Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, encompassing the ability to handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and navigate the challenges of life. It influences how individuals think, feel, and act, contributing to the overall balance and quality of their lives. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Packing up a home after thirty-two years is an emotional experience. You expect to find old photographs, forgotten receipts, and the odd missing sock. What you don’t expect is to find a trail of handwritten letters and cards from the person who made you feel so small for so long. As I empty cupboards and… Read More The Letters I No Longer Need to Read
Many people feel that they can “read” emotion in someone’s eyes. In therapy, for example, clinicians often notice subtle facial cues that seem to reveal more than words. While there is some scientific truth to this idea, neuroscience shows that the reality is more complex. The brain is highly sensitive to eye cues Research in… Read More Can You Read Emotion in Someone’s Eyes? Neuroscience and Psychology Explained
The feeling that “the universe is reading your mind” is surprisingly common, especially during periods of major life change, emotional upheaval, grief, recovery, or when people are actively searching for meaning and direction. From a neuroscience and psychology perspective, several processes can create this experience. Pattern Detection: The Brain’s Superpower The human brain evolved to… Read More Pattern Detection: The Brain’s Superpower
One of the most frustrating experiences reported by survivors is not only the abuse itself, but the reaction they receive when they finally disclose it. A relative may say: “I doubt he’ll kill you.” “He wouldn’t do that.” “You’re overthinking it.” “Just leave and move on.” Then, when separation or divorce begins, the same relative… Read More I doubt he’ll kill you.
A phenomenon that psychologists sometimes call normalcy bias, optimism bias, and, in some cases, epistemic injustice. When someone finally discloses domestic abuse and hears responses such as: “I doubt he’ll kill you.” “You’ll both meet someone else and move on.” “Every couple argues.” the speaker may think they are being reassuring. However, from a psychological perspective, they may… Read More Epistemic injustice.
The death of Katherine ‘Kat’ Torbick, a 43-year-old nurse and mother from Schaumburg, Illinois. Prosecutors allege that her former boyfriend, Kevin Motykie, subjected her to a prolonged assault that was captured on a recording device found after his arrest. Authorities allege the recording lasted more than seven hours and documented arguments, restraint, violence, and ultimately… Read More Why record it?
Coercive control is often misunderstood because many people imagine abuse as a series of isolated violent incidents. In reality, coercive control is usually a pattern of domination that gradually strips away a person’s freedom, confidence, independence, and sense of self. 1. The abuse develops gradually The relationship may start with affection, attention, promises, and emotional connection. Control… Read More The abuse develops gradually
Beauty and cruelty are not simply about appearance. In psychology and neuroscience, the qualities that make someone beautiful “inside and out” are usually linked to empathy, emotional regulation, kindness, integrity, and healthy relationships. Cruelty and sadism are often associated with low empathy, entitlement, hostility, unresolved trauma, personality disorders, or learned patterns of domination and control.… Read More Beautiful Person vs Cruel Person
People often imagine that the decision to leave an unhealthy relationship comes after one dramatic event. In reality, it is often the accumulation of hundreds, even thousands, of moments. A wet towel left on the floor. Dirty clothes scattered around the house. Toenail clippings left where someone else has to clean them up. A toilet… Read More The Moment You Realise You Should Have Left Years Ago
One of the strangest parts of healing is that you don’t always realise how unhealthy your situation was until you leave it behind. When you live in an environment for decades, it becomes your normal. You adapt. You make excuses. You lower your expectations. You tell yourself that all relationships are difficult, that everyone has… Read More When You Finally Meet Healthy People
Linda C J Turner | Trauma Therapist & Emotional Healing Specialist 