Next to Normal: a beautiful play about mental illness

For the longest time mental illness was considered a taboo, in many cultures it is something that is not discussed or accepted, leaving the people that are most in need of support and compassion to be alone and ashamed of their condition. Traditionally the media, including news, films, plays, and books have portrayed people with … Continue reading Next to Normal: a beautiful play about mental illness

“Madness” at the Movies this Month

By: Harpreet Malla, M.A. Typically when I see that mental health is featured in film, I have mixed reactions. On one hand, the more mental illness and its existence is talked about or addressed, the better. Stigma, or the negative perceptions and misconceptions we have, are primarily broken down by contact with the thing about … Continue reading “Madness” at the Movies this Month

Fear is our Superpower: Psychology of “Listen” Episode of Doctor Who

“What’s that in the mirror? Or the corner of your eye? What’s that footstep following, but never passing by? Perhaps they’re all just waiting, perhaps when we’re all dead Out they’ll come A slithering from underneath the bed?” WARNING: spoilers!

Psychology behind The Iron Druid Chronicles

I had the honor of interviewing Kevin Hearne, the New York Times best-selling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles, exactly 1 year ago and yet I did not have the courage to post this until now. Since then, his new book came out, he’s had many more exciting news and events to report but I simply … Continue reading Psychology behind The Iron Druid Chronicles

All about the F-Word: FEMINISM vs. online bullying

Today we will be discussing one of the most important F-Words – Feminism. Just to be clear, this word simply refers to general equality (i.e., economic, social, political), as well as overall respect for women’s rights. Largely misunderstood, this term historically resulted in occasionally ludicrous posts, where people outright reject feminism based on the mistaken … Continue reading All about the F-Word: FEMINISM vs. online bullying

Psychology Behind Doctor Who: Deep Breath

I’ve never fallen in love with The Doctor as quickly as I did with Peter Capaldi. There were so many psychological themes in the first episode of Season 8, Deep Breath, that I felt instantly connected to him and found him extremely relatable. Below is my review of the episode from a psychological standpoint. WARNING: … Continue reading Psychology Behind Doctor Who: Deep Breath

Self-compassion for the modern geek

I believe that most of us are compassionate individuals, that is when we see other people or other animals suffering, most of us genuinely want to be a Superhero and to help. However, what happens when we are too emotionally overwhelmed to help someone else? This blog post and video discuss how we can practice … Continue reading Self-compassion for the modern geek

Psychology of Frozen: What makes this Disney movie unlike any other

Disney’s Frozen is now considered to be one the of the best Disney films of all time. What makes this animated film unlike any other Disney movie and why is it that one of its songs, Let it Go, is so loved by children, adults, firemen, active duty Marines, and people of all backgrounds? To … Continue reading Psychology of Frozen: What makes this Disney movie unlike any other

Psychology of TV Shows – how they help and why we love them

I was born in Ukraine, my family immigrated to the United Stated when I was 12. Being the new girl, who did not speak a word of English, and coming from another country and from a poor family meant getting teased, bullied, and not even understanding what or why this was happening. My family worked … Continue reading Psychology of TV Shows – how they help and why we love them