Shopping for school supplies and new clothes used to get kids excited to go back to school. Now they may dread the idea of sitting in a classroom all day because they’ve adjusted to virtual learning. Ongoing COVID-19 concerns can make returning to school seem scary. No one should walk into school with a cloud […]
Our Latest Blogs
18
Aug
Aug
College drop-out. At the height of my anxiety, depression, and inner turmoil, I struggled to take care of myself, let alone do something as demanding as learning and participating in academics. Despite having gone to see therapists, cycling through medications, and buying a shelf’s worth of self-help books, I was floundering, barely able to keep […]
17
Aug
Aug
The warmer spring and summer months usually usher in a time of great activity and fun for most Americans. They’re a chance to get out into nature, have barbeques, and hit the beach. But there are also constant reminders everywhere that women should have the “perfect bikini body.” The pressure on people – men also […]
16
Aug
Aug
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 […]
11
Aug
Aug
I love my phone. Arguably, I’m very much addicted to my phone – and I know that I’m not alone in this. I used to spend hours on Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, Facebook. I would be flooded with posts that made me insecure about my appearance, relationships, and accomplishments. Social media made me question my whole […]
09
Aug
Aug
An estimated one in five American adults experiences bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses each year. And scientists warn that several years of pandemic-related stress and social upheaval have not done our mental health any favors, although the exact implications are still being explored. Most Americans say that they significantly increased their use […]
06
Aug
Aug
We’ve known for a long time that teens often have anxiety and worry as they transition from childhood into young adulthood. And as we’re now aware that the human brain takes much longer to become fully mature, generally by the early to mid-20s, it’s good to remind ourselves that we’re dealing with people who are […]
04
Aug
Aug
Hello, mental health champions. Today I want to dive into Pure OCD and my personal struggle with it. I went undiagnosed for seven years, and during that time, I had the brain battle of a lifetime. Pure OCD sufferers battle intrusive thoughts that can be of varying themes and intensities. So often, we see OCD […]
02
Aug
Aug
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 […]
30
Jul
Jul
Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes. As with other mental states such as depression, individuals who occasionally have anxious feelings do not necessarily have to be clinically diagnosed and medicated. If the anxious feelings occur daily for an extended period, medical help is worth considering. However, if your anxiety stems from a new environment […]
29
Jul
Jul
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 […]
29
Jul
Jul
While the world might be developing at a faster rate than ever, cultural stigmas still seep into everyday lives. Black people have been sucked into a pattern of behavior to protect themselves from the uncountable atrocities thrown at them. This collective experience unites them in the similarities of their invisible pain, sufferings, and traumas. As […]
28
Jul
Jul
So many seniors feel as though their lives will end soon. They have either achieved everything they wanted to or received word that their health is in poor shape. It’s not easy for seniors who have lived long and happy lives to suddenly, out of nowhere, feel trapped in their bodies as they grow older. […]
27
Jul
Jul
The nature of a traumatic event is not completely generalizable and varies from person to person. What constitutes trauma for one person does not necessarily translate to trauma for another. Several factors can determine how a person experiences crisis or otherwise stressful life events. Pain tolerance is not merely an attribute of physical hurt. Emotional […]
26
Jul
Jul
Post-traumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD, has been associated with one of the most dangerous killers in America, cardiovascular disease. Under stress, the human heart rate can rise to 38 beats more per minute. When the heart rate increases, the chest tightens, the breath shortens, and in some cases, people can find themselves on […]
23
Jul
Jul
Gardening is a popular hobby for many. But as well as keeping your outdoor space green, it can actually do a lot to support your mental health. It can keep you active, give you something to focus on, and take your mind away from the things that are worrying you. In this article, we take […]
21
Jul
Jul
30-Second Summary There are 6 healthy choices you can make to change your life. They are the following: Working out:Releases hormones for cell growth and supplies more oxygen to the brain. Watch your food:Replace unhealthy snacks with a balanced diet of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and plenty of water. Stressbuster: Talk about your thoughts and emotions […]
19
Jul
Jul
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. […]
16
Jul
Jul
As children grow up, they look to their parents for just about everything. Parents care for and nurture their kids, providing them with education, food, and a place to live and instilling morals and values that have passed through the family. Once children reach a certain age, they begin making choices on their own. Whereas […]
15
Jul
Jul
Horse lovers around the world will agree that spending time with these beautiful, intelligent animals is both fun and therapeutic. Teenage equine therapy, or horse therapy for teens, uses this beneficial interaction to teach adolescents valuable life skills and improve mental health. If your daughter is interested in equine therapy, there are programs that are […]
14
Jul
Jul
When a doctor tells you that you have a disease with no cure, it changes your world. Even if the disease is one that you have heard of and that is controllable, the fact that this will be part of your life forever is shocking. Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic illness. The human body uses […]
13
Jul
Jul
Mental health concerns are more of a public conversation than ever before. After surviving a pandemic and readjusting to a new version of normal life, you may want to speak with a professional about things you’re feeling or thinking. Mental health resources for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) may be more difficult to […]
12
Jul
Jul
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, […]
07
Jul
Jul
Ever-increasing urbanization and overpopulation are inevitable in today’s world. Such phenomena can lower ordinary people’s living standards due to the reduction of living spaces, increasing risks of interpersonal conflicts, and loss of privacy. For individuals who experience social anxiety disorder (SAD), living in a collective space can be far more challenging. I have been suffering […]
05
Jul
Jul
Sports and athletic activities such as dance provide many routes for adolescents to develop physically and increase their skills in teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. Sports can be a distraction, but they are just as likely to provide discipline that can help in schoolwork and later in life. On the other hand, body image and weight […]
02
Jul
Jul
I can still remember the first time it hit me. I was in high school. As my teacher handed my exam back to me with a failing grade printed on it, I felt nothing. What once would elicit an emotional response in me now didn’t even justify a second glance. It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t […]
30
Jun
Jun
Detection of Anxiety Disorders in a Child All children are afraid of something. If the feeling of fear passes quickly, there is nothing wrong with it. But when it lasts for some time, interfering with all aspects of life, parents need to give close attention to it. Detecting anxiety disorders at an early stage is […]
30
Jun
Jun
All people experience loneliness in moments of their lives, but for some reason, the most common reaction to being lonely is to try to distract oneself from it. Many people these days are afraid of spending time on their own, which is the exact opposite of what you should feel when you have the chance […]
28
Jun
Jun
There are anywhere between 10,000 to 20,000 mental health apps available today. Choosing wisely becomes a challenge when you have to pick one out of 10,000 anything – be it shampoo, pizza sauce, or investment options. It can only get harder when it comes to choosing a mental health app. Few of these apps are […]
28
Jun
Jun
It’s Pride Month — a time when we are reminded of the triumphs of people in the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) community. We recognize their contributions in fields such as music, art, entertainment, and politics. Most importantly, we recognize that it’s an ongoing struggle for them, made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic. […]
25
Jun
Jun
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, […]
23
Jun
Jun
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 […]
22
Jun
Jun
I am 6 years old. My dad and mom are fighting—this time over a field trip that I missed because my parents slept in too late. The screaming starts. I go into the kitchen to see what the commotion is about. I hear my dad yell at my mom and then push her into the […]
21
Jun
Jun
Pride: It’s a celebration of being proud of who you are and accepting yourself, and it’s a beautiful thing. However, the journey to reaching that pride and acceptance isn’t always fun and parties. The LBGT+ community faces many issues, including mental health crises, lack of support, threats to their physical safety, and food and housing […]
18
Jun
Jun
The moment I found out I was pregnant with my firstborn, I was elated. After seeing the positive sign on the pregnancy test, like many first-time moms, I immediately envisioned the type of child I would have and the kind of parent I was going to be. My expectations were all very positive, and I […]
17
Jun
Jun
For the ten millionth time, I recently ended up in the emergency department (ED) for shortness of breath, chest pains, and nausea. What I didn’t realize is that these symptoms are also symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety. Panic attacks can come on unexpectedly and manifest in physical symptoms. This is something that has […]
16
Jun
Jun
It’s hard enough for young people to learn to be themselves and cope with other’s opinions of them. Students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) may find this phase of life particularly stressful or difficult. In reality, when it comes to mental health, they face specific challenges. Discrimination toward LGBTQ students and […]
15
Jun
Jun
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 […]
14
Jun
Jun
The last few decades have seen numerous signs of progress for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. But even as equal rights continue to expand, there are numerous issues the community faces that have historically been difficult to address. LGBTQ+ mental health disparities still exist within the healthcare world, but it’s important […]
14
Jun
Jun
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 […]
11
Jun
Jun
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 […]
09
Jun
Jun
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. […]
07
Jun
Jun
In some ways, Summer 2020 beat me down hard: COVID-19 was rampant, my kids were home, my business was slow, and my anxiety was high. However, last summer also lifted me up in ways I never would have expected. How? The resilience I needed to develop to cope with the challenges of that summer became […]
04
Jun
Jun
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 […]
02
Jun
Jun
It is widely accepted that older age groups (60 and older) are at increased risk of serious illness and death if they develop COVID-19. As a result, several regions have made the vaccine a priority for older adults. Young people are less likely to develop serious health problems if they develop COVID-19 and are therefore […]
31
May
May
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. – Joseph Campbell It is not uncommon for some of us to beat ourselves up for faults, both big and small. This kind of self-criticism comes at a price: it can make us anxious, quite dissatisfied with our lives, and depressed. Self-criticism can cause us […]
28
May
May
For many civilians, Memorial Day weekend means relaxation and barbecues, family and friends, and maybe a bit of travel. However, because it is a day dedicated to our fallen men and women in uniform, Memorial Day can be challenging for some veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The condition can conjure painful memories, images, […]
27
May
May
ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects about 10% of school-age children. Boys are more prone to this disorder than girls. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the general designation for all mental as well as neurobehavioral disorders which show symptoms of impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention. ADHD often co-occurs with other emotional, behavioral, language, […]
26
May
May
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are exposed to stress. That’s why full emotional intelligence is essential if we want to be emotionally healthy. Emotions, experiences, and general wellbeing have a huge impact on a person’s health. Good health is important because it allows us to live a full life. What is emotional intelligence? […]
26
May
May
Stress, pressure, and other uncontrolled outside factors may cause or contribute to depression. There are different reasons why people may fall into this condition. But the good news is that you can always do something to lessen the risk of being depressed. There are several practices, including mindfulness, that can help people get through their […]
24
May
May
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 […]
21
May
May
When you’re busy juggling lots of tasks and priorities, it can be difficult to look after yourself, and you might feel that you’re not in control. Whatever else is going on in your life, it’s helpful to focus on a few key things to help keep your mind and body happy. In this article, we’ve […]
20
May
May
Everyone wishes to live free from stress and tensions. However, life isn’t a smooth road, and we experience our share of difficulties and problems. We often think of tangible activities to reduce stress such as exercising, walking, eating a healthy diet, meeting with friends, even cleaning up the clutter in your life. But, there is […]
19
May
May
I have worked for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for almost 20 years as a mental health assistant and peer support specialist. I was diagnosed with a mental health condition (bipolar disorder) at age 29. Since then, I have been managing it with the help of psychiatrists and therapists and have […]
17
May
May
My dad was a brilliant, hardworking attorney with a great sense of humor and loads of charisma. My dad was also an alcoholic. In many ways, I followed his footsteps. I was 13 when I started working in his law office, and I went to college and pursued a career as an attorney. I worked […]
14
May
May
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you struggle with anxiety. The experience of having to prove your worth and being evaluated by people can be really difficult and are major triggers of anxious feelings. This is completely normal and very common, although that doesn’t mean you should have to put up with it. You […]
12
May
May
Every person will feel anxious at some point in their lives. It is because anxiety is a physiological stress response. Your Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) activates in stressful situations, which kicks off a hormone rush. When you feel anxious, what you’re experiencing is your body going into “fight or flight” mode. Now imagine an amplified […]
10
May
May
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) refers to the ability to perceive, evaluate, and manage the emotions of oneself and others. Because it involves identifying, understanding, and analyzing feelings and interactions on a day-to-day basis, EQ has become an important part of life that influences behavioral changes and decision-making. With that said, EQ has become a foundation in […]
07
May
May
The term gaslighting has nothing to do with gas or lighting. It refers to an intense form of psychological manipulation that can erode the victim’s self-esteem and sense of reality. The gaslighter makes a victim feel anxious and doubtful about his or her own feelings, memories, and thoughts. Victims feel like they are always on […]
06
May
May
Recovery from an addiction is one of the most challenging, strenuous, but ultimately rewarding and worthwhile things a person can achieve. However, when we talk about addiction and recovery, it is important to look past the surface at why some are more prone to it than others and how it affects nearly every aspect of […]
05
May
May
According to studies, women are more vulnerable to depression than men, especially young women ages 14-25. However, this number decreases as women grow older. Moreso than men, women experience different types of depression, which we will discuss later. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of depression will give you a chance to help women in […]
03
May
May
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that causes abnormally high levels of activity and impulsiveness. It is usually diagnosed at around seven years of age. It can also occur in adults, but because symptoms typically appear between ages three and six, parents and medical practitioners tend to catch it early. For many families, […]
30
Apr
Apr
We’re becoming increasingly aware of the prevalence of autism in young children. Today, one in 54 kids has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which leads to differences in responsiveness to social, communicative, and behavioral cues. Students with ASD can also experience symptoms that make learning difficult, especially in a traditional classroom setting. They must interact with […]
29
Apr
Apr
Mental health disorders and brain injury are often seen and treated as two completely separate diagnoses and are sometimes even confused as being the same. While brain injury and mental illness can be entirely different issues, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to the development of mental health concerns. It is also possible for the […]
28
Apr
Apr
First, What is social anxiety? Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders in the world today. SAD is a serious and complex mental health condition that makes a person constantly fear social situations. Social anxiety is nothing new to psychologists. However, current data suggest that the number of […]
27
Apr
Apr
Underlying the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another public health crisis that has devastated American lives for decades: alcohol misuse and addiction. For years, medical professionals and organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have warned against excessive consumption. Now, the isolation, uncertainty, and stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated alcohol misuse, as more […]
26
Apr
Apr
There is no way to sugarcoat that parenting a child with a mental health disorder (such as anxiety, OCD, depression, etc.) puts a significant strain on one’s marriage. This can occur for many reasons. First, the mental health issue can be exhausting for parents. Tears, meltdowns, tantrums, and obsessive rituals can become so time-consuming and […]
24
Apr
Apr
Journaling can improve mental health. The chaos and sunkenness that come with mental health disorders are nearly impossible to interpret and understand on the fly. Unfortunately, when struggling with mental health, we can’t effectively “figure everything out” simply by ruminating for a day or two. Negative thoughts, emotional pain, fears, issues, triggers, and potential solutions […]
23
Apr
Apr
Living with a chronic mental illness poses challenges in building a routine and implementing healthy lifestyle changes. There comes a time in recovery when there is a need for a tangible tool to help facilitate change—something to bridge a person from acquired skills and knowledge to the creation of a healthy lifestyle and stable routine. […]
21
Apr
Apr
Bulimia nervosa is a prevalent eating disorder that can’t be identified just by looking at someone. For family members and others who are worried that their loved one has bulimia nervosa, it may seem like a challenge to determine if they need to seek out eating disorder treatment centers. Here, we’ll outline some common symptoms […]
