Mental Health Topics

Many people don’t respond well to criticism; however, when we learn how to accept and respond well to criticism, we can use it to our benefit. Here’s how: First, stop yourself from reacting right away. Our first response to criticism isn’t usually productive, but defensive. Then, remind yourself that most…

The other day, I was at an appointment when I overheard an employee talking with the receptionist.  The employee’s boyfriend bought her an anxiety cube. Obviously, I was intrigued when I heard her say, “anxiety,” and I questioned if she suffered with it a lot.  She answered with a reluctant,…

One of my past clients had a history of bullying back in high school.  He said that terrifying other kids was one of the few times he felt empowered and tough. This particular client was abused by his father, and in order to alleviate the pain he felt, he took…

Marriage is a major commitment, and many of us wonder how we’ll ever know the time is right—a few signs can help us find clarity.  First, true love, dedication, and effort are needed to make a relationship last; if these are apparent in your relationship, you are on the right…

The majority of us aren’t too comfortable with our emotions, which can be accredited to being raised in a society scared to show our feelings.  We aren’t properly instructed on the biology of emotions and the brain. And as much as we’re told that we should monitor and regulate our…

Not long ago, I was talking to somebody that has a collection of chronic issues; a few of which are apparent and a few unapparent.  What is even more upsetting is that when discussing these conditions with others, people occasionally say to her, “At least you don’t have cancer.”  How…

We all have our own (often strong) opinions on politics, religion, relationships, and so on. Offhand conversations no longer circle with ease around the water cooler at work. We take part in conversations about more serious issues and subject matters. Additionally, thanks to social media, sharing those beliefs is easier…

PTSD and anxiety: Does one cause the other? This question popped up recently when I was speaking with someone who has severe panic attacks, which are “debilitating” and require inpatient care.  As this individual was sharing about their experiences, they told me that when they think about how much time…

Imagine this: you get home from work, and your spouse looks up at you from the kitchen table, clearly concerned. You demand simultaneously, “Where are the kids?”  You both thought it was the other person’s turn to pick the kids up from soccer practice, which has the potential to spark…

After working for many decades of your life, most people are ready for a relaxing and peaceful retirement. They look forward to getting to do what they want, when they want, without having to answer to bosses or deal with any more work-related stress. But unfortunately, for many people, retirement…

New research suggests certain positions and longer careers increase an NFL player’s risk of developing cognitive and mental health issues.  Researchers analyzed career length, position history, head and neck injuries, concussion symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms. They found that players with the longest careers were twice as likely to report…

The perfect relationship doesn’t exist, but we can get pretty close to it: the relationship we develop with our dog is mutually beneficial and rarely contains conflict. Dogs offer their owners unconditional love and positive regard; in other words, they love them and think highly of them no matter what. …