Photo by Amadeo Valar on Unsplash Written by: Sabrina Sourjah Date Updated: 2/24/2021 Reviewed by: Patrick D. Randolph, Ph.D. American theologian Albert Barnes said that “we can always find something to be thankful for.” But when we get wrapped up in life’s misfortunes and busy schedules, it’s hard to find the motivation to be […]
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash Written by: Sabrina Sourjah Date Updated: 2/23/2021 Reviewed by: Patrick D. Randolph, Ph.D. When one starts using substances, the brain discharges dopamine, a chemical related to pleasurable activities. Dopamine creates a temporary sense of fulfillment that in turn motivates us to repeat the behavior. Pleasurable activities like eating […]
Written by: Patrick Randolph, Ph.D. Date updated: 6/6/2019 Summary Loneliness can be a serious problem that damages physical health, shortens life, and boosts unhappiness. Loneliness, a feeling of being disconnected from others, is much like social isolation, which is actually having fewer social relationships. Both are as common in the US as obesity, especially among […]
Written by: Patrick Randolph, Ph.D. Date updated: 5/30/2019 The effects of hostility, anger, & irritability on health, well-being & medical care. Anger, hostility and irritability have overlapping features that range from mild frustration to outright rage and aggressive behavior. While anger can be useful and healthy, most researchers agree these feelings have considerable negative effects […]
Written by: Patrick Randolph, Ph.D. Date updated: 4/18/2019 Anxiety is often a healthy emotion but when elevated, can cause or worsen health problems and slow recovery from medical care. What are the symptoms of anxiety? There are several types of anxiety, but the more common symptoms include : Restlessness and a feeling of being “on-edge” […]
Depression causes a person to have low mood and may leave them feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Written by: Patrick Randolph, Ph.D. Date updated: 4/18/2019 What is depression? Symptoms may be temporary in response to stressful life events like grief or trauma, but could need treatment if at least 5 of the following depressive symptoms […]
Written by: Patrick Randolph, Ph.D. Date updated: 6/10/2019 Summary Emotional reactivity is a part of our selves that may become easily upset and then may have trouble recovering quickly. It plays a significant role in the onset and treatment of substance abuse disorders. Here’s how emotional reactivity is related to substance abuse: Individuals high in […]
Written by: Patrick D. Randolph, Ph.D. Date Updated: 8/17/2021 Edited by: Sabrina Sourjah Are you a conscientious person? Here’s a quick test to find out. Do you set goals annually and break them into quarterly and monthly goals? Are you a proud owner of a planner or bullet journal? Do you mostly focus on […]
Written by: Sabrina Sourjah Date Updated: 2/23/2021 Reviewed by: Patrick D. Randolph, Ph.D. Frequent and heavy alcohol usage will impact you in multiple ways. Alcohol does not get digested like other food. So, it enters your bloodstream quickly and travels to various organs. The brain, kidney, lungs, and liver are first impacted. Your tolerance — based […]