We know it’s important to take care of ourselves physically – we have to eat right, get some exercise and get a sufficient amount of rest each night in order to function properly the next day. But what do we do when it comes to our mental health? There are many factors that contribute to […]
Our Latest Blogs
D’Amore Healthcare
Huntington Beach, CA
D’Amore Healthcare Mental Health Treatment Center is located in Huntington Beach, CA.
Clere Consulting
West Roseville, MN
Clere Consulting is located in West Roseville, MN.
Today’s guest blog post is by a young writer from Pakistan, Saim Cheeda, who lives with anxiety and depression. Saim may be writing from halfway around the world, but his guest post shows that these disorders and other peoples’ reactions to them are universal across cultures. He brings a positive message to people everywhere living […]
Adolescence is hard enough. But for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) youth, the difficulties of these years are compounded by stress related to prejudice, bullying, and the fear of rejection. In extreme cases, some are exposed to the damaging practice of conversion therapy. Such dynamics can lead to an array of mental […]
A panic attack can be a terrifying experience, often causing the sufferer to believe he or she is having a heart attack and about to die. The distressing nature of the attack can compound the person’s anxiety and make the attack even more intense and long lasting. Worrying about when the unpleasant symptoms of the […]
Residential Treatment Facility
Boulder, CO
Colorado Recovery offers 24-hour care 7 days a week in a residential treatment facility, transitional living and daily intensive outpatient services in Boulder, Colorado. Services are available for adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other serious mental illnesses.
Residential Mental Health Treatment Center
Asheville, NC
CooperRiis is a residential healing community and progressive transitional living program for adults struggling with mental health challenges. CooperRiis offers a unique approach to recovery with a balance of trusted clinical therapies, purposeful work, community service, education, and holistic health and wellness practices.
Psychiatrist
Family Study Center, Inc.
Danbury, CT
John G. Gelinas, Jr., MD, PC is a board-certified psychiatrist, founder and medical director of Family Study Center, Inc., a private, outpatient, comprehensive psychiatric and counseling practice, in Danbury, CT. Dr. Gelinas specializes in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry.
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Anxiety Disorders Center, Child Mind Institute
New York, NY
Dr. Bubrick is a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and Director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute in New York, NY. He is a cognitive and behavioral psychologist who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Residential Program
Canaan, CT
Eden Hill Recovery Retreat is a transitional sober living home designed exclusively for adult women in Canaan, CT. The Eden Hill Extended Care Women’s Program offers a comprehensive approach to treating substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Mental illness found me at 19 years old. I was in my second year of university with the world at my fingertips, yet I could not get out of bed. I was ridden with depression, anxiety and horrible mood swings that hung over me like a dark cloud. To escape my situation, I would self […]
Concussions occur when the brain hits the inside surface of the skull. This sudden impact makes the brain “dance” inside the skull and, in so doing, nerves and/or tiny blood vessels may get damaged. About 90% of concussions do not lead to loss of consciousness and MRIs or CAT Scans taken after the impact will […]
Within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBTQ), substance abuse is at an all-time high and mental health problems are becoming more prevalent. According to a 2015 study by SAMHSA, “More than twice as many LGBTQ adults compared to heterosexual adults reported using drugs in the past year.” Mental health problems are also becoming […]
A lot of older people say that kids nowadays are coddled and overprotected; shielded from figuring out how to fight their own battles so they can function in a cruel unforgiving world, a world where emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills are essential. I can’t speak for every millennial but in my case, they would […]
Doctors regularly prescribe marijuana. It is legal in many states, widely available at neighborhood dispensaries and has become part of mainstream culture. But does that mean it’s safe and beneficial? The answer depends on who you ask. Certainly, there is plenty of evidence about the reported harmful effects of cannabis, including lowering a user’s IQ […]
If you’re new to a sober lifestyle, you may feel like you need to avoid music festivals. If the scene is a trigger for you, you might fear a relapse. For those with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, music festivals can be doubly challenging. If this is you and you attend a festival, you […]
Since I started blogging about the epidemic of young adults living at home and not moving forward in their lives, people from across the United States, most of them parents, have contacted us on a daily basis about the problem they refer to as “Failure to Launch,” “Failure to Launch Syndrome” or simply “FTL.” I […]
This week on www.rtor.org we observe National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 9-15, 2018) with a guest blog post on suicide risk and prevention for LGBTQ youth. The theme of this year’s Suicide Prevention Week is “The Power of Connection.” This is a message that is especially relevant for LGTBQ youth. Discrimination and social isolation place […]
Business executives don’t necessarily fit the prototypical model of someone with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but many of the triggers that impact someone who doesn’t work in the corporate sector are clearly present among business professionals. Stress, family pressures, and the overarching worry about falling short of expectations can all combine to push […]
This September, www.rtor.org is observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on co-occurring disorders – the presence of mental health and substance use disorders in the same person. To kick-off the special series on co-occurring disorders we open with a guest blog post from Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the […]
Change can be a wonderful and scary thing. For those starting their first year of college, this has never been more true. For some, change is an opportunity to propel themselves forward in a journey of self-discovery. For others, the stress and anxiety of being responsible for themselves and their success can be overwhelming. As […]
If you identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, your mental health is vital to take care of. As the LGBTQ community is at risk of discrimination and harassment, your mental health is vulnerable. Compared to heterosexual individuals, LGBTQ people are three times more likely to experience a mental health disorder and four times […]
Despite the fact there is evidence that gender dysphoria has existed since early human civilizations, many people have not heard of this concept until recently. Gender dysphoria is defined by the National Health Service (UK) as “a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there’s a mismatch between their biological sex and gender […]
Practicing self-care is about knowing what we need to do to take care of ourselves. It involves taking deliberate actions to support our overall health and wellness. Often overlooked, these practices can improve mental health and reduce the risk of disorders like depression and anxiety. Anyone can take these simple steps to support a healthy […]
Psychologist
Storrs, CT
Glastonbury, CT
Dr. Kugelmass is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Storrs and Glastonbury, CT. He works with adults of all ages on issues of anxiety, stress reduction, lifestyle and health behavior change, relationship issues, and academic and work success.
Many people have experienced traumatic events during childhood or later. Some may not even have considered them to be traumatic. These traumas might include being the victim of or exposure to violence; physical, sexual or emotional abuse; severe neglect; bullying; a serious accident or illness; domestic violence; death of a parent or other close relative; […]
Clinical Psychiatrist
New Haven, CT
Dr. Sakheim is a licensed clinical psychologist who has a private practice in New Haven, CT. He has a feminist, relationship-based approach to therapy, working with individuals who have extensive trauma.
When dealing with an anxiety disorder, one of the biggest obstacles you will face is trying to prevent your condition from disrupting your life. This is especially true in the workplace, where it is quite likely that symptoms of your anxiety disorder will crop up rather often. If this describes your work situation, you should […]
To live life means to go through a series of roadblocks in our journey, but what happens when the roadblock stems from a mental health disorder? Every mental health disorder is unique and no one goes through similar symptoms or experiences. Each and every person’s experience is distinct. And any mental health disorder can bring […]
Alongside the extreme highs and lows that are part of having bipolar disorder, sleep issues also pop up. Unfortunately, these problems don’t make the disorder any easier to manage. In fact, they can complicate the illness and even trigger episodes in people who are, otherwise, following their doctor’s orders. Sleep and Mania One of the […]
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 […]
If you or someone you love has a mental health impairment, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits to people of all ages who are unable to work due to a serious illness. While it can be challenging to qualify with a mental health disorder, […]
According to a recent survey in 2010, over 45% of individuals struggling with addiction, have also been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the combination of substance abuse and the presence of a mental health disorder. Over 16% of individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse have also […]
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., and they affect tens of millions of adults. Approximately 72 percent of individuals polled claim daily stress and anxiety interferes with their lives in some capacity — 56 percent while working. Speaking of which, depression is among the top three personal employee problems in […]
The Ranch Program
Cuttingsville, VT
The Spring Lake Ranch program is centered around the upkeep of a 700 acre farm where residents and staff participate in all the work involved in keeping a community of nearly 70 people going year round. The Ranch program focuses on teamwork, creating action plans with goals and identifying specific strategies to each individual’s needs.
Art – no matter whether you choose to create it yourself or simply observe and enjoy it – is a relaxing and inspiring activity for many people. However, the particular benefits of artistic expression go much further than relaxation and enjoyment. Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as […]
When it comes to the topic of sexual minorities, our outlook as a society has progressed and improved over time. But there is still plenty of stigma and discrimination being propagated all around us, and it has a negative impact on the mental health of this particular group. Here is what you need to know […]
All people value independence, but for Americans it is our defining trait. Whether we descended from the Mayflower, or are first generation Americans born to immigrants, we were raised on a narrative that our forebears came here seeking independence and a better way of life. Never mind that some people’s ancestors were always here, while […]
I still don’t know which is more unbelievable: waking up one morning last year to discover I was 60 or realizing that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones will both be turning 75 later this year. They say a rolling stone gathers no moss, but Mick and Keith managed to accumulate their […]
Many people overlook the positive impact that the natural environment has on mental health. Your surroundings can vastly affect the way you think and feel – and regular exposure to nature has been shown to be healthy for the mind, body and soul. Here are four of the reasons why connecting to nature is crucial […]
As many as 1 in 5 Americans live with mental illnesses that include depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, among others. Many of these individuals often face problems in accessing health care that they desperately require, and even then, available medications or treatment may not be sufficient, resulting in unsatisfactory progress. Due to this and other reasons, […]
You try to approach someone in a social setting. Your hands shake, and you feel sweaty. Your brain feels like it won’t work. It’s the same kind of adrenalized fear you get when a strange noise wakes you up in the middle of the night and you think there might be a stranger in the […]
13 Reasons Why swept through culture like a flash when it first aired last year. Now that Season Two is on everyone’s “Netflix recommends” prompts—once again it is important to tackle heavy issues. Many who are affected by the show’s topic may be asking, “Where do I get real help?” For those of us who […]
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorders in the world. But despite the number of people (both children and adults) who experience these disorders, the majority of cases still go untreated. While anxiety disorders are quite common, we should not overlook the adverse effects they have on many people’s lives. In children, anxiety […]
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 […]
Bulimia is not a fad, nor a phase. It is a serious mental health disorder, which affects both men and women of all ages. On the surface, it can appear to be associated solely with food or body image. But bulimia is beyond that. It is a double-edged sword. The disorder is characterized by a […]
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Darien, CT
Robert DiRoma is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and a licensed drug and alcohol counselor (LADC) with a private practice in Darien, CT. He specializes in substance and alcohol abuse and mental health disorders.
Parent Child Resource Center (PCRC)
Derby, CT
BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center (PCRC) is a state-licensed child guidance clinic serving children and families struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. The PCRC staff focuses on nurturing children’s strengths and believes children and families can recover and have better lives.
Anxiety is a broad term used to describe a naturally occurring phenomenon in the human body. Stress, worry, and anxiety are all natural reactions to the problems of life. And while a healthy amount of anxiety can be helpful motivation, for some, it can be a recurring hindrance to productivity rooted in a biological condition […]
Anxiety disorders are some of the most prevalent psychological conditions to affect the worldwide population. There are numerous conditions classified within this category, and the symptoms experienced by individuals affected by one of these disorders can range from mild to more severe, life-altering complications. At least 19.1% of all adults in the United States are […]
When dealing with a substance use disorder, sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself and your recovery efforts is to push the outside world away. Music and music therapy are excellent ways to recover from a difficult past. Here are the benefits of music therapy along with pointers on a few of the […]
Today, we kick off May Mental Health Awareness Month with a guest blog post from a New York man who found a way back from the pain of a mental health crisis through the exercise of creativity. GH Kleiner describes himself as “an empath who can visualize and draw my thoughts and feelings.” His artwork […]
“Love yourself.” Everywhere I go these days, I feel I hear or see some form of this advice. The truth is, some days it’s hard to love anything in the world if you struggle with mental illness, let alone yourself. When I began what I’d call my “journey to recovery” or, better, my “journey back […]
Psychiatrist
White Plains, NY
New York, NY
Dr. Murray is a psychiatrist with a private practice in White Plains and New York, NY. She specializes in the treatment of addictive disorders and also generalized mental health disorders in adolescents and adults.
I had my first panic attack in Kindergarten. I was cast as the Mayor in our elementary production of The Pied Piper. Shortly before I was to be on stage, I found myself flat on my back, out of breath, and terribly nauseous. What we assumed at the time was a little stage fright was […]
Mental health is bigger than just a diagnosis and the labels associated with it. Recently, a number of prominent athletes and celebrities bravely admitted their struggles with mental health. NBA Star Kevin Love in his recent article about his mental illness states that, “Mental health isn’t just an athlete thing. What you do for a […]
When I was a teenager suffering from major depression, my parents tried their best to support me, yet ended up doing all the wrong things. This isn’t something they can be blamed for — understanding another person, even those closest to us, is difficult enough even when mental health issues don’t come into play. When […]
Mindfulness is somewhat of a trendy topic these days, but underneath all the publicity it can have profound benefits. Many of us will suffer from anxiety and depression at some point in our lives. Usually they serve as natural reactions to challenges we have to face or problems we need to overcome. However, at points […]
On January 29th 2014, I went to sleep. When I woke up the next morning, my father was gone. I spent a long month doing all I could to find him, to hope that he would come home and open that front door, but he never did. On March 3rd 2014, he was found a […]
The Wealth Health Organization1 defines mental health as a complete state of well-being and not just an absence of any disease. It would include your ability to deal with everyday stress and your healthy interaction with people around you. And the factors that govern this state of well-being range from genetic to environmental conditions. According […]
I remember my struggles with quitting drugs and alcohol quite vividly. I was at a point in my life when chasing intoxicated states was all that I could think about. It was a way for me to escape the negative feelings and the harsh realities of where I was in my life. My thought process […]
Outpatient Treatment Program
Darien, CT
The Newport Academy Outpatient Program treats teens aged 13–19 who are experiencing psychological, behavioral, and substance abuse issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. The Outpatient Program is founded on an ongoing commitment to recovery, essential for ensuring sustainable results.
Residential Treatment Center
Bethlehem, CT
The Newport Academy Residential Treatment Center for teens consists of a minimum of 30 hours of clinical and experiential therapy each week, plus 20 hours of academic study and tutoring. With a staff-to-resident ratio of five to one, we offer compassionate, attentive, and responsive care.
It’s been suggested that when your brain is feeling stressed or anxious it’s likely to negatively impact other parts of the body. Becoming fatigued, losing concentration and experiencing physical symptoms such as shaking and dizziness are common. Can exercise make your body feel better by banishing your negative thoughts and actually give you peace of […]
Daily rituals have been linked to long-term health. In Japan, which is known for its long lifespans, researchers have found that seeing “small joys in everyday life” makes life more fulfilling and might even be associated with living a longer, happier life. For decades, researchers from around the world have been seeing a trend among […]
So often, we are consumed by the negative factors that revolve around bipolar disorder. We are overwhelmed with the depression, the mania, and the anxiety. We are absorbed with our struggles and ability to maintain balance. We forget there is a bright side to our mental disorder. The creativity gene is festering inside of all […]