Quitting cold turkey is also not advised if you’ve been using any drug in large amounts or for a long time. This is because you may suffer from extreme withdrawal symptoms upon quitting suddenly, such as with Lexapro withdrawal. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts The Appeal of Quitting Cold Turkey For people who are heavy users of alcohol or drugs, quitting cold turkey may be more appealing—for a number of reasons....

However, becoming aware of your inner self and how it balances with your outer self is the foundation for good mental, physical, and spiritual health. This is why it is an important aspect to consider when working on a good balance in your life. The Outer Self At times it is helpful to present a different outer self to the world than what we experience on the inside. Most of us weigh the pros and cons of sharing our true feelings depending on what we expect in each set of circumstances....

We also need to carve out enough time for sleep, relationships that sustain us, exercise, healthy meals, and other life-affirming activities in our lives so we don’t drown in only work and chores. But what does maintaining balance look like? Maintaining Balance, Literally Sometimes maintaining balance can be messy. Even when we find overall balance in our lives, there are going to be times when we are overloaded, times when we realize we need to pare down, and times when we can’t pare down right away, but can work toward greater balance in the near future....

However, certain misconceptions about stress and stress management still persist, and these misconceptions may negatively impact your ability to relieve stress in your life. The following are some of the most common (and most damaging) stress-related misconceptions. Stress Management Is All About Eliminating Stress From Your Life Many, if not most, of the people tend to think that stress management is tantamount to cutting out everything in life that brings stress....

Enduring chronic day-to-day stress can have a negative impact on health and wellness. For instance, it can cause digestive issues, inflammation, a weakened immune system, poor sleep, anxiety, and sexual health issues. It’s important to be aware of when you become overstressed so that you can manage it appropriately. In addition to daily stressors, there are life events that can cause significant stress. Here are the top 5 most stressful life events and some tips on how to cope with each....

However, if your child starts to experience more consistent anxiety across a range of topics and areas of their life, such as around school, friends, family, health, and sports, it may be time to consider exploring the possibility of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). As a parent or caregiver, don’t let the possibility alarm you. Once you seek help and receive a diagnosis, you’re bringing your child one step closer to an improved quality of life....

Many researchers believe that male eating disorders we are seeing today are just the tip of the iceberg. Eating disorders in males have not received attention until recently for several reasons which include: The omission of males from research on eating disorders Lack of recognition of eating disorder symptoms by males and their family members Bias by professionals leading to less likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis in males The stigma associated with males seeking help for what has primarily been seen as a female illness Exclusion of males by eating disorder treatment centers Strongly feminine branding of eating disorder treatment centers (e....

Brain fog (which is not a medical condition on its own; it’s a symptom of other issues) refers to a feeling of mental sluggishness or haziness. Those experiencing it may lack the ability to concentrate or experience clarity of thought. Brain Fog and Multiple Sclerosis According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, over 50% of people living with MS struggle with cognition-related issues. Individuals may refer to this as brain fog or “cog fog,” and it can present challenges in day-to-day living....

Below are the results and findings from surveys conducted to date. Nearly Half of Americans Support Legalization of Psychedelics for Mental Health Mental Health Days & Kids: A Verywell Mind & Parents Study Cost Remains Significant Barrier to Therapy Access Nearly Half of Americans Have Considered Changing Jobs Recently Half of Americans Feel Negatively About Their Appearance 3 in 4 Americans Are Concerned About the Holidays What Americans Are Worrying About Right Now, From the Silent Generation to Gen Z COVID-Related Financial Stress Lingers Even After Other Stressors Wane Americans Understand the Importance of Mental Health, But Still Neglect It Why You Should Tell Your Kids If You’re Seeing a Therapist Gen Z Is the Most Stressed Out Generation Right Now

However, there are several differences between the two medications. The effects of Vyvanse generally last longer than the effects of Adderall; Vyvanse has a slower absorption rate than Adderall. Adderall also has a higher potential to be misused than Vyvanse. Both drugs work by acting on the central nervous system, which boosts the availability of neurotransmitters in the brain. With increased amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine, it is easier to pay attention and focus....

Changing how people communicate can improve relationships and help individuals feel understood. One way to accomplish this is through the use of “I feel” statements, also known as feeling statements, I-messages, or just I-statements. This article discusses what “I feel” statements are, how they are used, and why they are beneficial in communication. It also covers how people can use these feeling statements and potential mistakes to watch for....

Cardinal traits often develop later in life. They shape almost all aspects of an individual’s purpose, behavior, and attitudes. While the cardinal traits are considered among the most dominant of characteristics, they are also quite rare. Few people are so ruled by a singular theme that shapes the course of their entire life. History Psychologist Gordon Allport, one of the founders of personality psychology, was interested in discovering just how many personality traits exist....

However, research has found that while breakup sex is very common, there are both positive and negative aspects to it. Learn more about the studies behind breakup sex and how to know whether or not it’s right for you. How Common Is Breakup Sex? On the surface, the familiarity and comfort of an old flame may seem appealing—particularly because many people are frustrated with the current dating climate. This may be especially true for women, who may be hesitant about the potential risk and vulnerability involved in sex with a new partner....

Despite this, there are times when people pull away from friends, family, and other social connections. When people remove themselves from opportunities to socialize with others, they might be experiencing what is referred to as social withdrawal. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. This article discusses some of the causes of social withdrawal, the effects, and the steps you should take if you notice that you or someone you know is experiencing it....

First, it’s important to note that this specific amount of weight gain isn’t common to everyone. Some people gain more weight, some less, and some gain no extra weight at all, or even lose pounds when they leave home for college for the first time. However, it’s a common enough experience that it has earned a nickname that has endured through several decades. Plus, it’s something to be aware of so it can hopefully be avoided....

Feeling Apart and Isolated Imagine, for a moment, that you’ve never really felt comfortable with who you are. It could be because you feel like you’ve failed at everything you’ve tried, or because you were never satisfied with the level of success you did achieve. It could be because you’ve had thoughts and emotions that make you feel different from other people, particularly if you feel that you aren’t as good or as lovable as others....

What Is ‘Nonbinary’? Nonbinary is an umbrella term used to describe individuals who experience a gender identity that is neither exclusively woman nor man or is between or beyond both genders. Nonbinary individuals may identify as genderfluid, agender (without gender), genderqueer, or something else entirely. Nonbinary people are included in the broad category of transgender people. Although, some nonbinary people might not feel comfortable identifying as such because being transgender was historically narrowly defined as requiring a movement between binary genders....

According to Erikson, an identity crisis is a time of intensive analysis and exploration of different ways of looking at oneself. Erikson noted that developing a sense of identity is important during the teenage years, though the formation and growth of identity is not confined to adolescence. Instead, identity shifts and changes throughout life as people confront new challenges and tackle different experiences. Thus, an identity crisis can occur at any age....

While this type of behavior is common, it can also take more extreme or compulsive forms. Most people engage in some degree of body checking at least occasionally, but when it becomes a constant, anxious behavior that a person feels they must perform, it may be a sign of a deeper problem. This article discusses some common signs of body checking and the impact that this behavior can have on well-being....

The change from “manic depression” to “bipolar disorder” was made in 1980. It was done to include symptoms such as hypomania and exclude some others while attempting to reduce the stigma associated with the disorder. What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is actually a group of mood disorders characterized by cyclical disturbances in mood, thoughts, and behavior. These disorders consist of alternating periods of elevated, expansive, or irritable moods, called manic episodes....