Quieting the Food Noise | Psychology Today
“Food noise” is not an official clinical diagnosis, but it’s a term with which many people identify. It refers to mental chatter about food—persistent thoughts that can feel compulsive, distracting, or even distressing. This isn’t the natural feeling of hunger that tells you it’s time for a meal. Instead, it’s the voice in your head […]
Who Are the Most Lonely Americans?
One in six Americans feel lonely or isolated most of the time. This finding comes from a survey conducted in September 2024 by the Pew Research Center, which queried over 6,200 adults in English and Spanish about their well-being and social connections. The report, titled Men, Women and Social Connections, reveals how different groups of […]
Hoarding Disorder Prevalence: A Scientific Assessment
Although the general population often thinks that hoarding disorder (HD) is common, it is not. As a collector, I often have to make that distinction. I am not a hoarder, but a collector. I have addressed the differentiating factors between the two in some of my previous posts on this subject. Here, I clarify just […]
Restoring Meaning and Resiliency to Victims of Trauma
The debate around returning to work (RTW) has been heated in the years since COVID-19 lockdowns. While many of those discussions focus on workplace flexibility and employer policies, for individuals who have experienced trauma—especially displaced migrants—the ability to return to meaningful work is more than just an economic necessity; it is a critical step toward […]
World Happiness Report Highlights the Importance of…
Do you live in a kind community, a kind society, a kind country? This may be a fraught question for some of us today, as we see evidence of unkindness (and worse) in the news at every turn. But according to the World Happiness Report 2025, how benevolent our society is—and, separately, how benevolent we […]
The Changes I’m Making to Stop Wasting My Limited Time
“Contentment has more to do with a heart of joy as life unfolds than it ever will with a life filled with stuff.” ~Kate Summers Recently, an older friend who was no longer able to attend to life without assistance was placed in a senior care facility. From my observance, she seemed content, and her […]
Navigating the Mental Strain of Gendered Caregiving
A daughter feels obligated to take on the caregiving role for her mother, even if it conflicts with her own career, personal life, or financial situation. Meanwhile, her brother may not participate as much, either because of gendered expectations or poor communication. An adult child is the caregiver for their elderly father, but there is […]
How to Teach Mindfulness in a More Social Way
Social disconnection, isolation, and stress are key contributors to the loneliness epidemic and Mental health crisis impacting young people on college campuses today. These issues affect people of all generations in the United States and across the globe. Feeling connected and accepted by others is a fundamental human need. In education, belonging and connection […]
The Trouble With Toxic Boundary Setting
While therapy can foster Self-awareness and growth, some misuse therapeutic language to justify their actions. Consider a friend who constantly cancels plans at the last minute, stating the need to protect their “energy” or “Mental health,” yet expects unwavering support when they need company. Or someone who declares, “I’m just setting a boundary,” when really, […]
The Beauty of Being Ordinary: Getting Past Society’s Obsession with Success
“I’ve found beauty in the whimsically ordinary.” ~Elissa Gregoire The pervasive message of our time asserts that success is essential in every facet of life, be it education, career, friendships, or relationships. In the relentless pursuit of success, many of us toil ceaselessly, ingrained with the belief that triumph is the gateway to happiness. Rewind […]