A lot of discussion is given to childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But this behavioral issue greatly affects adults as well. While the exact cause of adult ADHD isn’t yet understood, recent research seems to indicate that genes and heredity, the foods we eat, and our environment play key roles. Many adults who are eventually diagnosed with ADHD have always “sensed”...
Read MoreAccording to the American Pregnancy Association, 70-80% of all new mothers experience what’s called the “baby blues", while only 10% - 20% suffer from postpartum depression. With so many women experiencing some form of emotional upheaval after giving birth, why is there still so much confusion about the two? Samantha Meltzer-Brody, M.D., Associate Professor and Director of the Perinatal Psychiatry Program, UNC...
Read MoreAccording to the International OCD Foundation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is “a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life, and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings.” While the definition seems straightforward, a surprising number of people...
Read MoreIt’s rare that any of us will get through life without experiencing anxiety at some point. But some people have the burden of dealing with anxiety on a daily basis. Whether it’s over something big or insignificant, anxiety stops us from living a normal life full of joy and potential. Here are 5 ways you can begin reducing your anxiety: 1. Recognize You...
Read MoreOf all the emotions, anger is perhaps the one that most people have the hardest time dealing with. That’s most likely because anger is not like the other emotions. It is unique. In fact, a 2017 survey by the Mental Health Foundation of 2000 people found that 28% are sometimes worried about the level of anger that they feel. While feeling anger...
Read MoreAccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect roughly 40 million people over the age of 18 in the United States. Though these disorders are highly treatable, only 36.9% of those with anxiety seek treatment. Perhaps this is because of busy schedules or a lack of insurance that causes so many people with anxiety to suffer in...
Read MoreBe honest, did you make New year’s resolutions this year that you have yet to stick to? If so, you’re not alone. Researchers have found that typically 77% of people are only able to keep their resolutions for 1 week, 64% keep them for one month, 50% for 3 months, and only 19% are able to keep their resolutions for over...
Read MoreAccording to the American Sleep Association, between 50 to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from a sleep disorder. Not only is adequate sleep important for our physical health but also for our mental and emotional well-being. Often when people have trouble sleeping, they turn to over-the-counter or prescription medications. The problem with these solutions is, many come with side...
Read MoreChristmas is right around the corner. A time of fun and festivities, delights, and decadence. A time when we can enjoy our friends and family and live it up a little. And then January rolls around, and many of us find ourselves feeling a bit blue. And this is why “Blue Monday” has been established. Recognized on the third Monday in January, Blue...
Read MoreAs our parents age, we want to treasure them for as long as we can, so we look for ways to help them stay healthy and active. But many older people suffer from depression, a condition that is not always easy to battle. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, depression affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans...
Read MoreThe holidays are often a complex time for many people. On the one hand, there is a sense of joy in the air, while on the other hand, sorrow and grief because of either a loss or dysfunctional family dynamic. The following are some ways you can deal with family trauma around the holidays. Have an Escape PlanIt’s important to not isolate over...
Read MoreOne of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship is communication. When both partners understand how to communicate properly, they feel loved, connected and secure. But when effective communication is lacking, both people can become defensive, and the relationship can be mired down in distrust, misunderstanding and resentments. When couples are hitting rock bottom, it’s important they relearn critical communication skills,...
Read MoreDuring this time of year, radio and TV ads would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season. Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are: Financial Hardship – ‘Tis the season to...
Read MoreOne thing we all have in common is that we don’t always agree with one another. Over time we’ve come to accept that there are times when we must respectfully disagree with someone and move forward. Unfortunately, it’s become increasingly difficult to agree to disagree in today’s divided America. Television and social media reflect the strain political disagreements has placed on people...
Read MoreAccording to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one out of every five students reported being bullied in 2019, with slightly more female than male students reporting being a victim. 41% of students who reported being a target said they believed the bullying would continue. Anti-Bullying Awareness Week occurs each November as a reminder that we all, parents, teachers, and faculty, have...
Read MoreSelf-esteem is an opinion we have of ourselves; a way of placing value on ourselves as people. While we may voice characteristics such as “I’m American” or “I have brown eyes,” these are facts that don’t carry a negative or positive connotation. A low self-esteem suggests we carry a negative opinion of ourselves. For example, “I’m unattractive” or “I’m not good enough.”...
Read MoreWhen searching for information on mental health issues, you’ll find attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lumped together. In fact, you’ll often read ADD/ADHD. So it’s easy to see why people get confused. Before we talk about the differences, it’s worth it to take a brief historical look at attention deficit disorder to get an idea of how...
Read MoreBullies in movies and television are frequently shown getting their come-uppance, the story wrapped up neatly with a happy ending and maybe even with the bully learning a lesson by the end. Unfortunately, real life is rarely so simple. If you’re dealing with a bully as an adult, you’re not alone. A 2017 survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 60.3...
Read MoreOctober is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time when clinicians and their communities come together to spread awareness and combat mental illness. By working together, we can all promote the importance of mental health screenings while reducing the stigma associated with mental health illnesses. Common Symptoms of DepressionThe following are some of the most common symptoms of depression. If...
Read MoreWhen you think about it, your brain is a pretty important organ. In fact, it’s like the CEO of your body’s corporation. So it’s important you do all you can to keep it healthy and working optimally. When it comes to the health of our brain, diet cannot be overlooked. There are certain foods that are chockfull of nutrients our brain needs...
Read MoreAnger is a normal human emotion, however, if it’s not managed properly, it can have disastrous consequences that have the potential to hurt you and others. A lot of people don’t know how to process anger properly. They pile up their frustrations and emotions until they reach a breaking point and explode instead of dealing with the anger in a healthy...
Read MoreRecent data suggests that over half of the people in this country feel stress. And a lot of it! Sadly, when many people feel stressed, they tend to lean into bad habits, like drinking, smoking and eating junk food. What they should be doing is more downward dog! More and more studies are now proving yoga can help people deal with stress and...
Read MoreThere are plenty of things that occur in our daily lives that cause us stress: commuter traffic, hassles at work, and tension in our personal relationships to name just a few. If we don’t find healthy ways to deal with this stress, it can fester, eventually causing anxiety, depression, and even health issues such as hypertension and heart disease. One of the...
Read MoreAccording to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in this country, claiming more than 47,000 people’s lives in 2019. In fact, there was nearly double the rate of suicides that year as homicides (19,141). Suicide prevention is an incredibly important agenda, and the reason Lifeline and other mental...
Read MoreAugust 26th is National Women’s Equality Day; a day to acknowledge how far women have come on their journey toward equality and how much more work is still to be done. While the greatest gender gaps are found primarily in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, according to the World Economic Forum, there are still areas of inequality women in...
Read MoreThere was a time when the phrase passive-aggressive was rarely uttered among non-psychologists. But it’s a phrase that is mentioned often these days. The problem is, passive-aggressive behavior is almost so common, that it’s hard for people to pinpoint what that behavior looks like exactly. Do you know any passive-aggressive people? Chances are you do. But do you know the real behaviors to...
Read MoreWhen you think about someone experiencing trauma, incidents such as a violent or sexual assault or a terrible car accident might come to mind. But there are other, subtler forms of trauma that can negatively affect our lives and hinder our relationships. Emotional trauma is often overlooked and minimized, and we may think we’ve “gotten over” some emotional pain that we’ve simply...
Read MoreFew things are more sad or difficult than finding out that a loved one has suffered a personal loss. Many times we fail to reach out to a loved one in grief out of shyness or uncertainty. We worry that we don’t have the words, or know what we can do to help or console our friend. Many times, it’s easier to...
Read MoreAugust 1st is International Overdose Awareness Day; a day to raise awareness and commemorate loved ones who have died from a drug overdose. According to the CDC, over 70,000 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose in 2019 alone. That number reflects the fact our nation is currently suffering from a serious opioid epidemic. Losing a loved one to a drug overdose is...
Read MoreIn the fast-paced world we live in today, it’s easy for anyone to become forgetful or get distracted. But for adults with ADHD, their difficulty maintaining attention negatively impacts their life in numerous ways. Problems begin to surface at work, in relationships, and at home. If you’re concerned you may have ADHD, here are some signs to look out for. Can’t Relax The...
Read MoreMost children are brought up to be kind and respectful of other people. They are taught to consider others’ feelings and help those in need. But when it comes to taking care of themselves, many people lack the ability to put their own needs first. To some, the concept of self-care is as foreign as the language and customs of far away...
Read MoreJuly is BIPOC mental health month. The event was established in 2008 as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in an effort to create awareness of the unique struggles faced by underrepresented groups in the United States. Campbell was an author, teacher, and mental health advocate with a mission to shine a light on the mental health...
Read MoreNational Childhood Obesity Week takes place in July. This week is to help shed light on an increasing problem in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity affects roughly 14 million children and adolescents. While some look to the government to enact legislation to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic in this country, there is much we can...
Read MoreWhen a loved one is gripped by an addiction, it’s easy for us to feel helpless and fearful. We want to wave a magic wand and make all their pain and troubles go away. While that isn’t possible, loved ones can play an integral role in an addict getting help through an intervention. What Is an Intervention Exactly?An intervention is a gathering...
Read MorePosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that typically occurs after individuals have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a serious accident, natural disaster, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault. In the past, PTSD went by different names. During and right after the years of World War 1, the term “shell shock” was often used....
Read MoreMen. They’re strong. Courageous. But men are also susceptible to disease and poor health outcomes. In fact, men are more likely to experience health issues simply because they have been brought up to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, and putting others first should be their priority. Luckily we have National Men’s Health Week, which runs between June...
Read MoreAccording to a Household Food Security in the United States in 2019 report, 35 million Americans live in households that struggle with a basic lack of food. One in eight households with children cannot buy enough food, with households in the south suffering the most. Raising Awareness of Nationwide Hunger To tackle the rising problem of hunger in this country, the United States...
Read MoreAt some point in most of our lives, there will come a time when we experience a mental health crisis. It may come after a divorce, the loss of a loved one, or another traumatic event. Many traditional types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, can be very effective at helping people overcome their depression, anxiety, and other symptoms....
Read MoreLiving your best life means not only being healthy physically but also emotionally and mentally as well. For many, seeking the guidance of a mental health professional is a way of ensuring their overall well-being. But for some communities, there is a stigma associated with getting help for depression and other mental health issues. One such community that holds conflicting beliefs about...
Read MoreWhen we talk about our mental health, we're talking about much more than a clinical diagnosis. Your mental health also refers to your psychological well-being. Having a healthy psychological well-being means you're able to better manage your emotions as well as your mood. Every day presents its unique challenges, and a healthy mental state can help you take challenges in stride. 1....
Read MoreHave you been feeling a bit low lately, but you can’t quite put your finger on why? It may have something to do with your social media habits. According to a recent study, social media use can increase depression and loneliness. For years people have suspected that social media use might have an ability to negatively impact our mental well-being. After all,...
Read MoreLife is challenging when you’re an introvert. What are simple interactions for many people can feel anxious and uncomfortable to you. The mere idea of taking part in certain social events can be exhausting and emotionally draining to an introvert. While some social functions, such as business meetings, cannot be missed, there are social gatherings that can be, and it is totally...
Read MoreFor many, childhood is the most wondrous and exciting time in a person’s life. But even when a child is growing in a loving and stable family environment, they can feel fear and anxiety. Think back on your childhood. Everything new was something to be not-so-sure of. It was easy to feel a bit anxious on the first day of school or...
Read MoreNeurodiversity in its simplest definition, is the concept that when it comes to the human brain and nervous system, people don't all end up the same. The term is used to represent the different ways people think, behave, communicate, and more. Neurodiversity is often associated with challenges an individual may face. For instance, people with neurodiverse traits may be diagnosed with conditions...
Read MoreThey say you can wake up on the wrong side of the bed. But many days it feels like you woke up on the wrong side of calm. And who can blame you? Life seems to have gotten more complicated, stressful and chaotic, making it more difficult to feel peaceful and calm. But there are things you can do each day to...
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April is National Counseling Awareness Month, and so I thought it would be a good idea to take this time to talk a little about mental health and the benefits of seeking treatment for whatever issues you may be facing. When we talk about mental health, we are talking about our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our mental health not only affects...
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Today, awareness of autism is at an all-time high. As an adult, you may look back on your childhood and realize that you've possibly had an autism diagnosis overlooked. If you're a parent, you may have come to realizations about yourself after observing behaviors in your child. However you've come to notice the signs, you may suspect that you have autism....
Read MoreParenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world – if not the toughest. After all, children do not come with manuals or operating instructions. Looking for guidance, many parents turn to their own childhoods to pick up clues on how to raise children the right way, or at the very least, how not to raise them the wrong way. But...
Read MoreAffecting nearly 40 million adults in the United States, anxiety is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are highly prevalent amongst those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you have trouble falling asleep, it may heighten or trigger your anxiety, and vice versa. While it can be difficult for an anxiety sufferer...
Read MoreOur brains are magnificent machines: while the brain controls rudimentary yet complex functions like your heartbeat, breathing and motor functions, it also controls a multitude of other complicated tasks such as creating your thoughts and feelings. A machine this advanced, that runs 24/7, clearly requires fuel to run. The fuel you supply to your hard-working brain is none other than the...
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