Nicole McDermott

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  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): A Beginner’s Guide

    If you’ve ever seen a combination of four mysterious letters, such as “ISTP” or “ENTJ,” you might be interested to know they’re not just a trendy new acronym. These four-letter codes are possible results of a 94-question (give or take)...
  • What Is The Mandela Effect? Examples And Causes

    The Mandela Effect, a fascinating phenomenon in which people share a collective memory that never happened, has sparked discussions about the nature of memories, reality and even the possibility of parallel universes. So what exactly causes people—who are not connected...
  • 4 Red Flags In A Relationship—And How To Spot Them

    Healthy relationships are often built on a foundation of trust, respect and two-way communication. Unhealthy relationships lack those key tenets and may swap in dishonesty, contempt and suspicion instead. Experts call these hurtful behaviors red flags, which can lead to...
  • Match Review: Cost, How It Works And Key Features

    A pioneer among online dating sites, Match debuted in 1995, and since then, many other online dating sites have emerged, followed by the introduction of dating apps in the late aughts. In fact, three in 10 U.S. adults say they’ve...
  • How To Become An Online Therapist

    Interest in online therapy—for therapists and clients alike—has grown in recent years, as virtual tools and capabilities create more opportunities for remote mental health treatment. While online therapy can offer a more convenient and accessible experience than in-person therapy, online...
  • 6 ADHD Treatment Options For Adults

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of U.S. children and adults. In fact, it’s recognized as the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, and ADHD diagnosis in adults is on the rise. Characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity...
  • Acceptance And Commitment Therapy: What To Know

    Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a relatively new form of psychotherapy that focuses on the idea that people can learn to accept their thoughts and feelings—even challenging ones—while committing to actions that serve their values. Ultimately, the goal of...
  • Stress Rash: Signs, Alternative Causes And Treatments

    At times, life’s stressors—little or big—can lead to physical symptoms, including headaches, chest pain, nausea, stomach pain and new or worsening skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne or hives. When stress leads to red, itchy bumps, you may be experiencing...
  • Nervous Breakdown: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

    When anxiety and stress stack up—and get in the way of routine daily functioning at home and at work—a person may be experiencing what’s sometimes referred to as a nervous breakdown. A breakdown of this kind can be overwhelming and...
  • Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy: What’s The Difference?

    While occupational therapy and physical therapy are very similar fields, a few key differences set the two rehabilitative sciences apart. Both therapies help people regain mobility and heal from acute and chronic pain conditions and injuries, but occupational therapists and...
  • 5 Dopamine Foods And Supplements To Boost Your Mood

    Feeling down? You may be dealing with low levels of dopamine. Dopamine is a major neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in how our brain communicates with our body, and has been found to heavily influence mood, particularly feelings of...
  • What Is Radical Acceptance?

    Radical acceptance, a skill or practice often used in a form of talk therapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is a helpful way to manage painful or otherwise undesirable situations or emotions outside of our control. The idea is that...
  • The Mental Health Benefits Of Gratitude

    Jotting every little thing you’re thankful for into a gratitude journal may feel a little “woo woo,” but there are some science-supported health benefits to acknowledging your appreciation for whatever it is you find meaningful in your life—whether that’s a...
  • What Is Lexapro? Benefits, Side Effects And Dosage

    Lexapro is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. It’s designed to help people manage their symptoms. If you’ve been prescribed Lexapro, it’s crucial to understand...
  • What Are The Attachment Styles—And How Can They Impact Your Relationship?

    Attachment theory—a developmental psychology concept—proposes that each and every one of us has an attachment style that developed when we were very young. The attachment style that was formed during your early relationship with your primary caregivers, and how they...
  • Post-Traumatic Growth: Everything You Need To Know

    Trauma—either as a one-time event or prolonged exposure— can cause a wide range of mental health issues including flashbacks, sleep disturbances, anxiety, grief and substance misuse. Healing from trauma can take time and work, but throughout, a positive shift can...
  • Trauma Bonding: What You Need To Know—And How To Get Help

    When it comes to making connections with other people, the term “bonding” typically has a positive connotation. In fact, it’s an essential component of human behavior. Trauma bonding, in contrast, describes an unhealthy type of attachment toward a person that...
  • What Is Surrogacy And How Does It Work?

    Surrogacy is becoming an increasingly common family-building option that offers a beacon of hope for people who are unable to carry a pregnancy on their own. But how does surrogacy work, and how is a gestational carrier different from a...
  • How To Eat Healthy On A Budget

    Food is more expensive than ever before. In fact, grocery prices jumped 12.2% from June 2021 to June 2022. The cost of food has increased for several reasons, including inflation, labor shortages and pandemic-related supply chain issues. The good news?...
  • How To Communicate In A Relationship, According To Experts

    Communication doesn’t always come easy, whether it’s with a romantic partner or someone else. But it’s key to the overall success and sustainability of such partnerships. While some people have no problem communicating their needs in a clear and respectful...
  • Mood Disorders: Types, Causes And Treatment

    Mood disorders—a class of mental health conditions that involve disruptions in a person’s emotions—affect nearly one in 10 U.S. adults. For people diagnosed with a mood disorder, navigating relationships, work and home life can be especially challenging without proper treatment....
  • What Is Mindfulness?

    Mindfulness means being aware of the present moment—and the better you are at it, the more likely you are to decrease stress and reap other mental health benefits. While the concept has been explored in Buddhist teachings for thousands of...
  • Emptiness: What It Is, Causes And How To Cope

    The human experience often includes a rollercoaster of emotions, sometimes even over the course of a single day. But if you constantly find yourself feeling hopeless, lonely or isolated——all feelings associated with an emotional state called emptiness—you may benefit from...
  • Commitment Issues: What You Need To Know, According To Experts

    Getting cold feet at the altar is one extreme example of commitment issues, but the problem can cover a broad range of situations—and doesn’t always involve romantic relationships. While commitment can come easily to some people, others may struggle to...
  • What Is Xanax? Purpose, Dosage And Side Effects

    Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication designed to help people with panic and anxiety disorders. In fact, alprazolam (the generic form of Xanax) is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication in the U.S., and while it can help alleviate symptoms...
  • Practical Types Of Self-Care You Can Do Today

    Self-care is a buzzword that may conjure images of cucumber slice-covered eyes or a long soak in a candle-lit bath, but the meaning is much deeper than that. Nurturing yourself involves paying attention to your body as well as your...
  • CBD For Migraines: Benefits, Risks And When To See A Doctor

    Migraines—a recurring type of headache that can cause severe pain and other debilitating symptoms, such as increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting and pain when sneezing or coughing—can make managing daily responsibilities challenging. While there are several known migraine treatments,...
  • CBD For Sleep: How It Works, Benefits And Risks

    If you’re desperate for quality sleep, you’re not alone: About 70 million U.S. adults suffer from chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While vast resources are available to help improve sleep—from supplements and...
  • 6 Types Of Nonverbal Communication, What They Mean And How To Spot Them

    What we say without saying anything at all says a lot about us. While language is important for conveying thoughts and emotions, it’s not the only way we communicate. That’s where nonverbal communication comes in, bringing a host of cues...
  • Your Guide To Senior Apartments: Benefits And What To Look For

    For adults 55 and older who want the convenience of downsizing and lower-maintenance living—but don’t require the level of care provided at an assisted living community—a senior apartment can be a helpful solution. But when searching for a senior apartment...