Mark Nixon

Communication is the foundation of all relationships, whether personal or professional. When communication breaks down, it takes down the relationship with it. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationships expert, discusses four toxic communication patterns that often lead to the eroding of relationships. He coined these communication patterns as the “Four Horsemen” to emphasize just how destructive they can be. These “Four Horsemen” are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.

Communication is the foundation of all relationships, whether personal or professional. When communication breaks down, it takes down the relationship with it. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationships expert, discusses four toxic communication patterns that often lead to the eroding of relationships. He coined these communication patterns as the “Four Horsemen” to emphasize just how destructive they can be. These “Four Horsemen” are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.

Meditation can be a valuable practice for those navigating the challenges of depression. It creates an opportunity to gently reconnect with yourself, helping you work through overwhelming emotions and negative thought patterns that are often associated with depression. It also promotes mindfulness, which allows you to cultivate an awareness of the present moment. In turn, this helps you to detach from the cycles of negative thinking and anxiety. Additionally, meditation promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and increases a non-judgmental approach to your emotional experiences. If you are struggling with depression, meditation can become a source of comfort and stability, and it can guide you through challenging times while allowing you to build long-term resilience. Whether you are experienced or new to meditation, incorporating the following seven strategies into your practice can enhance its benefits for you.

Dealing with negativity is an inevitable part of the human experience. In fact, our brains are wired to focus more closely on the negatives than the positives. This is referred to as “negativity bias,” and it is thought of as an evolutionary function to help us avoid harmful situations (Norris, 2019). This means we store negative information in our brains more readily than positive information, which can be detrimental if we do not know how to effectively manage our negativity bias.

Mental health affects us all. Regardless of your background, ethnicity, or culture, mental health is just as much a part of you as your physical health is. For many cultural minorities, seeking mental health support remains a challenging and often stigmatized decision. Cultural beliefs, language barriers, and the fear of judgment can discourage people from seeking the help they need. It is important to understand and break these barriers, as nobody should face their struggles alone. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health but are worried about seeking support, you are not alone, and help is available to you.