Category Archives: Mental Health
Why ‘Just Let It Go’ Falls Short: The Healing Power of Empathy
It seems like people who say dismissive things to trauma survivors like “just let it go” don’t consciously realize why they say them. This was the case with my friend of many years, who repeatedly told me to “just let … Continue reading
Posted in Community, Mental Health
Tagged Complex PTSD, fix, friend, interpersonal neurobiology, IPNB, let it go, Mental Health, Psychology, PTSD, rescue, shipmate
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Palm-Sized Neurobiology: The Hand Model of the Brain
The “hand model of the brain,” (video) created by Dr. Dan Siegel, is a simple and visual way to understand basic brain functions. It’s especially useful from an Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) perspective. Here’s why Easy to Understand The hand model … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged brain, Dr Dan Siegel, hand, hand model of the brain, interpersonal neurobiology, IPNB, Mental Health, mind, Psychology
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“Victim Mentality” Explained
Unless referring to the machinations of narcissists, who victimize others and pretend they’re the victims, “victim mentality” is a term coined and used by those who actually want to blame the victimized for speaking up about their abuse experience. This … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged Mental Health, psychiatry, Psychology, victim, victim mentality
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What is a Cohesive Narrative?
A cohesive narrative is a clear and organized story about your life. It means understanding your past experiences, both good and bad, and fitting them together into one big picture. This helps you see how your past has shaped who … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged coherence, cohesive narrative, emotional regulation, meaning, narrative, story
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Unlocking the Secrets of Social Bonds: The Role of Neurochemicals in Building Community
Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” fosters emotional bonds and trust through positive social interactions like hugging and childbirth. Serotonin contributes to mood and social behavior, while dopamine’s release reinforces positive social interactions. Endorphins act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, enhancing well-being and social bonding. Balancing these neurochemicals is crucial for fostering trust and building meaningful relationships. Continue reading
Shifting Focus: Neuroplasticity Techniques to Relieve the Cycle of Rumination
From a neurophysiological standpoint, persistent rumination is likely a manifestation of the nervous system’s attempt to process and integrate traumatic memories This rumination often leads to distress without providing resolution or healing. Here are some better alternatives. Focus your attention … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged Mental Health, Neuroplasticity, Psychology, rumination, thoughts
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Hopkins Pain Clinic Fail
In the fall of 2022, on insistence from a pain specialist, I was tangling with the healthcare system for access to a clinical consultation with the head of the Johns Hopkins Blaustein Pain Treatment Center. I wish I hadn’t. The … Continue reading
Posted in Mental Health
Tagged abuse, Behavioral Health, Hopkins, Hopkins Pain, IPNB, Johns Hopkins, Mental Health, mistreatment, pain, Pain Clinic, PTSD, standard treatment
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