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Showing posts with the label mood stability

Pause Before You Pounce

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In a world that rewards speed, reactivity can feel like a virtue. But for career-driven, caregiving women, especially mothers juggling deadlines, diapers, and dinner, this constant state of urgency can quietly erode mental clarity, emotional resilience, and even relationships. The truth is: you don’t need to react right away. In fact, not reacting immediately may be one of the most powerful tools you have for reclaiming your peace, presence, and power. Let’s explore why the pause matters, what science says about reactive behavior, and how intentional action can transform your mental health and relationships.   The Science of Reactivity: Your Brain on Overdrive When you're under stress, whether from a toddler tantrum or a tense email, your brain activates the amygdala, the part responsible for detecting threats. This triggers a cascade of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing your body for fight, flight, or freeze. It’s a brilliant survival mechanism… but not so gr...

Why Early-Stage Rehabilitation for Addiction May Not Be Effective: A Critical Look at Readiness for Change

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Addiction to substances and gambling is a complex disorder influenced by neurobiology, psychology, and social factors. While treatment facilities offer structured environments and evidence-based interventions, research indicates that entering rehabilitation prematurely—especially when an individual is not personally committed to change—can result in poor outcomes. This article explores why early-stage rehab may not be beneficial and outlines more effective alternatives based on scientific evidence.   The Role of Readiness in Treatment Success Decades of research suggest that motivation is a critical predictor of recovery success (DiClemente & Velasquez, 2002). The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM), developed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983), identifies five stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Individuals in the precontemplation or contemplation stages—who are unaware of or ambivalent about their addiction—are unlikely ...

Your Brain on Screens: How Technology is Quietly Rewiring Your Mood

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Technology has become an inescapable part of modern life. While screens provide convenience and entertainment, they also exert a profound influence on brain function. Research indicates that excessive screen time impacts dopamine regulation, focus, and emotional stability in ways that are often underestimated. Understanding these neurological effects is critical for maintaining mental well-being. This article examines how screens alter brain chemistry and offers practical strategies to mitigate their impact.    The Role of Dopamine in Screen Use   Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and pleasure. Digital interactions, particularly social media, gaming, and short-form videos, are designed to trigger dopamine release. This process creates a cycle of instant gratification, which can lead to dependency and decreased satisfaction with offline experiences.    How Screens Manipulate Dopamine - Intermittent Rewards: Notifications, likes, a...