We often hear pet owners—particularly dog lovers—attempt to train man’s best friend to: “Roll over and play dead!” On the surface, this behavioral conditioning session appears to be just for fun and games. The owner enjoys an opportunity to develop or maintain secure attachment with the pet, and the pet looks forward to a tasty treat after compliance. However, have you ever taken a moment to … [Read more...] about Secret Lifesaver: The Freeze Response (Tonic Immobility) and Sexual Assault-related Trauma
A Priceless Investment: Reversing Help-seeking Avoidance and Building ‘Mental Wealth’
When someone breaks an arm or leg, the first action that typically follows includes visiting the emergency room for triage and immobilization. When someone encounters mental fractures, swelling, and bruising such as depressive, panic, or even dissociative symptoms, they may be more likely to suffer in silence for various reasons—including stigma-related fear. However, suffering doesn’t have to be … [Read more...] about A Priceless Investment: Reversing Help-seeking Avoidance and Building ‘Mental Wealth’
Social Pain and the Brain: Coping with Rejection and Aiming for Posttraumatic Growth
When you’re cut, you bleed. When you experience cutoff, public ridicule, or rejection by colleagues, peers, or even your own flesh and blood…you bleed, losing copious units of the plasma-packed fluid that runs warm through your veins of socio-emotional wellness and fuels your longevity. As opposed to bleeding out and suffering, I challenge you to use your ‘trauma tourniquet’. You have the … [Read more...] about Social Pain and the Brain: Coping with Rejection and Aiming for Posttraumatic Growth
Bracing for and Embracing the Cycle: Self-Help Tips for Navigating Endometriosis and Premenstrual Dysphoric Symptoms
Menstruation. Cycle. Period. Time of the month. However you slice it, for those of you who know all too well about what it feels like to have the universe stop at the first drop understand that this natural reproductive health occurrence is far from a walk in the park. In fact, it has the capacity to trigger constant dread and ‘PMS blues’. Every month, countless women, nonbinary folks, and … [Read more...] about Bracing for and Embracing the Cycle: Self-Help Tips for Navigating Endometriosis and Premenstrual Dysphoric Symptoms
Grab the Reins: Overcoming High Levels of Negative Expressed Emotion in the Family Environment
“Snap out of it!” “What’s wrong with you?” “Don’t you dare try to tell us that we don’t love you!” The commentary from family members never seems to end. In fact, it only adds fuel to the fire, bound to create an explosion. You often wear your pain and trauma on your sleeve, and your cries for help are frequently met with anger, disappointment, and looks of confusion. Your face is … [Read more...] about Grab the Reins: Overcoming High Levels of Negative Expressed Emotion in the Family Environment