Cognitive distortions are negative or irrational patterns of thinking. These negative thought patterns can play a role in diminishing your motivation, lowering your self-esteem, and contributing to problems like anxiety, depression, and substance use. This article discusses different cognitive distortions and how they work. It also discusses hypothetical examples to show how this kind of thinking affects behavior and what you can do to help overcome these distortions. All-or-

​Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that significantly disrupts the lives of those who suffer from it. An anxiety disorder leads to persistent or intrusive thoughts, resulting in repetitive behaviors that can vary from mild to severe. Common behaviours can include intrusive and recurrent thoughts, ideas or impulses, and they can be worrying, repulsive, obscene or blasphemous. Compulsions are actions an individual feels compelled to perform to red

CBT is a n effective therapeutic approach for addressing co-dependence. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours, replacing them with healthier, more balanced ways of thinking and acting. CBT can empower individuals to set boundaries, assert their needs, and build self-esteem. Co-dependence is a complex and often misunderstood condition marked by an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, usually one who needs su

Lack of motivation is often not simply a standalone problem; rather, it is usually a symptom of deeper issues lurking beneath the surface of your daily life. For instance, when individuals struggle with low self-esteem or a lack of self-confidence, even the simplest tasks can appear overwhelmingly daunting. This feeling can lead to a mindset where goals seem unattainable, creating a protective barrier that discourages any attempt to try. When faced with such challenges, it ca

Breakups can feel overwhelming like you are caught in a storm where emotions are high and the way forward is unclear. Whether your relationship ended amicably or dramatically, moving on presents one of life's biggest challenges. If you’ve recently gone through a breakup, remember that your feelings are valid. Mourning the end of a relationship is a normal process, just like grieving the loss of someone you love. By acknowledging and embracing your emotions, you can take steps

The first step to building a relationship is ensuring that each other’s needs and expectations are on the same page. Creating boundaries is a good way to maintain a healthy and secure relationship. Setting boundaries together enhances the type of relationship you and your partner want. Boundaries are not meant to make you feel trapped or like you’re “walking on eggshells.” Creating boundaries is not a sign of secrecy or distrust; it’s an expression of what makes you feel comf

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

Binge eating disorder is a complex condition that can impact individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background. This means that if you find yourself grappling with the challenges of binge eating, it is essential to recognise that you are not alone, and there is no need to suffer in silence. We encourage you to come forward and seek the help you need. The approach is rooted in inclusivity and compassion; we do not discrimina

Freud delineated the mind in distinct levels, each with their roles and functions. The preconscious  consists of anything that could potentially be brought into the conscious mind. The conscious mind  contains all of the thoughts, memories, feelings, and wishes of which we are aware at any given moment. This is the aspect of our mental processing that we can think and talk about rationally. This also includes our memory, which is not always part of consciousness but can be re

I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all experienced some form of emotional trauma in our lives, unless we’ve spent our entire childhood living under a rock, it’s difficult to avoid life’s inevitable growing pains. Some of us have specific traumatic events that we can recall instantly, ranging from a car accident, an assault, or being a victim of a crime. A memory whereby our fight or flight response was triggered and there was a full-on sensory experience that left us feelin

Stress is demanding, and feeling stressed or under pressure is quite common. Stress can originate from various sources such as work pressure, relationship issues, or personal challenges. It's no surprise that we become stressed! Many of us tend to overlook or don't even realise the level of stress we're experiencing until we encounter more serious warning signs or health-related issues that arise from these ongoing pressures. It's important to remember that some aspects of st

Many people live with a specific fear that rarely crosses their mind—until they face the very thing they dread. Suddenly, their heart races, palms sweat, breathing becomes shallow, and the overwhelming urge is to escape immediately. This intense reaction, even when the fear seems irrational, is a phobia. While some phobias remain harmless because the feared object or situation is seldom encountered, others can disrupt daily life and cause frequent panic. When that happens, it

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions worldwide, often leaving individuals trapped in cycles of distress and anxiety. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) offers a promising path toward healing. Originally developed to treat PTSD, EMDR has expanded its reach, showing success in addressing anxiety disorders, phobias, and other emotional challenges. This post explores how EMDR works, why it is effective, and what it means for those seeking relie