In the fall and winter, we’re especially vulnerable to a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression, which is related to shorter days and a lack of sunlight. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for SAD including light therapy, antidepressants, talk therapy, and self-care. With light…
While there isn’t a cure for personality disorders, there are effective treatment methods out there for those who struggle with these conditions, such as therapy. These clients can often be described as “change-resistant” as they have a particularly difficult time making changes, even when those changes will benefit them. That…
Depression is characterized by, well, a depressed state. Those who develop the condition present this state of despair as well as a loss of interest or pleasure in day to day life. The remaining characteristics can vary… and be mistaken for another illness entirely—the flu. This makes distinguishing the difference…
Addiction doesn’t just change the individual suffering with the disease, but their loved ones—especially their chosen life partner. If your spouse is struggling with addiction, you must choose your actions carefully: it’s easy to confuse helpful and unhelpful interventions. First, don’t try to “make things easier” on your spouse—this can…
It’s important we understand and raise awareness for harmful mental illnesses like PTSD. Though the disorder can vary from person-to-person, common symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Letting our loved ones with PTSD know we are there for them can go a long way in their recovery journey. We…
As with many conversations surrounding mental health, there are a few common misconceptions when it comes to understanding the course and development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental illness that many suffer with after experiencing a traumatic event. Dr. Joe Bates, brain expert and double board certified psychiatrist, has…
Ask Yourself: What Am I Looking to Accomplish? First, ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Do you want to go on an exploration of what happened in your childhood? You may want to find a therapist who specializes in psychodynamic therapy or even hypnotherapy. Are you looking for someone…
Bad Thoughts Sometimes Come from Out of Nowhere You’re standing at the sink peeling a carrot. You have a paring knife in your hand. You’ve peeled carrots dozens of times with the same knife. Why this time do you have the thought you might stab your husband in the back?…
Everywhere I go I find that a poet has been there before me. – Sigmund Freud Freudian Ideas and the Test of Time If anyone has increased our consciousness about the mind it is Sigmund Freud. He is synonymous with the exploration of the psyche and undoubtedly was one of…
If someone you know is struggling with the hazardous effects of Anorexia or a related eating disorder, here are some key things to know. Anorexia Nervosa is a prominent eating disorder that is usually found in young women during puberty, as well as men in some cases. The disease is…
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) – What To Look For In Therapy Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)is a disorder in which the victim shows an accustomed pattern of attention-seeking and extremely histrionic behaviors starting in early adulthood in a large range of situations. Victims of HPD are highly emotional, charming, energetic, manipulative,…
