Adolescence is marked by rapid development, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. As teens navigate this tumultuous period, many are faced with mental health issues that can have lasting impacts. In this crucial phase of life, therapy is essential, serving as a bridge to more robust mental health, resilience, and well-being. Understanding Teen Mental […]
Our Latest Blogs
28
Mar
Mar
Gaming has always been a popular pastime, but with the advancement of technology, it’s now one of the most enjoyed activities on the planet. This means that game creators and developers have a platform they can use to promote change, and one way they’re doing this is by creating games that celebrate cultural diversity. These […]
21
Mar
Mar
Living with a mental health disorder is hard enough. It can seem like a never-ending pursuit to find the right therapist, medication, and ways to cope. The darkness and distress of conditions such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can leave you feeling helpless, struggling to find anything that works. Having a purpose […]
18
Mar
Mar
Social media has consumed the lives of millions of children and teens. It has shaped their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. According to the Pew Research Center, YouTube is used by 95% of teens in the United States, followed by TikTok (67%), Instagram, and Facebook. As the reach of social media grows, so does the glamorization […]
14
Mar
Mar
Social media gives us a wonderful opportunity to share our personal stories. Unfortunately, far too often, people only use it to present the highlight reels of their lives. They edit and filter selfies, snap photos of food, and never go deeper than the surface. There’s a time and place for things like that, and there’s […]
04
Mar
Mar
Living with co-occurring anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. Having both conditions contributes to what some describe as an “extra loud” mind, characterized by racing thoughts, worries, and distractions. The intersection of ADHD and anxiety can present in various ways, from struggling with organization and time management to increased […]
26
Feb
Feb
Love is a simple concept, yet it contains a universe of feelings. It’s a global language that transcends borders, cultures, and time. It’s the glue that binds us together, the force that drives us, and the gift that enriches our lives. It influences our self-worth, motivates us to become better individuals, and teaches us the […]
08
Feb
Feb
Reaching out for help with addiction takes a great deal of courage, and many people focus only on the detox process or the therapy required for recovery. However, self-care in addiction recovery is equally important. During addiction treatment, your care plan will probably include things like group therapy sessions, giving you a chance to relate […]
05
Feb
Feb
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be challenging, impacting various aspects of one’s life. This guide aims to shed light on the complexities of BPD, from understanding the disorder to resources for support and coping strategies. Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: BPD stands for borderline personality disorder. It is a mental health condition characterized by […]
18
Jan
Jan
Every person’s life path is different, marked by various challenges and triumphs that define each one of us. However, women frequently face distinct challenges that may not be acknowledged fully. Issues such as gender bias, discrimination, and the stress of adhering to societal norms can have a substantial impact on women’s mental health. This makes […]
15
Jan
Jan
When you’re struggling with your mental health, getting yourself up and going to the gym can seem impossible. Whether it’s because you have social anxiety or because you’re just feeling down and unmotivated, it’s understandable that working out is the last thing on your mind. That said, moving your body can do your mind a […]
11
Jan
Jan
The holidays have passed, and winter stress is one of the challenges of the season that can make us feel down. With frosty, short days and cloudy weather, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. How you approach these challenges affects how you feel. In this article, we’ll introduce you to winter blues and share some […]
08
Jan
Jan
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing patterns of thinking or behaviors that can lead to problems in your life. CBT is a highly effective evidence-based practice used to treat a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. If you’re struggling to stay sober, CBT might […]
04
Jan
Jan
I was in my late twenties when I was finally diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) — a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries produce an excess of male hormones. After nearly two decades of irregular, painful periods, chronic inflammation, and rapidly increasing weight, I was equally relieved and overwhelmed to know what was wrong. Years […]
01
Jan
Jan
Becoming somewhat of a morning person has been a stunning development in my life. Now, in my forties, early rising is part of a long-term program to sustain positive mental health. In short, I have a purpose and a routine that includes getting an early start on my work. I have coping strategies, but keeping […]
28
Dec
Dec
In the business world, employers are always looking for ways to keep their employees motivated and engaged for a more productive work environment. The most popular technique is the small-wins approach, popularized by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer in their work on progress theory. I was always aware of this concept, having read about it […]
26
Dec
Dec
Every time we open our laptops or phones, we are bombarded with information: the latest crises at home and overseas, falling financial trends, eco-disasters, and the personal lives of hundreds of online friends and strangers. A study done in 2020 found that more than half of U.S. adults get their news through social media. What’s […]
20
Dec
Dec
The holiday season, often considered a time of joy and celebration, can be a challenging period for many individuals, especially those navigating the twisting path of addiction recovery. For those who have embarked on the journey to overcome substance use disorders, feelings of loneliness during the holidays can be particularly troubling. The struggle to maintain […]
18
Dec
Dec
If you’ve ever woken up on a dark, rainy day in the fall or winter and instantly felt like pulling the covers back over your head, you’re not alone. Seasonal changes can have a significant impact on your mood and mental health. Many people find themselves experiencing sadness, fatigue, and other symptoms during the colder, […]
14
Dec
Dec
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 […]
11
Dec
Dec
Have you ever felt lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed? When you are in a dark and lonely headspace, you can feel desperate, and the scariest part is not knowing if it will get better. Hope, coupled with dedication, can light the path to a healthier mental state. Mental health recovery involves a process of healing, adaptation, […]
04
Dec
Dec
Adolescence can be a challenging time for many boys as they experience the onset of puberty and must navigate new social situations. Many boys feel confused during this time and need extra support. Parents should be available to answer questions and reassure their teenage sons whether they’re on the right path or need a change […]
24
Nov
Nov
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 […]
16
Nov
Nov
There have been remarkable advancements in medical treatments for mental health disorders in recent years. These breakthroughs offer hope and relief to millions worldwide who grapple with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and contract research organizations (CROs) has led to significant progress in understanding […]
09
Nov
Nov
When I first stepped into my role as a peer support specialist, there were so many thoughts and emotions racing through my mind. I was plagued with questions like, “Why should anyone listen to me?” and “What if I let someone down?” The weight of responsibility felt overwhelming, and the fear of failing those I […]
31
Oct
Oct
For years, psychologists, politicians, and policymakers have debated whether or not mental illness causes mass shootings. Due to the high rates of mental health disorders and the increase in mass shootings in the United States, people have begun to assume that the two are inevitably related. Following the occurrence of another tragic mass shooting in […]
30
Oct
Oct
In July 2023, News 18 reported on Aydin Pedone, a 15-year-old teenager from Hudson Falls, who fell prey to bullying. An online video clip of the teen in a Spiderman costume showed that he was subjected to severe bullying, leading to a broken nose. According to the New York Post, Aydin was coerced into coming […]
16
Oct
Oct
“I failed at the swimming tryouts today. I’m no good at swimming, so I should just quit.” “What if I study now but still fail the exam tomorrow?” “My teacher complimented my art, but I know he was just being nice to me.” You might hear comments like these often from your teen. These are […]
12
Oct
Oct
“The package came in the mail for my daughter—I put it on the counter with everything else. I didn’t give it a second thought. Why would I?” My friend—a retired cop—had called me every day and spoke the exact same words, sometimes more than once in a single conversation. The strange thing was that his […]
26
Sep
Sep
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 […]
18
Sep
Sep
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. It relates to how we think, feel, and act and plays a significant role in determining our quality of life. Unfortunately, mental health conditions are often overlooked or stigmatized, leading to the neglect of necessary treatment and support. As such, a proactive approach to mental health […]
11
Sep
Sep
When it comes to the human psyche and its imprint upon literature, no other writer is discussed and celebrated more than the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. Also referred to as ‘Shakespeare of the lunatic asylum,’ his realistic portrayals of mental anguish and exploration of the darkest impulses of the human mind make for some of […]
01
Sep
Sep
In the pursuit of better mental health, various factors come into play. One often overlooked aspect is nutrition. The food we consume can significantly impact our mental well-being, influencing mood, cognition, and overall mental health. This article will explore the vital connection between nutrition and mental health, shedding light on how a well-balanced diet can […]
24
Aug
Aug
As technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, it’s virtually impossible to avoid screens and digital devices. From work to leisure time, it has become all too easy to spend hours on end looking at a screen without considering the impact on your health. By being more aware of your devices’ impacts, you can […]
10
Aug
Aug
Most people experience mental health challenges from time to time. However, the signs of a problem aren’t always obvious. Common indicators are stress, insomnia, anxiety, or depression—conditions millions of people suffer silently through each day. With all of the qualified professionals and tech-based solutions available, it is easier than ever to get mental health help. […]
07
Aug
Aug
When a child has mental health issues, getting the right treatment and care for that child is critical. Unfortunately, many children are misdiagnosed with the wrong mental health disorder, which ultimately means they may not receive adequate treatment. Find out why mental health misdiagnoses happen so often in children, what conditions are most commonly misdiagnosed, […]
03
Aug
Aug
In April 2023, Bloomberg reported deeply disturbing news involving Chase Nasca, who died by suicide at age 16. In the days before his death, his TikTok feed was full of videos glorifying suicide. To the horror of Chase’s parents, the social media app was still pushing suicide-obsessed content to his feed more than a year […]
24
Jul
Jul
Enabling is a pattern of behavior in which a parent, partner, or loved one with addiction issues assists or supports that person’s harmful or self-destructive habits, often unintentionally. This can take many forms, such as giving someone money or covering up for a loved one’s relapse. Enabling can come from a genuine desire to help, […]
20
Jul
Jul
Living in poverty is exhausting. People who cannot afford to live comfortably and pay all their bills often have to deal with extraordinary challenges while living under near-constant stress. In the United States, with its wealth, many people live below the poverty line. A surprising 12.8% of the population falls under the poverty line, with […]
17
Jul
Jul
Strategies for Coping When combat veterans end their service and come home, they often leave one battle behind to begin another. For many veterans, the mental health battle is one they face alone. Some will experience difficult emotions such as anxiety, guilt, anger, and feelings of worthlessness. These painful emotions can develop into mental health […]
13
Jul
Jul
Families affected by mental conditions often face significant challenges in their daily lives. The impact of mental health issues extends beyond the individual to the entire family unit, affecting relationships, communication, and overall well-being. According to the nonprofit news outlet The Conversation, parents struggling with depression tend to exhibit increased negativity towards their children, such […]
11
Jul
Jul
As the summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, college students with mental health conditions and their families should be taking steps to ensure the necessary supports are in place. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges can significantly impact a student’s academic and personal life. Laurel House and its gateway […]
07
Jul
Jul
Schizophrenia is a long-lasting, serious, and often disabling neurological condition that impacts an individual’s cognition, behavior, and emotions. It can make it hard to distinguish between what’s real and not real, think clearly, and make decisions. Schizophrenia symptoms include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking. According to […]
06
Jul
Jul
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? It’s natural to feel anxious when life throws a curveball at you. It doesn’t have to last forever—there are things you can do to help yourself become more resilient, manage your stress response, and find ways to thrive in the face of adversity. This post will help you build […]
28
Jun
Jun
Hobbies are much more than an entertaining way to spend your time. Several studies have shown that people who actively engage in hobbies are less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression. One 2021 study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that keeping active through varied activities can even reduce the risk of developing dementia. Just about […]
26
Jun
Jun
Flexing the muscles in your brain is just as important as working out the muscles in the rest of your body. Just as doctors tell you to exercise regularly to keep your body healthy, exercising your brain helps keep it in the best shape possible. Keeping your brain active and your mind sharp can improve […]
22
Jun
Jun
Mental health and social justice are vital topics that significantly affect our well-being. The intersection of these two areas has gained increasing importance in recent years. Oppression, discrimination, and inequality can profoundly impact mental wellness. This article aims to examine the effects of oppression on mental health and emphasize the significance of comprehending and promoting […]
19
Jun
Jun
We know it’s important for employers to support employee well-being, but for job hunters, the hard part comes before they’re hired. When you need to find work quickly or are in a difficult financial situation, job hunting can be a very stressful experience. The process of looking for a job is frequently lengthy and exhausting. […]
15
Jun
Jun
Does your child repeatedly ask to stay home from school when feeling anxious or afraid? Do anxiety and worry cause your child to skip classes or avoid doing homework? School refusal is a growing problem in the US, affecting up to 5% of children. What is school refusal? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of […]
08
Jun
Jun
MBTI, which stands for Myers Briggs Type Indicator, is a personality assessment tool that explains our individual psychological preferences. If you’ve ever wondered what makes you unique in your perceptions and relationships, this tool can help you understand. The core concept of MBTI personality types revolves around the idea that we all have distinct preferences […]
05
Jun
Jun
Social media has many wonderful uses. It is a place to share meaningful experiences—a place to make connections with like-minded people and feel that you are a part of something bigger. Despite its usefulness as an amazing tool for human connection, social media has some drawbacks. If not used appropriately, it can negatively impact your […]
22
May
May
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, mental health has become an increasingly important issue. Mental health concerns in the workplace can affect the performance and productivity of employees, as well as the overall success of a company. Yet, despite the growing awareness of the importance of mental health, there is still a stigma associated […]
18
May
May
Healthcare never sleeps. Hospitals are open round the clock because people need treatment every hour of every day. It’s necessary, but for the people who work in healthcare, it can also be debilitating. Holidays, weekends, and dinner with the family are never guaranteed. In a work environment that never stops, is it even possible to […]
16
May
May
A money story makes up your personal beliefs, emotions, and thoughts around money. Your money story starts forming in childhood and is passed down from your caregiver, culture, and other influences in your young life. Your money story can have good and bad chapters. Understanding how these different chapters can affect your life as an […]
11
May
May
We all know how important sleep is for our health and well-being, but have you ever wondered why we need it and how our bodies regulate it? The answer lies in our circadian rhythm – our body’s natural 24-hour cycle that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, hormones, and metabolism. Our circadian rhythm is controlled by an […]
04
May
May
When elderly parents lose the ability to care for themselves, it can be chaotic and demanding. You’re scrambling to figure out what they need and how to get it for them. You may spend enormous portions of the day helping them complete basic human functions. You think about money. How much it costs for medications, […]
01
May
May
College can be a time of great stress and adjustment for students. Between academic demands, social pressures, and newfound independence, it’s not surprising that mental health issues are a common concern among college students, […]
27
Apr
Apr
Growing up can be challenging for many teenagers. As they transition into adulthood and develop their identity, they’re experiencing many different emotions and changes in behavior. If they’re not adequately supported, these feelings and changes in habits could affect their mental health. As a parent, you must recognize when teens struggle with their mental health, […]
24
Apr
Apr
Older adults can experience mental health issues due to life changes, such as retirement or losing a loved one. They may also develop emotional problems because of physical disabilities or severe illness. Mental health and well-being are crucial in any stage of life, including older age. So, what mental health issues do older adults face, […]
20
Apr
Apr
We expect schools, professors, and parents to check in on their students and be aware of their mental health. Putting constant pressure on students to become adults without providing relief and periodic guidance to encourage them in positive ways is a toxic practice that can lead to academic disaster. In this article, we’ll explore the […]
17
Apr
Apr
Self-care is more than just soaking in a bubble bath and applying expensive facial masks. It’s an essential part of our overall health and well-being and something we should all prioritize. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, struggling to get enough restful sleep, or simply looking for ways to boost your mood and energy, incorporating […]
13
Apr
Apr
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger, and it can manifest as feelings of fear, apprehension, or unease. It is a common experience for people of all ages, but it can be particularly challenging for seniors who may already be dealing with physical or emotional changes. Addressing anxiety in seniors is crucial for […]
06
Apr
Apr
Life is stressful. There is no way around it. But it can be even more stressful for students graduating from high school and continuing to college. Many teens already have busier schedules than they can manage. The transition from the family home to a college dorm or off-campus housing creates more pressure on them. Having […]
03
Apr
Apr
Self-compassion, the tendency to be kind and understanding to yourself when confronted with personal failures and challenges, is a strong predictor of positive mental health (Muris, 2015; Hwang, 2016). Studies indicate that high levels of self-compassion are linked to better life satisfaction and happiness and decreased self-criticism, depression, and anxiety (Neff, 2009). Self-compassion not only […]
20
Mar
Mar
College students of color too often face mental health disparities that can have a devastating impact on their well-being. From increased rates of some disorders to unequal access to care, these disparities can be challenging to overcome. Research has shown that students of color are more likely to drop out of college due to mental […]
09
Mar
Mar
There is always a lot going on in life, and you don’t need the extra burden of anxiety, stress, and worry. Left unchecked, stress can affect your mental well-being and lead to serious mental health issues such as depression. Once you become stressed, it can be hard to feel good again, but there are tactics […]
02
Mar
Mar
Everyone experiences stress differently and to varying degrees of intensity; it is an unavoidable aspect of life. While some stress is acceptable and may even be beneficial in certain circumstances, excessive stress may be harmful to both physical and mental health. The good news is that by developing a positive mindset, we can learn how […]
13
Feb
Feb
Adolescents and young adults are experiencing the highest rate of anxiety and depression ever reported in the US. According to a report from the COVID States Project, “…nearly half (49%) of respondents reported symptoms of depression, with 26% reporting moderate symptoms or worse, the level at which follow-up care would typically be recommended in a clinical […]
