Mental Health

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. One of the most distressing symptoms of PTSD is nightmares, which can severely impact sleep quality and overall well-being. Understanding the relationship between PTSD and sleep, the causes behind PTSD nightmares and how to stop PTSD nightmares can help sufferers manage their symptoms more effectively. PTSD and Sleep Issues Sleep disturbances are a common problem for individuals with PTSD. These disturbances can include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. PTSD and sleep cycles are interconnected, with nightmares playing a significant [...]

Individuals may be required to undergo behavioral health evaluations in certain legal situations. These assessments are crucial in determining a person's mental state and needs in legal proceedings. This blog will explore what constitutes a mental health evaluation, how court-ordered mental health treatment works and clarify the meaning of “court-ordered” in this context.    What Does Court Order Mean?  A court order is a legal directive issued by a judge requiring a person to comply with specific instructions. In the context of mental health, a court order can mandate an individual to undergo a mental health evaluation or receive treatment. These [...]

Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Understanding the different levels of anxiety can help individuals identify their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment. This blog defines anxiety and delves into its four distinct levels.  What Are the Levels of Anxiety?  Anxiety manifests in various intensities, each with its own set of characteristics and impacts on daily life. The four stress levels are mild, moderate, severe and panic level. Recognizing these levels is crucial for managing and treating anxiety effectively.  Mild Anxiety  Mild anxiety is often seen as a normal part of life. It can be [...]

Relationships are meant to be sources of support, love and growth. However, when one or both individuals are not healthy, the bond can become toxic, codependent and harmful. Understanding how to fix a codependent relationship and recognizing the signs of being “addicted” to a person are essential steps toward building more balanced, fulfilling connections with others. This blog will explore the nature of codependent relationships, determine whether one can be addicted to another person and provide actionable steps on breaking the cycle of codependence.  Can You Be Addicted to a Person?  Addiction usually refers to substances, but it can also [...]

Fear is a natural response to danger, a primal instinct that has kept humans safe for millennia. Phobias, however, are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations. Understanding "fear vs. phobia" is crucial for recognizing when normal caution becomes debilitating. In this blog, we'll explore what separates phobias from fears and highlight the most common types of each.   Fear vs. Phobia  First, let’s define the characteristics of fears and phobias. Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat. It activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing one to deal with danger. Fear can be rational and proportional [...]

There is no denying that life is challenging at times. Situations happen at work, in our families, and with our partners, which cause stress and sometimes sadness. We may be faced with increasingly difficult decisions and struggle with maintaining a positive attitude during the process.  These experiences and emotions are all normal and natural. Much happens in our daily lives that causes stress and may leave us feeling down.  But when these emotions persist and cause increased mental turmoil, it is possible that anxiety and/or depression play a role. And it is not uncommon for those experiencing the symptoms of [...]

Mood stabilizers play a crucial role in the treatment of various mental health conditions, particularly bipolar disorder. These medications are designed to help individuals manage mood swings, stabilize emotions and prevent episodes of mania or depression. In this blog post, we'll explore the mechanism of action behind mood stabilizers and shed light on how these medications work to restore emotional balance.  How Do Mood Stabilizers Work?  The term “mood stabilizers” describes a class of psychiatric medications primarily used for the treatment of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, cyclothymia and certain types of depression. While the exact mechanisms of action [...]

To expect a constant, stable mood at all times is not only unrealistic, it isn’t human. As humans, part of who we are includes experiencing a variety of moods, from happiness to sadness, excitement to depression. General fluctuations in mood are not abnormal.    When these fluctuations become more frequent, intense or present without a cause, however, concern should be raised. Normal mood swings happen with a cause; abnormal mood swings happen randomly and can begin to significantly decrease your quality of life.  What are mood swings and what causes them? Mood changes are different from mood swings in that as [...]