Healthy Mind

Humor is not an emotion, but it is deeply connected to how emotions work. Psychology sees humor as a complex mental process that can trigger emotions like joy, amusement, and even relief. It involves recognizing something funny, which then sparks an emotional response. Understanding this difference helps explain why we laugh at a joke but … Read more

Anxiety rates have climbed sharply over the past two decades, and the main reason is not what most people think. Research points to a mix of social, economic, and technological changes that have rewired how our brains process threat and safety. The simplest answer is this: our ancient stress response system is now triggered constantly … Read more

Most people think anxiety means feeling nervous or afraid. But many people walk around with anxiety every day and have no idea it is there. The short answer is yes, you can absolutely have anxiety and not know it. It often shows up as physical symptoms, irritability, or a vague sense that something is wrong. … Read more

Yes, stress can make you lose hair. This is not a myth or an exaggeration. The connection between stress and hair loss is real, and it is backed by decades of medical research. When your body experiences significant stress, it can shift hair follicles from their normal growth cycle into a resting or shedding phase. … Read more

You look at a crowded room and somehow pick out your friend’s face. You read this page and the black letters stand out against the white background. This everyday mental skill is called figure-ground perception. In psychology, figure-ground perception is the ability to separate what stands out (the figure) from what recedes into the background … Read more

Sleep is not a luxury. It is a biological necessity, as essential as food and water. Getting a good night’s sleep comes down to aligning your habits with your body’s natural rhythms: keep a consistent schedule, get morning sunlight, and create a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom. That is the straightforward answer. The harder part … Read more

Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an FDA-approved medication for major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, but it is not specifically approved for anxiety disorders. Some psychiatrists prescribe it off-label for anxiety when other treatments have not worked. Research shows it may help some people with anxiety, especially those who also have depression, but the evidence is not as … Read more

It can feel strange and unsettling when anxiety shows up in your feet. You might feel tingling, coldness, tension, or a restless urge to move them. This is not in your head. Anxiety is a full-body experience, and your feet are often a target because they are far from your heart and rich in nerve … Read more

Yes, you can have seizure-like episodes from anxiety, but they are not the same as epileptic seizures. These events are called psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). They look like seizures but are caused by psychological distress, not abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Understanding the difference is critical for getting the right treatment and avoiding unnecessary … Read more

Depression can feel like a trap where every thought and action keeps you stuck. The way out is not one big leap but a series of small, deliberate steps that interrupt the downward spiral. Research shows that breaking the cycle of depression requires a combination of behavioral changes, cognitive shifts, and professional support. The most … Read more