Morris Psychological Group

11/07/2025

Even among life’s daily challenges, happiness is a choice. Research indicates that strategies to improve happiness can be effective and have many benefits.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/flourish-and-thrive/202511/5-ways-to-feel-happier-as-you-face-daily-challenges

It’s not too late to bring greater happiness into your day-to-day living. Even among life’s daily challenges, happiness is a choice. It's up to you.

11/05/2025

Resilient people have certain traits and a mindset that sets them apart. We all need resilience tools to withstand the storms of life.

https://www.nami.org/frontline-wellness/how-to-bend-but-not-break-7-traits-of-resilient-people/

11/03/2025

Preteens using increasing amounts of social media perform poorer in reading, vocabulary and memory tests in early adolescence compared with those who use no or little social media.

That's according to a new study that suggests a link between social media use and poorer cognition in teens.

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/10/13/nx-s1-5571050/social-media-teens-brains-reading-memory

Data from a large, ongoing study of adolescents shows a link between increasing social media use and lower cognition and memory in teens.

10/31/2025

Fact: Bipolar disorder does not cause mood swings. It causes cycles that last for weeks or months. People so often throw around the term “bipolar” to describe the weather. When they say this, it downplays the seriousness of the condition and creates misinformation about what bipolar disorder actually is.

Bipolar disorder causes you to have episodes where you experience mania (high energy, rampant thoughts, inability to sleep, grandiose ideas or perspectives, etc.) and depressive states (feeling very sluggish, sad, suicidal, having low self-esteem, inability to concentrate, etc.) These extreme highs and lows take turns, but do not change or "swing" from moment to moment.

10/29/2025

There’s an undeniable thrill to being scared, though not everyone might agree. For some, the very thought of watching a horror film, stepping into a haunted house, or embarking on a ghost tour is a definite no-go. So, what draws so many of us to these hair-raising experiences?

The reasons we seek out frightening experiences are as diverse as they are fascinating. Let’s explore some of the key psychological factors that drive our attraction to fear-inducing situations. ⬇️

Why do we like to be scared? The psychology of fear offers fascinating insights into why so many people seek out experiences that make their hearts race.

10/27/2025

Choose wisely. ⏲️

10/24/2025

For the past two decades, scientists have been studying how bilingualism shapes the brain, and the findings are compelling.

One of the most consistent results is that bilingual adults tend to develop dementia symptoms later than monolinguals. While the exact size of the effect varies, the overall message is the same: speaking more than one language challenges the brain in ways that may help keep it resilient.

In her blog, Dr. Abinader explains why this may be the case and the benefits of bilingualism. ⬇️
https://morrispsych.pulse.ly/bnev73i9xh

10/22/2025

For the third year in a row, college students are reporting lower rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and suicidal thoughts, according to new findings from the nation's largest study of student mental health.

https://sph.umich.edu/news/2025posts/college-student-mental-health-third-consecutive-year-improvement.html

The Healthy Minds Study shows college students reporting lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for the third year in a row, based on responses from 84,000+ students nationwide.

10/20/2025

Entitlement underlies unrealistic expectations that can fuel frustration and anger.

Entitlement can show itself in many ways and in different situations. And when it does, it undermines one’s capacity for a more rewarding and fulfilling life. As such, it’s important to choose strategies to reduce its impact.

Feelings of entitlement underlie the development of unrealistic expectations of others and the world in general. These can predispose us to experience anger arousal.

10/16/2025

Many children and teens struggle with social confidence, communication, and managing social anxiety. Our Social Skills Groups offer a structured and supportive environment to help them thrive.

⭐Led by experienced clinicians, these groups focus on building real-world skills that foster connection, self-esteem, and resilience.

Groups are organized by grade level to ensure optimal support and growth.

➤ Elementary (Grades 1–5)
➤ Middle (Grades 6–8)

📍Groups are forming now!
💌To register or learn more, contact Erica Vieira, Psy.D. at evieira@morrispsych.com or 973-257-9000 x212

10/15/2025

Fact: Within the last few years, the U.S. has had an increase in mass violence. Whenever these tragedies take place, the media is quick to judge the suspects and label them as “mentally disturbed” or “mentally ill.” In reality, hate is not a mental illness. Only 5% of violent crimes in the U.S. are committed by people with serious mental illness.

10/13/2025

Gratitude is powerful.

Try it!