Children and adults can experience triggers that set off uncomfortable memories or feelings. Most often, flashbacks occur. They can take the form of images, sounds, smells, body sensations, feelings or numbness. The University of Alberta has some suggestions if you find yourself experiencing flashbacks: 1. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself aloud or quietly that you are having a flashback. 2. Remind yourself that the worst is over. The feelings and sensations you are experiencing are... Read Full Story

Brian Mullen, a doctoral mechanical engineering student at The University of Massachusetts Amherst, has developed a portable hug vest - also known as a "deep-pressure” vest. The vest, available for children and adults with sensorimotor issues or mental illness, delivers a “portable hug” via Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation (DPTS). DPTS has been around a while, helping to reduce anxiety and harmful behaviors by providing a calming sensory experience. It has been shown to improve the lives... Read Full Story

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. The anxiety can occur in limited situations — such as a fear of speaking in front of others - writing on a blackboard in front of the class - having a meal in front of others, just to name a few. It can, however, be quite broad in its scope, leaving an individual so anxious around other people that they seek to be alone. Total avoidance. Lars & The Real Girl... Read Full Story

Neuromarketing is a controversial new field which uses functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging - a medical technology - to sell products. It's akin to mapping one's mind for likes and dislikes. I'm fascinated by this technology, but also skittish about the use of it. So was author Jeffrey Goldberg - but he ventured where I have yet to go. He jumped into the experience, peering into his own brain and uncovered some interesting things. Some reactions that took him by surprise - and others... Read Full Story

Psychological Science reports that reading motivational words can really help you reach goals. The subtlety of these positive subliminal messages register in the subconscious mind. When absorbed, these motivational cues can help to create positive change. Make sure the words or phrases you choose are within view- so that you can subconsciously keep your motivation going, even when you may not be on task. Be it sticky notes, motivational pictures, doodles or music, keep the communication... Read Full Story

I enjoy a good chuckle. But this new item didn't make me laugh: High Heels For Babies Apparently, others feel like I do as well. In fact, the American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls reported that sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media are harmful to their self-image and healthy development in the areas of: "Cognitive and Emotional Consequences: Sexualization and objectification undermine a person’s... Read Full Story

Adam Duritz, lead singer-songwriter for the band Counting Crows, has recently disclosed that he experiences a type of Dissociative Disorder and severe depression. In my armchair opinion, it appears that Duritz is describing Depersonalization Disorder, a category within Dissociative Disorders. He writes about his experience here - naming the article "The Lonely Disease." The Counting Crows' new CD "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings" is a double album. The first half focuses on Duritz's... Read Full Story

Sometimes the question "Why" is a good one. Why can't we live in a more peaceful world? Why did I eat *all* those cookies? Why don't we call mustaches "mouthbrows"? But there are times, especially during a crisis, when "Why" is not the best question to ask oneself. In my work, I always feel that "What" helps to move you out of a difficult moment. What has a directionality. Why keeps one stuck in circular thinking. What offers solutions. Why offers no game plan. So, the next time you... Read Full Story

Did you know that Service Animals work with children and adults who experience psychiatric and neuropsychological issues? Psychiatric Service Dogs can enhance the life of many. Children and adults with ADHD, Autism, Asperger's, Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Depression, Epilepsy, Phobia, Social Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, Tourette's, and the list goes on.  There are many things a Psychiatric Service Dog can provide, like - - Need a reminder to take your medication? A Service Dog can aid in the... Read Full Story

This is an advert for a cell phone, but I love it so much because it shows how illusions trick the eye and the mind. Enjoy. Read Full Story