Mental Health Topics

Most people have a general idea of what bipolar disorder is. But fewer realize that there are actually two distinct subtypes of the condition. While they share core similarities, each type of bipolar disorder comes with its own unique pattern of highs and lows. And if you or someone you…

Treating yourself kindly isn’t always easy. Whether you’re beating yourself up for your mistakes, brushing off your accomplishments, or holding the bar way too high, regular self-criticism can leave you wondering: Why am I so hard on myself? Maybe the question even came from a loved one or therapist who…

ADHD can shape how you think, feel, behave, and move through the world, touching on everything from work and relationships to everyday routines. Your finances are no exception: Once you start noticing all the ways the condition can cost you money, it’s easy to see why people coined the term…

So you just booked your first psychiatry session. Whether you’ve tried mental health medications in the past, are currently taking them, or are just curious about the process, psychiatry is a space to discuss your symptoms and the various treatment options that might be right for you. Unlike most follow-up…

“Did I lock the door?” “What if I said something that hurt her feelings?” “What if I get someone sick?” “What if I make the wrong decision and something bad happens?” Most of us have moments when we feel responsible for preventing something from going wrong. Maybe you double-check that…

Whether you’re a chronic people-pleaser or simply someone who has a hard time saying “no” to the people you love, setting boundaries can be difficult, especially if you don’t have much practice setting them. But learning how to set a boundary is a crucial life skill that can improve your…

Booking your first therapy session is a big step, and it’s normal to feel a mix of relief, nerves, and curiosity about what to expect. Most people walk into their first session ready to dive into the deep work and leave with something that feels like a breakthrough. So it’s…

On paper, everything’s fine: steady job, decent house, friends you see regularly. Nothing’s obviously broken. So why does the question “why am I not happy?” keep showing up in your head? This question can make you feel alone, but therapists hear it often. “I’d say it’s probably one of the…

If you’re in your forties and suddenly notice that your mood, sleep, and focus are all out of whack, someone has probably told you that your hormones are to blame. And if your periods are also becoming suspiciously infrequent, you might be wondering if menopause hormone therapy (MHT), formerly known…

Most people know of Adderall as a popular medication for ADHD, but Wellbutrin is another lesser-known, off-label option. If you’re curious about this nonstimulant option, or if your provider suggested it, you probably have questions about how it stacks up against the first-line treatment. Here, we’ll look at how they…

Prozac is best known as an antidepressant, so you may be surprised if you’ve been prescribed Prozac for anxiety. But depression and anxiety share some of the same brain pathways, including those involving serotonin, the chemical messenger targeted by the medication. In fact, Prozac is FDA approved to treat panic…

I am a Black, queer, psychiatrist, and I live with a history of suicidal ideation and two suicide attempts. When I first experienced suicidality at age 13, I was sure I was going to die. At the time, the discrimination I was facing felt like a reality I would never…