Manon Dulude Counseling Services

06/22/2026

A recent peer-reviewed study published in the journal Science examines the broader mental health impacts of remote work, revealing that working from home can substantially increase isolation and worsen well-being, particularly for individuals who live alone. Researchers Natalia Emanuel, Emma Harrington, and Amanda Pallais analysed data from five American surveys conducted between 2011 and 2024, involving a sample size of 588,322 people. To isolate regular workplace trends, data from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was excluded. The findings indicate that remote employees spend an average of one additional hour per day alone on workdays compared to on-site staff, and they are also less likely to socialise after hours. The researchers estimate that remote work accounts for approximately 36 per cent of the overall rise in solitary time and one-third of the general increase in worker distress.

The study highlights a distinct correlation between solitary remote work and acute psychological challenges. Mental distress levels for remote workers living by themselves were found to be twice as high as for those living with family or roommates. Furthermore, the data showed a sharp increase in the use of mental health care and antidepressant prescriptions, a trend that occurred exclusively among remote workers who live alone. The authors note that because these well-being costs accumulate gradually over time, many employees who prefer remote arrangements may not immediately recognise the negative impacts on their mental health.

The research includes certain limitations: the data applies only to residents of the United States, the isolation metrics could not be fully validated, and the study could not distinguish between entirely remote and hybrid work models. The authors speculate that hybrid schedules might offer protective benefits against extreme isolation. To address these findings, the researchers recommend that employers offering remote options take active steps to mitigate loneliness, such as co-ordinating in-office days or fostering regular online interaction among team members.

📌 This is an AI-generated summary of an article by Kendra Mangione for CTV News. To read the article, Google “A new look at the mental health impacts of working from home.”

06/16/2026

5 Signs of a Toxic Friendship
by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW

The word “toxic” is so overused today that it can be difficult to know what a truly toxic person is. Many people will call someone toxic just because they do not get along with the person, but this is an untrue—and even unfair—use of the word to describe a simple personality conflict.

A “toxic friend” is much more than just someone with whom you disagree occasionally. It is usually someone who brings elements of dysfunction and unhealthiness into the relationship dynamic or group. Toxic friendships generally happen when one person is being emotionally or psychologically taken advantage of or even harmed. A toxic friend will claim to be your friend, and maybe they really believe that they are, but they are simultaneously doing things that are harmful to the friendship and to you and your well-being.

Many, especially those who grew up with poor examples of interpersonal relationships, struggle to recognize when a friendship is bad for them. If you grew up with these behaviors being normalized, you might not realize they are unhealthy. Due to this, many survivors of childhood trauma end up displaying toxic behaviors themselves from time to time.

Continued at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/invisible-bruises/202305/5-signs-of-a-toxic-friendship

06/15/2026

The best people

06/14/2026

06/13/2026

What Is a Midlife Crisis?
by Manon Dulude Ph.D.

“Mid-life crisis” is a term that was coined in the mid-sixties by a psychoanalyst who observed that personal and professional performance decreases around age thirty-five. Today, due to our increase in longevity, mid-life crisis is most likely to occur around age fifty. It can affect women and men equally.

The struggle for many comes when they realise that the path they had carved for themselves and the life infrastructure which comes with it are no longer fulfilling. A mid-life crisis can come as a result of a sudden life change, such as health issues, loss of employment or change in marital status. In these cases, the event becomes the catalyst which leads us to re-evaluate life. As a result, it is not unusual to see a shift in values and priorities and the creation of a new vision and focus for the future.

Alternatively, a mid-life crisis can occur with a natural transition in an adult’s life. Whether it is marriage, becoming a parent or entering retirement, such life transitions may bring a psychological impulse to engage in change. During this period of change, living in a meaningful and passionate way is often what the person will seek to achieve. It can be a confusing and perplexing time. It can also be distressing to those around that person as they might feel frightened by the impact of the life alterations this person is considering making.

Continue reading at https://manondulude.com/what-is-a-mid-life-crisis/

06/10/2026

Even Positive Life Transitions Can Affect Mental Health
Mallory Stephenson Ph.D.

Marriage and parenthood are often viewed as exciting milestones to celebrate with loved ones. Romantic partners and children can be important sources of stability, connection, and fulfillment, and married individuals and parents generally have lower rates of psychiatric disorders, substance-related problems, and suicidal behavior than individuals who have never married or had children. But major life changes – even positive ones – can also bring stress, identity changes, and new responsibilities. Emerging research from my lab suggests that, for some individuals, these transitions may increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In an initial study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2023, we examined the association between the transition to marriage and risk for suicidal ideation in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. We found that the relationship depended on age and s*x: Among adults younger than 30, marriage was associated with lower risk for suicidal thoughts. In adults over 30, the first 10 years of marriage were associated with higher risk for suicidal ideation, especially among women.

This age-dependent effect was somewhat unexpected. However, some studies suggest that later age at marriage is associated with greater marital instability and conflict during the newlywed years, offering one potential explanation for this pattern of results. Although additional research is needed to explain these associations, our findings highlight that marriage does not always protect against suicidal thoughts. This study also led me to become interested in how other positive life transitions, such as having a child, graduating from college, or starting a new job, might influence su***de risk.

Continued at https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/its-all-in-the-family/202605/even-positive-life-transitions-can-affect-mental-health

06/07/2026

3 Ways Overthinking Can Wreck Your Life
by Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D.

On the outside, everything looks normal, even positive. People prone to overthinking have friends, go to work, pay their bills, and show up for many parts of their lives. For sure, many overthinkers don't appear overwhelmed on the outside to those who know them casually. But inwardly, their minds rarely take a break from those maddening thought spirals. Overthinkers incessantly replay conversations, dissecting them to see where they messed up. Furthermore, overthinkers also specialize in anticipating disasters, second-guessing their decisions, and predicting bad outcomes before they even happen.

The Tricky Part of Overthinking

As I have observed in my counseling practice for over 35 years, people are convinced that overthinking increases the chances of being in control. But in reality, chronic overthinking wears you down, drains your confidence, and holds you back. Your life appears adequate to others, but inwardly you feel frozen and trapped by a huge "what-if this goes badly?" wave that crashes into you and, at times, crushes you.

I have also seen that overthinking is an equal opportunity thought disruptor. It does not discriminate based on age, creed, or gender. The same anxiety-filled thought loops that affect children also affect adults. Here are three ways that overthinking may be damaging your life and what you can do to break the cycle.

Continued at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liking-the-child-you-love/202605/3-ways-overthinking-can-wreck-your-life

06/05/2026

The Power of Hugs
by Manon Dulude Ph.D.

As social, tactile creatures, human beings thrive on the benefits of touch. A quick hug has a near-immediate impact on health, lowering your heart rate and inducing a calming effect while also leading to a more upbeat mood. So what is the connection between the physical touch of a hug and that lift in spirit?

Neuroeconomist Dr Paul Zak has determined that the human brain naturally produces oxytocin in response to physical touch. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide, a naturally occurring hormone in your body with incredibly powerful, health-giving properties. Often considered a major player in the regulation of trust and morality, it is revealing fascinating information about human behaviour and relationships. Oxytocin is released in the body when we feel safe and connected and tells the brain, “Everything is all right.”

Oxytocin helps us navigate our world of complex social relationships by rewarding positive social behaviour with feelings of contentment and relaxation. Dr. Zak suggests that oxytocin thus motivates a variety of pro-social behaviours such as generosity, compassion, and forgiveness. Human relationships are what keep us alive on the most fundamental level, both physically and psychologically, and the presence of oxytocin in our brains helps us to trust and bond with others.

Continued at https://manondulude.com/the-power-of-hugs/