-
The Serotonin Hypothesis of Depression
•
Ever been told depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain – specifically serotonin? Scientists have known for some time that this is not correct. The truth is we still don’t know what causes depression … but for some reason the serotonin hypothesis continues to be perpetuated.
-
There are stupid questions and there is no right answer
•
I’d like to take you on a little journey into the fascinating world of human behaviour. As a starting point, perhaps you could solve the following mathematical problem for me.
-
“I have an anger problem” – time for assertiveness
•
Often when people talk about having an “anger problem” what they really have is an aggression problem. Assertiveness is anger done safely – no aggression required.
-
Four ways to handle a fight
•
Conflict. Most people hate it. Because we hate it, we usually do what we can to avoid it. There are essentially four ways we can handle a fight or disagreement with someone. Only some of them are good ways.
-
“It’s not me – it’s you” – a problem of perspective
•
Ever noticed someone completely ignorant of their own shortcoming and blaming others? How do you know whether you are overlooking your own faults?
-
Learning to be anxious: the conditioning of fear
•
I don’t like to feel afraid. I want fear to stop. Relief from fear is nice. Anxiety is almost universally maintained by the reward of escaping anxiety. If you want to overcome anxiety there is really no option but to let youself fear.
-
Intrusive thoughts: the uninvited visitors
•
Thoughts of swerving into traffic, pushing someone off a cliff: Intrusive thoughts happen to us all. Research has showed the content of an intrusive thought for an average person is identical to an obsession in someone with OCD. How do they differ?
-
Life on the Line – what is Borderline Personality Disorder?
•
Feelings of being rejected and abandoned by Jenny were quickly followed by feelings of intense anger. With every passing minute Charlene felt increasingly furious at Jenny. Why did Charlene’s friends always end up hurting her like this? She concluded that it was because she is a vile, detestable person. Nobody could possibly care for…
