Mental Health Topics, Research Expert perspectives on ChatGPT therapy: Will AI become a larger part of the mental health field? by Ryan Culkin, LPC, Chief Counseling Officer on May 25, 2023 Artificial intelligence has become a focal point of conversation in many fields, each looking to discern whether technology like chatbots or digital assistants will—or should—play a larger role. Now this question is being posed in the field of mental health. Though having access to therapy services via ChatGPT and other…
Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Generalized anxiety disorder: Symptoms and effective treatment options by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on May 22, 2023 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will affect nearly seven million adults in the U.S. each year. Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder often have difficulties controlling even the most mundane of daily worries. They may worry more than is realistically necessary about actual events or expect the worst outcome when there seems…
Disorders, Mental Health Topics Antisocial personality disorder: Causes, risk factors, & treatment options by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on May 22, 2023 Antisocial personality disorder can be a problematic mental health condition, both in its presenting symptoms and in how it’s discussed. In regard to matters of right and wrong, those with antisocial personality disorder may often choose to serve their best interests first, and the manipulative and antagonistic behavior they display…
Addiction, Mental Health Topics Caffeine withdrawal: Common symptoms and how to ease them by Christine Ridley, LCSW on May 18, 2023 Are you used to picking up a large, steaming cup of coffee every morning prior to getting to the office? Do you continue to drink coffee as you pore over paperwork and attend meetings throughout the day? You may have joined the many Americans who consume so much caffeine every…
Mental Health Topics, Narcissism What is narcissism? Signs, causes, and treatment options by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on May 16, 2023 The word “narcissism” comes from a Greek myth where an attractive man named Narcissus looked at his reflection in a pool of water—and fell in love with it. You may know somebody like Narcissus. They might think about the world of themself and all of the great things they accomplish…
Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Agoraphobia guide: Symptoms, triggers, and treatment by Christine Ridley, LCSW on May 15, 2023 Fear is built into our biology. In fact, it keeps us safe — alerting us to danger and saying, “Hey, you need to be careful.” A phobia, on the other hand, is an excessive or irrational fear. If you experience intense fear and anxiety in public, open, or enclosed spaces—such…
Mental Health Topics, Stress Can stress cause vertigo? How stress and anxiety can affect and cause symptoms of vertigo by Christine Ridley, LCSW on May 12, 2023 Stress can do many different things to a person, from causing their mind to become forgetful and unfocused to nausea and stomach pain. But did you know it can also, in rarer cases, cause vertigo? Stress has strong effects on our minds and bodies, and without proper stress management, it…
Mental Health Topics, Stress Stress symptoms: How to recognize and manage stress early by Laura Harris, LCMHC on May 12, 2023 Whether it’s because of work, school, big changes, or other life issues, stress can be hard to shake—especially if you don’t really know it’s there. Stress is pervasive, and can build slowly from a small kernel to a huge weight on your shoulders. If you don’t regularly employ stress management…
Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Separation anxiety disorder: Signs, causes, treatment, & more by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on May 12, 2023 As toddlers and young children, we quickly and naturally form strong emotional bonds with our parents or caretakers. As a result, being apart from them at an early age is often accompanied by a level of anxiety. These feelings of distress are a normal stage of childhood development—but sometimes, our…
Mental Health Topics, Relationships What is monkey branching, and why do people do it? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC on May 12, 2023 “Monkey branching” describes a dating behavior where someone continues to pursue other potential partners while already in a relationship, often without the knowledge or consent of their current partner. The term comes from the image of a monkey swinging from one branch to another, never fully letting go of the…
Medication, Mental Health Topics, Sleep How to sleep while taking Cymbalta: Tips, alternative medications, and more by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on May 7, 2023 Cymbalta is a well-known and popularly prescribed medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue, among other conditions. For some people, Cymbalta may disturb their normal sleep routine, making it difficult to fall asleep at the right time or relax before bed. Though there are several reasons for Cymbalta’s…
Bipolar Disorder, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Do I have cyclothymia? Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on May 7, 2023 Cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of bipolar disorder II, characterized by emotional ups and downs. With cyclothymic disorder, an individual might feel great one week, and then low or down the next. Without treatment, the time in between these mood swings might feel fine—but when their symptoms flare, they…