If you need mental health treatment, you may feel isolated and alone, but you are not. Mental health disorders are incredibly common, affecting one of every five American adults. Most people believe mental health disorders are rare and happen to “someone else,” but there are over 200 psychiatric diagnoses. The statistics about mental health disorders…
Contrary to popular belief, individuals who engage in self-harm or self-injurious behavior are neither suicidal nor attention-seeking. Self-harm is not a mental health disorder but a symptom of psychological distress. Numerous circumstances motivate someone to engage in self-harm or self-injurious behaviors ranging from feeling overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions that cannot be identified or expressed…
Most self-harm begins in adolescence, typically around age 14, and continues into early adulthood, especially without intervention. While girls are more prone to self-harm, it is a phenomenon that occurs across all demographics. Cutting is the most common type of self-harm, but it can take multiple forms. Research indicates that one in eight people engage…
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…