A Closer Look at the Stigma Around Mental Health
Millions of people struggle with mental illnesses every single year in the United States alone, and according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than half of them will never receive the treatment they need. There are many contributing factors to why this, but one of the root causes continues to be stigmas around mental health. Despite all of the progress the mental health care community has made with eliminating much of the publicly spread misinformation, stigmas continue to circulate down through generations and can be especially prevalent within certain cultural and religious communities. While we might not be [...]
5 Seasonal Depression Remedies to Help Your Loved Ones
Seasonal depression is a mental condition that affects individuals when the weather changes. It is most commonly associated with the winter months, and though anyone can experience seasonal depression all year long, it is rare to develop in summer and springtime. If you’ve never experienced seasonal depression, or aren’t entirely sure what it is, you might find yourself at a bit of a loss with a loved one who’s suddenly become withdrawn and irritable. The good news is, there are plenty of things to help with seasonal depression and plenty of ways you can help your loved one relieve [...]
3 Practical and Powerful Mental Health Goals for the New Year
The New Year is the ultimate symbol of change. People commonly set goals around fitness and physical health, but some health goals are more subtle than that and yet, equally as important. These would be the goals for mental health. Remember the timeless phrase, “mind, body and soul” — in order to truly be the healthiest version of yourself, you need to take care of your mind, body and soul. Fitness is just one piece of the puzzle, mental health is another. How you see yourself, talk to yourself and treat yourself matters; how you process your thoughts and feelings [...]
Anxiety and the Holidays: Top Causes and Practical Ways to Alleviate It
A little bit of stress and some feelings of anxiety during the holidays are completely normal. Winter holidays are one of the busiest seasons (arguably, the busiest season) of the year, and one that, unfortunately, doesn’t always feel so merry and bright. For individuals or families of individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, this November–January period can pose a series of challenges, ranging from depression and loneliness to mania and panic. For those who already suffer from chronic anxiety, added stress during the holidays can lead to exacerbated symptoms, such as heightened or severe anxiety and stress. [...]
How Does Loneliness Affect Mental Health?
The holiday season can bring a mixed bag of emotions. On the surface, we mostly tend to see individuals who are joyful and fulfilled by the holidays. Overwhelmingly we see these portrayals in commercialized advertisements and social media, platforms that capitalize on the festive season or aim at self-promotion. Beneath the surface, however, many people experience more negative emotions during the holidays. It’s common for individuals to feel isolated, left out, stressed, anxious and alone. Whether it’s grief, financial troubles or loneliness that disrupts the holidays, you’re far from alone if you’re not feeling the season’s cheer. Loneliness during the [...]
Mental Health and Suicide: How Each Affects the Other
The state of our mental health affects every single area of our lives. It’s one of the dominant influences over how we view and feel about ourselves, others and the world around us. It has the power to assist us in holding fast to hope no matter how much we’re struggling, or it can be the defining factor that pushes us to give in to despair. Poor mental health is just one of the many elements that contribute to a person’s decision to commit suicide, a terrible act that affects many other lives besides the one that is claimed. Survivors [...]
How Athletes are Affected by Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Adolescents and young adults who play high school and college sports face unique stressors that can leave them vulnerable to developing substance use and mental health disorders. In this interview, Dominique Jones shares ways that parents, coaches and professionals can support young athletes who are struggling or at risk. Dominique is a primary mental health therapist at High Focus Centers in Sandy Springs, Georgia. A Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, she earned her master’s degree from Clayton State University. Which behavioral health issues are most commonly seen in athletes? There are particular stressors that come along with playing a sport [...]
Long and Short Term Effects of Grief on Mental Health
The short term effects of grief on mental health through the five stages of grief, like self-isolation, anxiety, negative mood and failure to find enjoyment in life.
Understanding and Improving Overall Wellness
You can promote wellness by protecting your sleep, exercising daily, getting fresh air and sunshine, developing healthy coping mechanisms and maintaining social relationships.
How Minority Communities are Affected by Trauma and Stressor Disorders
Understanding the link between racial discrimination and mental health, plus risk factors for minority populations like generational stress and exposure to trauma.
The Meaning of Co-Occurring Disorders
Learn about co-occurring disorders meaning, and the effect that mental illness and substance abuse can have on an individual.
Dealing with Trauma One Step at a Time
Learn how to deal with trauma in five easy steps, including educating yourself on trauma, identifying symptoms and triggers and investing in self-care.