Trauma is not just a memory of a difficult past; it is a physiological and psychological imprint that changes how we experience the present. When an event overwhelms our ability to cope, the brain’s “alarm system” can get stuck in the “on” position, leading to symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. Trauma-focused therapy is...
Recognizing and Surviving the Fog of Gaslighting
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling like the ground beneath your feet has turned into quicksand? You know what you saw, you remember what was said, but the person across from you insists – with absolute certainty – that you’re “remembering it wrong” or “just being sensitive.” This isn’t just a simple...
How Chronic Stress Reshapes Mental Health
In our fast-paced modern world, stress is often viewed as a badge of honor – a sign of productivity and ambition. However, when the “fight or flight” response becomes a permanent state rather than a temporary reaction, it transforms into chronic stress. Unlike acute stress, which can motivate us to meet a deadline or avoid...
Coping with Job Insecurity: Strategies for Resilience in Uncertain Times
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, job insecurity has become a common concern for many workers. Whether due to economic downturns, technological advancements like AI automation, or company restructurings, the fear of losing one’s job can lead to significant stress and anxiety. As of 2025, with ongoing global shifts in industries such as tech and...
Are Smartphones Ruining Our Brains?
In an era where the average person checks their smartphone over 150 times a day, the question looms large: are these pocket-sized supercomputers enhancing our lives or subtly eroding our cognitive foundations? With Apple’s iPhone leading the charge in smartphone adoption since its debut in 2007, billions now carry devices that promise connectivity but may...
Understanding Narcissism in Relationships
I frequently encounter individuals grappling with the profound and often invisible wounds inflicted by narcissistic relationships. Experiencing narcissism in a relationship, whether it’s a parent, a spouse, or another significant figure, relating to someone with narcissistic traits can be an emotionally exhausting and profoundly damaging experience. Narcissism exists on a spectrum, from traits to a...