Investigating the Role of Genetics in the Likelihood of Developing Addiction
Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a complex and multifaceted disease, far from being a simple matter of willpower or moral failing. For decades, the "nature vs. nurture" debate has raged, but modern scientific understanding increasingly points to an intricate interplay between an individual's genetic predispositions and their environmental experiences.
What Does ADHD Feel Like?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood. ADHD is far more than simply being "hyper" or easily distracted.
When Does OCD Develop?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is like being caught in a loop of unwelcome thoughts and fears, known as obsessions, that drive you to perform repetitive actions, or compulsions, in a desperate attempt to quell the anxiety.
How a Person with Bipolar Thinks
Bipolar disorder is a profound shift in thinking patterns that can feel like navigating a mental rollercoaster. Imagine your thoughts moving at lightning speed during a manic high, racing from one idea to another with an energy that feels boundless.
7 Thought Traps that Keep You Stuck in Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life, a biological reaction that kicks in to help us face danger. But when small, harmless situations trigger anxiety, it might indicate an anxiety disorder, where irrational fear takes hold.
When Does Substance Use Become Abuse?
In today's world, drinking alcohol at a party, taking pain medication, or even recreational drugs, can all seem part of the norm. But there's an important distinction between use and abuse that is often misunderstood.
4 Ways to Support Your Teen's Mental Health Without Seeming Overbearing
Supporting your teen's mental health can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be there for them without making them feel like you're constantly hovering.
College Application Stress: How to Help Your Anxious Teen Apply to College
Navigating the college application period can leave your teen feeling overwhelmed. Look for signs like irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from family activities.
My Kid Is Struggle at School: How Can I Help?
Navigating the school years is not always smooth sailing for kids. They may face challenges for various reasons. A learning or focus issue may be at play, making it hard to concentrate in class. Or the struggle lies in getting organized, a skill that doesn't come naturally to everyone.
7 Ways to Help Your Child Navigate Anxiety About School
Returning to school can evoke a mix of emotions in children. While some eagerly anticipate new adventures, others may face anxiety and uncertainty. Children often worry about academic pressures or their social dynamics. They might be anxious about making friends, meeting new teachers, or even adjusting to different subjects. My experience as a child therapist has taught me that adopting a compassionate and empathetic approach can make a world of difference.
How to Gradually Hand Off Responsibility to Your Teen
As your child enters the teenage years, you face the delicate balance of guiding while fostering independence. Handing off responsibility to your teen is a crucial part of their development, but it can be challenging to know how and when to loosen the reins.
How to Practice Emotional Vulnerability in Your Relationship
Are you tired of feeling disconnected and guarded in your relationships? Practicing emotional vulnerability may be the key to deeper connections and personal growth.
Depression: How to Stop Negative Thought Patterns
We all experience negative thought patterns, but they don't have to control our emotions or actions. By developing strategies to shift our mindset, we can learn to reframe these unhelpful thoughts and focus on the positive.
What Role Does Sleep Play in Managing Anxiety?
You're likely aware that quality sleep is crucial for physical health, but did you know it's equally vital for mental well-being?
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a form of therapy that assists individuals in addressing the emotional difficulties and symptoms that stem from traumatic experiences or deeply ingrained negative self-perceptions.
What is Bipolar Depression?
Bipolar depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. These fluctuations range from periods of intense energy, elevated mood, and impulsive behavior (known as manic episodes) to periods of profound sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest (depressive episodes).
6 Ways to Stop Anxious Thoughts In Their Tracks
Ever feel like your mind is a hamster wheel of worries spinning out of control? Anxious thoughts can take over, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
The Science of Addiction: How Addiction Affects and Alters the Brain
Substance use and addiction can be polarizing topics, often seen as personal failings. This view, unfortunately, fuels the stigma surrounding addiction. The reality is far more complex.
What are the Most Common Types of Insomnia?
Insomnia, a sleep disorder that affects millions worldwide, can be frustrating and debilitating. This common ailment makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both, leading to daytime fatigue and a general feeling of unrested.
The Fatigue of Extended Grief
Bereavement, mourning, and grief are interconnected yet distinct aspects of loss. Bereavement is the emotional response to a loss, while mourning represents the outward expression of grief, facilitating healing.