Categories
-
How to Not Fool Yourself About Your Mental Health
Mental health disorders affect many people across the globe. Unfortunately, many people will spend months, years, or even a lifetime suffering without seeking treatment for their mental health. They may do this for a significant number of reasons, but one
May 15, 2022 -
Learning to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression connected to the changes in season and the amount of light that is present each day. It can deplete one's energy and can cause one to experience strange, unexplained changes
May 12, 2022 -
I Relapsed, Now What?
While it can be deeply frustrating, relapse is a normal part of the recovery journey, and it doesn't mean that treatment has failed. If you have recently experienced a relapse, it is essential to remember that you have nothing to
May 8, 2022 -
Supporting a Partner Through Recovery
Watching someone that you love struggle with substance misuse can be very challenging, especially when this person is your partner. If your partner is in the process of recovery, they have already decided to take the first step towards getting
May 5, 2022 -
Celebrities Who Have Opened up about Their Mental Health Conditions
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, background, or ethnicity. Many people find it hard to believe that celebrities can suffer from mental health disorders. They may wonder how someone
April 27, 2022 -
How to Help Someone Through the Grieving Process
Grief is a potent, traumatic, and ever-changing emotion that can completely change the course of one's life. If you've never experienced the loss of a loved one before, it may seem very difficult and confusing to try to provide comfort
April 24, 2022 -
The Tie Between Nutrition and Mental Health
Everyone knows that eating well-balanced, nutritious meals is essential to staying fit and physically healthy. However, many people do not realize the true extent to proper nutrition, or lack thereof can impact the quality of one's mental health. Regularly eating
April 20, 2022 -
The Health Consequences of Vaping
Vaping by using e-cigarettes has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in teens and young adults. While many major e-cigarette marketers claim that their product is safer than traditional cigarettes, this does not mean that vaping is in any
April 16, 2022 -
How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Parents in Adulthood
Many parents can be a little overprotective and controlling of their children when they're growing up. This is a simple result of the deep care they have for their child and their desire for their child to grow into a
April 12, 2022 -
How to Cope When the News Becomes Too Much
In recent years, in particular, the news has featured a lot of very negative things. From the pandemic to war and violence, it may seem as if the bad news far outweighs the good. It comes at us from many
April 9, 2022 -
The Mental Health Risks Involved With Isolation and Loneliness in the Elderly
Human beings are meant to be social. Our connections with others allow us to grow and thrive. When we become isolated from others, loneliness often follows, and this can cause both our mental health and physical health to plummet. Unfortunately,
April 5, 2022 -
The Psychological Effects of Clutter
Many people know that when someone is experiencing a bout of depression they may avoid cleaning and allow their living space to become cluttered and disorganized. This is often because depression drains one's energy and motivation, taking away their drive
April 1, 2022 -
What to Do When a Loved One Doesn’t Want to Seek Treatment
It can be very painful to watch someone you care about battle with a substance use disorder. It's even harder when they won't admit they have a problem and don't want to get treatment. If you have already confronted someone
March 28, 2022 -
Recognizing the Signs of Accidental Overdose
Accidental overdose occurs every day throughout the United States, ending the lives of many prematurely and tearing apart families. In many cases, deaths from overdose could have been prevented if those around the individual took action in time. Too many
March 24, 2022 -
How to Deal With Homesickness While in College
Many people describe college as the best time of their lives. However, for some people, the transition from living at home with their parents to being out on their own can be very challenging. Homesickness is very common for college
March 13, 2022 -
How Working From Home Can Impact Your Mental Health
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, many people had to switch from working in an office environment to working remotely from home. While for some this change was temporary, more people are continuing to work from home due to
March 9, 2022 -
How to Approach a Loved One About Their Substance Use
It can be very painful to watch somebody that you care about struggle with a substance use disorder. This problem is more common than you might think. Studies show that drug or alcohol misuse will affect at least 10% of
March 5, 2022 -
How to Support a Loved One’s Long Term Recovery
Once an individual with a substance use disorder has gone through detox, they have taken the first step towards recovery. However, the hard work isn't finished there. Recovery is a continual process that they must wake up and choose every
March 1, 2022 -
Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder
Unfortunately, many people of all ages deal with some type of eating disorder during their lifetime. They can be bright about by many factors, including the critical words of a parent or significant other, bullying or harassment, mental health disorders,
February 26, 2022 -
How to Answer the Question of Why You Don’t Drink
If you have recently gone through detox and are new to your recovery journey, it is a good idea to avoid events or situations where it is likely that drugs or alcohol will be present. This is to prevent any
February 22, 2022 -
Investing in Your Mental Health in the New Year
It's a new year and with it comes a fresh start and a second chance to begin living your life to the fullest. One of the best favors that you can do for yourself as you embark upon 2022 is
February 19, 2022 -
How to Help a Child Who Is Being Bullied
For many parents, finding out that their child is being bullied is their worst nightmare. Bullying can occur starting from a young age and can even occur well into high school. It comes in a variety of forms such as
February 15, 2022 -
How to Take the First Steps Towards Seeking Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder
Addiction can creep up on people over time, often without them even recognizing that it is happening. They may start off feeling as if they are in control of it, only to later find that they can't seem to cut
February 12, 2022 -
How to Boost Your Own Self-Confidence
How to Boost Your Own Self-Confidence Do you find yourself struggling with low self-confidence? You are not alone. Low self-esteem can affect anybody at any age or of any background. It can have an impact on your relationships, your career,
February 8, 2022 -
How to Stay Positive During the Winter Months
There are a lot of reasons why some people tend to feel a little gloomy during the winter months. The days are shorter, it's cold outside, and it gets dark early. All the excitement and hustle and bustle that came
February 5, 2022 -
How to Set Healthy New Years Resolutions
Every year around New Year it is a popular practice to come up with resolutions to implement into the coming year. For many, this could be to lose weight, save money, or eat healthier. Many people talk about their resolutions,
February 1, 2022 -
5 Reasons Why You Should Give Back
Everyone knows that giving back is a nice thing to do because it is an act of selflessness that helps the community. We also know that giving feels good, even when it is done in small ways, such as dropping
January 21, 2022 -
Supporting Friend’s Struggling with Mental Illness
Mental illness continues to plague much of the nation, and unfortunately, many cases often go overlooked and undiagnosed. It can be hard to know how to support a friend who is struggling with mental illness, especially if it is not
January 18, 2022 -
Dr. Shashita Inamdar on the One Girl At A Time Podcast
The hosts of One Girl At A Time speak with Dr. Shashita Inamdar about mental health and some ways to relieve stress. The wondrous Dr. Inamdar is a licensed physician, and board-certified psychiatrist who has 20 years of expertise in
January 13, 2022 -
Reducing the Stigma of Schizophrenia
The stigmatization surrounding mental illness began over 100 years ago, before psychological and social sciences became research fields. There are all different types of stigma — such as public stigma, social stigma, and label avoidance — although any kind of
January 11, 2022 -
How Our Five Senses Affect Our Mental Health
Effective treatments for mental illnesses typically take place in a treatment center. Some centers require clients to attend therapy multiple times over the course of the day, while others require clients to attend weekly sessions. No matter how often treatment
January 4, 2022 -
Facing the Fear of Admitting You Need Help
Struggling with mental health can be crippling. When you struggle alone, though, you are worsening the severity of your symptoms and of your distress. The stigma that surrounds mental health may be the culprit of your fear, or perhaps you
January 1, 2022 -
Finding a Suitable Work-Life Balance to Encourage More Sleep
Improving or finding a manageable work-life balance can help you sleep better. In return, catching up on more sleep can impact your ability to function effectively at work or affect your presence at home. However, sleep can be challenging to accomplish
December 15, 2021 -
Navigating Mood Disorders When Struggling With the Winter Blues
There are numerous mood disorders, but the most common include depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. These disorders often include symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness, losing interest in parts of life that are important to you, and going between
December 9, 2021 -
Breaking the Cycle: Familial Addiction
Aside from peer pressure, teenagers and young adults often abuse drugs and alcohol to help them cope with mental health disorders. However, individuals may also begin using drugs and alcohol as a result of family members abusing substances. Research shows
December 8, 2021 -
Can Using Social Media Trigger PTSD?
While social media can be a positive outlet for people to connect or seek support, millions of headlines fill the space that may spark trauma for readers. Images and words are shared in an attempt to spark change and garner
December 6, 2021 -
How to Communicate Your Sobriety During the Holidays
For some people, one of the most challenging parts about being newly sober is addressing the pending and dreaded question, “Why don’t you drink?” It can be awkward and uncomfortable in any situation but can seem especially overwhelming during the
December 5, 2021 -
Healthy Habits to Help Teens During Winter Break
The transition to in-person school in August was likely a challenge for many teens, and with holiday break right around the corner, your teen may slip back into old habits and struggle to return in the new year. Maybe they
December 4, 2021 -
Rebuilding a Child’s Trust When You’re in Recovery
If you’re a parent currently in recovery, you most likely have a goal of rebuilding a relationship with your child or children. Picking up where you left off before addiction is not an option, but approaching the relationship carefully will
December 2, 2021 -
Ways to Overcome Intrusive Thoughts
Obsessive, intrusive thoughts are unwanted images, urges, or impulses that come out of nowhere and can make you feel scared, humiliated, or disgusted. These distressing thoughts are most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but are also seen amongst various
December 1, 2021 -
Facing the Fear of Admitting You Need Help
It may be common for you to worry about the minor things in your day-to-day life, putting your mental health on the backburner. As a result, you may have developed the damaging habit of avoiding your mental well-being. You may
November 11, 2021 -
How to Cope With Recovery Burnout
The road to recovery can be time-consuming, long, and winding at times. If you ask someone who is currently on their recovery journey about their experience, you may notice that it requires a lot of concentration, dedication, and endurance. In recovery,
November 8, 2021 -
How to Support Your Friends Who Struggle With Mental Illness
There is a saying, “If the suffering is hard, then seeing your loved ones suffer is harder.” Sometimes, you may see your friends or family suffer, and you want to help them. However, you may not know how to help
November 7, 2021 -
Social Media’s Impact on Sobriety
Social media is complex. The amount of time you spend on your phone or computer can impact your day-to-day life and how you look at things. While social media has the power to change your perspective, it can also be
November 6, 2021 -
5 Psychologically Damaging Things You Can Say to Someone in Recovery
Words have the power to build and destroy. Kind words to someone who is struggling with their mental health or recovery can give them a ray of hope. However, your words can also cause damage. Recovery is an uphill battle at
November 5, 2021 -
Give Yourself Grace – The Importance of Self Forgiveness During Recovery
As humans, we often seek forgiveness from others, but we often neglect the thought of forgiving ourselves. Everyone makes mistakes, and that is okay. However, when we do not learn to forgive ourselves for our wrongdoings, we are left with
November 3, 2021 -
What Does It Mean to Take a Holistic Approach to Health?
In recent years, the term holistic has captured mainstream attention in providing alternative ways to achieve optimal mental health. When one uses the term “holistic,” they refer to an integrative approach involving the mind, body, and spirit. Holistic healing is
November 2, 2021 -
How Burnout Culture Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health
Burnout culture has run rampant amidst COVID-19, but it existed long before the virus changed your life. Burnout culture gives “work hard, play hard” another meaning: you can only enjoy activities and rest once you have “earned” it. In recent years,
November 1, 2021 -
Seasonal Affective Disorder Signs and Symptoms
We all experience “seasons of life” when we're doing well and life seems great. Other times we may be struggling and can't seem to get back on our feet. For some people, this turn of phrase is placed in a
October 27, 2021 -
Sober Fun in The Sun: Staying Healthy on Vacation
For many trying to maintain long-term sobriety, the prospect of traveling and vacationing in recovery is a daunting one. You may find that you associate traveling, vacation, and general leisure time with heavy binge drinking and drug use. Many people
October 25, 2021 -
Stuck Asleep: Night Terrors, Sleep Paralysis, and Mental Health
Have you ever woken up from a nightmare but found that you couldn't move? You could see, hear, and smell, but you were completely paralyzed. To make matters worse, the line between waking life and your nightmare was blurred, so
October 21, 2021 -
The Relationship Between COVID-19 and Hypochondria
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on almost every aspect of human life. Lives lost, economic downturn, evictions, and loss of income have made this pandemic a struggle for many people all over the globe. In the United States, over
October 18, 2021 -
Messing Up and Owning Up: How Self-Reflection Can Help Us Grow
Human beings are complicated creatures. We feel, hurt, love, and struggle to understand both the world around us and our fellow humans. This process is made more challenging by mental and emotional issues, substance abuse, and the circumstances of our
October 14, 2021 -
Staying Happy: The Science of the Silver Lining
If you struggle with mental illness, unresolved trauma, or a substance abuse disorder, you may find yourself asking the following question: “Why can't I just be happy?” You also may find that you hear the phrase “Just cheer up!” from
October 12, 2021 -
Tragedy on Demand: Taking Time Away From the News and Social Media
Tragedy seems to be everywhere today. COVID-19, wars, famine, economic despair, and the troubles of our own personal lives compound and can cause us a lot of depression, anxiety, and discomfort. We are also more connected to each other than
October 8, 2021 -
Hope for The Holidays: Mental Health and The Holiday Season
For many people, the holiday season is a time of celebration, relaxation, and quality time spent with family and friends. For others, the holiday season can drum up uncomfortable feelings and triggers. The holidays can also place us in sensitive
October 6, 2021 -
Reentering the Void: The Emotional COVID Coaster of Lockdowns and Reopens
The world seems to be oscillating between “bouncing back” and locking down. This back and forth can cause exacerbated stress, anxiety, and depression for introverts and extroverts alike. If you enjoy your space and silence, you may feel a little
September 30, 2021 -
Healthy Habits: How to Make Your Addictive Personality Work For You
We know that addiction is a disease. Treating it isn’t as simple as saying, “No more for me, thanks.” Drug and alcohol abuse changes your prefrontal cortex, which makes it difficult for you to make rational decisions, even basic ones
September 25, 2021 -
Partying or Problem? When College Drinking Goes too Far
College is an exciting time in every young person’s life. Not only are you building towards a new career, but you are also thrust out of the confines of your parent’s home and into a world where you are exposed
September 20, 2021 -
What Is a Functioning Addict?
One of the more prevalent terms you may hear in the world of substance abuse tropes, be it on TV or in books, is the term “functioning addict.” The term is usually reserved for a person who is perceived as
September 14, 2021 -
Hygiene and Mental Health: From Obsession to Neglect
Talking to others about the inner workings of your personal struggles can be a difficult thing to do. One of the many “open secrets” about mental and emotional health struggles is centered around personal hygiene. Depression, anxiety, and other issues
September 9, 2021 -
5 Warning Signs of a Depressive Episode
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won’t go away, you may have depression. Depression is a common mental health disorder. An estimated
September 7, 2021 -
Unwanted Intrusions: What are Intrusive Thoughts and What Do They Mean?
Have you ever been out with friends? Maybe you’re reminiscing, sharing some laughs over dinner. Suddenly, for no reason whatsoever, a thought enters your head: “I could flip this table over right now. I could ruin dinner for everyone and
September 1, 2021 -
5 Ways to Improve Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is a person’s overall sense of worth and value, including factors like identity, confidence, and sense of belonging. Self-esteem is something that we all struggle with from time to time. Having strong feelings of self-worth not only helps us
August 28, 2021 -
The Differences Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attack
Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are often described similarly, and many people may experience both at the same time. Feelings of panic and anxiety typically feel alike, as both trigger the fight-or-flight response in the body. Although the two share
August 20, 2021 -
Good Communication Helps Mental Well-Being
Communication is important in managing many aspects of mental health. It can make or break our recovery, personal relationships, and interactions with professionals who are charged with helping us heal. It is difficult to talk about mental illness and
August 15, 2021 -
How Goals Improve Mental Health
While experiencing mental health symptoms, it is hard to look forward. To overcome the feelings associated with depression, anxiety, or stress, it’s necessary to look ahead positively. One way to achieve this is goal setting. It’s important to write about
August 12, 2021 -
Making a Relapse Prevention Plan
The pain of a mental health crisis is difficult to escape. When it feels like everything has come crashing down, it’s hard to find a way out of the rubble. One way to successfully come back from or prevent a
August 8, 2021 -
Benefits of a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist
Mental health peer support specialists share their lived experiences with those who have mental illness. They provide clients with a relatable and empathetic healing perspective. Peers are in recovery from mental illness and often substance use disorder. They work in
August 6, 2021 -
How Does Mindfulness Alleviate Stress and Anxiety?
People have been using mindfulness to enhance their peace of mind for thousands of years. It is still useful today to treat stress and anxiety. What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a form of self-care that calms both the mind
August 2, 2021 -
How Can Self-Discipline Improve My Life?
Discipline is defined as the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. Therefore, self-discipline is the practice of monitoring, restraining, or regulating your actions according to your code or values.
July 28, 2021 -
Managing Academic Stress in College
In 2020, approximately 20 million students were projected to be enrolled in colleges across the United States. The transition from high school to college that new cohorts of students go through every year can be an overwhelming change, filled with
July 23, 2021 -
Understanding Behavioral Addictions
Millions of Americans battle addiction each year, whether it be to a substance like alcohol or cigarettes, or activities like shopping and eating. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are particularly challenging due to the physical dependency the body develops over time
July 20, 2021 -
How Can Active Combat Affect Military Personnel?
When it comes to war, most people would probably agree that they do not understand what it is really like. Only those who have lived it and came out alive on the other side know and feel the chilling memories
July 15, 2021 -
I’m Anxious: Do I Have a Disorder?
Each person experiences and deals with a variety of unique stressors in their everyday life. It is perfectly normal to worry about an important meeting coming up, a midterm, moving, or whether or not your teenager will make the right
July 12, 2021 -
How is Emotional Well-Being Related to Personality Disorders?
From the moment you were born, your experiences, genetic, and environmental factors started to guide the development of your unique personality. If you’ve spent even a little bit of time with babies as young as one year old, you’ve probably
July 8, 2021 -
How Does Frequently Moving Affect Children?
When children are born, they begin observing their surroundings and learning how to manage interactions with the world. The environment created by parents for their children and the techniques they use to raise them helps shape the kind of adult
July 6, 2021 -
The Effects of Long-Term Meth Use
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that is consuming our communities. Illegal meth can be created in meth labs by combining various harsh and dangerous chemicals that can easily be obtained. With accessibility and low costs to manufacture, homemade
July 1, 2021 -
Returning to Work Post-COVID-19
Throughout the world, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dramatically affect the lives of individuals. As our communities continue to reopen, many people are struggling to enter back into the workforce without any negative emotions. When the World Health Organization
June 28, 2021 -
Have Social Media Platforms Started to Negatively Affect You?
We live in a world that thrives off being the best; having the highest paying job, the fanciest cars, or the biggest homes, not to mention looking physically flawless. For many of us looking in, as we watch (or scroll)
June 27, 2021 -
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Currently, in the United States, marijuana is legal recreationally for persons over the age of 18 in 14 states. At least 34 states have legalized marijuana either for recreational use or medical purposes. As many states continue to pass a
June 25, 2021 -
5 Things You Should Know About Depression
Depression is an extremely serious but treatable illness. It has no specific gender, age, or ethnicity that it chooses to overtake - it truly can happen to anyone at any point in their life. Unfortunately, there is a plethora of
June 23, 2021 -
What is Ketamine Treatment?
For anyone battling a mental health disorder, it can be challenging to find an effective treatment plan that not only provides you long-lasting relief but doesn’t also come with unwanted side effects. Effective treatment isn’t always traditional antidepressants and therapy.
June 23, 2021 -
Supporting Your LGBTQ Child
It’s Pride Month! June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Pride Month. For so many, it is a time of celebration—people spend the time dressing up and heading to parades or events held in their communities. It’s a time
June 21, 2021 -
The Importance of Destigmatizing Addiction
For those who are struggling with a substance use disorder or addiction, the obstacles seem almost endless. One of the biggest challenges is the stigmas surrounding addiction. Substance use stigma is one of the main reasons people do not seek
June 17, 2021 -
How Do I Talk About Suicide With My Child?
Talking to your child about suicide can feel scary, but it is essential and can be life-saving. Suicide is a public health crisis and occurs throughout the lifespan. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in 2018 suicide
June 7, 2021 -
Let’s Try a Different Therapy
According to the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap (CATG) Initiative, there are twenty-three million Americans who are currently struggling with an addiction. Only one in 10 of them receives the proper treatment that they need, leaving a treatment gap of
June 3, 2021 -
Self-Love is Tough, But You Deserve It
We have all heard how important self-love is to achieve great happiness. It’s said that self-love can help decrease stress, mental illness, and help individuals truly live their best lives. Self-love can be defined as a deliberate act that a
June 1, 2021 -
Setting Boundaries in Recovery
Healthy boundaries are essential to keeping your mental health in check. If you’re in recovery, it is especially important for you to learn to set healthy boundaries to help you understand your inherent value and the value of your healing
May 28, 2021 -
Helping My Child With an Addiction Navigate Their Life
Most parents are willing to go to any lengths to protect their children from danger, injury, or illness. If you’re the parent of a child who’s struggling with an addiction, you may find yourself wondering what you can do to
May 25, 2021 -
8 Signs You’ve Found the Right Therapist
It’s not always easy to open up about personal topics like mental health, addiction, or family problems. Finding the right therapist can make a world of difference; then again, finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, either. It can take
May 20, 2021 -
Am I Grieving or Depressed?
Losing a loved one is a jarring, tragic experience. It brings on a period of grief that can be filled with sadness, anger, and anxiety. It can make you uncertain if the sadness will ever go away. Although grief and
May 16, 2021 -
Staying Sober This Summer
Summertime is approaching. The change in schedules, weather, and relaxed nature can lead to an increased risk for relapse. It’s the time of year where social interactions seem almost constant. Outdoor activities and vacations are in abundance, and there are
May 14, 2021 -
Smiling Depression
Have you ever heard of smiling depression? It’s a form of depression in which a person seems happy and thriving on the outside, while inside they are severely struggling. Smiling depression, also known as walking depression or high-functioning depression, is
May 10, 2021 -
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
As parents, we want the best for our children. We strive to give them the chance to live a life that is rich with love and support. We do our best to provide their bodies and minds with nutritional value.
May 5, 2021 -
Bipolar Disorder: How to Spot the Signs
You know your body, and you know when things aren’t working the way they should. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what you’re feeling because you simply don’t understand what your body is going through. If you have or suspect a
May 2, 2021 -
How to Help Your Child Cope With Going Back to School
March marked a full year since many schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools across the country shut down without much warning, transitioning to remote learning on the fly. It was a huge adjustment for students, parents, teachers, and
April 30, 2021 -
Signs That Your Child is Self-Harming
As a parent, you want nothing more for your children than to be safe, happy, and healthy. The thought of your child hurting themselves can stop you in your tracks. If you learn or suspect that your child is hurting
April 27, 2021 -
Helping Your Soldier Battle PTSD
I was awakened by loud, erratic noises. I was still partially asleep, so I tried to push through the fog and figure out what was going on. Though I could hear the hustle and bustle of the city outside our
April 23, 2021 -
The Importance of Cutting Toxic People Out of Your Life
Although removing toxic people from your life won’t always be a walk in the park, sometimes it’s the best thing you can do for your mental and physical well-being. It might not take you long to think of which person
April 20, 2021 -
Talking to Your Kids About Addiction, Recovery, and Your Past
It’s tough to be vulnerable, especially with the people that you are supposed to protect. Many parents in recovery struggle to talk to their children about addiction; whether it be explaining why they have to leave for treatment, or discussing
April 16, 2021 -
Understanding Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is an extreme discomfort that arises from a discrepancy between the gender that a person was assigned at birth and their experienced or expressed gender. People with gender dysphoria can experience severe anguish from the inability to relate
April 13, 2021 -
When You’re Ready to Quit Smoking for Good
Deciding to give up tobacco is one of the most important decisions you can make to better your overall health. Just two years after you quit smoking, you’ll experience a wide range of benefits, including: A tremendous decrease in risk
April 7, 2021 -
Supporting the Mental Health of Your Loved Ones
There’s no sugarcoating it: watching someone you love struggle with symptoms of mental illness can be one of the most heart-wrenching and confusing experiences you will ever endure. Though you wish you could, you may not know how to help
April 2, 2021 -
Staying Motivated During a Crisis
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to undergo intense lifestyle changes with no clear end in sight. We grappled with a newfound loss of control and crippling uncertainty. These widespread negative feelings gave rise to a global mental
March 30, 2021 -
The Difference Between Anxiety and Worry
Although the words worry and anxiety are often used interchangeably, the way we experience them is incredibly distinct. The two are separate emotional states which each have unique effects on your current and long-term mental health. A person experiencing worry
March 27, 2021 -
The Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health
It’s common knowledge that your diet directly influences your health. Your eating choices affect your weight, skin, and gut health. They can put you at risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. The food you eat affects nearly
March 23, 2021 -
Learning to Stay Focused Using the Pomodoro Effect
With more of us working from home than ever before, striking a balance between focusing on work and maintaining a quality home life can prove challenging. It can seem like there’s always something demanding your attention, from children to cleaning
March 20, 2021 -
Five Ways to Help Your Loved One Stay Sober
Addiction is a family disease. It affects each person within the family dynamic in a unique way. If your loved one is battling an addiction, you’ll want to do everything possible to help them succeed in recovering from this disease.
March 16, 2021 -
Telehealth Doesn’t Work for Everyone
There is no doubt that the current pandemic has created numerous obstacles for each of us. For those who were receiving in-person therapeutic services before the pandemic, the challenges were felt almost immediately. Scheduled appointments were put on hold indefinitely
March 13, 2021 -
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
If you look around you, you’ll notice a growing trend of people encouraging one another to speak freely about their struggles with mental health. It’s become increasingly normal for people to share their experiences with mental illness in an attempt
March 7, 2021 -
How Touch Deprivation Can Affect Your Mental Health
Humans thrive off of positive physical touch. From the time of our birth, touch plays a fundamental role in how we communicate with one another. Whether it be a long, loving hug, a congratulatory high-five, or a sweet touch of
March 2, 2021 -
Risks Associated with Self-Medication with Benzodiazepines
Most mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others are treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. When a person does not seek help from a trained medical professional,
February 28, 2021 -
How to Cope With Multiple Mental Illnesses
Mental illness can affect every aspect of your life and make daily responsibilities very challenging. It can cause disruptive sleep patterns, low job performance, and poor eating habits. When you have a mental illness, you can feel extreme fatigue and
February 27, 2021 -
The Link Between Heart Disease and Mental Health Disorders
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for people in the United States. Heart disease includes several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in
February 23, 2021 -
Getting Past the Stigma of Mental Illness
Many people suffer from mental illness and hesitate to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five people in the U.S. is affected by a mental health disorder.
February 20, 2021 -
Preparing for the Anniversary of a Traumatic Event
People who have survived trauma may feel like they relive the feelings of extreme sadness, depression, and anxiety on the anniversary of the traumatic event. The anniversary of a traumatic event can invoke intense feelings and emotions associated with the
February 16, 2021 -
Remote Learning and Its Effects on Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many of us who now work remotely. The pandemic has also led to remote learning for our school-aged children and young adults who attend college. Some areas around the country closed schools in March 2020
February 13, 2021 -
How is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Different from Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes a person to experience uncontrollable and recurring thoughts or behaviors, even when they know they are excessive. While some thoughts and behaviors related to OCD are anxiety-induced, generalized anxiety
February 7, 2021 -
Understanding the Difference between Childhood ADHD and a Learning Disability
Parenting a child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be challenging. Understanding the difference between childhood ADHD and a learning disability can help you prepare and create ways for your child to succeed. ADHD can cause learning difficulties, but it is
February 2, 2021 -
How Alcohol Affects Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect anyone at any time. The symptoms vary in severity and can make life difficult for those who suffer from them. Severe symptoms can be crippling. Many people who have depression struggle
January 29, 2021 -
Eating Disorders: When Food Becomes a Problem
Eating disorders occur when individuals experience severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. People with eating disorders typically become preoccupied with food and their weight. An eating disorder is categorized as a behavioral addiction and is
January 27, 2021 -
Using Psychotherapy to Manage Stress
Psychotherapy is a type of therapy used by medical providers to treat mental health disorders. Psychotherapy helps most mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. It can also help to manage stress and
January 23, 2021 -
Taking a Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Many people who struggle with mental health disorders may hesitate to get help due to their stigma. Some may also not get help because they are not comfortable taking medication that might produce side effects. If a person has a
January 20, 2021 -
The Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Depression
Living with a mental health disorder can affect many aspects of a person's life, such as maintaining a job, attending school, and can interfere with relationships with loved ones. Depression, a common mental health challenge, can cause problems with sleep,
January 16, 2021 -
Ways to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder and form of depression that usually occurs in the late fall and winter months when the days get shorter and colder. SAD can manifest due to the reduction in sunlight and commonly
January 13, 2021 -
Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly found in children that often lasts through adulthood. Neurodevelopmental disorders are disabilities associated primarily with the functioning of the neurological system and brain. Children with ADHD can have trouble paying attention, staying
January 7, 2021 -
Getting Help for a Behavioral Addiction
Similar to a drug or alcohol addiction, behavioral addiction is a repeated activity that continues despite negative consequences. A person who struggles with a behavioral addiction engages in an activity, such as compulsive gambling, shopping, sex, work, or eating, and
January 2, 2021 -
How Bullying Can Affect Mental Health
Bullying can severely affect a person's mental health. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Bullying often occurs among kids in school, on the bus, or in the playground. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many schools to remain closed,
December 29, 2020 -
Staying Healthy in Recovery
Addiction is a complex disease that leads to self-destructive behavior, a host of health problems, or sometimes death. When a person struggles with addiction or substance use disorder, they continue using drugs or alcohol despite any harmful consequences. This is
December 27, 2020 -
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that is an effective treatment for victims of past trauma and distressing life experiences. It can be hard to heal from past trauma, and if left untreated, some people turn
December 23, 2020 -
How to Cope With Depression and Anxiety During the Holidays
"We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255." Many people struggle
December 20, 2020 -
What is Self-Care in Recovery?
Self-care can get lost when you are in the throes of a mental health challenge and can make you feel more depressed, tired, and unforgiving of yourself. Physical, mental, and spiritual health can suffer when you are actively struggling with
December 16, 2020 -
Treatment for PTSD as a First Responder
"We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255." First responders are
December 13, 2020 -
How Addiction Changes the Brain
The brain is a vital organ in the human body that controls how we function. It determines how we move, walk, talk, and think. The brain adapts to environmental changes and allows us to cope with negative emotions, form new
December 7, 2020 -
The Digital Age and Human Intimacy
Throughout the era of evolving technology, we have crafted fortuities that were utterly unattainable only decades ago. For the first time in human existence, anyone across the entire planet can connect in an instant. We can text or email to
December 2, 2020 -
Stress-free Holidays Tips
The holidays bring up a lot of emotions. We can’t avoid feelings such as depression, anxiety, or stress. The expectations from family, friends, co-workers, and ourselves are often overwhelming. Throughout the holiday season, we give ourselves excuses to relax or
November 29, 2020 -
Find Your Motivation: A Holistic Approach
Finding our motivation through holistic approaches is a journey to a healthier mind, body, and spirit. Our trip to loving and being proud of who we are comes from within. When we tap into our inner self and find inner
November 27, 2020 -
Postpartum Depression: More Than the Baby Blues
After giving birth, your body and mind go through many changes. You might feel like you don’t love or care for your baby. Many women experience feeling sad or “blue” three to five days after giving birth; feelings of sadness
November 23, 2020 -
Innovative Thinking: Using Creative Problem Solving
Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is more than thinking outside of the box. CPS is a process that encourages you to identify a problem and seek solutions—questioning why, when, and how will help you in Creative Problem Solving. Problems are, at
November 20, 2020 -
Stay Centered With Therapy
Proper healing of our mind, body, and soul takes time. We can’t expect to wake up one morning and be better. By nurturing our entire being, we learn to forgive, listen to our inner self, and mend. To start our
November 16, 2020 -
Stay Home for Therapy: Find Comfort in Your Space
Staying home to meet your therapist is an option for those who need therapy. In-home therapy provides a feeling of comfort while maintaining a sense of safety and privacy. The ability to feel safe while talking with someone who can
November 13, 2020 -
Finding Yourself in Recovery
Recovery means something different to every person. Your recovery can be a process where you combine group therapy and individual therapy. Others may prefer unique treatment and yoga. Individualized recovery meets the needs of those who are navigating their way
November 7, 2020 -
Self-Love: Nurturing the Mind, Body, and Soul
Self-love isn’t a trend; it’s the realization of self-worth. We need to realize what we mean to ourselves before we can give to others. We bury our self-worth in our body, mind, and soul. The mind, body, soul connection creates
November 2, 2020 -
How Neurofeedback Therapy Helps Seasonal Affective Disorder
Many people love Fall and Winter because of the change in weather, and the arrival of the holidays. However, the darkness we experience as the days grow shorter can affect our mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs because the brain’s
October 23, 2020 -
A Parent’s Guide To Supporting Your LGTBQ+ Child
As children grow up, they learn what it means to have a gender identity from their parents, older siblings or children, and society. Assigned gender roles form their identity and their place in the family or community. Some children accept
October 20, 2020 -
Stand With LQBTQ+ Teens Against Bullying
October 17th is the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) Spirit Day. GLAAD formed in response to the media's and society's reaction to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In 1985 a group of men and women decided to control the LGTBQ+'s
October 16, 2020 -
Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Breast Cancer Patients
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Often, October is referred to as Pinktober because of the pink merchandise and breast cancer themed fundraisers. Many organizations that promote research are to raise awareness and reduce the number of women diagnosed each
October 13, 2020 -
Coping With Internalized Ableism and Self- Loathing
Internalized ableism is when we project negative feelings onto ourselves. Traditionally, internalized ableism describes the subtle oppression of non-disabled people over disabled people. Those with disabilities experience the world differently than non-disabled people. The subtle prejudices or assumptions endured by
October 7, 2020 -
Athletes Facing Mental Health Challenges
The invisible battle of mental health discriminates against no one, including professional athletes. We’ve seen Olympic World Record Setter Michael Phelps bravely address depression on national television. We’ve watched MMA superstar Jon Jones repeatedly commit drug and alcohol-related crimes. We’ve
October 5, 2020 -
Cancer Survivorship and Guilt
Cancer isn't over when you receive the news that there's no evidence of disease. Life after cancer doesn't exist because experience with cancer never truly goes away. The emotional trauma that comes with cancer is difficult to walk through and
October 2, 2020 -
The Impact of Antidepressants on Sex
People who take antidepressants report side effects from their mediation. A large number of those people report sexual dysfunction. Therapists who treat men and women for depression know how to assess the different types of medications that are available and
September 29, 2020 -
The Difference Between Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder
A diagnosis of a mental health disorder can be fluid. Not every symptom presents itself at the initial diagnosis. Sometimes it takes weeks, months, or years before a manifestation of a different mental health disorder presents itself. When a new
September 23, 2020 -
Walking Through the Process of Divorce
Divorce is a blow to our self-identity and confidence. The feelings we encounter during a divorce can range from anger, sadness, and depression to relief. The decision to divorce a spouse is either made due to an unhappy marriage, realizing
September 20, 2020 -
Why Military Mental Health Services Are Essential
Mental health for service members is essential. Coming home to a life torn apart by politics, the coronavirus, and protests can be stressful. Trying to readjust to civilian life presents difficulties of its own. Regardless, if military individuals are transitioning
September 16, 2020 -
The Benefits of Botox For Depression
Struggling with depression can be overwhelming. Major depression is a common mental health disorder that can create severe obstacles to activities. For those who suffer from major depression, living can become a burden. The National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH)
September 13, 2020 -
How to Avoid Stress
We deal with stress every day. Stressful situations occur regardless of where we are. When we are at work, home, in the car, or other places, stress happens. Controlling conditions to get rid of stress can be impossible. Therefore, learning
September 7, 2020 -
Ways to Recognize Anxiety and Addiction
The line between worrying and having an anxiety disorder occurs when a person experiences emotions more significant than the event that triggered the anxiety in the first place. Anxiety disorders disrupt your ability to function in your everyday life. The
September 2, 2020 -
Nutrition: Healing The Body After Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Your body is a war zone. Consistent alcohol or substance abuse erodes your organs’ ability to take in and process vitamins and minerals. Similar to cancer or other diseases, alcohol and substances take over, breaking apart bits and pieces of
August 29, 2020 -
Life After Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment
Admitting you have an addiction is life-changing. A person’s path to recovery begins when they realize they have no control over their use of alcohol and substances, they take action, and they seek help. Asking for help is a powerful
August 27, 2020 -
Linking Bipolar Disorder With Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Bipolar disorder often goes undiagnosed in those who have an alcohol or substance use disorder. Too often, the use of alcohol or drugs masks bipolar episodes. Undetected bipolar disorders create frustration for those who are in treatment or recovery. Bipolar
August 23, 2020 -
Family Roles in Addiction
Families play an essential part in the process of addiction recovery. Each family member’s role creates a unique pattern that affects the whole family unit. Recognizing the roles that family members play is integral in helping an individual face their
August 20, 2020 -
Safe Conversations: Design Your Comfort Zone
Quarantining during COVID-19 is stressful and tedious. Being in self-isolation while going through treatment means that being physically present or active in groups and going to appointments is impossible. Strict guidelines for self-isolation can be limiting, but the regulations don’t
August 16, 2020 -
Cycles of Depression: Hope in Treatment
Depression is complicated. There is often a fear of vulnerability. Complicating it, even more, is the anxiety of being labeled. Then there is the advice given by friends and family. Despite the well-intentioned words, there remains a lack of understanding
August 13, 2020 -
Holistic Addiction Treatment
Treatment for alcohol or substance abuse focusing entirely on addiction doesn't include the whole person. A holistic approach to addiction treatment—including mind, body, and soul—is gaining popularity. The standard care for addiction therapy combined with a comprehensive approach addresses addictions,
August 7, 2020 -
The Dangers of Teens Using Marijuana
Marijuana is a safe drug. At least that’s what advocates for marijuana use want us to believe. There are many names for cannabis, including pot and weed. Search the internet with any of these names, and you will find research
August 2, 2020 -
Failure to Launch: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Failure to launch refers to highly-dependent adult children who are still relying on their parents to care for them. Individuals with failure to launch syndrome have little desire to seek employment or contribute financially and tend to isolate themselves from
July 29, 2020 -
10 Self-Care Activities to Combat Depression
Coping with depression during a global pandemic and being unable to leave home can take an emotional toll on just about anyone. As the world begins to open up, it’s important to do little things that bring you joy and
July 27, 2020 -
Coping Mechanisms for PTSD
“Holding yourself accountable for someone else hurting you, only continues the hurting long after the hurting is done.” -Anonymous There is a common thread that plagues victims of traumatic events: self-blame. So what causes self-blame, and why is it so
July 23, 2020 -
Maintaining a Schedule for Work-Life Balance
As the stay-at-home orders are lifted nationwide, it is essential to maintain a schedule that works for you. It has likely been easier to keep a work-life balance without a daily commute, early alarm clocks, or filled social calendars. As
July 20, 2020 -
Staying Happy and Anxiety-Free During “Safer at Home” Order
COVID-19 took the nation by storm. For many Americans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, it completely halted their coping strategies and healing processes. Everything went from normal to lockdown in a matter of days. For
July 16, 2020 -
Ways to Help Children with ADHD Manage Online Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic threw off everyone's 2020 plans. The virus not only shut down our malls, schools, pools, and gyms — it shut down our way of life. Children went home one Friday afternoon from school, unaware that they would
July 13, 2020 -
The Link Between Athletes and Depression
More high school and college athletes are experiencing depression than ever before. According to the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), depression affects approximately 17.3 American adults, or just over 7% of the U.S. population age 18 and older. Yet
July 7, 2020 -
Tips for Dealing with a Teenager Suffering from Anxiety-Induced Anger Attacks
It is common for individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder to experience anger attacks. Some may be angry with themselves for their illness and some experience rage instead of anxiety. Growing up in a household of aggression is not easy
July 2, 2020 -
The Importance of Caregivers to Those with Depression
A caregiver refers to a person who provides care to someone in need. Research indicates that there are approximately 40 million caregivers in the United States who perform a wide array of duties on behalf of another, which includes everything
March 24, 2020 -
Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety [Infographic]
Share this Image On Your Site </p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><strong>Please include attribution to achieveconcierge.com with this graphic.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href='https://achieveconcierge.com/blog/tips-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety-infographic/'><img src='https:<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>//secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.106/53r.5a8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tips_Reduce_Stress_Infographic_V2-2-scaled.jpg' alt='Tips to Reduce Stress
February 7, 2020 -
5 Ways to Support Survivors of Suicide
Suicide ranks as the tenth-leading cause of death in the United States, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports, and an estimated 1.4 million suicide attempts took place in 2017. Yet there are many ways to promote suicide education
January 15, 2020 -
How to Recognize a Mood Disorder
Mood disorders disrupt everyday life, yet they often go undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately, people who understand mood disorders can quickly recognize the warning signs of a mood disorder and take steps to treat their symptoms. A mood disorder refers to
January 10, 2020 -
Conquering Mental Health Struggles with Holistic Treatments
Holistic care refers to a form of treatment that focuses on the whole person. A holistic treatment emphasizes an individual's body, mind, and spirit, and it may be used for mental health therapy. In fact, a holistic treatment is sometimes
January 8, 2020 -
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Depression
A New Year's resolution brings hope and excitement. Yet for people who are coping with depression, creating the right New Year's resolution and following through on it is sometimes challenging. And in some cases, a New Year's resolution can cause
January 1, 2020 -
What to Do If You Have Holiday Depression
The holiday season is a joyous time of year, filled with celebrations that men, women, and children worldwide can enjoy. For some people, however, the holiday season brings depression symptoms that can be difficult to manage. There are many holiday
December 25, 2019 -
What Does Anxiety Look Like in the Brain? [Infographic]
Share this Image On Your Site </p><br /> <p><strong>Please include attribution to www.achieveconcierge.com with this graphic.</strong></p><br /> <p><a href='https://achieveconcierge.com/blog/what-does-anxiety-look-like-in-the-brain/'><img src='https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.106/53r.5a8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Anxiety-in-the-Brain_Infographic-Mockup-V2-scaled.jpg' alt='WHAT DOES ANXIETY LOOK LIKE IN THE BRAIN?' 540px border='0' /></a></p><br /> <p> Anxiety refers to the body's natural response
December 4, 2019 -
The Ethics of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing helps people identify changes in chromosomes, genes, and proteins. It is commonly used to evaluate a number of variations in genetic code, associated with everything from cancer risk to drug metabolism. In other cases, people will use genetic
December 2, 2019 -
How Healthy Eating Can Improve Your Mental Health
Research indicates that healthy eating affects mood-related body chemicals. In one study published in Nutrients, researchers evaluated the relationship between diet and mental health in 1,956 college students. Researchers reviewed the number of depressed and anxious days that study participants
November 12, 2019 -
Mental Health Treatments: Know Your Options
Mental illnesses affect a person's behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, yet it frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports 47.6 million U.S. adults experienced a mental illness in 2018. Among these individuals, only 43.3% received
October 18, 2019 -
How Holistic Treatment Is Used to Treat PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to a mental health condition that affects people after an accident, physical abuse, sexual assault, or any other traumatic event. There is no telling how long PTSD lasts or when it will begin following trauma.
October 15, 2019 -
10 Ways to Support Someone with Depression
Depression is a serious medical illness that affects millions of people worldwide. In some instances, depression symptoms go untreated for many months or years — despite the harm they cause. Fortunately, if you know how to identify depression symptoms, you
August 30, 2019 -
Self-Care Ideas for Depression
Depression is a medical illness that affects the way a person thinks, acts, and feels. It can impact men, women, and children and make it difficult to enjoy life. If you feel depressed, you may also experience one or more
August 23, 2019
ACHIEVE MEDICAL CONCIERGE
Achieve Concierge is committed to providing the highest level of mental wellness care with personalized service that is second to none. Understanding and respecting the value of their time, our patients enjoy preferential care and exclusive services. A combination of evidence-based treatment elements in a personalized treatment plan ensures that all aspects of the patient are addressed holistically and successfully.
