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Researchers Explain How Depression Damages Parts of Your Brain

November 18, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disease and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 16 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2012 – or about 7 percent of the population.

Between 20 to 25 percent of adults may suffer at least one episode of major depression at some point during their lifetime. Children, teens, and older adults also suffer from MDD.

Per WebMD, Major Depression (or Clinical Depression) is “marked by a depressed mood most of the day, sometimes particularly in the morning, and a loss of interest in normal activities and relationships – symptoms that are present every day for at least 2 weeks.”

According to the DSM-5, the manual used to diagnose mental health disorders, additional symptoms of MDD include:

– Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day

– Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day

– Impaired concentration, indecisiveness

– Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day

– Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day (called anhedonia, this symptom can be indicated by reports from significant others)

– Restlessness or feeling slowed down

– Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

– Significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month)

Learning from Prior Depression Research

Despite considerable efforts to “peel back” depression’s multiple layers, including the cause(s) of MDD, scientists’ understanding of depression remains somewhat limited. Small sample sizes, numerous sub-categories of depression, varying treatment methods, and nuanced collection and interpretation of data have made uniformly accepted conclusions difficult.

To overcome the limitations of past scientific research, scientists – in a study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry – used a meta-analysis, combining data from 15 different studies.

The main limitations cited prior were accounted for, and the study’s researchers believe that their findings represent the most accurate findings thus far as they pertain to the neurobiological causes and effects of depression.

“To address the limited statistical power of prior studies and overcome some of the issues of the (meta-analyses) … from single studies, we (used) the Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) consortium.”

In everyday terms, the researchers used a very reliable source for analysis. ENIGMA is an international effort – a collaboration between six different countries.

The team used a total of 8,927 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. 7,199 MRIs were from healthy individuals, and 1,728 images were from MDD-diagnosed patients.

Depression and the Brain

For the sake of brevity (not turning this article into a research paper of its own), we’re going to highlight and describe some of the study’s most significant findings. The main findings are as follows:

1. MDD patients showed a “significantly lower” hippocampal volume

– The hippocampus is a part of the brain’s limbic system. The region plays critical roles in consolidating information from short-term to long-term memory. It also processes spatial memory that enables navigation.

– The hippocampus of MDD patients was approximately 11.2 percent smaller than in non-MDD brains.

2. MDD patients had a smaller amygdala, too.

– The amygdala is an almond-shaped set of neurons deep in the brain’s medial temporal lobe. It plays a key role in the processing of emotions.

– The amygdala of MDD patients was approximately 4 percent smaller than non-MDD brains.

3. MDD patients showed an enlargement of the lateral ventricles.

– The ventricles of the brain are a communicating network of cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Enlargement of the lateral ventricles is tied to a loss of brain volume.

– Brain scans showed a difference of about 3 percent in the size of lateral ventricles between the two groups.

4. Shrinkage was more pronounced in MDD patients whose symptoms originated before age 21.

5. Early diagnosis of MDD may mitigate some of the brain-altering effects.

– “This study puts the emphasis (on) early identification of the more severe persistent or recurrent cases … because they’re the ones who will be most harmed from a brain point of view.”

Final Thoughts on Depression

Although the main points derived from this article may appear depressing, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel.

First, understanding the effects of depression creates an opportunity for more targeted treatment. Paul Fitzgerald, Professor of Psychiatry at Monash University: “Having a better understanding of the regional volume differences will provide greater capacity to draw conclusions.”

Second, depression’s effects on the brain are reversible with the appropriate treatment. Recently, scientists from Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital discovered that “non-pharmaceutical” treatments, including cognitive exercises, improved the memory, executive functioning, and processing speed of depressive patients.

Sources:
http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/depression-damages-parts-brain-research-concludes/
https://www.brainhq.com/media/pressreleases/first-study-show-brain-training-can-help-bipolar-disorder
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/lateral-ventricles
https://www.nature.com/articles/mp201569#results
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/major-depression#1

10 Signs You’re Dealing With A Superficial Person

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“If you describe someone as superficial, you disapproved of them because they do not think deeply, and have little understanding of anything serious or important.” ~ Collins Dictionary

What does a superficial person look like?

It’s rather funny that nearly every definition of superficial or can be applied to a person. Let’s look at the definitions of superficial from Dictionary.com (emphases are from the dictionary):

“being at, on, or near the surface: a superficial wound.”

This definition may be describing a wound, but superficial people are all about surface impressions.

“of or relating to the surface: superficial measurement.”

When “sizing up” a superficial person, you won’t see much depth.

“external or outward: a superficial resemblance.”

Many-a superstitious person are infatuated with their outward appearance.

“concerned with or comprehending only what is on the surface or obvious: a superficial observer.”

See the pattern yet?

“shallow; not profound or thorough: a superficial writer.”

And finally…

“apparent rather than real.”

In summary, superficial people focus outward; lack emotional and intellectual depth, and are perceptually shallow.

Does this sound like a person you want to hang out with?

(P.S., We could’ve also included “displaying a lack of thoroughness or care,” “only outwardly apparent rather than genuine or actual,” “of little substance or significance,” and “lacking originality.”)

What a superficial person isn’t: reliable, empathetic, altruistic, deep.

In short, these aren’t the folks you want to call at 2 in the morning when there’s an emergency. Should you ever need to do so, here’s what you can expect to discover.

Here are some traits that a superficial person might possess:

1. No “inner compass.”

You know how most decent people remain grounded in certain beliefs and principles? How these tenets set a foundation for their life choices?

Yeah, these people don’t have that.

No belief or opinion can’t be altered or rendered mute. While this may sound harsh, superficial people are not grounded in anything.

Why? Because that would require a depth of thought – a shakeup of one’s attitudes and behaviors. Shallow individuals can’t be bothered with that.

2. An overemphasis on physical attraction.

There’s nothing wrong with admiring someone’s physical allure. There is something wrong with placing physical attraction as the top criteria.

Superficial people actually pride themselves on hanging out and hooking up only with individuals who meet their physical “standards.”

3. Zero self-awareness.

Unless it has to do with their appearance, these folks lack the ability for introspection or self-observation entirely. They’re either unwilling or unable to examine feelings, thoughts, and behaviors with any attention.

The only time these people will alter their behavior is if someone of “high status” admonishes them in some way. And any change won’t last long.

4. Overly materialistic.

Surprise, surprise!

The word materialistic, which assuredly applies to the superficial, is defined by the Oxford English Dictionaries as:

“Excessively concerned with physical comforts or the acquisition of wealth and material possessions, rather than with spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.”

Speaking of which…

5. A striking absence of intelligence

We’re not talking about I.Q. scores (though one could make an argument here). No, we’re referring to self-intelligence; more specifically, a basic understanding of things like the social contract, manners, grace, gratitude, and others.

Exhibit ‘A’: Kim Kardashian.

6. Overly judgmental

We’ve all held ignorant beliefs about a person or group of people at one time or another. The difference between rational, non-judgmental people and the superficial is that the former doesn’t habitually judge others.

Superficial people are unabashedly judgmental. They will form negative opinions about someone without any evidence.

7. Living to gossip

A conversation with someone superficially-inclined will probably involve a fair amount of gossip and empty talk. Combine their insatiable need to spout gossip with a stunning lack of self-awareness, and you’ve got a one-sided conversation from hell.

Our advice? Say nothing and walk away.

8.Relishing the center of attention

Ever notice how some celebrities make it a point of acting asinine when the spotlight is redirected? That’s because they’re borderline narcissistic about being the center of attention.

The same goes for our superficial friends. They’re seemingly unable to grasp the difference between good and bad attention. As such, they’ll overreact, spread rumors, or something else. Whatever it takes to get people talking about them again.

9. Social media’ing everyone to death

“Oh, look, a status update…and there’s another.”

“An album full of selfies?”

“Huh, photoshopped sushi…”

Okay, you get the idea. Do yourself a favor and don’t ‘friend’ someone who’s about as deep as a puddle.

10. An extreme sense of entitlement

Healthy, responsible adults have all discovered a fundamental truth about life: the world gives us nothing. Either we work for something or go without, period.

Superficial people possess a sense of entitlement that nearly dwarfs their ego (no small task.) They “deserve” nice clothes, the best house, a new car, and the best-looking partner, just for being them.

Sources:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/superficial
http://www.kaagmandumagazine.com/2016/04/7-signs-of-shallow-people.html
http://www.lovepanky.com/my-life/better-life/superficial-person-signs
https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/4561/5-ways-sense-entitlement-reveals/
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/superficial

Scientists Reveal How to Train Your Brain To Prevent Unwanted Thoughts

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a key chemical within the brain that allows us to suppress unwanted (intrusive) thoughts.

Dr. Michael Anderson, a neuroscience professor, and his team of researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered this chemical within the brain region responsible for memory formation.

“Our ability to control our thoughts is fundamental to our well-being. When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases.” ~ Professor Michael Anderson, University of Cambridge

Further, the research helps explain why individuals with certain mental health conditions – e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia – often contend with continuously invasive thoughts.

The ability to control thoughts is crucial to mental and physical well-being, says Professor Anderson:

“When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases: intrusive memories, images, hallucinations, ruminations, and pathological and consistent worries. These are all key symptoms of mental illnesses such as PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.”

In many ways, the ability to halt negative thinking is akin to that physical restraint. “We wouldn’t be able to survive without controlling our actions,” says Anderson. “We have lots of quick reflexes that are often useful, but we need to control these actions and stop them from happening.”

Anderson assumes that us humans also have a “similar mechanism” for stopping unwanted thoughts.

The Prefrontal Cortex, or PFC, supports our “executive function” brain area. The PFC connects to planning complex behaviors, paying attention, critical thinking, solving problems, self-awareness, decision-making, social cognition, and working memory.

The PFC can also be considered the brain’s “control center,” regulating other brain regions such as the motor cortex and hippocampus.

It wasn’t until recently that an area of the PFC was discovered to also play an essential role in stopping unwanted thoughts.

The Study

Anderson’s research was published in Nature Communications on November 3, 2017.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (measures brain chemistry), researchers observed participants’ brains as they attempted to suppress their thoughts on a given task.

Spectroscopy feedback showed that “the ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts relies on a neurotransmitter – a chemical within the brain that allows messages to pass between cells – known as GABA.”

GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps to regulate the activity of exhibitory (‘excitatory’) transmitters, e.g., glutamate and dopamine.

Here is a summation of Anderson’s findings, point by point:

GABA concentrations within the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory formation, determines a person’s ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts.
Suppressing unwanted thoughts depends “as much” on PFC activity as the hippocampus. (This bucks the trend, as most neuroscientists focus on the PFC for such roles.)
People with lower concentrations of GABA within the hippocampus “were less able to suppress (activity) by the prefrontal cortex,” suppressing thought at a much lower rate.
The study’s discoveries may lead to additional insights – and potential treatment options – for schizophrenia. (Schizophrenics display hyperactivity in the hippocampus, which is thought responsible for hallucinations and other intrusive symptoms.)

Scientists Reveal How to Train Your Brain To Prevent Unwanted Thoughts

Boosting GABA levels:

As Anderson’s research is very recent, potential treatments have not yet been examined. However, correcting a GABA deficiency, a neurochemical imbalance, can help suppress unwanted thoughts.

For those dealing with invasive thoughts, increasing the levels of GABA in the brain may help. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to do this.

Here are a few known GABA boosters:

Exercise: Increasing your heart rate can boost your GABA levels. Brisk walking or running three to four times per week may contribute to higher levels of GABA.
Meditation: Quieting your busy mind and focusing on deep breaths may help increase GABA levels. Try meditating for ten to fifteen minutes to start.
Yoga: Focusing on the present moment may help boost GABA levels. Additionally, yoga focuses on deep breathing, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Proper Diet: Avoid soft drinks, MSG, and processed foods as much as possible. Instead, eat foods rich in glutamic acid, a building block of GABA.

Foods high in glutamic acid include:

Almonds and walnuts
Bananas
Beef liver
Broccoli
Brown rice
Halibut
Lentils
Oats
Citrus fruits
Potato
Rice bran
Spinach

11 Signs You’re In A Bad Relationship (But Don’t Want to Admit It)

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Being in a harmful or toxic relationship is often something that we don’t realize that we’re in until we’re out of it. Bad relationships can invade every other aspect of our lives, from friendships to family relationships. They can make you feel depressed or anxious for no reason.

Marriage & family therapist and author Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT says, “Healthy relationships nourish and support us. A toxic relationship, on the other hand, is like poison to us — instead of lifting us up, it makes us feel worse. When it ends, we might experience post-traumatic stress or a lessening of self-esteem and trust in ourselves and others.”

When you’re in a bad relationship, you’re probably ignoring all the signs – it’s what we do as humans to protect ourselves. If you’re in a toxic relationship, you may notice these signs pointing toward a dire situation you don’t want to admit.

Here Are 11 Signs You’re In A Bad Relationship

“A Poisonous relationship can alter our perception. You can spend many years thinking you’re worthless. But you’re not worthless. You’re underappreciated.” – Steve Maraboli

1. You’re wondering if your relationship is bad

One of the first signs that you’re not actually in a good relationship is questioning whether or not your relationship is bad because “This is your subconscious telling you something,” says Relationship expert and couples therapist Nicole McCance.

You may have rough patches in normal relationships but aren’t constantly wondering if your relationship is bad. But a bad relationship will have you wondering if your relationship is garbage – and that’s the first sign that you should be looking critically at your relationship.

2. You don’t feel like a priority

Does your partner put you first when you need it? Does your partner seem like the kind of person who will drop everything and help you when it’s really important? If not, then you’re probably in a relationship where you don’t feel like a priority to your partner. While we can’t always be top priorities, you should feel your partner cares about you.

3. If they don’t want to do something, then you can’t do it either

In a relationship, you sometimes have to do things you don’t want to do because it’s important to your partner, or because you want to make them happy. You may go see a movie you’re not interested in because your partner likes it. But in a bad relationship, if your partner doesn’t want to do something, then you probably won’t be allowed to do it either. If your partner doesn’t want to go to a movie, you’ll probably not be able to see it.

In a toxic relationship, “… you are constantly put down, criticised and forced to do what is unacceptable to you and your values. When your autonomy in thoughts, words, and decisions is taken away and you start actually believing and accepting that you have no choice in any matter,” says psychotherapist and relationship counselor Dr. Minnu Bhonsle Ph.D.

4. Your friends and family dislike your partner

You have probably been on the other end of this situation. A friend or family member has been in a bad relationship, and you didn’t like their partner. If you’re suddenly on the opposite side of that, you may want to take your friends and family’s concern seriously. If your partner isn’t well-liked, it might be for a reason.

5. Their problems are your problems

And your problems … are also your problems. This is a red flag. When your partner wants you to help with all of their problems, but doesn’t want to help you with yours, this is a sign that your relationship is just plain bad. You need to have a relationship where both partners help each other equally.

6. You don’t trust them

If your significant other is working late or hanging out with their friends, you’re suddenly worried about what they’re doing. You may be trying to tell yourself there’s no reason to worry, but … if you’re worried, it’s probably for a good reason.

Clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., says, “When there is no trust there is no foundation. You can’t address communication issues, compatibility issues, and intimacy issues if there is no trust. If you fundamentally don’t trust your partner on any level, the relationship is poisoned.”

You shouldn’t have to worry about what your partner is up to in a good and healthy relationship.

7. You’re happier when they’re not around

If your partner goes on a trip or leaves for the night, you may feel a huge rush of relief. And that’s not normal!

“If you’re all that excited to have a weekend alone, consider that the reason for your joy is that they’re draining you when they’re around. You should be happy to have a break, but not that happy,” says relationship expert and author April Masini.

You may try to tell yourself that you’re an introvert, but the truth is that you’re just happier when your partner isn’t around. This is the biggest sign of an unhappy or bad relationship.

8. You pay for everything

You’re always paying for food, bills, rent, entertainment, and furniture… no matter what it is. Your partner have you not seen a dime. This is a big sign that you’re being used, and being used is a sign that you’re in a bad situation.

9. You’re constantly worried about breaking up

No matter what kind of disagreement you have, you are always worried about breaking up. You could disagree about what to have for dinner, or whose family’s house to go to for Christmas. Whatever the disagreement is, it always seems to spiral out of control to an argument that feels like the end of your love.

10. They’re always mentally elsewhere

When you’re spending time together, your partner seems like they’re just mentally distant. They’re not engaging with you or the things you’re doing together. They may always be on their phone or sound or look bored. You may think it’s just you, but that’s false. This is a red flag that you’re in a bad relationship and it’s time to move on.

11. You’re trying to remember the good times

When things get bad, you’re always trying to remember when things were good. This may be only the first few months of the relationship, or they may be only certain snippets of time. This is a sign that the situation is bad and doesn’t show any sign of getting better.

“If you’re starting to have thoughts like, ‘This is not like it used to be,’ ‘This is not what I signed up for,’ or ‘This doesn’t feel good anymore,’ it is possible that what was a good relationship has turned toxic. If you find that your partner doesn’t feel much like a partner or lover any longer—and he or she is bringing you down more than lifting you up, you need to rethink your relationship.” says love expert Sofia Milan.

Therefore, if you’re not looking forward to more good times and are only looking back, you might need to accept that the situation is bad.

Final Thoughts on Your Involvement in a Toxic Relationship

Bad relationships are hard to accept, especially in the middle of one.

“If you are experiencing a toxic relationship, then you likely move in and out of a state of denial about how unhealthy it truly is. At one moment you feel revulsion and at another you are making excuses and justifying your partner’s intolerable behavior,” says relationship expert, psychologist and author Jill P. Weber, Ph.D.

Admitting to yourself that your relationship is bad or toxic is one of the first steps to take in order to escape them. If your relationship sounds a lot like this list, it may be time to start considering that it’s time to leave the situation and find someone who appreciates you.

7 Early Warning Signs of A Dying Relationship

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“You don’t walk away to prove your worth. You walk away because you allowed someone else to dictate your value and you found yourself believing it.” – Shannon L. Alder

Relationships can be a lot of work, and keeping them running can mean a lot of stress for the individuals in a relationship. When a relationship is good and healthy, all of that work and stress is working towards a common and shared goal and “It’s important to remember that all couples have perpetual problems and can develop tools to deal with them,” says licensed clinical social worker Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW.

However, when a relationship becomes more work than fun, it can mean it is slowly dying. “In other words, if you can’t talk about the hard things, you’ll also feel less warmth and affection; and over time less fondness and admiration for your partner,” adds Gaspard.

Has your relationship been through a rough patch lately that doesn’t seem to end? You may want to check out these signs of a dying relationship and see if it’s time to let the relationship go – for your sake and your partner’s.

Here Are 7 Signs Of A Dying Relationship

1. You don’t talk about personal things anymore

At the beginning of the relationship, maybe you discussed your hopes, dreams, and serious issues in your life. But now, it seems like all of your conversations are rehearsed and rehashed small talk. You’re no longer discussing real, emotional things and instead, seem to only talk about how your day went and what to have for dinner.

“When you share your struggles and difficulties you not only strengthen your bond through your vulnerability but you also set the precedence for an open and nonjudgmental relationship for the future,” says life and wellness coach Dana Peters.

Therefore, it’s clear that the relationship starts to die when there’s nothing left to talk about.

2. You’re never on the same page

When a relationship is dying, your values are no longer as aligned as they once were. “Disagreements turn toxic when your partner can’t even understand where your opinion is coming from,” says relationship coach and author Kira Asatryan.

Perhaps you grew up into two different people than you had been when you first started dating or when you first got married. Important things that mean a lot to you no longer mean the same to your partner, or vice versa. “… disagreeing without understanding the other person’s perspective indicates a deep lack of understanding of the other person… in general. And somebody who doesn’t understand you will not make a great long-term partner,” adds Asatryan.

Whatever the issue, you can never seem to agree.

3. You complain about the same things

The sink is broken. They don’t pick up their laundry. You leave hair in the drain. Whatever the issue, the complaint arises over and over, and it never gets fixed. This means that you and your partner are no longer actively trying to make the other happy. The things that upset you go in one ear and out of the other. When this happens, a relationship starts to die.

4. You argue more often

At the beginning of your relationship, maybe everything was so happy and wonderful that you never argued at all. But now, it seems like all you do is argue. And the arguments are all about mundane or superficial things … or, maybe they’re the exact same argument that you’ve been having for years that never seems to have an end, and there’s no way to resolve.

“As couples get to know each other better, there should be a progression toward more understanding and less misunderstanding,” says psychoanalyst Sue Kolod, PhD. Therefore, more arguments mean that there’s less compromise, which means the relationship is dying.

5. You want more space

When your partner visits their parents, or goes on a business trip, you get a huge sense of relief at having space to yourself. You no longer miss your partner during the day like you once did, and you feel your need for “space” increasing more frequently.

“If you’re all that excited to have a weekend alone, consider that the reason for your joy is that they’re draining you when they’re around,” says relationship expert April Masini. Wanting more space is a huge, red flag of a dying relationship when you no longer want to be around your partner, or are happier when they’re not around.

6. You don’t feel like yourself

When you’re around your partner, do you feel more anxious, depressed or uncomfortable than you used to? Are you no longer the happy, talkative person that you once were? A dying relationship can make you feel all kinds of upset and negative emotions, and you suddenly no longer feel like yourself anymore. Maybe your friends and family notice that your personality has begun to change. This is a sign that a relationship is on its last leg.

7. You’re unsure about your future

When thinking about your future, are you suddenly no longer envisioning yourself with them by your side? Has your small family home in the suburbs suddenly turned into a vision of a studio in New York? If you no longer think about them in your future, it may be a sign that they’re not destined to be there. A dying relationship will no longer feel like something that you can look forward to in the future.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Signs of a Dying Relationship

While we all want to keep our relationships as happy and healthy as possible, sometimes two people just don’t work out in a relationship. And that’s okay! No matter how long you’ve been together, there’s always a chance that you both need to move on from one another. If that is the case, knowing the early warning signs of a dying relationship will allow you to move on, or work on fixing it if that is something you and your partner want to do.

10 Behaviors Women Show When They’re With Their True Love

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

How do you know when a woman is truly in love? Some seem so elusive that you never know, while others practically throw themselves at you.

World’s top relationship development expert, AJ Harbinger, says, “Love isn’t just a bunch of chemicals, but brain chemistry plays a vital role in why we feel the way we feel about other people. And when we feel good things, there’s usually a lot of dopamine involved.

When women fall in love, their bodies also produce norepinephrine and phenylethylamine. These increase focus while creating a sense of euphoria. That’s why women often focus on one man to the exclusion of other things when they’re falling in love.”

Falling in love with a woman can be one of the most wonderful and exciting things that happens in your life.

The problem may be figuring out if a woman is in love with you, too. Whether you’re beginning a relationship, or whether you’re in a long-term relationship, women will exhibit the same kind of behaviors when they have fallen in love with you.

Here Are 10 Behaviors A Woman Exhibits When She’s In Love

1. Shy behavior

A woman who is in love with you will start to be unusually shy. As opposed to hanging out with friends and other men she isn’t in love with, she may be much more outgoing and boisterous.

If she’s in love with you, you might find that she is more likely to avoid eye contact, giggle when you speak to her, and have a hard time communicating with you.

2. She gives you presents

Sure, getting presents on your birthday or holidays is pretty standard. But when a woman is in love with you, you may find that she gives you presents more often.

They’re not always big presents, but they’re often very special and heartfelt. If you find that a woman you know or are casually dating brings you presents often and without reason, it’s probably a sign that she’s deeply in love.

3. Acting slightly childish

If a woman is in love with you, she may begin to exhibit some strange behavior. She wants to be seen as cute in front of the person that she loves, and being cute is often hand-in-hand with being slightly childish.

According to TellYouAll, “They will not hesitate to raise their tone of their voice, scream, jump around, or giggle loudly to draw your attention. Note also their speaking style, which at first glance would sound warmer just like a small child.” She may also act innocent in a childlike way.

4. Interested in your life

A woman who is in love with you will take an interest in your life. She wants to know about your day, past, hopes, and dreams. She isn’t just asking to be polite, either. Indeed, she is genuinely interested in your life, what you think and feel, and your opinions on things.

According to YourTango, “You clearly already caught her interest if she’s asking (assuming she’s not just making small talk to be polite) and engaging in conversation. It’s just a step to determine if you’re a compatible partner for her.”

If she is asking many questions and taking an interest in your life, then it’s probably a sign that she’s genuinely in love with you.

5. She starts the conversation

Whether she’s messaging you online, sending you a text, or seeking you out to start talking, a woman in love with you is more likely to start the conversation.

Sometimes, you may find that she’s always sending you the first text, or is the one who’s calling you on the phone. These are behaviors of a woman who wants to talk to you.

6. Shows interest in what you do

Do you have a boring job? A weird hobby? It doesn’t matter what you do for a living or what you do during your free time; a woman who is in love with you will think that the things you do are the most interesting things on the planet.

She loves to listen to you talk about what you do for a living, or talk about your favorite hobbies and interests. A woman in love with you is interested in even the most boring details of your day.

7. She wants to look good

Making a good impression is important to a woman when she’s in love with someone. One of the first impressions that someone can make is with their physical appearance.

That means if a woman is always looking her best whenever you’re around her, she’s probably trying to impress you with her looks.

8. Always looks happy

When you walk into the room, does her expression change? Does she light up when she sees you? If so, it’s a sign that she’s falling for you. A woman who isn’t interested in someone is rarely going to look excited every time they walk into the room.

Pay attention to the way she smiles and the light in her eyes every time you’re around – if she looks like you’re her whole world, then you probably have a woman in love.

9. She can’t look you in the eyes

Maintaining eye contact is something that many people do when they’re feeling confident. But a woman in love with you may struggle to maintain eye contact.

After all, eyes are a window to the soul. When a woman has difficulty keeping eye contact, it’s a sign that she’s in love with you and is too shy to show it.

10. Pays attention to your needs and wants

She’s always aware of what you need, whether it’s an ear to listen or someone to offer advice. A woman in love with you will have no problem keeping your wants and needs at the forefront of her mind, and she will be happy to help you with whatever you need.

Final Thoughts on Knowing When a Woman is Truly in Love

Women show their emotions in different ways than men do, and when they fall in love, they can exhibit a type of behavior that makes it obvious … but only if you know what to look for! If you’re with a woman and want to figure out if she’s deeply in love with you, you’ll want to look for these specific behaviors.

“True love doesn’t happen right away; it’s an ever-growing process. It develops after you’ve gone through many ups and downs, when you’ve suffered together, cried together, laughed together.” – Ricardo Montalban

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Learning from Prior Depression Research

Depression and the Brain

1. MDD patients showed a “significantly lower” hippocampal volume

2. MDD patients had a smaller amygdala, too.

3. MDD patients showed an enlargement of the lateral ventricles.

4. Shrinkage was more pronounced in MDD patients whose symptoms originated before age 21.

5. Early diagnosis of MDD may mitigate some of the brain-altering effects.

Final Thoughts on Depression

Here are some traits that a superficial person might possess:

1. No “inner compass.”

2. An overemphasis on physical attraction.

3. Zero self-awareness.

4. Overly materialistic.

5. A striking absence of intelligence

6. Overly judgmental

7. Living to gossip

8.Relishing the center of attention

9. Social media’ing everyone to death

10. An extreme sense of entitlement

“Our ability to control our thoughts is fundamental to our well-being. When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases.” ~ Professor Michael Anderson, University of Cambridge

The Study

Scientists Reveal How to Train Your Brain To Prevent Unwanted Thoughts

Boosting GABA levels:

Foods high in glutamic acid include:

Here Are 11 Signs You’re In A Bad Relationship

1. You’re wondering if your relationship is bad

2. You don’t feel like a priority

3. If they don’t want to do something, then you can’t do it either

4. Your friends and family dislike your partner

5. Their problems are your problems

6. You don’t trust them

7. You’re happier when they’re not around

8. You pay for everything

9. You’re constantly worried about breaking up

10. They’re always mentally elsewhere

11. You’re trying to remember the good times

Final Thoughts on Your Involvement in a Toxic Relationship

Here Are 7 Signs Of A Dying Relationship

1. You don’t talk about personal things anymore

2. You’re never on the same page

3. You complain about the same things

4. You argue more often

5. You want more space

6. You don’t feel like yourself

7. You’re unsure about your future

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Signs of a Dying Relationship

Here Are 10 Behaviors A Woman Exhibits When She’s In Love

1. Shy behavior

2. She gives you presents

3. Acting slightly childish

4. Interested in your life

5. She starts the conversation

6. Shows interest in what you do

7. She wants to look good

8. Always looks happy

9. She can’t look you in the eyes

10. Pays attention to your needs and wants

Final Thoughts on Knowing When a Woman is Truly in Love

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