Mental Health Insights

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) goes far beyond someone simply being self-centered or overly proud. It’s a complex, deep-rooted mental health condition that shapes how a person views themselves, manages emotions, and builds relationships. As awareness of mental health grows in Melbourne, many are seeking to better understand conditions like NPD and their impact on daily life, careers, and relationships. What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder? People with NPD often appear highly confident, but underneath this exterior, they may struggle with low self-esteem and an ongoing need for admiration or validation. They might believe they are more important than others, yet be extremely sensitive to even mild criticism. These traits can lead to unpredictable emotional reactions and difficulty connecting with others in a healthy way. Common signs of NPD include: Craving constant praise or admiration Lacking empathy or concern for others Struggling to maintain close, stable ...

  When we feel anxious, a lot of people say, “Just take a deep breath.” But did you know that for some people, this advice might actually make anxiety worse? Breathing techniques are meant to help us calm down. But for  up to 40% of people with anxiety , deep breathing can actually increase feelings like dizziness, tight chest, nausea, or even panic. That’s because anxiety often causes us to  breathe too much , also known as  hyperventilation . This means we’re taking in more oxygen than our body needs, which can make those uncomfortable symptoms even worse. Why Deep Breathing Doesn’t Always Work When you’re anxious, your body already starts to breathe faster and shallower. You might not even notice it. If you then try to take deep breaths, it can make you more focused on your body, and that can make your worry grow. You might notice your heartbeat, your breathing, or chest sensations more closely, and that awareness can actually increase anxiety. So, while breathing...