Why Diagnosing Mental Illness Is Hard: A Psychiatrist Explains

A male psychiatrist in a white coat talking to a female patient illustrates the difficulty of diagnosing mental illness

Is your brain functioning differently than usual? How can you tell if it’s a mental illness or just a temporary change? Psychiatrist Christopher M. Palmer admits that diagnosing mental illness is a complex process. It involves understanding brain function, recognizing symptoms, and considering various factors that affect mental health. Experts use different methods to identify and classify mental disorders. Read on to explore the challenges of diagnosing mental illness and the promising new approaches that could make it easier in the future.

How to Avoid Conflict in Relationships: 3 Tips for Keeping the Peace

A couple in the woods in autumn, the woman with her arm around the man, illustrates how to avoid conflict in relationships

How effective are you at maintaining harmony in your relationships? Do you get into squabbles or hostile situations more than you’d like to? Healthy relationships are crucial for our well-being, but it’s not always easy. In How to Become a People Magnet, Marc Reklau lays out three key strategies to help you navigate potential disagreements and keep your relationships moving in a positive direction. Continue reading to get Reklau’s three-part advice for how to avoid conflict in relationships.

The 3 Reasons Why Pain Is Important for Personal Growth

A man crouched over in different colors, wondering why pain is important

Why is pain important in life? Can pain be a bearable feeling? Phil Stutz and Barry Michels explain that our natural avoidance of pain—emotional or physical—keeps us from stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging with opportunities that lead to a fulfilling life. For example, if you’re scared of the inevitable pain of losing a pet, you deprive yourself of a meaningful relationship. Check out three reasons why pain can be a good thing.

How to Identify the Different Types of Decision-Making Styles

A woman curiously looking at a slice of pie and cake, using her type of decision-making styles to choose between them

What are the six factors that motivate people’s decisions? How can you identify a person’s decision-making style? One of Chase Hughes’s components of a behavior profile is a person’s decision-making style. Identifying someone’s decision-making style gives you insight into how they make their choices, enabling you to understand—and potentially influence—those choices. Take a look at how to distinguish between different types of decision-making styles to effectively communicate with someone.

Why Self-Acceptance Is Important (Phil Stutz & Barry Michels)

A woman hugging herself, embracing why self-acceptance is important

Why is self-acceptance important? How can you accept yourself, flaws and all? It can be difficult to step out of your comfort zone if you’re insecure about who you are. Phil Stutz and Barry Michels explain that to overcome debilitating doubts about yourself, you need to accept all of your negative attributes and transform them into strengths. Below, we’ll explain why embracing what you least like about yourself helps you overcome social anxiety.

The Courage to Be Happy: Book Overview (Kishimi & Koga)

A woman with a ponytail wearing a sweatshirt seen from behind reading a book in a cafe

What can the earliest days of psychology teach us about being happy? Does happiness require courage? The Courage to Be Happy, a book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, explores happiness through the lens of Adlerian psychology. A sequel to The Courage to Be Disliked, the book is a dialogue between a young teacher and an elderly philosopher about finding happiness and raising well-adjusted children. Keep reading for an overview of this book that might challenge your beliefs about happiness, independence, and relationships.

Use Forcing Functions, Not Will Power, to Reach Your Goals

A sleek home office designed for productivity illustrates using forcing functions to achieve goals

Is it hard for you to stay motivated and achieve your goals? Do you find yourself relying too heavily on willpower and discipline? Forcing functions might be the solution you’re looking for. These self-imposed restrictions can help design an environment that naturally pushes you toward your objectives. By creating the right conditions, you can minimize the need for constant self-control. Read on to discover how to harness the power of forcing functions in both your work and rest environments.

Implementing Kaizen: Questions Lead to Solutions (Robert Maurer)

A woman with long blonde hair and a yellow sweater has five question marks over her head, illustrating Kaizen questions

Is it hard for you to make positive changes in your life? How can questions help you achieve your goals? In One Small Step Can Change Your Life, Robert Maurer provides strategies for implementing kaizen. Questions, he contends, can be a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth and problem-solving. By asking yourself small, non-threatening questions daily, you can tackle various life challenges. Keep reading to discover how to implement kaizen by asking the right questions at the right time.

How to Get Along With Other People: 2 Strategies for Harmony

A smiling couple, the woman with her arm around the man, illustrates how to get along with other people

Do people enjoy being around you? Is there more tension between you and others than you would like to have? Getting along with others is a crucial skill that can enhance your personal and professional life. Marc Reklau, in his book How to Become a People Magnet, says you can build stronger connections and create a more harmonious environment around you by showing appreciation and avoiding conflict. Keep reading for Reklau’s advice on how to get along with other people.

What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking? Past Trauma

A woman at a podium with a scared look on her face illustrates the question, "What causes the fear of public speaking?"

What causes the fear of public speaking? If you could pinpoint the reason for your own fear, how could that help you overcome your anxiety? In Speak With No Fear, Mike Acker suggests that the root of the fear of public speaking often lies in past traumatic experiences. He offers strategies to identify and work through these memories, helping you move past your anxiety and become a more confident speaker. Keep reading to understand Acker’s insights on uncovering—and healing from—the experiences that hold you back.