Dissociation is one way your brain handles extreme stress and trauma. It can be a symptom of many mental health disorders, including severe depression. People who dissociate escape reality in ways that can cause problems with daily life. What Is Dissociation? Dissociation is a way to detach from yourself and the...
We’ve all had times when it was hard to concentrate and stay on task. But if you frequently feel exhausted and muddled or routinely walk into rooms and forget what you meant to do, a lack of mental clarity could be to blame. Let’s explore ways to sharpen your...
If you have intrusive fears and go out of your way to counteract them with specific, repetitive behaviors, you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people struggling with OCD seek an escape from the flood of negativity that characterizes their daily lives. While alcohol might provide a short-lived reprieve from...
Some people view others as mere stepping stones on the path to achieving their goals. They might only contact you when they believe you have something they need, and dealing with them leaves you feeling drained and questioning your reality. Manipulation is a classic type of toxicity you’re better...
Alcohol can damage organs and systems throughout your body, including your brain. After years of heavy drinking, you may experience memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Daily tasks that require multiple steps, such as cooking a meal or balancing your household budget, can become difficult or impossible. If you routinely...
Pain and pain management are a growing concern among Americans aged 55 and older. In one NIH-funded study, more than half the respondents said they’d had bothersome pain in the past month, while three-quarters reported feeling pain in more than one area. Doctors frequently prescribe opioids to older adults...
The opioid epidemic has been a nationwide crisis for years, claiming the lives of approximately 130 people daily. However, in recent years, the introduction of novel synthetic opioids has changed the opioid epidemic’s trajectory. Like heroin, morphine and oxycodone, human-made opioids like fentanyl bind to receptors in a user’s brain....
Sadly, traumatic events are all too common. Some estimates suggest approximately 70% of American adults experience a severely traumatic event at least once in their life, and 20% of them will develop PTSD as a result. Older adults have lived through life-shaping experiences such as the Korean War, Vietnam...
