Latest news with #psychologists
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
11 Phrases Women Often Say To Keep the Peace—but They Come at a Cost, Psychologists Warn
11 Phrases Women Often Say To Keep the Peace—but They Come at a Cost, Psychologists Warn originally appeared on Parade. "Peacekeeper" sounds like a noble profession, but women often find themselves on a never-ending mission to fill this role, often to their detriment. One psychologist explains that women receive the template for this role via social cues they pick up starting in early childhood."Most girls are socialized to be 'good girls' and therefore taught to attune to those around them rather than themselves," reports ., a licensed psychologist. "This creates an early dynamic of ignoring their needs in the quest to be accepted."The result? Women often internalize the idea that harmony is more important than the truth. Unfortunately, it can lead to burnout, resentment and even physical and mental health issues—and Dr. McGeehan warns that peacekeeping is more prevalent in relationships with power dynamics that leave women vulnerable, like ones where someone has the upper hand professionally, emotionally or you say can reveal a great deal about whether you are trying to play the role of perpetual diplomat or chronic people-pleaser. Psychologists share 11 phrases women often use to keep the peace, but warn that they often come at a cost. Plus, how to shed the pressure to keep everyone else Cue the narrator. "Often, it's not fine," Dr. McGeehan unsurprisingly, all three psychologists we spoke to mentioned this phrase."It's harmful because women are dismissing their own discomfort, which can accumulate over time and damage the trust in the relationship, especially when someone else is taking them at their word," shares Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist noticed she defaulted to this phrase and has since intentionally made an effort to stop using it unless she really does feel fine."It's easy to say to make someone else feel better about a wrong that may have been done, but it shuts down your own needs and teaches others your needs can be ignored or are unimportant," says Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Dr. MacBride notices women usually use this one in situations where feelings are tense, but the "peacekeeper" is worried that they'll get labeled "dramatic" or "too much.""The problem here is that it minimizes harm done and invalidates the speaker's feelings in the process—double whammy," she warns. This phrase is an exercise in people-pleasing and self-sabotage. "This is a phrase that can signal when a woman is about to self-censor," Dr. MacBride reveals. "Sometimes, we shut ourselves down before anyone else can do it for us. Sometimes, decades of self-doubt result in women picking up where others have left off." This phrase sounds well-meaning, but Dr. MacBride reports that it often enters a woman's "rotation" early in life because of social conditioning to be a "good girl.""The messaging was, 'It's your job to make sure no one else had uncomfortable feelings or experiences,'" she says. "It's a message about being in charge of other people's emotions."Indeed, this phrase shows how we can carry the messages we got in childhood into adulthood, even the harmful Dr. McGeehan concedes it's a word, not a phrase, but she's not sorry about bringing it up."I hear it being used with women so frequently that it's worth mentioning," she shares. "Women overapologize in so many situations, especially those where they are fearful of taking up space. It has become as common as breathing air."Do any of these examples sound familiar?"We use it when we've walked in the same direction as someone and most certainly when we've had the audacity to voice our unique thought process," Dr. McGeehan says. "It's used as a filler to take tension out of a situation that may not even be there." Related: Sure, it's another single word, but Dr. MacBride doesn't like how it qualifies whatever comes next."Adding a qualifier like 'just' is dismissive of feelings, needs and requests," she explains. "This qualifier softens, minimizes and signals an insecurity on the part of the asker. People will take you less seriously and are more ready to decline to fulfill your request."The tough-love takeaway: "If you don't believe you deserve to take up space in the room, then others likely won't either," she Dr. McGeehan notes that women pull out this phrase when they're already anticipating that their needs won't get met and want to keep everything hunky-dory anyway. In addition to wanting to keep others happy, she says women use this one to self-preserve, even though it has the opposite effect. "This woman is trying to give someone an out so she doesn't have to risk being rejected," she explains. "In doing so, she tells herself that her needs are a burden and is actually teaching the other person the same message as well, because at the end of the day, we teach people how to treat us." Related: Context matters here. This phrase isn't toxic if you want or need to do something and have the capacity to complete the job. However, Dr. Schiff sees it veer into toxic peacekeeping territory."'I'll do it' can sometimes be said automatically, either in a group or household to avoid conflict and appear helpful," she explains. "However, the woman is now taking on extra work without addressing the unfairness of it, which can lead to frustration and emotional exhaustion." OK, but will the choice work for you?"This phrase is a way to avoid appearing demanding and inflexible, but it is only superficially generous," Dr. MacBride explains. "Being the person who always adapts comes at a steep cost: Your agency and identity."Related: This one is worrisome if it's not true."It seems polite, but often masks deep fear of being 'too much,'" Dr. McGeehan says. "When overused, it teaches others that it's OK to deprioritize this woman because she'll always make it easy for them." "No worries if not" has an also-evil twin, and it's "Don't worry about it.""'Don't worry about it' is used when someone has crossed a boundary, but the woman feels uncomfortable naming it and calling them out on it," Dr. Schiff reveals. "It spares the other person's feelings while invalidating her own. This teaches people that it is okay to overlook her needs."Related: Dr. MacBride wants conflict-avoidant women to view conflict vs. peace as something other than a binary choice when they have opinions or needs."Disagreeing or holding a different opinion doesn't inherently mean conflict," she explains. "It might seem like a rebranding, and it is, in a way. I don't think holding a different opinion has to mean conflict in the first place."She notes that working on listening and reflection skills while calmly maintaining your perspective can help you move out of "fix-it" mode, where you try to soothe any uncomfortable emotions the other person may have about your Dr. McGeehan points out that silence can feel like a threat to peacekeepers, but it's not."It's not your job to fill every quiet moment with a buffer," she says. "This discomfort can fuel someone to say things they don't mean."She suggests counting to five in your head before responding."This tiny pause can give your nervous system a chance to ground, and you a chance to decide what you want to say, not just what will make things smooth," she This phrase offers nuance—yes, that still exists, and you can embody it."This phrase allows you to hold your ground without escalating tension," Dr. McGeehan explains. "I always encourage peacekeepers to have a go-to phrase on hand for disagreements. It doesn't reject the other person's perspective, it simply honors your own."She suggests using it in low-stakes situations first, like group texts or casual chats. You'll build a muscle for disagreement. Dr. McGeehan advises women to check their internal overrides."Peacekeepers often know when they've overridden themselves but only after the fact," she explains. "Start asking, 'Am I agreeing because I mean it, or because I want this to be over?' Awareness is the first step to shifting the pattern."She also suggests tuning into your body's cues, such as a faster heart rate, heat in the face and avoiding eye contact. Eventually, she says you'll start to notice the override sooner and choose Dr. MacBride reports that peacekeepers usually have three strategies for conflict: "Avoid, avoid and avoid." The problem? It ultimately results in a "spill" (or explosion). Put time for tough conversations on your calendar."Scheduling and creating an agenda lets you think about what you need to say and be thoughtful about what needs to be addressed," she says. "This is the concept of 'striking when the iron is cold,' which will let you frame and issue as a shared problem, instead of offloading hurt and then feeling guilty about it." Up Next:Dr. Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., licensed psychologist Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners 11 Phrases Women Often Say To Keep the Peace—but They Come at a Cost, Psychologists Warn first appeared on Parade on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
7 Topics High-Level Gaslighters Usually Avoid, According to Psychologists
7 Topics High-Level Gaslighters Usually Avoid, According to Psychologists originally appeared on Parade. Unfortunately, you or someone you know has probably experienced gaslighting before. 'Gaslighting' is a manipulation tactic that makes people question themselves, their sanity or their reality. It happens not only in romantic relationships, but also between friends, family members and in workplaces. High-level gaslighters are extra skilled (for lack of a better word) at the tactic. High-level gaslighting habits include weaponizing empathy and twisting stories to fit their narrative, while high-level gaslighting phrases can look like 'You're overreacting' and 'That never happened.'Let's broaden our insight by sharing topics high-level gaslighters tend to avoid—and ones they love to talk about—so we can better understand what to look People who gaslight refuse to be accountable for their hurtful behavior when they're called out, so they definitely won't bring it up. Don't expect to hear about that time they hurt your feelings (or if it does come up, expect them to blame-shift).'High-level gaslighters avoid the past unless they're cherry-picking it to make themselves look like the victim,' says Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver, PsyD, a licensed psychologist who has expertise in emotional abuse, antagonistic relational dynamics, gaslighting and trauma. 'Owning mistakes means surrendering control, and that's their greatest fear.'a licensed clinical psychologist with SOBA New Jersey, points to this too. 'High-level gaslighters almost always dodge conversations where they might be held responsible,' she says. 'Owning up to mistakes threatens their need for control and opens the door for others to question their behavior.'If you raise this topic with them, Dr. Edwards-Hawver says they'll engage in DARVO: deny, attack, reverse victim and offender. This tactic is a multi-step approach to avoiding accountability and making you seem like the These Two Types of People Are the Most Likely to Experience Gaslighting—Here's Why and What to Do, According to Psychologists Gaslighters are often blame-shifters who don't want you to trust your intuition. For that reason, they aren't going to shed any light on or give any space for your emotional reality. They'll focus on what they say happened and how they feel.'If they acknowledge your emotions, it gives legitimacy to your perspective,' Dr. Estevez explains. 'Gaslighters thrive by making you question your reality.'If you bring up your feelings, Dr. Edwards-Hawver says they will sidestep, belittle or reframe them as irrational, dramatic or exaggerated. Basically, they'll say anything that causes you to doubt yourself, which is gaslighting's key. Because a gaslighter is 'never' in the wrong, you won't catch them apologizing—at least in a genuine way. 'A real apology involves acknowledgement, remorse and changed behavior—which dismantles the illusion of superiority or control,' Dr. Edwards-Hawver says. 'They avoid true repair because it levels the emotional playing field.'If they do 'apologize,' it'll be a fake one, she continues, and may sound something like 'I'm sorry you feel that way.' (Again, no accountability taken.)Related: 7 Things To Do When You Apologize, Because There's More to It Than Saying 'I'm Sorry' Since gaslighters want to trick you into believing them, they aren't going to give information that suggests otherwise. For example, if they're gaslighting you into thinking you're the one who started the argument, they won't admit to any part they played.'Whether it is a text message, a timeline or something they clearly stated before, they will sidestep the facts,' Dr. Estevez says. 'Confronting evidence puts cracks in the version of reality they are trying to control.' Clarity and mutual understanding are common goals in healthy relationships, but you won't get them from a gaslighter. 'Any in-depth discussion about the relationship's dynamics risks exposing an imbalance or emotional harm,' Dr. Estevez explains. 'They will change the subject, deflect or accuse you of 'creating drama.'' Setting boundaries is so important in relationships, and that's one reason why gaslighters hate it.'They tend to avoid any dialogue where you clearly define your needs or set firm boundaries,' Dr. Estevez says. 'Boundaries reduce their power.'If you do try to assert one, she continues, they may respond with something like 'You're overreacting' or 'I guess I am just the bad guy now.'Related: 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros People who gaslight may avoid making social plans with you and a group of people, and it's not because they're introverted or shy.'They prefer to operate one-on-one where they can manipulate perception without resistance,' Dr. Edwards-Hawver says. 'Group settings with emotionally intelligent people threaten their control, especially if others might affirm your version of reality.' On the flip side, what will you probably catch a high-level gaslighter talking about? Dr. Estevez and Dr. Edwards-Hawver mention the following topics: Your flaws, mistakes and insecurities (under the guise of 'just being honest') Their version of past events Moral, high-ground arguments or vague philosophical takes that derail conversations and help them avoid accountability How others have wronged you Ambiguous, circular conversations or 'gray' situations where they can more easily manipulate you How you should stay loyal to them and 'protect' them Their reputation, charm and credibility If you interact with someone who avoids the former topics or loves the latter, you may be in a gaslighter's territory. And a high-level one at that. Be on the lookout for other gaslighting signs, too, and if they look familiar, consider reaching out to a loved one for Next:Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver, PsyD, a licensed psychologist who has expertise in emotional abuse, antagonistic relational dynamics, gaslighting and trauma Dr. Carolina Estevez, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist 7 Topics High-Level Gaslighters Usually Avoid, According to Psychologists first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
3 Signs Of The ‘Conflict Paradox' In A Relationship, By A Psychologist
Couples who fight and still feel close don't fear conflict. Instead, they use it as a doorway to ... More deeper connection. Conflict is often viewed as a threat to intimacy; an indicator that something is fundamentally wrong. However, conflict has a more nuanced reality: for some couples who have put in the work to make their relationship foundation healthy, arguments serve as a process through which emotional closeness is deepened. When managed constructively, conflict can become a mechanism for growth, understanding and secure attachment. This is the 'conflict paradox' — some couples argue, but often grow closer as a result of it. This is not the same as living for the intensity and rush of a conflict and feeling bonded after. It means being deeply grounded in your connection and putting the relationship first, despite unwanted conflict. Here are three psychological reasons why some couples engage in conflict and yet report increased closeness afterward. 1. They See Conflict As An Emotional Realignment Process Misalignments are inevitable. Emotional needs change; expectations shift. As a result, unresolved tensions can quietly accumulate over time. Couples who feel emotionally safe enough to express dissatisfaction, even through conflict, are often engaging in a process of emotional realignment. According to research on relational conflict and reconciliation, emotional pain tends to trigger one of two responses: a defensive reaction that perpetuates the conflict, or a more intentional turn toward justice and grace, which facilitates healing. In this framework, conflict is not inherently destructive. Rather, it is an adaptive response to emotional pain, signaling that something in the relationship needs to be addressed or restructured. In such dynamics, the only concern is that these arguments may not always be articulated clearly. They may emerge as frustration, sarcasm or even defensiveness. So even if it is difficult, remind yourself of how much you care about this relationship and put in the effort to look beneath the surface, where the message is often some version of: 'I need you to see me differently now.' This is a call for empathy and care, regardless of your differences. Instead of interpreting disagreement as relational breakdown, emotionally healthy couples use conflict as a cue to renegotiate roles, clarify needs and update their understanding of each other's internal worlds. In this way, the argument becomes less about dysfunction and more about data, revealing where connection needs to be repaired or reestablished. 2. Their Relationship Can 'Contain' The Conflict Without Collapsing A telling feature of couples who are emotionally resilient in their partnerships is their ability to 'contain' conflict — to experience emotional intensity without letting it crack the relationship. This containment allows partners to express anger, frustration or hurt without slipping into destructive patterns like contempt, stonewalling or emotional withdrawal. Even in heated moments, the relationship remains unaffected at its roots because conflict stays within respectable boundaries. A 2015 diary study of 100 cohabiting couples found that partners with greater attachment security were better able to emotionally recover after conflict. They reported less disruption to mood, intimacy and satisfaction on the following day. Meaning, their relationship could hold emotional tension without becoming destabilized. In contrast, couples with higher attachment anxiety experienced more pronounced emotional fallout, indicating that the perceived strength of the bond plays a critical role in post-conflict repair. This ability to 'hold' conflict without collapse reflects a deep trust. The belief that the relationship can stretch without breaking essentially marks the difference between differentiation (the capacity to stay emotionally present despite disagreement) and disintegration (where conflict is experienced as a threat to the bond itself.) But the crux is that, when couples argue within secure emotional bounds, they don't fear emotional ruin. They trust that they can return to each other, and that makes all the difference. 3. Conflict Reveals Vulnerabilities, And The Way They Handle It Deepens Intimacy In several cases, the content of a fight is less important than what it reveals about each partner's emotions. Anger, withdrawal or defensiveness often serve as protective layers, masking deeper emotional struggles like a fear of abandonment, unmet needs or longstanding feelings of inadequacy. Partners who grow closer through conflict are mostly the ones who are able, or willing, to engage with this underlying vulnerability rather than react only to the surface behavior. When one partner says, 'You never listen to me,' they might actually mean to say that they feel invisible. When another retreats into silence, it may mean that they have a fear of saying the wrong thing. Partners who can attune to these emotional signals respond to the emotional subtext underlying the surface level argument. This enhances intimacy by validating one another's inner experiences and reinforcing the sense that, even in conflict, one can be seen, heard and emotionally held. Research backs this up. A 2021 study in the Journal of Family Psychology found that people felt their partners were less emotionally supportive when they shared something vulnerable that directly involved the partner, unless that partner was mindful and present. When partners were mindful, they stayed supportive even during tough conversations. These findings suggest that vulnerability has the potential to deepen intimacy, but it has to be met with presence, openness and care. Here are a few strategies to allow your fights to pull you closer rather than apart: 1. Treat the argument as a living system reorganizing itself. Think of conflict as the relationship's way of recalibrating. Like a garden that needs regular pruning to grow well, your relationship may need occasional tension to clear out emotional overgrowth and make space for healthier connection. Ask yourself: 'What equilibrium were we stuck in that this fight is trying to disrupt?' 2. Notice which role you automatically occupy, and step out of it. In many fights, couples unconsciously fall into rehearsed roles: the pursuer and the distancer, the critic and the defender, the exploder and the imploder. Closeness grows when even one partner steps outside the script. Think: 'What would happen if I changed my usual reaction, just by 10%?' 3. Assume the fight is a bid for attachment, not just a dispute. Most conflict isn't about logistics. It's about longing. A protest is often a disguised plea that sounds like 'Where are you? Do I still matter to you?' Metaphorically, the fight is the smoke, and the longing is the fire. Instead of defending your position, respond to the emotion. For instance: 'It sounds like you're scared I've stopped caring.' 4. Don't just repair the argument, repair the narrative. Healthy couples don't just fix the content of a fight; they fix the roots of it too. They reflect on what the fight meant in the broader arc of their relationship. So make sure you debrief later with: 'What did that argument show us about where we are right now?' In short, sometimes, a fight is the relationship's attempt to grow up. Don't just resolve it, listen to what it's trying to evolve you into. When handled with care, conflict does not erode connection. It can, paradoxically, be what fortifies it. Wondering if you and your partner resolve conflict productively or destructively? Take the science-backed Ineffective Arguing Inventory to find out.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
9 Habits of Grandparents Who Stay Emotionally Close to Their Grandkids—Even From Far Away
9 Habits of Grandparents Who Stay Emotionally Close to Their Grandkids—Even From Far Away originally appeared on Parade. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have their close family members nearby. However, grandparents can have lifelong, positive impacts on children, even if they don't live in the same village (or city or town)."Even from afar—across provinces or countries—grandparents provide what no one else can: a living, breathing connection to a child's family history and where their parents came from," says Dr. Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, a psychologist, family, perinatal & child psychologist at Mama Psychologists. "Even if the relationship unfolds over FaceTime or long-distance postcards, the emotional role grandparents play can be grounding—especially if life back home is a lot—or a little—chaotic."Even if home life is going well, psychologists note that grandparents can remain emotionally connected to their grandchildren and make a difference, regardless of their zip codes. And they often share certain traits and behaviors. Here, psychologists share nine habits of grandparents who stay emotionally close to their grandkids—even from far Grandparents with tight-knit relationships with their grandkids are never more than a phone call away—and they've proven that over time by habitually making contact."Even if they are not able to see their grandkids in person, emotionally close grandparents maintain the bond by frequent—at least weekly—voice or video calls," says Dr. Lienna Wilson, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist. "That way, they can see their grandkids age and keep track of all of the important things that are happening in the grandkids' lives." Part of the conversations during calls or in-person meetings centers around what a kid is into these days."They become curious about what the child loves," Dr. Slavens says. "Even when they don't 'get' Roblox or Pokémon or whatever is currently trending, they make an effort. And children remember that effort. It says, 'I value your world right now.'"Related: Grandparents are willing to break out their thumbs and hop on Roblox. However, they're also eager to share some of their interests with grandkids, which can turn into bonding experiences and lessons."Some of the best childhood memories that people often involve activities or hobbies that were taught by their grandparents, such as playing chess, fishing or knitting," Dr. Wilson says. "While some of these activities might be difficult to engage in long-distance, creative grandparents can find a way by showing a grandchild how to cook a special dish during a video call or playing a game of virtual chess." One psychiatrist shares that grandparents may send physical reminders of their love—and not just toys that sing "catchy" kiddie earworms that Handwritten letters, care packages and special books with notes inside are a few examples mentioned by Dr. Zishan Khan, MD, a board-certified child psychiatrist with Mindpath Health."Tangible tokens create lasting emotional impressions and can become treasured keepsakes that reinforce emotional closeness," Dr. Khan says. Related: Dr. Khan reports that storytelling is a powerful way to foster connection between grandparents and grandchildren."Grandparents who share personal childhood stories, family history or even silly anecdotes provide more than entertainment—they create a bridge between generations and a narrative thread that helps grandkids feel connected to something larger than themselves," he explains. Dr. Khan says that grandparents who want to see and hear their grandchildren are more likely to remain closely bonded. "Grandparents who ask for the child's input—on what games to play, what stories to tell, or what they want to share—empower their grandkids and foster a more mutual relationship," he points out. "This collaborative dynamic is especially important as kids grow into their own identities."Related: Solid grandparents stay in their lane."They leave parenting to the parents," Dr. Slavens shares. "The grandparents who don't weigh in on discipline or undermine house rules are generally more trusted. That's how emotional connection is constructed—not with control, but mutual respect." FWIW, parents are more likely to want their children to spend time with grandparents who don't circumvent house rules. All of the above may make these grandparents seem like angels on earth. However, Dr. Slavens wants to remind everyone that no one scores a 10/10 every time—incredible nanas and pop-pops included."A grandparent who gets to say, 'I was wrong,' or 'I didn't get that right,' demonstrates to the child what a real emotional connection is all about," she says. "It shows children that relationships strengthen through being real, not perfect." When a grandparent's love comes without strings attached, grandchildren are more likely to view them as a secure base to come "home" to emotionally, even if they live far away."They provide unconditional love and support and often serve as confidants when children are afraid to come to their parents when they are in a difficult situation," Dr. Wilson explains. "That's why it is important for grandparents to remain accepting and non-judgmental, even if it might be hard for them to understand their grandchildren's choices, like getting piercings or tattoos."Related: If you're re-entering a grandchild's life after time away, remember that they've probably changed."If there's been space or silence, don't expect to pick things up exactly where they left off," Dr. Slavens says. "That version of your grandchild may have changed, and that's OK. Get to know who they are now—what makes them laugh, what they care about, how they spend their time. Be curious without pushing. Let them show you where they are at."Related: Dr. Khan reminds grandparents that frequency and consistency of contact matter. Don't be afraid to make the first move."Be consistent and initiate contact, even if you feel unsure or hesitant," he recommends. "Children thrive on predictability, and regular communication, whether through video calls, postcards or voice messages—helps build a sense of emotional security over time." This tip can really help you get to know your grandchild."Ask a lot of open-ended questions about your grandchildren's interests," Dr. Wilson says. For instance, she recommends asking, "What are the top three things you like about playing soccer?" rather than "Do you like playing soccer?" The second option only requires a yes or no answer, while the first one gets to the heart of why a child loves playing a sport. Up Next:Dr. Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, a psychologist, family, perinatal & child psychologist at Mama Psychologists Dr. Lienna Wilson, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist in Princeton, N.J. Dr. Zishan Khan, MD, a board-certified child psychiatrist with Mindpath Health 9 Habits of Grandparents Who Stay Emotionally Close to Their Grandkids—Even From Far Away first appeared on Parade on Jul 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Should ChatGPT give medical advice? Mental health experts call for regulation
Imagine this: It's late at night, and you're chatting with an AI about your anxiety, racing thoughts, or fears. The conversation starts to get intense — maybe even too intense. Should the AI step in, pause the session, or suggest seeking professional help? Mental health experts say yes, and they are urging AI platforms like ChatGPT to incorporate real-world safeguards that can manage emotionally heavy conversations. A growing number of psychologists and researchers warn that while AI tools can be helpful in moderation, they are gradually taking on roles they were never designed to fill. With rare but serious cases of AI-linked psychosis now being documented, experts say the lack of oversight is a problem, especially as more people turn to chatbots for comfort, therapy-like support, or emotional connection. 'The danger isn't just about (receiving) bad advice. It's that users can become emotionally dependent on AI, treating it like a friend or therapist. In some cases, it even becomes part of a person's distorted thinking. That's where we've seen psychosis emerge," said Dr Randa Al Tahir, a trauma-focused psychologist. Though AI may seem responsive and comforting, it lacks the ability to recognise when a user is spiralling or in crisis. It also doesn't intervene when conversations cross a critical line. Documented cases in Europe and the US show individuals with pre-existing vulnerabilities forming deep emotional bonds with chatbots, resulting in delusional beliefs, blurred lines between reality and fiction, and even harmful behaviour. While these are extreme examples, they expose a significant blind spot in how AI is being used. 'AI doesn't have the capacity to flag serious red flags or escalate someone to emergency care yet. But it should,' the Dubai doctor added 'We need built-in measures, whether that's emotional content warnings, timed breaks, or partnerships with international mental health organisations.' To understand how AI itself views the issue, Khaleej Times asked ChatGPT the question: 'Should ChatGPT have regulations when it comes to mental health?' The tool answered with surprising clarity: 'It makes sense that medical experts are calling for regulation. AI like ChatGPT can provide helpful general information, but I'm not a licensed medical professional and shouldn't replace doctors or mental health experts. Misunderstandings, outdated info, or oversimplified answers can lead to harm if someone acts on them without consulting a professional.' It went on to say: 'Mental health advice is nuanced and deeply personal. Even well-trained professionals spend years learning how to assess and respond safely... I believe experts calling for regulation are being responsible.' Dr Nabeel Ashraf, a clinical psychologist in Dubai, echoed this urgency. He called on AI companies and regulators to quickly implement features aimed at reducing risks, especially for vulnerable users. One key recommendation is training chatbots to detect signs of emotional distress by analysing user language in real time. 'There are patterns that can indicate when someone is spiralling, experiencing delusions, or showing signs of crisis. The AI should be able to respond appropriately,' he said. In such cases, the chatbot should refer users to verified support services, such as mental health hotlines or licensed therapists. 'It's not enough to say 'I'm sorry you feel that way.' If there's a red flag, there should be a next step.' 'There's no shame in using AI for light advice or to feel heard,' he added. 'But without real limits, these tools can cause more harm than good, especially to someone already struggling.'chat
