This Common but Horrifying Delusion Will Make Your Skin Crawl

Approximately 27 people out of every 100,000 suffer from a syndrome called “delusional infestation.” And while that might not seem like many, it works out to about 90,000 Americans walking around, right now, believing that parasites or insects are crawling inside and over their bodies – even though there’s nothing there.

“Parasites usually complained of crawling, burrowing, and biting worms and insects,” wrote a team of psychologists in the Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. “Patients may resort to self-mutilation in an attempt to remove the ‘parasites,’ such as obsessive nail-biting, or using a razor blade.”

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Doctors have also seen patients who engage in horrifying self-purification rituals that involve bathing in kerosene or dousing themselves in insecticide. They’ll gather evidence for their doctors that turns out to be pieces of skin or scabs, and will rarely accept a diagnosis once its given, continuing to seek treatment.

Mayo Clinic research has a database of cases that spans 30 years and proves that the condition is more common than originally thought. The condition can be linked to schizophrenia, dementia, and other neurological disorders, and also shows up in habitual users of meth and cocaine.

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15 People Share What Helps Them Cope with Their Anxiety

For any number of reasons, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses seem to be even more common these days. People are always looking for ways to cope (outside or in addition to modern medication) and these 15 people are ready and willing to share the mechanisms that have worked for them.

#15. Running.

“Exercise- I find running has helped me a lot and built up my confidence.”

#14. Just saying.

“Vodka, comrade.”

#13. Counting backward.

“Counting backwards in a foreign language and or basic math.”

#12. The happy painter.

“Watching Bob Ross! His voice is so soothing, and he exudes positivity. Wrapping up in a blanket, touching something soft, or running my hands under warm water also help. I also have a squeezable pineapple keychain with little popping eyes that helps me re-focus when I’m on the go.”

#11. Reaffirmation.

“Deep breaths when a heavy feeling is preventing me from breathing correctly. (Shallow panicked breathing) So countering whatever it makes me want to do.

I have to remind myself that not everything is the end of the world. Even if I might feel like it is. Even if I feel all hope is lost and everyone hates me. I can’t ‘indulge’ myself in these thoughts. They only spiral out of control if I focus on them.

I remind myself that I can do things and that no one judges me. (At least not as harshly as I do myself) No one wants to see me fail. No one would be happy if I disappeared out of their lives. If they didn’t want me as their friend, I wouldn’t be their friend. They don’t invite me to things out of pity. Strangers on the internet don’t automatically hate me. Written text is hard to convey emotion.

That are things I know I should do. I should tell myself these things but as you probably know. It’s not always as easy as this. Tbh I’m not the best at dealing with my anxiety. I panic very easily. And the feeling just drowns out any rational thoughts. But those reaffirmations is something I can do before the feeling drowns me.”

#10. Take a step back.

“Reframing the situation.”

#9. I’m golden.

“Weirdly enough, having a little mini breakdown helps a lot. I go home, go into the shower and freak out for a bit then all of a sudden I’m feeling a lot better. Add a game to that and some solitude and I’m golden.”

#8. Give in.

“Crying.”

#7. Creativity.

“Being creative helps me along with breathing exercises.”

#6. Temporary relief.

“Stretching. Doing a little, five-minute stretch session makes me feel a lot better. It’s relief is temporary, but it helps a lot and is easy to do.”

#5. It helps me so much.

“Something I have been doing recently is talking to myself. I get bad anxiety when I’m driving sometimes, so I’ll turn off the radio, focus my mind, and speak to myself out loud. Really try to believe what you’re saying. Instead of saying “you’re gonna be fine” try saying “you’ve dealt with this before and you know you will come out the other side.” It helps me so much to hear my own voice. It sounds silly and I’ll admit it is a bit strange, but dammit if it doesn’t help me a ton.”

#4. But also.

“Meditation, and deep breathing exercises. But also pharmaceuticals.”

#3. An important first step.

“Forgive myself for feeling anxious and then step back and work out how I got there and discard what isn’t valid and work through the emotions / feelings that are.

Forgiving myself is an important first step or I end up in a spiral when I get anxious about being anxious and so on.”

#2. Every single day.

“Meditation. Breathing exercises. Positive thinking. Not just for a week but every single day. Make it a habit. Set goals. Meditation in particular has helped me a lot. Also don’t be afraid to talk about it with family and friends. Just knowing that someone understands what you’re experiencing also helps.”

#1. You were ok.

“Sometimes when I’m having a “there’s-no-hope/no-tomorrow” kind of episode, I remind myself about the last time I felt that way, then I ask myself a question. What happened between the last time you felt this way and now? You were ok. You were ok and you will be ok again. <3″

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4 Riddles That Are Meant for Born Problem Solvers

If you fancy yourself someone who is great at solving problems – like perhaps you were born to d just that – then these 4 riddles will be the ultimate test.

Let’s see if you’re right!

#4. The Three-Roomed House

Photo Credit: Brightside

You are stuck in the middle room of a 3-roomed house. You are in the middle room, which contains only a window fitted with iron bars and doors that lead to the rooms on either side of you.

The rooms on your left and right have exits from the house, but the room on the left also contains 2 assassins ready to kill you.

The room on the right contains solar-powered UV laser guns that kill on sight.

How will you escape?

Continue reading when you’re ready for the answer!

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Can You Solve These 5 Riddles Meant for Kids?

You’ve probably seen or heard of the show, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, but how would you fare if you found yourself holding the buzzer? This might not tell you for sure, but if you can solve these 5 children’s riddles, I’d say you’re one step closer to claiming the title.

#5. Imagine you’re looking at this pyramid from above. Which view is correct?

Photo Credit: Brightside

Continue reading when you’re ready for the answer!

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How You Can Be One of the 8% of People Who Always Reaches Their Goals

According to recent studies, a full 92% of people don’t reach the goals they set for themselves. The secret to the success of the 8%? It lies in their ability to set clear, correct goals at the outset.

For a few example,s you can apply to your own life, read on!

First off, use the acronym SMART when setting your goals. It helps you remember that they should be:

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Specific: Instead of saying “start working out” say “do one exercise video” or “jog one mile.”

Measurable: Quantify your goals. If you want to lose weight, specify how much and in what length of time.

Achievable: There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, but you’re more likely to meet a goal that has a number or time-frame attached to it – “earn $20k more than last year” is better than “earn more money.”

Relevant: Make your goals so that they fit into your life so you’ll be more likely to attempt/accomplish them. Instead of making it a goal to simply meet other people who enjoy the things you do, say that you’re going to join a book club or hiking club or take a cooking class – whatever applies.

and Timebound: This should be obvious, but we’re way more likely to meet goals that have firm time limits attached. You want to learn German by your 28th birthday and your reward is a trip to Germany. Etc.

For a different tact, you can try these 12 proven steps by Canadian life coach Brian Tracy. Many of the underlying principles are the same, but steps work better for some people when it comes to conceptualizing and execution.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

  1. Get a burning desire to reach your goal.
  2. Convince yourself it can be done.
  3. Write it down.
  4. Write down the pros or benefits of accomplishing your goal.
  5. Make a timeline – where are you starting and where the finish line is.
  6. Set a deadline to accomplish your goal.
  7. List out possible obstacles so you can head them off as best as possible.
  8. Research – do you need any training/information that will help you on your way?
  9. Find people to help/mentor you.
  10. Make a to-do list that is as detailed as possible.
  11. Spend some time visualizing how you will feel/what it will look like to reach your goal.
  12. Make a decision – right from the start – not to give up until you get there.

There are other methods out there if you’re still not sure these will be easy to implement, but we’ve gotten you started! The bottom is line you have to have a clear, strong vision of what you want to accomplish, believe that you can get it done, and then set a solid path with a marked finish line to help you get there.

Good luck!

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7 Puzzles That Will Test Your Ability to Pay Attention

In this day and age, paying attention is harder than ever. A million things seem to be vying for our attention at any moment of any given day, so that makes these puzzles just perfect.

Close out the world for a bit and see if you can make your brain focus. Practice makes perfect!

#7. One of these is different from the others…

Photo Credit: Brightside

Continue reading when you’re ready for the answer!

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7 Free Tips You’d Have to Pay a Psychologist to Give You

Who doesn’t love a freebie (or 7!) now and then? I know I do, and when it’s something you’d pay upwards of $100/hr to get if you made an appointment, well…bonus!

So, without further ado, here are 7 tips you’d have to pay for at the therapist’s office. Go forth and conquer, my friends.

#7. Step out of your comfort zone

Photo Credit: Pixabay

If you want to change your life – find a relationship, make new friends, learn a new skill, or land a new job – there’s a good chance it will happen sooner if you step out of your comfort zone.

#6. There’s a good chance your psychological issues stem from childhood

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Spend some time unpacking how your parents acted, why they acted that way, and how it impacted you and you might be well on your way to leaving the past where it belongs.

#5. Enforce your boundaries

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It’s okay to have boundaries and expectations that they be respected, even in personal and family relationships. If nothing else, enforcing your set boundaries will make the other party realize that you’ll stand up for yourself if need be – and that’s a start.

#4. Express more opinions, offer fewer judgments

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Accusing people puts them on the defensive instead of considering how their actions impacted you. If you simply tell them how you’re feeling, it gives them a chance to fix the situation while still preserving their dignity.

#3. Baby steps mean something

Photo Credit: Pixabay

It takes 20 days to form a habit, so each day, take a small step toward the new habit you’re hoping to establish.

#2. Spend more time loving yourself than worrying about whether others love you

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Comparing yourself to others is a waste of time, and one that can be damaging, at that. You have to form your own desires and personality, our own sense of self, and then be confident that no matter what others think, we’re being true to that sense.

#1. Let things go

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Change things yourself instead of expecting others to change – you can’t force other people to do what you want (or to want to do what you want) so you have the choice of being disappointed or making the change for you. The latter is more healthy.

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How Much Sleep You Need, Based on Your Age

Pretty much every single article out there that talks about getting and staying healthy – body and mind – will tell you that you need to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. But how much sleep do you need?

It can be a complicated question that takes into consideration various factors like your age, health level, metabolism, etc. At least, it was until you discovered this handy-dandy chart.

Take a look!

Photo Credit: Brightside

Are you getting enough sleep?

Just as important is your quality of sleep, so if you feel like that’s lacking, you can click here for some tips on improving it.

Happy sleeping!

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10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Living with ADHD

It may surprise you that living with ADHD is about more than managing your ability to sit still or pay attention – but as someone who lives with a partner who suffers, I can tell you that the way his brain functions infiltrates more areas of his life than I would have believed at the beginning.

So if you have ADHD, this post will hit you in the feels. And if you’re living with (and loving!) someone who suffers, this post might give you a better ability to understand their daily struggles.

#10. They don’t always think before they speak

Photo Credit: Pixabay

And like everyone, what comes out is sometimes inappropriate. They regret it, but they likely won’t apologize.

#9. It’s hard to silence their inner child

Photo Credit: Pixabay

ADHD sufferers often come across as selfish. As adults, they understand that they aren’t going to to be able to do what they want or get what they want all of the time, but sometimes the impatient five-year-old inside of them wins the day and they come off looking poorer for it.

#8. It’s a constant battle between confidence and doubt

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Some days, it’s easy to pretend to have it all together (or do they?) and other days that voice asking when they’re going to stop pretending and admit they suck at everything is too loud to ignore.

#7. It’s hard to let things go

Photo Credit: Pixabay

People with ADHD replay their entire day and obsess over things said (or not said), items not checked off lists, as well as what needs to be done tomorrow – and next week, next month, etc.

#6. Their brains are exhausting

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ADHD minds never stop and never take breaks – and that can be exhausting. The exhaustion can lead to poor behavior and snapped responses, none of which is easy to deal with for the person…or their partner.

#5. It might look like laziness…but it’s not

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Up to 50% of people with ADHD have chronic sleep issues – and it takes awhile for their brains to shake off the fog and get moving. Sometimes hours.

#4. Obsession can be part of the diagnosis

Photo Credit: Pixabay

People with ADHD often live in excess – they spend too much, eat too much, exercise too much, and so on. The obsessive part of their brain isn’t limited to one thing.

#3. It’s part of who they are

Photo Credit: Pixabay

It can be frustrating and challenging and exhausting, but the bottom line is that ADHD brains were made that way, and the people who own them would be different without them. So like the rest of us, they wouldn’t trade who they are for a more “normal” existence.”

#2. They can’t hear you sometimes

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Yes, they’re staring at you and they look like they’re listening, but sometimes their minds have focused on something else. They’re not being rude; it’s just how their brains work.

#1. Hyperfocus is a blessing…and a curse

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People with ADHD get into hyperfocus modes and woe to anyone who interrupts their train of thought. If they lose it, they will lose it for good so think twice about how important their attention really is in that moment.

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Here Are The Most Popular Jobs Among Psychopaths

You might need this knowledge for yourself one day…but hopefully not while you’re looking in the mirror.

This list was compiled by British psychologist and author Kevin Dutton for his book, The Wisdom of Psychopaths.

#10. Civil Servant

Photo Credit: NBC

Psychopaths want power and control, which is given out to those serving the public. They can also be good in a crisis, since they don’t take people’s feelings into account while executing their job.

#9. Surgeon

Photo Credit: ABC

Surgeons have to make fast decisions that may be morally difficult for the non-psychopath, and they have to remain calm in intense situations.

#8. Chef

Photo Credit: Fox

Psychopaths are resistant to stress and thrive in chaos – two qualities that go hand-in-hand with crazy kitchens and long work weeks common in the restaurant business.

#7. Salesperson

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

According to this book, having a psychopath on your sales team can lead to a marked increase. They’re confident, charming, and manipulative – plus they thrive in competitive environments.

#6. Clergy

Photo Credit: NBC

Sad, but true….being a member of the clergy not only gives a person a certain amount of power, but it gives you access to information that could be used for blackmail or manipulation purposes.

#5. Media

Photo Credit: MGM

Psychopaths have no trouble being calm in front of an audience, and their ability to charm and believe in themselves plays an important role in career advancement.

#4. Police Officers

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Again with the position of authority and power – policemen who work in extra dangerous areas are likely to be psychopaths. They take pleasure in being around bad situations and can remain calm while doing so.

Statistics also show that 40% of police families endure domestic violence – 2x more often than other families.

#3. Lawyer

Photo Credit: Lakeshore Entertainment

A successful lawyer is able to lie, hide their true feelings, and ignore their conscience – a perfect job for a psychopath.

#2. Journalist

Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox

Seeing your name in print is good for feeding one’s ego, and it’s a job where a competitive drive will get you far.

#1. CEO

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

Psychopaths are so good with stress that they often prefer operating in chaos since it makes them look better and more powerful in the eyes of others. Studies claim that up to 20% of CEO’s in large companies show a strong inclination.

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