Why Do Social Situations Feel So Overwhelming?
If you're filled with dread at the thought of making small talk, attending a gathering or speaking in public, you’re not alone. Social anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting millions of people who struggle with feeling judged, embarrassed or out of place in social settings. Social anxiety isn’t just shyness; it’s an intense fear of social interactions that can lead to avoidance behaviors and impact daily life. It often stems from a mix of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Negative past experiences, fear of rejection and overactive self-criticism can all contribute to feelings of anxiety in [...]
Do You Have Hidden Trauma? Here’s How to Recognize It & Heal
Trauma isn’t always obvious. It can hide beneath the surface, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without you even realizing it. If you’ve ever felt anxious, disconnected, or emotionally stuck, you may be dealing with unresolved trauma. But the good news is—you don’t have to stay trapped in the past. High Focus Centers offers life-changing trauma treatment programs designed to help you heal and move forward. How Does Trauma Form? Trauma can develop in response to distressing or overwhelming events that exceed a person’s ability to cope. Some common causes of trauma include: 1. Childhood Trauma Abuse (physical, emotional, or [...]
Embrace the Season of Change: Why January Is the Best Time to Prioritize Mental Health and Recovery
As winter settles in and the new year begins, it’s natural to slow down and reflect. Much like the natural world enters a season of hibernation, this quiet period offers the perfect opportunity to focus on mental health, substance abuse recovery, or addressing co-occurring disorders. High Focus Centers is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to support lasting wellness. Harness the Power of Winter for Mental Wellness Winter invites us to turn inward, making it an excellent time to prioritize mental well-being. The colder, quieter months encourage introspection and self-care—key components of recovery and personal growth. January symbolizes a fresh [...]
Understanding PTSD: The 20 DSM-5 Symptoms in Adolescents and Adults
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This condition affects both adolescents and adults, but it can manifest differently depending on age, life experiences, and coping mechanisms. Understanding the symptoms of PTSD, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is crucial for recognizing the disorder and seeking appropriate treatment. What Is PTSD? PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as violence, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or military combat. For adolescents [...]
The Benefits of Combining Therapy with Lifestyle Changes for Mental Health
Struggling with mental health can feel overwhelming, isolating and often exhausting. While therapy serves as a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the root causes of mental health challenges, its effectiveness can be amplified when paired with intentional lifestyle changes. At High Focus Centers, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health that integrates therapy with positive lifestyle adjustments for sustainable well-being. Here’s why combining these approaches can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Understanding the Role of Therapy Therapy is a cornerstone of mental health treatment, providing a safe space to explore emotions, thought patterns and [...]
Coping Skills for Stress: Effective Ways for Young Men to Manage Stress in Daily Life
Stress is a part of life, but for many young men, the pressures of daily life can feel overwhelming. Whether balancing work or studies, maintaining relationships, or navigating the expectations society places on men, stress can pile up quickly. Understanding their unique challenges and learning specific coping skills for stress is essential to building a healthy approach to mental well-being. Stress can take a heavy toll on men, impacting both physical and mental health, so finding effective ways to manage it is crucial. Here are some valuable stress management techniques young men can use to stay resilient and maintain a [...]
Exploring Bibliotherapy: How Reading Can Support Mental Health in Johns Creek, GA
In the fast-paced world we live in, mental health challenges can arise from various aspects of life, be it personal, academic, or professional. Whether you're grappling with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply searching for ways to enhance emotional well-being, bibliotherapy can be a powerful tool in your mental health journey. In Johns Creek, GA, bibliotherapy is gaining recognition as a unique therapeutic practice that uses reading, writing, and discussion to help individuals grow and heal. Notably, High Focus Centers offers bibliotherapy services in Johns Creek, providing residents with an innovative and accessible path to emotional well-being. Imagine a therapy session [...]
Loneliness in Recovery: Navigating the Emotional Journey
Recovery from addiction is a courageous and transformative process, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common and difficult emotions faced by individuals in recovery is loneliness. At High Focus Centers, we recognize that loneliness in recovery can be a significant hurdle, but may also present an opportunity for personal growth and healing. In this blog, we will explore the concept of loneliness in recovery and provide strategies to help you navigate this emotional journey. Defining Loneliness Loneliness in recovery can occur even when you aren’t technically alone. Deep feelings of emotional isolation can [...]
What Are The Similarities and Differences of Ativan and Xanax?
Anxiety, panic disorders and seizures are not illnesses to be taken lightly. Mental health conditions and diseases such as these usually require more intense forms of treatment and daily medication. Options like Ativan and Xanax can help provide relief from symptoms but should be pursued with caution. With addiction potential, it is essential to find out whether Xanax or Ativan is better for addressing your symptoms and work closely with your doctor to address your concerns effectively. What is Ativan? Ativan, also known by its generic name lorazepam, is a prescription medication classified as a benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed [...]
What Is the Risk of Overdose If I’m Taking Lexapro?
The levels of hormones in our bodies change all the time – this is how our bodies keep us regulated, healthy and operating appropriately. However, these hormones sometimes fall out of balance and inappropriate levels occur. When this happens, specific mental health and physical health complications can occur. For example, when serotonin levels in our body fall, depression and anxiety disorders may arise. To combat this, medications like Lexapro may be prescribed for chronic cases. The critical thing to note is the risk of overdose when taking Lexapro. What is Lexapro? Lexapro is a prescription medication that belongs to a [...]
What Causes PTSD Nightmares?
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 [...]
Court-Ordered Behavioral Health Evaluations: What You Need to Know
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 [...]