We all get jealous occasionally—but retroactive jealousy can make someone start obsessing over their partner’s romantic past. Retroactive jealousy, also known as Rebecca syndrome, can be so intense that it can derail a person’s relationship, mental health, and ability to trust others. Although this type of relationship anxiety can warp…
Most of us have had this experience: you burst into tears unexpectedly and have to pause to ask yourself, “Why am I crying?” Emotions can seem to surface randomly and for no clear reason, leaving you confused, surprised, or even frustrated. However, emotions are a product of situations, conditions, or…
When our loved ones are away, there can be times when we miss them so much it hurts. We reminisce about having them near and recall the times we shared. But in some situations, the relationship just… ends. Whether it’s due to death, a breakup or divorce, military service, or…
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to an excessive amount of stress. You might experience burnout after working long hours at a job, having consistent conflict with your significant other, enduring an especially busy or chaotic week, or another taxing event or situation. Whatever the…
Many people have close relationships with their parents — in fact, some consider their mother or father their best friend. But that isn’t always the case. There’s a less fortunate narrative: Some people hate their parents. They don’t just lack that connection or disagree with their parents from time to…
Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that we believe to be rational but only serve to perpetuate negative thought patterns and behaviors—ones that often make us feel bad about ourselves. Because cognitive distortions are the backbone of negative thinking and emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change these…
An inferiority complex refers to someone’s unrealistic perceptions of their inadequacy. While it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, inferiority complexes aren’t recognized in the DSM-5 but are still a mental health concern for many everyday people. Learn the truth about inferiority complexes below, including the signs,…
While high self-esteem and soaring self-confidence are usually considered admirable traits, when delusions of grandeur set in, it’s often a cause for concern. Though delusions of grandeur may sometimes be a symptom of a mental health condition, these elevated self-perceptions can be visible even without a pre-existing condition. Take a…
Few other psychological conditions affect an individual’s ability to function quite like abandonment issues. Often formed in response to a traumatic or neglectful childhood experience, abandonment issues can wreak havoc on the emotional and external lives of both children and adults who struggle to see their own value and to…
Loving yourself is an important, and sometimes incredibly difficult, part of life. It often takes constant effort to stay positive and confident about who we are, and sometimes, the doubt and uncertainty win. Self-loathing is an intense and deeply-rooted feeling that builds over time, and can be caused by negative…
Guilt can be a tool for growth, but it can also be erosive and paralyzing when it’s felt too much. Sometimes, people can experience guilt for situations or events that aren’t their fault, or even have nothing to do with them. In some cases, this can be due to something…
Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
