Have you ever assumed you know another person’s thoughts, only to later realize you’ve been projecting your own feelings? This is a defense mechanism called projection. It happens when you unconsciously assign your own unwanted feelings and emotions to someone else. Projection can wreak havoc on your relationships and self-esteem. What is Projection? We all […]
Understanding Psychological Defenses
Unlocking Your Mind’s Secret Protection System Do you ever find yourself reacting emotionally in ways that surprise even you? Maybe you snapped at a coworker about a minor issue, or shut down completely during a difficult conversation. There might be deeper forces at work within your mind than you realize – defense mechanisms. Let’s dive […]
The Story You Tell Yourself
Understanding Your Narrative Identity We all have a story woven inside our heads. It’s not written on paper, but it shapes every aspect of our lives. This story is our narrative identity – who we are, where we’ve been, and our hopes for the future. Understanding our narrative identity is crucial because it influences our […]
Breaking Free from the People-Pleasing Trap
The Importance of Strong Boundaries In the hustle of our daily lives, many of us fall into the trap of people-pleasing, often at the expense of our own well-being. The inability to set strong boundaries can lead us down a path of overcommitment, suppressed emotions, and ultimately, resentment. As a psychiatrist deeply invested in mental […]
How Circadian Rhythms Impact Bipolar Disorder and ADHD
Have you ever wondered how our internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, can affect our mental health? Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of circadian rhythms and their profound impact on two psychiatric disorders: bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I’m Dr. Tracey Marks, a psychiatrist specializing in mental health […]
What Is Mental Wellness?
In this video, I talk about signs of mental wellness. Mental wellness is an important part of overall wellbeing. It involves having a sense of purpose, feeling connected to others, and managing stress. Mental wellness requires us to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that we can take care of ourselves emotionally, […]