Mental Health Topics, Relationships How to create and maintain strong friendships: The importance of strong bonds and tips on staying close by Laura Harris, LCMHC on May 3, 2023 Friends make up a huge part of most peoples’ lives, but over time, friendships can fade and drift apart if they aren’t maintained. Fostering and putting effort into friendships is key to making sure those relationships stay strong and close. That being said, it can be hard to know where…
Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Topics Therapist vs. psychiatrist: Understanding the difference by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP on May 3, 2023 Taking the first step on the road to recovery can feel difficult or intimidating. You may not know where to start to get the help you need. However, scheduling mental health services and getting treatment becomes much easier if you understand the type of help you need. One facet of…
Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Stress Top facts about stress: Understanding the body’s response to stress, common triggers, leading causes, and more by Theresa Lupcho, LPC on May 1, 2023 Everyone knows what stress feels like—but understanding all of the potential effects and triggers can be difficult. That’s why we’ve laid out some of the most important facts about stress, plain and simple. Take a closer look at what stress really is, from its biological basis to the most common…
Disorders, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Topics Understanding the difference between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities by Jason Crosby on May 1, 2023 Autism, officially known autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a somewhat common neurodevelopmental disorder but isn’t well-understood by the general public. And despite increasing understanding and awareness in regards to autism, misconceptions still persist. For example, it’s common for many people to confuse autism with learning disabilities but under closer scrutiny,…
Mental Health Topics, Stress Why am I stressed for no reason? What’s behind “irrational” stress and ways to relieve it by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Apr 28, 2023 Stress is a very prevalent part of life for many people, and can be a source of discomfort and strain, especially when you don’t know how to deal with it. Unless you have actively tried to establish routines and strategies for relieving stress, it’s likely that you have some lingering…
Mental Health Topics, Stress What is stress? Helpful definitions and stress management tips by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Apr 25, 2023 At some point in time, everyone feels stress. It is a universal part of life, and yet if it isn’t dealt with effectively, it can start to affect our physical and mental health over time. The term “stress” doesn’t necessarily have a universally agreed upon definition, though a good working…
Medication, Mental Health Topics Is it safe to take Celexa and drink alcohol? The effects of Celexa and alcohol by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on Apr 25, 2023 Celexa, the brand name for the drug citalopram, is a commonly-used antidepressant. Though it is mainly used to treat depression, it’s also frequently used to treat anxiety. Celexa is a specific type of antidepressant called a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works to restore the balance of serotonin in the…
Disorders, Mental Health Topics Can autism be “cured”? Treatment options for ASD by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on Apr 25, 2023 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences in the brain that affect behavior, communication, and other developmental skills. It can be treated to help lessen the effect of symptoms, but it will remain present throughout one’s lifetime. Though autism isn’t something that can be “cured,” with…
Mental Health Topics, PTSD Facts and history behind PTSD Awareness Month by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Apr 21, 2023 It’s important to spread awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues and the negative effects of stigma surrounding them. This is why events like PTSD Awareness Month exist—to promote learning, growth, acceptance, and change within our cultures and society. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused…
Anxiety, Mental Health Topics, Stress Are stress and anxiety the same? What’s the difference? by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Apr 21, 2023 We often use “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably, to describe intense worry or emotional distress. But in reality, there are distinct differences between the two—for example, one is considered a healthy emotion that can be beneficial, while the other is considered an unhealthy emotion that is all-around harmful. Let’s explore these…
Mental Health Topics, Psychiatry How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance? Understanding psychiatric provider rates and more by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP on Apr 20, 2023 When you seek out mental health services, inevitably the question of cost becomes a factor. How much will you end up paying? Will your insurance cover your visits? And if you don’t have insurance, you may wonder, “How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?” While getting an exact cost…
Disorders, Mental Health Topics, Research Does autism spectrum disorder (ASD) run in families? Understanding ASD, genetic risk factors, and testing options by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Apr 18, 2023 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that approximately 1 in 36 children will be born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is one of the more common neurodevelopmental disorders—and you might be wondering, especially if you or another family member has ASD, if autism…