We all have unique personalities – it’s what makes each of us who we are. But sometimes, a person’s patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving can be so rigid and unhealthy that they cause significant problems in everyday life. This is where personality disorders come in. A personality disorder is essentially a long-term pattern of behaviour and inner experience that deviates markedly from cultural expectations and causes distress or difficulty functioning. People with a personality disorder aren’t “choosing” to behave in challenging ways; in fact, they often don’t realize that their thoughts and actions are problematic at all. These conditions are more common than you might think – by some estimates, around one in 11 people live with some form of a personality disorder. By understanding what personality disorders are and how they affect people, we can replace judgment with empathy and encourage those affected to seek help. Different Types of Personality Disorders ...

Traveling to exotic places can be the adventure of a lifetime. But if your travels take you to regions where malaria is present, it’s important to take some extra precautions so you return home with only happy memories – not an unwanted illness. Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease spread by mosquito bites. It remains widespread in many tropical and subtropical areas, causing hundreds of millions of infections each year. The good news is that malaria is preventable and treatable with the right measures. By planning and following a few safety steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk of malaria and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Before You Travel: Plan and Prevent The best time to start thinking about malaria prevention is before you even set foot on the plane. Do some research or consult reliable health resources to find out if malaria is a risk at your destination. Malaria isn’t present everywhere – it’s mostly found in p...

  The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious treats. It’s easy to get caught up in indulgence – after all, holiday foods often hold special meaning and memories. But enjoying the celebrations doesn’t have to mean abandoning healthy habits. With a bit of mindful planning, you can savour your favourite festive dishes and still feel good. Practice Portion Control It’s not necessary to avoid all the festive favourites; just be mindful of portions. Consider using a smaller plate so it naturally limits how much you pile on. Try to fill half your plate with colourful veggies or salad, one-quarter with lean protein, and one-quarter with the treat you’ve been eyeing. This way you’re getting nutrients and fibre to fill you up, while still allowing room for a bit of indulgence. You get to taste everything you love without overdoing it. Eat Slowly and Mindfully With all the excitement around, it’s easy to speed through meals. Instead, take your time. Chew t...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, mental health has emerged as a critical concern, with depression and anxiety taking centre stage as two of the most pervasive and challenging conditions affecting individuals worldwide. To foster a culture of well-being and offer support to those in need, it is crucial to grasp the complexities of depression and anxiety, including their causes, symptoms, and available resources. In this comprehensive article, we will dive deep into the shadows of depression and anxiety, shedding light on their individual characteristics and their intertwined struggle. What is Depression? Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a formidable mental health condition that exerts a profound impact on an individual's emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Unlike fleeting feelings of sadness, depression is persistent and often leads to a pervasive sense of hopelessness and disinterest in once-enjoyable activities. This can sign...