When most people think about health and wellness, the focus is on physical health. However, mental health is equally important to overall well-being. Mental health issues had been misunderstood for centuries, resulting in standards of care deemed cruel and unusual by today’s standards. Thankfully, there has been a transformation in mental health care over the…
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can happen to anyone following trauma, it is most prevalent among our military service members, both active duty and veterans. Because of the nature of their service, members of the military face an exceptional risk of experiencing trauma and potentially developing PTSD. Trauma impacts everyone differently; unfortunately, there is no…
Watching a loved one struggle with mental illness is difficult and painful. Figuring out how to help can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, anger, fear, guilt, and worry, particularly if your loved one is in denial or refuses your help. Mental health disorders affect millions of people throughout the world. It is estimated that…
Anxiety is a natural stress response. In average doses, anxiety can be beneficial to our overall well-being. However, when anxiety is chronic or persistent, it is harmful to our mental and physical health. An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, panic…
Paranoia refers to the irrational, persistent feeling or belief that others are trying to harm you physically or are otherwise out to get you. This pattern of thinking involves intense, unfounded suspicion and distrust. The deep mistrust of others associated with paranoia causes significant relationships and daily functioning problems. Paranoia is linked to several mental…
Doctors and psychologists have long been warning about the dangers of chronic stress. With rates of stress and anxiety significantly rising over the past few years, there is more focus than ever on finding inner peace and happiness. Smartphones have changed how we interact with the world. One impact has been that we are constantly…
Manic episodes are often misunderstood not only by those experiencing them but by observers. Many think of a manic episode as just a very good mood or period of extraordinary productivity, but this is inaccurate. Manic episodes are characterized by an exceptionally elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts, intense energy, and other extreme or exaggerated…
Everyday life can be stressful, upsetting, and challenging. Experiencing irritability and mood swings in response to life’s ups and downs is expected. These feelings are often related to changes in body rhythms, fatigue, physical illness, or life events, including positive and negative experiences. However, extreme mood swings and irritability can be symptoms of a mental…
We hear a lot of talk about anxiety, and with good reason. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 20% of Americans have an anxiety disorder. Still, anxiety and its effects remain greatly misunderstood. Anxiety provides information. It is tied to our innate fight or flight response and is needed to avoid…
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy (talk therapy) that is clinically proven to treat many mental health disorders. Over the years, advances in CBT have been made based on clinical practice and multiple research studies. CBT differs from many other forms of therapy in that copious amounts of scientific evidence have proven…