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STILL - Counselling "Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man.”
- Louis Nizer

A new study suggests that people overly invested in celebrity gossip, lives, or achievements tend to score lower on cogn...
09/10/2025

A new study suggests that people overly invested in celebrity gossip, lives, or achievements tend to score lower on cognitive ability tests.

Researchers in Hungary surveyed over 1,700 adults and found a small but consistent link between celebrity worship and lower performance in areas like vocabulary and logical thinking.

Before you cancel your fan accounts, loving pop culture isn't the problem. The obsession part is.

Scientists think the constant focus on celeb drama might distract the brain from developing deeper thinking skills.

So yes, knowing Kylie's entire dating history might come at a mental cost…

02/09/2025

Recent scientific studies show that isolation has a profound effect on our brain, literally causing it to shrink. The MRI scans of isolated individuals reveal a significant reduction in brain activity and volume.

This emphasizes the profound impact that social connection has on our mental well-being. Humans are social creatures, and our brains thrive on interaction and communication with others.

As we experience more isolation, especially in modern times, our brains are left with fewer stimuli, which leads to cognitive decline.

Social connections not only keep our minds sharp but also provide emotional support, which is essential for mental health. The data suggests that long-term isolation can lead to long-term mental and emotional struggles. It’s an urgent reminder to prioritize our relationships and engage with the world around us.

Given these findings, it's clear that our mental health is deeply connected to our ability to socialize and share experiences.

Whether it's spending time with loved ones or engaging in community, each connection helps to protect our brain’s integrity and functioning.

Connection is key to both mental and physical well-being, reminding us how important it is to foster relationships in our increasingly connected yet disconnected world.

01/09/2025

Criticism can shape more than behavior; it can shape a child’s heart. When parents constantly point out flaws, children don’t stop loving their parents. They stop believing in their own worth.

Every word we speak to our kids leaves an imprint. While gentle guidance builds confidence, relentless criticism chips away at self-esteem. Children internalize repeated negativity, thinking that love is conditional, only earned through perfection. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure.

It’s easy to focus on mistakes, especially when we want our kids to succeed. But constant judgment teaches them to see themselves through a lens of inadequacy. They learn to prioritize avoiding mistakes over exploring, experimenting, and embracing curiosity. They may still hug, smile, and obey, but inside, a quiet voice starts whispering, “I am not enough.”

Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about fostering confidence, resilience, and self-love. Encouraging words, praise for effort, and celebrating small victories help children grow into adults who believe in themselves. It’s not always easy to resist snapping or pointing out every flaw, but pausing and reframing criticism into guidance can transform the impact of our words.

Love should teach them to lift themselves, not doubt themselves. When children feel safe to fail and explore, they develop emotional strength, empathy, and creativity. Our goal should be to raise kids who trust themselves, knowing mistakes don’t diminish their worth.

Let’s remember that children mirror what they see. Kindness, patience, and encouragement nurture their inner world far more than constant correction ever could. The love they have for themselves begins with the love we model every day.

Your words can build their confidence or quietly break their spirit. Choose wisely.

Life Online - Daily Mirror - All About STILL - Counselling
01/09/2025

Life Online - Daily Mirror - All About STILL - Counselling

Ever felt guilty for saying no? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to say no because we don’t want to hurt others, ca...
06/08/2025

Ever felt guilty for saying no? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to say no because we don’t want to hurt others, cause conflict, or seem selfish. But here’s the truth: Protecting your peace is not selfish–it’s necessary.

This gentle reminder is for anyone who needs permission to set boundaries without guilt. You can say no and still be kind. You can honor others while honoring yourself, too.

Take a moment to read this guide, reflect, and remind yourself:
You are allowed to say no
You are allowed to rest
You are allowed to choose you.




References

MenningerClinic, M. (2023, June 19). How to say “no” and increase your self-esteem and overall mental health. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters-from-menninger/202111/the-power-of-saying-no
Deborah Byrne Psychology Services. (n.d.). Why we struggle to say no. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://deborahbyrnepsychologyservices.com/why-we-struggle-to-say-no/
World Therapy Center. (n.d.). The importance of saying no. https://worldtherapycenter.com/en/blog/the-importance-of-saying-no/

Prepared by:
[Janina Camille S. Lampa and Keith Cristobal]
Courtesy :

28/07/2025

"I don't want to and I won't" suddenly became "then again, why should I", converting a vengeful reaction, to a response based on what was right. This is what we call "cognitive adaptability".

While it can be challenging, it's often a sign of intelligence and adaptability. Several factors can influence this process, including emotional responses, cognitive biases, and the way information is presented.

Cognitive Flexibility by Definition: The ability to adjust one's thinking and behavior in response to new information or changing circumstances.

Benefits: It's crucial for effective decision-making, learning, adapting to change, and even creative expression.

Why it's important: Holding onto outdated beliefs or refusing to consider new evidence can lead to errors in judgment and hinder personal growth.

05/07/2025

Some politicians resort to thuggish behaviour. This is often stemming from a need to exert control, express frustration, or manipulate others. These motivations can range from insecurity and feelings of powerlessness to more deliberate attempts to dominate or inflict harm.

Here's a breakdown of why people might use threats:

☘️1. Need for Control and Power:

🌿Reactance Theory:

When individuals feel their freedom or autonomy is threatened, they may react by asserting control, sometimes through threats. This can be a way to push back against perceived restrictions or attempts to influence their behavior.

🌿Compensatory Control:

If someone feels a loss of control in one area, they might try to regain it by exerting control over others, even through threats.

🌿Narcissistic Traits:

Individuals with narcissistic traits may use threats to maintain a sense of superiority and control over others, especially if they feel their ego is threatened.

☘️2. Emotional and Psychological Factors:

🌿Insecurity and Jealousy:

People may make threats out of insecurity, jealousy, or a fear that someone else's success will diminish their own standing.

🌿Anger and Frustration:

Threats can be a way to express anger or frustration, especially when someone feels unheard or disrespected.

🌿Low Self-Esteem:

Individuals with low self-esteem may make threats as a way to feel powerful or dominant, even if it's a superficial and ultimately self-defeating tactic.

🌿Desire for Attention:

Some people might use threats as a way to get attention or to elicit a reaction from others, even if it's negative.

☘️3. Coercion and Manipulation:

🌿Extortion and Blackmail:

Threats are a common tool in extortion and blackmail, where the goal is to force someone to comply with demands by threatening negative consequences.

🌿Intimidation and Bullying:

Threats can be used to intimidate and bully others into submission, creating a power imbalance.

🌿Manipulative Behavior:

Threats can be a way to manipulate others into doing something they wouldn't otherwise do.

☘️4. Psychological Dysfunction:

🌿Mental Health Conditions:

In some cases, threatening behavior can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions, such as antisocial personality disorder or severe anxiety.

🌿Verbal Skill Deficits:

Some individuals who make threats may have difficulty communicating effectively and rely on threats as a way to express themselves.

☘️5. Evolutionary and Biological Factors:

🌿Threat Response System:

The human brain has evolved to detect and respond to threats, triggering physiological and emotional responses that prepare the body for action.

🌿Amygdala Activation:

The amygdala, a part of the brain involved in processing emotions, plays a key role in detecting and responding to threats.

When facing a threat, prioritize your safety by getting to a secure location and informing the appropriate authorities. If the threat is not imminent, document the details and consider seeking advice from a professional or legal expert. Stay calm, assess the situation, and avoid escalating the threat with emotional responses.
For immediate threats or physical danger:

🌿Prioritize Safety:

If you feel your life is in danger, seek a safe location and call emergency services (119).

🌿Stay Calm:

While it's natural to feel fear, try to remain calm and composed. This will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.

🌿Assess the Situation:

Determine the nature and severity of the threat. Is it a physical threat, a verbal threat, or a threat of property damage?

🌿Seek Help:

If possible, ask for help from people around you. If you are in a public place, alert security or staff if they are present.

🌿Document Everything:

If possible, document the details of the threat, including the time, date, location, and the person or situation involved.

🌿Do Not Engage:

Avoid eye contact, gestures, or verbal responses that could escalate the situation. If the threat is from a phone call, remain silent or end the call. If it's a message, save it but do not respond.

☘️For non-immediate threats or threats of a legal nature:
🌿Consider the Motivation:

Try to understand the reason behind the threat. What is the person trying to achieve?

🌿Express Understanding:

Acknowledge the other person's feelings and grievances. This can help de-escalate the situation.

🌿Communicate Clearly:

If appropriate, calmly explain your perspective and state your boundaries. Make sure your communication is clear and concise.

🌿Seek Professional Advice:

Consult with a threat assessment team or a legal professional to understand your options and develop a plan.

🌿Implement Safety Measures:

Take steps to protect yourself, such as changing your routine or increasing security measures.

🌿Document the Threat:

Save any evidence of the threat, such as emails, messages, or social media posts, and keep a record of any interactions.

21/06/2025

🥬 What do you call not feeling like doing anything?

The feeling of losing interest in activities that usually bring you happiness or excitement is called "anhedonia".

It's more than just feeling lazy or bored. It's a deeper sense of disinterest that makes it hard to find joy in things that you used to enjoy.

🥬Some researchers divide anhedonia into two types: social and physical.

"Social anhedonia" revolves around social situations. It causes a decreased interest in social interactions and reduced pleasure from engaging in social situations.2

"Physical anhedonia" describes a person’s inability to feel pleasure from physical things that are normally pleasurable. This includes eating, touching a loved one, and engaging in sexual interactions.

🥬 Why do you feel like you can't do anything?

Feeling like you can't do anything can be caused by several factors. It could be due to stress, where you're so overwhelmed that everything feels too much. Anxiety can also play a role, making you feel paralyzed and unable to start activities.

Sometimes, it's a sign of a mental health condition, like depression, where a lack of energy and motivation are common symptoms. It's also possible that lifestyle factors, such as a lack of sleep or poor diet, could be affecting your energy levels.

🥬Do I have anhedonia?

If you're finding that you've lost interest in almost all activities or things that used to make you happy and notice they now feel dull, you might be experiencing anhedonia.

It's one of the key symptoms of conditions like depression, but can also occur due to high stress or anxiety. It's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional who can give you a proper assessment and help you understand what you're experiencing.

🥬Is it okay to not be doing anything?

Absolutely, it's okay to not be doing anything sometimes. In fact, taking time to rest and do nothing can be beneficial for your mental and physical health. It gives your body and mind a chance to recharge.

However, if you find that you're consistently not wanting to do anything and it's affecting your quality of life, it might be a sign to seek some support or make some changes to help improve your mood and motivation.

🥬Positive Affect Treatment (PAT)

PAT is an intervention aimed at increasing reward sensitivity.

Examples of reward sensitivity treatment include scheduling activities that provide a sense of accomplishment, looking for the positive in problematic situations, engaging in generosity daily, and rehearsing positive emotions related to potential upcoming events

"A guilt complex" is a persistent and exaggerated feeling of guilt, often unrelated to specific actions, that significan...
24/04/2025

"A guilt complex" is a persistent and exaggerated feeling of guilt, often unrelated to specific actions, that significantly impacts a person's life and well-being.

It's characterized by a nagging belief that one has done something wrong, despite lacking objective evidence.

This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as behaviors like self-blame, seeking reassurance, and avoiding situations that trigger guilt.

🌷 Causes of a Guilt Complex:

🌿Past Experiences:

Traumatic events or past mistakes can contribute to the development of a guilt complex.

🌿Personality Traits:

Individuals with certain personality traits, like being overly sensitive to the feelings of others, may be more prone to guilt.

🌿Parenting Styles:

Rigid or overly critical parenting can also contribute to a sense of guilt and self-blame.

🌿Unrealistic Expectations:

Holding oneself to impossibly high standards can lead to a constant feeling of falling short and feeling guilty.

Constant and excessive guilt can cause intense distress. Thankfully, there are several coping strategies that can help you ease your guilt and manage this negative feeling when it arises. Below are just a few ways you can learn how to deal with guilt.

🌿Examine your feelings

It can be tempting to ignore negative emotions, especially when you feel guilty all the time. However, acknowledging your feelings and considering where they come from can ultimately help you deal with your emotions in a constructive way. Addressing your feelings head-on can make it easier for you to move forward.

🌿Shift your perspective

Unhealthy guilt can cause us to view things through a negative lens. Looking at things from another angle can help you see things differently. For example, if you tend to obsess over past mistakes, you could try focusing on positive changes that could help you handle things more productively in the future.

🌿Be kind to yourself

Perfection is an impossible goal. Instead of criticizing yourself for perceived mistakes, practice self-forgiveness. Avoid negative self-talk and take time to remind yourself of your positive qualities.

Do your best to treat yourself with the same compassion you show to other people in your life. Practice self-care so you give yourself time to rest, relax, and learn how to cope with stress that guilt and shame might be causing in your life.

🌿Focus on the positive

Guilt can be all-consuming, especially when you have a guilt complex. Give yourself opportunities to think about the positive aspects of your life.

Starting a gratitude journal will give you the chance to document what you’re grateful for and redirect any harmful, negative thoughts. Gratitude has been proven effective in changing how we think about or approach things in our life, even when we’re feeling guilty about things.

🌿Open up to family and friends

Sometimes, talking to people about what you’re feeling can help you see things in a new light. Trusted friends and family members can provide you with support, encouragement, and advice.

Everyone experiences negative emotions, but a strong social support system can make these feelings easier to manage.

🌿Try therapy

There are many ways to manage guilt, but if you’ve been struggling with extreme or constant guilt, you may need the help of a mental health professional.

A therapist can help you understand your feelings and where they’re coming from. Therapy can also teach you to deal with a variety of emotions — beyond just guilt — in a healthier way.

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