Impact of COVID-19 on Anxiety: Situational Anxiety vs Anxiety Disorder
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
The years 2020 and 2021 have been ones we will never forget, as so many lives were turned upside down with the mention of a new virus: COVID-19. The changes that occurred brought a new way of life where you couldn’t watch the news, get on social media sites, or drive down the street without seeing constant reminders of the danger around us.
The ever-present virus has caused a new phenomenon of COVID-19 anxiety.
There has been so much information shared by people in positions of authority as well as others who claim to be experts. Much of this data is causing people to feel anxious as they fear for their lives and safety on a consistent basis.... Continue reading →
4 Signs You Grew Up in a Toxic Family and How to Overcome it
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
Psychological trauma is not always a result of growing up in a toxic family environment, although it can be a contributing factor. A child can experience a car accident resulting in a parent’s death which may cause psychological trauma. On the other hand, someone can grow up in a dysfunctional family, which can do extreme damage and have a lasting impact on their life.
What is a Toxic Family?
Every family has moments of discord when they argue or situations when they unintentionally hurt each other. Some families have a history of conflict or friction during every encounter, leaving family members worn out and frazzled when they are together. If you... Continue reading →
Healthy Coping Skills for PTSD
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
It is common to experience intense responses, including stress, anxiety, flashbacks, or insomnia after experiencing traumatic events. There are many types of incidents that could cause PTSD, including car accidents with injuries, physical and emotional abuse, or observing a violent situation. These symptoms can be overwhelming, and finding tools to help in the healing process is crucial.
How a person uses PTSD coping skills can determine if they have long-term symptoms or a short period of recovery. There are numerous healthy ways of handling stressful events which can lessen frequency and intensity and make the approach tolerable. Using self-help strategies... Continue reading →
Self-Harm Doesn’t Always Look the Same: When to Seek Help
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
Self-harm is often kept secret and may be more prevalent than you think, especially in young adults or adolescents. This type of behavior is usually not suicidal but rather a way of dealing with emotional pain or anger. It provides relief for a short period of time, followed by bouts of guilt or shame.
This purposeful harming of one’s body usually occurs when people have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. It is important to understand this affliction is not characterized as a mental disorder but rather a sign of needing better ways to cope with emotional stress. It shows that a person is in extreme psychological pain, and it’s vital to find treatment for the underlying issues... Continue reading →
Schizophrenia vs Bipolar Disorder: How to Get the Support You Need
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two chronic mental health conditions and can often be confused with each other. It is important to understand they have different diagnoses, and treatment is unique for each one, even with their similarities. There are some symptoms that may cause confusion, so it’s vital to understand the difference between the two.
Schizophrenia causes more severe symptoms than bipolar disorder, and one of the first symptoms is social isolation with noticeable hallucinations or delusions. No one knows the cause of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but both have genetic risk factors and tend to run in... Continue reading →
Types of Substance Abuse and Strategies to Overcome Addiction
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
Many of us use substances to relax, unwind, and enjoy ourselves. Though there are also those who use them for other reasons, including escaping the stresses of life, masking emotional pain, or eliminating chronic anxiety. But the comfort provided by drugs, alcohol, or other substances is often nothing more than a band-aid for deeper mental health disorders that need more hands-on treatment.
After the effects of a substance wears off, the returning pain, anxiety, or stress can be overwhelming. The individual may attempt to self-medicate by continuing to use substances to numb their pain, creating a vicious cycle of negative... Continue reading →
How Burnout Can Lead to Mental Breakdowns
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
The world is in upheaval with the COVID-19 pandemic as there has been a growing number of concerns about everyday life. This is creating an increase in daily stressors, life disruptions, work distractions, and major feelings of burnout. Due to this consistent and chronic state of fear, stress, and anxiety, mental health issues are becoming a major problem.
Our daily activities, choices, and desires have been affected by overwhelming changes and an overload of information. We are in hyperdrive and are reeling from all of the modifications, the differing opinions, and the turmoil on a daily basis. We are experiencing extreme burnout at our... Continue reading →
Knowing and Acting on the Signs of Suicidal Ideation
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
Suicide or taking one’s own life occurs too often when someone is overwhelmed by intense emotional pain. It can leave a family devastated and wondering what they could have done differently. When thoughts of suicide are not part of your thought process, you may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation.
You can learn keywords, phrases, and changes in patterns of behavior that will help you take a closer look at your loved one’s state of mind. If you can recognize what things someone might say or do that are warning signs of suicidal ideation, you may be able to prevent a tragedy from occurring.
What are the Main Signs of... Continue reading →
Connection Between Mental Health Disorders and Chemical Dependency
February 10, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
When someone receives a dual diagnosis, it usually means they will require treatment for a mental health condition and for substance abuse. These disorders are frequently associated with each other and increase the damaging effects on a person’s well-being. Another name for this connection is a co-occurring disorder that combines the effects of having two major diseases.
About 50% of people who suffer from mental health disorders are also affected by substance abuse. While these two are closely linked, drugs and alcohol are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental illness. Using substances can increase the severity of... Continue reading →
Schizophrenia vs Bipolar Disorder: How to Get the Support You Need
February 8, 2022 Posted in: Announcement
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two chronic mental health conditions and can often be confused with each other. It is important to understand they have different diagnoses, and treatment is unique for each one, even with their similarities. There are some symptoms that may cause confusion, so it’s vital to understand the difference between the two.
Schizophrenia causes more severe symptoms than bipolar disorder, and one of the first symptoms is social isolation with noticeable hallucinations or delusions. No one knows the cause of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but both have genetic risk factors and tend to run in... Continue reading →