Misophonia: Why Certain Sounds are So Irritating

It’s not uncommon to hear people complaining about noisy chewers or pen clickers. However, for a handful of individuals who suffer from Misophonia, these sounds are much more than a little annoyance. Instead, the sounds provoke intense emotional distress and behavioral responses, such as avoidance.

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Jennifer Welbel
You are not alone: The most common questions (and answers) about postpartum depression

For many new moms, the time during pregnancy and following childbirth is a period of excitement and happiness. However, for a lot of mothers, this period is dominated by intense feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, and irritability. Here, some of the most common questions and answers about postpartum anxiety and mood disorders.

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The Do's and Don'ts of Parenting an Anxious Child

It is impossible and counterproductive to shield and protect your child from every anxiety provoking or distressing situation. Instead, as parents, the best thing you can do is to help your child confront their fears and worries and, in turn, build their confidence that they can effectively cope with and manage distressing situations.

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Jennifer Welbel
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

There has been a lot in the news recently about the relationship between social media and youth’s mental health. Many parents and educators are worried about, “How much time is too much time?” and “What is the impact of screen time/social media?” Here, an easy to understand breakdown of the research and recommendations for families.

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Jennifer Welbel
How Gratitude Can Make You Happier

During the holidays, we are told (via social media, television, newspapers, etc.) that we should take time to reflect on what we are grateful for. But, what does gratitude really mean, why is it important, and how do we express it?

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Jennifer Welbel
How to Manage Fear in Today's World

Regardless of one’s religious or political orientation, many report increased fear for our safety, fear for our country, and fear for the future. Fear is a natural and normal response to perceived danger. It is our body’s fight/flight reaction, and it can be protective. However, a constant state of fear is not sustainable (or productive). So, how do we learn to manage our fears?

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Jennifer Welbel
Debunking the Biggest Myths About OCD

The phrase, “I’m so OCD about….” is constantly thrown around in pop culture. Typically, the individual with OCD is seen compulsively washing their hands, being obsessive about neatness, or excessively cleaning. However, what is meant to be a lighthearted joke or reference ends up contributing to a significant misunderstanding of the disorder.

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Jennifer Welbel
The Problem with Perfection

We live in a time and culture where the emphasis is placed on grades, number of AP classes, ACT/SAT scores, and what college one plans to attend. There is an unhealthy belief that, “If I am not perfect, I am not going to be successful.” But, what if that wasn’t true? What if you could have high standards and still be successful?

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Jennifer Welbel