Published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the study looked at data on more than 441,000 US adults collected over the course of 11 years. While all adults experienced an increase in serious psychological distress throughout that time, those who smoked daily and had a substance use disorder experienced the highest uptick in distress. The findings, which come amid a rise in cigarette sales, suggest that there may be potential benefits to treating mental health problems and smoking at the same time....

According to Bandura, people observe behavior either directly through social interactions with others or indirectly by observing behaviors through media. Actions that are rewarded are more likely to be imitated, while those that are punished are avoided. What Is Social Learning Theory? During the first half of the 20th-century, the behavioral school of psychology became a dominant force. The behaviorists proposed that all learning was a result of direct experience with the environment through the processes of association and reinforcement....

This quiz will help you determine whether you’ve ever had hypomania, which is defined as an abnormally revved-up state of mind that affects your mood, thoughts, and behavior. You can use the results when speaking with a health care professional (even if you haven’t been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at present). The quiz is written as if you’re currently experiencing an episode, but you can also use it for past periods when you suspect hypomania was happening....

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. In 2017, there were more than 6,200 suicides among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24, which makes it the second leading cause of death for people in this age group—just after unintentional motor vehicle accidents. While pre-teen suicide risk tends to be lower, data from the CDC shows that 183 children between the ages of 9 and 12 died by suicide in 2018....

There are a variety of essential oil diffusers on the market, and while they may look different, they’re all designed to spread a therapeutic aroma throughout the room. Dispersing the oils in the form of breathable mist, diffusers are a safe and popular alternative to synthetic air fresheners and scented candles. We researched dozens of essential oil diffusers and evaluated them for reviews, safety, design, value, coverage area, capacity, mist output, and additional features....

Prosocial behavior includes a wide range of actions such as helping, sharing, comforting, and cooperating. The term itself originated during the 1970s and was introduced by social scientists as an antonym for the term antisocial behavior. Benefits of Prosocial Behavior In addition to the obvious good that prosocial actions do for their recipients, these behaviors can have a range of beneficial effects for the “helper”: Mood-boosting effects: Research has also shown that people who engage in prosocial behaviors are more likely to experience better moods....

In a large-scale review of more than 400 previous studies, mindfulness was identified as an effective mental health practice for helping almost all people improve their physical and psychological well-being. This article discusses the many benefits of mindfulness as well as some things you should consider before you decide if mindfulness-based practices are right for you. Decreased Depression Reduced depression is one of the important benefits of mindfulness. It can help relieve symptoms of depression and may help prevent these symptoms from returning in the future....

“Meditation can help with relaxation and focus,” Heidi J. Dalzell, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and practicing therapist with 25 years of experience, says. “It lowers stress and improves self-awareness and self-esteem. It can also support people in changing negative coping strategies, such as addictive behaviors.” While that all sounds great, if you’re new to meditation, it may also sound vague or daunting (or both). That’s where meditation books come in....

In Small Children Common fears are a normal part of growing up, and many small children exhibit numerous short-lived fears. Loud noises, like any surprising stimuli, may trigger reactions even in very young infants. For most kids, however, these fears are mild and transient. However, children are just as capable as adults of developing deep-seated phobias that follow them throughout their childhood. Some phobias may be a result of genetics, while for others it may be a result of life experience....

Earliest Accounts of Depression The earliest written accounts of what is now known as depression appeared in the second millennium B.C.E. in Mesopotamia. In these writings, depression was discussed as a spiritual rather than a physical condition. Like other mental illnesses, it was believed to be caused by demonic possession. As such, it was dealt with by priests rather than physicians. The idea of depression being caused by demons and evil spirits has existed in many cultures, including those of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Chinese, and Egyptians....

Feelings of anxiety and worry about being around others can evolve into feeling down in general, particularly if you isolate yourself or stop participating in activities. At the same time, certain symptoms of depression can also make you fear being around people for a myriad of reasons. Social Anxiety and Depression Research shows that there is a strong relationship between having social anxiety disorder (SAD) and developing depression later in life....

What Is a Personality Disorder? The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), defines “personality disorder” generally as “an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment.“ This article reviews some of the research and information on PTSD and its relationship to several important personality disorders....

The Self-Medication Hypothesis The self-medication hypothesis began appearing in medical journals in the 1980s as clinicians noticed that people who were addicted to heroin were using the drug to cope with different types of underlying distress such as rage and loneliness. The theory goes that, for some conditions, such as chronic pain, prescribed medications may be insufficient or problematic. As a result, people who use marijuana and who suffer from chronic pain are simply self-medicating....

How quickly the heroin enters the brain determines the intensity of the “rush.” When heroin is injected it causes a much quicker reaction than if it is smoked. If it is smoked, the reaction is quicker than if it is snorted. But, no matter how it is administered it enters the brain very rapidly and this is one reason heroin is so addictive. Other Short-Term Effects Other than the euphoric rush, users usually experience dry mouth, a warm flushing of the skin, and their extremities begin to feel heavy....

Why We Worry Worrying is a cognitive symptom of anxiety. ​At a moderate level, anxiety can be helpful. It motivates a person to take something seriously, to solve a problem, to consider the implications of his or her actions, or to search for reassurance. Sometimes, a person can become stuck in a state of worry that isn’t helpful. Here are six strategies to reduce worry and ease anxiety. Make a Plan One thing people often worry about is unforeseen circumstances....

History The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology began publication in 1969 and in 1971 the Association for Transpersonal Psychology was established. While the field did not formally begin until the late 1960s, it has its roots in early work by psychologists including William James and Carl Jung who were deeply interested in the spiritual aspects of human nature. Definition Transpersonal psychology is a label for a type of psychological theory that embraces a wide variety of ideas that have nothing to do with religion and everything to do with the mind and behavior....

Let’s learn more about this type of therapy and understand why it may be a good option for some people with borderline personality disorder. Why is EMDR Used in People with BPD? While EMDR therapy was originally designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s now often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and depression — when a person with this disorder can identify a certain disturbing or traumatic memory....

This can have debilitating consequences for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Fortunately, there are ways to use Facebook that will help to minimize your anxiety. The key is to avoid some of the “traps” of social media that are inherent in using the internet for social connection. 10 Things to Avoid When Using Facebook If You Have SAD If you want to get a handle on your Facebook anxiety, stop doing the following things: Obsessing About Your Posts Sure it might be hard....

While anyone can develop the disorder, people who consume alcohol are more likely to develop the condition. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 80% of people with alcohol use disorder have a thiamine deficiency. Research shows that wet brain is more likely to develop in men than women. This is because men are more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, the leading cause of wet brain....