Mental Health Matters

Stress

Media, Technology, and Stress At America's 250th

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on July 1, 2026

Neither our brains or the country we live in work perfectly. But surely we can use the former to improve the latter.

Neither our brains or the country we live in work perfectly. But surely we can use the former to improve the latter.

Nostalgia

Nostalgia vs. Anemoia: The Difference Between Experience and Imagination

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on June 2, 2026

Imagining the past is entertaining. Pretending that vision is real can be damaging.

Imagining the past is entertaining. Pretending that vision is real can be damaging.

Animal Behavior

Are You Stressed, Lonely, or Disconnected?

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on May 16, 2026

Humans may believe we are at the top of the natural pecking order. But where would we be without the animals in our lives?

Humans may believe we are at the top of the natural pecking order. But where would we be without the animals in our lives?

Social Life

Social Support Helps Mental Health If It Matches Our Needs

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on April 26, 2026

There is no such thing as all-purpose social support. We need to figure out what works for us.

There is no such thing as all-purpose social support. We need to figure out what works for us.

Stress

If My Call Is Important to You, Why Can’t I Get an Answer?

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on March 31, 2026

Ever feel like throwing your phone, computer, or car keys at something? Why the sludge of modern life is so infuriating, and what we can do about it.

Ever feel like throwing your phone, computer, or car keys at something? Why the sludge of modern life is so infuriating, and what we can do about it.

Self-Talk

Harnessing the Power of 'If'

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on February 26, 2026

Living in the present requires moving from “If only” and “What if?” to “If it happens, I will cope."

Living in the present requires moving from “If only” and “What if?” to “If it happens, I will cope."

Anxiety

Hanging Onto Hope, Even in the Face of Disappointment

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on January 13, 2026

“I’m stuck like a dope with a thing called hope” is a famous lyric from the musical "South Pacific." But maybe in our uncertain world, hope isn't a crazy choice.

“I’m stuck like a dope with a thing called hope” is a famous lyric from the musical "South Pacific." But maybe in our uncertain world, hope isn't a crazy choice.

Self-Help

Feeling Let Down After Christmas?

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on December 26, 2025

Dealing with the day-after-Christmas blues? Changing your holiday goals might help.

Dealing with the day-after-Christmas blues? Changing your holiday goals might help.

Emotion Regulation

Surrounded by Leftover Holiday Food and Feelings?

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on December 1, 2025

Would you like a side of feelings with your dinner? Managing leftover holiday food and feelings.

Would you like a side of feelings with your dinner? Managing leftover holiday food and feelings.

Terror Management Theory

Is Trick or Treat a Playful Question or a Metaphor for Life?

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on October 30, 2025

Halloween isn’t just about candy and haunted houses. It’s a reflection of our concerns about life and death.

Halloween isn’t just about candy and haunted houses. It’s a reflection of our concerns about life and death.

Sleep

Sleep Isn't a Luxury

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on October 14, 2025

Busy people sometimes say that they will “sleep when they are dead.” The irony is that sleep deprivation harms your health and could shorten your life.

Busy people sometimes say that they will “sleep when they are dead.” The irony is that sleep deprivation harms your health and could shorten your life.

Health

Our Body Is Only as Healthy as Our Brain

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on September 25, 2025

Glucose, nutrients, and oxygen, oh my! The fuels our brain needs to function well.

Glucose, nutrients, and oxygen, oh my! The fuels our brain needs to function well.

Health

Why Body Temperature, Health, and Well-Being Are Related

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on August 31, 2025

We hate being too hot or too cold. Why temperature is so closely related to our health and well-being.

We hate being too hot or too cold. Why temperature is so closely related to our health and well-being.

Resilience

Keeping Summer Camp Fun, Enriching, and Safe

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on July 22, 2025

Generations of Americans have valued the summer camp experience. We need to find ways to preserve the traditions while optimizing camper safety.

Generations of Americans have valued the summer camp experience. We need to find ways to preserve the traditions while optimizing camper safety.

Health

Determining the Validity of Health Information Can Be Tricky

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on June 18, 2025

We often spend a great deal of time evaluating our options when buying a house or car. We should spend just as much effort thinking about our healthcare choices.

We often spend a great deal of time evaluating our options when buying a house or car. We should spend just as much effort thinking about our healthcare choices.

Stress

Navigating Political Differences Can Be Daunting

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on May 1, 2025

It is tempting to ignore the people we don’t agree with, but maybe we should learn how to negotiate with them instead.

It is tempting to ignore the people we don’t agree with, but maybe we should learn how to negotiate with them instead.

Loneliness

Being Alone and Feeling Lonely Are Not the Same Thing

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on March 31, 2025

I’m “so lonesome I could cry” is a compelling song lyric. Putting effort into building social connections is a better way to make friends.

I’m “so lonesome I could cry” is a compelling song lyric. Putting effort into building social connections is a better way to make friends.

Stress

Well-Being: Be Your Own Superhero

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on February 28, 2025

Americans value self-reliance. But our collective mental health might improve if we added more self-care and self-compassion to the mix.

Americans value self-reliance. But our collective mental health might improve if we added more self-care and self-compassion to the mix.

Empathy

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes Can Cause Blisters. Try It Anyway.

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on January 25, 2025

Personal Perspective: Liar, liar, pants on fire? Let’s see if talking reduces the ire!

Personal Perspective: Liar, liar, pants on fire? Let’s see if talking reduces the ire!

Relationships

Maybe What We Need to Share With Each Other Is Compassion

Mary McNaughton-Cassill Ph.D. on December 27, 2024

When we tell someone to take care, we mean well. But what if we shared the care instead?

When we tell someone to take care, we mean well. But what if we shared the care instead?