Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.

If You Want to Find Enlightenment, You Need to Be Willing to Get Out of Your Mind

Discover the clinical background, personal journey, and heartfelt vision of Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., Co-Founder & Clinical Director.

Adults sit in a circle during a group discussion.

Medically reviewed

Addiction’s Effect on the Brain

Addiction changes the brain’s reward system, dopamine response, and neuroplasticity. Learn how addiction affects brain function, tolerance, and recovery.

A healthcare professional listens attentively during a conversation.

Medically reviewed

Asking for Help With Suicidal Thoughts

Learn about the triage process and what to expect when seeking help for suicidal thoughts, including hospitalization.

Medically reviewed

The Brains of Porn Addicts

Learn how pornography impacts the brain, causing physical, psychological, and behavioral changes that may contribute to emotional instability.

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Authored

Mental Health Retreats

Explore the benefits of mental health retreats and discover how immersive programs in therapy, mindfulness, and nature support lasting well-being.

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Co-authored

What is Mental Health?

Learn what mental health is, how it differs from mental illness, and why it matters at every stage of life.

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Medically reviewed

Coping With Depression

Explore depression’s causes, symptoms, and healing steps. Learn how to find support, overcome setbacks, and rediscover hope.

A woman speaks with a counselor in a bright consultation room.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel like I don’t matter?

A young adult describes years of depression, low self-worth and isolation after emotionally abusive childhood experiences.

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Authored

What is Psychiatry?

Learn what psychiatry is, its history and subspecialties, and how psychiatrists use medicine and therapy to support mental health.

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Co-authored

The Effects of Trauma

Learn how trauma shapes the body and mind, and how purpose, connection, and self-understanding support healing.

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Medically reviewed

Psychocardiology: Mental Health and Cardiac Care

Learn how mental health and heart disease are connected. Discover how stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being impact cardiovascular health.

Adults sit together in a circle during a counseling session.

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Porn Addiction Therapy

Learn how therapy and support groups help with porn addiction. Explore symptoms, causes, and evidence-based options for long-term recovery.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that supports emotional regulation and conditions such as anxiety, depression, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A man speaks openly during a counseling conversation.

Medically reviewed

Why do I have these terrifying thoughts?

A young man describes evening mood changes and frightening intrusive thoughts about harming himself or others that conflict with his values.

Two women of different generations share a warm embrace.

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Resilience in Relationships

Discover how healthy relationships build emotional resilience, improve mental health, and help you recover from stress, adversity, and life challenges.

A couple sits together and holds hands while talking.

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Can my partner stop watching porn?

A reader has discovered a partner’s frequent pornography use, including material they believe may involve minors, and is uncertain about continuing the…

Two women share a laugh while sitting together on a sofa.

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Can we have a future if his ex is still around?

A reader discovered that a boyfriend continues a sexual relationship with an ex while promising a future together.

A counselor takes notes while listening to an adult.

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Why do I struggle with being faithful?

A reader describes repeated flirting and kissing others, sometimes after drinking, that has damaged relationships.

Two friends sit close together and talk on a sofa.

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How do I let go of my ex-sister-in-law?

After leaving an abusive marriage, a reader feels betrayed by a formerly close sister-in-law and repeatedly reads hurtful blog posts.

Two adults talking beside a sunny playground

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Is it my fault that he has cheated on me?

A pregnant reader describes a fiancé’s repeated infidelity and his claim that arguments made him cheat.

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Am I the problem or is this emotional abuse?

A reader with a young baby describes a boyfriend’s insults, pressure over childcare and work, and a new threat of physical violence.

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How do I cope when life feels hopeless?

A young parent describes severe anxiety, anger, exhaustion, and daily crying amid stress and financial barriers to care.

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How can my best friend heal from harassment?

A reader describes a friend’s persistent frightening images and fear after sexual harassment at school.

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Does she have Histrionic Personality Disorder?

A reader and married roommates are troubled by a friend’s intrusive attention toward one spouse and worry about her response to rejection.

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How can I help my friend without making things worse?

A reader has long offered advice to a friend with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, but worries that the friendship now encourages dependence.

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What can I do about his disrespect?

A reader describes a husband’s name-calling, threats, throwing objects, and spending decisions that leave them afraid to raise concerns.

A young adult and parent reviewing a notebook at a library table

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Why is my daughter avoiding responsibility?

A father describes a nearly 19-year-old daughter who left college and struggles to follow through with work or financial responsibilities.

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Why am I hearing voices?

A reader describes weeks of severe insomnia, hearing things, panic, and fear of losing touch with reality.

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Is Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) related to heightened sexual behavior?

A parent asks whether an eight-year-old’s inappropriate behavior toward other children is associated with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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Can we involuntarily admit a family member in a crisis?

A family describes a father making explicit violent threats with a weapon and later denying the incident.

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How can I help my socially awkward son?

A parent describes an academically accomplished adult son who wants close relationships but struggles with confidence and unwritten social expectations.

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Help me please. What is going on with me?

A parent describes years of stress, isolation, emotional numbness, crying, irritability, and lost interest in intimacy.

Two adults talking on a neighborhood café terrace.

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I’m a 26-year-old virgin. How do I stop being socially awkward?

A 26-year-old man feels behind his peers because he has little dating experience and fears emotional and physical closeness.

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Is my low stress tolerance a sign of mental illness?

A young adult becomes overwhelmed by multitasking, noise, changes in routine, and everyday obligations.

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What should I do if my boyfriend has no sex drive?

A reader’s boyfriend avoids sexual intimacy with someone he cares about despite being comfortable with casual sex.

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How should I handle issues between my boyfriend and his adult daughter?

A reader’s boyfriend has ended their relationship over conflict involving his adult daughter and grandchildren.

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Medically reviewed

Why do some mothers sleep with their sons?

A reader is concerned about a mother sharing a bed with her adult and younger sons, while stating that they do not believe sexual activity is occurring.

A parent reflects at a kitchen table beside a family album.

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What should I do if I suspect my husband is gay?

A reader’s husband has repeatedly had affairs with men despite promises to stop. They are considering divorce but worry about the effect on their two children.

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Medically reviewed

Do I have morbid jealousy?

A reader with bipolar disorder and a history of therapy wants help controlling persistent jealousy after leaving an abusive marriage.

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Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m missing my ex-boyfriend terribly?

A reader is grieving a short but intense relationship that ended after becoming long distance.

An adult enjoys conversation at a community art workshop.

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Is it normal to be middle-aged and never have been in love?

A middle-aged reader has never had a satisfying romantic relationship and feels anxious around men they find attractive.

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Medically reviewed

What should I do about my lying, cheating husband?

A reader believed counseling had helped a marriage recover from an affair, but discovers continued contact and financial support for the other person.

Two adults talk beside a courtyard fountain.

Medically reviewed

Can love survive if we have different religions?

A Muslim reader is attracted to a Catholic woman and cannot stop thinking about her. They ask what to do about the religious difference.

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Medically reviewed

Why am I experiencing a loss of patience?

A reader is easily irritated and quickly loses patience, damaging relationships with family and a boyfriend.

An adult pauses beside a broad botanical garden path.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel like I’m losing my personality wholeness?

A reader reports six months of concentration problems, unwanted memories, a changed sense of identity, and fear in public places.

Two students walk across a bright college courtyard.

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Can my high school relationship survive college?

A reader feels anxious and conflicted about whether a high school relationship can survive college.

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Medically reviewed

How do I deal with someone who is a liar and a kleptomaniac?

A reader describes repeated lying and stealing that have damaged friendships and led to arrest.

Friends share a relaxed lakeside picnic.

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Why am I so jealous of her male friends?

After two recent breakups, a reader feels threatened by a new girlfriend’s male friendships despite her openness and efforts to include them.

An adult pauses beside an open door with a phone set aside.

Medically reviewed

How do I deal with a jealous girlfriend?

A reader wants to preserve a relationship despite a girlfriend’s intense jealousy, accusations, and monitoring of messages and location.

Two young adults talk together on a garden bench.

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What’s wrong with me?

A reader describes self-injury, eating-related difficulties, compulsive patterns, and dangerous impulsive behavior despite often feeling happy.

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How should I handle my husband’s request for anal play?

A woman experiences guilt and conflict between religious beliefs and her husband’s preferences in their consensual sexual relationship.

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How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?

A person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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How are dissociation, DID, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) connected?

A person newly in therapy for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) wonders whether changes in their voice, posture, and conversation while dissociated mean they have DID.

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How can I cope with regular suicidal thoughts?

A working parent describes increasingly persistent suicidal thoughts while struggling to manage home responsibilities.

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What’s the difference between Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and DID?

A person diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) describes internal voices and changes in their sense of identity and control.

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Can you have Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since childhood with no memory of trauma?

A young woman tentatively diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reports longstanding symptoms but cannot identify a clear traumatic event.

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How are Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and night terrors connected?

A person diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression asks about frequent nighttime terrors and ways to settle them.

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How do I deal with a psychotic ex-boyfriend?

A woman remains in contact with an ex-partner who has a history of threats, violence, substance use, and continuing delusional accusations despite treatment.

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How effective is Prozac for Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

A person’s Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms returned after stopping Prozac, and they are anxious about whether restarting it at changing doses will help.

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What should I do about my husband’s prolonged unemployment?

A woman feels exhausted by more than four years of her husband’s unemployment, his resistance to available jobs, and ongoing financial demands while she faces…

Two adults talking together in a sunny park

Medically reviewed

How do I cope with my boyfriend’s depression?

A woman worries that her boyfriend has depression and a past suicide attempt but avoids discussing it.

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How do I cope with a postponed wedding day?

A woman is devastated when her fiancé postpones their wedding two weeks beforehand, citing arguments and a need for counseling.

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What helps with POCD?

A woman with a history of depression, panic, and childhood mistreatment is distressed by unwanted thoughts about harming children despite reporting no…

Medically reviewed

How can psychopaths manipulate people if they lack empathy?

A person asks how someone thought to have psychopathic traits can anticipate and manipulate others’ emotions while seeming to lack empathy.

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What is pathological lying?

A parent describes an adult son’s longstanding lying, anger when challenged, excessive spending, and relationship problems.

Two relatives sharing tea on a bright porch

Medically reviewed

What is paranoid depression?

A person is concerned about a relative with depression who has become suspicious of doctors and stopped medication and appointments.

Fresh towels and a blue robe in a bright bathroom.

Medically reviewed

How should I handle someone’s lack of personal hygiene?

A parent is worried about a nineteen-year-old daughter’s marked decline in bathing and her defensive reaction when it is mentioned.

Two men talk together in a bright counseling room.

Medically reviewed

What are the first steps to overcoming paranoia?

A person describes a brother’s worsening belief that unseen people are targeting him with noises and energy waves.

Two adults sitting together during a call at a kitchen table

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Why does our son refuse treatment for his anxiety and depression?

Parents are worried about a 23-year-old son whose anxiety and depression have disrupted college and work.

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Does Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) cause me to feel no emotions?

A 25-year-old person says treatment has improved their Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but they still feel emotionally detached and unable to experience pleasure or affection naturally.

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How can I cope with obsessive thoughts about life and existentialism?

A person under prolonged stress describes frightening thoughts about existence and language, episodes of disorientation, and fear around sleep while taking…

A notebook beside a window overlooking a park

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Why do I keep dreaming about a nonexistent lover?

A person describes feeling in love with an imagined companion while maintaining friendships and daily life.

Two adults sharing tea on a sunny balcony

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Why is there no romance after having a baby?

A woman feels rejected after her long-term partner stops offering affection following the birth of their second child.

Adults planting seedlings together in a community garden

Medically reviewed

Why have I never had a boyfriend?

A 21-year-old woman has never had a boyfriend and is puzzled by attention that seems limited to sex rather than dating.

Adults talking during a community pottery class

Medically reviewed

Why can't I find a serious relationship?

A 23-year-old woman who has never had a serious relationship worries that being introverted makes her unlovable.

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Medically reviewed

How can I overcome being nervous about nudity?

A newly married woman feels uncomfortable being seen undressed and says her husband takes her modesty personally.

An adult and child beside a sunlit blue doorway

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How do I deal with a narcissistic stepfather?

A university student left home after being physically mistreated by a stepfather and remains frightened by his continuing attempts at contact.

Two adults walking along an open riverside path

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How can I help my younger brother who has spells of rage?

A sister is concerned about her 20-year-old brother’s longstanding episodes of rage, recent property damage, substance use, and the safety of his girlfriend…

A couple walking together through a garden

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How should I deal with my wife’s past?

A man raised with strict beliefs about premarital sex feels distressed by his wife’s earlier relationships many years into their marriage.

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What should I do if I feel like my therapist doesn’t like me?

A person worries that their therapist is bored and cannot genuinely care about them despite verbal reassurance.

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Is my snoring pushing him away?

A woman feels hurt after her husband moves to a separate bedroom because of her snoring.

Two mugs and an open notebook on a round table.

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What is the true meaning of being defensive?

A couple asks what being defensive means in conversation. They wonder whether denying fault, justifying behavior or countering criticism by blaming the other…

Morning sunlight over a peaceful woodland path.

Medically reviewed

What is the point of life?

A student reports worsening depression despite antidepressants and counseling, feeling bullied and uncared for, and thoughts of suicide.

A couple having a quiet conversation at a kitchen table.

Medically reviewed

Should I leave my husband?

A woman in a long marriage feels lonely and emotionally unsupported, and an affair with a married coworker has intensified her doubts.

Two women walking together beside a calm lake.

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Should I be hopeful that he will change his mind about divorce?

A newly married woman is shocked by her husband's sudden request for divorce and refusal to try counseling.

Adults enjoying a watercolor workshop outdoors

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How can I learn self-acceptance?

A woman in a loving long-term relationship feels insecure, jealous of her partner’s support network, and fearful of being left.

An adult walking along a sunlit seafront promenade

Medically reviewed

Is it wrong that I’m seeing a married man?

A woman wants to end a year-long relationship with a married man after waiting for him and receiving demeaning accusations.

A work bag and notebook beside an office window

Medically reviewed

Will depression affect my chances of getting security clearance?

A government contractor receiving treatment to prevent a recurrence of depression is worried that the condition will lead to denial of a required security…

Smooth pebbles beside a gently flowing stream

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How can I cope with scary thoughts and dark feelings?

A young man describes evening unease, a frightening episode of feeling ungrounded, and unwanted thoughts about harming himself or loved ones.

Two adults holding hands during a garden walk

Medically reviewed

Why am I so afraid he will leave me?

After a difficult marriage and divorce, a woman is falling in love with a new partner but fears that expressing it will drive him away.

A calm living room opening onto a green garden.

Medically reviewed

Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?

A woman describes ongoing verbal abuse and an incident in which her boyfriend tried to punch her, which she blocked.

A woman walking with a small dog through a sunny garden.

Medically reviewed

Will I ever feel normal?

A woman describes long-standing low self-worth, an abusive first marriage and emotional numbness years after her husband's suicide.

A man writing in a journal beside a lake.

Medically reviewed

Why does my wife of 21 years have a boyfriend?

A man is grieving after his wife of twenty-one years moves out and begins another relationship.

Two women walking an open coastal trail.

Medically reviewed

Why is he so jealous?

A woman is frightened by a new boyfriend's controlling jealousy, including accusations involving her brothers.

Two people sharing a quiet picnic with blue cups.

Medically reviewed

Why does my wife’s old boyfriend bother me?

A man in a loving marriage feels persistent jealousy and loses sleep over his wife's daily correspondence with a former boyfriend.

An open garden gate leading onto a sunny path.

Medically reviewed

Why does my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend have to be so involved in his life?

A woman feels hidden and excluded because her long-term boyfriend has not told his child's mother about their relationship.

Two women enjoying a conversation outside a bookshop cafe.

Medically reviewed

Why do men not find me attractive?

A twenty-seven-year-old woman prefers men to initiate dates but says the only person who showed interest was abusive.

A soft blanket on a blue chair in a sunny reading nook.

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Why do I feel like I like being abused?

An engaged woman feels bored by stability and drawn toward risky or harmful experiences, while describing jealousy and past emotional abuse in her relationship.

Gentle waves moving around a smooth shoreline rock.

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Why do I feel like everyone is trying to upset me?

A reader has recurring one- or two-week periods of intense upset, anger and feeling ignored every few months.

A peaceful bedside table in soft morning light.

Medically reviewed

Why can’t I get gross images out of my head?

A fifty-two-year-old woman experiences persistent anxiety and revulsion after seeing or hearing disturbing descriptions.

A varied bouquet of wildflowers in a blue glass vase.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel inadequate?

A reader with a history of abuse describes feeling worthless when comparing their appearance with others and briefly superior when putting people down.

A notebook and telephone on a bright desk.

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What options remain after last-resort medications?

A reader has severe recurring depression, suicidal thoughts, job loss and difficulty paying for medication or psychiatric care.

Two women arranging flowers together at a kitchen table.

Medically reviewed

What should I do about my 19-year-old daughter’s anger issues?

A parent feels intimidated by a nineteen-year-old daughter's escalating shouting and angry outbursts after she left college and stopped working.

A journal and pencil beside a bright window.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m terrified I’ll do something sexually inappropriate?

A sixteen-year-old with anxiety and depression fears she might touch someone inappropriately despite having no wish to do so.

A couple talking while choosing flowers at an outdoor market.

Medically reviewed

How should I handle a sweet but aloof boyfriend?

A woman feels impatient with her caring but laid-back boyfriend and sometimes directs stress or irritation toward him.

A woman reflecting with a journal in a bright reading room.

Medically reviewed

Are strange sexual fantasies normal?

An eighteen-year-old woman is concerned about increasingly dominant sexual fantasies involving herself as the person harmed.

A bright home entrance with a blue door and green plants.

Medically reviewed

How can I protect myself from stalking and regain control?

A woman reports persistent unwanted visits and religiously focused harassment despite police intervention and an arrest.

Two men talking on a park bench overlooking water.

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How does borderline personality disorder affect spousal abuse?

A man describes repeated physical and verbal abuse by his wife, an order of protection and a later decision to seek divorce.

A parent and child playing with wooden blocks in a bright room.

Medically reviewed

What causes spitting behavior?

A parent describes a six-year-old's repeated spitting, fear of germs, sensations of wet clothing and insistence on locked doors.

A person walking a dog along a riverside path.

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How can you solve and fix your problems quickly?

A reader asks how to monitor mental health without becoming excessively worried about possible disorders.

A woman listens thoughtfully to another person in a counseling room.

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How can I get help for my smoking fetish?

A woman is comfortable with her husband's smoking fetish but feels unwanted when he uses fetish websites despite their active sex life.

Fresh towels and soap on a bright bathroom shelf.

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How do I deal with a slobby husband?

A woman says her husband's poor hygiene and public habits have reduced her attraction to him despite loving his other qualities.

A young adult reflecting with a notebook in a university garden.

Medically reviewed

Should I stay with my girlfriend of 4 years?

A college student describes frequent arguments and accusations of jealousy during a four-year relationship.

Two cups of tea on a sunlit table during a quiet conversation.

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Should I stay with a lying husband?

After 35 years of marriage, a woman discovers that her husband concealed repeated meetings with an ex-girlfriend.

An adult closing a laptop beside a sunny garden doorway.

Medically reviewed

How can I prevent relapse into pornography?

A 29-year-old in a satisfying relationship repeatedly returns to online pornography despite filters and a wish to stop.

A bright family dining space with blue and white chairs.

Medically reviewed

How do I handle having to choose between my husband and my son?

A parent feels pressured to choose between a husband and teenage son after physical conflict at home.

A woman relaxes on a sofa in a bright room.

Edited

Awareness and Self-Care for Wellbeing

Discover practical ways to build mental wellness through balance, resilience, self-care, and connection. Learn how to thrive in daily life with clarity.

A calm garden courtyard with a clear walkway

Medically reviewed

Why do I hear voices and feel no emotion?

A reader describes emotional numbness, isolation, voices urging violence, harm to animals, and fear of losing control.

Two adults walking toward a bright community building.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I always feel like someone is watching me?

A 19-year-old describes years of feeling watched or followed, internal conversations, and perceptions of people in shadows.

Three adults playing musical instruments together.

Medically reviewed

Why do I have such a hard time making friends with other guys?

A man links difficulty making male friends to childhood exclusion and interests that differ from those common in his community.

An adult reflecting with a notebook at a balcony table.

Medically reviewed

How do I handle having a crush on my husband’s friend?

A married person remains preoccupied with a crush on a man who has become the husband's friend.

A parent and child painting flowers together.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I feel ugly?

A parent says their nearly seven-year-old daughter feels unattractive despite otherwise seeming happy.

An adult with a phone and study materials at a cafe table.

Medically reviewed

How can I stop feeling like he loves her more?

A graduate student compares herself obsessively with her boyfriend's first love after learning how painful that breakup was for him.

Two people walking with bicycles by a river.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel like I don’t care about anything?

A 17-year-old describes low energy, frequent sleep, and a troubling sense that nothing matters.

An adult sketching in a notebook at a sunny table.

Medically reviewed

Why don’t I know who my true self is?

A 19-year-old worries that his identity changes to match fictional characters or the people around him.

Two students walking toward a campus building.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel like I’m wasting my life?

An 18-year-old college student has stopped attending classes and exercising after losing motivation.

Two adults sharing a supportive conversation at a garden table.

Medically reviewed

Why do I become so hostile toward myself?

An 18-year-old reports episodes of intense self-directed anger and self-injury but has hidden them out of shame.

A student with notebooks at a bright library table.

Medically reviewed

How does hypothyroidism affect a 23-year-old girl?

A 23-year-old nursing student with hypothyroidism struggles with focus, memory, and confidence in coursework despite feeling capable elsewhere.

A couple walking together beside a lake.

Medically reviewed

How can I help my husband with his weight problem?

A wife feels embarrassed by her husband's weight and recognizes that her reactions echo childhood prejudice in her family.

Two adults talking over coffee at an outdoor cafe.

Medically reviewed

Is my husband’s secretary too close to him?

A wife feels excluded by the amount of time her husband spends with his secretary, including lunches and after-hours events.

An adult holding a blue cup among unpacked boxes.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my husband wants a divorce?

A wife feels devastated after her husband requests a divorce and refuses counseling or other attempts to repair the marriage.

A couple preparing vegetables together in a bright kitchen.

Medically reviewed

Why does my husband get jealous of my friends and family?

A wife describes intermittent conflict when her husband says her contact with friends and relatives leaves him competing for attention.

A blue armchair beside a closed white door in afternoon light.

Medically reviewed

Is my husband’s playfulness with our daughter inappropriate?

A parent is alarmed after their husband frightened their 19-year-old daughter by intruding on her privacy during previously normalized physical horseplay.

An adult sitting thoughtfully on a shaded park bench.

Medically reviewed

How can I show appreciation and reap the rewards?

A 20-year-old reports brief episodes in which their sense of self seems to fade and then return.

Shoes beside the door in a bright family entryway.

Medically reviewed

What should I do to stop my stepson from molesting my kids?

A parent describes serious harm to young children by an older stepsibling and disagreement with their spouse about keeping the children apart.

A parent and young child watering seedlings by a window.

Medically reviewed

How do I encourage compassion in my 4-year-old son?

A parent worries that their four-year-old son laughs when others are hurt and shows little compassion or remorse.

Two adults having a quiet conversation on a garden bench.

Medically reviewed

How can I forgive my husband for abandoning me?

A recently married person with periods of incapacitating illness feels hurt and unsafe after their husband left them without care.

Family members listen to one another in a sunlit room.

Medically reviewed

Could my sister be a pathological liar?

A reader reports a sister’s changing behavior after divorce and believes she is lying about family matters.

Two adults talk on a balcony overlooking the water.

Medically reviewed

Does my boyfriend have sex anxiety, or is he gay?

A reader’s boyfriend has withdrawn from sexual intimacy as their emotional relationship has deepened.

A couple talks at a kitchen table with a laptop set aside.

Medically reviewed

Is male interest in pornography normal?

A reader is uncomfortable with a fiancé’s hidden pornography use and wonders whether the interest is normal or a warning about marriage.

Two adults plant seedlings together at a garden table.

Medically reviewed

How do I stop being such an attention seeker?

A reader asks whether someone can change behavior that draws attention through deception or self-injury.

An adult reflects in a sunlit reading nook.

Medically reviewed

Is it wrong to be a masochist?

A reader asks whether identifying as a masochist is wrong and wonders how their family might react.

Medically reviewed

Why does it feel like I’m competing with his son?

A woman feels overlooked after moving in with a partner who remains very close to his adult son.

Two adults talking in a community reading room.

Medically reviewed

I need support, where do I start?

A woman describes long-standing mood difficulties, anger, numbness, and increasing thoughts of suicide while feeling judged by people around her.

Adult relatives sharing a conversation on a sunlit porch

Medically reviewed

What can I do when my suicidal son can’t stop abusing drugs?

A parent describes an adult son’s long history of substance use, repeated treatment episodes, and suicidal thoughts.

A person seated on a terrace beside sunlit leaves.

Medically reviewed

What causes someone to mentally check-out?

A reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what occurred.

Two young adults talking while walking through a sunny campus garden.

Medically reviewed

How can I overcome my debilitating shyness and fear of life?

A 21-year-old university student describes persistent shyness, loneliness, low self-esteem, and fear of everyday social situations.

Two adults tending a young plant together

Medically reviewed

How can I forgive my husband to save our marriage?

A separated reader wants to repair a marriage after repeated infidelity and years of conflict.

Gentle waves reaching a quiet shoreline at dawn

Medically reviewed

How can I cope with the unbearable loss of my husband?

A reader grieving a husband after more than 40 years together describes profound despair, loneliness, and thoughts of ending their life.

Two plants in separate pots on a sunny windowsill

Medically reviewed

How can I control morbid jealousy?

A reader describes around 30 years of intense jealousy that now threatens a long marriage. They ask for help bringing the pattern under control.

Two empty chairs and a picnic basket beside a lake.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’ve lost interest in sex?

A person married for five years lost interest in sex about a year earlier, and medication has not helped.

A green plant in a blue pot on a sunny windowsill.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I think my husband hates me?

A parent describes repeated verbal cruelty and threats from a husband who drinks heavily, while hoping treatment might restore the marriage.

Two adults reading together on a blue sofa.

Medically reviewed

Does my husband have sex and intimacy issues?

A person describes a supportive marriage outside the bedroom but persistent frustration with sexual communication and intimacy.

A blank notebook and blue folder beside a glass of water.

Medically reviewed

What meds can treat depression without weight gain?

A person believes they have a mood disorder but hesitates to seek treatment because they fear lithium-related weight gain.

Two adults embracing in a bright entryway.

Medically reviewed

Am I obsessing over the lack of affection?

A person in a close relationship feels distressed by limited time with their boyfriend because both work two jobs.

A blue armchair and white throw beside an open window.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I can’t experience happiness?

A person describes a lifelong absence of happiness and worries that a neurological condition must explain it.

Three young adults talking together on a campus lawn.

Medically reviewed

What does it mean if I’m attracted to men and women?

A 20-year-old male college student is attracted to both men and women and fears losing friends if he is gay.

A closed blue notebook and two white cups on a table.

Medically reviewed

Why do I have to imagine I’m a sex victim?

A person in a loving relationship feels distressed by unwanted sexual fantasies involving victimization and finds intimacy difficult without them.

An adult arranging white flowers beside a sunny window.

Medically reviewed

Is it normal to feel nothing when you have Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

After discovering a partner's death by suicide, a person reports emotional numbness and impulsive behavior that feel unlike their earlier self.

Two adults tending herbs in blue pots on a balcony.

Medically reviewed

Does my Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) increase the risk of my child developing autism?

A prospective parent with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) asks whether their child could inherit OCD or face an increased chance of autism.

A family planting seedlings in a sunny garden.

Medically reviewed

Is my boyfriend’s daughter too attached?

A woman worries about her boyfriend’s ten-year-old daughter’s intense attachment after divorce.

A woman walking along a coastal promenade.

Medically reviewed

Why can’t I walk away from my ex?

A woman has ended an exhausting relationship but continued contact keeps drawing her back into discussion.

Two adults’ hands beside cups of tea on a breakfast table.

Medically reviewed

Can our marriage survive without sex?

A woman who has long feared and disliked sex has begun therapy and finally shared her feelings with her supportive husband.

Two adults seated apart in a bright counseling room.

Medically reviewed

Can a psychologist tell his patient that he is attracted to her?

A reader asks whether a psychologist should disclose romantic attraction when a patient also feels attracted.

An adult stretching beside a sunlit window.

Medically reviewed

Can mental illness cause physical pain?

A reader asks whether mental health difficulties can accompany pain, numbness, brief altered responsiveness, and other concerning symptoms.

Hands preparing a notebook beside a phone and flowers.

Medically reviewed

Can I contact my mothers doctor?

A family is worried about a mother’s mood, eating, and behavior despite her composed public appearance.

Two cups on a garden table between chairs.

Medically reviewed

Can you help me save my relationship?

A reader wants to repair a once-promising relationship now marked by frequent defensiveness and exhausting arguments.

A notebook, flower, and tea beside a rain-speckled window.

Medically reviewed

How do I manage feelings for my ex whilst grieving?

A young woman grieving her father’s sudden death feels renewed closeness to an ex while drifting from her current boyfriend.

A woman reflecting beside a window with a notebook.

Medically reviewed

Can our love survive broken trust?

A young woman recovering from anorexia feels insecure after discovering her boyfriend’s romantic messages and concealed pornography use.

A white flower beside a folded blanket in morning light.

Medically reviewed

Why has grief made me numb?

After several family deaths and another relative’s terminal illness, a reader feels emotionally numb despite continuing to help.

A student reflecting at a desk beside a sunlit window.

Medically reviewed

Why am I questioning my long-distance relationship?

A college student repeatedly returns to a high-school relationship but feels lonely and uncertain during separation.

Hands turning a notebook page beside a pen.

Medically reviewed

Is my wife's counting a sign of a disorder?

A husband describes his wife’s near-constant counting, accompanied by headaches and depressed mood.

Two women standing beside an open garden gate.

Medically reviewed

Should I leave my depressed, controlling husband?

A woman feels diminished and isolated by her husband’s controlling behavior after a disabling injury and depression.

Medically reviewed

How do I manage my anger towards my step-dad?

A young adult feels angry about a stepfather’s secrecy after leaving the family and starting another relationship.

Hands writing beside a face-down phone and cup of tea.

Medically reviewed

How do I stop needing so much attention?

A woman recognizes a persistent need for attention that leads to arguments, repeated messages, and harmful coping.

A woman sitting on a bench in a flowering garden.

Medically reviewed

Can our relationship survive his toxic mother?

A woman is exhausted by her boyfriend’s mother’s controlling behavior and his difficulty setting limits.

An art student sketching at an outdoor courtyard table.

Medically reviewed

Can I find love when I am afraid of being judged?

A fine-art student living with a mental health condition fears rejection when discussing benefits and personal circumstances on dates.

Three adults talking together at a sunlit kitchen table

Medically reviewed

How do you save a loved one who refuses to be helped?

A reader describes a brother’s escalating substance use and suicidal threats, alongside the family’s exhaustion and uncertainty about obtaining help.

Two friends sharing a quiet conversation in a sunny garden

Medically reviewed

How do I cope after losing both parents and battling Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

A reader lost both parents within two years and describes traumatic caregiving memories, a Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, and persistent suicidal thoughts.

Two women walking together through a peaceful botanical garden

Medically reviewed

What should I do about my boyfriend’s delusional jealousy?

A reader describes a boyfriend’s increasingly irrational accusations of infidelity, an assault, and threats of self-harm.

Hands arranging blank cards beside a cup of tea

Medically reviewed

How do you know if a memory is real or a delusion?

A reader with past methamphetamine use and ongoing paranoia describes a troubling memory that changes when recalled.

A couple reviewing a notebook together at their dining table

Medically reviewed

How can I encourage my husband to take more responsibility?

A reader wants to share household decisions and finances with a husband who struggles with responsibility and receives treatment for panic disorder.

Two adults entering a sunlit courtyard together

Medically reviewed

Feeling depressed and isolated. How do I move forward?

A young woman describes being housebound, emotionally numb, and isolated despite months of therapy.

Hands playing an acoustic guitar beside a sunny window

Medically reviewed

What is happening when I dissociate?

A reader describes increasingly frequent periods of lost time during which they apparently work, talk, and drive normally.

A couple looking through a photo album together

Medically reviewed

Does my boyfriend have feelings for his ex wife?

A reader worries that a boyfriend’s retained holiday photographs and contact with an ex-wife mean he still wants the previous relationship.

A woman opening the curtains in a bright apartment

Medically reviewed

How do I break free from my dominating mother?

A 38-year-old reader describes feeling controlled by a healthy elderly mother who shares a small apartment with them.

Two adults walking together along a quiet waterfront

Medically reviewed

Why do I black out after just a few drinks?

A reader describes increasingly serious alcohol-related blackouts and destructive behavior, despite not identifying as having a drinking problem.

A family enjoying a picnic beside a playing field

Medically reviewed

Am I competing with my stepdaughter?

A reader feels neglected because a husband devotes much of his time to a teenage daughter’s sports activities.

An adult pausing beside a window at a quiet desk

Medically reviewed

Could I have done something horrible without remembering?

A reader with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) fears that a vivid mental image proves they harmed someone and forgot it.

A parent and children tending plants on a sunny balcony

Medically reviewed

Why does he want to divorce me?

A reader is shocked after a husband suddenly leaves a long marriage and refuses counseling despite saying he still loves them.

A couple talking across a table in a sunlit café

Medically reviewed

How do we fix our relationship?

An engaged couple has postponed their wedding because frequent arguments leave both partners feeling unwanted.

An older woman and an adult daughter sharing tea outdoors

Medically reviewed

How can I better support my histrionic mother?

An adult child is helping elderly parents while a father has terminal cancer and worries about a mother’s future care and vulnerability.

Two adults preparing lunch in a bright kitchen

Medically reviewed

Do I have an eating disorder?

A young adult whose depression has improved in treatment describes recent restriction, purging, and guilt about eating.

A simple breakfast setting in soft morning sunlight

Medically reviewed

Is there a way to stop my choking anxiety?

A reader with longstanding anxiety describes a fear of choking that has progressively restricted eating to liquids.

An adult taking a quiet break beside an office window

Medically reviewed

Why am I so fragile?

A reader feels close to tears after even mildly rude or condescending comments and is finding work increasingly difficult.

A parent and child watering a garden together

Medically reviewed

Why do I snap over little things?

A reader repeatedly snaps at a spouse and coworkers over small frustrations and regrets the resulting arguments.

A caregiver and child building with wooden blocks.

Medically reviewed

Is my 5 year old showing signs of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Bipolar Disorder?

A parent asks whether a five-year-old’s intermittent disruptive behavior at school could indicate Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or bipolar disorder.

Two women rest their heads close together and smile.

Medically reviewed

The Dance of Intimacy and Autonomy

Discover how intimacy and autonomy shape relationships and learn to balance connection with personal freedom for greater fulfillment.

Two adults talking in a bright, comfortable counseling office.

Medically reviewed

AAIDD's View of Intellectual Disability

Learn how intellectual disability is identified and supported using AAIDD criteria, focusing on adaptive behavior and cognitive functioning.

A person pauses beneath flowering branches in a spring garden.

Medically reviewed

How Diabetes Impacts Mental Health

Discover how diabetes affects mental health and why caring for both body and mind leads to stronger, more effective treatment.

A child and adult work together on a learning activity.

Medically reviewed

Balancing Praise and Correction for Children

Learn how to support child development with effective praise and correction to build resilience and confidence.

A woman sits beside an open laptop with her hands resting at her temples.

Medically reviewed

The Biology of Stress

Learn how stress affects the body over time through the General Adaptation Syndrome, including hormones, brain activity, and health risks.

A woman walks along a tree-lined path in a green park.

Medically reviewed

How Exercise Can Help Reduce Anger

Learn how regular exercise can help you manage anger more effectively, ease stress, and improve your overall emotional well-being.

A woman sits quietly beside a sunlit window.

Medically reviewed

Ways to Escape the Cycle of Rumination

Discover five practical strategies to break the cycle of rumination, quiet overthinking, and improve mental well-being.

A caregiver and older woman smile together in a garden.

Medically reviewed

Social Health and Aging

Discover how meaningful social connection can support memory, reduce dementia risk, and improve emotional health as we age.

A couple sits apart on a sofa, each looking thoughtful.

Medically reviewed

Why We Miscommunicate With Loved Ones

Learn why communication with loved ones can be difficult, according to Dr. Boaz Keysar’s research, and how to avoid common misunderstandings.

Medically reviewed

Healing With the Empty Chair Method

Discover how the Empty Chair Technique helps people process emotions, gain insight, and find resolution through guided dialogue.

A healthcare professional explains information to someone during a consultation.

Medically reviewed

Moral Development

Discover how moral development shapes behavior from childhood through adulthood. Learn about key theories, empathy, and social influences on ethics.

Medically reviewed

Building Emotionally Intelligent Families

Discover five essential habits that help families build emotional intelligence, strengthen connection, and support healthy child development.

An older woman and a younger relative share a close embrace.

Medically reviewed

Frailty Is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Understand why frailty isn’t a normal part of aging and discover three realistic ways to build strength, vitality, and emotional resilience.

A young person sits across from an adult holding a clipboard.

Medically reviewed

Thematic Apperception Test Explained

Explore how the Thematic Apperception Test works, what it reveals about personality, and why it's still used in modern mental health care.

Medically reviewed

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability affects cognitive function and daily life skills, requiring early intervention, structured support, and lifelong planning for…

Two adults and an older woman talk together indoors.

Medically reviewed

Sports Loss and Emotional Health

Discover how losing a game can affect mood, stress levels, and identity—and explore healthier ways to cope with emotional reactions to sports.

A group of colleagues speaks together on a video call.

Medically reviewed

Men’s Mental Health and Stigma

Discover how stigma around male mental health discourages help-seeking, despite high rates of anxiety and depression.

A woman discusses her concerns with a counselor.

Medically reviewed

The Link Between Substance Use and Anger

Explore how drugs and alcohol can contribute to anger and aggression, and uncover the science behind substance-related emotional reactions.

A person lifts their arms beneath tall trees in a green forest.

Medically reviewed

Ways to Feel Happier

Discover how letting go of draining emotional habits can boost your energy and happiness without doing more.

A woman works on a laptop while sitting on a sofa.

Medically reviewed

Television, Fear, and Mental Health

Discover the connection between fear-driven television and rising anxiety, and learn practical ways to maintain emotional balance.

A woman sits calmly with her hands resting in her lap.

Medically reviewed

Strategies to Ease Anxiety

Learn five evidence-based strategies that reduce anxiety, improve emotional clarity, and support long-term resilience without needing to eliminate stress…

A family sits together on a sofa while children move around the room.

Medically reviewed

Moral Development in Adolescence

Explore how teens form a sense of right and wrong, and what influences their moral growth during adolescence.

A person gently holds another person's hands.

Medically reviewed

What Makes People Compassionate

Discover how emotional resilience leads to greater compassion and benefits both the giver and the receiver.

A woman lifts her arms while looking toward a warm evening sky.

Medically reviewed

How to Build True Confidence

Learn how to build real confidence through self-awareness, challenge, and purpose without relying on perfection, performance, or outside approval.

A woman raises her crossed hands in front of her as a boundary gesture.

Medically reviewed

The Cascade Effect of Emotional Stress

Learn how emotional stress hijacks focus and wellness, and explore practical strategies to take back control.

A man closes his eyes and enjoys the sunlight beneath a tree.

Medically reviewed

Traits of Extraordinary Thinkers

What sets extraordinary people apart is not perfection, but how they think. This article explores key traits, like self-belief and creative independence, that…

Medically reviewed

Food Insecurity, Hunger, and Mental Health

Hunger is more than the absence of food as it creates stress, disrupts development, and damages mental health across a lifetime.

A person forms a heart shape with their hands.

Medically reviewed

The Cultural Dimensions of Family

Explore how family, culture, and tradition influence mental health and ways to nurture resilience.

A couple rests close together beside a lake.

Medically reviewed

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Learn how to navigate difficult conversations with confidence by staying grounded and composed when emotions run high.

A person sits with their hands resting together in their lap.

Medically reviewed

The Link Between Ecstasy Use and Depression

Discover how MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, affects mood and may increase the risk of depression with continued use.

Medically reviewed

The Addiction Epidemic

Discover the scope of addiction in the U.S., how it’s tracked, and what needs to change to make care more accessible and compassionate.

A woman discusses her concerns with a healthcare professional.

Medically reviewed

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the Role of Stimulants in Treatment

Learn about Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, including medications, therapy, and lifestyle strategies for long-term management.

A woman sits beside moving boxes on a staircase.

Medically reviewed

Navigating Life's Challenges

Learn how shifting perspectives, prioritizing quality, and setting boundaries can reduce stress and build resilience for a fulfilling life.

A group of adults talks together in a comfortable counseling room.

Medically reviewed

Alcohol's Effects on Behavioral Health

Discover how alcohol affects personality and behavior, learn to manage conflicts, and stay informed on new health warnings.

A driver gestures through an open car window.

Medically reviewed

Managing Anger When Faced With Disrespect

Learn how to effectively manage anger, challenge assumptions, and maintain control when confronted with disrespectful behavior.

A woman at a desk reacts to an overwhelming pile of paperwork.

Medically reviewed

The Four Stages of Burnout

Recognize the four stages of burnout, spot warning signs early, and take action to restore balance before it escalates.

A person stretches their arms toward the sunlight from a sofa.

Medically reviewed

The Healing Power of Laughter

Discover how laughter relieves stress, builds resilience, and enhances well-being with simple ways to incorporate it into daily life.

A man speaks with a counselor in a comfortable room.

Medically reviewed

Drug-Induced Osteoporosis

Learn how substance use impacts osteoporosis and explore essential strategies for prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery.

A person holds a ring between their fingers.

Medically reviewed

Glossophobia the ‘Fear of Public Speaking’

Learn about glossophobia, its symptoms and causes, and discover effective methods to manage anxiety and build confidence in public speaking.

A woman stretches while sitting on a sofa in a bright room.

Medically reviewed

Multidimensional Wellness

Learn how multidimensional wellness supports mental health and offers a practical path to a more balanced, fulfilling life.

A couple shares a close, comforting embrace.

Medically reviewed

Emotional Intimacy in Marriage

Learn to restore emotional intimacy and deepen your marriage bond through trust, open connection, and lasting emotional closeness.

A woman smiles in the sunshine while wearing a straw hat.

Medically reviewed

The Power of Belief

Learn how letting go of limiting beliefs and choosing adaptability can lead to greater clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of fulfillment.

A man sits with his hand near his mouth.

Medically reviewed

Depression and Emotional Distance

Learn how depression distorts emotional perception in relationships and how recognizing it can help restore connection.

A person sits quietly on a sofa beside a window.

Medically reviewed

Emotional Safety

Discover how emotional safety eases stress, deepens connection, and builds lasting resilience with research based insights.

A woman takes a thoughtful break while working on a laptop.

Medically reviewed

Conquering Inertia

Learn how inertia affects mental health and discover five strategies to overcome stuckness, build momentum, and find purpose.

Medically reviewed

Porn Exposure and Confusion

Learn how porn exposure can shape self-identity, reduce sexual fulfillment, and influence the quality and depth of romantic relationships.

Medically reviewed

Pornography and Behavioral Health

Pornography and behavioral health are inextricably linked, fueling mental health struggles in people of all ages.

Medically reviewed

The Effect of Porn on Marriage

Learn how pornography can contribute to marital challenges, strain relationships, and increase the risk of separation or divorce.

A woman listens during a supportive counseling conversation.

Medically reviewed

Porn and Depression

Porn consumption can worsen depressive symptoms, leading to emotional numbness, reduced motivation, and deeper social isolation.

Medically reviewed

Practical Tips for Couples to Stop Arguing

Learn how to reduce arguments, communicate more effectively, and build a stronger, more connected relationship with your partner.

Medically reviewed

When It's Time for a New Relationship

Learn the signs that show readiness for a new relationship, from emotional healing to personal growth, and move forward with confidence.

Medically reviewed

Tips for Long-Distance Relationships

Discover essential tips to stay connected, strengthen trust, and keep your long-distance relationship thriving, no matter the distance.

Medically reviewed

The Four Stages of Dating

Explore the four stages of dating with expert tips to strengthen your connection, overcome challenges, and build a lasting relationship.

Medically reviewed

How Porn Affects Relationships

Explore how pornography affects relationships and intimacy, what research shows, and how couples can rebuild trust.

Books and a fountain pen on a sunny desk.

Medically reviewed

What is your theoretical perspective?

A graduate psychology student asks Dr. Dombeck which theoretical perspective informs his work.

A soft blanket rests on a chair in a quiet, sunlit room.

Medically reviewed

Revenge Porn: Understanding Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII)

Discover how revenge porn affects mental health and what survivors can do to protect themselves, remove harmful content, and find support.

Medically reviewed

Overcoming Shame

Discover how shame fuels disconnection while vulnerability and self acceptance build deeper authentic relationships.

A woman pauses thoughtfully while looking at her phone.

Medically reviewed

The Relationship Between Anger and Social Media

Discover effective strategies for managing anger on social media and promoting calmer, more mindful online interactions.

Medically reviewed

Marriage Breakdown Patterns

Explore the stages of relationship breakdown, featuring the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Duck’s Five-Stage Model.

A couple talks and smiles together on a sofa.

Medically reviewed

What to Never Sacrifice in a Relationship

Learn what never to sacrifice in a relationship and how mutual respect builds a lasting healthy partnership.

Medically reviewed

Mind: A Brief Introduction

Maria Antonietta Perna, Ph.D., reviews Mind: A Brief Introduction by John R. Searle, exploring consciousness and the philosophy of mind.

Medically reviewed

The Antidepressant Solution

Roy Sugarman, Ph.D., reviews The Antidepressant Solution by Joseph Glenmullen, exploring antidepressant withdrawal and its impact.

Two people gently link fingers in the warm evening light.

Medically reviewed

Loneliness as a Health Hazard

Learn how loneliness affects mental and physical health, raising stress hormones and increasing risks like depression and heart disease.

A person frames a distant mountain landscape with their hands.

Medically reviewed

Preconceived Notions

Learn what preconceived notions are, how they shape our views, and why challenging them leads to a more open-minded future.

Medically reviewed

Ways to Promote Peace in Our World

Discover how small everyday actions, empathy, and understanding can inspire lasting peace and positive change in the world.

Medically reviewed

Porn and Anxiety

Pornography has been shown to worsen anxiety and depression symptoms, contributing to harmful brain changes over time.

Blue and cream bowls placed side by side

Medically reviewed

How do I deal with my passive-aggressive husband?

A woman describes a longstanding marital standoff involving money, silent treatment, resentment, and different wishes about children.

Two adults sit apart at the edge of a bed.

Medically reviewed

Married Men, Their Needs, and Affairs

Explores why some married men seek affairs, the emotional needs behind infidelity, and ways couples can heal and rebuild trust.

A teenager and adult talking in a bright home.

Medically reviewed

Could my mental health get worse if I don’t get help?

A teenager feels persistently irritable and sometimes depressed, but a parent dismisses the request for therapy as attitude.

A person reviews charts on a computer monitor.

Medically reviewed

Neuropsychological Testing

Learn how neuropsychological testing evaluates brain function, intelligence, memory, and mood to aid diagnosis and guide treatment.

A person rests a reassuring hand on another person's arm.

Medically reviewed

The Relationship Between Anorexia Nervosa and Fasting

Discover the key differences between fasting and anorexia nervosa, and understand their distinct impacts on physical and mental health.

Medically reviewed

Comorbid Conditions Associated With Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Discover how Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly co-occurs with other disorders and why recognizing these comorbidities is essential for effective treatment.

A quiet room with two armchairs and soft daylight

Medically reviewed

Does a therapist have to report self-injury as suicidal?

A reader with a history of self-injury wants therapy but fears that disclosure could lead to hospitalization despite no current suicidal plans.

A hand placing a blue mug beside another mug on a windowsill.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I can’t continue without affection?

A person in a long marriage describes persistent lack of affection alongside a history of verbal mistreatment.

An open garden gate leads to a peaceful park path.

Medically reviewed

How do I stop living in fear of the next outburst?

A reader fears a husband’s controlling behavior and angry outbursts may become physical violence.

Two adults talking respectfully at a dining table

Medically reviewed

Is holding a partner's throat during sex about control?

A reader wonders whether a partner placing a hand around their neck during intimacy indicates a need for control.

Blankets and a picnic basket rest on a garden bench.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my girlfriend’s family is destroying our relationship?

A reader feels a girlfriend’s family relies on her excessively and interferes in their relationship.

Two women talking with tea in a leafy courtyard.

Medically reviewed

How do I stand up to my husbands verbal abuse?

A married woman describes years of belittling and verbal abuse that are affecting her mood and family life.

An adult walking on a boardwalk beside the sea.

Medically reviewed

I got everything I wanted. Why do I still feel miserable?

An adult with family, career, and social support feels persistently unhappy and disengaged.

Two people sharing a thoughtful conversation in a bright room.

Medically reviewed

What are some effective coping skills for dealing with paranoia?

A reader in therapy for paranoia worries that neighbors are deliberately sending smoke into their home, while part of them doubts that interpretation.

A blue chair beside a garden path and new growth

Medically reviewed

Is it okay to ask for closure months after a breakup?

A woman continues to miss a former partner months after their breakup over his parents’ opposition and religious differences.

A couple talks through a disagreement while sitting on a sofa.

Medically reviewed

Why did my fiancée leave me over past porn use?

A reader is grieving after a fiancée left because she discovered a lie about past pornography use.

A closed book beside a chair with a blue blanket

Medically reviewed

Is it a concern that I get aroused by fictional sadistic fantasies?

A young adult man feels ashamed and anxious about past interest in fictional erotic material with coercive themes, while reporting no wish or action to harm…

Two adults walking together beside a pond.

Medically reviewed

How can I overcome my past and trust my partner?

A reader’s previous breakup has made promises in a loving new relationship difficult to believe.

A couple arranging white flowers together at a sunlit table.

Medically reviewed

How do I cope with a parent who is trying to ruin me?

An adult child describes a mother's longstanding hostility, financial manipulation, and rumors after a renewed relationship deteriorated.

Two women walking together beneath flowering trees

Medically reviewed

How can I help a grieving sister who is angry with me?

After helping with a brother-in-law’s funeral, a reader feels hurt by a grieving sister’s coldness and wonders whether they should have done more.

Three women having a quiet conversation at an outdoor café

Medically reviewed

How can I help my mother if my father is abusing her?

An adult daughter describes years of violence, coercion, and financial control by a father toward a mother.

An adult holding a blank postcard at a sunlit table.

Medically reviewed

What should I do when I miss my daughter so much?

A parent feels estranged from an adult daughter after family trauma, conflict, and the daughter's close involvement with another household.

White cups and strawberries on a blue picnic blanket by a lake.

Medically reviewed

How do I get the spark back when I still love her?

A person still loves and feels attracted to their girlfriend but misses the excitement of early dating.

A breakfast bowl, fruit, and water at a sunlit kitchen table.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I don’t like to eat?

A 26-year-old truck driver eats very little, is markedly underweight, and reports a past seizure and a recent near-fainting episode while driving.

An adult writing in a notebook on a garden bench.

Medically reviewed

Why can’t I tell a lie?

An adult who lost both parents in a childhood car accident connects the tragedy to a lie about medication.

A blue travel bag beside an open sunny doorway.

Medically reviewed

Do I need to leave my environment?

A 21-year-old living abroad describes severe emotional shifts, self-harm, impulsive relationships, and unusual beliefs after a traumatic childhood.

An adult holding a blue jacket in a sunny entryway.

Medically reviewed

Why won’t my boyfriend be less selfish in bed?

A person feels used and humiliated by their boyfriend's one-sided sexual behavior despite having explained their needs.

An older adult and younger adult sharing tea in a bright room.

Medically reviewed

How can I help my grieving mother?

A daughter living with bipolar II disorder and Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) feels increasingly depleted while supporting her recently widowed mother.

Two adults share kitchen tasks in a bright home.

Medically reviewed

Does my boyfriend have a sexual issue, or is he simply lazy in bed?

A reader feels dissatisfied with a boyfriend’s limited intimacy, lack of compliments, and refusal to share household tasks.

A handmade quilt rests beside flowers and a blank card.

Medically reviewed

Would it be appropriate to give my therapist a gift?

A reader wants to give a handmade quilt to a long-term therapist who has provided free sessions for two years.

A father and daughter walk together beside a river.

Medically reviewed

Is it wrong to call my daughter sweetie or other pet names?

A father’s new wife objects to him calling his teenage daughter “sweetie,” although he has used the name since childhood.

Relaxed hands rest beside a journal and mug in natural light.

Medically reviewed

What should I do about intrusive thoughts?

A reader with diagnosed Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar II describes frightening, involuntary thoughts and images about being harmed.

An adult reflects beside a window overlooking a garden.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if intrusive humiliating memories won’t go away?

A reader repeatedly recalls embarrassing experiences after ordinary daily reminders and feels the old shame again.

Two adults listen to one another across a garden table.

Medically reviewed

How do I cope with a husband who is insanely jealous?

A reader describes a husband whose jealousy and accusations of infidelity have intensified during unemployment.

An adult considers notebooks at a bright desk.

Medically reviewed

Why am I so indecisive?

A reader describes lifelong difficulty making both everyday and major decisions, alongside anxiety.

A hand setting down a pencil beside an open notebook.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I can’t express myself?

A person experiencing depression and suicidal feelings hesitates to try therapy because they struggle to express themselves verbally.

A parent and child gathering daisies in a garden.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m scared?

A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones.

An adult holding a blue mug beside a garden window.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m overemotional?

A 21-year-old has improved their anger control but now cries with happiness and fears losing loved ones.

Three adults sharing a simple birthday cake in a garden.

Medically reviewed

As his second wife, will I always play second fiddle to his daughter?

A wife feels sidelined whenever her husband's now-adult daughter visits and remains hurt by a missed milestone birthday.

A blue yoga mat and white towel in a sunlit room.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel like I’m going crazy?

A 26-year-old describes anger, panic, changing energy, health fears, and fear of medication after childhood trauma and past substance use.

A supportive hand placing a cup beside another person's hand.

Medically reviewed

What should I do after being cheated on by my girlfriend?

A person is deeply distressed after discovering that a partner had concealed an ongoing marriage.

Two middle-aged adults talking at an outdoor cafe.

Medically reviewed

How can I stop being attracted to men who don’t want me?

A 49-year-old gay man feels lonely because he is consistently attracted to younger adult men who rarely reciprocate.

Hands knitting with pale blue wool beside a cup of tea.

Medically reviewed

Why am I such a homebody?

A homemaker enjoys limited socializing and time at home, but a longtime friend's constant plans and calls feel intrusive.

Two adults sharing the task of arranging their living room

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my OCPD husband can’t tolerate my flaws?

A newly married woman describes her husband’s difficulty tolerating her habits and his increasing distance after they moved in together.

Two adults talking at a garden cafe table

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my needy son hates my boyfriend?

A divorced mother feels caught between supporting her adult son after significant losses and maintaining a relationship with a boyfriend who dislikes his…

An adult and child walking a dog along a quiet coastal path

Medically reviewed

How do I raise my little girl in a healthy, happy relationship?

A parent is concerned about an 11-year-old daughter’s changes at school and home, including reports of seeing and hearing a figure who gives violent…

A couple shares tea on a porch after setting down work bags.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my husband won’t touch me?

A reader misses a husband’s earlier affection and sexual interest and wonders whether job stress could explain the change.

An appointment folder and notebook sit beside a glass of water.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my husband won’t take his medicine?

A reader is worried that a husband has stopped prescribed immunosuppressant medication after a liver transplant.

A couple enjoys separate activities in a shared living room.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my husband is too affectionate?

A reader feels increasingly stifled by a husband’s constant affection, although they love him and once welcomed the attention.

Two adults listen and talk on a woodland walk.

Medically reviewed

How can I support my girlfriend in learning not to be so critical?

A reader wants to help a girlfriend who regrets snapping and being critical but says she cannot stop.

Two adults share a relaxed conversation over tea.

Medically reviewed

How can I help my girlfriend orgasm after 2 ½ years together?

A reader wants to support a girlfriend who has never experienced orgasm despite efforts together and on her own.

A coastal painting and white flowers rest on a shelf.

Medically reviewed

Will my fiancé ever move on from his late wife?

A reader engaged to a widower feels unsettled by a painting tied to his late wife and the prospect of displaying it in their future home.

Two sunlit paths diverge in a green park.

Medically reviewed

Why does my ex-husband say he wants me but stay with his girlfriend?

A reader’s ex-husband says he wants to reunite but continues living with the woman involved in the affair that ended their marriage.

A couple shares a quiet moment on a garden bench.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my depressed husband won’t sleep with me?

A reader is supporting a husband with depression but feels distressed by the long absence of sexual intimacy.

Morning light falls across a bed and bedside flowers.

Medically reviewed

Why does my dead mother haunt my dreams?

After caring for a mother for many years, a reader has recurring dreams in which she is alive and still demands care.

An inviting garden table has space for several people.

Medically reviewed

Why won’t my boyfriend’s children accept me?

A reader and their young daughter feel excluded from a boyfriend’s life because his adult children dictate when they can visit.

A closed laptop and empty photo frame on a bright desk.

Medically reviewed

Why does my boyfriend still have pictures of his ex-girlfriend?

A reader finds recently saved photos of a boyfriend’s ex on his computer and feels uneasy about his secrecy.

Two chairs share equal space on a sunlit porch.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my boyfriend is a sociopath?

A reader’s boyfriend calls himself a sociopath and proposes restarting their relationship with him in control.

A notebook and blue books on a sunlit library table.

Medically reviewed

What’s the difference between mental illness and insanity?

A reader asks how the terms mental illness and insanity differ. The question seeks a general distinction rather than an assessment of a particular person.

An adult reflects on a coastal bench beside a journal.

Medically reviewed

Why do I still have lingering feelings for my old affair partner?

A reader still misses an affair partner two years after the relationship ended. They have stayed married and kept the affair secret, but want help with the…

Two adults practice conversation at an outdoor cafe.

Medically reviewed

What causes a lack of social skills?

A reader can give presentations but struggles with casual conversation and attributes this to limited opportunities for self-expression while growing up.

An adult considering plans at a cafe window

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m not ready for commitment?

A woman is distressed after a partner who has experienced a difficult marriage pulls back when she expresses love.

Two adults gardening in separate beds in a shared backyard

Medically reviewed

Why do people show no compassion for depression?

A woman resents her husband’s depression because she feels compelled to take over responsibilities and finds their moods strongly affect one another.

Friends meeting at an outdoor courtyard table

Medically reviewed

Why am I so shy and scared of rejection?

A 21-year-old man wants a romantic relationship but fears rejection so intensely that he never expresses his interest.

An adult pausing beside a bright kitchen window

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my wife wants me to leave?

A husband describes financial difficulties, treatment for his own spending problems, and a wife who alternates between reunion, separation, and divorce.

Two cups and chairs arranged for a private conversation

Medically reviewed

What should I do about my wife and her sister?

A husband is upset by his wife’s sexual involvement with her sister and by pressure to film it. He says the behavior continues and asks how to respond.

An adult and child working on a wooden puzzle beside a window

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my son says he hears voices and whispers?

A parent reports that a seven-year-old son hears voices and whispers that distract him, alongside a history of severe migraines.

Family members having a calm conversation around a kitchen table

Medically reviewed

What should I do if my schizophrenic sister refuses treatment?

A sibling is worried about a sister diagnosed with schizophrenia who has stopped treatment and is raising three children while experiencing paranoia and…

Five distinct ceramic vessels on a pale wooden shelf.

Medically reviewed

What is neuroticism?

A reader asks whether neuroticism is a personality disorder. The question seeks a distinction between a commonly used personality term and a clinical diagnosis.

Smooth river stones arranged on a sunlit wooden table.

Medically reviewed

What is a complex?

A reader asks what a psychological complex means and how it develops. They also want to understand how fears such as abandonment can shape behavior in ways…

A comfortable reading chair beside a sunlit garden window.

Medically reviewed

What signs can help me understand if I experienced sexual abuse?

A woman struggles with intimacy, frightening dreams and a history of eating difficulties but has no memory of childhood sexual abuse.

Two students talking in a bright art workshop.

Medically reviewed

Why am I so unlucky in love?

A twenty-nine-year-old man sees a pattern of attraction to ambitious women who do not commit while he may commit quickly.

Two adults from different generations walking together in a park.

Medically reviewed

What else can help my son stop hearing voices?

A parent says their adult son has lived with mental illness for twelve years and wants relief from hearing voices.

A woman reflecting over breakfast in a garden.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m unhappy in an arranged marriage?

A mother of three feels unfulfilled in an arranged marriage despite describing her husband as dedicated and caring.

A couple making pottery together in a bright studio.

Medically reviewed

How do I deal with an unexpressive partner?

A reader loves a partner who rarely expresses emotion and wonders whether childhood abuse and abandonment contributed to his reserve.

Medically reviewed

Why do I feel uncomfortable around my boyfriend?

A reader's close friendship has become romantic, but their partner now makes accusations and shouts when they try to discuss problems.

Three women sharing tea in a sunny community garden.

Medically reviewed

How can I save my 37-year marriage with my bipolar husband?

A woman in a 37-year marriage feels overwhelmed by her husband's persistent infidelity accusations after a bipolar diagnosis.

A father and daughter watering garden plants together.

Medically reviewed

How can I reconnect with my ex?

A father wants to reconcile with his former girlfriend after frequent partying and flirting damaged their relationship.

Two friends walking together through a flowering garden.

Medically reviewed

How can I cope with friends and family rejecting me after trauma?

A grieving reader feels rejected by a sister, a former friend and a classmate while receiving treatment for depression and anxiety.

Blue and ivory clothing arranged beside a bright window.

Medically reviewed

What is transvestic fetishism?

A woman discovers that her boyfriend sometimes wears feminine clothing for sexual arousal and asks what the behavior means.

A young adult pausing where two garden paths meet.

Medically reviewed

How can I handle being torn between two lovers?

A university student feels drawn to an exciting new acquaintance while still caring for a long-term girlfriend.

A neatly arranged study desk beside a sunny window.

Medically reviewed

Am I spending too much time doing homework?

A student earns strong grades but spends many hours on written assignments, repeatedly rereading questions and striving for perfection.

A plain folder and notebook on a quiet office table.

Medically reviewed

Does a therapist have the right to contact my employer?

A former therapy client asks whether a psychologist may contact their employer after receiving an email describing suicidal intent and a specific plan.

An adult helping two children plant seedlings outdoors.

Medically reviewed

How do I handle a four-year-old boy who keeps spitting?

A parent is distressed by a four-year-old's spitting and aggressive behavior toward other children, despite several forms of punishment.

Medically reviewed

What should I do if I’m scared of hurting him?

A friendship is becoming a romantic relationship, and one person fears hurting the other or committing before they are ready.

A woman tending a plant beside a bright apartment window.

Medically reviewed

Why don’t I care anymore? What’s wrong with me?

A woman feels joyless and unsupported after changing jobs, with new schedules adding strain to her relationship.

A phone set aside beside a journal and flowers.

Medically reviewed

Why does obsessional thinking feel like a brain lock?

A woman repeatedly checks photographs and updates about her ex-partner's new relationship despite feeling hurt each time.

A closed photo album rests beside a green branch.

Medically reviewed

Why does my boyfriend still have photos of his ex?

A reader feels uncomfortable that a boyfriend keeps affectionate photographs from a past relationship.

Students connecting outdoors on a leafy university campus.

Medically reviewed

Lonely and depressed. How do I start connecting with others?

A college student describes loneliness, low confidence, and recurring depression despite strong grades.

Two friends walking together through a garden.

Medically reviewed

How do I overcome my fear of contact?

A reader wants closeness but feels unable to initiate touch or accept hugs comfortably. Shame and negative self-image are beginning to affect relationships.

Two adults sit apart on a sofa, each looking thoughtful.

Medically reviewed

Running Away From Conflict

Learn how to break free from conflict avoidance, communicate openly, and build stronger relationships through healthy, constructive dialogue.

A couple relaxes together on an outdoor sofa.

Medically reviewed

Fighting for Connection

Learn why couples fight over small issues and how addressing deeper needs can strengthen your relationship.

An adult walking beside a lake in evening light.

Medically reviewed

What causes anhedonia and how do I fix it?

A reader reports diminished pleasure and emotional numbness after depression, anxiety, and a medication trial.

Water and mugs on a sunlit counter while two adults talk

Medically reviewed

Does alcohol reveal people's true personality?

A reader describes a husband who becomes verbally abusive and aggressive when drinking and has pursued online sexual contacts.

Two adults walking and talking beside a quiet lake

Medically reviewed

How do you help a parent with mental illness?

An adult child describes a father’s sudden impulsive behavior, estrangement, and refusal of treatment after years of managed depression.

A couple talking beside a small vase of flowers.

Medically reviewed

Why doesn’t my boyfriend give gifts?

A woman feels valued in many parts of a long relationship but hurt by her boyfriend’s refusal to give small gifts.

A couple walking together along a garden path.

Medically reviewed

How do I find balance in a relationship?

A reader has left a much-loved partner because dependence seems to be undermining the relationship.

Two adults having a quiet conversation on a garden terrace.

Medically reviewed

Are bipolar sufferers abusive?

A reader asks whether a parent’s bipolar disorder explains emotional and physical abuse.

A young man sitting outdoors with a notebook.

Medically reviewed

Is my low libido caused by childhood experiences?

A young man wonders whether anxiety about childhood experiences could explain low libido and erectile difficulties now affecting his relationship.

A student reflecting with a notebook in a café.

Medically reviewed

How do I manage a complicated love triangle?

A university student has fallen in love with a married man whose previously open relationship is now troubled.

Two friends having a conversation outside a community center.

Medically reviewed

How do I help a bipolar friend who has lost touch with reality?

A reader is concerned about a friend’s fixed beliefs involving children and a doctor’s family.

A man walking along a tree-lined riverside path.

Medically reviewed

Am I bisexual?

A man in a loving relationship describes intrusive doubts about his sexuality recurring alongside depression.

An adult caregiver with a notebook beside a kitchen window.

Medically reviewed

Are my child’s dreams a cause for concern?

A parent is unsettled by a compassionate 10-year-old’s dreams about medieval combat.

Two friends having a calm conversation in a park.

Medically reviewed

How can my boyfriend overcome his anger issues?

A woman is frightened by her boyfriend’s occasional destructive anger despite affectionate periods between outbursts.

An adult sitting with tea on a sunlit porch.

Medically reviewed

How do I stop unwanted, horrible thoughts?

A parent feels ashamed and frightened by unwanted intrusive thoughts that began after an upsetting dream following a child’s birth.

Hands cradle small paper figures representing a family.

Medically reviewed

How to Resolve Parent-Child Conflict

Learn how to resolve parent-child conflicts with empathy, build trust, ease tension, and turn challenges into lasting connections.

A parent and son talking on a home patio.

Medically reviewed

Is my son creating false memories because of trauma?

A parent questions an adult son’s account of childhood abuse amid conflict involving his biological father and stepfather.

Two adults approaching a sunlit public library.

Medically reviewed

Why has anxiety taken over my life?

A young adult describes panic beginning after a frightening classroom incident and spreading to medical visits and many everyday settings.

A couple embraces outdoors beneath a cloudy sky.

Medically reviewed

Boundaries in Relationships for Well-Being

Discover how healthy boundaries enhance trust, emotional well-being, and stronger relationships for a fulfilling connection.

A couple preparing a weekend bag in a bright bedroom

Medically reviewed

Can I set boundaries with my controlling mother?

A reader grieving a sister feels overwhelmed by an elderly mother’s demands and guilt about enjoying life with a spouse.

A couple talking together in a sunlit living room.

Medically reviewed

How do I talk to my wife about sex?

A husband loves his wife but feels unfulfilled by their sexual relationship and her discomfort discussing it.

Two women walking across a park footbridge.

Medically reviewed

How could my sister steal my boyfriend?

A woman feels deeply betrayed after housing and financially helping her sister, who then began a relationship with her boyfriend.

An adult pausing beside a bright doorway and window.

Medically reviewed

What is my bathroom-related phobia called?

A reader experiences intense distress around bathrooms and related sounds or smells, even in private settings.

A student and adult talking at a campus table.

Medically reviewed

Why do I keep using drugs when I know it’s a problem?

A college student describes repeated substance use alongside anxiety and depression despite previous rehabilitation.

Hands resting beside a notebook on a kitchen table.

Medically reviewed

How are anxiety disorders different to personality disorders?

A parent struggling with anxiety and perfectionism asks how Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) differs from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.