Mental Health

Traumatic experiences can leave an indelible mark on a person's life, manifesting in various ways. Two conditions that often arise from such experiences are traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between TBI and PTSD, shedding light on what these conditions entail and the unique challenges they present.    What is Traumatic Brain Injury?  Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs when an external force injures the brain. This force can result from a blow, jolt or penetrating object, causing disruption to normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild to [...]

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can have profound and lasting effects on a person's mental health. In this blog, we delve into the intricate relationship between sexual assault and mental health, exploring the emotional toll on victims and highlighting resources available for those seeking support.  The psychological impact of sexual assault    Sexual assault can leave deep scars on a survivor's mental well-being. The violation of personal boundaries, loss of control and the betrayal of trust can lead to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aftermath of sexual assault [...]

As is the case throughout much of the United States, in Georgia, the issue of adolescent suicidal ideation is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) emphasizes the importance of suicide prevention, especially among young people. With suicide being a leading cause of death in the state, comprehensive strategies and dedicated resources are vital for addressing this public health crisis.  The Importance of Early Intervention  Early intervention is crucial for suicide prevention. Adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts need immediate access to mental health services. The DBHDD focuses on various suicide [...]

In 2004 the term FOMO made its appearance on social media sites to describe a growing sensation – FOMO is short for the “Fear of missing out,” and was coined to describe the loneliness and sense of being left out which people may experience when seeing or hearing about the positive experiences of others. So if you find yourself anxious about not having a glamorous trip planned, are struggling with confidence as a result of someone else’s pictures online or are lacking self-esteem as a result of not being invited to an event, you may be experiencing FOMO.  What [...]

The connection between food and mental health is profound, with certain nutrients playing a pivotal role in supporting cognitive function and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore the best foods for mental health, understand how food affects mental health and emphasize the crucial link between mental health and nutrition.  Best Foods for Mental Health  Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for brain health, omega-3 fatty acids — found in fatty fish like salmon as well as walnuts and flaxseeds — contribute to cognitive function and may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Berries, dark chocolate and [...]

Depression affects millions of individuals worldwide. Assessing and understanding the severity of this common yet serious disorder is essential for effective treatment of depression. One of the tools used to assess depression severity is the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. For those in the Marietta, GA area, High Focus Centers provides expert care and support for individuals battling depression, utilizing the Zung Scale among other resources for comprehensive assessment and treatment planning.  What is the Zung Depression Scale?  The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale is a widely used psychological assessment tool that helps to identify and quantify the level of depression [...]

Experiencing a loss is a unique experience – it can leave you feeling so lost, confused and overwhelmed that you struggle to cope with it all. You know you have to continue figuring it out, but sometimes you don’t even know what that’s supposed to look like.  Grief can be so debilitating it begins negatively interfering with your daily life, preventing you from operating at your fullest capacity and causing numerous negative emotions throughout your day. It can worsen mental health conditions, or cause new ones to arise. Most of the time, grief is best managed with the help [...]

Being a new student on campus, whether you’re a freshman or a transfer student, can be tough.  Even the extroverts who make assimilation look easy have their own adjustment period they have to go through. A new environment, new social circles and groups, all of the changes that come with enrolling in a new school can be overwhelming to anyone.  Social anxiety, new educational stressors and homesickness are all factors that can lead to new students isolating themselves. Though avoiding social activities might feel as if it temporarily reduces your anxiety, it’s not a healthy or sustainable approach to [...]

Traumatic events can leave a negative lasting impression on individuals who experience or witness them, usually taking a significant toll on multiple (if not all) areas of their lives. Though many stigmas around seeking professional help have been broken, some continue to be perpetuated, especially in environments where mental and physical resilience are glorified. Military trauma should always be acknowledged and taken seriously. The often extreme and distressing encounters military personnel can experience usually require some form of professional support in order to help them fully process what they went through. Recognizing military trauma and understanding what trauma does [...]

Social media as a whole isn’t even 30 years old yet. Social media in the way we think of it in the modern sense (iPhones, TikTok, AI-based algorithms, etc.) is barely 20. In other words, the true social media impact on society has yet to be revealed.  It’s changed a lot since the launch of its initial platforms in the late 90s and early 2000s. These platforms evolved from the sharing of status updates and pictures—to sharing live and pre-recorded videos, the ability to call or video chat, offering online shopping and more. For many people, personally and professionally, social [...]