Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Self-esteem vs. self-confidence: What’s the difference, and can you have one without the other? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC on Mar 17, 2023 Self-esteem and self-confidence can be hard to develop, but both are key to loving yourself and living a fulfilled and happy life. Even so, that can be easier said than done. Low self-esteem can result from a variety of factors, including past relationships, negative coping strategies, and overthinking to name…
Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics How to get out of a funk: Helpful tips & suggestions by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Mar 6, 2023 Most of us have experienced a stretch of time that we might call a “funk.” We may feel anxious, downtrodden, frustrated, or even just plain tired. Sometimes, we might not even know why—but for whatever reason, we’re off our game. Getting out of a funk may not seem easy, and…
Mental Health Topics, Sexuality, Trauma Sexual trauma: What are the effects? And what treatment options are available? by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Mar 6, 2023 Sexual trauma can occur in many forms and for survivors often results in short- or long-term psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. In the days and weeks following occurrences of sexual trauma, survivors may grapple with confusion, guilt, social withdrawal, and anger. Despite its potential to cause psychological…
Depression, Mental Health Topics, Parenting, Women's Issues Stay-at-home mom depression: Why motherhood may cause depressive disorders, how to cope, and more by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Mar 3, 2023 For those of us who aren’t stay-at-home moms, we may marvel at how they’re able to run an entire household. And for some, especially those on the cusp of motherhood or who are contemplating life after pregnancy, being a stay-at-home mom may sound unfamiliar, or even scary. Besides the struggles…
Depression, Mental Health Topics, Sleep Morning depression: What are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options? by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP on Mar 3, 2023 Depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Those who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) often experience a loss of interest in once-beloved activities, significant impairment in day-to-day functioning, and a range of other symptoms, such as changes to sleep and appetite. These factors, most notably sleep…
Disorders, Eating Disorders, Mental Health Topics What is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder? Common symptoms and causes of ARFID by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on Feb 27, 2023 Children are often picky with their food choices, but sometimes, those eating habits can go beyond pickiness and start affecting a child’s physical health. If a child’s eating patterns become increasingly restrictive and they begin to have symptoms like a lack of energy, failing to hit growth milestones, and refusing…
Depression, Mental Health Topics How long does depression last? The average time frame for depression, plus effective coping strategies by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Feb 27, 2023 Depression is an extremely prevalent issue around the world. However, despite there being common symptoms, it often looks different to everyone that struggles with it. There are differing types of depression, as well as symptoms, intensity, duration, and more. Depression is pervasive, and an episode can last anywhere from a…
Medication, Mental Health Topics, Psychiatry How to get antidepressants: Tips on working with your provider to receive the best medication for your symptoms by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP on Feb 22, 2023 Even if you don’t know how they work (or how they’re prescribed), chances are, you’ve heard about antidepressants. Perhaps you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed yourself—and you’re now wondering how to get antidepressants. Psychiatric providers prescribe antidepressants based on mental health criteria that they’re trained to treat and diagnose. This…
Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Why can’t I achieve my goals? The psychology behind self-sabotaging behaviors by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Feb 22, 2023 Have you ever caught yourself actively undermining your own goals? Maybe you decide to take better care of your body, only to inhale fast food instead of buying healthy groceries. Maybe you miss an important work deadline because you spend your final pre-deadline hours doom scrolling on your phone to…
Anxiety, Mental Health Topics, Self-Care What are some helpful journal prompts for anxiety and depression? The benefits of journaling and 5 journaling prompts for mental health by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Feb 21, 2023 Journaling is a powerful tool. It serves as an outlet, allowing us to express our emotions and process our thoughts without fear of judgment — there is no need or temptation to censor ourselves when we’re writing to and for nobody but ourselves. What a gift. And yet, for some,…
Medication, Mental Health Topics, Psychiatry Psychotropic medications: What types of medications are psychotropic, and what are their uses and risks? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on Feb 17, 2023 Psychotropic medications sound complicated, but the term refers to any drug that has an effect on the brain. Psychotropic medications come in many different forms, with different usages and modes of functionality. Even though we might jump straight to pharmaceutical drugs when we hear the word “psychotropic,” the truth is…
Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Parents and teachers: Work together to identify learning disorders in kids and help them learn and live well by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Feb 15, 2023 Learning disorders usually present in children at a young age. However, that doesn’t always mean that a diagnosis will be made promptly. Often, parents wonder if their child’s delays or behaviors are normal (because what’s normal, anyhow?) or think they’ll “grow out of it.” Fortunately, there are other key figures…