Cherishing the Memories: Finding Joy After Pet Loss
The loss of a beloved pet is often a deeply personal experience. Pets are not just animals; they are family members who offer unconditional love, companionship, and joy. In the wake of such a loss, it is common to feel confusion and uncertainty. The routine of daily life can feel disjointed as we grapple with […]
Five Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Irritable Bowel Syndrome Risk: Insights from Hong Kong Research
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that impacts the functioning of the bowel, resulting in either an increase or decrease in the frequency of bowel movements and changes in stool consistency. Generally, there is pain in the abdomen that causes discomfort during bowel movement. Those diagnosed with IBS tend to have a curtailed […]
What Causes Panic Attacks? Symptoms, Triggers & Treatments
The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines panic as “a sudden, uncontrollable fear reaction that may involve terror, confusion, and irrational behavior, precipitated by a perceived threat.” In simpler terms, panic is an intense wave of fear that strikes unexpectedly, leaving you feeling confused, overwhelmed, and out of control even when no real danger exists. What […]
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
According to the American Psychological Association, “Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes.” As this definition rightly mentions, anxiety is more than just an emotional state. It involves other components such as the cognitive or thinking and physiological aspects. Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent and excessive fear […]
Understanding Depression in Adults: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Depression in adults is a mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability lasting for at least two weeks. Cognitive and physical symptoms often accompany these emotional states, and as these symptoms intensify, they can significantly impair an individual’s ability to function in daily life, affecting work, relationships, and overall well-being. […]
Types of mental health issues and conditions
The American Psychological Association defines mental health as “a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish constructive relationships and cope with the ordinary demands and stresses of life.” While this definition highlights the presence of positive feelings and functioning, it […]
Holiday Loneliness: Practical Tips for Connection
The Christmas spirit is buzzing all around us, with vibrant decorations and media filled with holiday parties and joyful gatherings. It’s only natural for us, as social beings, to crave connection and inclusion in these celebrations. However, our circumstances may not always align with this desire, leaving us with a sense of emptiness and loneliness […]
Beyond Obsessions and Compulsions: Finding Peace with OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a term that is often misused in everyday conversations. Many people casually refer to it when discussing someone who prefers order or cleanliness, reinforcing a stereotype that portrays OCD as merely a quirk or personality trait. However, this perception, heavily influenced by media portrayals, does a disservice to those who genuinely […]
Hope for love: Can couples’ counselling rescue your marriage?
Relationship psychologist Barbara De Angelis reminds us, “Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It is something you do”. Part of “doing marriage” entails keeping our relationships in good health. A good marriage is not created by luck, it is created by effort. Perhaps your marriage may benefit from […]
Finding Peace: A Holistic Path to Trauma Recovery
It was the unbearable strain of her high-conflict marriage that compelled Kim (*name changed), a working mother of two, to seek mental health support through psychotherapy. Facing ongoing emotional abuse and episodes of physical aggression within her eight-year marriage, Kim felt overwhelmed and trapped in a cycle of despair and hopelessness. Her system in a […]