Experiencing sudden and intense fear or anxiety, accompanied by a racing heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath, may indicate a panic attack. This can be a distressing experience, disrupting daily life. While the exact cause of panic attacks is not fully understood, they are believed to be influenced by biological and environmental factors. A family history of anxiety or panic disorders can increase the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks, as can certain life events

When you're stressed, it can be challenging to find a way forward. Everything might seem overwhelming, leading you to rely on ineffective coping methods. This is because the brain is designed to seek rewards. When you're stressed, your brain searches for quick relief and gravitates towards anything that provides a dopamine boost, the brain's "feel good" chemical. The issue is that dopamine from sources like sugar, social media, or excessive work fades quickly. It doesn't help

Winston Churchill once said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Research shows that, on average, human beings are hardwired to be more optimistic than not. To many psychologists, optimism reflects the belief that the outcomes of events or experiences will generally be positive. Others contend that optimism is more of an explanatory style; it resides in the way people explain the causes of events. Optim

In today's fast-paced work environment, authenticity is often mentioned but rarely understood in depth. Being authentic is not just a nice idea—it can lead to measurable success in organizations. When employees arrive as their true selves, they build stronger relationships and trust, resulting in improved performance. However, many people do not present their authentic selves at work. From the first interview, we learn to polish our image and hide our weaknesses. This habit o

Balancing Individual and Relationship Needs Maintaining a healthy, fulfilling relationship is a significant challenge, especially when trying to balance the relationship's needs with personal desires and goals. Many couples find the tension between maintaining personal identity and nurturing their connection overwhelming, which can lead to frustration or conflict. However, achieving harmony between these two areas is not only possible but crucial for lasting happiness and re

As a therapist, I’ve witnessed how chronic stress is a significant challenge that affects an individual's psychological and physical health in profound ways. This prolonged form of stress can stem from various sources, such as ongoing work pressures, relationship difficulties, financial concerns, or even societal issues, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can severely impact daily functioning. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial so therapist can provide

Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of talking therapies that play a significant role in enhancing mental well-being and addressing psychological challenges. While they share many similarities, they also exhibit key differences that distinguish their approaches and applications. Typically, counselling is characterized as a shorter-term intervention, often focusing on specific, current issues that individuals may be facing, such as stress related to work, feelings of

Falling in love is one of life’s most thrilling experiences. It can feel like your mind takes a spontaneous break from reality, filling you with romantic emotions. But what is truly happening in our brains when we fall in love? Is it just a feeling, or is there a complex process at work? Exploring the neuroscience of love reveals the mix of chemicals and brain regions that transform how we perceive and experience love. Neuroscience of Love Recent advances in neuroimaging tech

Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Physical Health: Trauma affects more than just the mind. Its effects can reach deep into the body, influencing physical health in ways many people do not expect. Understanding this connection helps us recognise the full scope of trauma’s impact and opens doors to better healing and care. How Trauma Affects the Body When someone experiences trauma, the body reacts immediately. The nervous system goes into a state of alert, often called the

Every relationship is unique, facing its own challenges. For some couples, trust issues may lead to arguments, while others might struggle with power imbalances that breed misunderstandings. While a perfect relationship may be unrealistic, you can promote healthier patterns in your partnership. Open communication is vital for a healthy relationship. This foundational practice enables deeper connections between partners. Setting aside dedicated time to actively share your thou

In today's fast-paced world, balancing work, relationships, and societal expectations can be overwhelming. For many individuals, anxiety quietly emerges, initially presenting as a subtle pressure that gradually intensifies into a more substantial burden. This gradual development often makes it challenging to identify anxiety until it has firmly entrenched itself in our daily lives. The continuous demands of modern living, combined with the relentless pursuit of success and va