Emerging therapies
idea
Could that tingle down the spine be a way to rediscover joy?
In new research, scientists have looked into the potential benefits of giving people with depression the aesthetic chills
by Shayla Love
Worry and rumination
idea
Should you confront your worries or try to banish them?
Psychotherapists have long believed it’s a bad idea to suppress worrisome thoughts, but new research is prompting a rethink
by Shayla Love
Emotion regulation
idea
The psychology of impatience could make waiting more tolerable
New studies on the experience of impatience suggest there’s more to it than simply how long you’ve been left hanging
by Matt Huston
Dissociation and detachment
idea
The therapeutic potential, and addictive lure, of losing yourself
In ketamine therapy and other contexts, dissociation is seen as an unwanted side-effect. But what if there’s more to it?
by Shayla Love
Laughter and comedy
idea
Absurdist comedy is uniquely brilliant at conveying human pain
On stage as Mr Fruit Salad, I’ve seen how the bizarre and ridiculous can convey deep meaning in a way that resonates
by Joz Norris
Psychosis and schizophrenia
idea
Rubber hand illusions shed new light on our bodily sense of self
Testing the illusions on those who have entered altered states offers clues about the experience of being in control
by Shayla Love
Shame and guilt
idea
Personal and political shaming is running hot, yet it doesn’t work
When passions run high so does the urge to shame wrongdoers. But if the goal is to change, shamers should think twice
by David Keen
Grief
idea
After my mom died, I found comfort in a medieval Andalusi tale
Ibn Tufayl’s story of a man mourning the gazelle who raised him helped me appreciate the interconnection of all things
by Veronica Menaldi
Disability
idea
Prejudice is more of a problem for some disabilities than others
It’s welcome that there’s more awareness of ableism, but further progress means digging into the varied ways it plays out
by Matt Huston
Trauma and PTSD
idea
Maladaptive daydreaming made me feel trapped in my own mind
Extended daydreams were a much-needed escape, but turned into a compulsion that crowded out my waking activities
by Zainab Al-Hassani
Happiness
idea
As a psychiatrist, I’ve seen how chasing happiness leads to misery
My clinical work has shown me that happiness is a ghost that’s not worth pursuing – there are far wiser goals in life
by Rafa Euba
Stigma and taboo
idea
The families of people who commit sex crimes need care and support
While they deal with a kind of grief, the relatives of those who harm others sexually are subject to blame and judgment
by Azadeh Nematy