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Social conversations sometimes turn to discussions and comparisons of the common phobias humans share--fear of heights; fear of spiders; fear of tight spaces. The list is endless. But some phobias are less common--and also less understood by researchers and professionals in psychology. One of these is Trypophobia. [More]

Over any period of time, one's physical health may range from excellent to poor, depending on illness--chronic or temporary. Recognizing this, Canada's military mental health professionals have created a mental health spectrum--identifying and respecting the ever-changing fluidity of its workers' mental health challenges and wellbeing. Can the same scale now be applied to the civilian workplace? [More]

In the past, the line between agoraphobia and panic attacks was blurred. But ongoing research has resulted in psychotherapy professionals recognizing the phobia as completely separate from the panic attacks that may result from it. Agoraphobia is not a panic disorder. It is, instead, being recognized as a fear of being afraid and losing control. [More]

The importance of a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is well known, but researchers have recently studied the effect of healthy eating on one's mental health--with the possibility that foods that are good for the body may also be good for the mind. [More]

Virtual reality is most recognizable these days as the next great tool for games and simulated travel. But for professionals and researchers in the field of mental health, virtual reality may just be the right tool for people with social anxiety, and other mental health disorders, to gain access to near-real environments with real solutions. [More]

Improvements in technology continue to provide more options in treating patients with mental health challenges. But professionals--and patients--are recognizing that some "old-fashioned methods" may actually bring revolutionary results, even in the 21st century. [More]

The irony cannot be overlooked. When first diagnosed with cancer, patients would do anything to beat the disease and survive. But, as medical advances continue to improve, many survivors are feeling beaten down by the psychological and sometimes physical effects that remain after successfully defeating their diseases. As World Cancer Day is celebrated, survivors are speaking out in the hopes of improving their own lives and the lives of millions of future survivors. [More]

Recent clinical trials using psychedelic drugs like MDMA to treat patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have shown some amazing results. With final testing now underway, the "psychedelic renaissance" may be on the horizon, potentially providing currently illegal drugs with new respect in the field of mental health care. [More]

The human sense of smell is well recognized for its attachment to memory in the brain. The smell of cookies baking, the scent of a perfume or the bouquet of fresh-cut grass can quickly take one back to a past time or place. But now, researchers are realizing human olfactory cues can have incredible effects on stress levels, mood and overall mental health. [More]

Recently, there’s been a second wave of positive psychology; which has changed and grown into different forms. After the growth of Dr. Seligman’s positive psychology, researchers began to understand the limitations of focusing only on positive experiences. They noted that not all negative experiences and emotions are destructive or depleting. [More]