The Washington Post’s Post

My mom is not a fan of compliments. Whenever I throw in a compliment at her, she looks at me like I am speaking a language she doesn’t understand. And in a way she’s right. Even though the words I mumble at her are in a familiar language, the meaning behind it isn’t at all: you see, she and many of her colleagues grew up a lifestyle where compliments were only reserved to those who have had a bite of the moon, or something bigger. So now, when compliments are openly, practised and encouraged, it’s weird for her. It’s weird for her in a way that she finds it hard to accept the compliment. Sometimes it makes me very sad. But I often try to remind myself that a compliment to me might not hold similar meaning to someone else - no matter who the person is. Funnily enough , until a few years back, I was the same. I’d physically cringe at compliments thrown my way. But I received the light way earlier than my mom. Sometimes I wonder , if it’s too late for her to embrace, compliments and the happiness they bring to a person. She has adapted herself to a life where getting compliments is not amounted to happiness. Is it merely a lifestyle difference, generational gap or a form of unintentional deprivation of emotional warmth? As always, I look forward to your insights. #psychologystudent #psychology #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthmatters #happiness #smile

In our relentless pursuit of 'busyness', are we masking a deeper disconnection from our true selves? My latest blog delves into the intricate dance between constant activity and disassociation—a psychological defense mechanism that distances us from our emotions, desires, and even our identities. Discover the subtle signs of disassociative busyness and learn why recognizing this pattern is just the beginning of a transformative journey towards authenticity and emotional fulfillment. It's time to uncover what lies beneath our busyness and embrace the path to healing and connection. Read the full article and find balance in a world that celebrates constant motion. #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfDiscovery #Dissassociation #HealingJourney

When you believe certain emotions are "bad" and others are "good," when you're taught that only those "good" emotions should be expressed, it's a set-up for toxic positivity and even shame. Psychology Today features my work this week on #toxicpositivity and when #gratitude can backfire. #perfectlyhiddendepression https://lnkd.in/ghZqwsBV

How much do you #know She just wanted to be a good daughter. Merilyn always dreamt of being honest, truthful and a good person. She didn't want any kind of discomfort between relationships with whomever so. When her parents used to fight she always thought I would never do so. Her thoughts were 1. What if one of the sides chooses to be the non participant in the angry zab? 2. What if one side feels like having a discussion instead of hate comments? 3. If I don't participate in the heater discussion automatically the other person will have no choice but to close it? 4. What if they don't know what is the better thing to do at this moment and hence they are bursting out? 5. Why does the discussion have to be in a loud voice and the words are so hurtful during an argument? Her thoughts were about not arguing, but she couldn't ignore the words spoken from the other side. Resulting in a severe fight going in her mind. That would go for days. Apparently she wouldn't participate in any of the discussions yet the words she uttered were all harsh. When she approached us it was a case of non acceptance of self in the "inside". She was liked by everyone around for being at her best behaviour but no genuine conversations. She apparently lost her way to communicate even when she needed to. Lost her confidence and her way of connecting with humans was to "serve" them. Within any get-together she is the one to do all the hard work. Providing physical support be it from filling water bottles to carrying somebody's luggage she was all in. With every activity she did she lost a part of her. Because she wanted that connection but ended up just being a support which was never needed. The world where being "good" or "bad" has no specific bifurcation, we tend to take things very seriously. Analysis is needed but with understanding and a hint of knowledge. Maybe we are not ready to make any such commitments without exploring the entire process. That "inside" is our responsibility to be protected, nurtured and accepted. Make conscious choices. For individual counseling sessions Connect us @ https://lnkd.in/dx_HJnkM #emotionalwellbeing #mentalhealthawareness #positivepsychology #counsellingpsychology #therapists #counsellors #resilience #joy #happiness #mindfulness #breathingtechniques #meditation #journalingcommunity #livingyourbestlife #lifeadvice #selfawareness #selflove #selfacceptance

Wednesday wellbeing - I dare you to show me the evidence! Who told you? 💀 You're not good enough? 👹 You're not worthy? 👻 You don't belong? ☠ Your opinion is not valid? If you hear your inner voice spitting these lyrics, stop and question the origin of these thoughts. Was there one negative experience that crippled your self-confidence & future goals? Who were the people involved in this experience? How do you feel about them now? Are they: 🕛 Worthy of your time? 📣 Worthy of your respect? 👼 Perfect in all they do and say? 🚷 Deserving of being an obstacle to your future success in your work and your relationships with others. I've had people in my past professional life who threw shade on my performance, my attitude, my character & it hurt, it derailed me, it made me question myself. Where are they now? ⚠ I don't care! 💩 I don't give a sh*t! 👎 They're not important to me! 👮♂️ They were people who wanted to control me or make themselves feel better by making me feel bad about myself, freaks! Call To Action: 😶 Question those inner voices. 😶 Explore their origins. 😶 Validate the people who made you feel this way. Know that: 🤘 You're good enough! ✌ You're worthy! 🖖 You belong! If you want to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

Envy, the feeling you get when you perceive that someone is better off than you, is something many of us can recognize. And while the green-eyed monster can stir up feelings like resentment or defeat, it can be motivating, too. So how do we make the tendency to “compare and despair” work for us? I asked experts for advice.

Envy, the feeling you get when you perceive that someone is better off than you, is something many of us can recognize. And while the green-eyed monster can stir up feelings like resentment or defeat, it can be motivating, too. So how do we make the tendency to “compare and despair” work for us? I asked experts for advice.

Envy, the feeling you get when you perceive that someone is better off than you, is something many of us can recognize. And while the green-eyed monster can stir up feelings like resentment or defeat, it can be motivating, too. So how do we make the tendency to “compare and despair” work for us? I asked experts for advice.

Envy, the feeling you get when you perceive that someone is better off than you, is something many of us can recognize. And while the green-eyed monster can stir up feelings like resentment or defeat, it can be motivating, too. So how do we make the tendency to “compare and despair” work for us? I asked experts for advice.

Envy, the feeling you get when you perceive that someone is better off than you, is something many of us can recognize. And while the green-eyed monster can stir up feelings like resentment or defeat, it can be motivating, too. So how do we make the tendency to “compare and despair” work for us? I asked experts for advice.