Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that we believe to be rational but only serve to perpetuate negative thought patterns and behaviors—ones that often make us feel bad about ourselves. Because cognitive distortions are the backbone of negative thinking and emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change these…
An inferiority complex refers to someone’s unrealistic perceptions of their inadequacy. While it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, inferiority complexes aren’t recognized in the DSM-5 but are still a mental health concern for many everyday people. Learn the truth about inferiority complexes below, including the signs,…
While high self-esteem and soaring self-confidence are usually considered admirable traits, when delusions of grandeur set in, it’s often a cause for concern. Though delusions of grandeur may sometimes be a symptom of a mental health condition, these elevated self-perceptions can be visible even without a pre-existing condition. Take a…
Few other psychological conditions affect an individual’s ability to function quite like abandonment issues. Often formed in response to a traumatic or neglectful childhood experience, abandonment issues can wreak havoc on the emotional and external lives of both children and adults who struggle to see their own value and to…
Loving yourself is an important, and sometimes incredibly difficult, part of life. It often takes constant effort to stay positive and confident about who we are, and sometimes, the doubt and uncertainty win. Self-loathing is an intense and deeply-rooted feeling that builds over time, and can be caused by negative…
Guilt can be a tool for growth, but it can also be erosive and paralyzing when it’s felt too much. Sometimes, people can experience guilt for situations or events that aren’t their fault, or even have nothing to do with them. In some cases, this can be due to something…
Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience. Yet, some find themselves in a bewildering state of numbness at first—a disconcerting absence of feeling when one expects sorrow to overflow. If you’ve found yourself in this space, seemingly untouched by waves of grief, know that you’re not alone. This…
Navigating commitment issues in a relationship — sometimes referred to as gamophobia — can be challenging, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward resolving them. The root causes of these issues can vary, but often, they stem from a fear of vulnerability, fear of abandonment, lack of trust,…
Navigating commitment issues in a relationship can be challenging, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward resolving them. Common signs of commitment issues include avoiding discussions about the future, self-sabotaging behaviors, fear of emotional intimacy, constant criticism of your partner over trivial matters, serial dating without progressing, and…
Self-esteem significantly influences our life in many ways: It impacts our self-confidence, relationships, and ability to pursue our goals and aspirations, ultimately playing a pivotal role in our overall life satisfaction and success. This is precisely why low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on our life, leading to feelings of…
Gratitude is a powerful and transformative emotion that can greatly enrich our lives. This simple, yet profound practice holds a vital place in our personal and social well-being. Gratitude, at its core, is more than just a polite gesture or a perfunctory “thank you.” It is a deeply felt appreciation…
