Love Bombing, what is it

Love bombing is a psychological manipulation tactic where someone overwhelms another person with excessive affection, attention, praise, gifts, or promises early in a relationship in order to gain control or influence over them.

Key Characteristics:

Intense flattery and compliments

Lavish gifts or gestures

Constant communication (texts, calls, messages)

Pushing for quick commitment or declarations of love

Creating a sense of dependency or obligation

Where It’s Common:

Narcissistic relationships: Often used by narcissists to idealize their targets before devaluing and discarding them.

Cult recruitment: To create loyalty and dependency on the group or leader.

Abusive dynamics: As part of a cycle of abuse — idealization, devaluation, and discard.

Why It’s Harmful:

Initially, love bombing can feel flattering and exciting, but over time it’s often followed by emotional withdrawal, manipulation, or control. It can lead the victim to doubt their own perceptions, become isolated, or feel trapped in an unhealthy relationship.

Shervan K Shahhian

Narcissistic Abuse:

Narcissistic Abuse:

Narcissistic abuse refers to the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical harm inflicted by someone with narcissistic traits or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). This kind of abuse is often manipulative, controlling, and deeply damaging, though it can be subtle and hard to identify at first.

Common Signs of Narcissistic Abuse:

  1. Gaslighting – Making you question your reality or sanity.
  2. Love bombing – Overwhelming you with affection and attention early on, then withdrawing it to control you.
  3. Devaluation – Criticizing, belittling, or undermining you after gaining your trust.
  4. Triangulation – Involving others to manipulate or isolate you.
  5. Blame shifting – Refusing responsibility and blaming you for problems.
  6. Silent treatment – Withholding communication as punishment.
  7. Projection – Accusing you of things they are actually doing.

Effects on Victims:

  • Loss of self-esteem and identity
  • Anxiety and depression
  • PTSD or complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
  • Emotional confusion and trauma bonding (feeling attached despite the abuse)

What to Do:

  • Document behavior for your own clarity
  • Set boundaries (and enforce them)
  • Seek support – therapy, support groups, or trusted friends
  • Consider no contact if the abuse is ongoing and severe

Shervan K Shahhian

If your experiencing Narcissistic Abuse, how can you survive it:

If your experience involves Narcissistic Abuse, how can you survive it:
Surviving narcissistic abuse can be incredibly difficult, but it is possible - and many people not only survive, but grow stronger and more self-aware afterward. 
Here’s a grounded, practical guide to surviving narcissistic abuse, emotionally and psychologically:
Recognize the Abuse

Narcissistic abuse often involves:
Gaslighting (making you doubt your reality)
Emotional manipulation (guilt-tripping, silent treatment, love bombing)
Chronic criticism or devaluation
Control and isolation
Intermittent reinforcement (hot-cold behavior that confuses you)
Why it matters: Naming it is the first step toward healing.
Detach Emotionally

Even if you can’t leave right away, begin to emotionally detach:
Stop seeking their approval.
Understand their tactics are about control, not love.
See them as emotionally limited, not powerful.
Tip: Journaling or keeping a reality-check notebook helps you stay clear-headed when they try to confuse you.
Set Boundaries

Learn to say no without guilt.
Stop explaining or justifying yourself.
Use the Gray Rock Method (be boring and unreactive around them).
Boundaries may trigger more manipulation at first - but persist.
Break Contact (If Possible)

No Contact is the most effective strategy when safe and possible.
If you must stay in touch (e.g., co-parenting), practice Low Contact with firm boundaries and minimal emotional engagement.
Rebuild Your Identity

Narcissists often erode your self-worth. Reclaim it by:
Reconnecting with hobbies, friends, and passions.
Affirming your values and needs.
Working with a therapist - preferably trauma-informed and familiar with narcissistic abuse.
Seek Support

Trusted friends, online communities, or support groups can validate your experience.
You’re not alone - even if they made you feel that way.
Focus on Healing

Recovery isn’t linear. You may grieve the illusion of who you thought they were.
Learn about C-PTSD (Complex PTSD), a common outcome of narcissistic abuse.
Practice self-compassion. You didn’t “let” this happen - you were targeted.
Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Learn about:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Trauma bonding
Inner child healing
Emotional flashbacks
The more you understand, the less control they have over you.

Here are therapy recommendations tailored to healing from narcissistic abuse, grounded in current trauma and abuse recovery practices:
 Trauma-Informed Therapy

Look for therapists who specialize in trauma and narcissistic abuse recovery. Key modalities include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps reframe negative self-beliefs implanted by the abuser.
Effective for regaining confidence and stability.
 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Highly effective for processing trauma and emotional flashbacks.
Can help with lingering effects of gaslighting, fear, and identity confusion.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Helps heal the “inner parts” of you wounded by the abuse.
Very effective for restoring self-leadership after identity erosion.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Trauma is stored in the body - this therapy gently releases it.
Ideal for survivors with anxiety, panic, or dissociation.
Narcissistic Abuse Specialists

When searching for a therapist:
Look for key phrases like: narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse, toxic relationships, or trauma bonding.
Ask if they’re familiar with Cluster B disorders or personality disorders, especially NPD.
Use platforms like:
PsychologyToday.com
TherapyDen.com
Better Help (some therapists specialize in abuse recovery)
Group Therapy or Support Groups

Consider:
Group therapy for survivors of narcissistic or emotional abuse.
Online support communities such as:
Reddit’s r/Narcissistic Abuse
Facebook groups like “Narcissistic Abuse Recovery” or “Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers”
Psychoeducation and Self-Help Tools Books:

In tandem with therapy, these resources can help:
Books:

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk (trauma healing)
“Healing from Hidden Abuse” by Shannon Thomas (specifically on narcissistic abuse)
“Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” by Pete Walker (C-PTSD recovery)
Apps:

Insight Timer - free meditations for trauma
MindDoc - track emotional health
Moodnotes - CBT-based mood tracking
Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding the Patterns of Failure:

Understanding the patterns of failure:

Understanding the patterns of failure means identifying recurring causes, conditions, or behaviors that lead to breakdowns, mistakes, or undesired outcomes in systems, individuals, or organizations. By examining these patterns, we gain insight into how and why things go wrong — and how to prevent similar failures in the future.

Here are some common patterns of failure across different domains:

1. In Systems or Projects

Lack of clear goals or planning
 → Projects fail due to vague objectives or poor initial design.

Scope creep
 → Gradual expansion beyond original goals, leading to resource strain.

Poor communication
 → Misunderstandings among team members or stakeholders.

Ignoring feedback loops
 → Not adjusting based on ongoing results or data.

2. In Personal Behavior or Habits

Repeating unconscious patterns
 → E.g., procrastination, avoidance, or self-sabotage.

Overconfidence bias
 → Underestimating challenges or overestimating abilities.

Fear of failure or success
 → Leading to hesitation, withdrawal, or inaction.

3. In Relationships or Teams

Assuming intentions
 → Misjudging others’ motives instead of clarifying.

Unresolved conflict
 → Letting tension grow instead of addressing it early.

Lack of trust or accountability
 → Weakens collaboration and shared purpose.

4. In Complex Adaptive Systems (e.g., economies, ecosystems)

Over-optimization
 → Systems become brittle and fail when stressed.

Delayed response to change
 → Resistance to adapt can lead to collapse.

Feedback ignored or misinterpreted
 → Early warning signs are missed.

How to Use Failure Patterns Constructively

Analyze post-mortems: After a failure, reflect deeply on what went wrong and why.

Look for recurring triggers: What always seems to precede failure?

Implement systemic changes: Address root causes, not symptoms.

Cultivate antifragility: Build systems or habits that learn from stress and adapt.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Self-Discovery:

Understanding self-discovery:
Self-discovery is the process of gaining insight into your own character, values, beliefs, motivations, and desires. It’s about understanding who you really are beneath social conditioning, expectations, and surface-level identities.


Key Aspects of Self-Discovery:

Self-awareness
Observing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment.
Understanding how you react to situations and why.
Core values
Identifying what truly matters to you (e.g., freedom, love, truth, creativity).
These values guide your decisions and give your life meaning.
Beliefs and conditioning
Exploring the beliefs you’ve inherited from family, culture, or religion.
Asking: Do these still serve me? or Are they limiting me?
Life purpose and passion
Discovering what activities make you feel most alive and fulfilled.
This can lead to alignment with a deeper sense of purpose.
Shadow work
Acknowledging repressed aspects of yourself (fears, insecurities, past wounds).
Integrating these leads to healing and wholeness.
Authenticity
Living in a way that reflects your inner truth, rather than trying to please others.
Letting go of masks and embracing vulnerability.
How to Begin Self-Discovery:

Journaling: Reflect regularly on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Meditation or mindfulness: Cultivate presence and clarity.
Reading or therapy: Gain language and insight into inner dynamics.
Life experiences: Pay attention to what challenges, inspires, or deeply moves you.
Explore subconscious knowledge and inner symbols.
Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Elderly Persons Mental Health Disorders:

Understanding Elderly Persons Mental Health Disorders:

Understanding mental health disorders in elderly persons is crucial for providing appropriate care, improving quality of life, and ensuring early detection and treatment. 

Here’s a clear overview of the key aspects:

Common Mental Health Disorders in the Elderly:

Depression

Often underdiagnosed in older adults.

Symptoms: persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of interest, weight changes.

May be triggered by isolation, loss, illness, or medication side effects.

Anxiety Disorders

Includes generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder.

Often co-occurs with depression.

Symptoms: excessive worry, restlessness, tension, sleep issues.

Dementia

Includes Alzheimer’s disease and other types (vascular, Lewy body, etc.).

Progressive cognitive decline: memory loss, confusion, personality changes, impaired judgment.

Early detection is key for care planning.

Delirium

Acute and sudden onset of confusion.

Often caused by medical illness, medications, or surgery.

Reversible with timely treatment.

Substance Use Disorders (“Please Seek Medical Advice”)

Includes alcohol or prescription drug misuse (especially benzodiazepines or opioids).

May be overlooked due to stigma or misattributed to aging.

Late-Onset Psychosis

Can include schizophrenia-like symptoms or delusional disorder.

May be related to neurodegenerative diseases or underlying medical conditions. (“Please Seek Medical Advice”)

Contributing Factors to Mental Health Issues in the Elderly:

Biological: Chronic illness, pain, neurodegenerative conditions, medication side effects.

Psychological: Grief, trauma, fear of death, loss of autonomy.

Social: Isolation, loneliness, lack of social support, elder abuse.

Environmental: Institutionalization, poor housing, or inadequate caregiving.

Diagnosis and Assessment:

Comprehensive assessments should include:

Medical history and current medications

Mental status exams (e.g., MMSE, MoCA)

Functional assessments (daily living skills)

Family and caregiver input

Treatment Approaches:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), reminiscence therapy, supportive counseling.

Medication (“Please Seek Medical Advice”)

Antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics — but with caution due to sensitivity and side effects.

Social Support

Day programs, community involvement, family therapy, support groups.

Lifestyle Modifications

Physical activity, good nutrition, sleep hygiene, cognitive stimulation.

Integrated Care

Collaboration between primary care, mental health professionals, and caregivers.

Prevention and Early Intervention:

Promote social engagement and meaningful activity.

Regular screenings during routine medical visits.

Educate families and caregivers on warning signs.

Encourage open conversations about mental health.

Shervan K Shahhian

Neurodivergent Individuals, who are they:

Neurodivergent Individuals, who are they:

“It is important to seek advice from a Psychiatrist”

Neurodivergent individuals are people whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is typically expected by societal norms. The term neurodivergent is part of the broader concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes that brain differences are natural variations of the human experience.

Who Falls Under the Neurodivergent Umbrella?

Neurodivergence can include (but is not limited to) people with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar disorder or other mood-related differences (sometimes included depending on context)
  • Sensory Processing Disorder

Some also include people with traumatic brain injuries or those experiencing complex PTSD under certain definitions of neurodivergence.

Key Points:

  • Being neurodivergent is not inherently a disorder or deficit — it’s a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.
  • Neurodivergent people may face challenges in traditional systems (e.g., schools, workplaces) that are designed for neurotypical brains.
  • They often have unique strengths — such as pattern recognition, creativity, hyperfocus, or alternative problem-solving approaches.

Shervan K Shahhian

Bipolar 1 & Bipolar 2, what is the difference:

Bipolar 1 & Bipolar 2, what is the difference:

ASK YOUR PSYCHIATRIST/MEDICAL DOCTOR

The main difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder lies in the severity and type of mood episodes experienced:

Bipolar I Disorder

  • Manic episodes are the hallmark. These are severe, often requiring hospitalization, and can include psychosis (delusions, hallucinations).
  • The person may also experience major depressive episodes, but depression is not required for a diagnosis.
  • Manic episodes Might last at least 7 days, or are so severe that immediate medical care is needed.

Example: A person may go days without sleep, have grandiose ideas, and engage in risky behaviors—followed (or preceded) by deep depression.

Bipolar II Disorder

  • Characterized by hypomanic episodes (a milder form of mania) and major depressive episodes.
  • No full manic episodes occur.
  • Hypomania Might lasts at least 4 days and doesn’t usually cause significant disruption or require hospitalization.

Example: A person may feel unusually energetic, talkative, and productive for a few days, but not out of control—then experience weeks or months of debilitating depression.

Summary Table:

FeatureBipolar IBipolar II
ManiaFull mania (severe)Hypomania (mild/moderate)
DepressionMay occur, not requiredRequired for diagnosis
HospitalizationCommon during maniaRare
PsychosisPossible in maniaAbsent

Here’s a comparison of Bipolar I vs Bipolar II including their core features and typical treatment options:

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: Full Comparison

FeatureBipolar IBipolar II
Type of Elevated MoodFull maniaHypomania (less intense than mania)
Depressive EpisodesCommon, but not required for diagnosisRequired for diagnosis
Mania Duration7 days, or any duration if hospitalization needed4 days, not severe enough for hospitalization
PsychosisCan occur during manic episodesNot typical
Functioning ImpairmentOften severe, may lead to hospitalizationImpairment usually mild during hypomania
Diagnosis RequirementAt least 1 manic episodeAt least 1 hypomanic + 1 major depressive episode
Suicide RiskHigh (especially with mixed episodes or depression)Higher than Bipolar I due to more time spent in depression
Course of IllnessMay have rapid cycling or mixed episodesOften more time spent depressed than elevated

Treatment Options

1. Mood Stabilizers

  • ASK YOUR PSYCHITRIAST/MEDICAL DOCTOR

2. Antipsychotics (especially for mania or psychosis)

  • ASK YOUR PSYCHITRIAST/MEDICAL DOCTOR

3. Antidepressants

  • ASK YOUR PSYCHITRIAST/MEDICAL DOCTOR.

4. Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – For managing depressive symptoms and negative thinking patterns.
  • Psychoeducation – Teaching about the illness to improve treatment adherence.
  • Family-focused therapy – Helps stabilize the environment and support systems.

5. Lifestyle and Monitoring

  • Sleep regulation is critical — disturbed sleep can trigger episodes.
  • Mood tracking apps or journals help identify early warning signs.
  • Avoiding alcohol and drugs — these can destabilize mood.

Summary:

  • Bipolar I: More severe, needs stronger antimanic treatment, often antipsychotics. ASK YOUR PSYCHIATRIST/MEDICAL DOCTOR
  • Bipolar II: More chronic depression, focus often on lamotrigine and psychotherapy.
  • Shervan K Shahhian

Dark Thoughts, how to cope:

Dark Thoughts, how to cope:

 Struggling with dark thoughts can feel isolating and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Here’s a grounded, layered approach to coping:

1. Don’t Face It Alone

Talk to someone you trust. A friend, family member, or a therapist.

If it’s intense or persistent, seek professional help — a psychologist or psychiatrist can offer real support and perspective.

You can also contact a crisis line if things feel urgent (let me know your location, and I can help find one near you).

2. Understand the Nature of the Thought

Dark thoughts often aren’t truths — they’re mental weather, not your identity.

Try journaling them without judgment. Write what the thought says, how it feels, and what might have triggered it.

3. Grounding Techniques

5–4–3–2–1 Technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.

Cold water on your face or holding ice can help shift mental gears.

4. Creative or Spiritual Outlets

Art, music, or writing can help channel those energies safely.

Meditation or prayer — not to escape, but to connect with a higher awareness or intelligence.

5. Shift the Inner Dialogue

Ask yourself:

Whose voice is this?

Would I say this to a friend? Try to counter with gentle truths, even if they feel small: “This is hard, but I am still here. I don’t have to believe every thought I think.”

You’re not alone in having dark moments — but what you do with them defines your strength, not the fact that they’re there.

Shervan K Shahhian

Concussion Symptoms, what are they:

Concussion Symptoms, what are they:

Concussion symptoms can vary from person to person but generally fall into four main categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related.

 Here’s a breakdown of the most common symptoms:

Physical Symptoms

Headache

Dizziness or balance problems

Nausea or vomiting

Blurred or double vision

Sensitivity to light or noise

Fatigue or drowsiness

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Temporary loss of consciousness (not always present)

Cognitive Symptoms

Confusion or feeling “foggy”

Difficulty concentrating or remembering

Slowed thinking or response times

Disorientation (not knowing where you are or what time it is)

Emotional and Mood Symptoms

Irritability

Sadness or depression

Anxiety or nervousness

Mood swings

Sleep-Related Symptoms

Sleeping more or less than usual

Difficulty falling asleep

Trouble staying asleep

Symptoms may appear immediately or take hours to days to show up. In some cases, people may not even realize they have a concussion right away.

Shervan K Shahhian