Human Psyche and More

Is it Sadness or Depression? It is entirely normal to feel sad after a loss, a setback, or a significant life event. Sadness is a basic human emotion and a healthy part of our emotional spectrum. It helps us process and reflect on our experiences. However, feeling sad does not necessarily mean you are clinically depressed. This distinction is essential because confusing sadness with depression can lead to misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, or even mistreatment. While sadness can be a component of depression, it is not the sole criterion. Depression is a complex, multifaceted mental health condition. It is not simply about “feeling low” — it often involves a persistent loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. People may also experience a persistent sense of hopelessness, low self-worth, or emotional numbness. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-T...

  Trauma survivors endure much more than the initial event. Even after they’ve left the epicentre of harm, trauma lingers—deeply embedded in both the mind and the body. It isn't just about what happened; it's also about how the body continues to react long after the danger has passed. Many people associate trauma only with large-scale tragedies—natural disasters, war, sexual violence, or severe childhood abuse. However, trauma can also stem from situations that are often minimised: relationship breakups, family estrangement, toxic workplaces, sudden losses, chronic illness, accidents, or witnessing distressing events. The common denominator is that the person felt overwhelmed, helpless, or emotionally unsafe. The Hidden Toll of Trauma One of the most misunderstood aspects of trauma is that survivors don’t simply “ get over it .” They may not even be consciously thinking about the traumatic event, yet their nervous system continues to react as if the danger is still pres...

 Overcoming the Power of Negative Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Have you ever hesitated to apply for a job, join a new course, or try something outside your comfort zone simply because you thought you weren’t good enough? This common experience is often the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy—a powerful psychological pattern where our negative beliefs shape our reality. Understanding how self-fulfilling prophecies work and learning how to break free from them can open the door to personal growth, greater confidence, and long-term success. Let’s explore this concept more deeply and discover how we can stop our negative beliefs from holding us back. What Is a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy? A self-fulfilling prophecy begins with a belief—often a negative one—that influences our behaviour in such a way that the belief becomes true. It’s a bit like planting a seed of doubt and then unknowingly nurturing it until it grows into the very outcome we feared. For instance, if you believe you will fa...