Et propter vitam vivendi perdere

As a clinical psychiatrist with extensive experience working with individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I have witnessed firsthand how this condition can strain a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being long after the traumatic event. The impact of PTSD extends far beyond the immediate aftermath and can manifest itself in various ways throughout one's life. In this blog post, I will shed light on the long-term effects of PTSD, offering insights based on my professional experience. Relationship Struggles One of the most profound long-term effects of PTSD is the strain it can cause on relationships. Trust issues, emotional detachment, and difficulties in communicating can arise as a result of the intense feelings of fear, guilt, or shame associated with PTSD. Partners, family members, and friends may struggle to understand the complexity of this disorder, leading to a sense of isolation and disconnection for both parties. It is crucial that...

In times of mental struggle, people often seek out stories of others experiencing similar challenges. This phenomenon can be understood as a psychological coping mechanism, satisfying one's need for validation and empathy. However, as a clinical psychiatrist, I would like to emphasize that although this temporary comfort may provide some reprieve, it is crucial to embrace effective long-term coping strategies and seek appropriate professional help. One of the main reasons individuals grappling with mental difficulties search for similar stories is to reassure themselves that they are not alone. As social beings, humans have an innate need for connection and understanding. This is especially true when facing emotional or psychological distress. Listening to others' experiences of overcoming similar hardships can provide insight and hope, instilling a sense of solidarity in the process. Nevertheless, simply identifying with others' struggles is not a panacea for one's men...

Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates the creative process of art-making with psychological support and guidance. It offers individuals an opportunity to express themselves artistically, explore their emotions, and tap into their inner creativity. But is art therapy truly beneficial to mental health wellness? Let's delve into the topic and explore the potential benefits of this unique form of therapy. Understanding Art Therapy Art therapy involves using various art materials and techniques under the guidance of a trained art therapist. Through the act of creating art, individuals can communicate and process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-verbal and often symbolic manner. The art therapist provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and gain insights into their inner world. Self-Expression and Emotional Release One of the primary benefits of art therapy is its ability to facilitate self-expression and...

Self-affirmation theory is an important area of study in social psychology that proposes individuals possess a flexible self-system. According to this theory, people have the ability to respond to threats in one domain of life by affirming self-worth in other domains. This has been examined in numerous studies where people affirm important values in the context of self-threatening events or information. The goal of this blog post is to review the literature demonstrating the effects of values affirmations and propose a theoretical account that explains how self-affirmations reduce defensiveness in response to threats to individuals' health, attenuate physiological stress responses to laboratory and naturalistic stressors, and improve academic performance among individuals experiencing identity threat. The Effects of Values Affirmations Research has shown that values affirmations can have powerful effects on individuals. When people are asked to reflect on important values, such as ...

The well-replicated observation that many people maintain mental health despite exposure to severe psychological or physical adversity has ignited interest in the mechanisms that protect against stress-related mental illness. Focusing on resilience rather than pathophysiology in many ways represents a paradigm shift in clinical-psychological and psychiatric research that has great potential for the development of new prevention and treatment strategies. The Key Mechanism: Positive Appraisal Style The framework is applicable to both animal and human research and supports the design and interpretation of translational studies. The theory emphasizes the causal role of stimulus appraisal (evaluation) processes in the generation of emotional responses, including responses to potential stressors. On this basis, it posits that a positive (non-negative) appraisal style is the key mechanism that protects against the detrimental effects of stress and mediates the effects of other known resilienc...