Our Latest Blogs

Living Well With Depression

living well with depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that tends to be cyclical in nature. Some people experience a single episode after a difficult event or period in their lives, while others struggle with it over the course of a lifetime. The following is a list of notable people who have experienced major depression or a […]

Mental Health Benefits of Alternative Schools: Supporting Emotional Growth and Well-Being

wo high school students sitting at table doing homework

Behavioral issues in teens and adolescents are often rooted in underlying mental health challenges. Recognizing this connection enables schools to provide better support for students. When educators and caregivers understand that such behavior is not merely a disciplinary issue but a sign of deeper struggles, they can respond with empathy and appropriate interventions. This approach […]

Overcoming Trauma and Living with Depression: A Journey of Healing

Blue butterfly perched on windowpane with a dreary background

For years, I lived in the shadow of abusive relationships even after they ended. Most of the time, I was a prisoner of my thoughts and emotions. The scars were not visible, and they ran deep. For a long time, I felt I would never escape the emotional and mental pain of it all. Along […]

Breaking Down Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis: Why Depression Rates Are Higher Than Ever

Bored young adult in hoodie lying on couch with game controller

Depression, a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, has become increasingly common across generations. However, Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) reports significantly higher rates of depression than older generations. According to ​​research conducted by the Walton Family Foundation, 42% of Gen Z battles with depression and feelings […]

The Power of Belonging: How Neighborhood Connections Boost Mental Wellness

People gathering in urban neighborhood

In our bustling cities, the constant rush of urban life can make us feel like mere cogs in a grand machine without any sense of community. Yet our urban landscapes also offer opportunities to forge strong connections. These connections can significantly enhance our mental wellness. For younger city dwellers especially, these bonds can be essential […]

Navigating the Benefits of Ketamine Treatment for Depression

water lily blossom

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects approximately 280 million people around the world. The biggest challenge when it comes to combating depression is that traditional treatments are not always effective. However, there is a new treatment option that offers hope for those living with depression called ketamine treatment. But what is ketamine, […]

How I Beat Depression with ACT: A Therapist’s Story

happy man on park bench

There was a time when getting out of bed felt like lifting a mountain. My mind was a dark room with no doors or windows. That’s how deep my depression was. But here I am, feeling alive and kicking, making over half a million dollars a year. Sounds like a dream, right? But the journey […]

Online Help for Depression: A Guide to Treatment and Support

smiling man on laptop

Did you know that approximately 280 million people worldwide struggle with depression, according to the World Health Organization? Depression is more than just feeling sad sometimes. It’s a mood disorder that can stem from various causes, such as genetic vulnerabilities, faulty mood regulation by the brain, or stressful life events. Depression, also known as a […]

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Wellbeing

woman with stomach pain.

An optimally functioning gut has trillions of microbes living harmoniously to provide essential nutrients while protecting the body from potential pathogens. These microbes also communicate with your immune system and the rest of the body through hormonal and neural messengers known as the gut-brain connection axis. Many studies show a connection between gut health and […]

Navigating the Intersection of Psychology and Psychiatric Care for Mental Well-being

two professional women

The United States has a major mental health problem. Not only are there millions of people living with mental health conditions, but a significant portion of them go through life without any form of treatment at all. Many factors contribute to this unfortunate situation. For many years, mental health stigma was a driving force. People […]

Healthy Aging: Strategies to Maintain Mental Well-being in Later Life

older couple walking

It’s sad to see friends in their golden years sink into depression or lose their sharpness of mind. However, if you’re in that spot and getting up there in age, it’s important to know that not everyone ages the same, and you can retain clarity and happiness well into your later years. It’s never too […]

How to Endure a Job Loss without Depression: 7 Practical Tips for Coping

pensive man on couch

Job loss can be one of the most challenging experiences to endure. It doesn’t matter whether it’s due to a company downsizing, economic downturn, or personal reasons. Losing your job can leave you feeling lost and vulnerable. However, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions during this time, including anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. […]

How Making Art Improves Mental Health and Boosts Creative Wellness

young woman painting a canvas.

Creative wellness is the practice of using creative arts, such as music, dance, or painting, to promote physical, emotional, and psychological good health. It is a form of self-care that involves appreciating beauty in oneself and the surrounding world and expressing oneself through participation in the arts. Consider a creative pursuit that brings you joy. […]

Night Owls May Have a Higher Risk of Depression: Why It Pays to Wake Up Early

close up owl face

Do you wake up naturally in the morning, or do you need several alarms before you manage to crack open your eyes and drag yourself back into a conscious being? Well, according to the latest research, night owls may be at a mood disadvantage. Waking up naturally means your body is in tune with your […]

Ways to Help Seniors with Anxiety and Depression

So many seniors feel as though their lives will end soon. They have either achieved everything they wanted to or received word that their health is in poor shape. It’s not easy for seniors who have lived long and happy lives to suddenly, out of nowhere, feel trapped in their bodies as they grow older. […]

Ways to Manage Depression and Anxiety and Other Mental Health Problems

Rubik’s Cube close-up

30-Second Summary There are 6 healthy choices you can make to change your life. They are the following: Working out:Releases hormones for cell growth and supplies more oxygen to the brain. Watch your food:Replace unhealthy snacks with a balanced diet of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and plenty of water. Stressbuster: Talk about your thoughts and emotions […]

Diabetes and Depression after the COVID-19 Pandemic

young woman with dog at window.

When a doctor tells you that you have a disease with no cure, it changes your world. Even if the disease is one that you have heard of and that is controllable, the fact that this will be part of your life forever is shocking. Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic illness. The human body uses […]

Moving On: The Effect of Stagnation on Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

bored person looking at cellphone

Growth is evidence of life. There are times in life when we thrive and shine. We have so much energy to reach our goals and even surpass our expectations.  Then there are times we don’t feel up to the task – times when it seems that every aspect of life has come to a standstill, […]

How the Christmas Season Can Improve Mental Wellbeing in Children

black family at christmas dinner

For many, Christmas is a time for celebration, eating, drinking, and spending the festive period with loved ones. From a child’s perspective, nothing compares to the joy that comes from the season. The magic, fun, and presents all add to the experience. The nostalgia we feel as adults is all constructed from our formative years. […]

The Link Between Insomnia and Depression

man laying in bed

Nothing is more frustrating than tossing and turning all night when you should be sleeping. Lying there, anticipating the alarm going off at 6:00 am as the hours tick by, can cause deep distress. You cringe when considering the coming day, knowing that you will be functioning on fumes. Insomnia is one of the most […]

The Battle Between Two Depressions: When Both Parents Struggle with Mental Health

new parents with baby

Here are three things I know for sure: Dealing with Postpartum Depression (PPD) is hard. Watching your partner struggle with clinical depression is hard. Doing both at the same time feels unbearable. Dealing with PPD is Hard I gave birth to my first child on January 16th, 2020. I’m not quite sure I can accurately […]

I Have Anxiety and Depression. This Is How the Pandemic Has Affected Me.

girl in medical face mask

The World Health Organization recognizes that mental health disorders are the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide. That’s 450 million people suffering from a mental health disorder today. That’s a lot of people!  With the Covid-19 pandemic at its peak, the number of diagnosed mental health disorders worldwide is rising daily, as observed by […]

How Spiritual Wellness Can Help Fight the Onset of Depression

woman praying

Almost everyone experiences depression or sadness at some time in life. Depression is a pervasive affective state that is experienced by individuals as they undergo challenges, loss, frustrations, and changes in everyday life. Most people, at some point, experience a loss of a loved one, encounter difficulties, or are placed in a position to care […]

Depression and Its Effect on Your Life

woman in bed

Clinical depression is also called a major depressive mood disorder. It is a serious and common medical condition, which negatively affects the way you feel, act, and think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8.1 percent of Americans aged 20 and over experienced depression in a given two-week period. Different people experience […]

Why the Link between Depression and Substance Abuse Is More Complicated Than It Appears

substance abuse depression

So, which came first, depression or substance abuse? The question is akin to the chicken/egg conundrum that has befuddled generations, yet the relationship between substance abuse and depression is much more complex than meets the eye. Of course, those who live with co-occurring disorders understand this complexity all too well. “Co-occurring disorders,” also called dual […]

Treating Depression While in Addiction Recovery

calm waters

Recovery from addiction is said to be simple, but not easy. I have no doubt that for many people this holds true. But for some, like myself, there is more than one illness of the mind to fight. Going through recovery with a dual diagnosis adds an extra layer to addiction recovery and can make […]

Running for a Healthy Mind: Defeating Depression with Freeform Jogging

jogging for mental health and depression

Even individuals with sunny dispositions have their dark times. It is therefore not a stretch to imagine that people who suffer from depression go through excruciating intervals of suffering when their mood takes a nosedive. The root-causes of depression can be manifold: they can be genetic, stress-related, caused by an ailment, or even diet. However […]

How Anxiety and Depression May Affect Your Relationships

Anyone can be affected by depression and anxiety – even children. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that generalized anxiety disorder affects 6.8 million people in the United States, with the number being much higher across the world. It is difficult to live with depression. The symptoms can affect your mental health, generate […]

Fighting Depression Without Medication

Overcoming Depression Without Medication

Clinical depression is more than just having a bad day. Depression is a real illness that impedes a person’s daily life and normal functioning. It causes pain both for those affected and the people close to them. Depression is one condition that is often overlooked or ignored because of the stigma and connotations associated with […]

My Story of Recovery from Depression and Addiction

new dawn

As early as grade school, I remember struggling to gather up the energy and motivation I needed to get out of bed in the morning and go to school. Some days it was so bad that my mom had to nearly drag me out of bed. I had no problems in school and no real […]

Living in the 21st Century: Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health and Well-being

social media phone

If you’re anything like me – or most Americans – the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning is check your phone: for updates, for statuses, for anything and everything. It seems like our entire life revolves around our phones. In today’s digital world, they allow us to do […]

Migraines and Mental Health: The Road Between Migraines and Anxiety & Depression Travels Both Ways

Migranes and Mental Health

There is a close relationship between migraines and the mental health issues of anxiety and depression. This relationship is expressed as comorbidity, and there is a definite increase in the development of anxiety and depression by migraineurs when compared to the general population. This article provides an overview of both mental health conditions and migraines, […]

How to Get Out of Bed When Depression Is Keeping You Down

Do you wake up in the morning and, within moments of opening your eyes to a day full of opportunity, think “what’s the point?” You are not alone. This feeling of constant dejection, that complete inability to feel any sense of self-belief or confidence, is something that often leaves you feeling weak and timid. Such […]

How Letting More Light into Your Life Can Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing

natural sunlight can increase happiness

Light within our home and at our workplace can affect our health and wellbeing. Natural light has so many benefits, but it can be hard to get enough of it when you spend most of your day at work. Artificial light decreases levels of melatonin, a hormone that is created in the brain by the […]

Failure to Launch Part 5: Before You Write the Eviction Letter – Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Transition to Independent Living for Your Young Adult

Failure to Launch

For the past few weeks, social media and the major news networks have been buzzing with a story about a New York couple who successfully sued to have their 30-year-old son evicted from their home. News outlets from Good Morning America to The New York Times are calling it a “real- life case of Failure […]

7 Anti-Sadness Secrets for Coping with Depression

Charlie Brown’s comic creator, Charles Schulz, maintained that “happiness is a warm blanket.” Sadness, though, is a wet blanket. It envelops you—making it difficult to breathe, to see the sunlight, to function on an everyday basis. It need not be debilitating, though. There are ways to come out from under.  Here are seven realities for you to think […]

Managing Workplace Stress When You Live With Anxiety and/or Depression

Workplace stress affects millions of individuals—ones without depression and anxiety disorders. So what do you do when you have a mental health or mood disorder like anxiety or major depressive disorder and you’re dealing with a lot of workplace stress? You have to work to pay the bills, but you don’t want to compromise your […]

Go Fetch Wellness

go-fetch-wellness

Animal Assisted Therapy
Asheville, NC

Go Fetch Wellness is an animal assisted therapy practice operated by founder Jeff Fink and his trained therapy dog Earl. His practice was established in 2013 to help people living with serious mental health disorders find relief from the isolation and distress caused by their illnesses.

Living Well with an Eating Disorder

living well eating disorder

  Eating disorders are some of the most dangerous and deadly mental health conditions. These disorders can take a large toll on one’s physical and mental health. Thankfully, recovery from eating disorders is very much possible. Here are thirteen notable people who recovered from an eating disorder and have continued to live well. Paula Abdul […]

Depression in Teenagers and What to Do About It

teen depression

Today’s post comes to us from blogger, Erica Silva. Her article breaks down teenage depression and its treatment options into simple terms that any teenager could find helpful. If you are a parent of a teenager who might be experiencing depression, this post could help him or her better understand what is going on with […]

Living Well with Bipolar Disorder

living well with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is a serious mental health condition that is characterized by manic highs and depressive lows. The following is a list of notable people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have achieved great success in their chosen fields. This list contains mostly those who are still living, but we […]

7 Ways to Stay Well in the Face of Seasonal Depression

seasonal-depression

  Have you noticed that the days are much shorter and darker this time of year? These changes in weather and light can affect our mood and energy levels. Over 10 million Americans are estimated to have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression. The cold days, long nights, and isolation of winter can make […]

Positive Quotes on Coping with Depression

Breel quote

  As a follow up to last month’s post Quotes About Anxiety I’ve selected a collection of quotes on coping with depression. Many people who experience serious depression refer to it in terms of deep emotional and spiritual pain. The writer John Styron in Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness describes his depression as an assault on […]

Positive Quotes on Living with Anxiety

Anxiety Quotes

  A few months ago when I was researching my post on Living Well With Anxiety I came across some great quotes on the topic of anxiety which I’ve assembled here. Some are deep, like Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard’s statement that “Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” Some are funny, like editor Scott Stossel’s answer […]

Green Wellness: How Spending Time in Nature Can Help You

Woman sitting in a field.

  It seems like a no-brainer that spending time outside in the fresh air while doing physical activities is good for us. Thankfully, there are many research findings which indicate that spending time in nature, especially while exercising, has many mental health benefits. From a boost in self-esteem and attention span to decreased feelings of depression […]

Living Well With An Anxiety Disorder

Living Well anxiety

Your purchases of any items listed in this article on Amazon.com will help support the costs of running rtor.org, a free service of Laurel House, Inc., 501 (C)(3), non-profit organization This is the first installment in rtor.org’s “Living Well” series on notable people who have been recognized for their achievements in politics, science, and the […]

‘Boy Meets Depression’ – A Heartfelt Story of Mental Health Recovery

boy meets depression

  In May of 2013 a Canadian comic named Kevin Breel gave an 11-minute TEDx Talk that went instantly viral with more than 3 million views to date.  Two big things about the speech “Confessions of a Depressed Comic” account for its success: the speaker’s age and the message he delivered. Kevin might downplay the […]

5 Key Aspects of Physical Wellness

yoga physical wellness

“A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession” – Hippocrates It’s no mystery that taking care of your physical well-being is extremely important to your health and happiness. Yet, the average American leads a busy stressed-out life which puts health and wellness on the back burner. There is a lot of complicated information […]

Why We Repress Memories: Understanding the Brain’s Response to Trauma

Man deep in thought, appearing concerned or reflective.

Have you ever struggled to recall a painful memory, only for it to resurface unexpectedly—raw, vivid, and emotionally intense? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, often referred to as repressed memories, is common among trauma survivors. But why does the brain choose to hide certain experiences? Is it a survival tactic, a neurological glitch, or something […]

Research Shows That These Are the Most Common Things Millennials Bring Up in Therapy

Close up of clients’ hands in therapy session.

Millennials are rewriting the narrative around mental health. Born between 1981 and 1996, this generation approaches psychological well-being with unprecedented openness and self-awareness. They view therapeutic conversations as opportunities for deep self-understanding, personal development, and increased emotional intelligence. Research and clinical observations reveal several recurring themes that emerge during millennials’ therapy sessions and explain why […]

Amir Garakani, MD, DFAPA

RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile   Amir Garakani, MD, DFAPA Psychiatrist Greenwich, CT   Based in Greenwich, CT, Amir Garakani, MD, employs a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to psychiatric care. He specializes in treating young and emerging adults as well as older adults, offering psychiatric consultations, psychotherapy, and medication management with a focus on anxiety […]

The Power of Peer Support in Mental Health Recovery

Three members of a peer support group sitting in a school gym

Mental health recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. While professional treatment, therapy, and medication play crucial roles in healing, another key element of recovery is peer support—the encouragement and guidance of those who have walked a similar path. For individuals facing mental health challenges, peer support offers a sense of understanding, belonging, and shared experience […]

Breaking the Cycle of Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health Struggles

Older bearded man playing with grandson at home

Understanding the Link Between Housing and Mental Health Veterans experiencing homelessness often face multiple barriers, with mental health challenges at the forefront. Many return from military service with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, making reintegration into civilian life difficult. Without stable housing, these issues can intensify, trapping veterans in a cycle that is […]

Mental Health Care for Aging Adults: Strategies for Overcoming Stigma, Inequities, and Treatment Gaps

Smiling senior citizen standing outside

There’s a great deal of focus at the moment on the mental health challenges of younger populations. Examples are the impact of social media on self-harm and suicide rates or the rise of burnout in the culture of overwork. These are vital points of concern that deserve attention. Yet, one issue that tends to get […]

Understanding and Treating Hypersexuality in Bipolar Disorder

Man sitting on park bench looking at smartphone.

Bipolar disorder affects over 2.8% of adults throughout the United States. This condition causes frequent shifts in mood, energy, activity level, and one’s ability to complete everyday tasks. Although less frequently spoken about, hypersexuality is a symptom that affects many people living with bipolar disorder. Understanding the link between bipolar disorder and hypersexuality is an […]

What Causes Addiction (and Why It Matters)

Young man walking outside with backpack.

These days, the word addiction turns up a lot in casual conversation. People tell you they’re addicted to their cozy PJs or their daily run on the treadmill. Since I grew up in the Stone Age before smartphones and social media, my mind immediately goes to alcohol or drugs whenever I hear the word addiction. […]

Mental Health and Physical Disability: An Experience with Psychotherapy and Spinal Cord Injury

woman in courtyard in a wheelchair

Living with a disability or chronic illness is more than challenging on the body—it’s challenging on the mind. With poor health and disability come stress and worry. Healthcare can be expensive, and much of society can be inaccessible. Worries can lead to anxiety and depression. According to the CDC adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent […]

Trevor Crow, LMFT, MBA, EFT

RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile   Trevor Crow LMFT, MBA, EFT Marriage & Family Therapist Cos Cob, CT Trevor Crow is a Certified Executive Coach, Author, Talk Show Host, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), and ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT). Trevor’s therapy practice focuses on high-conflict couples and blended step-families.  She is an expert […]

The Landscape of College Students’ Mental Health

College Mental Health

College is often described as a formative period filled with learning, self-discovery, and personal growth. However, it is also marked by significant challenges that can have a profound impact on students’ mental health. According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), more than 60% of college students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety, while nearly 40% experienced […]

Thriving Alone in the City: Making Connections in Urban Environments

Young Black woman with tablet walking in urban setting

City living offers many fantastic opportunities. Urban centers provide greater employment, amenities, and social diversity than smaller towns. Urban living on your own can be exciting, but it can also be quite challenging. One thing to be mindful of during your solo urban experience is your mental health. The stress and pressure of living alone […]

Navigating the Transition from Adolescent to Adult Mental Health Services

Young man walking on patio

As adolescents with chronic mental health conditions approach adulthood, they often face significant changes in their care, including different treatment approaches and potential gaps in services. The shift from the supportive, family-oriented environment of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to the more autonomous framework of Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) can be disorienting […]

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Online Support for Mental Health and Recovery

man using tablet outside

The internet has made it much simpler for people to get help for mental health problems without leaving their homes. Now, you can search for information, talk to others experiencing similar issues, and even get professional help online. The move to online mental health support is happening because people realize how important mental well-being is, […]