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10 Reasons Narcissists Believe Their Own Lies

November 2, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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Narcissists are known for their grandiose self-image and manipulative behaviors, but one of their most perplexing traits is their tendency to believe their own lies. This phenomenon has psychologists and researchers seeking to understand the complex mechanisms behind it. According to a study, individuals with narcissistic traits often engage in self-enhancement strategies that distort their perception of reality.1 This distortion can be so profound that narcissists genuinely come to believe their own fabrications. Here are 10 key reasons behind this baffling behavior. 1. Self-Preservation Instinct Narcissists believe their own lies as a powerful defense mechanism. This self-deception serves to protect their …

10 Types of Panic & Anxiety Symptoms and What They Mean

October 27, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting about 40 million adults, which is around 19.1% of the population.1 If you’ve been feeling anxious or experiencing panic, you’re not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health2 and a study published in Frontiers in Psychology3 breaks down panic and anxiety into different categories to better understand how it affects both your mind and body. 1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) People with GAD feel worried about everyday things, even when there is no obvious reason to be. This anxiety is constant and can make it hard …

Quantum Dreaming: How Your Sleeping Mind Could Be Hopping Realities, Experts Say

October 25, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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Imagine drifting off to sleep and finding yourself in an entirely different world, where the laws of physics may not apply as they do in your waking life. This is what scientists mean when they propose that dreams can be portals to alternate realities. The idea is rooted in the belief that during sleep, your consciousness can break free from the constraints of our known universe and explore a multitude of parallel realities. Key Researchers Several researchers have been examining this fascinating intersection of dreams and multiverse theory. One notable figure is David Leong, an honorary professor at Charisma University, …

How Chronic Stress & Elevated Cortisol Can Affect the Body Over Time

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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Are you feeling the weight of constant stress on your shoulders? The never-ending deadlines, the mounting bills, and the daily pressures of life can take a toll on your mind and body. But did you know chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone? This silent culprit can wreak havoc on your health, causing a cascade of long-term effects you might not even be aware of. The Stress-Cortisol Connection: How Your Body Responds to Pressure When you encounter a stressful situation, your body’s natural alarm system kicks into gear. The hypothalamus (ref), a tiny region …

The Lasting Mental Health Impact of Prolonged Isolation

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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Imagine a world where human connection becomes a luxury, where the warmth of a hug or the comfort of a friendly smile are distant memories. The mental health consequences of such isolation are far-reaching and potentially devastating. Studies have shown that social isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.1 From increased risk of depression and anxiety to cognitive decline and even suicidal thoughts, the mental health impact of prolonged isolation is a growing concern for healthcare professionals and individuals. Here’s how prolonged isolation can warp the mind and the strategies you can employ to …

Understanding Your Vagus Nerve: A Path to Calmer, Healthier Mind

October 14, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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In human biology, one unassuming nerve stands out as a critical player in our emotional well-being. The vagus nerve, often overlooked, is emerging as a key to understanding and potentially treating stress, anxiety, and depression. This neural pathway, stretching from brain to body, holds secrets that scientists are only beginning to unravel. Recent research has shed light on how this nerve responds to stress and influences our emotional states, offering tantalizing possibilities for new therapeutic approaches. The exploration of the vagus nerve is opening up exciting frontiers in mental health treatment. The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Stress Regulator The vagus …

10 Psychological Reasons We’re Stuck Replaying Our Worst Memories— and How to Break Free

October 9, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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Have you ever found yourself stuck in a mental loop, replaying embarrassing moments or painful experiences over and over? Rumination is the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts and experiences.1 This common phenomenon can have serious consequences for mental health. But why do our brains get caught in these destructive thought patterns? Here are 10 mental health reasons why we keep hitting replay on our worst memories – and what we can do to break free from this cycle. 1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD is a serious condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s …

Till Death—and Beyond: The Lasting Bond of Marriage after a Spouse Passes

October 9, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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Death may end life, but can it truly end a marriage? For many, the bond of marriage transcends physical existence, continuing in various forms long after one spouse has passed away. These are the many ways love endures beyond the grave and how marriage continues after death. The Emotional Bond: Love That Transcends Death When you lose a spouse, the emotional connection doesn’t simply vanish. Many widows and widowers find ways to maintain a strong bond with their deceased partners. This ongoing connection can be a source of comfort and strength as you navigate life without your loved one by …

New FDA-Approved Synthetic THC Shows 30% Reduction in Alzheimer’s Agitation

October 8, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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A study in Alzheimer’s treatment has emerged, offering new hope for millions of patients and their caregivers. An FDA-approved synthetic version of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, has shown remarkable promise in reducing agitation in Alzheimer’s patients by an average of 30%.1 As agitation affects nearly half of all Alzheimer’s sufferers and is often cited as a primary reason for emergency room visits and placement in long-term care facilities, this development could revolutionize Alzheimer’s care. But how exactly does this synthetic THC work, and what does it mean for the future of Alzheimer’s treatment? The Breakthrough Study Researchers …

14 Valuable Life Lessons Most People Discover Too Late

October 8, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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Life is a journey filled with twists and turns and invaluable lessons. Yet, many of us only grasp these crucial insights when we’re well into our twilight years. But what if we could fast-track this wisdom? Imagine the power of understanding these life-changing lessons while you still have ample time to apply them. To help you avoid similar regrets, here are the 14 crucial life lessons that people frequently learn when it’s too late. Understanding these insights allows you to make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives. 1. Time is your most precious resource Time is the one thing …