Mental Health Topics

It might already be universally understood that using alcohol and/or drugs to cope with mental illness is a bad idea, but the “whys” of it might be less clear. It’s a big topic and there’s a lot of information out there, especially with all the discussions around legalization. Coping or…

Many people who don’t experience addiction themselves struggle to understand why and how others become addicted to substances like drugs and alcohol. Some doubt or downplay the suffering that comes with this disease, and others, those who empathize with struggling addicts, just can’t fully grasp the painful, strenuous battle that…

While it’s understandable to feel uncertain about taking medication to treat your mental health condition, it’s important to consider doing so as a viable treatment option. Be open with your doctor about your symptoms, so they can help you weigh your treatment options and ultimately decide whether medication is the…

If you drink alcohol from time to time—even a couple glasses of wine or a few beers every so often—you’ve probably experienced its effects on your sleep patterns. Whether you just couldn’t fall asleep, you found yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, or you had some pretty frightening dreams….

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…

You can help your love ones through addiction recovery by supporting and listening to them, but you must be careful about your own words. The wrong words can easily hurt an addict, even when you didn’t mean it “that way,” which means it’s important you know what not to say…

Addiction is, in fact, a disease of the brain, but many continue to insist that it is not—and doing so only causes sufferers further harm. This stigma surrounding addiction discourages those who suffer with the disease from opening up about their struggles and getting the help that they need. To…

It is all-too-common for individuals living with a range of mental illness to use mood- and mind-altering substances to alleviate their experiences and help soothe their overall experienced psychological condition. It has long been known to experienced addictions therapists that there is an incredibly high degree of overlap between mental…

While it’s normal to feel jealous, it can become unhealthy and wreak havoc on a relationship if not managed effectively. Fortunately, any couple can learn to address and work through jealousy issues and, in turn, cultivate a happy, healthy relationship. First, two partners should communicate their standards and expectations when…

It’s time to accept that effective communication is vital to our relationships and to take significant steps toward opening up. To start breaking down those walls, decide to approach the conversation with positive vibes, as positivity encourages comfortable communication, which then increases trust. Another valuable strategy is to choose an…

Money (and the financial stress that often accompanies it) can take a big toll on a marriage. In fact, one of the leading causes of divorce is finances. While it may be a heated topic, there are practical steps you can take to alleviate the stress money may be having…

Infidelity. Adultery. Disloyalty. No matter how you put it, finding out your significant other has cheated on you is an inconceivable nightmare. This person whom you love and care for committed the ultimate betrayal—and now you’re left wondering how you could ever move forward. I mean, is it even possible…