Identity is a combination of physical and behavioral traits that help us define who we are. Specific identity characteristics help define us as uniquely identifiable individuals, while others determine how we fit into our communities and society. Social acceptance plays a vital role in overall well-being. Identifying as different or unaccepted for who you are…
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, with mood disorder symptoms like mania or depression. It is a rare yet severe mental illness that can significantly impact daily functioning and relationships. You may be wondering if there is therapy for schizoaffective disorder available. Fortunately, there…
If you or a loved one lives with bipolar disorder, you are likely familiar with the unpredictable, often severe mood swings that come with it. These dramatic highs and lows impact all areas of life. While bipolar disorder can negatively affect all areas of your life, treatment for bipolar disorder is available. Effective bipolar disorder…
The holiday season is one of the busiest and most popular times of the year. We pack our schedules from Thanksgiving through New Year’s with decorating, shopping, cooking, parties, travel, and family and friends. While this time of year is enjoyable for many, the busyness and stress associated with the holidays can take a toll…
Relationships are essential in our lives and significantly impact physical and mental health and well-being. Individuals with strong social connections to family, friends, and community are happier, physically healthier, and have fewer mental health issues than those without these connections. The quality of these connections also impacts well-being. Research shows that living in unhealthy relationships…
Deciding to seek professional mental health treatment is a courageous step toward recovery. However, it can also be frightening when you are unsure what to expect. At Harmony Hills, we understand the fears and uncertainty of entering a mental health facility. Here, you can be assured that our caring and compassionate intake specialists will guide…
Psychological trauma is the response to experiencing or witnessing an event that challenges your sense of safety and leaves you unable to cope. The body’s natural defenses take over during a traumatic event and create a stress reaction known as the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response, creating an intense rush of stress hormones, primarily…
The World Health Organization has classified stress as the most significant health epidemic of the 21st century. Anxiety is the leading mental health disorder in American adults, and research indicates it is rising across all age groups. Social media creates pressure to look, do better, and always strive for more. A 24-hour news cycle bombards…
A traumatic event is any occurrence that threatens our sense of safety, whether real or perceived. Most people will experience trauma at some point. It can have a lasting emotional and psychological impact. For most, the effects of trauma subside after a short time, as the details of the trauma begin to fade. Still, for…
When you are ready to receive mental health treatment, one of the choices you need to make is choosing a psychotherapist. This may seem overwhelming, but you can narrow down the many options when you know what to look for. It’s essential to remember that, like everyone else, therapists are people with distinct personalities and…