Trauma bonding is a complex psychological response that occurs in abusive relationships, making it incredibly difficult for individuals to break free—even when they recognize the harm being done. The emotional attachment formed through cycles of abuse, manipulation, and intermittent reinforcement can feel overwhelming, leaving survivors feeling stuck. Healing from trauma bonding is possible, but it…
Trauma bonding is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a victim forms a deep emotional attachment to an abuser. This bond develops as a result of intermittent reinforcement—periods of kindness and affection interspersed with abuse. Trauma bonding can happen in various contexts, including romantic relationships, familial connections, and even workplaces, making it difficult for individuals…
When people go through deeply distressing events as children or young adults, the impact of that trauma, if not dealt with, doesn’t just go away. As humans, our brains are designed to protect us from things that are harmful. That means that without proper healing, the brain can bury memories of traumatic events. Unfortunately, while…
Taking care of your mental health isn’t something to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it’s a brave step that more and more people prioritize as a part of their regular routine. Whether you’re navigating anxiety or depression or just wanting to understand yourself better, finding the right care provider is essential for your overall…
Living with depression can often feel like you’re carrying weight that no one else can see, but it impacts every area of your life. While the low of depression might leave you feeling disconnected from life and joy, there are treatments available to help you regain a sense of purpose and meaning in life. One…
When a woman decides to bring new life into the world, it should be one of the most joyous times of her life. But sometimes, things don’t go as we hope they will, and the significant life changes that come with having a new family addition can be overwhelming. The intensity of this season of…
Emerging adulthood—a transitional period between adolescence and full adulthood—comes with both life-directing opportunities and big challenges. Depending on your choices, this life stage, between ages 18 to 29, may be marked by things like starting and developing a career, starting a family, or living a life of adventure and curiosity. Whatever the case, there’s a…
A 2021 Healthy Minds study, based on responses from 96,000 college students, showed that 44% had experienced some level of depression.1 In 2023, nearly 30% of students surveyed by Healthy Minds reported having engaged in non-suicidal self-injury.2 These numbers, among others, seem to reflect a rising mental health crisis in colleges across the US. …
COVID lockdowns gave rise to home dynamics that people had never seen before, work-from-home life skyrocketed, children learned at the family computer, and close quarters resulted in relationship stress for couples. At the same time, the normal entertainment options were unavailable, and people looked to new hobbies for comfort. Right alongside the homemade sourdough boom…