Wendy J Freitag, Ph.D.

11/04/2025

November is Family Stories Month, a time to share and preserve the narratives that strengthen family ties. Research from a 2022 Journal of Family Psychology study shows that intergenerational storytelling boosts mental health, self-esteem, and emotional resilience. This month, consider recording a family story or host a storytelling gathering to pass down your legacy.

Patterns of memory sharing begin early in one’s life, informing relationships, one’s history, and one’s sense of cultural belonging. Memory sharing among families has been the focus of research investigating the relationship between mental health ...

11/02/2025

11/01/2025

November is National Military Family Month, we honor military families supporting veterans, including those with , which can challenge family bonds.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is strongly associated with exposure to war related trauma in military and veteran populations. In growing recognition t...

10/31/2025

The psychology of Halloween taps into deep human instincts, emotions, and social behaviors, making it a fascinating lens for understanding why this holiday resonates so strongly. Here are psychological aspects some may find of interest:

1. Safe Fear: Halloween’s scares (haunted houses, horror films) deliver thrilling adrenaline in a controlled, safe setting.
2. Costume Escapism: Dressing up lets people explore new identities, sparking creativity and self-expression.
3. Social Connection: Trick-or-treating and parties strengthen community bonds, fulfilling our social needs.
4. Facing Death: Spooky themes like ghosts make mortality playful, easing fears of the unknown.
5. Mystery Appeal: Supernatural elements tap into our curiosity for the unexplained, like ghost stories.
6. Candy Rewards: Trick-or-treating triggers dopamine with treats, especially exciting for kids.
7. Comfort in Rituals: Carving pumpkins or decorating satisfies our need for predictable traditions.
8. Group Dynamics: Costumes foster belonging, while pranks play on identifying "outsiders."
9. Horror Catharsis: Scary elements offer emotional release, processing fears in a safe way.
10. Playful Nostalgia: Halloween lets adults embrace childlike fun, reducing stress through imagination.

10/26/2025

Even though Halloween isn't until later in the week, today is National Pumpkin Day.

Pumpkins are deeply tied to cultural rituals, particularly in autumn festivals like Halloween and Thanksgiving. These rituals evoke nostalgia, which has been shown to increase feelings of social connectedness and happiness. Nostalgia strengthens emotional resilience by reinforcing positive memories and social bonds.

Carving pumpkins with family or friends, or even reminiscing about past fall celebrations, can create a sense of belonging and emotional warmth.

Research article on nostalgia as an adaptive psychological resource: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260114000045



https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260114000045

10/23/2025

A 2022 study reveals that persistent derealization, a form of dissociation where people feel detached from their surroundings after trauma, is linked to increased risk of mental illnesses like PTSD and depression. Researchers found that heightened activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex and reduced connectivity with other brain regions may contribute to these symptoms. Screening for dissociation post-trauma could help identify those at risk and guide early interventions to prevent long-term mental health challenges.

A new NIMH-supported study shows that experiencing persistent feelings of detachment following trauma is an early psychological and biological marker of worse mental health outcomes.

10/20/2025

As we start another week let's remember to nurture our mental and emotional well-being this week. In today's face-paced world, taking intentional steps to care for our mental health is essential for optimal living. By incorporating small, consisten practices into our routine, we can develop a healthier mindset and better navigate life's challenges. Here are four practical ways to support your mindset this week:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Dedicate 5-10 mintues daily to meditation or deep breathing.
2. Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no to non-essential commitments and carving out time for rest and self-care.
3. Connect with Others: Reach out to a friend or loved one for a meaningful conversation to foster a sense of belonging and emotional support.
4. Engage in Movement: Incorporate physical activity to boost endorphins and improve mood.

Objective To identify the optimal dose and modality of exercise for treating major depressive disorder, compared with psychotherapy, antidepressants, and control conditions. Design Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Methods Screening, data extraction, coding, and risk of bias assessment we...

10/18/2025

On National Sweetest Day engage in meaningful gestures to enhance well-being. Research indicates that sharing thoughtful notes or gifts elevates oxytocin levels, reducing stress for both giver and recipient. Strengthen relationships by actively celebrating others’ successes, fostering trust and deeper connections.

Science-backed tips from neuroscience to boost your brain’s happy chemicals — dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.

10/16/2025

Autumn, with its vibrant foliage and crisp air, offers a powerful metaphor for out inner psychology. The season's cycle of shedding leaves mirrors the process of letting go of outdated beliefs or emotional burdens, fostering self-renewal. As trees conserve energy for winter, we too can turn inward, reflecting on personal growth and setting intentions for change. The balance of light and dark during the equinox symbolizes harmony, encouraging us to integrate our shadow and light selves. By embracing autumn’s imagery of transformation, release, and preparation, we can cultivate resilience and align our inner world with nature’s rhythms.

10/13/2025

During Mental Health Awareness Month this October, build emotional resilience through mindfulness practices that enhance well-being. Studies have show that daily 10-minute meditation reduces anxiety and strengthens focus.

This article reviews the ways in which cognitive and behavioral treatments for depression and anxiety have been advanced by the application of mindfulness practices. Research on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) has increased exponentially in ...

10/12/2025

Today is National Savings Day, so consider investing in your mental and physical well-being with small, science-backed habits. A recent University of Basel study shows polyphenol-rich foods like berries trigger a mild stress response in cells, promoting healthier aging.

For practical steps to reduce stress and boost focus, watch neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki’s TED Talk, “The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise”, which explores how physical activity enhances mood, memory, and resilience.

現今所有你能做的事情當中，什麼最能改變你的大腦？神經科學家溫蒂鈴木說是「運動」！她說運動能提升心情和記憶，保護大腦不受神經退化性疾病（如阿茲海默症）的侵害，並解釋其背後的科學。基於這些好處，鈴木鼓勵你...

10/01/2025

October is National Positive Attitude Month and adopting an optimistic mindset can transform your well-being. Research shows that positivity enhances mental health, deepens connections, and builds resilience. Here are three benefits of a positive attitude:

• Boosts Resilience: Optimism helps you tackle challenges with adaptability, reducing stress and aiding emotional recovery.
• Strengthens Relationships: A positive outlook fosters trust and cooperation, building stronger social bonds.
• Improves Mental Health: Positive thinking is linked to lower anxiety and depression, supporting overall psychological health.

Dr. Paul Jenkins gives us the behind the scenes, psychological view, of how to be positive in any situation. Our perception of life is a choice, and Dr. Paul clearly guides us to how we can choose pathological positivity.