Healthy Mind

Accommodation is a term from psychology that describes how we change our understanding of the world when we learn something new. In Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, accommodation means modifying an existing idea, or schema, to fit new information. For example, a child who knows that dogs are four-legged animals might see a cat … Read more

Dry begging is a term psychologists use when someone hints at needing help without directly asking for it. It often involves complaints, self-pity, or indirect comments designed to get another person to offer assistance. The effects of this behavior include strained relationships, ongoing unmet needs, and emotional distress for both the person doing it and … Read more

Yes, stress can lead to swollen glands, but it does not cause them directly. The most common reason lymph nodes swell is infection. Stress weakens the immune system over time, making you more likely to catch an infection that causes swelling. So stress is a contributing factor, not a direct cause. What Are Swollen Glands? … Read more

Depression is a treatable condition. The most effective approaches combine therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications like SSRIs are backed by strong evidence. Regular exercise and social connection also play important roles in recovery. What helps with depression? Professional treatment is the most reliable way to address depression. For … Read more

Loss of appetite is a common physical response to anxiety. When you are anxious, your body prepares for danger, which can shut down digestion and make food unappealing. You can fix loss of appetite due to anxiety by eating small, frequent meals, choosing bland or easy-to-digest foods, and using relaxation techniques before meals. Addressing the … Read more

Anxiety is a natural stress response that prepares your body for danger. It releases hormones that speed up your heart, tighten your muscles, and quicken your breathing. These physical changes are real, not imagined, which is why anxiety often feels like a physical illness. What happens in the body during anxiety? Your brain has a … Read more

The COVID-19 pandemic brought two things that affect mental health: the virus itself and the stress of living through a global crisis. Research now shows that COVID-19 infection can directly increase the risk of depression through biological changes in the brain and body. Pandemic stress also plays a major role. For many people, both factors … Read more

Creative intelligence is the ability to generate new and useful ideas. In psychology, it is one of the several types of intelligence that researchers study. It involves thinking in original ways to solve problems or create something valuable. How Do Psychologists Define Creative Intelligence? Psychologists define creative intelligence as the capacity to think of novel … Read more

Can anxiety run in families? The short answer is yes, but it is not as simple as inheriting a single gene. Research shows that genetics play a real role in anxiety disorders, but they work together with life experiences, environment, and other factors. Having a family history of anxiety does not mean you will develop … Read more

Your body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror and how you feel about that picture. When that image is negative, it can directly harm your mental health. Research consistently shows that poor body image increases the risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and low self-worth. It changes how you … Read more