The Source
Reflections on the Science and Art of Psychology and Human Behavior

Dealing With Caregiver Stress and Compassion Fatigue: How to Move Forward

January 23, 2025 SpringSource Psychological

Caregiver Stress: Why am I Always So Tired? If you are the primary caregiver for a sick or aging loved one, work in a helping profession, or deal with the mental health issues of a family member or significant other, then you are likely struggling with some form of caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, or burnout. […]

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Understanding the Freeze Response, Neurodivergent Sensory Overload & Dorsal Vagal Shutdown

December 20, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

Dorsal Vagal Shutdown and the Freeze Response Dorsal vagal shutdown is a protective response of the parasympathetic nervous system that can be triggered when a traumatic event results in a freeze response or during a sensory overload experience. In addition to a startling experience,  a perfect storm of smaller incidences can overload our system and […]

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How to Support a Loved One With an Eating Disorder During the Holidays and Beyond

December 5, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder Featuring special guest writer: SpringSource’s own Alison (Ali) Mayer, NCC, LCPC As we approach the holiday season, we should acknowledge that not everyone is excited and looking forward to the holiday. For some, it can be a stressful time, especially for those who struggle with an eating disorder. With […]

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Overcome Body Shaming & Weight Stigma to Reclaim Your Joy This Holiday Season

November 27, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

Overcoming Diet Talk Body shaming and negative attitudes about weight (weight stigma), peppered with plenty of diet talk, are sure to make their annual appearance during the holiday season this year. With the meteoric rise in popularity of the new weight loss drugs, we predict that talks surrounding food and diet may be even more […]

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Likes, Follows, and Anxiety: The Teen Mental Health Crisis and Social Media

November 14, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

The Youth Mental Health Crisis, Smartphones & Social Media We are in a teen mental health crisis, and it has been going on for nearly a decade. The constant pursuit of validation and belonging on social media platforms, measured by “likes” and “follows,” can significantly contribute to anxiety, depression, screen addiction, and a myriad of […]

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Emotional Labor & Gender Roles: Women Bear the Mental Load, and We Are Exhausted.

November 4, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

Emotional Labor & Women Gender roles under patriarchy create an atmosphere where the responsibility of emotional labor will commonly fall squarely on the shoulders of women. Is it any wonder women are overworked and exhausted?! They are also under-represented in leadership roles, partly because the strain of solely bearing the obligation of emotional labor can […]

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Anxious Times: The Impact of Political Polarization & Election Anxiety on Mental Health is Real

October 14, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

Political Polarization & Mental Health Election anxiety due to political polarization affects a significant portion of the U.S. population and has implications for mental health and well-being. Political anxiety is distinct from other forms of stress in that it is a shared experience that affects everyone in the country. According to surveys by organizations like […]

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From ARFID in Adults to Adult Anorexia: Chicago Therapists Explore Eating Disorders in Mid & Later Life Stages

September 26, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

ARFID in Adults, Adult Anorexia, & Other Eating Disorders Written by Angela Derrick, Ph.D. and Susan McClanahan, Ph.D. with contributions by Alison (Ali) Mayer, NCC, LCPC. ARFID in adults, along with other eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia, are likely to go unrecognized in midlife stages (40-60 years old, give or take a decade) and […]

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Unpacking the Limerent Object: The Unwitting Focus of Intense Desire

September 15, 2024 SpringSource Psychological

Limerence Definition Limerence is an intense emotional state of involuntary infatuation, sometimes romantic, but not always, characterized by obsessive thoughts, deep longing, and an overwhelming desire for emotional reciprocity from the person of interest, otherwise known as the limerent object. Unlike simple attraction or love, limerence often involves intrusive thoughts about the person, a compelling […]

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