Category: Advocacy
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Religious Extremism & Mental Health
Freedom of religion is a founding principle of the United States and a core value of many free democracies. When religious superiority and extremism takes hold, it can have detrimental impacts. One aspect that often goes undiscussed when addressing this issue is the psychological harms of living under the threat of a religious state. Mental… Read more
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Brain Injuries: TBI, Concussions, & CTE
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed doctor nor neurologist. The following is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Please see your doctor if you have suffered a head injury. There are many different labels for brain injuries but you may wonder what the differences are.… Read more
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The Revival of Conversion Therapy
Trigger warning: This topic contains discussion of religious trauma, emotional/physical abuse, homophobia/transphobia, and suicide. LGBTQ youth are once again living under the threat of conversion therapy. This harmful practice, discredited years ago, is making a comeback. In order to address mental health issues faced by LGBTQ individuals, we must recognize the risks of such programs. … Read more
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Psychology & Advocacy
Psychology teaches us about ourselves and those around us. It makes sense that effective advocacy needs psychology. By having an understanding of basic psychological principals, common mental health issues, and coping techniques, we can better advocate for a wide range of social issues. Mental Health as a Recurring Theme If you advocate for social justice… Read more
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Understanding Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance has become a major buzz word in recent years. But what is it? How does it impact us? Can we actually use it to our advantage? What is it? Why do we get it? Cognitive dissonance is the negative or uncomfortable feeling we get when we hold contradicting beliefs and values or are… Read more
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The Battle for Care: Health Insurance & Therapy
Over the past few years health insurance has become a major issue on everyone’s mind. But where does mental health fit into this mess? The fight for mental health is just as complex as finding coverage for physical health complications. Is Insurance Required to Cover Mental Health Care? The short answer: no. Insurance companies are… Read more
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Technology & Mental Health
Technology has become a major factor in every aspect of life. Mental health is not an exception. It is important to recognize both the benefits and risks associated with technology use when it comes to our mental wellbeing. Benefits One of the largest benefits of technology became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Due… Read more
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On Diversity and Censorship in Research
Psychological research as we know it is being dismantled. Researchers are being censored or fired. Many projects focusing on topics of diversity or discrimination are being defunded and removed from public view. Even studies that use words like “race”, “gender”, or “sexuality” to define factors are being targeted. As those who have been on my… Read more
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Gambling Addiction: A Growing Epidemic in Youth
Disclaimer: This is not a criticism of any singular company or product. Any mentioned company is purely for example in criticism of a systematic problem. There is a growing epidemic among both adults and children – compulsive gambling. From Counter Strike loot boxes to Pokémon packs and Labubu mystery boxes, there are many more opportunities… Read more
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Eugenics: The Dark Period in Psychological and Medical History That is Making a Comeback
TW – This topic will discuss sensitive topics including racism, discrimination, and forced sterilization. Reader discretion is advised. One of the darkest zeitgeists seen in the history of psychology and medicine, eugenics provided a false scientific justification for discriminatory practices in the late 1800s and throughout the 1900s. Not only is its legacy still felt… Read more