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Showing posts with the label mental wellness

How to Support a Man Struggling with Depression

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  Depression in men can often go unnoticed or untreated due to societal expectations around masculinity. Offering the right support can make a significant difference. Here are five ways to support a man struggling with depression: 1. Encourage Open Communication Men are often less likely to talk about their emotions due to cultural norms. Encourage open communication by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where he feels comfortable sharing his feelings. Listen actively without offering unsolicited advice and let him know that it’s okay to express vulnerability. 2. Be Patient and Understanding Depression can cause irritability, withdrawal, and changes in behaviour. It’s important to be patient and understanding, recognizing that these changes are symptoms of the illness rather than personal attacks. Avoid getting frustrated if he seems distant or unresponsive and offer your support consistently. 3. Help with Everyday Tasks Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel o

The Subtle Art of Gaslighting: Recognizing Psychological Manipulation in Relationships

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Gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation where a person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity, is an increasingly recognized issue in personal relationships. The term originates from the 1944 film "Gaslight," where a husband manipulates small elements of their environment and insists that his wife is mistaken or misremembering when she points out these changes. This tactic has since been identified as a common, insidious method of maintaining power in relationships. Identifying Gaslighting Persistent Denial Despite Proof One of the most telling signs of gaslighting is the persistent denial of facts by the manipulator, even when concrete evidence is presented. This can range from outright denial of an event that occurred to subtler dismissals like questioning the reliability of your memory. Reality Warping A gaslighter will often assert a different reality, even for commonl