- Lindsey Yochum, 11-1 – PTSD vs. C-PTSD: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the more common mental health conditions out there.
The world of mental health has grown over the past few years. More and more people are willing and able to speak to how important mental health is, as well as their personal struggles; however, the world still has ...
- Grace Dowd 11/1 – How to Overcome Substance Abuse
The use of substances can lead you down a path you never imagined for yourself. Often, the use of substances can turn into abuse.
Substance abuse is a vicious cycle. Your body and brain will start to crave that feeling of euphoria that you may feel after using a specific substance, but as soon ...
- Christina Sullivan 11/1 – Overcoming A Bad Procrastination Habit
Procrastination holds many people back in life. It’s that nagging habit of putting things off until tomorrow or even next week. Many people struggle with procrastination, and it affects all ages. Whether you’re a student facing a deadline or a professional tackling a project, procrastination can sneak in and create stress. The good ...
- Christian Bumpous 11/1 – How to Help Soothe an Anxiety Attack
Anxiety can feel like a hand slowly creeping in to touch you. But as it gets closer and closer, it starts to pull more and more from you until you have nothing left to give.
It can feel like it’s taking over your entire life and making it difficult for you to function and ...
- Carrie Jackson 11/1 – What to Do About a Jealous Older Child
A jealous older child can feel like a common trope, but it’s no laughing matter. If you have a child who was, essentially, the center of attention for a while, it can be a jarring experience for them to have to share the spotlight with a younger sibling.
On top of that, siblings have ...
- Bruno Nora, 11-1 – What is the Cause of Anxiety Attacks?
The easy answer is anxiety. But this doesn’t come close to capturing the nuance needed to understand the mechanics of an anxiety attack. We get nervous at times but this is how we’re designed. Anxiety often protects us from danger. It alerts to the presence of a threat. Human beings wouldn’t be here ...
- Anna Hung 11/1 – How Your Mental Health as a Parent Shapes Your Children
As a parent, you are your child’s first role model, and they look to you for everything. Even when it seems like they aren’t paying attention, they can pick up on even the smallest nuances of your well-being.
That includes your mental health.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, it ...
- November Week 1 – Coping Strategies for Dealing with Misogyny in Daily Life – Sarah Moore
Dealing with misogyny day in and day out can be exhausting. Many women feel like they have to walk a fine line at work, at home, in school, and other settings in order to appear likable and meet other people’s expectations. On top of all of this, women are still subjected to harassment ...
- November Week 1 – How Validation Can Transform the Way You Communicate with Your Partner – Paul Austin
In any relationship, good communication keeps partners connected, understood, and in sync. Still, we don’t always feel heard. If you’ve ever felt frustrated because your partner didn’t “get” what you were saying—or if you’ve been on the receiving end of that frustration—you know how easily conversations can go from connecting to disconnecting. This ...
- November Week 1 – The Importance of Active Listening and Open Dialogue in Relationships – Nancy Becker
Communication is a powerful tool. It’s the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Without strong communication, your relationship is likely to lack trust and intimacy. You’ll make assumptions and deal with misunderstandings more often than not. More importantly, you won’t be able to experience the deep connection with your partner that both of you ...
- November Week 1 – What Is War Trauma? Symptoms, Impact, and Healing – Mitch Hicks
Countless people have suffered as a result of war. Around the world, many regions have dealt with violent conflicts that have spanned generations. Even for those who have been able to escape and settle down in safer places, the effects of surviving a war don’t just fade away. Additionally, many veterans struggle with ...
- The Emotional Shock of Retirement, Jean Huber 11-1
Retirement, often viewed as a golden opportunity for relaxation and leisure, can unexpectedly become a source of emotional turmoil for many. While more than half of American adults see it as “a new chapter in life” filled with travel and quality time with loved ones, the reality can be quite different. Even those ...
- 6 Ways to Ease Election Anxiety – Hortencia Diaz, 11-1
Not that long ago, human beings were not inundated with updates (real or fake) from all corners of the earth. While it can be important to keep up with certain developments, we mostly end up overwhelmed by the deluge. As with any case of information overload, this can result in high anxiety. For ...
- What is Seasonal Depression? – Deborah Duley, 11-1
It’s not unusual for people to feel a little blue as winter approaches. Cold weather and less sunlight are a tricky combination. But, for the most part, we figure out how to create balance. That said, it’s important to note that seasonal depression can morph into a diagnosable condition called seasonal affective disorder ...
- Part 1: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar I, Aura Ardon 11-1
Over 5 million people in the United States alone deal with bipolar disorder. Because of that commonality, many people believe they understand what the condition looks like, what to expect, and common symptoms that can impact someone diagnosed with it.
But that’s not always the case.
Bipolar I is defined as a mental health condition ...
- December Week 1 – Speaking Up: Communication Skills for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Whatever situation you’re in, healthy communication skills will make things better. It’s the foundation of all relationships — including how you feel about yourself. Countless factors impact one’s communication style. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with something like depression or an anxiety disorder, it will shape your inactions in potentially major ways.
Factors ...
- December Week 1 – Children and Emotional Regulation: Tools for Parents
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s emotional well-being. Helping children learn to manage their feelings is crucial for their development. This article offers tools for parents to support their children in developing emotional regulation skills.
Understanding Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotional experiences. ...
- Common Causes of Insomnia & How to Break the Sleepless Cycle – Philip Fauerbach, 10-4
Insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, is more than just an occasional restless night. Chronic insomnia can disrupt your life, leading to fatigue, mood changes, and trouble concentrating. Understanding the common causes of insomnia is important for developing healthy sleep patterns.
Common Causes of Insomnia
Stress
Stress is one of the ...
- December Week 1 – Navigating Family Dynamics: Tips for a Mentally Healthy Holiday
The holidays are just around the corner. While they can be a time of joy, excitement, and togetherness, they’re also often known for being stressful. That’s especially true if you’ll be spending more time with your extended family than usual.
From unrealistic expectations to unhealthy family relationships, navigating family dynamics during the holidays can ...
- November Week 1 – Why Is C-PTSD So Hard to Diagnose? Understanding the Complexities – Michael Quirke
If you live in a part of the world that has endured a painful natural disaster, no one has to explain how challenging this can be. You wouldn’t have to justify why you feel traumatized or got diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People who experience long-term trauma like neglect or abuse, however, ...
- December Week 2 – Winter Blues: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder and Holiday Stress – Flori Willard
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, many people feel negative shifts in their mood. For some, this seasonal slump is a clinical condition known as seasonal affective disorder. Combined with the demands of the holiday season, winter can be a challenging time. Here are the symptoms of SAD, how holiday ...
- November Week 1 – A Closer Look at the Impact of Social Media on Teen Eating Disorders – Barbara Reese
Studies have consistently shown a clear link between social media usage and eating disorders among teens. The carefully curated, often idealized depictions of beauty and fitness on social media can contribute to negative self-comparisons, low self-esteem, and disordered eating behaviors.
While eating disorders are influenced by multiple factors, including genetics and psychological issues, ...
- October Week 4 – What Is Birth Trauma? Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help
You’ve probably heard of postpartum depression, but what about birth trauma? If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or just “off” after having a baby, you might be dealing with more than just the baby blues. Birth trauma is real, and it affects more new parents than you might think. Whether your delivery didn’t go ...
- October Week 4 – Blended Family Dynamics: How to Build Stronger Relationships
Blending families can be a rewarding but challenging journey, as it brings together different backgrounds, expectations, and parenting styles under one roof. Whether you’re navigating step-parenting roles, adjusting to new sibling dynamics, or balancing relationships with ex-partners, building strong connections in a blended family takes patience, understanding, and intentional effort.
Understanding Blended Family Dynamics
Blended ...
- October Week 4 – Recognizing Eating Disorders in Teens: Signs to Watch Out For – Barbara Reese
As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in safeguarding your teen’s health and well-being. Among the many challenges adolescents face, eating disorders pose a significant threat to their physical and mental health. Recognizing the signs early can make a substantial difference in your teen’s recovery and long-term prognosis.
Let’s look ...
- How Loss Can Affect Your Sense of Self and Identity – Lin Hu – 10-4
Who we are and how we exist are intimately connected to those around us. When we lose someone close to us, it leaves a wound in our lives—but even confronting loss more generally can shake our perception of ourselves. Grief can transform not only our lives but also our very sense of self. ...
- How to Let Go of the Need to Fix Everything – Kamini Wood, 10-4
You’re a fixer. It’s what you do. It’s what you’re known for. If something goes wrong, you’re the first one to jump up and offer a solution. Even if someone doesn’t ask for your advice or help, you still feel it’s your responsibility to fix it.
On the surface, the desire and ability to ...
- Understanding Emotional Neglect’s Impact & Learning How to Heal – Jenny Smith, 10-4
Your past helps mold and shape you into the person you are today — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The experiences you went through when you were younger, whether you don’t remember them or don’t want to remember them, tend to stay with you.
Some of these memories or events will even affect ...
- October Week 4 – What Are Symptoms of Chronic Stress in Men? – Helene Shute
Given the nature of the world we live in and the pressure we put ourselves under, more common than ever for people to struggle with chronic stress. For men, dealing with chronic stress can be particularly difficult. Men face tremendous pressure to push through and suppress their emotions.
In many cases, they’re taught ...
- How to Support Transgender Youth in Your Life – Erica Cornelius – 10-4
If you have a youth in your life who has come out as transgender, you may be feeling mixed emotions, including confusion about the situation. It’s a tender moment in life for all parties, and how you proceed will impact the experience.
It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to be uncertain. However, your ...
- Understanding the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist, Sheenie Ambardar, 10-4
You might have heard of psychiatrists and psychologists, but do you know the key differences between these mental health professionals? While both work to improve your mental well-being, their approaches and qualifications differ significantly.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and diagnose complex mental illnesses. On the other hand, psychologists focus on ...
- 6 Ways to Cope While Living with Chronic Pain – William Dempsey – 10-4
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, chances are it’s impacted every aspect of your life. Chronic pain makes it difficult to connect with others and live life to its fullest. Depending on your condition and challenges, having hope for the future may feel impossible. Even so, it’s important to remember that you’re more ...
- October Week 4 – A Guide to Naturally Treating Depression
You know that you need help. You’ve been struggling for a bit, and you know these thoughts and feelings will only worsen, especially if left untreated.
You want to take care of yourself, but you’re not a huge fan of medication. You’re worried that if you seek the help you need, the action ...
- October Week 4 – Tips for Managing the Anxiety That Comes With a New Job
Starting a new job is one of the most exciting yet stressful experiences in life! The pressure to perform well, fit in with new co-workers, and learn the ropes of a new place can cause intense feelings of anxiety. You may be worrying about making a good impression, adjusting to a new routine, ...
- October Week 4 – Can False Memories Arise From Anxiety?
Have you ever experienced a nagging feeling that something happened, only to later doubt your recollection? Recent research suggests a complex relationship between anxiety disorders and memory formation. While anxiety can heighten attention in some situations, it may also distort how you encode and retrieve memories.
Your brain, a compact powerhouse, tirelessly processes ...
- October Week 4 – Understanding the Most Common Anxiety Disorders and How They’re Treated
Anxiety impacts millions of people across the globe. In fact, it’s the most common mental health condition in the world.
But, it’s also not a one-size-fits-all problem. People experience anxiety for different reasons and are able to manage it in different ways. Some disorders are very specific, while others are broad. Understanding some of ...
- October Week 4 – 5 Lesser-Known OCD Symptoms
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood. Many people think it only involves repetitive behaviors like excessive hand-washing or checking locks. While those are common symptoms, OCD can manifest in several other ways that aren’t as well known. Understanding these lesser-known symptoms can help you recognize OCD in yourself or others, leading to better ...
- October Week 4 – ADHD and Anxiety — Why Do They Look Different in Women?
Anxiety disorders are very, very common — all across the world. Women are about twice as likely to face such a frustrating diagnosis. Meanwhile, at least one-fourth of women with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also coping with an anxiety disorder. We say “at least” because the numbers are almost certainly much higher. ...
- October Week 4 – 4 Ways to Reduce Anxiety at Work
Your career is your livelihood. It’s how you survive, make ends meet, and provide for yourself and your family.
Whether you actually love your job or not, it’s important to you. It’s an essential necessity of life. You try not to bring your work home with you. But you also try not to let ...
- October Week 4 – 5 Common Myths About Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is something that can benefit you and your partner in many ways. It can improve communication, build trust and intimacy, and help your relationship become stronger as you work together on your bond in a safe and neutral setting.
Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions and myths surrounding couples counseling. Some of ...
- Meridee Rilan, October Week 4 – Daylight and Depression: How to Keep the Time Change From Bringing You Down
The act of moving the clock twice a year (spring forward, fall back) has launched a thousand memes. However, unbeknownst to most people, the shifts from standard time to daylight saving time (DST) and back can have serious health consequences. Possible side effects — at either or both times of year — can ...
- October Week 4 – What Is Illness Anxiety Disorder? Insights and Strategies for Coping
It’s normal to worry about your health from time to time. But when this worry becomes obsessive, it can be cause for concern. If you’ve been scrolling through endless online articles about a disease, checking your body for symptoms, and developed a deep fear of getting sick, you may have illness anxiety disorder. ...
- Corey Reid Vanas, October Week 4 – Coping Strategies for Trauma Triggered by Current Events
Watching current events unfold can feel overwhelming, especially when they remind us of past traumas. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a violent incident, or a significant social issue, these events can trigger intense emotions. If you’re struggling to cope, know that you are not alone. Here are some effective strategies to help you ...
- October Week 4 – Effective Approaches to Helping Teens Open Up About Their Mental Health
Maybe you’ve been worried about your teen lately. They might be falling behind in school, spending less time with their friends, or losing interest in their hobbies. Alternatively, they might be pushing themselves so hard to succeed that you’re concerned they’re on the verge of burnout. They may be pulling all-nighters to study ...
- Sarita Redalia, October Week 4 – 5 Signs of Attachment Trauma in Adults
Attachment trauma is a psychological wound that stems from early childhood experiences with caregivers. It occurs when a child’s basic safety, security, and nurturing needs are consistently unmet. This disruption in the bonding process can lead to long-lasting emotional and behavioral issues that persist into adulthood. You may struggle with forming healthy relationships, ...
- October Week 4 – What Is the Impact of Long-Term Depression on Self-Esteem?
Long-term depression affects a person far beyond feeling sad. It can eat away at the very core of someone’s identity. The relationship between depression and self-esteem goes both ways—long-term depression can lead to worse self-esteem, and low self-esteem can make a person more vulnerable to depression. It’s important to understand the intricate relationship ...
- Ashleigh Lamberti, October Week 4 – 5 Signs it Might be Time to End a Relationship
Everything started off perfectly just like you were made for one another. You were two peas in a pod. You found the peanut butter to your jelly. The conversation flowed from the start. With each date, you grew closer and so did the bond you shared together.
But as time went on, something shifted. ...
- Shereen Mohsen, October Week 4 – 5 Communication Skills to Improve Your Relationship
No matter how much you and your partner love each other, it’s inevitable that your relationship will eventually face challenges. Even an otherwise loving relationship can be derailed by poor communication. Many couples end up rehashing the same arguments over and over again without making any progress. It’s not uncommon for people to ...
- October Week 4 – What to Expect With EMDR Therapy, Bart Pawlik
If you’ve felt like you’re stuck reliving painful memories or experiences, EMDR therapy might be just what you need to finally move past the trauma. This innovative treatment has helped countless people process difficult emotions and find healing. But what exactly is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and how does it work? ...
- October Week 4 – Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
As a healthcare professional, you understand the importance of providing compassionate patient care. However, have you considered how trauma may impact their health and well-being? Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is a comprehensive approach to healthcare that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma, understands potential paths for recovery, and aims to create environments that ...