Author: Rick Thompson
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Imposter syndrome: why you feel like a fraud and how to overcome it
Have you ever achieved something significant — a promotion, a degree, praise from others — only to feel like it was a mistake? Do you fear being “found out” as not good enough, no matter how many accomplishments you’ve had? If so, you’re not alone. You may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome. Coined in the 1970s…
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The power of boundaries in mental wellness
Boundaries are not walls — they are bridges. They help us protect our time, energy, and emotional health while maintaining authentic connection with others. In today’s hyperconnected world, learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries is not just a communication skill — it is a critical act of mental self-care. Despite their importance, boundaries are…
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How social media impacts our mental health
Social media has radically changed how we communicate, share, and connect. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) offer instant access to global content and community. But as these platforms become integral to daily life, researchers and psychologists have begun to examine a more complex reality: the profound psychological impact of social media on…
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The science of gratitude: rewiring the brain for happiness
Gratitude is often seen as a feel-good habit or spiritual virtue. But beneath the surface lies a growing body of neuroscience and psychology that proves: gratitude is far more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mental practice that changes the structure and function of your brain — increasing resilience, lowering stress, and enhancing long-term…
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Understanding narcissism: traits, causes, and recovery
The term “narcissist” is often used casually to describe someone who’s self-absorbed or attention-seeking. But narcissism, in its clinical and relational forms, is a complex psychological pattern — one that deeply affects not just the person themselves, but those around them. Understanding narcissism goes beyond labeling. It means recognizing patterns, learning to protect yourself from…
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How to heal from toxic relationships: a psychological guide
Leaving a toxic relationship may feel like the end of something painful — but it’s also the beginning of a complex healing process. Toxic dynamics can distort your self-worth, erode trust, and leave emotional scars that don’t disappear just because the relationship ended. Whether the relationship was romantic, familial, or even professional, its emotional impact…
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Attachment styles: how childhood shapes our relationships
Why do some people crave closeness, while others push it away? Why do we repeat the same painful dynamics in love, even when we try to do things differently? Much of the answer lies in something we rarely think about in adulthood — our attachment style. This invisible template, formed in childhood, plays a powerful…
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The Psychology Behind Overthinking and How to Stop
Overthinking feels like being trapped inside your own mind — replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, and analyzing every possible outcome until you’re mentally exhausted. On the outside, nothing is happening. But inside, it’s chaos. We’ve all done it. But for some, overthinking becomes a chronic pattern — one that affects mental health, productivity, and relationships.…
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Why Do We Self-Sabotage? Understanding the Hidden Patterns
Self-sabotage is one of the most confusing and frustrating patterns of human behavior. You want to achieve something — a healthier lifestyle, a better relationship, success at work — but somehow, you keep getting in your own way. You miss deadlines, ghost opportunities, pick fights, or procrastinate until the chance has passed. It feels irrational.…
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Building Resilience After Online Rejection
Rejection hurts — whether it comes face-to-face or through a screen. A message left on “read,” a job application ghosted, a dating match that disappears after a promising start. In online spaces, rejection often feels colder, less personal, and harder to process. But here’s the truth: online rejection is common, and it doesn’t define your…