What is the significance of truancy? When students are repeatedly absent from school, the potential consequences are endless. Lower achievement, higher risk of dropout, legal troubles, and suffering relationships are a few on the individual level. On the national level, truancy means a less-educated and less-prepared workforce. Less education has implications for our communities when […]
Our Latest Blogs
12
Oct
Oct
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a month-long observance to encourage communities nationwide to unite and raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities, and education. In recognition of this event, www.rtor.org has engaged psychologist Todd Griffin, Director of TG Psychology in Penrith, Australia to write a guest blog on bullying and depression in teens. […]
11
Jul
Jul
We are fortunate to all be living in an age when mental illness has significantly less stigma attached to it than it once did. Anyone who is suffering from depression can be forthcoming about their condition as well as be openly proactive in finding ways to mediate their symptoms and strive towards living with their […]
09
May
May
Today’s post comes to us from blogger, Erica Silva. Her article breaks down teenage depression and its treatment options into simple terms that any teenager could find helpful. If you are a parent of a teenager who might be experiencing depression, this post could help him or her better understand what is going on with […]
25
Oct
Oct
Have you noticed that the days are much shorter and darker this time of year? These changes in weather and light can affect our mood and energy levels. Over 10 million Americans are estimated to have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression. The cold days, long nights, and isolation of winter can make […]
05
Nov
Nov
Much is known about the physical benefits of exercise, but its positive impact on mental health is just as powerful, if not more so. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and depression are on the rise, incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can be a simple yet effective way to enhance your mental […]
15
Oct
Oct
College is often described as a formative period filled with learning, self-discovery, and personal growth. However, it is also marked by significant challenges that can have a profound impact on students’ mental health. According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), more than 60% of college students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety, while nearly 40% experienced […]
02
Sep
Sep
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is growing in popularity. Therapists value its strength-based and compassionate approach, while clients appreciate its action-oriented results. Although a Licensed Therapist is trained and qualified to help diagnose and treat mental health disorders, you can implement techniques of ACT into your own life. By practicing the skills taught in ACT, […]
01
Aug
Aug
Leading a busy life can make it easy to overlook your holistic wellness. You may already have valuable coping strategies, such as seeing a therapist or going to the gym to support physical health. Achieving mental and physical harmony can benefit more than just your health; it can also improve your quality of life. While […]
11
Jul
Jul
In this article, we’ll explore the impact of social media on our lives. Overview of the Impact of Social Media on Personal Well-Being In our digital age, social media is essential to our lives, impacting all aspects of how we communicate, connect, and consume information. However, with the rise of social media platforms, there has […]
08
Jul
Jul
What Does Self-Medicating Mean? Self-medicating means abusing drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms of a mental health disorder or other illness. It’s a common form of substance abuse. According to a survey, 77% of Americans have reported self-medicating for a health condition. Read on to learn more about the substances, risk factors, dangers, and treatment […]
31
May
May
Failure to Launch syndrome is not a formal mental health disorder. Rather, it is a popular term for a young adult living at home who is highly dependent on parents or other family members.
16
May
May
In today’s fast-paced world, where we measure our happiness with productivity, it is easy to get burned out quickly. While it’s okay to work on goals and achievements, it’s also important to take some time out to care for your well-being. This article will explore 15 ideas to help you take self-care into your own […]
02
May
May
June 26th, 2010. I was running on little to no sleep. Suddenly, I was shaken awake, still a little drunk. I was able to focus on my parents. But there was someone else, an older man. My parents were crying. I may have been in shock, but I was not stupid. I had heard of […]
15
Apr
Apr
We’ve all been irritable, snappish, annoyed, and rageful. Anger is a universal emotion. However, unlike other emotions, such as joy, sadness, disgust, or love, anger often involves a sense of deep shame. We are told not to be angry, to calm down, or to be rational. Anger is seen as an emotion to avoid, suppress, […]
28
Mar
Mar
Gaming has always been a popular pastime, but with the advancement of technology, it’s now one of the most enjoyed activities on the planet. This means that game creators and developers have a platform they can use to promote change, and one way they’re doing this is by creating games that celebrate cultural diversity. These […]
04
Mar
Mar
Living with co-occurring anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. Having both conditions contributes to what some describe as an “extra loud” mind, characterized by racing thoughts, worries, and distractions. The intersection of ADHD and anxiety can present in various ways, from struggling with organization and time management to increased […]
08
Feb
Feb
Reaching out for help with addiction takes a great deal of courage, and many people focus only on the detox process or the therapy required for recovery. However, self-care in addiction recovery is equally important. During addiction treatment, your care plan will probably include things like group therapy sessions, giving you a chance to relate […]
05
Feb
Feb
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be challenging, impacting various aspects of one’s life. This guide aims to shed light on the complexities of BPD, from understanding the disorder to resources for support and coping strategies. Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: BPD stands for borderline personality disorder. It is a mental health condition characterized by […]
01
Jan
Jan
Becoming somewhat of a morning person has been a stunning development in my life. Now, in my forties, early rising is part of a long-term program to sustain positive mental health. In short, I have a purpose and a routine that includes getting an early start on my work. I have coping strategies, but keeping […]
20
Dec
Dec
The holiday season, often considered a time of joy and celebration, can be a challenging period for many individuals, especially those navigating the twisting path of addiction recovery. For those who have embarked on the journey to overcome substance use disorders, feelings of loneliness during the holidays can be particularly troubling. The struggle to maintain […]
18
Dec
Dec
If you’ve ever woken up on a dark, rainy day in the fall or winter and instantly felt like pulling the covers back over your head, you’re not alone. Seasonal changes can have a significant impact on your mood and mental health. Many people find themselves experiencing sadness, fatigue, and other symptoms during the colder, […]
14
Dec
Dec
An optimally functioning gut has trillions of microbes living harmoniously to provide essential nutrients while protecting the body from potential pathogens. These microbes also communicate with your immune system and the rest of the body through hormonal and neural messengers known as the gut-brain connection axis. Many studies show a connection between gut health and […]
11
Dec
Dec
Have you ever felt lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed? When you are in a dark and lonely headspace, you can feel desperate, and the scariest part is not knowing if it will get better. Hope, coupled with dedication, can light the path to a healthier mental state. Mental health recovery involves a process of healing, adaptation, […]
04
Dec
Dec
Adolescence can be a challenging time for many boys as they experience the onset of puberty and must navigate new social situations. Many boys feel confused during this time and need extra support. Parents should be available to answer questions and reassure their teenage sons whether they’re on the right path or need a change […]
24
Nov
Nov
The United States has a major mental health problem. Not only are there millions of people living with mental health conditions, but a significant portion of them go through life without any form of treatment at all. Many factors contribute to this unfortunate situation. For many years, mental health stigma was a driving force. People […]
30
Oct
Oct
In July 2023, News 18 reported on Aydin Pedone, a 15-year-old teenager from Hudson Falls, who fell prey to bullying. An online video clip of the teen in a Spiderman costume showed that he was subjected to severe bullying, leading to a broken nose. According to the New York Post, Aydin was coerced into coming […]
24
Aug
Aug
As technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, it’s virtually impossible to avoid screens and digital devices. From work to leisure time, it has become all too easy to spend hours on end looking at a screen without considering the impact on your health. By being more aware of your devices’ impacts, you can […]
07
Aug
Aug
When a child has mental health issues, getting the right treatment and care for that child is critical. Unfortunately, many children are misdiagnosed with the wrong mental health disorder, which ultimately means they may not receive adequate treatment. Find out why mental health misdiagnoses happen so often in children, what conditions are most commonly misdiagnosed, […]
17
Jul
Jul
Strategies for Coping When combat veterans end their service and come home, they often leave one battle behind to begin another. For many veterans, the mental health battle is one they face alone. Some will experience difficult emotions such as anxiety, guilt, anger, and feelings of worthlessness. These painful emotions can develop into mental health […]
19
Jun
Jun
We know it’s important for employers to support employee well-being, but for job hunters, the hard part comes before they’re hired. When you need to find work quickly or are in a difficult financial situation, job hunting can be a very stressful experience. The process of looking for a job is frequently lengthy and exhausting. […]
05
Jun
Jun
Social media has many wonderful uses. It is a place to share meaningful experiences—a place to make connections with like-minded people and feel that you are a part of something bigger. Despite its usefulness as an amazing tool for human connection, social media has some drawbacks. If not used appropriately, it can negatively impact your […]
22
May
May
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, mental health has become an increasingly important issue. Mental health concerns in the workplace can affect the performance and productivity of employees, as well as the overall success of a company. Yet, despite the growing awareness of the importance of mental health, there is still a stigma associated […]
18
May
May
Healthcare never sleeps. Hospitals are open round the clock because people need treatment every hour of every day. It’s necessary, but for the people who work in healthcare, it can also be debilitating. Holidays, weekends, and dinner with the family are never guaranteed. In a work environment that never stops, is it even possible to […]
04
May
May
When elderly parents lose the ability to care for themselves, it can be chaotic and demanding. You’re scrambling to figure out what they need and how to get it for them. You may spend enormous portions of the day helping them complete basic human functions. You think about money. How much it costs for medications, […]
27
Apr
Apr
Growing up can be challenging for many teenagers. As they transition into adulthood and develop their identity, they’re experiencing many different emotions and changes in behavior. If they’re not adequately supported, these feelings and changes in habits could affect their mental health. As a parent, you must recognize when teens struggle with their mental health, […]
17
Apr
Apr
Self-care is more than just soaking in a bubble bath and applying expensive facial masks. It’s an essential part of our overall health and well-being and something we should all prioritize. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, struggling to get enough restful sleep, or simply looking for ways to boost your mood and energy, incorporating […]
13
Apr
Apr
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger, and it can manifest as feelings of fear, apprehension, or unease. It is a common experience for people of all ages, but it can be particularly challenging for seniors who may already be dealing with physical or emotional changes. Addressing anxiety in seniors is crucial for […]
06
Apr
Apr
Life is stressful. There is no way around it. But it can be even more stressful for students graduating from high school and continuing to college. Many teens already have busier schedules than they can manage. The transition from the family home to a college dorm or off-campus housing creates more pressure on them. Having […]
09
Mar
Mar
There is always a lot going on in life, and you don’t need the extra burden of anxiety, stress, and worry. Left unchecked, stress can affect your mental well-being and lead to serious mental health issues such as depression. Once you become stressed, it can be hard to feel good again, but there are tactics […]
02
Mar
Mar
Everyone experiences stress differently and to varying degrees of intensity; it is an unavoidable aspect of life. While some stress is acceptable and may even be beneficial in certain circumstances, excessive stress may be harmful to both physical and mental health. The good news is that by developing a positive mindset, we can learn how […]
23
Jan
Jan
A common stereotype of mental illness is of someone speaking to imaginary beings or acting irrationally in public, not considering the effects of their behavior. Although these can be indications of a mental health problem, some other signs of mental illness are not so visible and may be hidden beneath a charming smile and clever […]
12
Jan
Jan
Today’s law enforcement professionals confront a wide variety of challenges every day on the job. One of the most significant challenges they face is mental health stressors. These are strains or burdens on the emotions and cognitive processes that can lead to mental health problems if not treated adequately. Holding down a job with such […]
02
Jan
Jan
The world is becoming increasingly aware of mental health and how cumulative stress can interfere with our mental well-being. Despite this increased awareness and sensitivity to mental health needs, populations around the world are still experiencing rises in problems related to mental health. Many forces operating outside of the average individual’s control can play a […]
26
Dec
Dec
Mental health apps are a positive start toward improved mental health in 2023. This article will be especially helpful to beginning users who are confused about where and how to start. These mental health apps can benefit anyone interested in health and wellness, as well as those with mental health conditions. They’re a perfect fit […]
09
Dec
Dec
Everyone feels stressed at times. It is a normal human response to threats. Your body adjusts to new circumstances with the assistance of stress reactions. Stress can keep us focused, determined, and prepared to stay out of harm’s way. If you have a big test coming up, a stress response might make your body work […]
05
Dec
Dec
Taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. One of the best ways to do that is by practicing yoga. Combined with mental health treatment, yoga is an effective method for coping with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can also help improve your sleep quality. Still, […]
21
Nov
Nov
A strong company culture plays a significant role in employee happiness and productivity. It’s something more employers and business owners need to pay attention to since an estimated 83% of American workers struggle with work-related stress. That kind of stress leads to less productivity in the workplace and can cause employee retention to suffer. More […]
14
Nov
Nov
Being grateful has a lot of benefits, including making you happier. This Thanksgiving, find out how expressing gratitude can make you happier and have a better holiday season.
03
Nov
Nov
Unresolved mental health problems and related issues can impact you negatively. About 25% of American adults over 18 have a diagnosable mental disorder. This usually co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse. And since the Covid-19 pandemic, over 42% of employees have indicated a decline in their mental health. If you have been feeling down, […]
31
Oct
Oct
Moments of extreme trauma can have life-changing impacts on your mental and emotional health. Immediately following a sexual assault, it’s easy to feel that things will never be the same again. You will be okay. The path to recovery takes time and effort. Following the right steps can make dealing with domestic violence or sexual […]
27
Oct
Oct
Feeling disconnected? Do you experience dissociation? Is it so intense that you just blink and feel like a week has passed? How long were you away from your body anyway? Those are difficult questions to answer. Dissociation starts with feeling disoriented. Then there’s memory loss. I have years in my life that I don’t remember […]
13
Oct
Oct
Everybody loves getting lost in their favorite pastimes. Whether it’s eating fish and chips on the beach, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or gaming late into the night, there’s nothing better than burning off steam and treating yourself to some luxury and fun. However, some habits can become destructive if taken to extremes. […]
03
Oct
Oct
Student mental health challenges are real, and colleges struggle to keep up. The college years can be some of the most stressful and overwhelming times in a young person’s life. Balancing academics, social activities, and personal responsibilities can affect even the most well-adjusted student’s mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 […]
08
Sep
Sep
Your mental health journey as a young adult was likely quite different from the one you now face. As an older adult, you may experience mental health concerns unique to this period of your life, such as depression, anxiety, and isolation. Thankfully, there are various ways to navigate these mental health challenges and any others […]
29
Aug
Aug
It starts with a twinge in the chest, a slight tremor in the hands, and difficulty catching a breath. My old companions, anxiety and depression, have joined me once again. Sometimes an event or a personal interaction precedes their appearance. Sometimes they show up out of nowhere and club me in the chest. As a […]
15
Aug
Aug
If you’ve ever lied awake at night staring at the ceiling, heart racing, and thoughts running through your mind uncontrollably, you know how damaging it can be to your sleep. Unfortunately, at night, when your body finally comes to rest is when your anxious mind comes alive. Anxiety affects over 40 million adults and ranges […]
12
Aug
Aug
At some point in your life, you might experience a violent or frightening event that triggers a severe stress response and trauma symptoms. In many cases, those symptoms get better with time, but sometimes they get more intense and linger, interfering with your everyday life. Persistent trauma symptoms could mean you have post-traumatic stress disorder […]
20
Jul
Jul
People of color face many challenges, from substance abuse to health concerns and trouble accessing mental health resources. Though employment programs, mental health clinics, and free rehab centers have been put in place to offer assistance, those in communities of color dealing with these issues still lack proper care and recognition. Professionals working with BIPOC […]
18
Jul
Jul
Today’s mental health landscape is turbulent. Worldwide events of the past few years have created some of the most widespread mental health strains and stress the world has ever known. Though awareness of mental illness and psychological health might be at an all-time high in many places, the number of people living with significant mental […]
01
Jul
Jul
If you constantly feel on edge or are riddled with anxiety and don’t know why you may need to take a minute to look around your own home. You may not realize it, but how you decorate, use your space, and interact with your housemates may be what is causing your anxiety to go through […]
15
Jun
Jun
Staying mentally healthy is a lifelong journey. Just like a plant, mental health needs care, attention, and support to flourish over a long time. You may not have a mental health disorder, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to work on your mental health—it’s just a part of being human. Whether you struggle with […]
10
Jun
Jun
Although giving birth is usually a joyous occasion, pregnancy, delivery, and aftercare strain the mother’s body physically and mentally. While you may want to smile and cuddle your little one, cherishing the happy moments, the mind may signal other feelings: triggering sadness, nervousness, and fear. These upsetting emotions interfere with your health and are often […]
30
May
May
Watching a loved one struggle with a mental illness can be difficult and heart-wrenching. Many people don’t know what to do and how to best help that loved one during these trying times. Sometimes, good intentions go awry and what we think will help ultimately does more harm than good. Every person is different, each […]
18
May
May
You didn’t plan to owe money. You’re financially aware of your income. However, life happens sometimes, and now you’re faced with more bills than you anticipated. Maybe your car broke down, leaving you with more prominent credit card payments. You had to take out student loans to receive a higher education only to find out […]
09
May
May
While many people have heard of PTSD, there is still widespread misunderstanding about it and the various ways it can show up in people. We often connect PTSD with flashbacks, but many are unaware of the cognitive symptoms and avoidance behavior that are also prominent for those who live with the disorder. This article will […]
05
May
May
May is Mental Health Month. It’s a great time to become more intimately acquainted with your own mental health needs and educate yourself on specific topics within the field of mental health. Just as it’s essential to keep a first aid kit on hand to ensure your preparedness for medical emergencies, it is vital to […]
04
May
May
Routine and habit are ingrained in the human psyche. Adult personalities take at least 20 years to form, which is true for the behaviors and habits we acquire. Sadly, some of those habits and routines are not always beneficial to us. There aren’t many forces as powerful as your daily routines when it comes to […]
02
May
May
overthink* verb Think about (something) too much or for too long. The term ‘overthinking’ has been increasingly used by people around the world over the past two years, thanks to a pandemic. A lot of people overthink, especially young adults. According to a study at the University of Michigan, 73 percent of Americans aged 25-35 […]
