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When Sadness Stays: Separating Emotion from Illness

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Understanding Trauma: Why Healing Takes Time and How the Body Responds

  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

 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...

The Psychological Benefits of Mindfulness in Daily Life

The Psychological Benefits of Mindfulness in Daily Life Mindfulness has become a widely recognised practice for improving mental well-being, yet misconceptions about it persist. One common misunderstanding is equating mindfulness with slowness or absent-mindedness. Some individuals who struggle with focus or take longer to complete tasks may refer to themselves as being "mindful," when they are simply distracted or disengaged. However, true mindfulness is not about being slow or inattentive—it is about being fully present and engaged in the moment. Absent-mindedness, on the other hand, often stems from distractions, fatigue, or underlying psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or burnout. While it is natural to occasionally lose focus, it should not be mislabelled as mindfulness. Understanding the distinction between mindfulness and absent-mindedness is crucial to fully harnessing the benefits of this practice. Understanding Mindfulness as a Psychological Too...

The Imperfect Art of Parenting

 The Imperfect Art of Parenting Parenting Without a Manual While watching an older American television series, I came across a dialogue that resonated deeply: "Every parent messes up the upbringing of their children." This statement made me pause and reflect. The truth is, no one is handed a manual or a catalogue on how to raise a child perfectly. Every parent learns through experience, trial, and error, navigating the unpredictable journey of parenthood as best they can. Many parents hold themselves to impossibly high standards, fearing that any misstep may have lasting consequences on their children. It is important to acknowledge that parenting is not about perfection; it is about doing the best with the knowledge and resources available at any given time. The Challenges of Parenthood Parenting is a complex and demanding role, often accompanied by the pressures of work, household responsibilities, and social obligations. Balancing all these aspects can be overwhelm...