Our Latest Blogs

Managing the College Stress Epidemic for Students

College can be an exciting time in young people’s lives, as they explore their independence and prepare for a bright future. However, it can also be a period of transition, growth, and changes, often leading to stress in college students. While some stress can be beneficial in motivating students to develop their competencies and skills, […]

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: Key Differences, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Emotional upheaval is part and parcel of life for many, and it’s pretty common. But what if the up and down feelings reach an extreme level? Those extreme ups and downs might be due to a mental health condition called bipolar disorder. In this disorder, a person experiences manic highs, other times sinking into depressive lows. […]

How Workplace Burnout Affects Our Daily Lives

Everyone can have “one of those days.” But when you start to feel like everything is wearing you down over time, it could be a sign you’re suffering from workplace burnout. In one recent study, 76% of people have experienced feelings of burnout and agreed that stress at work has negatively impacted their mental health. […]

Self-Care for the Post-COVID Era: Understanding and Accommodating Your Personal Mental Health Needs

Mental health is complex and can involve many different factors, from the environment around you to your genes to what’s going on in your life. We are all individuals, and it’s important to remember that when considering your own needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly stressful for a large portion of the population, and […]

How Stress Can Affect Your Personality

Everybody experiences stress at some point in their lives. For some, it’s just a fleeting feeling that passes once the source of stress is gone. But for others, stress can become a chronic problem that affects not just their mood but also their personality. Mental health experts note that stressed-out people tend to become more […]

5 Easy Ways to Cope with Low Mood

sad woman

In these unprecedented times, many people across the nation have experienced some form of low mood. Whether triggered by an event such as stress at work, the death of a loved one, or illness, the feeling can be unbearable. Many describe a “low mood” as a feeling of hopelessness. Others describe it as a lack […]

Getting Help for Mental Health: Should I Take Medication or Go to Therapy?

hands holding medication

In my time as a therapist, I’ve worked with many people who struggle with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as they are the common cold and the flu of the mental health world. Generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder have long been two of the most common mental health disorders, while several other anxiety […]

Tips for Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have you ever felt miserable because it seemed like winter would never end? Although it’s natural to get tired of the long, dark days, some people experience seasonal affective disorder or SAD. SAD, also referred to as seasonal depression, affects 10 million Americans each year, most of them women. If you experience depression at the […]

Social Isolation and Its Impact on Mental Health

man on online meeting

The declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) sparked widespread fear around the world. Even though it’s been almost two years since the pandemic’s start, it’s still a reality in many parts of the country. Our daily lives have changed significantly due to the preventive measures to curb the further spread […]

Environmental Pollution and Its Effects on Mental Health

polluting port facility

Things were different a few decades back when you didn’t have to retreat to the countryside to find clean, breathable air. With global warming on the rise, the environmental side effects are wreaking havoc on physical and mental health. Mental health problems are also on the rise, and one unexpected culprit is the deteriorating air […]

How You Can Deal With Financial Stress-Induced Mental Health Issues

calculating bills

Financial stress is a serious problem in America. Data collected by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 61% of Americans say they feel stressed about money, and nearly three-quarters of respondents said they experienced mental health issues such as feeling overwhelmed, headaches, fatigue, and changes in sleep habits. The good news is that the […]

What is Mental Health: An Introduction to Mental Health Disorders and Their Symptoms

man walking on beach

Mental health includes a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts everything we do—how we think, feel, and behave. In addition, it plays a role in how we cope with stress, relate to other people, and make certain choices. As a result, mental health is essential at every stage in life, whether childhood, adolescence, […]

Academic Burnout in College Students: How to Prevent It

happy young woman studying.

College is supposed to be a safe place where learning, growth, and fun interconnect to give young adults a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, the quest for academic validation, success, and the natural human desire to learn new things can become a daunting experience—leaving students with nothing but stress and apathy. We call that academic burnout. According […]

Tips to Help You Stay on Task and Avoid Distractions

man at work with multiple devices

Improve Your Work Productivity the Smart Way Here’s the truth: distractions are a part of life. Here’s the caveat: mismanaged distractions hurt your productivity at work. It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to work after you’re distracted. And distractions are everywhere, from mobile phone notifications, calls from friends […]

Mind and Body: The Benefits of Exercise for College Students’ Mental Health

two friends running on beach

As a college student, staying fit and getting in shape might not seem like much of a priority. Finding the time to exercise is often tricky when balancing the need to study and attend lectures, all while maintaining an active social life. But it turns out that exercise can have real benefits for your mental […]

Why Mental Health Awareness Should Be Taught in Schools

children in diverse classroom

According to statistics, 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem. Additionally, 70% of children and teens get no help with their mental health problems at a sufficiently early age. Mental health issues are becoming more common in children and adolescents in the US. Thus children and adolescents should learn about mental health in […]

Easy Morning Activities to Ease Anxiety

man looking a the sunrise

The past two years of COVID-19, working from home, not seeing family and friends, avoiding restaurants, and not doing much of anything have led to anxiety in many of us. Some people develop anxiety when they are young and others when they get older. No matter the cause, anxiety can be unbearable, seriously affecting our […]

5 Best Anxiety Apps to Improve Mental Health

woman in café with smartphone.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five US adults experiences mental health symptoms, with disorders varying in severity. From an economic standpoint, the demand for mental health services is dramatically outgrowing the supply. In a survey by the American Psychological Association, a third of psychologists said they are seeing more patients […]

11 Potentially Life-Saving Suicide Prevention Resources

woman in orange on floor

Suicidal ideation is a term that describes a range of complications, wishes, and preoccupations with death and suicide. In some cases, these thoughts lead to planning and attempts on one’s own life. In 2019 alone, there were around 12 million Americans who seriously thought about attempting suicide. This figure only accounts for reported thoughts, so […]

Do a Self-Check for Mental Health Conditions

woman in blue dress

Today, more and more people are developing an awareness of how important mental health is, especially with the uncertainty of the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are becoming concerned about their susceptibility to various mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, among a list of several other disorders. Olympian Simone […]

Boosting Your Mood through Exercise

woman doing sit-ups

At some point in your life, you might have heard the phrase, “A sound body has a sound mind.” Well, it’s not just some sort of ancient wisdom; it’s proven science.  You already know exercising is great for your body. When you exercise, your body feels energetic and relaxed. If you exercise regularly, you become […]

Stress Signs and Symptoms: How Stress Affects Your Body

stressed woman rubs head

Stress is often talked about casually amongst friends and colleagues. We might joke about needing a glass of wine after a stressful day, or if we forget something, we might put it down to being worn out from work. The conversation often ends there, but in reality, stress isn’t something we should just accept as […]

How to Bounce Back From a Mood Disorder

man jumping in street

Invincible one day, in pieces the next; head in the clouds, feet in hell. That is the fate for those of us facing mood swings. The biggest suck of mood disorders is feeling like we’re always taking one step forward and one step back. It feels like we’re living inside a movie where a ruthless […]

10 Ways Women Can Maintain Their Mental Health While in Addiction Recovery

multi-racial women on steps

Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease. While there is no cure for addiction, it can be effectively treated. This typically involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Of the 20.4 million over-12s diagnosed with substance use disorder in the United States, there are some key differences between men […]

Is Psychiatric Treatment for Eating Disorders Appropriate?

sad woman in chair

Hearing the words “eating disorder” conjures up the image of a person who has a troubled relationship with food and eating, often accompanied by body image distortion and low self-esteem. It might seem that these conditions are stand-alone issues. The reality, though, is that the visible signs of an eating disorder are an outward display […]

Medicare Mental Health Coverage: An Ultimate Guide

open laptop

According to a report shared by the National Institute of Mental Health, around one in five U.S. adults live with mental illness. Seniors are at a higher risk for mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, particularly when their health deteriorates and they face difficulty managing numerous diseases. So if you’re having persistent feelings […]

Caregiver Burnout: How to Extend Support to Those Who Care for Others

wheelchair user and caregiver in sunlit field

My once able-bodied grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The decline was sharp and sudden. His bodily functions and memory are gradually failing. But this story isn’t about my grandfather and the cruel reality of those afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. Rather, it’s about the daily stresses my father has to deal with as his primary caregiver. […]

Tips for Coping with Anxiety During the Continuing COVID-19 Pandemic

man and woman standing on sidewalk wearing medical masks

These are unprecedented times. It is not unusual to have anxious feelings about the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps you have experienced waves of panic, worry, or stress. It is understandable to experience such emotions. They are normal human responses to perceived or actual threats. In the last year, we have faced new realities such as home-schooling, […]

Moving On: The Effect of Stagnation on Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

bored person looking at cellphone

Growth is evidence of life. There are times in life when we thrive and shine. We have so much energy to reach our goals and even surpass our expectations.  Then there are times we don’t feel up to the task – times when it seems that every aspect of life has come to a standstill, […]

How Learning a New Language Can Improve Your Cognition for Better Mental Health

students at foreign language board.

You probably know that speaking at least one foreign language is already a good booster for your career. It helps you connect with more people and keeps you open to various job opportunities abroad. But did you know that learning a new language can help your mental health? There’s been some research proving that foreign […]

How Naomi Osaka Is Shaking Up Our Old Assumptions about Mental Health in the Workplace: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Naomi Osaka on the court

In a shocking announcement, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka announced her withdrawal from Roland Garros (known in the US as the French Open) following a win in the first round. This comes after a bitter fallout with tennis officials over her decision to boycott all media activity at the Grand Slam event. Osaka had announced that […]

6 Self-Care Tips to Manage Your Physical and Emotional Health

black man meditating

Exploring the Connection between Physical and Emotional Wellbeing by Using DBT Skills Self-care is a popular buzzphrase these days. But what does it really mean, and how do we do it? Oxford Reference defines self-care as “the practice of activities that are necessary to sustain life and health, normally initiated and carried out by the […]

Keeping Your Mental Health in Check When You Work from Home

black woman working from home

You get out of bed. You roll up the blinds. You take a few steps, and you’re there – at your workplace. There are no colleagues, no small talk, no change of environment. Just you and your computer making it through one day at a time. That kind of isolation and monotony can easily take […]

Facts about ADHD: Symptoms and Treatment

boy running

The number of children struggling with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States is astounding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a  2016 survey of parents found that 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. In fact, ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in children. […]

6 Natural Ways to Boost Your Creativity

hands on pottery wheel

If you’ve ever said the words “I’m not a creative person,” this article is for you. Creativity is not something you either have or don’t have. It’s a muscle you build. We’re all highly creative as children. However, the pressures of adult life can wear away at our natural creativity. The good news is that […]

Why We Should Be Educating Ourselves about PTSD in 2021

male firefighter gearing up.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is by no means a new mental health condition. However, the heightened public awareness of anxiety and depression in recent years has many people re-evaluating their relationship with mental health and looking to improve their interactions and make life more manageable for others. Educating ourselves about PTSD is important not just […]

Benefits of Mindfulness for Young Men

happy man in red shirt

If you have not experienced the benefits of meditation, it’s time to rethink your mindfulness practice. While you might enjoy hiking, weight lifting, and running to reduce stress and improve your health, mindfulness is another way you can strengthen your mind and even improve your motivation. Mindfulness is not just sitting in a dark room […]

The Role of Technology in Addiction and Recovery

hands on keyboard

There is no single aspect of healthcare in the modern digital world that is not impacted by technology. Like most things in life, there is a duality at play regarding the positive and negative role of technology on personal well-being. Relying on the media consumed via smartphones and tablets, people can either improve their mental […]

5 Steps for Dealing with Anxiety in Difficult Times

adele in concert

There are different forms of anxiety, with some being more complex and others lighter. For example, some may worry that they will not be successful, and others that they are too successful, such as the singer Adele. Once during a Rolling Stones interview, Adele admitted that she has stage fright and tries to avoid large […]

Negative Stereotypes and Stigma in Mental Health

close-up of angry eye

If you spend your life surrounded by people you can rely on, sharing thoughts and feelings probably comes naturally. In an atmosphere of mutual trust and care, staying mentally healthy often seems like a goal that’s not too difficult to accomplish. Unfortunately, not every environment is equally affirming. In some cases, people who feel anxious, […]

4 Daily Activities that Help Improve Your Mental Health

healthy morning routine

I glanced down at the speedometer and realized that I was driving at 80 mph – way faster than usual. After slowing to a more reasonable speed, the engine still revving absurdly, I felt my heart thumping fast. I tried calming myself, but I just couldn’t. A phone call from my boss demanding me to […]

How to Manage Your Mental Health Recovery and Your Confidence at the Same Time

smiling black woman

It can be challenging to get your life back on track when you are dealing with problems in your mental health. It can take some time to get your anxieties and fears under control. As you become better able to manage your mental health, you also need to find a way to enjoy life in […]

The Importance of Mental Health for Children and Teens

black child jumping on bed

It might sound like a cliché, but youth really are the future. Unfortunately, it seems that mental health issues are on the rise among children and teens. All over the world, more and more young people are reporting issues with mental health. According to mental health experts Cheree Ashely, Founder of Bright Future Recovery, the […]

5 Ways You Can Prioritize Your Mental Health in 2021

open sign

2020 was a challenging year not only for Americans but for almost everyone. People’s mental and emotional wellbeing took significant hits throughout the year. 2020 featured several full-blown moments which drained many people’s mental state, from a series of natural disasters to the global pandemic and multiple political and social issues. Not to mention that […]

The Link Between Loneliness and Substance Abuse: 5 Things You Need to Know

man alone in window

A 2020 study conducted by health insurer Cigna revealed a curious truth about Americans and loneliness: more than 3 out of 5 consider themselves lonely. Though for some, loneliness is a fleeting feeling that they have every once in a while, it can be more serious for others. In psychology, loneliness is defined as the […]

How the Christmas Season Can Improve Mental Wellbeing in Children

black family at christmas dinner

For many, Christmas is a time for celebration, eating, drinking, and spending the festive period with loved ones. From a child’s perspective, nothing compares to the joy that comes from the season. The magic, fun, and presents all add to the experience. The nostalgia we feel as adults is all constructed from our formative years. […]

Six Ways to Stay Sober this Holiday Season

holiday self-care with book

All the fun and festivities aside, the “most wonderful time of the year” can be rather challenging for many people. There are added responsibilities, long shopping lists, draining activities, and numerous situations that can feel overwhelmed. Seasonal depression and anxiety are at an all-time high. Some people feel extra isolated watching TV and scrolling through […]

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

young woman on couch

Everyone has experienced ups and downs at some points in their lives. The occasional blues and lethargy that you experience may be an aftermath of too much stress after a tiring day. However, if these emotional encounters are happening more regularly and in a recurring pattern, it should be a cause of concern. In particular, […]

How to Maintain Sobriety During the Holidays

holiday alcohol bottles

Christmas and the holiday season bring joy and a sense of hope to many people worldwide, but for a person in addiction recovery, the holidays can also be a stressful time. If you’re new to sobriety, you may be dreading the holiday season, from events that have a heavy alcohol presence to avoiding relapse during […]

How to Help a Loved One with Mental Health Issues

colorful hands mural

There are millions of individuals living with various forms of mental health disorders. The figure stands at about 1 in 5 people, so chances are you have a relative experiencing an issue. There are multiple elements crucial to managing and recovering from mental health conditions, and one is you lending a helping hand to your […]

Finding Gratitude During the Season of Giving — and Every Day

giving hands

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means this is the season of giving. When the holiday season arrives, people tend to be more generous, giving their closest friends and family gifts. With so much to be received in this time, gratitude may come easily. What about the rest of the year, though? Finding gratitude […]

How to Manage Your Mental Well-Being in the Middle of the Holiday Madness

holiday face mask

Can you hide in a cave until January 2? If the holidays mean nothing but stress, you might feel tempted. However, most people don’t have the luxury of skipping office parties and family gatherings. Others battle feelings of isolation and despair. How can you manage your mental well-being amid the holiday madness? Here are eight […]

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: What It Is and How It’s Treated

concerned woman

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by intense mood variations. It has also been called manic depression or bipolar disease. While going through a manic phase, a person may experience an emotional high and a few events of depression. It can be troublesome for people with bipolar disorder to manage daily routine tasks […]

Mentally Managing the Holiday Season During a Pandemic

holiday face mask

The holidays are a joyous time, whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, or New Years. However, every year millions of Americans battle substance use disorders and co-occurring issues like anxiety and addiction. The time from Thanksgiving to New Years is rough for people struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and anyone in recovery. Along […]

Combat Rumination through Mindfulness and Expressive Writing

mindful woman on beach

Rumination Do you ever find yourself replaying a situation over and over in your head? Questioning what went wrong and the consequences? This is rumination. Rumination usually occurs when there is an inconsistency between the goals you want to reach and what you have actually achieved. It will continue until you come closer to your […]

8 Ways for Veterans to Improve Their Mental Health

female veteran of color

Sadly, it is all too common for war veterans to develop mental health problems after serving in the military. An estimated 20% of U.S. servicemen and women deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year. This is just one mental health issue that can surface as a result of serving at […]

Can Stress and Anxiety Trigger ADHD?

stressed out boy

Can stress and anxiety trigger ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)? Can ADHD trigger stress or anxiety?

What’s the link between these three conditions?

If you are living with ADHD, you may want to know if the condition can also cause you stress and anxiety. Again, if you are experiencing stress or anxiety, you may want to know if there are chances of developing ADHD.

4 Actionable Ways To Build Mental Resilience In Your Life

black woman exercising

Mental resilience is a crucial but undervalued skill. With the world as it is today, with the coronavirus crisis still ongoing and a future full of uncertainty ahead of us, a strong mind is essential for helping us keep our heads above water. But how do you nurture such a quality? How can we strengthen […]

9 Tips for Managing Anxiety During Quarantine

woman in yoga pose

We may not even be aware of the powerful role our mind plays in determining our mental health. Even when we feel that things are under control and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic is manageable, our brain could be telling the mind a totally different story. Brain chemistry is highly sensitive to our emotions, whether […]

Four Ways Your Period Can Impact Your Mental Health

expressive woman’s face

Women often endure crude jokes about it being “that time of the month” when they are not in their best mood. The truth is that more than 75% of women have experienced the effects of menstruation on physical and mental health in their lifetime. This is a time of the month when many women experience […]

College Students – How to Self-Develop While Stuck at Home Over the Summer

woman reading

Due to coronavirus, you may not be able to work at an internship or travel anywhere new this summer. Thankfully, it’s still possible to learn and grow while you stay home. In fact, it’s probably the best way to use your free time. When you aren’t at school, you can continue to gain knowledge that’s […]

ADD/ADHD vs. Personality Disorder – How to Get an Accurate Diagnosis

frustrated teen

Attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) can be a crippling neurological impairment. It’s also more treatable today than ever before, thanks to new therapies and medications. As with any medical condition, though, the key to effective ADD/ADHD treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis—which isn’t always easy. Why ADD/ADHD Can Be Easy to Misdiagnose as […]

Top 7 Signs to Look for in Bipolar Disorder

girl with bipolar disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder? According to a recent study, bipolar disorder affects around 2.3% of the American population, which equates to some six million people who have been diagnosed with this mental health disorder. Symptoms can occur at any age, but bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed at around twenty-five years old and is less common […]

Signs of Anxiety in Young Kids

anxious child

Everyone experiences anxiety – it’s a natural response to certain stressors. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by frequent, intense, excessive anxiety. It’s important to note that it’s not uncommon to see signs of anxiety in children regardless of whether or not they have an anxiety disorder. Because children (especially young children) don’t […]

7 Trustworthy Tips on How to Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy Right Now

friends running on beach

Humanity is going through a unique period in its history. Stress, worries, anxiety, and fear of the unknown are upsetting us all. Sure, some are more affected than others. That’s why we have to be mindful of the most vulnerable. Society must relinquish selfishness, especially in times where the fate of one impacts on many. […]