These days, many people focus on their physical health. But few give much attention, if any, to their mental health. What does mental health refer to? Mental health describes a person’s overall psychological health and well-being. It has much to do with the way you feel about yourself, your ability to manage your emotions, how you deal with challenges and...[ read more ]
At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent. Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even excessive, even without obvious stressors,...[ read more ]
Your child has trouble paying attention in school, is restless/fidgety or constantly daydreams. Is this behavior normal developmentally, or is there something deeper occurring? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Revised (DSM-V TR) describes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a “persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” These symptoms have usually...[ read more ]
When we first fall in love with that special someone, we want to spend all of our time together. In fact, we seem to feel better when we are with our significant other. This is the infatuation stage, and admittedly, it feels really good. But enduring relationships move past this stage and into a place of mutual respect and care....[ read more ]
Seasonal depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives. With the warmer months here,...[ read more ]
Loneliness and lacking the desired social connection is a big fear for many people. Whether it is a result of failed relationships, moving, or children moving out, there is a void that many long to fill when they begin spending their time alone. Instead of looking inside themselves, they look for the company of new and old friends to rid...[ read more ]
When it comes to addiction, there’s one thing that all addicts have in common: at some point, they realize that their life is headed down a path they don’t want to go down. Addiction can begin innocently enough; someone might start taking drugs or drinking out of curiosity, peer pressure, as a coping mechanism to help them feel better, or...[ read more ]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) refers to a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that cause an individual to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These thought patterns and behaviors significantly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life. What is Exposure and Response Prevention? Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that is effectively used to...[ read more ]
I’m a new mom and the anxiety that comes along with being a first-time mom is no joke. You have no idea what you’re doing. While they give you a “manual” called “What to Expect In The First Year” your child doesn’t always magically fit into the advice given. My anxiety started when I realized I actually had to take the...[ read more ]
The pandemic opened the doors for online counseling, Telehealth and virtual therapy. A lot of therapists were not set up for this type of therapy. I remember when it started to set in that a lot of therapists would need to transition to online counseling. Therapists were panicking. What platform should they use? How would their clients take payment? Would...[ read more ]