December 6, 2021
In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for teens. Suicide rates for adolescent girls has doubled since 2007, as have suicide attempts. The first step to improving mental health and reducing teenage suicide is by having informed, rational public and private discussions about it within the community. This starts with a conversation between you and your teen. Here are 4 tips for talking to your teen about suicide. Prepare Conversations about suicide, depression, and self-harm can be difficult to have with a loved one, especially a child. Commit to staying calm, compassionate, and better understanding their pain. ...
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November 8, 2021
Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that interfere with living a healthy life are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. For example, an irrational fear of germs may cause someone to avoid touching doorknobs, or social interactions. Or, an excessive need for order results in continuous cleaning and rearranging. For some, OCD can even cause brief repetitive tics such as blinking, grunting, sniffling, or jerking their head. While it is common to experience both the thoughts and behavior symptoms of OCD together, they can be experienced separately. Here are some of the most common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Symptoms Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ...
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October 7, 2021
It can be difficult to get motivated when you suffer from depression. You may feel defeated, hopeless, or exhausted. However, one step in the right direction can create the momentum that leads to total transformation. Here are four ways to better manage depression with a healthier daily routine. Set An Alarm An irregular sleep pattern can increase your risk of depression almost as much as someone who is sleep deprived. Plan for a rewarding day by preparing for it the night before. Experts advise 7-9 hours of sleep for adults. Furthermore, studies have shown people who wake up earlier were ...
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September 13, 2021
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as “an emotional response to an extremely negative event.” Traumatic stress reactions are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. They can be caused from one-time events, ongoing stress, or something that happened during childhood. Here are 4 ways untreated trauma can impact our lives. 1. Emotionally Common feelings experienced after a traumatic event can include anger, shame, fear, and sadness. It is not uncommon to feel a heightened level of anxiety, or overwhelming stress during this time. Some even report feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt. Many will describe feeling numb, or detached. This is ...
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August 11, 2021
Do you and your partner have trouble communicating? Are you unable to forgive them for something that happened months or years ago? Is there a lack of intimacy or trust in your relationship? Couples therapy provides a safe, controlled space to resolve these conflicts and not only repair, but strengthen, your relationship. This form of psychotherapy promotes open, honest conversations mediated by a licensed professional with a deep understanding of primary relationship networks and the role of individuals within them. Studies show that couples therapy is effective in reducing distress in relationships. Most find the experience to be empowering, transformative, ...
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July 13, 2021
Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness. Only a fraction seek help. Here are 10 tips to improve your mental health: 1. Prioritize You Improving mental health starts with making it a priority. Make time for the self-care you deserve. Be disciplined in your actions and make mental well-being your mission starting with today. As Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson states in his book 12 Rules for Life, “Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.” 2. Exercise Regularly Physical activity may be the best immediate mood-changing tool at your disposal. It helps ...
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June 12, 2021
In the U.S., over 24 million people suffer from an eating disorder. Most tend to develop during adolescence and early adulthood, leading to a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits and behaviors. These habits and behaviors can result in nutritional deficiencies and other serious health problems. Eating disorders can be attributed to a number of factors from genetics, cultural preferences, personality traits, and media influence. Studies show more women experience eating disorders than men. Here are four of the twelve major eating disorders and how to identify them: 1. Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa is defined as “an emotional disorder characterized by ...
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May 14, 2021
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes wild and unpredictable changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. It can make concentrating or accomplishing simple tasks difficult and frustrating. Someone with bipolar disorder can experience periods of extreme elation, intense energy, irritability, and exaggerated behavior. These are known as manic episodes. They also experience periods of hopelessness and indifference. These are known as depressive episodes. In extreme cases, someone with bipolar disease may experience psychosis, delusions and hallucinations. The cause of bipolar disorder is not known, however, we believe genetics, environment, and brain chemistry are significant factors. The Three Types ...
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April 13, 2021
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur when you’ve experienced a traumatic event, witnessed a traumatic event, or are repeatedly exposed to details about a traumatic event. Some may even develop post-traumatic stress disorder after learning someone close to them experienced or was affected by a traumatic event. Common symptoms of PTSD include disturbed sleep, aggressive behavior, lack of concentration, extreme anxiety and more. Each of us act and react differently in response to these events, and that is ok. To properly diagnose this condition, both a thorough physical and psychological evaluation are necessary. Effective Treatments For PTSD Learning how to ...
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March 15, 2021
The impact COVID-19 has had on each of our lives can be described as both unique and difficult. For some, it meant transitioning from working at the office to working from home. For others, it meant adapting to at-home learning with virtual classes, or business compliance with evolving health mandates. These abrupt changes to the way we work, live, and interact with each other are proving to have a negative impact on the mental health of every age group. As scientists track a surge in depression and anxiety related to the pandemic, we are forced to find new and different ...
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