The gut biome is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms that live in the digestive system, mainly in the large intestine. These microbes help the body digest food, absorb nutrients, and support the immune system1. They also produce chemicals like serotonin and short-chain fatty acids, which affect mood, energy levels,...
Parenting styles and family dynamics have undergone significant transformations from the 1960s to the present. The 1960s were marked by authoritarian parenting, emphasizing obedience and strict household rules, while children enjoyed considerable unsupervised outdoor freedom.[1] Traditional gender roles were prevalent, with fathers as breadwinners and mothers managing the home. Despite social upheavals like the civil...
Ketamine is being used more and more as a treatment for mental health issues like OCD, anxiety, and PTSD1. Even though it was originally used as an anesthetic, people have noticed how quickly it can help with depression and anxiety2. It works by blocking something in the brain called NMDA receptors3. These receptors help control...
I receive questions frequently about personality disorders, especially narcissistic and borderline personality disorders. It is important to consider that while everyone has a personality, a “disorder” suggests the person’s style (generally) is difficult or harmful to others. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) gathers traits to create categories of personality disorders through a combination...
Alienation in mental health is when someone feels disconnected from themselves, other people, or society. This feeling can make mental health struggles worse and often leads to loneliness, emotional numbness, or a sense that life has no real meaning. Some people feel cut off from their own emotions, thoughts, or identity, which is called self-alienation....
The term “psychosis” is frequently used in everyday language, yet those working within mental health disciplines can readily identify its frequent misuse.[1] The same applies to “schizophrenic,” a term often incorrectly employed or exaggerated, contributing to stigma and misunderstanding. This misrepresentation creates barriers for individuals with these conditions, making it more difficult for them to...
Narcissism is a personality trait that includes an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. While these traits can be useful in some leadership roles, they often lead to manipulation, refusal to take responsibility, and prioritizing personal image over ethical decision-making. In politics, narcissism can result in corruption,...
We have been hearing for many years now warnings about social media and its impact on our youth. We never talk about the adults who are also likely addicted to the same social media, or smartphones in general. We hear about “dopamine hits” and most people don’t know what that means. We also hear about these large...
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” But what does it actually mean? In my last blog, I talked about how people in the United States have grown heavier over time and how processed and ultra-processed foods have become more common. I didn’t take sides but shared research about obesity and food....
When I was in medical school, I remember learning about how some people who lived in the South of the United States were considered by the medical establishment as both morbidly obese and malnourished[^1]. This seemed paradoxical, and I stored it into my brain along with a whole lot of other facts about being alive...
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