Sometimes, when a person is in recovery from a substance use disorder, living with anxiety or depression, or working to heal from trauma, words aren’t enough. Often, there are emotions felt that are strong and pervasive yet seem to remain out of reach for a person trying to verbalize them. This may happen because there…
If you’ve ever attempted to start an exercise routine or change your diet while living with your family, you will understand that doing so without your family following suit is difficult. It doesn’t mean that they have to do everything that you do, but if they are accustomed to regularly eating fast food and not…
It has been said that “you are what you eat” but did you know that can mean your physical health can affect your mental health? If you are feeling low or stressed, but don’t know why, it could be that your physical health is affecting aspects of your mental health. This is often a misunderstood…
Over 40 million adults live with some type of mental health issue, equating to one in every five American adults. Mental health conditions can range from mild to severe, and some people who experience these symptoms are able to function well enough on their own or with therapy alone. However, for those that need medication management…
Negative thinking patterns, or cognitive distortions, can manifest as incorrect assumptions, unrealistic self-criticisms, and even the denial of reality itself. Yet, the effects of this thinking can be all too real for someone struggling with their mental health. Breaking free from negative thought patterns requires learning how to cope effectively with the feelings and triggers…
March is National Disability Awareness Month. Approximately 61 million Americans are living with a disability. The term “disability” is defined in various ways but for the purposes of federal disability nondiscrimination laws (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act), the definition of a person with a disability is typically defined as someone who “has a physical…
For some individuals, pregnancy is the happiest time of their lives. But for others, pregnancy and childbirth are full of confusion, pain, fear, stress, and even depression. The mismatch between cultural expectations and personal expectations can also make it difficult for pregnant people to cope and seek help when they need it. Perinatal anxiety or…
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community represents a diverse range of identities and expressions of gender and sexual orientation. Research shows that LGBTQIA+ populations of all ages disproportionately experience more instances of mental health and substance use disorders, suicidality, and poorer wellbeing outcomes compared to their heterosexual and cisgender (people whose…
The term “triggered” often refers to the experience of having an emotional reaction to a disturbing topic such as violence or the mention of suicide in the media or a social setting. Though this term is commonly used to refer to the experiences of those with PTSD, the term “trigger” can also be used in the…
The brain has many different parts that affect both our mental and physical health. Let’s review the human brain and how it influences our thoughts and behavior. Basic Brain Overview Each region of the human brain has particular functions. The three main parts of the brain include the:Cerebrum: Located at the front of the brain, the…
