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Self-care

How to Deal with Negative Self-Talk

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Negative self-talk is a common yet harmful internal dialogue that can significantly impact mental health. It involves critical, self-defeating thoughts that erode self-esteem and reinforce anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. These internal messages often become automatic, repeating themselves over time and shaping how we perceive ourselves, our abilities, and our worth. Learning to recognize and reframe negative self-talk is a crucial step in building emotional resilience and supporting overall well-being. What Is Negative Self-Talk? Negative self-talk includes the internal narratives that are overly critical, pessimistic, or self-sabotaging. Examples include thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I always mess things up,” or “No one cares what I have to say.” These thoughts are often rooted in cognitive distortions, such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, or personalizing. According to Beck’s cognitive model of depression, these patterns can create …

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How Journaling Supports Emotional Well-Being

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Between work, personal life, and societal pressures, it’s easy to neglect our inner emotional landscape. However, one simple yet powerful practice can help us reconnect with ourselves: journaling. Whether you’re writing for mental clarity or emotional release, journaling offers numerous benefits for emotional well-being. Here’s how journaling can become a valuable tool for nurturing your mental health. The following are some researched benefits that people will often glean from journaling: Researched Benefits of Journaling 1. Self-Reflection and Clarity At its core, journaling allows us to reflect on our thoughts and feelings. When we write, we often uncover emotions we may not have been fully aware of. This process of self-reflection gives us the space to confront our inner thoughts without judgment. Whether you’re experiencing stress, sadness, joy, or confusion, journaling provides an outlet to …

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Music and Mental Health: A Creative Way of Healing

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, transcending boundaries of time and geography. Music evokes emotion, fosters connection, and provides comfort. Beyond this, music is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in mental health therapy. Recent research highlights the profound benefits of music therapy in addressing mental health issues, offering patients a creative outlet for emotional expression and a pathway to healing. Let’s explore the role of music therapy in mental health treatment, its therapeutic benefits, and how it’s being used in innovative ways to support emotional well-being: What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Trained music therapists work with individuals or groups to facilitate healing, using a variety of musical techniques …

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Boundaries and Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Though “boundaries” can sound like a buzzword these days, they are actually crucially important to understand and practice. Boundaries are the invisible lines that protect our emotional well-being, and learning how to set and enforce them is essential for cultivating healthy relationships and preserving personal peace. Setting boundaries is often easier said than done. Many of us are taught to be people-pleasers, to put others’ needs before our own, or to ignore our personal limits in favor of productivity. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of our mental health. Research shows that without clear boundaries, we risk burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. In this post, we’ll explore why boundaries matter, how they support mental well-being, and the role they play in building and maintaining healthy relationships. What Are Boundaries and Why Do They Matter? …

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9 Ways to Foster Resilience in Challenging Times

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Whether it’s personal loss, work-related stress, health crises, or societal upheaval, difficult times are an inevitable part of the human experience. But some people seem to navigate these turbulent waters with ease, while others struggle to stay afloat. What’s the difference? Resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, adapt to stress, and keep moving forward despite setbacks. It’s a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened over time, and its importance has never been more evident. Research illustrates that building resilience can significantly improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and even enhance overall well-being. Let’s explore effective coping strategies based on recent research to help you build resilience in difficult times: Understanding Resilience At its core, resilience is about maintaining or regaining …

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