Adil Farooq - Psychiatry Magazine

Living with Balance: A Complete Guide to a Healthier Life

Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from themselves. The constant pressure of work, responsibilities, relationships, and technology makes it difficult to find peace and clarity. That’s where the concept of Living with Balance comes in. Living with balance is about creating harmony between your mind, body, emotions, and daily […]

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Therapy for Trauma Bonding: Healing, Recovery, and Growth

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction Relationships are meant to bring love, support, and security. However, some relationships create deep cycles of emotional pain and attachment that are difficult to escape. This phenomenon is known as trauma bonding, a psychological connection that forms between a victim and an abuser through repeated cycles of abuse and reconciliation. Breaking free from trauma

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Mental Clarity Exercises: Focused, Calm, and Clear Thinking

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, our minds are constantly bombarded with information, distractions, and responsibilities. From endless notifications to the pressure of multitasking, it’s easy to feel mentally scattered or overwhelmed. This state is often described as mental fog—a condition where thinking feels heavy, slow, and unclear. On the other hand, mental clarity is the

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Functional Freeze: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction Functional freeze is a term that has recently gained attention in discussions about mental health, productivity, and trauma recovery. It refers to a state in which a person feels stuck and unable to take action, even on simple everyday tasks. Unlike procrastination or laziness, functional freeze is rooted in the body’s natural stress response—specifically

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Perseverative Cognition:Repetitive Thinking and Its Impacts

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction Perseverative cognition is a psychological concept that describes the tendency to engage in repetitive, negative thought patterns. Unlike regular problem-solving or occasional worry, perseverative cognition involves repeatedly returning to the same thoughts without resolution. This constant mental repetition can have profound effects on emotional well-being, mental health, and even physical health. Understanding perseverative cognition

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Maladaptive Behavior: Traits, and Real-Life Impact

Physiological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction to Maladaptive Behavior Human behavior is complex and shaped by experiences, personality, and environment. While many behaviors help us adapt and thrive, others can hinder growth and well-being. These harmful patterns are known as maladaptive behaviors. Maladaptive behavior refers to actions or thought processes that may provide temporary relief but ultimately interfere with personal

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Adult ADHD Emotional Dysregulation Symptoms

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Understanding Adult ADHD Emotional Dysregulation Symptoms When most people think about ADHD in adults, they imagine restlessness, difficulty focusing, or being forgetful. But one of the most overlooked aspects of ADHD is emotional dysregulation. Adults living with ADHD often struggle with overwhelming emotions, intense reactions, and difficulty calming down after stressful events. These challenges

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What is the 24 Hour Rule for ADHD?

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

The 24 hour rule for ADHD is a coping strategy designed to help people manage emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. The rule is simple: 👉 When you feel a strong emotional reaction, wait 24 hours before making a decision or taking action. This doesn’t mean ignoring emotions. Instead, it’s about giving your brain time to process

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CBT for Anxiety: Techniques, Benefits, and How It Works

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Introduction: Understanding CBT and Anxiety Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges faced worldwide. It can show up in different forms such as constant worry, panic attacks, or phobias. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, persistent and overwhelming anxiety often requires professional treatment. Among all treatment options, Cognitive Behavioral

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Adjustment Disorder DSM-5 Criteria: A Complete Guide

Blog / Adil Farooq

Introduction Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when a person has difficulty coping with or adjusting to a specific stressor. While stress is a normal part of life, some people experience symptoms that are more intense, persistent, and disruptive than expected. To make an accurate diagnosis, mental health professionals refer to the

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Signs of Mild Depression

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Mild depression, sometimes referred to as minor depression or persistent low-grade sadness, can quietly affect daily life. It’s often less intense than major depression, but its subtle impact can still interfere with work, relationships, and general well-being. Learning to recognize and address mild depression early can make a significant difference. What Are the Symptoms of

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Signs of Covert Narcissism: How to Spot the Hidden Traits

Narcissism / Adil Farooq

When most people think of narcissism, they picture someone loud, arrogant, and obsessed with being the center of attention. But not all narcissists fit that stereotype. Some are much harder to spot because they hide behind humility, shyness, or sensitivity. This is known as covert narcissism, and it can be just as damaging to relationships

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Hidden Mental Health Disorders

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Mental health is often seen through a narrow lens — we notice it when someone has a breakdown, isolates completely, or openly expresses emotional pain. But what about the people who seem “fine” on the outside? Those who smile, function, and keep up appearances — yet quietly carry deep emotional distress. These are the people

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Understanding Childhood Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during childhood. While scraped knees and fevers often get quick attention, emotional or behavioral issues in kids may go unnoticed or misunderstood. Yet, childhood mental health disorders are more common than many people realize — and they can have a lasting impact if left unaddressed.

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Mental Healthiness: A Guide to a Healthier Mind and Life

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of mental healthiness is often overlooked. While people regularly focus on physical fitness, mental well-being deserves equal attention. Maintaining good mental health is not just about avoiding disorders—it’s about cultivating emotional resilience, positive habits, and a balanced mindset. This article explores the meaning of mental healthiness, why it matters,

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The Link Between Depression and Chronic Pain

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Chronic pain and depression are two health issues that affect millions of people around the world. On their own, each condition can deeply affect a person’s quality of life. But when they occur together, the challenges become even greater. Understanding the link between chronic pain and depression is important for anyone dealing with these conditions—or

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How to Stop Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Finding Calm

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Anxiety is something many people face at some point in their lives. Whether it’s the occasional stress before a big presentation or the constant worry about daily life, anxiety can feel overwhelming and interfere with normal routines. While it’s natural to experience moments of anxiety, when it becomes chronic, it can start affecting mental, emotional,

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Person feeling anxious looking at an empty phone screen”

Nomophobia: Understanding Phone Separation Anxiety

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

📱 What Is Nomophobia? Have you ever felt uneasy, anxious, or downright panicked when you couldn’t find your phone? If so, you might be experiencing Nomophobia, short for “no-mobile-phone phobia”. It’s a modern-day condition where people experience anxiety or distress when they’re without their smartphones — even temporarily. In an age where we depend on

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Eco-Anxiety in Non-Climate-Affected Regions: Why You Still Feel It & How to Cope

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Introduction A recent global survey by The Lancet found that over 59% of young people experience anxiety about climate change, even if they don’t live in regions directly impacted by extreme weather events like wildfires, floods, or droughts. This growing psychological concern is called eco-anxiety, and it’s not limited to people on the front lines

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Digital Overstimulation in Children Under 5: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Parents Need to Know

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Introduction Did you know that the average toddler in the U.S. spends over 2.5 hours per day on screens, despite recommendations that it should be far less? This alarming trend has given rise to what experts are now calling digital overstimulation in children—a growing and often overlooked mental health issue affecting millions of kids under

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How Genetics Influence Mental Health: A Deep Dive

Mental Health Awareness / Adil Farooq

Introduction Mental health disorders affect millions of people globally, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in complex and often debilitating ways. These disorders, which include conditions like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, have traditionally been attributed to a mixture of psychological, environmental, and biological factors. In recent decades, advancements in genetics have illuminated the profound

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How to Handle Stress: Tips for a Calmer, Healthier Life

Physiological disorders / Adil Farooq

Introduction Stress is something we all deal with. Whether it’s a looming deadline at work, juggling school and personal life, or simply navigating the unpredictability of everyday responsibilities, stress has a way of creeping in. It’s completely normal, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it take over our lives. In today’s fast-paced world,

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What Is Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Meta Description:Learn what Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) really is—including common symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Discover how to live with OCD and find support with this user-friendly guide. What Is Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). These symptoms

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Understanding Dementia: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Dementia is a term that often causes confusion, worry, and heartbreak—but understanding it is the first step in managing its effects with compassion and clarity. What Is Dementia? Dementia is not a single disease but a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It goes beyond the typical

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Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Causes, Signs, and Paths to Recovery

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a growing concern that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what SUD is, how it develops, the signs to watch for, and what treatment and recovery look like. Whether you’re looking for answers for yourself or a loved one, this article offers clarity

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Impulse Control Techniques for Obsessive Disorders

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Obsessive disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions, are marked by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. One of the most challenging aspects of these conditions is the struggle with impulse control — the urge to act immediately on distressing thoughts or feelings. Fortunately, with

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What Is Fetishistic Disorder?

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Fetishistic disorder is a type of paraphilic disorder characterized by intense sexual arousal from non-living objects or specific non-genital body parts — to the extent that it causes significant distress or impairs daily life. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition), fetishistic disorder is diagnosed when the fetishistic behavior

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What Are Rumination Thoughts?

Psychological disorders / Adil Farooq

Have you ever caught yourself replaying the same negative thoughts over and over again, unable to stop? That mental loop is called rumination — a pattern of repetitive thinking, often focused on problems, mistakes, or fears, without reaching a solution. Unlike productive reflection, rumination thoughts trap you in a cycle of worry, regret, or self-criticism.

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What Are the Symptoms of Maladjustment?

Clinical Insights / Adil Farooq

Maladjustment is a term we might hear in conversations about mental health, school performance, or even workplace dynamics. But what does it really mean? In simple terms, maladjustment refers to the inability to adapt effectively to the demands of the environment, whether that environment is school, home, work, or social life. Everyone experiences stress or

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The Gray Rock Technique: Your Secret Weapon Against Toxic People

Therapies / Adil Farooq

Imagine standing next to a stream, watching smooth, gray stones resting quietly under the water. They don’t shout, sparkle, or move. They’re just there—unremarkable and uninteresting. Now imagine becoming that gray rock when you’re dealing with a toxic person. That’s the heart of the Gray Rock Technique: making yourself so emotionally uninteresting that toxic people

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Author name: Adil Farooq