Watching a friend or family member struggle with a mental illness can be stressful. They may be scared of its development. They may not even realize it's happening. Your support will help them get through it. It can be hard to know how to provide support, though. You...
When you don’t eat, you get hungry. For some people, hunger affects them in a way that makes them angry, or as some people say, “hangry” (hungry + angry). This is a response to the body not having adequate nourishment on hand to keep the brain functioning at a high...
Staying mentally healthy is a difficult part of life and something that everyone struggles with at one time or another. With the unique challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, staying mentally healthy is more important than ever, and in some ways, it’s more difficult...
We don’t always see life through rose-colored glasses. In truth, life consists primarily of stress-filled experiences followed by small moments of peace. Because of this, many of us live our lives going from one stressful event to the next, and instead of living well,...
Mood disorders are common ailments experienced, to an extent, by virtually everyone at some point in their lives. That being said, many people with a mood disorder carry it with them for long periods of time, and some people do so indefinitely. But what are mood...
Everyone experiences moments of anxiety. For most people, an anxious moment will pass and there will be a long period of time before another one occurs. For those with chronic or long-term anxiety, those anxious moments are much closer together, and in some cases,...
Below, you will find some shocking statistics concerning Mental Health in the United States. If you find yourself or someone else dealing with one or more of these issues, the best thing to do is to seek professional help as soon as you can. 1 in 5 adults in the...
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder and Its Symptoms? Do you or someone you know ever seem to get down with the changing of seasons, specifically in the fall or winter? Some may disregard these depressed feelings as simple mood swings or the “winter blues”, yet there...
America has one of the highest divorce rates in the world. Though the number seems to be dropping, an estimated 50% of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce with over 60% of second marriages also ending in divorce. When you apply the math, potentially half of...
We are complex creatures. Personalities, idiosyncrasies, habits, and behaviors are just some of the complicated traits that make us who we are. Various factors play a role in shaping who we become: upbringing, family dynamics and relationships, cultural influences,...
Bullies are nothing new. Unfortunately, we have not found a way to eliminate bullying or even decrease its prevalence; in fact, with recent advances in technology and social media, bullies have new platforms and opportunities to spread their cruelty. There are many...
Today, we are hearing more about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder than ever before. Many soldiers who have completed tours in the Middle East come home and continue to battle the after effects of war. Others experience a different form of trauma that has its own...
ADHD represents the most prevalent disorder among children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the United States. In fact, 11% of children in the US between that age range have ADHD. While the disorder is predominantly diagnosed in children, ADHD is non-discriminatory,...
We all can experience those times when we have to double check if we locked our front door or unplugged the heating iron, but some become so obsessed with routine behaviors that their daily activities constantly revolve around these tendencies. If you find yourself in...
Anxiety is a feeling that all people can experience. It can occur before an important interview or exam, when you’re facing your fears, in certain social situations, or when making an important decision. Some people suffer from anxiety disorders which go beyond the...
Mental Health Defined What is “mental health?” some people describe this as the literal health of your brain, while others use the term to describe a psychological state; but the very best way to describe mental health is to combine these two definitions together and...
According to Websters dictionary, a resolution is the act of finding an answer or a solution to a conflict or a problem. A "New Years Resolution" implies a promise and commitment that is made, starting on January 1st, to work toward a positive goal and/or mitigate a...
1. Ask about the assessment. One of the most essential interventions toward wellness is education, or "psychoeducation". Ongoing knowledge about one's health helps guide the process of recovery. It promotes a sense of action-oriented care, working toward goal...
The first visit to a Psychiatrist is often an initial evaluation, referred to as an intake. It is an opportunity for you and your Psychiatrist to explore the nature of your complaints and how they are effecting your quality of life. The range and severity of symptoms...
Mental health well-being is influenced by a multitude of factors. Most of us face stressors everyday. Hopefully, with adequate coping skills, we are able to manage life's challenges. Nevertheless, if things become overwhelming, a deviation from normal behavior and...
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor. We are trained as specialists to recognize, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. As with all health matters, mental health issues can be transient or chronic, and vary from mild to severe intensity. Sometimes mental health...
Nelson Mandela has passed at the age of 95. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) honors President Mandela, his contributions, and legacy. Mr Mandela spent much of his life fighting against racial discrimination in a divided South Africa. He was imprisoned for...
The holiday season is upon us. While it can be a time of joy, undoubtedly stress levels run high for many. If you already have high stress in your life, you are especially vulnerable. Planning for holiday activities, large crowds, shopping, and traveling are common...
It is estimated that Adult ADHD affects about 4-5% of the Untied States population. Historically, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis first discovered in the childhood years. Though for 60% of these children symptoms will continue into their...
Insomnia is defined as dissatisfaction with sleep quality, or quantity that leads to impaired level of functioning and causes significant distress in ones life. Symptoms include difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, or early morning awakenings....
As winter approaches, it is time to be mindful of seasonal changes that can lead to feelings of sadness. Daylight savings, winter darkness, and colder temperatures can lead to winter blues which occurs in about 15-30% of Americans. Symptoms commonly begin in late...
This is truly a historic time in the United States. Mental Health Parity continues to remain a primary agenda for the growth and development of an evolving health care system. In this month’s Psychiatric News, we look back fifty years ago, when President John F....
