Opium was used for pain relief for centuries before it was discovered how to purify it. It was smoked as well as ingested and still may be used in that way in some countries where it is produced. The medications paregoric and opium tincture or laudanum, which are used to treat diarrhea, contain opium. These drugs have largely been replaced by other non-narcotic medications, but may be used when diarrhea isn’t brought under control by other drugs....

We spoke to Jenna Stregowski, Registered Vet Tech (RVT) and a Pet Health & Behavior Editor at Daily Paws for some insight into how the human and pet relationship can be mutually beneficial and promote the mental health of our furry friends as well as ourselves. How Pets Lower Stress Research shows that, unless you’re someone who really dislikes animals or is absolutely too busy to care for one properly, pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief, and other health benefits—perhaps more than people....

During psychodynamic therapy, the client will become aware of emotions and feelings that may have been repressed. In addition, the client will make these subconscious elements part of their present awareness so that unresolved problems and feelings can be dealt with. Psychodynamic Therapy vs. Other Therapies for Depression Psychodynamic therapy for depression is one of a handful of other talk therapies used for depression. How does it differ from these other types of therapy?...

For others in romantic relationships, work during the pandemic forced more time apart from their partners. Essential workers, for example, clocked long days and nights at hospitals and grocery stores during the pandemic. Spending less time together combined with the incessant worry about a loved one being exposed to the virus negatively affected some relationships. Whatever the specific situation, the dynamics in romantic relationships have been affected by COVID-19. With the rise in those who have successfully been vaccinated and the widespread opening up of commerce in cities, many have returned to the new normal....

Note: it is possible to have one but not the other (sex but not emotional intimacy or vice versa), but sexual intimacy typically involves feeling both. Learn how to be more sexually intimate—with your partner (and yourself!) through strategies such as scheduling sex, being more direct in asking for what you want, and taking time for self-pleasure. How to Be More Sexually Intimate Many couples get nervous when they’ve lost that sexual spark and intimacy, but it is a relatively common feeling—especially the longer you’ve been in a relationship—and there are plenty of ways to bring that spark back....

There’s no doubt that establishing regular healthy habits (or breaking bad ones) can improve your longevity. Once healthy behaviors — like quitting smoking, drinking only in moderation, or getting regular exercise — are entrenched into your regular schedule, you’re more likely to do them consistently. Despite that, there’s surprisingly little research on how much time is actually required to establish a new habit. University College London epidemiologist Phillippa Lally examined the habit formation process in everyday life....

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. By definition, a personality disorder involves one or more pathological personality traits that create significant impairment in an individual’s life. The features must be stable across time and consistent across situations. Learning how to cope with a personality disorder is key to functioning at your best. With professional support, you can learn how to manage all aspects of your life....

It’s best to set boundaries in a way that takes into account the individual’s underlying reasons for doing what they’re doing to avoid unnecessary conflict and more stress. Why People Give Unwanted Advice People who repeatedly give unwanted advice can be well-meaning and genuinely want to help. It’s important to take that possibility for what it is, as there truly may not be more to someone’s intention than that. However, it is also likely—particularly if someone engages in this behavior compulsively—that they are driven to do so by a need for emotional validation or personal power....

Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs when a person with a penis reaches climax and releases semen sooner than expected. This may be a cause of distress to the person dealing with PE and may also cause distress in their partner or partners. While premature ejaculation can feel like a heavy burden to carry, it is important to be aware that it is one of the most common sexual disorders reported by individuals with penises....

The reality is that not everyone’s COVID-19 safety viewpoints will align. So, in the interest of keeping others safe and comfortable, one thing we can do is communicate clearly with the people with whom we want to spend time. Direct Communication Is Key It’s a social script we’re accustomed to elsewhere, namely romantic or sexual relationships. Asking someone about their sexual habits, preferences, and STD/STI testing and screening practices can feel inherently awkward when navigating a new intimate relationship....

While there are many ways to improve your mental health including therapy, meditation, exercise, hobbies, a healthy diet, and time spent with loved ones, there are also small things we can do to create a shift in our mood. One of those small things is tweaking the space in which we live and work. These small changes and tweaks can make a world of difference in your overall mental well-being....

Create a Space As you set up your living space, be sure there’s a quiet space for you to focus and concentrate. If your roommate is noisy or ever-present, that may mean finding a favorite nook in the library or coffee shop to frequent. Otherwise, set up a nice desk for yourself where you can keep everything you need, focus, and get things done. Create a Schedule When planning your activities, be sure you allow yourself the time you need to study and get work done....

Setting a boundary is essentially someone’s way of letting you know: How they prefer to communicateHow they would like to be treatedHow they would like to be spoken to or touchedHow they would like to interact or engage with youThe extent to which they’re willing to participate in activitiesWhat is not acceptable to them Depending on the type of boundary they have drawn and how it affects your relationship, you may find yourself experiencing emotions ranging from surprise, anger, pain, confusion, or acceptance....

What’s more, protests and information campaigns on social media only go so far in addressing the change that needs to take place. While they are extremely useful in raising awareness, they do not have a long-term impact on change. From volunteering and donating money to supporting Black-owned businesses and getting educated, there are a lot of options open to you. Here is an overview of how you can get involved....

The Snapchat friends list is a convenient location to see who you have mutual friends with. Find out all you need to know, from signing up for Snapchat to managing your friend list. Even if you are new to the platform or are looking for a way to better organize the connections you already have, you can get the most out of one of the most popular social media apps....

Feeling this way can make it difficult for you to go about your life and interact with people on a day-to-day basis. It can cause a lot of conflict in your relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and other people in your life. Hate is also an intense emotion that can take a toll on your health. This article explores some of the reasons why you might feel like you hate everyone, how this emotion can affect your physical and mental health, as well as some coping strategies that may be helpful....

Because children with ADHD have deficits in these areas, reading can be difficult. While research shows that treatment of ADHD is important in improving reading skills, there are other strategies these students can use to improve literacy. Expose Children With ADHD to High-Interest Literature Have a kid with ADHD who’s struggling to read well? Try giving such children books about subjects that actually interest them. If a student likes trains, for instance, have the child read a book about the topic....

It’s true that if you have BPD, your kids are at greater risk of having the condition themselves. But, there is also a good chance that they will not have it. And, there are things you can do to reduce their risk. This article discusses whether BPD is genetic and the risk of your children also inheriting the condition. It also explores some of the steps you can take to minimize this risk....

While this condition has neither any established diagnostic criteria and treatment nor any formal institutional recognition, this dermopathy has been termed Morgellons disease among members of the lay population. Emerging Research and Controversy About Morgellons Disease This condition is controversial. Many dermatologists and psychiatrists believe that Morgellons is, in fact, delusional parasitosis, a psychiatric disease. More specifically, such experts point out that delusional parasitosis is a monosymptomatic psychosis, and formication is a common complaint among people with psychiatric disease....

Could this inexpensive supplement counteract the effects of this widespread and, often, debilitating disorder? While some research indicates that people with depression have lower levels of vitamin D than their counterparts without depression, so far, no large-scale study has found that the vitamin “cures” the condition. The causes and symptoms of depression are multifaceted, which means that often no one drug, vitamin, or identified treatment can make them disappear entirely....