____________________ Business Plan _____________________________ Executive Summary for CareNet Business Name: CareNet Business Model: CareNet is an innovative digital healthcare platform originating from Myanmar, designed to leverage the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. Our mission is to make advanced healthcare services—such as early disease detection, virtual health assistance, and personalized health monitoring—accessible to a global audience, with a special focus on underserved communities. Mission Statement: To make people accessible to advanced healthcare through AI and ML, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their geographic or economic status, can receive early disease detection services and emotional support. Vision Statement: Our vision is to establish CareNet as a global supporter in digital healthcare, bridging the gap between advanced health technologies and the communities that need them the most, thereby revolutionizing healthcare access and quality on a worldwide scale. Founders: CareNet was founded by a team of passionate entrepreneurs and Machine Learning Engineer from Myanmar, who are committed to leveraging their deep understanding of technology and healthcare to make a significant impact on global health outcomes. Location: Headquartered in Myanmar, CareNet aims to serve a global audience, with a strategic focus on expanding its reach to underserved regions where access to quality healthcare is a challenge. Launch Date: CareNet is poised for its official global launch in late 2024, following a successful pilot phase in select communities within Myanmar. The Opportunity: Recognizing the critical gaps in global healthcare accessibility and the potential of AI and ML to fill these gaps, CareNet is uniquely positioned to offer scalable and impactful health solutions. Our services are designed not only for individuals seeking early detection of diseases but also for healthcare providers and institutions looking for innovative ways to enhance their service offerings. Services Offered: CareNet’s platform provides a comprehensive suite of services, including: ● Early Disease Detection: Utilizing AI algorithms for the analysis of medical images to detect conditions like Alzheimer's, Lung Cancer, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19. ● Virtual Health Assistant: Offering 24/7 access to health information and emotional support through AI-powered chatbots. ● Personalized Health Monitoring and Plans: Tailoring health and wellness plans to individual needs based on AI analysis. Target Market: While CareNet originates from Myanmar, our target market is global. We aim to serve individuals worldwide, with an emphasis on regions where access to healthcare is limited. Our solutions are designed to be universally applicable, easy to use, and highly scalable. Goals and Objectives: Our immediate goal is to successfully launch CareNet globally, with a long-term objective of becoming a key player in the digital healthcare space, significantly reducing the healthcare accessibility gap, and contributing to the improvement of global health standards. Why CareNet: CareNet stands out due to its foundation in cutting-edge technology, its commitment to accessibility and affordability, and its potential for global impact. By combining AI and ML with a deep understanding of the healthcare challenges faced by underserved populations, CareNet is not just a business; it's a movement towards a healthier future for all. This executive summary encapsulates the essence of CareNet's mission, vision, and strategic approach towards revolutionizing global healthcare accessibility through technology. Market Need and Product Fit Problem Statement The healthcare sector is grappling with numerous challenges that have been exacerbated by the global disparity in healthcare access and the impact of recent health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite advancements in medical technology, significant barriers remain in early disease detection and mental health support, particularly in underserved and developing regions. This disparity is further widened by a shortage of healthcare professionals, limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, and the high cost of medical services. Diseases like Alzheimer's, lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 require early detection for effective treatment, yet the resources for such diagnostics are unevenly distributed globally. Moreover, the mental health sector suffers from a lack of accessible and immediate support for individuals facing emotional distress, contributing to a global crisis where care is often reactive rather than proactive. These challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions that democratize access to healthcare services, ensuring timely and equitable healthcare support for all, regardless of geographic or economic status. Solution Overview CareNet aims to address these critical healthcare challenges through its AI and ML-powered platform, offering a unique value proposition in the healthcare sector. Our services are designed to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility by providing advanced diagnostic and emotional support tools that are scalable, cost-effective, and widely accessible. CareNet leverages cutting-edge technology to offer: ● Early Disease Detection: Utilizing AI algorithms, CareNet can analyze medical images to identify signs of diseases like Alzheimer's, lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 with high accuracy. This technology enables early detection in a fraction of the time and cost, making lifesaving diagnostics accessible to more people, especially in regions lacking specialized medical personnel or equipment. ● Virtual Health Assistance: Our platform provides 24/7 access to AI-driven virtual assistants capable of offering emotional support, health information, and guidance. This service is particularly invaluable for individuals seeking immediate mental health support, breaking down barriers to accessing care and offering a confidential, judgment-free space for users to discuss their concerns. CareNet's integration of AI and ML in healthcare goes beyond mere technological innovation; it represents a paradigm shift towards more equitable, efficient, and accessible healthcare services worldwide. By democratizing access to critical health services, CareNet is positioned to make a profound impact on global health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities where traditional healthcare infrastructures are limited or overwhelmed. Our platform is not just a tool for disease detection and emotional support; it's a step towards a future where quality healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege. Technology and Product Development Technical Architecture CareNet is engineered using state-of-the-art technology to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy, security, and compliance in the healthcare sector. At the core of our diagnostic capabilities are advanced Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), specifically Xception and VGG19 architectures, which have been meticulously trained and fine-tuned to analyze medical images. These models demonstrate approximately 98% accuracy in detecting diseases like Alzheimer's, lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 in unseen data, showcasing our commitment to providing reliable and effective diagnostic tools. For the conversational support component of CareNet, we leverage the latest in large language models (LLMs), including open-source models such as "Mistral" and "LLAMA2". These models have been carefully adapted (RAG and fine-tuned) to offer empathetic and informed responses to users seeking mental health support or medical information. This approach ensures our virtual health assistants are not only technically proficient but also capable of delivering responses with the sensitivity required in healthcare contexts. To safeguard user data and ensure regulatory compliance, CareNet incorporates robust data security measures. These will include end-to-end encryption, secure data storage solutions, and strict access controls, aligning with healthcare regulations such GDPR in the European Union and as HIPAA in the United States. Our commitment to privacy and security is paramount, ensuring all user data is treated with the utmost confidentiality and integrity. Product Roadmap Current Status: ● Implementation of CNN architectures for disease detection with high accuracy. ● Development of conversational support using fine-tuned LLMs. ● Initial compliance and security measures established. Future Development Milestones: Enhanced AI Accuracy and Breadth: Continuous improvement of our AI models' accuracy and the expansion of detectable conditions beyond our initial focus areas. User Experience Optimization: Development of more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces to ensure our platform is accessible to individuals with varying degrees of tech-savviness. Multi-language Support: Expansion of our platform's language capabilities to ensure global accessibility, breaking down language barriers in healthcare support. Integration with Healthcare Systems: Facilitate integration with existing healthcare IT systems for seamless data exchange, supporting telehealth services and remote patient monitoring. Advanced Security Features: Introduction of blockchain technology for enhanced data security and patient privacy, further strengthening our compliance with global healthcare regulations. Community and Professional Engagement: Launch of a community portal for shared experiences and professional advice, alongside a knowledge base updated with the latest health research. As CareNet progresses along this roadmap, our focus remains on harnessing the power of technology to make healthcare more accessible, accurate, and supportive for all. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence, we aim to evolve our platform to meet the changing needs of our users and the healthcare sector at large. Regulatory and Legal Considerations Compliance The digital health sector is governed by a complex regulatory environment that varies significantly across different markets. For CareNet, compliance with these regulations is paramount to ensure the lawful and ethical deployment of our services. ● Global and Regional Regulations: At a global level, CareNet aligns with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Union, ensuring the highest standards of data privacy and security. In the United States, our operations comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), protecting the privacy and security of certain health information. ● China: In China, where CareNet will be presented and seeks to operate, the regulatory landscape for digital health services includes compliance with the Cybersecurity Law, the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), and specific health data regulations governed by the National Health Commission. CareNet is committed to adhering to these regulations by implementing stringent data protection measures, ensuring the security of health information, and respecting user privacy in accordance with Chinese law. Our platform is designed to be flexible, allowing for the integration of additional compliance measures as regulatory environments evolve. ● ASEAN Region: For ASEAN member countries, CareNet complies with respective national laws regulating digital health applications, which may include data protection laws, telemedicine guidelines, and digital health standards. Our approach is to engage with local regulatory bodies and legal experts to ensure that CareNet meets all necessary legal requirements and best practices in each country. Intellectual Property CareNet's approach to intellectual property (IP) is designed to protect and enhance the value of our proprietary technologies, ensuring we maintain our competitive advantage in the digital healthcare space: ● Patents: While we have not yet secured patents for our AI algorithms and technologies, plans are in motion to file for patent protection. This future patent portfolio will include our innovative use of CNN architectures like Xception and VGG19 for medical image analysis, as well as the specialized adaptations of large language models for healthcare conversational support. Initiating the patent process is a priority for us, aiming to safeguard our unique methodologies and the technological advancements we've achieved in disease detection and mental health support. ● Trademarks: The CareNet name and logo are in the process of being trademarked, ensuring brand protection and recognition across our key markets. This is particularly relevant as we present and plan our operations in China, and as we expand into other regions. Securing our trademarks is a critical step in establishing a strong and protected brand identity in the global digital health sector. ● Proprietary Technologies: In anticipation of future patent filings, CareNet continues to invest in the development of proprietary technologies that are central to the functionality and security of our platform. This includes the creation of custom data encryption methods, secure data handling protocols, and unique AI model training techniques. Our commitment to innovation is matched by our commitment to protecting these innovations, with plans to formalize this protection through the patent system as soon as possible. Our proactive approach to intellectual property, including future patent applications and ongoing trademark efforts, underlines CareNet's dedication to securing and advancing our technological edge. By protecting our innovations, we aim to provide a digital health service that is not only cutting-edge but also secure and exclusive to our platform, ensuring we deliver unparalleled value to users worldwide. Market Entry Strategy Launch Plan Our global launch strategy for CareNet is meticulously designed to ensure a smooth and effective entry into the market. Initially, we plan to implement a phased rollout, starting with a pilot program in select ASEAN countries. This approach allows us to gather vital feedback and make necessary adjustments before a wider release. Following the pilot, we will conduct beta testing with a broader audience to refine our user experience further and ensure scalability. Our launch will focus on regions with high digital adoption rates and a pressing need for innovative healthcare solutions, gradually expanding to other areas based on market response and regulatory considerations. Partnerships and Collaborations Strategic partnerships and collaborations are at the heart of our expansion strategy. We aim to partner with healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics to integrate CareNet's AI diagnostics and conversational support into their existing patient care frameworks. Collaborating with academic institutions and research organizations will also be crucial to continuously improve our AI models and stay at the forefront of medical research. Additionally, we plan to work with local and international health technology regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and advocate for policies that support digital health innovations. These partnerships will be managed through a dedicated team at CareNet, focusing on building strong, mutually beneficial relationships that align with our mission to improve healthcare accessibility and quality. Competitive Analysis Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape for digital health services is both broad and diverse, encompassing everything from telehealth platforms to AI-driven diagnostic tools. Direct competitors include other AI health platforms offering diagnostic or conversational support services. Indirect competitors consist of traditional healthcare delivery models, telehealth services without AI integration, and digital health information resources. CareNet positions itself uniquely within this landscape by offering a comprehensive suite of services that combine AI-powered diagnostics with empathetic conversational support, addressing both medical and mental health needs. Competitive Advantage CareNet's competitive edge is multifaceted. Technologically, our use of advanced CNN architectures and fine-tuned LLMs for accurate disease detection and empathetic interaction sets us apart, offering users a level of precision and understanding not commonly found in the market. We also benefit from a first-mover advantage in certain markets, particularly in leveraging AI for broad-spectrum disease detection coupled with mental health support in languages and regions where such services were previously unavailable. Our strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions and technology innovators further strengthen our position, allowing us to offer an integrated and comprehensive healthcare solution that is both innovative and trusted by professionals. This combination of technological superiority, strategic market entry, and unique partnerships enables CareNet to not only compete but lead in the digital health space. Marketing and Customer Acquisition Our marketing and customer acquisition strategy is designed to highlight CareNet's unique value proposition to potential users and partners. Focusing on digital marketing efforts, we will leverage social media, SEO, content marketing, and targeted online advertising to reach our key demographics. Educational content and success stories will be shared to demonstrate the impact and reliability of our platform. Additionally, we will attend healthcare and technology conferences to build awareness and credibility within the industry. Engaging with community healthcare providers and offering demonstrations of CareNet's capabilities will also play a crucial role in our grassroots marketing efforts, ensuring we connect directly with those who can benefit most from our services. Financial Projections and Funding Detailed Financial Plan CareNet’s financial plan is designed to provide a comprehensive view of our expected financial performance over the first three to five years of operation. This plan includes detailed income statements, cash flow projections, and balance sheets, reflecting our strategic approach to launching and scaling the platform. Our projections are based on conservative estimates of user adoption, partnership agreements, and revenue generation from our services. ● Income Statement: We project a gradual revenue increase as we expand our user base and form more partnerships with healthcare providers. Initial revenues will primarily come from subscription fees, partnerships with healthcare institutions, and licensing of our AI technology. We anticipate initial operating losses in the first two years due to upfront technology development and market entry costs but expect to achieve profitability by the end of year three as our user base and operational efficiencies grow. ● Cash Flow Projections: Our cash flow analysis accounts for initial development costs, operational expenses, marketing, and potential revenue streams. We aim to manage cash flow carefully, prioritizing expenditures that drive user growth and enhance our technological capabilities. Positive cash flow is anticipated by the end of year three, following the trend of increasing revenues and stabilized operational costs. ● Balance Sheet: The balance sheet projections reflect the accumulation of assets, primarily in technology development, and the management of liabilities, including any initial debts incurred during the development phase. Equity growth is expected as CareNet establishes its market presence and begins to generate profits. Funding Strategy Given that we are currently without funding, securing external financing is critical to launching and scaling CareNet. We aim to raise an initial round of funding to cover technology development, regulatory compliance, marketing to enter new markets, and operational costs for the first two years. ● Amount Needed: We are seeking an initial investment of $2 million. This funding will support the development of our AI and ML models, secure the necessary regulatory approvals, and implement a robust marketing strategy to gain market traction. ● Proposed Use of Funds: ● Technology Development and Infrastructure: A significant portion of the investment will be allocated to further developing our AI models, enhancing data security, and building a scalable platform infrastructure. ● Regulatory Compliance: Funds will also be used to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations in our target markets, including HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in Europe, as well as local regulations in ASEAN countries and China. ● Market Entry and Marketing: A dedicated budget for entering new markets and marketing activities, including digital marketing, partnerships, and community outreach, to build our brand and attract users. ● Potential Sources of Investment: We are exploring several sources of funding, including venture capital firms specializing in healthcare and technology, angel investors interested in digital health innovations, and grants from organizations supporting healthcare advancements. Additionally, we are considering participating in startup accelerators that focus on healthcare technology for both funding and mentorship opportunities. ● Existing Investors or Grants: Currently, CareNet has not secured any investors or grants. However, our participation in the CAIEC competition and other startup showcases will be leveraged to attract potential investors by demonstrating the innovation and global health impact potential of our platform. This funding strategy is designed to ensure that CareNet has the financial resources required to achieve its mission of improving healthcare accessibility and quality through AI and ML technology, while also offering a compelling return to our investors. Social Impact and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Social Mission CareNet is deeply committed to leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to make a significant social impact, particularly in the healthcare sector. Our mission extends beyond the technological advancements we offer; it encompasses a vision to transform healthcare outcomes globally, with a focus on developing countries where healthcare resources are scarce and access can be limited. ● Improving Healthcare Outcomes: We aim to improve healthcare outcomes by providing early detection of diseases such as Alzheimer's, lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 through our advanced AI-driven diagnostic tools. Our technology can support healthcare professionals in making more accurate diagnoses, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and patient survival rates. ● Reducing the Cost of Healthcare: By automating part of the diagnostic process, CareNet intends to reduce the cost of healthcare. Our solutions can help healthcare providers manage their workload more efficiently, reducing the need for extensive manual labor and, consequently, the overall cost of care delivery. This cost-saving can then be passed on to patients, making healthcare more affordable. ● Contributing to Community Health Initiatives: We plan to collaborate with local healthcare providers, NGOs, and governments to integrate our technology into community health programs. These partnerships will aim to enhance the reach of healthcare services, especially in remote and underserved areas, ensuring that more individuals have access to quality care. CSR Initiatives CareNet's commitment to corporate social responsibility is integral to our business model and operations. We believe in giving back to the communities where we operate and ensuring that our success contributes to broader social good. ● Investing in Healthcare Education: Education is a cornerstone of improving healthcare. CareNet plans to invest in healthcare education by offering free or subsidized access to our technology for educational institutions, especially in developing countries. By integrating our AI and ML tools into healthcare curriculums, we aim to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to leverage technology effectively in their practice. ● Supporting Healthcare Access for Underprivileged Communities: CareNet is dedicated to improving healthcare access for underprivileged communities. We plan to launch initiatives that provide our technology for free or at a reduced cost to healthcare facilities in low-income areas. By doing so, we aim to ensure that advanced diagnostic tools are not only available to the affluent or those living in urban centers but are accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status or geographic location. ● Environmental Sustainability Efforts: Recognizing the environmental impact of digital services, CareNet is committed to operating sustainably. We will implement green practices in our operations, such as optimizing data center energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources where possible, and minimizing electronic waste. Our goal is to ensure that our contributions to advancing healthcare do not come at the expense of the environment. Through these social impact goals and CSR initiatives, CareNet aspires to be a catalyst for positive change in the healthcare sector, demonstrating that technological innovation can and should be harnessed for the greater good. Conclusion As we stand on the brink of a new era in healthcare, CareNet embodies the fusion of technological innovation with a deep commitment to improving global health outcomes. Our AI and ML-powered platform is not just a testament to cutting-edge technology; it's a beacon of hope for millions around the world who lack access to timely, accurate, and affordable healthcare services. Through our detailed business plan, we have outlined CareNet's vision, strategy, and roadmap to revolutionize the healthcare landscape. We've highlighted the pressing need for our services, the uniqueness of our product, and our approach to overcoming the challenges ahead. Our financial projections and funding strategy demonstrate not only the viability of our business model but also the potential for significant returns on investment. However, CareNet's journey is not just about economic success; it's about creating a tangible impact. Our social mission and CSR initiatives are integral to who we are, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities and contribute meaningfully to communities worldwide. Call to Action To realize this vision, CareNet seeks the support of investors who are not just looking for financial returns but are also committed to making a difference in the world. We invite you to join us in this groundbreaking venture as we work to democratize healthcare through technology. Your investment in CareNet is an investment in a healthier, more equitable future. We also call upon healthcare providers, institutions, and potential partners to collaborate with us. Together, we can integrate CareNet's solutions into existing healthcare systems, making advanced diagnostics accessible to all. In closing, CareNet stands ready to lead the charge in transforming healthcare through artificial intelligence and machine learning. With your support, we can unlock the full potential of digital health, creating a future where quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Next Steps ● For Investors: Please contact us to discuss investment opportunities and how we can work together towards a successful partnership. ● For Potential Partners: We are eager to explore collaborations that can broaden the reach and impact of our services. ● For Healthcare Providers: Learn more about how CareNet can enhance your diagnostic capabilities and patient care services. Thank you for considering CareNet. Together, we can build a healthier world. __________________________________ Some infos _________________________________________________ Setting boundaries and identifying manipulators are crucial skills for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your emotional well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these challenges: ### How to Set Boundaries **1. Understand Your Needs and Limits** - **Self-Reflection**: Spend time understanding what you are comfortable with and what stresses you. Consider areas such as personal space, emotional energy, time commitments, and moral values. - **Priorities**: Identify what is most important to you—this could include your time, your energy, or your values. **2. Clearly Define Your Boundaries** - **Be Specific**: Be clear about what you can tolerate and accept, and what you cannot. For instance, you might decide not to answer work-related calls or emails after a certain hour to protect your personal time. - **Use Clear Language**: When communicating your boundaries, use "I" statements. For example, say "I feel overwhelmed when I don’t have any downtime, so I need to keep Sundays free from any work-related tasks." **3. Communicate Your Boundaries** - **Timing**: Choose a good time to discuss your boundaries when the other person is receptive and not under stress. - **Assertiveness**: Communicate your boundaries assertively, but respectfully. Make it clear that these are necessary for your well-being. - **Repetition**: Be prepared to repeat and reaffirm your boundaries as often as necessary, especially with individuals who have previously disregarded them. **4. Enforce Your Boundaries** - **Consistency**: Be consistent in enforcing your boundaries. Inconsistency can send mixed signals. - **Consequences**: Be ready to implement consequences if your boundaries are not respected. For example, if someone repeatedly calls you during your designated unplugged time, you might need to turn off your phone or block that number during those hours. - **Support System**: Build a support system of friends or family who understand and respect your boundaries, and can offer advice or help when needed. **5. Practice Self-Care** - **Assessment and Adjustment**: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your boundaries and adjust them as necessary. - **Self-Care**: Ensure that you are taking care of your mental and emotional health. This can make it easier to maintain boundaries and deal with conflicts that arise from them. ### How to Identify Manipulators **1. Recognize Manipulative Behaviors** - **Guilt Tripping**: Manipulators often use guilt to control others, making them feel obligated to comply with their wishes. - **Gaslighting**: This involves manipulating someone to doubt their own reality or judgment. It might involve outright lying, denying things that happened, or dismissing the other person's feelings. - **Excessive Flattery**: Initially, a manipulator might use excessive praise and flattery to get close to someone, only to leverage that relationship for personal gain later. - **Passive-Aggressiveness**: Instead of expressing negative feelings directly, manipulators often communicate them indirectly through actions or sarcastic remarks. - **Victimhood**: Manipulators often portray themselves as victims of circumstances or other people’s actions to gain sympathy and manipulate others. **2. Pay Attention to Your Feelings** - **Discomfort and Confusion**: Regular interactions shouldn’t leave you consistently confused or uncomfortable. If someone frequently makes you question your own feelings, thoughts, or sanity, they might be manipulating you. - **Feeling Drained**: After spending time with someone, if you often feel emotionally drained, it could be a sign of a manipulative relationship. **3. Assess Their Communication Patterns** - **Inconsistency**: Manipulators often say one thing and do another. Their stories may change based on whom they're talking to or the situation at hand. - **Diversion**: When confronted with issues, a manipulator might change the subject, evade the question, or make counteraccusations to avoid addressing the problem directly. - **Withholding Information**: Manipulators often withhold critical information, share only partial truths, or lie to keep you from seeing the full picture. **4. Observe Their Actions in Relation to Others** - **Patterns of Behavior**: Observe how the person behaves with others. Manipulative behavior is often not isolated to one relationship. - **Social Dynamics**: Pay attention to their role in their social or professional circles—are they often in conflict, or do they seem to use others to get what they want? **5. Trust Your Intuition** - If something feels off, it often is. Trusting your gut feeling about someone’s motives can be a crucial indicator, especially if your feelings are backed by observed behaviors. Psychopaths aren't just the villains in slasher movies and Wall Street morality tales. They walk among us in offices every day, appearing at first like normal colleagues. One study found that a small but significant portion of business leaders--3 to 4 percent--meet the clinical definition of a psychopath. The same goes for narcissists. Science shows a touch of narcissism can actually aid business success, but spend any time at all in the world of work and you quickly discover some professionals let their self-love run wild. The long and short of it is this: In the course of a normal business career, you're almost guaranteed to run into a few truly toxic narcissists and psychopaths who will try to abuse and manipulate you. Which is what makes a hugely in-depth Thought Catalog article by Shahida Arabi on the subject so valuable. Not only does it lay out a whopping 20 techniques toxic people use to get what they want, it also provides suggestions on how to counter their manipulations. The excerpts below might seem extensive, but these 10 short summaries are actually just a small fraction of the advice available in the complete post. 1. Gaslighting "Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic that can be described in different variations of three words: 'That didn't happen,' 'You imagined it,' and 'Are you crazy?'" Arabi explains. "Gaslighting is perhaps one of the most insidious manipulative tactics out there because it works to distort and erode your sense of reality; it eats away at your ability to trust yourself and inevitably disables you from feeling justified in calling out abuse and mistreatment." How can you fight back? "Ground yourself in your own reality--sometimes writing things down as they happened, telling a friend, or reiterating your experience to a support network can help to counteract the gaslighting effect," Arabi's post suggests. 2. Projection You know when toxic people claim all the nastiness that surrounds them is not their fault, but yours? That's called projection. We all do it a little, but narcissists and psychopaths do it a lot. "Projection is a defense mechanism used to displace responsibility of one's negative behavior and traits by attributing them to someone else," notes Arabi. The solution? "Don't 'project' your own sense of compassion or empathy onto a toxic person and don't own any of the toxic person's projections either," Arabi recommends. "Projecting our own conscience and value system onto others has the potential consequence of being met with further exploitation." 3. Generalizations You said a co-worker sometimes fails to consider the long-term ramifications of a certain financial decisions. The office psychopath claims you called him "a loose cannon." You noted the deal could possibly go south if X, Y, and Z conditions occur. Your narcissistic colleague tells the boss you said the deal is "a disaster." What's going on? It's not just that your nemesis didn't understand what you said. It's that he or she had no interest in understanding. "Malignant narcissists aren't always intellectual masterminds--many of them are intellectually lazy. Rather than taking the time to carefully consider a different perspective, they generalize anything and everything you say, making blanket statements that don't acknowledge the nuances in your argument or take into account the multiple perspectives you've paid homage to," Arabi says, summing up this behavior. To counter it, "hold onto your truth and resist generalizing statements by realizing that they are in fact forms of black and white illogical thinking." 4. Moving the goal posts "Abusive narcissists and sociopaths employ a logical fallacy known as 'moving the goalposts' in order to ensure that they have every reason to be perpetually dissatisfied with you. This is when, even after you've provided all the evidence in the world to validate your argument or taken an action to meet their request, they set up another expectation of you or demand more proof," says Arabi. Don't play that game. "Validate and approve of yourself. Know that you are enough and you don't have to be made to feel constantly deficient or unworthy in some way," Arabi advises. 5. Changing the subject Switching conversational topics sounds innocent enough, but in the hands of a master manipulator, a change of subject becomes a means to avoid accountability. "Narcissists don't want you to be on the topic of holding them accountable for anything, so they will reroute discussions to benefit them," Arabi notes. This sort of thing can go on forever if you let it, making it impossible to actually engage on the relevant issue. Try "the "broken record method" to fight back: "Continue stating the facts without giving in to their distractions. Redirect their redirection by saying, 'That's not what I am talking about. Let's stay focused on the real issue.' If they're not interested, disengage and spend your energy on something more constructive." 6. Name-calling Just because you've been dealing with this one since you encountered your first playground bully doesn't make it any less destructive (and apparently it continues all the way up to presidential politics). Simply don't tolerate it. "It's important to end any interaction that consists of name-calling and communicate that you won't tolerate it," Arabi says. "Don't internalize it: Realize that they are resorting to name-calling because they are deficient in higher level methods." 7. Smear campaigns "When toxic types can't control the way you see yourself, they start to control how others see you; they play the martyr while you're labeled the toxic one. A smear campaign is a preemptive strike to sabotage your reputation and slander your name," Arabi explains. Sometimes true evil geniuses will even divide and conquer, pitting two people or groups against each other. Don't let them succeed. "Document any form of harassment," Arabi advises, and make sure not to rise to the bait and let the person's horribleness provoke you into behaving in just the sort of negative ways they've falsely attributed to you. 8. Devaluation Beware when a colleague seems to love you while aggressively denigrating the last person who held your position. "Narcissistic abusers do this all the time--they devalue their exes to their new partners, and eventually the new partner starts to receive the same sort of mistreatment as the narcissist's ex-partner," Arabi says. But this dynamic can happen in the professional realm as well as the personal one. Simple awareness of the phenomenon is the first step to countering it. "Be wary of the fact that how a person treats or speaks about someone else could potentially translate into the way they will treat you in the future," Arabi cautions. 9. Aggressive jokes The problem isn't your sense of humor--it's the hidden intention of that cutting joke. "Covert narcissists enjoy making malicious remarks at your expense. These are usually dressed up as 'just jokes' so that they can get away with saying appalling things while still maintaining an innocent, cool demeanor. Yet any time you are outraged at an insensitive, harsh remark, you are accused of having no sense of humor," Arabi says. Don't let the office abuser gaslight you into thinking it was all innocent fun--it wasn't. 10. Triangulation One of the smartest ways truly toxic people distract you from their nastiness is by focusing your attention on the supposed threat of another person. This is called triangulation. "Narcissists love to 'report back' falsehoods about what others say about you," Arabi warns. To resist the tactic, realize that the third party in the drama is being manipulated as well--he or she is another victim, not your enemy. You can also try "reverse triangulation," or "gaining support from a third party that is not under the narcissist's influence." 1. Gaslighting Gaslighting is all about making you question yourself, including your memory, your trust in yourself, your sanity, what you’re feeling, and even your own identity. This often shows up as the abuser calling you “crazy” or manipulating situations to instill doubt in yourself. A manipulator does this so you eventually automatically trust and do what they say without question, giving them ultimate control.2 2. Triangulation Triangulation is when two people disagree, and a third person gets pulled in to sway which side “wins.”3 A manipulator strategically uses triangulation to ensure that their side wins the argument, which can include choosing a third person they know will agree with them, or frontloading the information to be more favorable toward their side. This encourages the victim to question the manipulator less frequently, and to eventually stop questioning the manipulator altogether. It can also be used to increase the victim’s feelings of isolation, which increases their dependence on the manipulator. 3. Projection Projection is a psychological defense mechanism where a person puts their own feelings, characteristics, or desires onto another person.4 This could look like the manipulator saying, “You’re so controlling” after the victim presents alternative activities or advocates to do something for themselves. The manipulator takes what they feel and want and projects it onto the other person to avoid how that makes them feel or look. 4. Controlling Your Life The goal of all manipulation is to increase control, but outside of controlling how you feel and behave, a manipulator can actually shape what your life and daily activities look like. This can include controlling access to your money (financial abuse), preventing you from furthering your education, or even restricting what friends you can and cannot spend time with. A manipulator’s goal in controlling your daily activities is to make sure you feel like you cannot function or make decisions without them. 5. Name-Calling A manipulator will often label the victim’s personality traits or behaviors with negative verbiage. The purpose of this is to make the victim believe they are less than, and to subtly convince them that they aren’t worthy of better treatment. This often starts in small, less offensive ways, and builds in intensity and frequency as the victim becomes more and more accustomed to the name-calling. 6. Generalizations Generalizations are when the traits of one person are applied to an entire group of people in the same demographic. An example that a manipulative person might use could be, “All women are more focused on themselves than on their partners.” This encourages the victim to act or present themselves in a way that the manipulator sees as agreeable or easiest to control. 7. Moving the Goalposts This is when a person essentially changes the rules of a situation midway through in order to prevent the other person from succeeding. This could look like giving additional stipulations needed for success, or highlighting disqualifying elements to your success. A manipulator uses this tactic to keep the other person in a constant state of chasing their approval. 8. Love Bombing Love bombing is when someone bombards a person with affection, intense emotions, and an excess of their time and energy.5 This can include gift giving, making elaborate declarations of admiration, and spending all of one’s time and energy on pleasing the victim. A manipulator uses love bombing to quickly build intimacy and trust. This also gives the victim an ideal interaction to pursue. In this way, a manipulator preys on a person’s natural desire to feel wanted and appreciated and turns it into a tool to increase the victim’s devotion to them. 9. Changing the Subject Topic changes are a normal part of conversations, but a manipulator uses this passive-aggressive tactic to punish a person or make them feel devalued. When the victim makes a valid point in a conversation or receives a compliment from another person, a manipulator will change the subject to prevent them from gaining any confidence. An emotional manipulator does this to make sure the victim feels like they cannot get praise from any source other than the manipulator, and to have the victim question their own abilities and intelligence. 10. Playing on Insecurities Unfortunately, emotional manipulators are highly skilled at noticing a person’s insecurities and intensifying them.6 At the core of this, a manipulator targets a person’s sense of shame, which is an internalized feeling of inadequacy. Since shame is a painful emotion that most people automatically try to avoid, triggering this encourages them to comply with the manipulator to avoid feeling it in the future. Rickeman states, “The most common tactic is for someone to learn your unique triggers or sensitivities and use those against you. Some people are naturally very good at studying you and learning exactly what buttons to press to manipulate you. For example, if you had a childhood where you didn’t feel important because you had a selfish or self-absorbed parent, accusing you of being selfish would be an excellent manipulation tactic. This is because it will press on a deep childhood wound and so you will question yourself and be motivated to do what it takes not to appear selfish.” 11. The Silent Treatment While it’s normal for a person to emotionally and verbally shut down if they’re experiencing emotional overwhelm (sometimes called “emotional flooding”), it can also be used intentionally as a manipulation tactic. A manipulator will shut down communication and connection as a form of punishment. This can include withholding affection, any form of communication, and intimacy.7 12. Passive-Aggressiveness Passive-aggressive communication is when someone says or indicates something without outright saying what they mean. This can take many forms, including sarcasm, pouting, or backhanded compliments. This keeps the victim in a constant pattern of monitoring, guessing, and trying to anticipate/adjust to the manipulator’s moods and reactions. Ultimately, this keeps the focus – and the power – on the manipulator, so that the victim doesn’t have time and attention to evaluate their own feelings in the relationship. 13. Being Dismissive or Diminishing When their victim makes a valid contribution in group discussions or has a success, a manipulator can react with a dismissing or diminishing comment in order to maintain control. This can look like giving reasons for why the success was not earned, or why their victim’s valid comment is unworthy of others’ attention and consideration. 14. Treating You Like a Child A manipulator “infantilizes” their victim by purposely treating them like they’re younger or less capable, or by outright treating them like a child. This is a form of gaslighting that is specifically geared toward reducing the victim’s trust in themselves to handle responsibility. This can come in the form of talking down to a person like they’re less intelligent, stepping in and taking over in the middle of a task the person is capable of doing on their own, or physically treating them like they’re incapable of certain tasks. 15. Blaming the Victim for the Abuse When a victim of emotional abuse speaks up, it’s common for the manipulator to shut it down by convincing them that they’ve done something to earn the emotional manipulation. This often comes down to “You should have known better because of XYZ reasons.” This leaves the victim constantly second guessing their actions to try and avoid a negative interaction with the manipulator. 16. Using Guilt Trips A manipulator uses guilt trips in order to change how the victim feels. This could be something along the lines of, “If you decide to go out with your friends tonight, I’m going to feel lonely and sad.” The manipulator’s long-term goal is to convince you not to do that thing again in the future without discussing it with them first. 17. Using Threats or Coercion Any time someone uses threats to force or convince you to do something, it’s considered emotional manipulation.8 This could include threats to leave you or take away something important if you don’t comply with what they want you to do. This could even include a threat to hurt themselves. While they may not actually hurt themselves, it’s important to always take threats of self-harm seriously. Holding your boundaries for physical and emotional safety is critically important, and so is encouraging the other person to seek professional help if they threaten self-harm. ### Practical Steps Moving Forward - **Educate Yourself**: Understanding psychological and emotional manipulation can arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself. Consider reading books or articles, or even taking courses on psychology and communication. - **Seek Professional Advice**: If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a manipulator, or if you find it hard to set and maintain boundaries, talking to a therapist can provide clarity and empowerment. - **Develop Your Assertiveness**: Work on your assertiveness skills, which can help you stand up for yourself effectively without aggression. This is crucial in dealing with manipulators and maintaining healthy boundaries. By setting clear boundaries and being able to identify manipulative behaviors, you equip yourself to foster healthier and more balanced relationships both personally and professionally. 1. **Psychology:** - Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It encompasses various theories and approaches to understanding human thoughts, emotions, and actions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts and behaviors influence feelings and actions, aiming to identify and change maladaptive patterns. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and relational dynamics to gain insight into current struggles. Humanistic therapy emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and the client-therapist relationship. Existential therapy explores existential concerns, such as freedom, meaning, and mortality, helping clients confront life's uncertainties and find purpose. 2. **Trauma:** - Trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, often leading to lasting emotional, psychological, and physical effects. Trauma-informed care involves understanding the impact of trauma on the brain and body, recognizing trauma symptoms, and employing trauma-sensitive approaches in therapy. This includes creating a safe and supportive environment, fostering empowerment and choice, and prioritizing the client's autonomy and self-determination. Trauma therapy aims to help clients process traumatic memories, regulate their emotions, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust. 3. **Substance Abuse and Addiction:** - Substance abuse and addiction involve the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Familiarity with substance abuse and addiction is crucial for effectively supporting clients struggling with substance use disorders. This includes assessing the severity of substance use, identifying underlying factors contributing to addiction, and addressing co-occurring mental health issues. Treatment approaches may include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and referrals to support groups or residential treatment programs. 4. **Mental Health Disorders:** - Mental health disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Understanding various mental health disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options enables therapists to provide effective support and intervention for clients experiencing mental health challenges. This includes conducting thorough assessments to diagnose mental health disorders, developing individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs and preferences, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care. 5. **Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:** - Mindfulness and relaxation techniques involve practices that promote present-moment awareness, relaxation, and stress reduction. These techniques can help clients manage symptoms, cultivate self-awareness, and build resilience. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness meditation and body scan exercises, have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve overall well-being. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, can help clients regulate their emotions, reduce physical tension, and promote relaxation. 6. **Communication Skills:** - Effective communication skills are fundamental to building a trusting therapeutic relationship and facilitating meaningful client progress. This includes active listening, empathy, validation, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication. Active listening involves giving your full attention to clients, paraphrasing their statements, and reflecting their emotions to demonstrate understanding and empathy. Empathy entails putting yourself in the client's shoes, acknowledging their feelings, and communicating genuine care and compassion. Validation involves acknowledging the client's experiences as valid and understandable, even if you may not agree with their perspective. Effective verbal and nonverbal communication involves using clear, concise language, maintaining appropriate eye contact and body language, and being attentive to cultural and individual differences in communication styles. 7. **Self-Care and Burnout Prevention:** - Self-care refers to activities and practices that promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, while burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic stress and overwhelm. Prioritizing self-care and implementing strategies to prevent burnout is vital for sustaining your own well-being and effectiveness as a therapist. This includes establishing healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries around work hours, scheduling regular breaks, and taking time off when needed. Engaging in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and seeking support from peers and mentors, is essential for maintaining resilience and preventing burnout. Practicing mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies can help therapists cope with work-related stressors and promote emotional well-being. Seeking supervision, consultation, and support from colleagues is important for processing challenging cases, seeking guidance, and preventing isolation. Regularly assessing your own well-being and adjusting your self-care practices as needed can help prevent burnout and promote long-term sustainability in your career as a therapist. 1. **Psychology:** - Solution: Utilize an integrative approach that draws from multiple psychological theories and techniques. Tailor therapy to match the client's unique needs and preferences. For example, cognitive-behavioral techniques may be effective for addressing specific behaviors or thought patterns, while psychodynamic exploration may help uncover underlying emotions or past experiences. 2. **Trauma:** - Solution: Provide trauma-informed therapy that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. Create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. Use trauma-specific interventions, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help clients process traumatic experiences and develop coping skills. 3. **Substance Abuse and Addiction:** - Solution: Conduct a thorough assessment of the client's substance use and related behaviors. Collaborate with the client to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or referrals to substance abuse treatment programs. Employ motivational interviewing techniques to explore the client's ambivalence and enhance their motivation to change. 4. **Mental Health Disorders:** - Solution: Conduct a comprehensive assessment to diagnose the client's mental health disorder(s) and identify any co-occurring conditions. Develop an individualized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and referrals to other healthcare providers or community resources. Monitor the client's progress over time and adjust the treatment plan as needed. 5. **Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:** - Solution: Integrate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into therapy sessions to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and other symptoms. Teach clients practical skills they can use in their daily lives, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Encourage clients to practice these techniques regularly and provide guidance and support as needed. 6. **Communication Skills:** - Solution: Model effective communication skills in therapy sessions and provide feedback and guidance to clients as they practice new communication techniques. Use role-playing exercises to help clients develop assertiveness, active listening, and empathy skills. Provide psychoeducation about healthy communication patterns and encourage clients to apply these skills in their relationships outside of therapy. 7. **Self-Care and Burnout Prevention:** - Solution: Prioritize self-care as an essential component of therapy practice. Develop a self-care plan that includes regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, hobbies, social support, and relaxation activities. Set boundaries around work hours and caseload to prevent burnout and maintain work-life balance. Seek supervision, consultation, and peer support to process challenging cases and manage stress. Regularly evaluate your own well-being and adjust your self-care practices as needed. - 10 Ways to Build and Preserve Better Boundaries - What are boundaries? Boundaries can take many forms. They can range from being rigid and strict to appearing almost nonexistent. If you have more rigid boundaries, you might: keep others at a distance seem detached, even with intimate partners have few close relationships avoid close relationships If you have more loose or open boundaries, you might: get too involved with others’ problems find it difficult to say “no” to others’ requests overshare personal information with others seek to please others for fear of rejection A person with healthy boundaries understands that making their expectations clear helps in two ways: it establishes what behavior you will accept from other people, and it establishes what behavior other people can expect from you. If you have healthy boundaries, you might: share personal information appropriately (not too much or not too little) understand your personal needs and wants and know how to communicate them value your own opinions accept when others tell you “no” Many of us have a mix of boundaries depending on the situation. For example, you might have strict boundaries at work and more loose ones at home or with family and friends. There might even be different boundaries based on a person’s culture. For example, some cultures find that sharing personal information is not appropriate at any time, while in other cultures, sharing might be encouraged at all times. Types of boundaries Building healthy boundaries — whether you’re at work, at home, or hanging out with friends — hinges on understanding the types of boundaries. There are five different types: Physical. This refers to your personal space, your privacy, and your body. You might be someone who is comfortable with public displays of affection (hugs, kisses, and hand-holding), or you might be someone who prefers not to be touched in public. Sexual. These are your expectations concerning intimacy. Sexual comments and touches might be uncomfortable for you. Intellectual. These boundaries concern your thoughts and beliefs. Intellectual boundaries are not respected when someone dismisses another person’s ideas and opinions. Emotional. This refers to a person’s feelings. You might not feel comfortable sharing your feelings about everything with a friend or partner. Instead, you prefer to share gradually over time. Financial. This one, as you guessed, is all about money. If you like to save money — not spend it on trendy fashions — you might not want to loan money to a friend who does. When you get ready to establish your boundaries, be sure to take each one into account. The lowdown on personal boundaries “In a nutshell, it’s knowing how to separate your feelings or ‘stuff’ from someone else’s,” says U.K.-based psychologist Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo. “As human beings we have our own thoughts, memories, and lived experiences, and sometimes that can become very blurred with someone else’s. Boundaries are healthy for helping you identify and keep that space.” Whereas security alarms signal when physical boundaries are crossed, you have to rely on your own internal alert systems to determine when your emotional and psychological boundaries are infringed upon. For example, “If you come away from a meeting or telephone conversation with friends, family, or anyone, feeling depleted, anxious, [or] wound-up, there are probably boundaries being breached,” explains Sally Baker, a senior, licensed, and accredited therapist in London, U.K. Setting boundaries is beneficial for far more than just defining our identity. Having them in place “limits your exposure to stress and the [body’s] production of adrenaline and cortisol [the stress hormone],” Baker says. “It protects your mental well-being.” Dr. Quinn-Cirillo agrees that well-being is a key factor, as a lack of boundaries can “lead to emotional and physical fatigue,” especially if you have to deal with the exhausting behaviors of others. And it doesn’t end there. Boundaries promote a sense of autonomy, says Dr. Quinn-Cirillo, in “that you are in control as far as possible in what you want and don’t want.” They can also “keep you safe in relationships at work, home, and with partners, and that’s really important.” Research also shows that blurred boundaries, particularly between work and home life, are linked toTrusted Source unhealthier lifestyles and lower levels of happiness, along with a higher risk of family conflict. So, you’ll want to get yours in check. How to set and maintain good boundaries Not sure how to go about creating boundaries or effectively uphold existing ones? We’ve rounded up some of the best approaches to try. 1. Reflect on the reasons for your boundaries To successfully introduce and set boundaries, it’s key to understand why they’re each important to you and how they will benefit your emotional well-being. “Take some time to be a detective of your own psychology,” suggests Baker. “So often stuff happens to people and they feel uncomfortable, but they’re not sure why. The first step in having healthy boundaries in any situation is spending the time to explore what’s happening to you.” 2. Start with a few boundaries If you don’t have many boundaries in place already, the prospect of introducing more might seem overwhelming — so build them up slowly. Doing so allows you to take things at a more comfortable pace, and it provides time to reflect on whether it’s heading in the right direction or if you need to make some tweaks. 3. Consider setting boundaries early on “Sometimes it can be really hard to start putting boundaries in, especially in pre-existing relationships,” says Dr. Quinn-Cirillo. “If you can put in boundaries straight away, it’s a lot easier to work with.” By setting boundaries and expectations from the very beginning, everyone knows where they stand, and feelings of hurt, confusion, and frustration can be lessened. 4. Try to be consistent with your boundaries Letting boundaries slide can lead to confusion and encourage new expectations and demands among those around you. Try keeping things consistent and steady. This helps to reinforce your original thresholds and beliefs, and it ensures those lines remain clearly established. 5. Carve out time for yourself Dr. Quinn-Cirillo notes that boundaries “vary depending on the type of relationship.” But if you find it helpful, there’s no reason not to have a few basics in place that can be adapted accordingly. Consider getting an hour or two of alone time each weekend. This boundary could apply whether you live with a partner, have a busy social schedule with friends, or are close with your family. 6. Don’t be afraid to include extra boundaries In some aspects of our lives, there are boundaries already in place — such as in the workplace. But consider these the minimum. Colleagues will likely have some of their own in place, and it’s OK for you to add some too. Doing so may even enhance your performance. Austrian researchersTrusted Source found that employees who introduced personal workplace boundaries felt more empowered. 7. Set healthy boundaries on social media These platforms allow for more communication than ever, but they’ve also encouraged some considerable boundary blurring. “There’s some incredible oversharing happening,” Baker states, and research shows that over half of us are concerned that family and friends will post personal information or photos that we don’t want shared publicly. If you deem a particular action as boundary-crossing in real life, your concerns are no less valid when it occurs digitally. “You don’t have to expose yourself to social media that’s distressing you,” she adds. 8. Communicate when your boundaries are crossed Communication is critical in the world of boundaries, especially if someone consistently oversteps yours. While you might need to raise your concerns, these discussions need not be confrontational. For example, if you have a friend who sends messages nonstop, Dr. Quinn-Cirillo suggests saying something along the lines of, “‘I can see you really wanted to get hold of me, but the best thing to do is drop me a message, and I’ll get back to you when I can.’” This gently highlights their behavior while simultaneously asserting your threshold. 9. Practice self-love and engage in activities you enjoy For boundaries to have a strong foundation, you need to show yourself a bit of love, notes Baker. “If you’ve got a narrative in your head that says you’re worthless and undeserving, then you’re going to find it difficult to put boundaries in place that protect you,” she says. “A lot of it comes down to self-worth and self-value.” It doesn’t take much to start encouraging this mindset either, adds Baker. The more you engage in activities “that release feel-good hormones, like singing, running, or whatever you want to do — things that feed your own heart — then that’s going to help change your internal dialogue and make you feel more deserving.” 10. Gain some perspective on your boundaries Not having boundaries can be detrimental to our mental health, but going too far and over-thinking them can also impact our emotional well-being, reveals Dr. Quinn-Cirillo. “Get a healthy level of thinking about boundaries,” she says. “Have some but don’t be dictated by them. Sometimes you’ve just got to go with your gut instinct. We can forget that we’re actually quite good at navigating most things and are quite intuitive as human beings.” ______________________________________________________________ About ___________________________________ Psychiatry and psychology are overlapping professions. Practitioners in both -- psychiatrists and psychologists -- are mental health professionals. Their area of expertise is the mind -- and the way it affects behavior and well-being. They often work together to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental illness. And both are committed to helping people stay mentally well. But there are differences between psychiatry and psychology. And people sometimes find those differences confusing, especially when they are looking for help. To make matters even more confusing, psychiatrists and psychologists aren't the only mental health professionals you can choose from. There are mental health counselors, social workers, nurses and nurse practitioners, and others who deal with issues of mental health. And if you consider the multiple approaches to treatment, ranging from counseling to various forms of psychotherapy, the whole mental health system begins to look like a maze that's nearly impossible to navigate. But here's a guide you can use to help you make your way through that maze. Where to Start Issues with mental health, especially if they're chronic (persistent or recurring often), can be debilitating. Your body can respond physically to depression or anxiety much like it does to physical illness. And sometimes, mental problems can actually be caused by a physical condition. So the first person to see if you think you are having a mental problem is your primary care doctor. Types of Mental Health Professionals Your doctor might refer you to any of the following mental health professionals: Psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. A psychiatrist's training starts with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training as a psychiatric resident. A psychiatrist is trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical conditions that could present with psychiatric symptoms. They also monitor the effects of mental illness on other physical conditions (such as problems with the heart or high blood pressure), and the effects of medicines on the body (such as weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, and kidney or liver functioning). As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions. Many mental disorders -- such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder -- can be treated effectively with specific drugs. If you are working with a psychiatrist, a lot of the treatment may be focused on medication management. Sometimes medication alone is enough to treat the mental illness. Sometimes a combination of medication and psychotherapy or counseling is needed. If that is the case, the psychiatrist may provide the psychotherapy, or the psychiatrist may refer you to a counselor or other type of mental health professional. Psychologist. A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology, which is the study of the mind and behaviors. Graduate school provides a psychologist an education in evaluating and treating mental and emotional disorders. After completing graduate school, a clinical psychologist completes an internship that lasts two to three years and provides further training in treatment methods, psychological theory, and behavioral therapy. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental disorders. They are not, though, medical doctors. That means that, with the exception of a few states, psychologists cannot write prescriptions or perform medical procedures. Often a psychologist will work in association with a psychiatrist or other medical doctor who provides the medical treatment for mental illness while the psychologist provides the psychotherapy. Licensed mental health counselor. A psychological counselor is a mental health professional who has a master's degree (MA) in psychology, counseling, or a related field. In order to be licensed, the professional counselor also needs two additional years' experience working with a qualified mental health professional after graduate school. A mental health counselor is qualified to evaluate and treat mental problems by providing counseling or psychotherapy. Clinical social worker. A clinical social worker has at least a master's degree in social work and training to be able to evaluate and treat mental illnesses. In addition to psychotherapy, social workers can provide case management and hospital discharge planning as well as work as an advocate for patients and their family. Psychiatric or mental health nurse. Some nurses have had special training in providing mental health services. Depending on their level of training and certification, they can evaluate patients for mental illness and provide treatment in the form of psychotherapy. In some states, they are also licensed to prescribe and monitor medications, sometimes independently and sometimes under the supervision of a medical doctor. Nurses also provide case-management services and serve as patient advocates. The Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy Although the terms counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between psychotherapy and psychological counseling. Counseling focuses on specific issues and is designed to help a person address a particular problem, such as addiction or stress management. The focus may be on problem solving or on learning specific techniques for coping with or avoiding problem areas. Counseling is also usually more short-term than therapy. Psychotherapy is more long-term than counseling and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principle is that a person's patterns of thinking and behavior affect the way that person interacts with the world. Depending on the specific type of psychotherapy that is being used, the goal is to help people feel better equipped to manage stress, understand patterns in their behavior that may interfere with reaching personal goals, have more satisfying relationships, and better regulate their thinking and emotional responses to stressful situations. If someone has a form of mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or an anxiety disorder, psychotherapy also addresses ways in which the illnesses affects their daily life, focuses on how to best understand the illness and manage its symptoms and follow medical recommendations. Types of Psychotherapy There are numerous approaches to psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, from which mental health professionals draw their treatment practices. Different types of psychotherapies are often better-suited to specific types of problems. For example, some psychotherapies are designed mainly to treat disorders like depression or anxiety, while others focus more on helping people overcome problems with relationships or obstacles to greater life satisfaction. Some forms of psychotherapy are one-on-one with a therapist, while others are group-based or family-based. According to the American Psychological Association, those approaches fall into five broad categories. Psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies. The idea behind this kind of therapy is that people's lives are affected by unconscious issues and conflicts. The goal of the therapist is to help the person bring those issues to a conscious level where they can be understood and dealt with. This may involve analyzing dreams or exploring a person's personal history. Behavioral therapy. This approach to therapy focuses on learning and behavior in an effort to change unhealthy behavioral patterns. Some therapists try to help patients learn new associations by using a system of reward and punishment to bring about certain behavioral changes. Another approach might involve a controlled series of exposures to a phobia trigger to desensitize a person to an unreasonable fear. Cognitive therapy. The emphasis in cognitive therapy is on a person's thoughts. The idea is that dysfunctional thinking is what leads to dysfunctional emotions or behaviors. The goal is to help the person recognize unhealthy thinking patterns and to recognize and change inaccurate beliefs. Group therapy. One or more behavioral providers leads a group of 5-15 patients a few hours per week. Groups are typically designed to help each other deal with a particular issues, including obesity, social anxiety, grief, chronic pain, or substance abuse. Humanistic therapy. This approach to therapy is based on the idea that people are capable of making rational choices and developing their maximum potential. This approach to therapy is often client centered, with the client being seen as the authority on what is going on inside. Integrative or holistic therapy. This approach relies on integrating multiple approaches to therapy based on the client's individual needs. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy is a combination of the two individual therapies and focuses on both thought and behavior. Getting Started With a Mental Health Professional Finding the right mental health professional and the right approach to therapy is as important as finding the right medical doctor. Whether you are planning to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist or another type of mental health professional, you should start with a phone call to the professional. Ask about the professional’s approach to dealing with mental issues and how they generally work with clients. Ask about whether or not they accept insurance and how payments are handled. You might describe your reason for wanting to make an appointment and ask if they are experienced in dealing with such issues. If you are comfortable talking with them, the next step is to make an appointment. At your first office visit, the mental health professional will want to talk with you about why you think you need to come to therapy. They will want to know about what your symptoms are, how long you've had them and what, if anything, you've done about them in the past. They will probably ask you about your family and your work as well as what you do to relax. This initial conversation is important in developing the appropriate approach to treatment. Before you leave the office, the mental health professional should describe to you the plan for treatment and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. It will likely take several weeks before you become fully comfortable with your therapy. If you still aren't feeling comfortable after two or three visits, let the mental health professional know and explain why you feel that way. The two of you need to work together as a team in order to get the most out of your treatment. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is a key priority for UNICEF, and together with partners, UNICEF develops programmes that improve the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children, adolescents and their caregivers globally. UNICEF is actively engaged in prevention, promotion and response to address poor mental health by evaluating risks and enhancing protective factors, such as promoting well-being, and ensuring quality and accessible care for children and their families.