Creating a clear plan is essential for your physical and emotional well-being as you exit a toxic or abusive dynamic. After establishing safety, specialized therapy is crucial for healing from the emotional damage and breaking cycles of unhealthy attachment. Part 1: Your Personalized Safety Plan A safety plan is a dynamic, customized strategy designed to…
We’ve all been there: an evening with friends, a little too much fun, and suddenly, you find yourself needing to sober up quickly. It’s a common scenario that, while often harmless, can sometimes lead to situations where quick sobriety is not just preferred but necessary. The Healthy @Reader’s Digest consulted with doctors and analyzed recent…
3 skills that can help people learn to better control their anger. KEY POINTS t What Is Anger? Anger is a strong negative emotion that arises as a result of what we perceive to be a threat or unfair treatment that blocks our goals. This had led some psychologists to propose that anger is simply our response…
Take steps to regain control and resilience when you feel helpless. There are steps you can take when feeling helpless after a stressful situation. Be realistic with your feelings and allow them to occur. There are ways to turn helplessness into achievable goals. Source: Hữu Thanh Cái / Pixabay When we can’t do anything about…
If you struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), you know it’s more than just being stressed. It’s that constant, nagging worry about everything—work, health, family, or money—that feels impossible to turn off. This never-ending dread, often mixed with physical symptoms like tense muscles, restless feelings, and exhaustion, can make everyday life feel draining. While medication…
1. “I don’t even know why you’re upset…”👉 Gaslighting & denial.The narcissist pretends confusion and innocence, denying wrongdoing. This makes the victim question whether their feelings are valid. 2. “You don’t realize how lucky you are…”👉 Entitlement & superiority.They imply the victim should feel grateful for tolerating mistreatment, flipping the dynamic so the victim feels…
The link between relationship status and romantic interest. We are all familiar with the concept of forbidden fruit, where something that is off-limits is viewed as more desirable. In a romantic context, this often includes an attraction to someone else’s spouse or partner. We justifiably denounce mate poaching in any context. Yet we sometimes accuse narcissists of…
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a complex and nuanced mental health condition defined by grandiosity, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it impacts a small yet significant portion of the U.S. population, approximately 1% to 2%. Individuals with NPD tend to engage in…
Mental and physical health are two sides of the same coin. Just as you prioritize fitness and nutrition, understanding and caring for your mind is essential for a truly healthy life. That’s why at fitnesshacksforlife.org, we’re focused on expanding the conversation—and the care—around mental well-being. What is Mental Health Awareness? Mental Health Awareness is the…