It also has a long history, which includes the development of a variety of theories to help explain the phenomenon in greater depth. To better understand the extent of this history and the layers of complexity, it’s critical to learn about the theories, related concepts, and implications. History of Social Facilitation First, let’s consider a brief history of how the concept evolved. In its most basic form, it was first proposed by researcher Norman Triplett in 1898....

When Brianna turned 26 in July 2020, she no longer qualified for coverage under her dad’s health insurance, but joining her company’s plan meant losing access to many of her current physicians. Between the stress of a global pandemic and recent knee surgery that required aftercare, the New Hampshire resident hoped to delay finding new providers until her employer’s planned insurance overhaul on January 1. Brianna chose to pay for COBRA, a continuing health insurance program from the U....

In a world where so much of how we experience other people is in the digital world, it’s easy to forget that the version we view of our friends, colleagues, and loved ones is the one they want us to see. Most people share photos and stories about the good times in their lives. And most do not share about when they’re having a hard time in life. There are different reasons why you might experience this feeling, and many assorted actions you can take to help alleviate it....

Current studies show that many Americans are experiencing increased distress right now from the pandemic. A McKinsey national consumer survey conducted from March 27 to March 29, 2020, found that 63% of Americans felt anxious, depressed, or a combination of both. And 80% of Americans reported feeling moderate or high distress. Additionally, 1 in 4 Americans reported binge drinking within the last week. There are several factors related to the pandemic that may place some individuals at an especially high risk of suicide....

Meet Craig Grossi Craig Grossi is a marine corps veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. While serving in Afghanistan, he came across Fred, a stray dog. The two bonded during Craig’s time there. And when Craig’s deployment was up, he decided to bring Fred back to the United States—something that wasn’t allowed. He shares how he got Fred back to the United States and the cross country road trip they took together in his first book, Craig and Fred....

Zoloft for Anxiety Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works to slow the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood and control anxiety. Clinicians also use it to treat other mental health conditions, including major depressive, obsessive-compulsive, premenstrual dysphoric, panic, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Precautions When Taking Zoloft for Anxiety Use Zoloft with caution if you: Are allergic to sertraline, the active ingredient in ZoloftAre being treated with medication for alcohol abuseAre breastfeedingAre pregnant (especially in the third trimester) or planning to become pregnantHave bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorderHave impaired liver or kidney function, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of seizures...

Managing anger doesn’t mean never getting angry. Instead, it involves learning how to recognize, cope with, and express your anger in healthy and productive ways. Anger management is a skill that everyone can learn. Even if you think you have your anger under control, there’s always room for improvement. While anger itself isn’t a mental illness, in some cases, anger can be connected to mood disorders, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions....

Between March 19, 2020, and February 28, 2021, almost 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents were reported. These incidents included slurs, shunning, and physical assaults. More than twice as many attacks were directed toward Asian American women than toward Asian American men. Such numbers represent acts of discrimination that have been reported—the actual numbers are likely much higher. This uptick in harassment and violence is largely attributed to the coronavirus pandemic and racist political rhetoric directed toward Asian people....

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an estimated 48.3 million adults in the U.S. deal with some type of mental health condition each year. If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to first seek help from a doctor, psychologist, or mental health practitioner. These apps are not meant to be a substitute for face-to-face care. But, they could be a great supplement to therapy, or a super-convenient strategy for someone looking to start new, healthier habits....

These normal, everyday habits can seem impossible at times for those experiencing depression. Below are some common activities that people experiencing depression or a depressive episode may have trouble managing, plus some suggestions on how to get moving forward again. Personal Hygiene Personal hygiene is key for maintaining optimal health. But if you’re having a depressive episode and are feeling down, getting yourself in the shower or tub is often the last thing you feel like doing....

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a bevy of emotional, physical, and mental health issues for all of us. For physicians, therapists, and other frontline workers, their journeys have included turmoil, death, stress, and the expectation that they can deal with these traumas without being impacted on a personal level. We talked to five of the physicians and therapists from our Verywell Mind Review Board to hear the challenges and triumphs of their year, and we share the mental health and wellness tips they use to persevere and heal from a year of burnout....

In these situations, you don’t always want to explain your relationship with alcohol or the reason you choose not to drink, especially if you sense they may not understand. It can be helpful to have a casual, polite response to avoid being asked further questions, offending your host, feeling embarrassed, or exposing a personal story you aren’t prepared to share. Anyone who pressures you to drink after you give this response isn’t worth listening to....

Conversely, if you start off your day from a place of feeling centered, you will be better able to handle what comes and enjoy the rest of your day to a fuller extent. Here are some healthy lifestyle habits to incorporate into your morning routine that can leave you better able to handle the stress you experience. Try one or several, and experiment until you find what suits you....

Fortunately, everyone can take steps to become better decision-makers. If you want to become a better decision-maker, incorporate these nine daily habits into your life. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Perhaps you are 90% sure you know where the office is that you’re visiting. Or maybe you’re 80% certain you can convince your boss to give you a promotion. If you’re overconfident about those things, your plans are likely to go awry....

What Object Permanence Issues Look Like in ADHD I’ll put a pot of water on the stove to boil for pasta. Then, I’ll leave the kitchen to do something else while I wait for it to boil. Almost immediately, I’ll completely forget that there’s a pot of water boiling on the stove—until I happen to walk into the kitchen a few hours later and find an empty pot sitting on a hot burner....

So how should writers handle the sourcing of personal interviews? If you use information or quotations that were taken from an interview with a source, you need to cite the source, how the information was collected, and when the interview was conducted. Because these interviews are not something that can be located by a reader in any published source or searchable database, they should not be included in your reference section....

How Benzodiazepines Work Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, downers, nerve pills, and tranks, work by enhancing your brain’s response to a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This reduces the excitability of nerve signals in your brain and slows it down, leading to the relaxation of certain physiological and emotional responses. This results in a calming, tranquilizing feeling. Benzodiazepine Uses Benzodiazepines have properties that make them useful in treating a number of health conditions....