Listen to your heart – when it’s calling for you…

There is a common belief that people who pick life goals based on their deep interests are happier than those who don’t. And it certainly is so. But is the underlying magic as simple as it seems?

There are a million reasons why we should follow our inner voice when choosing the next height to conquer: this way, we are more motivated, able to put more effort over longer periods of time, better at coping with tasks… Moreover, planning comes with ease, less pressure is hanging upon us, less burnout and social comparison gets in the way, and on and on.

Yet, there is a large missing piece of the puzzle that can explain much of why fulfilling goals really bring us harmony and happiness.

🖇Recent cross-country research among Russian and US students has shown: those who align their career goals with who they are get to feel optimistic about the future, and their career efforts in particular. They believe that small victories on their way are not an accident but rather a rule that will ultimately lead them to success.

Interestingly enough, optimistic thinking around fulfilling goals is much stronger in Russia. Unlike their American peers, Russians not only draw inspiration from small victories but also are immune to minor failures and setbacks when pursuing the goal they really dream of.

Nevertheless, seems like all people feel more positive and confident about their life path in case it leads to desired targets, this is why setting the right goals might be key to peaceful and balanced life.

Addicted to love or loving the addict

Close relationship with an alcoholic, drug addict or gambler often comes hand in hand with co-dependency. Women who find themselves in such a bind are overwhelmed by the need to control and rescue the loved one. At the same time, crippling fear of separation drives them to go at great lengths to avoid conflict and make excuses for the unlucky family member. A truly vicious cycle that sends both down the spiral of self-destruction.

🖇Chaotic climate of such relationships overshadows women’s life causing next-to-irreversible damage to their psyche. Research team from Rostov-on-Don sheds light on what happens closer to the point of no return.

Women who are unfortunate enough to have an addict among their loved ones undergo severe personality changes: their self-confidence goes on a downward slide, they puzzle over their own feelings and behaviours, yet are extremely quick to criticize and blame themselves. They often get caught up in their own heads, obsessing over inner struggles and escaping reality through idle dreams.

Surprisingly enough, unhealthy dependency on the partner with no addiction can be almost as destructive as life with an addict, cultivating similar feelings of self-loathing and helplessness. Seems like the root of evil lies in the inability to separate oneself from the partner.

Good news is, there is a cure: setting healthy boundaries and focusing more on personal needs might be an apt place to start.

Break stigma – arm yourself against depression!

Pull yourself together! Snap out of it! You just need some fresh air and exercise!

– these and other depreciating words are being told to people with diagnosed depression or anxiety on a regular basis. Things may get worse with other mental health problems – schizophrenia being, perhaps, the most striking example: schizophrenics are often avoided by the public, whose helping hand turned the name of this illness into a scary metaphor for raving madness.

Mental health stigma is alive and kicking, in some societies more than the others. In Russia, the scale is rather massive.

🖇According to the research by a group of Russian scholars and clinicians, over two-thirds of participants under study are biased against people with mental issues. Many of them are convinced that mental condition could have been prevented, which makes it a patient’s fault. But then, they are sceptical about the opportunity for mentally ill people to cure, deeming them unreliable for the rest of their lives.

Study shows, mental health sceptics are digging their own graves: people who treat mental illness with disbelief or neglect run higher risk of falling into the clutches of depression and anxiety. Due to their destructive beliefs, they can ignore or suppress their own symptoms, making things far worse.

Sad though it may be, Russian culture feeds into the tendency to stigmatize mentally ill people. The more important it is to share knowledge about ways to handle mental issues and empower those struggling to seek help!

The Four Horsemen of Happiness

Happiness has been the compass needle for philosophers since the times of Epicurus. While we won’t invade the philosophical realm, we can break down some of the psychological mechanisms behind this elusive and sought-for feeling.

🖇What shapes our happiness? And why are there people who have everything, yet fail to find pleasure in life? A recent cross-regional study conducted in Russia leaves no doubt that happiness is not so much about the positive events that happen to us as about how we perceive them.

The recipe for well-being is quite simple: we should see the joys and blessings we find along the way as well-deserved gifts that will never cease to occur on our path of life – something psychologists call “Optimistic Attributional Style”. But what are the ingredients that spark such positive attitude?

Known for their remarkable effects on well-being, positive expectations about future outcomes and high self-esteem play a key role here, among other things, driving people to try more in life and put more effort into completing their goals. There are more elements to that potion though.

Abilities to value and cherish the joys of life appear to be of no less importance. This boils down to whether we feel grateful for the positive in the world, and whether we can take the time to appreciate the beauty around us.

Interestingly, the power to handle negative events does not go hand in hand with the ability to appreciate the good: it is a skill to be learned quite separately.

All in all, the road to happiness is paved with a positive mindset. And with a little help from its faithful companions – gratitude, self-confidence, ability to savour the moment, and optimism – our life is sure to be harmonious and colourful, to the delight of the great Epicurus!

Can’t buy me love!

Consumeristic rush hardly leads to happiness – fact both well-known and scientifically proven. Yet, some people – and quite many of them – still place money at the core of their well-being. Even more intriguingly, building up money is something materialists are oftentimes bad at. Let’s dig out the roots of this paradox!

🖇While united by their love for material possessions, materialists differ in the reasons for such love, and in their life strategies too. A team of Russian scholars found that they can be grouped based on how far above social norms they can place themselves to achieve success.

Manipulative and cold-blooded, the so-called Dark Materialists are more passionate about material goods than the Bright Materialists, people of more self-control and civility. While the latter seek stability and comfort through money earned by honest means, Dark Materialists strive to raise their status through luxurious lifestyle and do not shun exploiting other people for personal benefit.

Nevertheless, people who define their success by how much they can afford are all quite alike in their ego-centrism. Thus, narcissism is a powerful driver of the materialistic “rat race”. People’s attachment to material possessions is intensified by an additional tinge of psychopathic traits, as in Dark Materialists, but it is narcissism that is the fundamental personality trait of materialistically-oriented people.

Perhaps the most astounding finding is that non-materialists appear to be the most financially responsible and controlling. Lust for money makes it more difficult for us to correctly assess and manage our finances, hampers our ability for long-term planning, and may at times nurture a soft spot for risky ventures. Seems like, in order to ensure financial stability, we should stop placing money at the centre of our lives.

More than just fun and games

Ever wondered what toys are the best for your little one’s development? Should you buy them a big plush dinosaur straight from the dreamland or a cute device for playing grocery store? And what will be the kid’s most likely pick?

🖇 It is through play that children learn to understand life experiences and recreate real-life situations. With that in mind, a group of Russian researchers singled out three toy characteristics that help children create life-inspired fantasies more easily and make their playtime more educational.

Turns out, ideal toys should be realistic, human-like and detailed. High realism, like in miniature furniture or doctor’s kit, helps children act out familiar scenes and through that understand social relationships more clearly. Same holds true with human-like features that allow kids to play out and explore human interactions. And the more details a toy has the better: different parts can hint as to what kids can do with the toy, making the whole action more engaging.

Now, what do three- and four-year olds have to say about this? Remarkably, children act as if they knew what is best for them. The study found that most kids prefer realistic and detailed toys, such as toy cash register and hospital play set. The story around human-like features is not so clear, as children preferred Peppa Pig family set over human one — yet, that may be due to the series’ popularity.

True, toy preferences can vary — for example, the study showed that boys prefer detailed toys more than girls, and kids with more siblings chose realistic toys more often — but the overall trend is quite clear. So next time you're in the toy aisle, remember: the more realistic and detailed, the better!

To be!

What keeps us anchored in the face of life’s darkest moments? Is it a matter of how calm and balanced we are or how well we cope with hardships? Why do some people go for the tragic choice in the eternal dilemma "to be or not to be"?

🖇A group of Russian researchers discovered that it is the meaning we find in our lives and the reasons to live we carve out for ourselves – what truly makes the difference and offers resilience when everything else falls apart. Interestingly, things like happiness, anxiety and social support are not nearly as important.

The study showed that people with suicidal thoughts are less sure about their reasons to live than those who have never thought of this option despite the challenges. While people who did attempt to end their lives struggle to find any meaning in life altogether.

Here's where it gets even more interesting: suicidal readiness was indeed high in those who did make attempts, but people with suicidal thoughts had just the same level as those who have never considered it. Thus, suicidal thoughts do not necessarily mean falling into an abyss. Instead, they can be a sign of deep self-reflection. However, they are a problem once they get obsessive or call to action.

Seems like the question of how to bring people to choosing life is not so confusing anymore. Instead of trying to wipe out the challenges that push people into darkness, we should focus on helping them find the true, unwavering light: meaning and purpose.

Remember the bad times

Take a moment to recall your sweetest memories – your childhood vacation or your first kiss – and you will be grinning from ear to ear in a second. Positive memories are an instant pick-me-up – that’s what everybody knows. But could it be that negative memories are actually more helpful?

🖇A research group from Lomonosov MSU found that this all looks a bit off from what we know: thinking about good times surely takes the huge edge off a bad mood but does not necessarily boost the spirits.

Looking back at negative past experiences, on the other hand, both reduces negativity and elevates the mood. And this is not as surprising as might seem at first: reflecting on past hardships can make people appreciate their present and face current challenges with less fear. And that’s the “retrospective downward autobiographical comparison” effect in action.

Surprisingly, thinking about the troubled past of a beloved fictional character creates the opposite effect: positive feelings fizzle out, and negativity lingers. And, by the way, recalling their heartwarming scenes does brighten the mood more than remembering personal glow-ups. Whether it is a peculiar form of emotional mimicry or not – this terrain is still to be navigated.

In the meantime, one thing to know for sure about the power of our personal memories: by recalling our past downs, we create a deeper appreciation for our present blessings and pave the way for more future ups.

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Mom, I got this!

By supporting children’s autonomy, we can help our little ones grow into creative, determined, and successful individuals. Perhaps there’s no parent in the world, who hasn’t figured it out. But do they really make it their golden rule?

🖇Researchers from HSE university found that Russian parents are all about supporting their child’s autonomy but in their own way: they provide clear-cut rules that help children make sense of the world. For example, they will explain in detail why their child should limit their screen time, or they will outline responsibilities, like homework, that their children should do on their own without check-ups.

Indeed, by teaching boundaries and norms, parents can help children learn to make their own choices and decisions. They do understand the importance of that, and on first glance, they act accordingly: they offer a variety of choices, space for decision-making, and show support for their child’s abilities. But here comes the tricky part: parents do support children's goals, but only if they align with their own vision.

Parents might not fully grasp what their children truly need, or they might be focusing too much on societal expectations — either way, they support children’s own initiative occasionally and only in some areas, like helping others, studying, and exercising. This may confuse children as to whether they have the freedom to make their own choices altogether.

To avoid this confusion and help children pave their own path, parents should be more consistent in their support and rely on children’s individual needs as much as on societal expectations.

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#parenting

Part of the fix or a part to fix?

Everyone knows the dangers of climate change – rising seas, vanishing species, and a planet in peril. Well, almost everyone. All over the globe, there are people who deny scientific facts and refuse to take action to save the planet.

Why do people remain in the denial mode? Is it a matter of how disconnected they feel from nature? Or does it depend on how much of a “team player” they are?

🖇These questions were explored by a team of scholars from nine countries.

The biggest reason people deny climate change is people’s inability to see themselves as part of nature: this way, they ignore critical changes in the natural world and deny human responsibility for them.

A more complicated question remains. Who is less environmentally responsible: globally oriented but independent individualists or socially responsible but locally grounded collectivists?

Turns out, it is not so much about the lack of community bonds or global orientation, as it is about the feeling of superiority. People who prioritize personal success above anything else – the so-called Vertical Individualists – are highly likely to deny climate change.

On the contrary, individualists who value their independence but do not focus on competition are quite concerned with environmental problems, just like people with a strong sense of belonging to the community.

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#EnvironmentalBehavior

Haters gonna hate?

Teenagers live and breathe social media: more than half spend over 3 hours online daily, and the numbers go up as they approach high school. But what exactly are they doing on the Internet, and should parents worry about the risks of their kids getting bullied online?

🖇Researchers from RAE Institute for the Management of Education found that teens are driven by very different goals – entertainment, communication, education, money-making – these change with age, and differ depending on gender and academic performance. One pattern is clear though: teenagers who feel isolated tend to use social media for self-expression they cannot achieve in real life, whereas popular kids more often have educational purposes.

Sadly, cyberbullying is quite common: every fourth teen has been bullied online, and just as many have witnessed it. In most cases, aggression comes from strangers, which is especially concerning: growing older, teens increasingly seek to broaden their social circle through new online connections.

Yet, not all kids are bullied the same, and the researchers observed a striking pattern: real-life aggression spills over into online interactions. Teenagers who face bullying in person are twice as likely to be targeted by online aggression compared to their more popular peers.

Unfortunately, teens who are bullied regularly often make things worse for themselves: they react with the same kind of aggression they face, falling further into the spiral.

Since we can not completely shield our kids from online bullying, it's crucial to teach them how to handle it right: whether it is reporting the bullies to admins, turning to friends and family for support, or simply ignoring the trolls.

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#cyberbullying

I’ve got your back!

Are modern teenagers ready to give without expecting anything in return? Do social networks impact their ability to help others selflessly? And, perhaps most intriguingly, who is more altruistic – boys or girls?

🖇A researcher from the Southern Federal University found that those who prefer virtual communication are less willing to step up and help others because they rarely get a chance to feel the joy of offering firsthand care and support. Moreover, they struggle to take charge of their own lives, let alone reach out to make a difference in someone else's.

Interestingly, boys are far more ready to offer selfless help, even at their own expense. This seems to be rooted in a moral code many of them have developed that boosts their pride and self-esteem whenever they help others.

While girls are hardly less compassionate than boys, the crushing majority was not willing to put the needs of others over their own, especially when it comes to people they don't know personally. Perhaps, women don't see themselves as protectors of society as often as men, or they are hardwired to take care of their immediate family from the get-go.

Not everyone is ready to help others selflessly, but it is not always about the lack empathy. It could be that they are not up for unnecessary sacrifice or, like we saw with the digital enthusiasts, fear to take responsibility. Seems like to make the world a better place, we need first to teach our kids to be proactive for their own sake and not expect things to fall into place – then genuine care for others may come naturally.

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#altruism #TeenageBehavior

If exercise is medicine, what’s the best prescription?

A third of adults worldwide are not getting enough physical activity: a huge problem that’s taking toll on people’s health. But just how bad are the consequences? What counts as healthy exercise? And is it true that women and older people do less sports? Spoiler: no.

🖇A Russian-Spanish research team found that running, swimming and other high-intensity aerobics go hand-in-hand with a healthy weight and better physical health. Notably, cardio enthusiasts are often found among men: perhaps, they may see sports as a way to push their limits, while women may be focused on other goals, such as stress relief.

That’s likely the reason why more women prefer stretching activities – yoga and pilates. This is also a popular choice among those seeking mental health support – perhaps, they use it as an additional coping mechanism. But there’s a downside: while stretching is fantastic for keeping the weight in check, it does not improve the overall physical health.

Surprisingly, top health boosters turn out to be outdoor group activities, such as gardening and team sports. This appears to be a recipe for both a healthy body and a happy mind, proving nature and teamwork do wonders.

Interestingly, people tend to do more sports as they age — maybe because health becomes a bigger worry. In any case, this really shows the need to spark a love for sports in younger crowds. Seems like the key is to find the one that appeals most: you don't have to push yourself into intense cardio — perhaps, tossing a ball with friends in the park will serve you even more good.

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#HealthyLifestyle

Your homework for tomorrow: daydreaming

With digital devices taking center stage in kids' play, is their ability to dream up and think creatively still thriving?

🖇A group of scholars from Lomonosov MSU set out to explore one of the most important forces behind children’s intellectual, emotional, and cognitive growth — imagination. They invited preschoolers to finish the drawings and looked at how original and detailed their final masterpieces turned out to be.

Almost half of the kids struggled to let their imaginations run wild: they either gave up or drew simple pictures with no details. Only 5% of the kids crafted a whole new detailed story around the existing figure, showing a remarkable ability to fantasize and bring their visions to life.

Interestingly, imagination develops in different ways. Some kids created a completely different picture around the original figure but added simple details, while others came up with lots of details but couldn't think outside of the box they were put in.

Moreover, girls seem to have a head start in creative abilities. Yet, it remains unclear whether they are simply more interested in drawing, or if they indeed have a leg up in the imagination department.

Whether the devices are the root of evil here or not, the world seems to be losing its next generation of dreamers and inventors. Thus, parents should encourage their kids to play games that spark their imagination, like storytelling, pretend play, and problem-solving adventures!

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#ChildDevelopment

Surviving the digital jungle

Harmful content, risky communication, social media addiction… How to keep kids safe online? Should parents lay down the law or have a heart-to-heart with their tech-savvy offsprings?

🖇Researchers from Moscow and Yakutsk found that modern parents avoid excessive control, at least with teens. That’s good news, as heavy-handed restrictions can ruin parent-child trust, stifle kids’ growth, and cause anxiety.

Still, many parents prefer restrictions over open dialogue: they can answer kids’ questions but rarely start the conversation, relying on content filters instead. Their kids turn out to be less happy, possibly, because they feel a lack of warmth and care. They also spend more time online – it may explain why parents choose stricter methods, but at the same time their parent’s emotional distance could lead the teens to seek comfort in their devices.

Does this mean that open dialogue is the key, with no restrictions needed? Well, not exactly. Teens whose parents talked about safe internet habits but didn’t set any boundaries fell into social media addiction more easily. Their happiness levels were also quite low, probably, because they needed more than occasional chats to feel safe and supported.

As is often the case, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Teens are at their happiest and spend way less time online when their parents explain safe internet use, are there for support whenever needed, and set reasonable boundaries for their safety. This makes them feel cared for and far less drawn to endless screen time.

True, open dialogue is crucial, but boundaries are needed too. It’s important to strike that balance between giving children the freedom to explore and ensuring their safety with some limitations. This way, they will feel supported rather than neglected or repressed.

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#parenting #TeenageBehavior

Last time your kids or little siblings proudly showed off their drawings to you – did you really pay attention, or did you just give them a quick 'good job, sweetie'? For kids’ drawings can speak louder than words: they can tell if the child feels lonely or left out, who they're closest to in their family, and open up other deep-seated emotions.

🖇With this in hand, a group of scholars from Moscow set out to explore the mental health of today’s kids, and stumbled across an exciting trend: modern children are generally happier than the kids of the 00s. They add more smiles to the drawings and include the father’s figure more often – a heartwarming sign that dads are stepping up to the plate and playing a bigger role in raising their kids.

Sadly, this isn’t the case for everyone, and children who are not as lucky to have both parents may go through harder times. They tend to feel lonelier and less happy: their pictures have cooler tones and often show the kid alone without a soul around. Boys seem to struggle the most, feeling especially cut off and lonely when they’re missing a parent.

Girls, on the other hand, cope better – even though they still suffer the emotional strain, they feel more connected to their family even without one of the parents – often their dad – around. One explanation is that girls are closer to their mothers and more tuned into family activities led by their moms. Boys, however, pay more attention to the family hierarchy, so when that balance is shaken, they may feel unsettled.

Still, it is not about the simple presence but it is about involvement: kids who feel left out are unhappy. So, parents should try their hardest to make their kids feel included, especially when it's only one of the parents taking care of the child. When they manage to do that, happiness flourishes, and the walls at home are filled with warm, smiling drawings.

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#parenting

Helping the she-conomy

Women who dream of starting a business wrestle with self-doubt more often than men. So, where do they draw the strength to push forward and take that leap? And is true that their family is a distraction that gets in the way? (Wrong! It’s exactly on the contrary). But let’s start at the beginning…

🖇Researchers at HSE found that women feel the most empowered to start their own business when they feel control over the actions they take and know how to steer their talents. A positive image of entrepreneurship also fuels their business spark, while a thumbs-up from peers does not add to their resolve – probably, because Russian society has mixed feelings about entrepreneurship, caught between the old Soviet mindset and the '90s norms.

Seems like the most important thing that helps women take the plunge is this deep-rooted feeling that they can handle whatever comes their way. But where does that come from?

Turns out families can truly be that solid ground for women to stand strong and take risks. Knowing they can turn to loved ones for help gives them the confidence to make complicated choices, while spending quality time with their closest people gives them that crucial sense of stability needed to conquer new heights.

Interestingly, women don’t need their families to share their values or actively support them; they draw energy just by being near their loved ones.

Ultimately, it is not about agreeing on everything – family relationships can stay strong even when there are bumps along the way. Seems like just being around their family is enough to fire up women’s confidence and propel them toward greater deeds!

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#FamilyRelations #FemaleEntrepreneurship

But mom!

Addictive phone games and day-round cartoons: today most kids as young as 4-5 years old are glued to their phones, missing out on opportunities to explore and socialize. Now setting limits is a battle where kids are fierce warriors: up to 90% of families deal with screen time tantrums.

🖇Surprisingly, researchers discovered that a child's abilities to control actions and emotions (the so-called executive functions) aren’t enough for preschoolers to handle the anger and frustration that comes with those tough transitions away from screens.

Does this mean that parents have lost this battle and it is impossible to turn up the tide? Fortunately, no.

Turns out, real-life play can work wonders. When children can feel the joy of playing with their favorite toy or easily jump into an off-screen adventure — they react much calmer when the time comes to turn off the screens.

Sounds logical: they’ve found exciting ways to have fun without relying on their phones. But that’s not the main reason: for example, even enjoyable family moments like singing, reading, or drawing together don’t seem to keep children from fighting against screen time limits.

What makes play so special is that it helps kids release emotional stress. Through play, they act out impossible wishes, learning to wait for what they want while also finding a safe way to express their negative feelings.

So, next time your child is glued to their phone, instead of scolding them, suggest a fun play activity you can do together later. Make it enjoyable, and you might just see those complaints about screen time limits disappear over time!

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#parenting #ChildDevelopment

The Good, the Bad, and the Grading

School's not just about books and homework. It is a real-world training ground for shaping a child's ability to handle life challenges. But is it a helpful ally or a permanent stressor?

Turns out, it can go either way — and it often comes down to the school’s overall quality.

🖇Researchers from Moscow found that teens in top schools have a whole toolkit to handle stress: they are generally good at problem-solving and self-control, they know how to think the situation over and take responsibility for their actions. Teens in low-rated schools, on the contrary, often go straight for confrontation, facing challenges with a bold and aggressive approach.

High-performing schools appear to encourage independence and variety in behaviour. However, struggling schools tend to double down on control and obedience, likely because they face challenges with students who have low motivation or behavioural issues. Yet, this approach often backfires, fuelling even more pushback from teens.

Interestingly, students’ well-being and optimism don’t really depend on their school. Whether an elite schooler or not, teens tend to feel better once they’re past 15 – seems like over time they adapt to their environment whatever it is. Yet, teenagers aged 12-15 turn out to be extremely fragile – during this period they’re in need of extra support from adults.

Supporting teens means focusing on their emotional well-being and promoting autonomy — something they truly cherish at this age. Otherwise, pushing for obedience not only sparks rebellion but also holds them back from building useful coping skills, and ultimately deepens social inequalities.

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#TeenageBehaviour

Elementary, my dear linguists!

What do you do when you come across an unknown foreign word? Do you rush to the dictionary every time? Do you try to decode the word by its parts ("curative" sounds very much like “cure”)? Or do you guess the meaning based on the words around?

It turns out all these strategies are good in their own way – except for the dictionary-first approach. Simply looking up a word isn't enough; even if you come across it multiple times, it won’t stick unless you make an effort to think it through and try to guess its meaning on your own first.

When you try to figure out the word’s meaning, a sentence can give you tons of clues, while understanding how the words are built open up hidden connections between them helping to remember new words easier.

🖇Still, researchers found that one strategy stands out as more helpful – the one where you look for clues in the sentence around the unknown word. What’s interesting is that people use it more often than any other method – seems like it’s both the easiest and the most effective one.

Context is key, right? True, but too much of it can be a distraction – people who try to figure out new words by hunting for clues in large chunks of text are less successful than those looking at words and sentences.

Interestingly, the time you spend with a word or sentence can make a big difference. The longer you engage, the better your chances of cracking the meaning. But here’s where it gets intriguing: each strategy has its twist. For sentences, it’s all about lingering – really soaking in every detail. For single words, though, the first look matters most; give it your full attention right from the start!

We can grasp meaning on different levels as we process a word — in that initial glance or after some time, as we piece together the story told by the sentence. It can be different every time, so the ability to juggle strategies can really take your language skills to the next level.

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#LanguageLearning

“I wouldn’t want someone like that working for me!” “You can't trust them”

The way people with psychiatric disorders – especially those dealing with internally caused conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder – are often treated is bad enough. It gets even darker when they start to believe those negative labels themselves.

"I'll never have a normal life"

– with everything they’re dealing with, it’s easy to see why they might feel like giving up and blaming it all on their condition. Yet, this can actually make the symptoms worse and send them into a downward spiral.

🖇Researchers found that people with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder grapple with intense self-stigma: they long for their "old life" and see little light in their current reality. People with chronic schizophrenia see themselves only through their illness and believe that it would keep anyone from close relationships or success – which only deepens the stigma they face.

In contrast, people newly diagnosed with schizophrenia have a low level of self-stigma. But they are on the flip side – denial. They separate themselves from the stereotypical “mentally ill person” and from others dealing with the condition, which shows that stigma still persists in their worldview.

Interestingly, the relationship between self-stigma and treatment skepticism changes as the illness progresses. Patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia keep self-stigma low by denying their condition, but as they start accepting the need for help, negative self-views rise. For those with chronic schizophrenia, the higher their self-stigma is, the less they believe in getting help – probably labeling themselves broken beyond repair.

Whether it messes with people’s ability to seek help or not, self-stigma is the real enemy, worsening the struggles of those already suffering. Rooted in the stereotypes running in society, it should be fought by raising awareness about these conditions. But in a clinical setting too, tackling stigma head-on can prevent a lot of negative issues tied to the illness.

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#MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthStigma