Acne and self-esteem often share an interconnected relationship, creating a complex web that can deeply impact the way you perceive yourself in everyday life. The presence of acne can lead to a heightened sense of self-consciousness, where the persistent worry about your appearance transforms into an obsession with perceived imperfections. This focus on flaws can be overwhelming, causing you to withdraw from social interactions and avoid situations where you might feel judged

Acne isn't just a skin issue; for many, it affects their daily life and emotional health. If you have had acne for years or are experiencing an unexpected breakout, the effects can be hard to manage. It often leads to a dip in self-esteem and a constant search for solutions. But what if there is a way to address not just the physical symptoms, but also the emotional triggers behind your acne? Enter hypnotherapy—a method that might provide the support you need on your journey

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can significantly disrupt the lives of those affected by it. It is an anxiety disorder characterised by intrusive or insistent thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviors. These behaviors can range from mild to extreme and can include intrusive and recurrent thoughts, as well as compulsive actions aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Common compulsions include excessive washing, cleaning,

Defence mechanisms are unconscious strategies where people protect themselves from anxious thoughts or feelings. Defence mechanisms aren’t inherently bad—they can allow people to navigate painful experiences or channel their energy more productively. They become problematic, however, when applied too frequently or for too long. Anna Freud, the youngest daughter of Sigmund Freud and an Austrian psychoanalyst, made significant contributions to child psychoanalysis. She is well-

The Fight or Flight Response What Happens in the Body? When faced with a stressor, whether it's a physical threat, emotional pressure, or psychological stress, the body initiates a cascade of physiological reactions. The brain's amygdala, the seat of emotions, detects the threat and sends signals to the hypothalamus, triggering a series of events. The Role of Hormones One of the primary hormones involved in this process is adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. Adrenaline sur

We all encounter anxiety at various times in our lives, which is a natural reaction to stress, uncertainty, or new experiences. However, for some individuals, anxiety can impact daily living. Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health issues, believed to affect about 30% of people at some stage in their lives. As humans, we have evolved mechanisms for self-protection. One such mechanism is the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response. When our brain detects a thre

Emotional regulation is a crucial skill for achieving psychological stability. In today’s fast-paced world, emotions can swing from joy to frustration in an instant. Mastering emotional regulation helps maintain balance and well-being. This journey starts with two essential practices: checking in to track your state of mind and being aware of your emotional triggers. The Emotional and Rational Mind Throughout the day, we experience various states of mind—overwhelmed, angry, c

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-

Feeling tired even after sleeping for hours? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with feeling alert and energized throughout the day. This is often linked to our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock. It governs when we feel awake, when we feel sleepy, and even influences our energy levels. When our rhythm is in sync, sleep usually comes easy. However, disruptions caused by late nights, stress, or irregular schedules can throw everything off. The good news?

In recent years, the conversation about gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has gained significant traction. As we explore this complex issue, a surprising ally emerges: quantum physics. Often seen as abstract, this field offers unique insights that can help pave the way for greater gender equity in STEM. Its principles can challenge our thinking, just as we need to challenge the biases and systemic barriers that keep women and non-binary

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

Compartmentalization is more than just a psychological term; it’s a common yet powerful way many people cope with life's emotional...

When you think of abuse, your mind probably goes immediately to physical violence, yelling, or intimidation. But an abusive relationship can also be silent. Some people use silent treatment abuse to manipulate and control their loved ones. This is a form of emotional abuse . It’s normal to not want to talk to someone when you are angry or frustrated. In most cases, this happens occasionally and blows over. However, if a person regularly uses the silent treatment to influence