Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

EEG Scans Reveal Early Signs of PTSD in Sexual Assault Survivors

Recent research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has uncovered early brain activity patterns that may help predict which sexual assault survivors are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

By using electroencephalography (EEG) scans, researchers were able to identify distinct brain connectivity differences between survivors who developed PTSD and those who did not.

This breakthrough offers a glimpse into the early neurobiological changes that could pave the way for more targeted, timely interventions.

But how reliable are these findings, and what does other research say about PTSD prediction and prevention?

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Financial Stress and Cardiovascular Health: Understanding the Risk

Financial stress doesn’t just impact your wallet—it can seriously affect your heart health too.

Recent research has found that financial stress is associated with a 19% higher risk of developing major cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and even cardiovascular-related death.

This meta-analysis, published in Current Problems in Cardiology, sheds light on how financial pressure impacts heart health and why managing stress is critical for preventing heart disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, including conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.

Commonly, the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, causes many of these conditions.

However, factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise are also major contributors. Recent research now points to another important factor: financial stress.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

What is The Success Sequence?

Wendy R. Wang and Samuel T. Wilkinson’s research on the Success Sequence emphasizes its continued importance in fostering mental health and financial stability for Millennials and Gen Z.

Their studies explore how following traditional life milestones—education, full-time employment, marriage, and then children—creates more secure emotional and financial futures.

Despite cultural shifts and changing family dynamics, this sequence has been shown to provide measurable benefits in today’s world.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The “My Therapist Says” Meme

The "My Therapist Says" meme has risen to viral status across social media platforms, but its significance goes far beyond mere humor.

It captures a moment in American culture where therapy and mental health have moved from private, stigmatized matters to public and often celebrated aspects of self-care.

This meme offers a perfect snapshot of how a society grapples with personal growth, mental health, and changing values about what it means to be emotionally healthy.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Navigating Emotional Intimacy in the Age of AI and Technology: How to Stay Connected in a World of Digital Distractions

Here’s a familiar scene. You’re snuggled up on the couch, your partner at your side, and instead of exchanging sweet nothings, you’re both buried in your phones.

Maybe you’re scrolling through Instagram, and they’re neck-deep in a Reddit rabbit hole. Despite being physically close, it feels like miles between you.

This is the new face of intimacy—or rather, the absence of it—in the age of AI and technology.

In the past decade, we’ve witnessed the rise of smartphones, artificial intelligence, and social media platforms designed to keep us engaged at all costs.

But at what cost to our relationships? Emotional intimacy, that deep, unspoken connection between two people, is increasingly competing with the siren call of our devices. And our devices are winning.

Let’s explore why that is, what the consequences might be, and most importantly, how to reclaim the deep human connection that technology is slowly eroding.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding and Addressing Rejection Sensitivity in Neurodiverse Relationships: A Path to Deep Personal Growth?

In any relationship, feeling misunderstood or criticized is hard to handle, but for people with ADHD, these feelings can be amplified into something much more intense—rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD).

When rejection sensitivity is present in a relationship, it can cause a cycle of hurt, confusion, and emotional withdrawal, as the partner with ADHD feels overwhelmed by perceived criticism, and their partner struggles to understand why their words hit so hard.

Take Mia and Tom: Mia has ADHD, and despite Tom’s best intentions, she often perceives his casual comments as criticism. One evening, when Tom asks if she remembered to handle an errand, Mia feels instantly flooded with anxiety and hurt, as if Tom were attacking her character. This leaves Tom bewildered, wondering why a simple question caused such an intense reaction.

Let's jump in!

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Managing Household Chaos: ADHD-Friendly Home Organization Tips for Couples

Running a household is a team effort, but when one partner has ADHD, things can get a bit more chaotic.

Consider my clients Lily and Jack: Lily, bursting with creative energy, often dives into new projects, leaving half-finished tasks and scattered tools in her wake. Jack, who loves order, finds himself tidying up and organizing, often feeling frustrated by the clutter.

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—there are ways to make household organization work, even when ADHD is part of the mix.

With a few simple strategies, couples like Lily and Jack can create a system that brings harmony and keeps their home in order. Let’s explore some ADHD-friendly home organization tips that can transform chaos into calm.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

How to Make Long-Term Goals Work When One Partner Has ADHD: From Dreaming to Doing

Long-term goals are the backbone of every couple’s big dreams—whether it’s saving for a house, planning a future business, or setting fitness goals.

But when one partner has ADHD, those long-term goals can sometimes feel like elusive dreams.

ADHD can make planning and staying focused challenging, leaving the neurotypical partner feeling like they’re dragging the other along.

However, with the right approach, long-term goals can go from overwhelming to achievable, and even fun!

Let’s dive into how couples can make their dreams work together when one partner has ADHD. From managing procrastination to breaking down goals into bite-sized milestones, we’ll cover practical tips to make long-term planning a success—without the stress.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Balancing Independence and Support in Neurodiverse Relationships

Navigating the balance between independence and support is a challenge every couple faces, but for neurodiverse couples, this balance is even more crucial.

Take Emily and David, for example.

Emily, who has ADHD, often thrives when she’s given the space to handle things her own way, without too much interference.

David, who is neuro-normative, loves being supportive, but he sometimes struggles to know when to step in and when to step back.

Too much help, and Emily feels stifled; too little, and she feels left on her own. Finding the right balance is key to making their relationship work.

For couples where one or both partners are neurodiverse, whether they have ADHD, autism, or other cognitive differences, finding harmony between giving support and respecting independence can be tricky.

But with clear communication and a few well-timed strategies, this balance can lead to a thriving, happy relationship. Let’s dive into how you can work together to ensure both partners feel empowered and supported.

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Navigating Relationship Challenges When One Partner Has ADHD: How to Build a Stronger, Happier Connection

Meet Alex and Sarah. Alex has ADHD, and while he’s spontaneous, energetic, and full of life, his quirks often leave Sarah feeling like she’s living with a lovable tornado.

From missed appointments to unfinished projects, ADHD-related behaviors—like forgetfulness, inattention, and impulsivity—can test even the strongest relationships.

But here’s the good news: ADHD doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.

With patience, humor, and the right strategies, couples like Alex and Sarah can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common relationship hurdles when one partner has ADHD and offer practical tips for navigating them. By understanding how ADHD affects daily life and embracing tools that support both partners, couples can foster a relationship that thrives, quirks and all.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Communication Strategies in Neurodiverse Relationships: Bridging Different Worlds for Better Connection

Mike has ADHD, and his wife, Tori, is neurotypical. They’ve been married for eight years, but one recurring struggle is communication.

James tends to interrupt her mid-sentence without realizing it, while Tori often feels like she’s talking to a wall when Mike zones out.

They both love each other, but finding effective communication strategies has always been a challenge.

In neurodiverse relationships, where one or both partners have conditions like ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), communication can feel like navigating two different worlds.

Neurodiverse partners process information, express emotions, and engage with their environment differently than their neuro-normative partners, often leading to misunderstandings.

However, with the right strategies, couples can bridge these communication gaps, enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening their bond.

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Managing Sensory Overload and Emotional Regulation in Neurodiverse Couples: A Guide to Building Connection

Kathy and Steve are a neurodiverse couple. Kathy is neurotypical, while Steve is on the autism spectrum. Though they share a deep bond, they sometimes struggle with one of the more complicated aspects of their relationship: managing Steve’s’s sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation challenges.

One evening, after a long day, Kahy suggests going to a favorite restaurant. But the moment they step inside, Steve becomes visibly agitated by the loud music, crowded tables, and fluorescent lighting.

His sensory overload triggers a wave of irritability, making it hard for him to communicate, let alone enjoy the evening. For Kathy, these moments can feel bewildering.

In neurodiverse relationships, particularly where one partner has autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory overload and emotional dysregulation can significantly impact the relationship.

These moments can turn a simple outing into a source of stress if not managed with care. Fortunately, with empathy, practical strategies, and clear communication, couples can navigate these challenges and even strengthen their bond.

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