During his adult years, Albert Einstein remembered a pivotal event that sparked his interest in science. A magnetic pocket compass was handed to him by his father when he was four or five years old and bedridden with a childhood illness. Twisting the compass for hours, he wondered how the needle always pointed north. Playing … Read more

Children’s nervous systems, immune systems, and even DNA are altered as a result of extended stress responses. Children with toxic stress can develop symptoms very similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of an increase in their fear centers in the brain (limbic system and amygdala). There is evidence that toxic stress decreases … Read more

Throughout childhood, children can experience a variety of stressors. It is important to remember that not all stress is negative. Stress typically falls into three categories: positive stress tolerable stress toxic stress Positive stress: This is a common, routine life event that causes a temporary increase in stress levels that is quickly recovered from. Children … Read more

A trained therapist guides you through the process of expressing yourself through art during an expressive therapy session. The activities are usually mixed, but sometimes therapists focus on just one. If you are new to therapy, you might benefit from writing or keeping a journal. You might find that dancing or drama are more interesting … Read more

Stress at work isn’t necessarily bad. In fact, there’s a term for the excitement you feel when you face a challenge that positively tests your abilities: Eustress. You’ll likely experience eustress during your first few weeks after receiving a coveted promotion. Distress, on the other hand, can cause mental health problems that make you fear … Read more

Chronic stress can result from long-term experiences that lead to a stress addiction. This may cause a dependence on stress hormones or stressful situations. Is anxiety or stress causing you to feel addicted? “you‘re not alone, and you can find relief. Consider speaking with a mental health professional to learn coping skills and how to … Read more

There is no doubt that life can be stressful with work, school, caring for others and ourselves, and responsibilities that pile up. Stress could even become a natural state of being for many of us. Is it possible to get addicted to stress? The answer is yes. Stress addiction – what is it? A recurring … Read more

Joy, excitement, and anticipation accompany pregnancy and childbirth. But why do some mothers not experience this “wonderful” feeling? Postpartum depression occurs after having a baby is called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer than baby blues, a phrase used to describe the worry, sadness, and fatigue many women experience after giving … Read more

During trauma, the Broca’s area in our brain shuts down, which affects our ability to communicate. The danger recognition center in our brain (the amygdala) is on high alert and records the traumatic memory physically and visually.  Art allows people to access both visually stored memory and body memory, since it not only allows them … Read more

Everyone is affected differently by childhood trauma. It may have significant mental health implications for some. For others, it may result in chronic physical health problems. A child can experience trauma and recover without long-term repercussions if the proper support system is in place. Unfortunately, those without the resources may struggle. There are many factors … Read more

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