that poses no real danger. It’s important to understand that lachanophobia is much more than disliking the taste of broccoli or green beans. Those struggling with this condition may experience significant amounts of anxiety…
Dating these days can be challenging as it is with dating app swipe culture and the overall uncertainty of trying to figure out who another person is. Through the process, an important things to keep your eye on is the presence of emotional safety. Key Takeaways Emotional safety is the foundation of intimacy, trust, and…