Mental Health

Do you experience pain in your back, neck, or head when you feel stressed? Do your hands and legs freeze up when you get anxious? Emotions such as anxiety, worry, stress, and fear may cause increased muscle tension in various parts of your body. However, progressive muscle relaxation is an effective way to relieve the tension you feel. What is Progressive Muscle Relaxation … [Read more...] about Progressive Muscle Relaxation

What Are Personality Tests? As mentioned before, personality tests are designed to help understand a human’s personality and to measure their individual characteristics and behavioral traits. There are two different types of personality tests: Self-reporting inventories. This test will require the test taker to read the questions and rate how much the question or statement … [Read more...] about Personality Tests

You may have heard the news that a new type of treatment for depression has been FDA-approved. Unlike oral antidepressants, this one is fast-acting and the results of extensive studies have shown that it is an effective option for treatment-resistant depression. Part of the reason why it is making waves in the field of mental health is the fact that it is closely related to the … [Read more...] about A Ketamine Nasal Spray Is Now FDA-Approved: Can Esketamine Help You?

As the name suggests, treatment resistant depression is a form of depression that doesn't respond well to "traditional" depression treatments such as psychotherapy and medication. You can imagine how frustrating and demoralizing it can be (for both clinicians and patients) to face a mental health disorder for which nothing seems to work. Experts have yet to determine why some … [Read more...] about Treatment Resistant Depression: Be Brave Enough to Find the Solution!

Thanks to the digital and technological advancements that have reshaped the 21st century, mental health services are now more available and accessible than ever. From valuable self-help tools (like articles, videos, e-books and guides) to trained mental health professionals, everything is one click away. Did you know that there are web-based platforms where you can book an … [Read more...] about Online Therapist: Is this the right option for you?

Have you been seeking a “psychiatrist near me?" If you've been struggling with anxiety, depression, or what may be symptoms of a mental illness; nothing should hold you back from asking for help. Mental health issues affect tens of millions of Americans, and trying to go it alone is not recommended. By seeking professional help, you're giving yourself the chance to start … [Read more...] about How To Find The Best Psychiatrist Near Me In 2023

CBD Gummies are getting deserved detention in the CBD market for their easy dosing, discreet administration, and fun flavor options. As of 2019, there are many CBD Gummy manufacturers to choose from but the consumer should become familiar with the best quality options available. Best CBD Gummies: The Highlights The CBD market is growing rapidly and with that growth has come … [Read more...] about Best CBD Gummies

A psychiatrist is an MD who has undergone specialized training to diagnose, prevent and treat psychological disorders. While all psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, some also provide talk therapy. In San Antonio some recent changes to the psychiatric scene have made it easier than ever to find a qualified psychiatrist and with the development of online therapy you … [Read more...] about Psychiatrist San Antonio

Being the largest city in the state of Washington, Seattle has gone through several economic ups and downs over the last decades. However, this city has always managed to rise above expectations. This year marks the beginning of a series of changes that will revolutionize the health care and education systems in this city. In terms of mental health, the plan is to bring every … [Read more...] about Psychiatrist Seattle

Do you need help with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or another mental health challenge? Psychiatrists in Austin Texas can provide the care that you need. The team is comprised of board certified and licensed physicians and nurse practitioners that are available 24/7 via Telehealth or in person via appointments. They treat a variety of mental health disorders to help … [Read more...] about Psychiatrist Austin Texas

METHAQUALONE common names: French Quaalude, furies, mandrakes, quas, quacks, quads, 714s, soaps, soapers, sopes, super Quaaludes, super soper Pop a lude and you're off on a boozeless drunk, flying high with the Quaalude Culture of the seventies. 'Safe and nonaddictive" proclaimed the manufacturers of the magic little tablets. "Let's have a party!" cheered fun-seekers … [Read more...] about Methaqualone

As cannabidiol (CBD) becomes more widely available, research continues to discover new benefits with its use. With knowledge of these benefits, also comes more information about how CBD works and how it affects our bodies. Just like other substances you might ingest, CBD acts on certain receptors in our body and must eventually be metabolized and eliminated. It is these … [Read more...] about CBD Drug Interactions

Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute as medical advice from a qualified physician. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to prescribed medications. Understanding CBD Oil and Antidepressants CBD oil is gaining popularity as laws continue to increase its access and new uses for these … [Read more...] about Making the Switch: CBD Oil and Antidepressants

CBD has gained incredible popularity in recent years as a kind of home remedy for just about anything. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill here in the U.S. and the full legalization of industrial hemp cultivation, this popularity is sure to grow even faster. But what does the research have to say? Here we cover some of the most recent findings regarding CBD's efficacy as a … [Read more...] about What the Science Says: CBD Clinical Trials

Are you struggling with family stress? Increasing financial and career pressures are putting strain on many families. When you understand what the common causes of stress and learn how to manage stress effectively, it’s easier for you to help your family to re-establish a sense of well-being.Big Causes of Family StressRaising a family comes with challengers even without … [Read more...] about Family Stress

With a whole range of healing benefits, cannabidiol - or CBD oil - has grown in popularity in recent years. There are different types of CBD products, however, so it is important to understand these differences. The two main types of CBD are CBD isolate and Full spectrum cbd oil. Because full spectrum cbd oil contains more of the cannabinoids contained in marijuana, it offers a … [Read more...] about The Full Story on Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Each one of us has a unique personality. It is what defines us as the person we are. The way in which we think, how we perceive situations, and the way we react to them, all depend on our personality. While we are all different, most people’s personalities allow them to behave within certain accepted boundaries. However, some people may have a personality disorder that causes … [Read more...] about The DA Fast Guide to Personality Disorders

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is becoming more popular as a treatment for a full range of illnesses and issues; however, most people are completely unaware of the various dosages and what is best for their individual situation. In order to use CBD oil responsibly and experience the full benefits of CBD, it is important to make yourself aware of its composition and what that means for … [Read more...] about The Right Dose For You: CBD Dosage Calculator

Bottom Line Up Front: We recommend Hemp King Oil. Full Spectrum Hemp Oil contains CBD and other Cannabinoids, enabling maximize efficacy. CBD and CBD Oil has become some of the most sought-after medicines on the market today. Not only is it able to treat a wide range of ailments ranging from cancer to arthritis, CBD is known to be effective without causing any obvious side … [Read more...] about CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Depression

For those of us who are dealing with emotional problems, watching a mental health podcast can be surprisingly helpful. From providing useful tips to reducing the stigma attached to mental illness, podcasts are a valuable resource for people who might not be able to afford therapy. But mental health podcasts are not dedicated exclusively to people who are going through an … [Read more...] about Top 5 Mental Health Podcasts

When you think of meditation, what is the first image that comes to mind? My 8-year-old niece demonstrated “meditation” to me very easily by sitting in a cross-legged position with her eyes closed and her fingers in a position that you often see on magazine covers. We see a person sitting in a peaceful place, typically by a lake or in a forest or a place that evokes … [Read more...] about Meditation 101 – Your Guide to Beginning the Practice

For decades, the relationship between exercise and mental health has been a hot topic for clinicians and researchers. Nowadays, we know for a fact that regular physical activity is one of the leading factors contributing to robust physical and mental health. But, even though exercise can significantly improve your overall sense of health and well-being, it’s not always easy … [Read more...] about Exercise and Mental Health: The Perfect Mix

They say words have the power to shape our reality and give rise to a brighter future. Although it’s obvious we shouldn’t take this idea literally, many believe positive affirmations can change our perspective and motivate us to achieve our goals. In recent years, researchers have taken a keen interest in this concept as a potential strategy for boosting motivation and … [Read more...] about Positive Affirmations: Talking Yourself Into Wellness

Human beings face a variety of stressors every day. Experiencing stressful situations is a given, what matters the most is how you handle and respond to these negative experiences. Coping skills are mechanisms that help you to get through the hard stuff by providing ways to manage and relieve stress. In this article, we explore various coping skills and how they can be used to … [Read more...] about Coping Skills

Once a highly controversial topic, the idea that marijuana can be used to improve people’s health has gained momentum within the medical community. But is it really beneficial for your psychological wellbeing? In this article, we discuss medical marijuana, giving you the basic information that will allow you to form your own opinion on the matter. Let’s get started. Medical … [Read more...] about Medical Marijuana 

We’ve all felt the pressure of an impending deadline or an overwhelming schedule. Sometimes that pressure can build and build until we feel like we might explode! This feeling of pressure is related to our body’s stress response. Stress can be beneficial in some situations, but when it is not managed properly it can lead to complications. Let’s take a closer look at stress and … [Read more...] about Stress Management

Everyone experiences anxiety. It is completely natural and normal to feel anxious in unexpected or threatening situations. It becomes a problem when we constantly feel anxious or when we experience extreme physical or psychological symptoms. What is Anxiety? Anxiety manifests itself as a mixture of feelings of worry, fear, dread, apprehension, and distress. People often … [Read more...] about Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Any person who has giggled at a private joke with friends will understand the benefits of laughter.  It can reduce stress, release endorphins, improve a person's overall mood, and even act as a coping mechanism for daily functioning - all of this by merely laughing. Mental Benefits Of Laughter If you have ever doubled-over with laughter, you'll probably agree that laughing has … [Read more...] about The Different Benefits Of Laughter

Do you keep a journal? Perhaps you kept one when you were younger, but have not had the time or motivation to make meaningful entries as the years passed. Today, journaling is often viewed as an activity for teens or preteens. However, there are many benefits of writing that you can reap if you keep a journal for the long haul. Writing as a Stress Management Technique One of … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Journaling

With the passage of the 2018 farm bill in the US and the full legalization of industrial hemp, CBD is set to become a nation-wide home remedy for anxiety, depression, and many other debilitating conditions. Even though research is still in the early stages in establishing whether hemp oil, cannabis oil or other marijuana products represent a viable treatment for anxiety, … [Read more...] about CBD Oil for Anxiety: What you need to know

Spiritual counseling uses the exploration of your spiritual beliefs as part of the healing process. Depending on the type of spiritual beliefs that you hold, you can expect meditation, yoga, prayers or religious rituals to be part of your treatment process. This approach views spiritual well-being as an important aspect of an individual’s overall health. From general spiritual … [Read more...] about The Guide to Spiritual Counseling

An online psychiatrist is a doctor who attends people with mental health problems via the internet using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This relatively new form of treatment is also known as telehealth or telepsychiatry. Consulting with a doctor online can have many benefits. It is more convenient, as you do not have to travel to an office and you can program an appointment … [Read more...] about How Can an Online Psychiatrist Help You?

Cognitive processing therapy is a proven way to help those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other trauma disorders. It is a type of therapy that helps those who have suffered from a traumatic event reshape their thought process to live a happier life. Finding a qualified therapist for Cognitive processing therapy can help you or a loved one overcome struggles … [Read more...] about Everything About Cognitive Processing Therapy

Are you taking trazodone for sleep? This medication is commonly prescribed by medical professionals for the treatment of insomnia. While you should consult with your doctor before you take this medication, its helpful to have an understanding of the benefits and risks of taking trazodone. Trazodone may be considered safer than other sleep medication, however, it does come with … [Read more...] about Trazodone for Sleep

Brainspotting is a new treatment approach which works by identifying, processing, and releasing stored negative or traumatic experiences from the brain to help affected individuals heal from within. It also promotes healing for individuals suffering from physical pain. Brainspotting: What is it? Brainspotting is a new model of psychotherapy created to help people overcome … [Read more...] about What is Brainspotting and How Does it Work?

As a child, you probably had intense sessions with your playmates where you played dress up, took on a character and pretended to be a different person entirely. This is known as role-playing. Role-playing is a major feature of psychodrama. Psychodrama is a creative form of therapy that digs deep through role play in a bid to explore the problems and difficulties that people … [Read more...] about The Guide to Psychodrama

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is one of the so-called third-wave of behavioral psychological treatments. Each of these approaches uses mindfulness principles in conjunction with cognitive and behavioral techniques to treat a variety of mental illnesses. Bringing together two seemingly disparate theoretical models, MBCT aims to get the best of both worlds. While … [Read more...] about Everything You Need To Know About Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

BLUF: We recommend Better Help for online therapy. What is Anxiety? The function of anxiety is to help people to escape from danger. Feelings of anxiety usually trigger a fight or flight response. They may also cause you to freeze. Anxiety is a natural response to situations that could put you in harm’s way. However, if you experience persistent anxiety on a regular basis, … [Read more...] about What is Anxiety Therapy and How Can It Help?

Many couples experience stress with their partners that may not be resolved until they understand how their emotions and behaviors affect each other. This is where couples counseling comes in. Couples counseling is of different types and uses various techniques aimed at helping couples understand themselves better and gain a deeper insight into the causes of problems and how … [Read more...] about Getting Your Relationship Back on Track with Couples Counseling

Symptoms of anxiety affect millions of people every day, and they can be overwhelming. Many people experience these symptoms during times of high stress or emotion, and outside of these times are able to function with minimal to no anxiety. Others suffer from anxiety attacks with little-to-no warning, and these emotions can prevent them from participating in things they love … [Read more...] about How to Deal with Anxiety: 7 Steps to Start Using Now

Many people dislike public speaking or prefer not to be in a crowded space. Typically, it is still possible to participate in such activities when it is required. For some individuals, this is not the case. When people are dealing with social anxiety, they might find social settings so difficult that it feels entirely impossible to engage in activities that require social … [Read more...] about 5 Powerful Ways to Start Dealing With Social Anxiety

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common chronic mental disorder, which is characterized by intrusive, obsessive thoughts, as well as compulsive acts in response to such imagined thoughts. While many people with OCD respond to medications and behavior therapy, a few persons may be resistant to these and require more intensive treatment options. What is … [Read more...] about How to Get Started With OCD Treatment

The Background on Emotional Support Animals Emotional Support Animals are all the rage these days. Lately, I've seen articles praising them, bashing them, wondering what they are, and wondering if they work. Let me be clear up front that I am a supporter and I do have an ESA (the obvious shortening of the term). With that out of the way, I think we can dive into the subject … [Read more...] about Emotional Support Animal – Help for Depression

Sometimes, life gets really tough and overwhelming. Challenges can rock our boats and threaten to drown us. In the midst of the storm, it is usually difficult to see the way forward. We usually need help to navigate and get the necessary answers. When life gets hard, counseling helps us understand the state we are in and provides us with techniques to help us move forward from … [Read more...] about Know Before You Go: Counseling Center

A panic attack is a condition characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms of fear and anxiety, which peak within 10 minutes before resolving. Panic attacks may be triggered by stress, injury, emotional or physical trauma, substance use, or stimulant drugs. Recurrent panic attacks may cause significant emotional and psychological distress to an individual and may increase their … [Read more...] about Helpful Tips for Panic Attack Treatment

Marriage can be a roller coaster ride filled with emotional ups and downs. For some couples, strain on the relationship takes its toll over time and no matter how hard they try, they feel like they can no longer remain in their marriage. Divorce is not a decision many people take lightly, and with good reason. It is often a stressful event that can deeply impact the couple … [Read more...] about The Guide to Divorce Counseling

Life coaching is a technique used to help people to achieve their full potential. Through phone calls, video calls, and sometimes face to face sessions, life coaches accompany, guide, motivate and support people past obstacles that can be impeding them from achieving their goals.  By having meaningful conversations and asking questions, life coaches help people to evaluate and … [Read more...] about Is Life Coaching Legitimate?

What if there were a quick and simple way to access the deepest parts of your mind, allowing you to alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are not serving you? What if a trained professional could help you use your own mind to control pain, stop smoking, lose weight or cope with depression and anxiety? Hypnosis has been used by humans since the 18th century and in recent … [Read more...] about Understanding the Truth Behind Hypnotherapy

To understand how holotropic breathwork emerged as a new approach to mental health and well-being, first we must look at transpersonal psychology. With a holistic and integrative perspective on the human mind, transpersonal psychology extends psychological research to the spiritual dimension of existence, focusing on the study of ‘states’ and the processes in which people … [Read more...] about The Guide to Holotropic Breathwork

Most people get married when they are in love. However, it is possible for marriage mates to eventually fall out of love. Loving marriages that last for a long time generally have marital partners who are committed to working diligently on their relationship. Marriage mates who have poor communication and do not consistently strengthen their emotional bonds are more likely to … [Read more...] about How to Survive a Loveless Marriage

Neurofeedback is an adjunctive therapeutic method applied in the treatment of a number of neurological and psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. It yields a good outcome when combined with other therapeutic modalities including medications and psychotherapy. Neurofeedback: What is it? Neurofeedback, also … [Read more...] about What is Neurofeedback?

The events we experience in life make up our personal stories or narratives. While most people have life stories that are mainly positive, some people define themselves primarily by the painful events they experienced in the past. Narrative therapy helps individuals who have a negative sense of self to identify their strengths, rewrite their story, and approach life with … [Read more...] about How Narrative Therapy Works

If you have a mental health concern for which you are considering therapy, you may wonder which therapeutic approach will be best for you. Some people do not feel enthusiastic about the talk therapy approach. If you find it difficult to express yourself through words, you might consider participating in music therapy. It is one type of expressive arts therapy that uses music to … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Music Therapy

The end of a relationship can be difficult. Usually, people think of the person being broken up with as being most affected by the event. Entire movies are made about the emotional repercussions of being broken up with. However, a break up can also be challenging for the one initiating the break-up. It can be difficult to know when to break up and the right approach to take … [Read more...] about How to Break Up with Someone: 6 Helpful Steps

Maybe you have woken up from a dream and wondered what it meant. Maybe you even told a friend or family member about that dream and hypothesized together about its meaning. Maybe you even conducted an internet search to try and understand the elements of the dream. Many people choose to keep a dream journal and write down their dreams, then look up the components in a … [Read more...] about What’s Dream Analysis and How Does It Really Work?

Based on Søren Kierkegaard’s works on existentialism, existential therapy seeks to provide a more realistic understanding of human beings and the complexity of their existence. As you can imagine, topics such as the meaning of life or the purpose of our existence can be the source of doubt, dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety. Existential therapists believe that once … [Read more...] about The Guide to Existential Therapy

The Gottman Method is a type of therapy that helps couples to improve their relationship. It is based on scientific facts derived from the analysis of the behaviors of thousands of different couples over a long period of time. It aims to increase intimacy, understanding, and respect, and to remove harmful barriers that prevent productive communication and development. What is … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Guide to the Gottman Method

The human brain is amazing. It is arguably the most important organ in the human body because it controls all the other organs. For example, it tells the heart to pump blood, tells the lungs when to inhale and exhale, aids digestion and controls the nervous system. The brain is also in charge of our cognitive functions such as learning, verbal fluency, attention, and memory. … [Read more...] about Fast Guide to Neuropsychology

Depression can be devastating for those who suffer from it and dramatically impact their daily life. It also weighs heavily on those who love and support the person suffering. It can be hard to recognize signs of depression in those we love, and it can be even more challenging to confront these people with our concerns. However, depression should not prevent you from having a … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Dating Someone with Depression

Emotionally Focused Therapy has been in use in various settings like clinics and hospitals and promising results have been achieved. Emotionally focused therapy refers to a therapeutic approach which is grounded in scientific studies and usually used as an intervention to address issues emerging from intimate relationships.  The bonds and processes that exist between … [Read more...] about Guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Autogenic training is a therapy that trains a person to access his/her own physical relaxation process, and use it to relieve physical and emotional stress. Originating from research on hypnosis, autogenic training has been compared to yoga and meditation, which influence the body’s autonomic nervous system. Autogenic Training: What is it? Autogenic training was developed in … [Read more...] about Everything You Need To Know About Autogenic Training

Depression and erectile dysfunction are often associated with jokes and negative stigma, but the reality is these conditions are more common than we think and can be distressing for those who suffer from them. Recognizing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and depression and seeking help can lead to successful treatment for these conditions. What is Depression? Depression is … [Read more...] about Is it the Erectile Dysfunction or the Depression?

Depression is the commonest mental illness, affecting millions of people globally. It may be caused by genetic factors, conflicts, stressful life events or transitions, and loss of a loved one. However, studies have suggested that there may be a link between depression and low testosterone levels in the body. Is There a Link between Low Testosterone and Depression? Depression … [Read more...] about What You Can Do About Low Testosterone and Depression

If you are considering attending therapy, you might be hesitant not knowing what exactly you should anticipate. Generally, people usually feel better about trying something new, when they have some idea of what they can expect. The process of therapy is very individualized, so it can be challenging to define exactly what will happen. However, there are some common features that … [Read more...] about What is a Therapy Appointment Really Like?

Encopresis is a disorder that affects children between the ages of 4 to 17 years of age.  Although it is not very common, it is also not rare.  This disorder can be frustrating for parents and especially stressful for children.  This article will talk about what Encopresis is, symptoms and how to get help. Encopresis What Does It Mean? Encopresis is defined as "the repetitive, … [Read more...] about Encopresis: Involuntary Soiling

Folie à Deux (pronounced fo-lee uh doo) is a rare mental health disorder that can be difficult to understand but can be treated successfully when professional help is sought.  This article will discuss what it is, the treatment and provide resources for persons dealing with a loved one with this disorder. Folie à Deux: What Does It Mean? Folie à Deux literally means a madness … [Read more...] about What is Folie à Deux?

Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD), formerly called complicated grief, is a condition defined by an extreme, disabling yearning for a deceased loved one for a prolonged period of time. Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder: What Does It Mean? Bereavement is a time of mourning after a loss—typically the death of a loved one. It usually involves feelings such as … [Read more...] about Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is a complex mental condition which can produce eccentric behavior and affect the daily life of sufferers in multiple ways. However, with treatment, many people can have productive and satisfactory lives. Schizotypal Personality Disorder: What Does It Mean? Schizotypal Definition Schizotypal Personality Disorder is a serious mental illness … [Read more...] about Schizotypal Personality Disorder

There are days when we get so caught up with daily life activities that we may lose out on sleep for a few nights only to feel groggy and fatigued the rest of the day. This differs from hypersomnia, a sleep disorder in which an individual constantly feels sleepy during the daytime even with a good night rest. The hallmark of this disorder is that the patient sleeps so much and … [Read more...] about Hypersomnia: Disruptive Oversleeping

3 Minute Depression Test This depression quiz is based on the Depression Screening Test developed by Ivan Goldberg, MD, the founder of Psycom who was also a renown psychiatrist. Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among people who have depression. Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the … [Read more...] about Depression Test: Are You Depressed?

Dissociative Amnesia is one of the Dissociative Disorders and it is characterized by the inability of the person to recall important personal memories. The impairment is greater than just due to forgetfulness.  The condition is often brought on by a traumatic event which the person blocks out of their consciousness. Dissociative Amnesia: What Does It Mean? Dissociative Amnesia … [Read more...] about What is Dissociative Amnesia?

At some time in their life, most women experience pain when having sexual relations. This can be due to many different reasons. Usually, it goes away. However, if you always suffer pain when you have sex with your partner, you could have a treatable medical condition called Dyspareunia. Dyspareunia: What Does It Mean? Dyspareunia means that you feel pain either before, during, … [Read more...] about  Dyspareunia: Painful Intercourse

Rumination Disorder: What Does It Mean? Rumination disorder, which is also referred to as rumination syndrome, is a chronic, rare disorder. This disorder can be found in infants, children, and adults, and can have life-threatening side effects. The primary indicator of Rumination disorder is the regurgitation of food after nearly every meal, if not after every meal. This … [Read more...] about What is Rumination Disorder?

What is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the hemp plant. It is one of the numerous unique compounds called cannabinoids which naturally occur in hemp. Generally, cannabinoids can be produced in the body (these are known as endocannabinoids) or found in the hemp plant as phytocannabinoids. CBD is industrially extracted from the cannabis … [Read more...] about CBD Oil: A Cure for Depression?

Cataplexy is a rare disorder in which a person loses muscle control when experiencing strong emotions (also one of the symptoms of narcolepsy). Those who suffer from cataplexy can feel isolated as they tend to withdraw from emotionally charged situations in order to manage their symptoms. While cataplexy can have a large impact on a person’s life, there are resources and … [Read more...] about Cataplexy: Narcoleptic Paralysis

Circadian Rhythm Disorder impacts the sleep-wake cycle and prevents those impacted from being able to adjust to the demands of their social or work schedules. This disorder can be frustrating, but there are treatment options available to help those with Circadian Rhythm Disorder. Circadian Rhythm Disorder: What Does It Mean? Circadian rhythm describes the body’s ability to … [Read more...] about What is Circadian Rhythm Disorder?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by a low mood that seems to drain all your energy? Perhaps it even leaves you feeling disinterested in your typical activities? Maybe, at those times, you even withdraw or isolate from friends and family? If these descriptions sound familiar, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. This can be a debilitating condition that might affect your … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Dealing With Depression

Enmeshment Definition What is enmeshment? Enmeshment is a term used to describe the blurring of personal boundaries in relationships. It usually begins between family members, but it often spreads into other relationships. It involves a lack of individual independence or autonomy. The relationships are too close for comfort. For instance, someone in an enmeshed relationship may … [Read more...] about Enmeshment: How To Unmesh From Your Family

Expressive language disorder is a childhood onset disorder, marked by a difficulty in expressing and communicating ideas clearly. Children with expressive language disorder might have a limited vocabulary, express themselves simplistically, and have difficulty making conversation. Expressive Language Disorder From the moment of birth, we’re all sponges for language, soaking up … [Read more...] about Expressive Language Disorder

Let's Define Existential Depression How often have you heard someone who is depressed say “I am depressed because of …” Often when we think about depression, it is in relation to what may have caused or triggered it. Existential depression is no different. However, the exact cause may be harder to identify. Any type of depression can occur because of one or a combination of … [Read more...] about Existential Depression: The Mental Illness of the Gifted & Talented

Intellectual disability can manifest itself in distinct ways and at different levels. Most people who receive this diagnosis can live full and rewarding lives when they have the support of family, friends, and professionals. Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation): What Does It Mean? Intellectual disability is a permanent neurological condition which develops before the … [Read more...] about Intellectual Disability

Most people have heard of the condition referred to as bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive disorder). Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme shifts in their mood and cycles of highs and lows. These highs and lows are clinically referred to as mania and depression. Interestingly enough, despite the majority of people being familiar with bipolar … [Read more...] about Cyclothymia: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Brief Psychotic Disorder: What Does It Mean? Different from other psychotic disorders, Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by its limited duration, and periods of confusion, delusions, and hallucinations – this disorder is most often seen when patients are in their 20s and 30s, but can occur at any age. This uncommon psychiatric condition is categorized by sudden, yet … [Read more...] about Brief Psychotic Disorder

What is Anhedonia In the simplest of terms, anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure while participating in pleasurable activities. It is a core symptom of a condition known as major depressive disorder (MDD). Many people view anhedonia as only a symptom of major depressive disorder, but don't realize that it is also a symptom of other mental disorders. Furthermore, … [Read more...] about Anhedonia: What To Do When You’ve Lost Your Joy

Do you have intense urges to steal items you don't need? Do you feel a great sense of relief after stealing? Have you lost friendships, jobs or other important aspects of your life because of stealing? Whether you been keeping this secret for a long time or have been caught multiple times for stealing, living with kleptomania, compulsive urges to steal, can feel very lonely and … [Read more...] about Kleptomania 

There are many different times in our life when we are in a state of “high alert.” Think about some of those times. Perhaps it was the first night in a new home or maybe you recently experienced trauma from a car accident or another unsettling event. During that time, something as simple as a sound that would otherwise go unnoticed or a shadow that is relatively innocuous would … [Read more...] about Hypervigilance: A Guide to Understanding

Most would assume that more women suffer with body image issues than men. With society and the media putting serious pressure on the female body, and many women undergoing cosmetic surgery, men are often forgotten about. The truth is that many men also suffer with their own body image issues. For example, most men are concerned with their body weight, muscle mass, hair, height … [Read more...] about Muscle Dysmorphia: A Brief Guide

Living with dependent personality disorder can be a challenge and it’s understandable that many people find it difficult to manage. However, there are plenty of options for help, ways to cope and to live a happy, healthy life. Dependent Personality Disorder: What Does It Mean? Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to … [Read more...] about What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?

If you have ever openly questioned your health status or worried aloud about a medical condition, it is possible that a family member or friend will have asked whether you have hypochondriasis. If you have recurring concerns about your health, you may also start to question whether you are a hypochondriac.   While hypochondria is sometimes made the center of humorous … [Read more...] about Am I a Hypochondriac? Living with Illness Anxiety Disorder

It is natural for people to sometimes be annoyed with sounds throughout their day. Nails on a chalkboard, loud chewing, incessant pen clicking, etc. However, those with misophonia suffer extreme physical and emotional reactions to sounds. Feelings of anger and anxiety can arise from hearing innocent, everyday sounds others might not even notice.  Misophonia is a newly … [Read more...] about Misophonia

Have you ever had a physical ailment, such as pain or fatigue, that seemed to really upset you? Perhaps you struggled to think about anything else, aside from that symptom? Perhaps this emotional reaction even impaired your daily functioning at work or at home?  While physical symptoms can be distressing, when the reaction towards them is too intense or long-lasting, that … [Read more...] about My Mystery Pain: Somatic Symptom Disorder

Acute stress disorder is relatively uncommon disorder afflicting people who have been exposed to a traumatic event, such as being a combat zone or surviving a serious car wreck. Read more to find out about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.   Acute Stress Disorder: What Does it Mean? Acute stress disorder is the diagnosis of a group of symptoms that occur within one … [Read more...] about Acute Stress Disorder: Is This a Nervous Breakdown?

Does your child act out in ways that are disruptive at home and school? Maybe they sometimes become aggressive or violent with others? Perhaps they frequently break rules or even violate the law? It may be that your child or teen has conduct disorder. This is a mental health condition that requires psychological treatment to eliminate the symptoms and improve … [Read more...] about When Your Child Has Conduct Disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder is a psychological disorder which is characterized by repeated and sudden episodes of aggressive and violent behavior or verbal outbursts which are grossly disproportionate to the inciting situation.   Intermittent Explosive Disorder: What Does It Mean? A key component of intermittent explosive disorder is that the explosive behavior and … [Read more...] about Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Clinical Anger Issues

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a disruptive behavior disorder that is primarily diagnosed in childhood. Youths with ODD have a frequent and persistent pattern of defiance, hostility, vindictiveness, or obstinacy toward parents, teachers, peers, and other authority figures.   Oppositional Defiant Disorder: What Does It Mean? Oppositional defiant disorder is … [Read more...] about Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Imagine constantly feeling as if your body is on the brink of orgasm, despite an absence of any sexual desire. This is the struggle faced by those who have PGAD: a debilitating and distressing disorder that predominantly affects women. Read on for an overview of what you need to know about PGAD, from its symptoms and causes to treatment options, tips for coping and advice about … [Read more...] about Always Aroused: Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

Childhood anxiety affects a great number of children for various reasons, but Selective Mutism only affects about 1/8 of children and approximately 2% of adults.  More research is being done on this disorder and support is growing in the way of support groups and more mental health professionals treating it. Selective Mutism: What does it Mean? Selective Mutism is a disorder … [Read more...] about Sick or Stubborn? Selective Mutism

It’s never easy dealing with mental health problems. The symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia can be particularly challenging, having extreme impacts on social and mental health and taking a big emotional toll on people in a sufferer’s support network. Disorganized schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder. Recovery is possible, but treatment is lifelong too. Understanding what … [Read more...] about Disorganized Schizophrenia: A Must Read, Comprehensive Guide

Mental health is something that everyone is concerned about. And it seems with the way that life goes these days, people being under more stress and the like, mental illness is something that runs more rampant than before. We all know that stress can cause major issues in our bodies. Stress can be one reason why someone has a mental breakdown, has nervous habits or the like. … [Read more...] about Duck Syndrome: How To Know If You Have It & What To Do