"If you've experienced trauma-whether as a result of common life events like accidents or abusive personal relationships or extraordinary experiences like war or natural disasters-you may find that the pain and emotional unease you feel don't go away over time. In fact, they may get worse. But the trauma you experienced lies in the unchangeable past. Because of your strength and perseverance, you survived, and now the rest of your life stretches before...

"Difficult emotions like anger, fear, sadness, guilt, and shame are part of being alive and are meant to help protect us, but when they get out of control, these emotions can also cause severe pain. When you're in the grip of an emotional storm, it's all too easy to overreact, lash out at others, or become angry with yourself. Therapists created dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, to help people with overwhelming emotions calm themselves when their...

"Do you feel manipulated, controlled, or lied to? Are you the focus of intense, violent, and irrational rages? Do you feel as though you are constantly trying to avoid confrontation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should remember this: It's not your fault. And you're not alone. In fact, the person you care about may have traits associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), such as emotion dysregulation, impulsive behavior,...

"The Perfect Antidote to Anxiety Feelings of anxiety can sap your energy, joy, and vitality. But now the scientists at the Institute of HeartMath* have adapted their revolutionary techniques into a fast and simple program that you can use to break free from anxiety once and for all. At the core of the HeartMath method is the idea that our thoughts and emotions affect our heart rhythms. By focusing on positive feelings such as appreciation, care,...

"Discover the Lotus Effect. The lotus plant has a unique ability to survive in muddy, humid swamps, producing beautiful flowers that bloom just above the water's surface. By repelling dirt and parasites from their leaves, lotuses are able to thrive and access as much sunlight and water as possible. What if we, like the lotus, could let the trials and tribulations of everyday life slip away and emerge unscathed and whole? Suffering results when we...

"When you travel to a new city, it helps to have a map close at hand. On the first day of school, you need to have your schedule of classes. And if you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or suspect you may have it, then it's even more important to have a guidebook within reach. Facing Bipolar will help you navigate the world of medications, therapists, and the up-and-down mood cycles common to the disorder. It clearly explains what bipolar...

"Break the Bonds of Anxiety-Driven Procrastination You know that postponing things you need to do can result in negative consequences-overdue bills, unhappy supervisors, disappointed friends and romantic partners, and feelings of guilt or dread-but something inside keeps you from taking action. For many of us, that something is anxiety-fear of failure, firmly entrenched perfectionism, or even fear of success. With The Worrier's Guide to Overcoming...

"A Clear and Effective Approach to Learning DBT Skills First developed for treating borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven effective as treatment for a range of other mental health problems, especially for those characterized by overwhelming emotions. Research shows that DBT can improve your ability to handle distress without losing control and acting destructively. In order to make use of these techniques,...

"In societies that encourage us to compete with each other, compassion is often seen as a weakness. Striving to get ahead, self-criticism, fear, and hostility toward others seem to come more naturally to us. Yet researchers have found that developing kindness and compassion for ourselves and others builds our confidence, helps us create meaningful, caring relationships, lowers anxiety and hostility, and promotes physical and mental health. The Compassionate...

"Trying to control your anxious thoughts can backfire, making them more prevalent, not less. The best way to calm these common feelings is by attuning yourself to your thoughts in a nonjudgmental, attentive manner, acknowledging your anxieties but choosing to act rather than react. From the author of Calming Your Anxious Mind comes Daily Mediations for Calming Your Anxious Mind, a collection of more than sixty-four daily mindfulness-based meditations...