Why your stress response can feel like it’s hijacking your personality, and what to do about it

Do you ever feel stressed, anxious, angry or shutdown? Or perhaps you have physical ailments that you suspect are stress-related.

Well, it could be your Vagus Nerve. This article teaches you how to be a better steward of your mind-body, informed by Stephen PorgesPolyvagal Theory.

Read more…

You should just let your anger out (or not)

If you are prone to angry feelings, which is the better strategy? Let it out, or hold it in?

The answer is neither, because there’s a far superior option. It’s much more effective than that old favourite “You must releeeease your anger” – usually by pummelling a pillow, taking a boxing class, or sealing your doors and windows and yelling at the top of your lungs.

Welcome to the second post in the Self-help Hooey series that myth-busts some of the more damaging beliefs of popular psychology. Read more…

Can dating give you Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Dating-Induced PTSD

My last article about Donald Trump drew an interesting response from a reader. She was experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a nasty romantic run-in with a narcissist, and subsequently witnessing Trump’s behaviour was triggering her symptoms…

I’ve often suspected that romantic catastrophes can produce the gamut of PTSD-like symptoms. I’ve seen it in my clients, and I’ve experienced it myself. Yet we don’t seem to talk about it in those terms. Why not? Read more…

Is your boss a corporate psychopath?

Does this remind you of anyone? Superficially charming, even warm. Extreme intimidation of others. Manipulative and controlling. Bad tempered. Self-obsessed. Lacking remorse.

Then you may be working with a corporate psychopath. Contrary to popular understanding, psychopathology is not always about murderousness. It’s defined broadly as …

And there’s a surprising amount of it about. One woman in 200 is classifiable as a psychopath, as is one man in 80. Chances are, you have a psychopath in your building. Read more…