Blog
Fear of Having a Panic Attack: Understanding Panic About Panic
For people who experience recurrent panic attacks, the fear of another episode can become just as distressing as the panic attack itself. Understanding why this happens can help you break the cycle of anxiety and regain confidence in your daily life.
3 Common Myths About Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are often misunderstood. Behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, and other repetitive behaviors involving the body can cause physical and emotional distress, yet many people still believe that BFRBs are intentional, attention-seeking, or simply a matter of poor self-control.
Muscle Dysmorphia: Understanding This Form of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Muscle dysmorphia is a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involving an intense preoccupation with not being muscular or lean enough. Sometimes referred to as “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia”, muscle dysmorphia can affect people who exercise regularly, including individuals who are already highly muscular or physically fit.
Lindsay Clancy, Postpartum OCD, and Intrusive Thoughts After Having a Baby
The Lindsay Clancy trial has brought significant public attention to postpartum mental health and the serious conditions that can occur after childbirth. For women experiencing postpartum OCD, however, the coverage may raise difficult and frightening questions.
How Social Media Can Impact Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Social media has become a major part of everyday life. Platforms built around photos, videos, and appearance can offer connection and community, but they can also create challenges for people struggling with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
The Role of Shame in Skin Picking and Hair Pulling
If you struggle with skin picking or hair pulling, you may know the cycle all too well: an urge builds, you pick or pull, you experience temporary relief, and then shame or guilt sets in. For many people with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), the emotional impact can be just as difficult as the behavior itself.
The Pitfalls of Googling Symptoms When You Have Health Anxiety
It’s late at night, and you notice a headache that feels a little different than usual. You open Google or ChatGPT and type in your symptoms, hoping to find reassurance.
Understanding the Four Categories of Phobias
Let’s face it — we are all a bit afraid of something! But phobias are more than ordinary fears. While it is normal to feel nervous around certain animals, heights, medical procedures, or unfamiliar situations, a phobia involves an intense and persistent fear that is out of proportion to the actual danger. This typically leads to complete avoidance of the fear, then interferring with daily life, relationships, work, travel, or medical care.
OCD Myths vs. Facts: 6 Common Misconceptions About OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a widely misunderstood mental health condition. Many people use the phrase “I’m so OCD” to describe being organized, particular, or wanting things done a certain way.