Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop when one has experienced a traumatic event. Here are 5 facts about PTSD: PTSD can develop not only after having experiencing trauma, but also from having witnessed it. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event through flashbacks and nightmares, avoiding possible triggers, excessive arousal which includes a hypervigilance to danger, and an increase in negative thoughts and feelings. We can ha

Indifference is defined as lack of interest, concern or sympathy . It can be what feels like a global trait, or it can be quite specific to a person or situation. Here are 5 facts about indifference: Indifference can develop as a way to protect ourselves. If we grew up in a home in which we were emotionally neglected, we can often appear 'cold' to those around us; we can even surprise ourselves at times with lack of what would be considered appropriate feelings. Overexposure

You know I am going to like this post as I often speak about the importance of curiosity: Curiosity tempers fear. Most of our fears are perceived - curiosity can help to work away at our worries. Asking ourselves "Does it have to be this way?" is a great start to moving past an engrained fear. So is asking ourselves "Is there another way I can approach this?" Sometimes just giving ourselves permission to imagine a different outcome can begin to work away at our fear - curi

Compassion Fatigue is a condition that can develop over time in which a person experiences emotional, spiritual and/or physical exhaustion; developing cumulatively in those who care for others. Here are 5 facts about compassion fatigue: It is often described as "the negative cost of caring," and it is characterized by a reduced ability to feel empathy for those they are caring for. Therein lies the dichotomy, as those in caregiving roles tend to be very empathic. People in h

Anger - we all have experience with this feeling in one form or another. Although it is one of our basic emotions, it is often the one we have the most difficulty with. Here are 5 interesting facts about anger: Anger is meant to protect us. As part of our survival brain, anger triggers our 'fight-or-flight' response. This allows us to defend ourselves, as anger allows us to have an immediate response to threats of danger. Anger is a secondary emotion. We can't feel anger wi

It is surprising how much energy can play a role in our mental health. Here are 5 interesting facts about it: A body in motion stays in motion. Newton's Law of Physics applies to us as well; when we have a plan for our day and begin to work through our list, we generate and sustain energy. This allows us to feel accomplished and productive. According to the law of conservation, energy can not be created or destroyed - it can only be transformed . This helps us to see the im

We have all heard that connection is an essential component to our well-being. Here are five facts about connection that can help to understand and solidify its importance: Human connection leads to a longer life span . When we are socially connected, we tend to be less lonely and isolated. This can add years to our life. Connection leads to greater fulfillment . When we feel joy and meaning in our experiences, it increases the feel good hormone of dopamine. Lower levels of a

Sometimes it is nice to simply learn five fun facts about something. Today's topic? Boredom : Boredom is described as the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest. Feeling bored is a common feeling and at times, is unavoidable. Boredom is the psychological feeling of missing something. We often mistake feeling bored for feeling empty; this can lead us to looking for something to 'fill ourselves.' Boredom is also linked to control. If we feel we don't have c

As  we come into winter, we can still enjoy the changing of season by waling in nature. Here are 5 facts about nature and our mental health: When we walk in nature, rumination decreases. We all fall into the trap of the worry cycle - something gets stuck in our thought process and will lead to us ruminating about it. When we go for a walk outside, nature tends to take care of that for us; perhaps through a greater sense of overall calmness. Nature helps to manage stress. Ex

When it comes to our emotions, there are five things we can keep in mind: Emotions help us to understand what is important to us. What brings me joy or sadness is going to be different than what brings you the same feelings. Although emotions are fairly universal, the nuance of emotion helps us to form our own personal value system. Emotions protect us. Every emotion comes with a message which can help us in deciphering which direction to go. When we tune into our feelings,

There is just something about a smile. Seeing someone's smiling face is an instant mood booster and can lead us to wanting to join in the fun. Here are 5 facts about smiling that back up how good it is for us: Smiling reduces stress and anxiety. When we smile, we relax our facial muscles; this can help lower our blood pressure leading us to feel calmer. Smiling is contagious. We tend to naturally be drawn to people who smile and lean into a more positive attitude; this can

I love the quote by Hans Christian Anderson that states, "Just living is not enough....one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." It speaks to some core elements in feeling content. Here are five facts about how sunshine is linked to our increased emotional health: Sunlight increases serotonin, a hormone responsible for helping us feel calm, centered and relaxed. Exposure to the sun prompts our skin to create Vitamin D, known to help lower blood pressure, decrease

When it comes to music, we have all experienced emotional moments when listening to a song triggers a memory, experience or feeling. I can hear "Dancing Queen" by Abba and instantly think of my mom, hear any Randy Travis song and be reminded of road trips with my girls (yes, I forced them to listen to it and they know all the words!) and when I hear "I Want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston, I am reminded of high school dances with my friends. Music is uplifting a