Perhaps the most well-known form of addiction and mental health treatment is the 12-step program. However, many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction don’t really understand what 12-step programs are really about before they begin recovery. Often, individuals have or are exposed to many conflicting views and opinions. It may seem that the advice…
MDMA is a designer drug commonly referred to as ecstasy. Since its creation, it has caused controversy. The drug started as a possible therapeutic tool but quickly evolved into a wildly popular and frequently abused party drug. Yet, this drug has been re-approached over the last few years and re-appraised for its therapeutic benefits. Today,…
Individuals struggling with a mental health disorder often feel isolated and fight their battle alone. However, mental health disorders do not occur in a vacuum. These diseases impact the lives of all they touch, including friends and family. Mental health experts agree that family members and close friends, in certain circumstances, play a vital role…
There are numerous reasons young Americans choose to enlist in the armed services, including a sense of patriotism, a family tradition of service, education opportunities, and financial incentives. Many recruits are high school graduates with limited options, and enlisting seems like an opportunity to learn skills and have a job. The reality often ends up…
Yoga therapy utilizes yoga poses, breathing exercises, guided imagery, and meditation to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. The holistic nature of yoga encourages the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga therapy incorporates elements of physical therapy and psychotherapy. A growing field, yoga therapy has been widely studied, and this research supports its effectiveness…
Eastern medicine, also called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. These practices are rooted in the belief that qi, the body’s vital energy, flows through channels in the body, keeping a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health…
The holidays are upon us, and Americans are gearing up to prepare for all of the festivities. Though a time of joyousness for most, the holiday season can be fraught with anxiety and depression for millions of Americans. Millions of Americans report experiencing the winter blues, a time of increased depression from Thanksgiving through New…
Seasonal depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder (MMD) that has a seasonal onset. While some people experience seasonal depression during the spring and summer, it is more common in the fall and winter. Seasonal depression is different from the winter blues, a mild form of depression specific to the period between Thanksgiving and…
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is depression that gets triggered by the changing seasons. SAD typically has an onset in the fall when the days are shorter and darker, and the weather makes it more difficult to spend time outdoors. Seasonal depression usually gets worse over the winter months and resolves…
The holiday season, while often filled with joy and celebration, can also be a significant source of stress for many individuals. The pressure to meet societal expectations, the financial strain of gift-giving, and the sheer volume of social engagements can be overwhelming. During this time, mental health struggles may heighten, leading to feelings of anxiety…