Our Latest Blogs

Can Stress and Anxiety Trigger ADHD?

stressed out boy

Can stress and anxiety trigger ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)? Can ADHD trigger stress or anxiety?

What’s the link between these three conditions?

If you are living with ADHD, you may want to know if the condition can also cause you stress and anxiety. Again, if you are experiencing stress or anxiety, you may want to know if there are chances of developing ADHD.

4 Actionable Ways To Build Mental Resilience In Your Life

black woman exercising

Mental resilience is a crucial but undervalued skill. With the world as it is today, with the coronavirus crisis still ongoing and a future full of uncertainty ahead of us, a strong mind is essential for helping us keep our heads above water. But how do you nurture such a quality? How can we strengthen […]

9 Tips for Managing Anxiety During Quarantine

woman in yoga pose

We may not even be aware of the powerful role our mind plays in determining our mental health. Even when we feel that things are under control and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic is manageable, our brain could be telling the mind a totally different story. Brain chemistry is highly sensitive to our emotions, whether […]

Four Ways Your Period Can Impact Your Mental Health

expressive woman’s face

Women often endure crude jokes about it being “that time of the month” when they are not in their best mood. The truth is that more than 75% of women have experienced the effects of menstruation on physical and mental health in their lifetime. This is a time of the month when many women experience […]

College Students – How to Self-Develop While Stuck at Home Over the Summer

woman reading

Due to coronavirus, you may not be able to work at an internship or travel anywhere new this summer. Thankfully, it’s still possible to learn and grow while you stay home. In fact, it’s probably the best way to use your free time. When you aren’t at school, you can continue to gain knowledge that’s […]

ADD/ADHD vs. Personality Disorder – How to Get an Accurate Diagnosis

frustrated teen

Attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) can be a crippling neurological impairment. It’s also more treatable today than ever before, thanks to new therapies and medications. As with any medical condition, though, the key to effective ADD/ADHD treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis—which isn’t always easy. Why ADD/ADHD Can Be Easy to Misdiagnose as […]

Top 7 Signs to Look for in Bipolar Disorder

girl with bipolar disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder? According to a recent study, bipolar disorder affects around 2.3% of the American population, which equates to some six million people who have been diagnosed with this mental health disorder. Symptoms can occur at any age, but bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed at around twenty-five years old and is less common […]

Signs of Anxiety in Young Kids

anxious child

Everyone experiences anxiety – it’s a natural response to certain stressors. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are characterized by frequent, intense, excessive anxiety. It’s important to note that it’s not uncommon to see signs of anxiety in children regardless of whether or not they have an anxiety disorder. Because children (especially young children) don’t […]

7 Trustworthy Tips on How to Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy Right Now

friends running on beach

Humanity is going through a unique period in its history. Stress, worries, anxiety, and fear of the unknown are upsetting us all. Sure, some are more affected than others. That’s why we have to be mindful of the most vulnerable. Society must relinquish selfishness, especially in times where the fate of one impacts on many. […]

How Your Teen with OCD Can Use a Calendar to Survive the Coronavirus Shutdown

daily planning calendar

Given that teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders crave control, repetitive daily routines, and certainty, COVID-19 and the disruptions caused by stay-at-home orders and school closings present some serious challenges.  As a person with OCD myself, I can say I have had to adapt and put into place strategies that are specific to […]

Sound Body, Sound Mind

yoga pose

Just how closely is your mental health connected to your physical health? Your mental health and physical health might be more connected than you think.  Envision your mental health and your physical health as two sides of a shiny new coin.  On the mental health side is your emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  Flip it […]

The 5 Best Mood-Tracking Apps

young woman on smartphone

New technologies have been a complete blessing for millions of people worldwide, especially for those who suffer from mood swings or depression, because now they have access to some therapeutic apps that help them track their moods faster and more easily. Those who live with depression, mood swings, or even anxiety know how scary and […]

Helping Your Child Manage an Eating Disorder During the Coronavirus Pandemic

teen with phone

By Dr. Amanda Fialk, LCSW, LICSW Partner and Chief of Clinical Services at The Dorm The global coronavirus pandemic is impacting lives everywhere. And for those vulnerable populations with an eating disorder (EDO), social distancing measures and other mass disruptions have created the perfect storm. Across the country, we have seen widescale interruptions to conventional […]

5 Tips to Maintain Your Mental Health as a New Mom

new mother and baby

As you move through each trimester of your pregnancy, you and your doctor will focus on many aspects of your physical health. You’ll monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight to make sure you’re progressing without any medical problems. You’ll also keep an eye on any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues […]

Managing Anxiety During the Coronavirus Crisis: Guidelines for Parents

A Note from the Editor With the coronavirus pandemic as the top worry on everybody’s mind these days, we bring you a guest post by a Fairfield County therapist writing about anxiety in the era of COVID-19. Tracey Masella is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Wilton, CT. Kim O’Rielly, the Young […]

How to Complement Your Mental Health Care with At-Home Self-Care

Even though mental health isn’t talked about in the same way that other health problems are, it affects a large portion of the population. In 2017, an estimated 46.6 million American adults had a mental illness, or 18.9 percent of all U.S. adults (almost 1 in 5). As more research and statistics come to light, […]

9 Ways to Help Your Child Handle College Stress

college student laptop

Alex was an outstanding high school student. He took all the AP classes he could and left for college with a number of credits already under his belt. Life was good. The shock came pretty quickly. Here was a completely new “ball game.” While he breezed through his high school courses, the academic expectations of […]

What a Mental Health Diagnosis Means (And Doesn’t Mean) About You

african american musician

“Freddy Jones is a 58-year-old, African-American male carrying a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.” This is how most mental health professionals talk about you. “Freddy Jones is a 58-year-old male immigrant from Congo who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He has discussed an inability to sleep due to constantly working on his album. He speaks […]

Facts About Co-Occurring Disorders That Often Go Unnoticed

Most of us know someone personally who struggles with a dual diagnosis, or the presence of a substance use disorder and coexisting mental health disorder. Many people rely on the numbing effects of a substance to help them manage a difficult mental health issue. Sadly, the end result is often two co-occurring disorders that only […]

Live Your Best Life: 7 Mental Health & Wellness Tips for the LGBTQI+ Community

best life heart in wood

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the risk of having mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders is almost three times higher for those identifying as LGBTQI+. Even more disturbing is the suicide rate among the LGBTQI+ community, which is the second leading cause of death among those ages 10 to […]

8 Best Mobile Apps for Mental Health

apps for mental health

One in four people in the entire world will be affected by mental illness or neurological disorders at some point in their lives – World Health Organization (WHO) Yes, let that sink in. With mental health affecting the lives of millions, and individuals not seeking help due to the associated stigma, it also remains one […]

How to Help Your Resistant Child (Teen to Young Adult) Accept Substance Abuse/Psychiatric Help

resistant child

Part One (of a two part series) – Inside the Illness When someone has a serious psychiatric illness, one of the most difficult aspects of the condition is that most sufferers cannot see the true extent of their symptoms. Some cannot see that they have symptoms at all, and instead project blame for their distress […]

Talking About Suicide with Someone Who is Suicidal

depressed woman

When I was in college, I had a friend approach me and tell me he was suicidal. We had been on a drive and he asked me to stop so he could tell me something. That’s when he confided in me and told me how he was feeling and how long he had felt that […]

The Power of Positive Self-Image for Those in Recovery

Self Reflection

Holistic healing refers to the treatment of the whole person to achieve optimal wellness. And for those recovering from substance abuse, taking a holistic approach to care may be the key to success and lifelong freedom from drugs and alcohol. The recovery process, therefore, should be a multifaceted endeavor involving physical healing from addiction as […]

How to Use Nutrition to Manage Your Anxiety and Stress

healthy food

Stress and anxiety are normal emotions that affect all of us. They are never something to be ashamed of. We all handle our emotions differently. Some people choose to cope by seeing a counselor, taking medication, or even starting a yoga practice. However, one aspect of life that all people can utilize to improve their […]

Mental Health and Homelessness: An Update

Mental Health and Homelessness

Nearly every time there’s a public conversation about homelessness, the topic of mental health becomes a major talking point. For instance, the California Policy Lab released data in October 2019 on the prevalence of health problems among homeless populations in Los Angeles, and concluded that mental illness is a key cause of homelessness. Further, unsheltered […]

6 Things Colleges Can Do for Better Student Mental Health

college lecture

College can be a hard time for some students. In addition to the anxiety that comes with leaving home and forming new friendships, they face academic stress and worry over their future. Many students struggle to keep up with their classes while handling personal mental health conditions. How can campus officials do more to promote […]

How Does Someone Develop Co-Occurring Disorders?

co-occurring disorder

Imagine being trapped in the vicious cycle of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. On a daily basis, one condition continually aggravates and fuels the other, regardless of which one happened to emerge first. The co-occurring disorders, often referred to as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity, can lead to major impairment […]

How Substance Use Impacts Mental Health: 5 Commonly Abused Substances

Commonly Abused Substances

The term ‘substance abuse’ refers to harmful or noxious consumption of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol, illegal drugs and other prescribed medications in amounts or quantities that are harmful to a person. Drug addiction or substance use disorders often lead to alteration in thinking, judgment, perception, attention, behavioral and cognitive impairment, physical and psychological dependence, […]

Anxiety in Teens: Causes and Ways to Keep It in Check

teen friends

Few people are able to look back at their teen years without acknowledging them as being a challenging time. Particularly in our current society, teens are trapped maneuvering between childhood compliance and adult independence. They are expected to do what they are told, while also being expected to act autonomously and responsibly. These opposing forces […]

Supportive Mental Health Services for College Students

If you’re heading off to college, no doubt you feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. However, if you live with a mental health disorder, you may experience greater anxiety than other students. You probably have a host of questions, too. Where can you turn if you find yourself in crisis while on campus? How […]

6 Worst Side Effects of Medical Marijuana on Mental Health

6 Worst Side Effects of Medical Marijuana on Mental Health

Years of research show that cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in marijuana, can treat a variety of conditions including chronic pain, glaucoma, and seizures. Also, there is evidence that cannabis has chemicals that prevent the spread of cancer and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. But… Even with the rampant decriminalization of cannabis and documentation of […]

Is Addiction a Disease or a Decision?

Is Addiction a Disease or a Decision?

This September, www.rtor.org is observing National Recovery Month with a guest blog series on addiction and substance use disorders. To kick-off the special series on addiction and co-occurring disorders we open with a guest blog post from Ken Seeley, an internationally acclaimed interventionist and founder and C.E.O. of Ken Seeley Communities. Imagine waking up one […]

Shelby Harris, PsyD, CBSM

Dr. Harris Therapist

Dr. Shelby Harris is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults, and behavioral sleep medicine (BSM).

Top Meditation Techniques to Fight Addiction

outdoors meditation

No matter what substance you use, if you do it regularly, some changes leading to addiction inevitably occur in your brain. To rewire an addicted brain, you need to undergo a treatment process that will heal not only body but mind as well. Reaching abstinence is a big victory. But the struggle will continue as […]

World Health Organization Reports CBD Oil Is Generally Safe

Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently gained a lot of traction for its many purported mental and physical health benefits. And anecdotal evidence to support these claims is strong. People tout the products for helping with pain, sleep, and even skin conditions. The issue is that scientific proof is hard to come by. Clinical research is limited […]

The Negative Impact of Stress on Mental Health

What is Stress? Stress can be defined as the way you feel when you’re under abnormal pressure. Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and it is a natural physical and mental reaction to life events. The below infographic from Study Medicine Europe examines the science of stress and offers an in-depth look as to […]

Understanding the Warning Signs of Suicide and What to Do if You’re Concerned

suicide warning signs

It is difficult to reach adulthood without knowing someone who has attempted or died by suicide. It’s natural to feel helpless and guilty when someone you know takes this step, even if you were not close to the person. When a suicide occurs, our thoughts turn to how to prevent it in the future. Read […]

The Connection Between Mental Health and Intimacy

intimate friends

While most of us assume that intimacy is something we only experience physically, intimacy also depends on, and greatly impacts, our brains. In fact, mental wellbeing and intimacy are so closely related that each can affect the other. What is intimacy? Intimacy can be both emotional or physical, oftentimes both. Emotional intimacy refers to a […]

6 Emotional & Mental Health Issues on College Campuses

college ivy

With the college years being one of the busiest, and probably, the most stressful part of a young adult’s life, there definitely is a lot of risk for college students to experience a number of health issues. But aside from physical afflictions, there is also a possibility of experiencing mental and emotional health problems, if […]

How to Take Care of Elderly Parents with Mental Illness

elder care

Most seniors don’t seek treatment or even help because they view their mental changes as a natural part of aging or partly because they are ashamed of their condition. While it’s normal for elderly people to experience some level of forgetfulness, it’s important to seek professional help if they show obvious changes in behavior or […]

Spotting Bipolar Disorder in Teens

moody teen

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition the symptoms of which are often deeply misunderstood. It can be easily mistaken for other mental health issues, or even brushed away as a natural part of being a teenager, another factor which helps to camouflage it in adolescents. Bipolar disorder is, however, a mental health issue […]

Do You Live to Work or Work to Live? Finding the Right Work-Life Balance

relaxing with a book

As adults, we spend most of our lives at work. Some of us are self-professed workaholics and some, like me, value our personal time. Some of us may enjoy working 50, 60, or even 80-hour weeks. They are the type of people who live to work. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But for […]

4 Outdoor Exercises to Boost Your Mental Health

swim for health

Fresh air on your face, hair blowing in the wind and the shifting scenery around you as the daylight changes – and the weather, too. Being outdoors definitely awakens the senses and stirs the emotions. Getting outdoors is said to ‘blow the cobwebs away’, however, it can do so much more than that. The benefits […]

How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Depressed

young adult gratitude

Happiness is a goal that most people hope to achieve. It’s why you’ve seen an increase in practices such as self-care and gratitude. Gratitude is a form of self-care that aims to bring a sense of well-being and contentment through appreciating the things we have in our lives. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to practice […]

6 Scientific Ways to Help Your Brain and Feel Happy When You Are Depressed

We live in a world where we are constantly on the go. Almost every minute of every day is jam packed full of loud noises, bright lights, and a near constant state of hustle and bustle. And when you combine that with a whole lot of life-related stress, well things don’t end up so good. […]

Not Mentally Ill Enough

depressed young adult

“It’s not that bad.” “Others have it worse.” “I’m just being a child.” “I’m not really depressed.” “I’m being ridiculous.” “I’m just a weak person.” “I should be able to handle this myself.” “Why am I being such a baby?” “Stop being stupid.” “Get over it.” Do you hear yourself thinking these things over and […]

How Impostor Syndrome Kept Me From Getting Help For My Mental Illness

imposter syndrome and mental health

Generally, you see “impostor syndrome” in the context of someone’s performance at work. However, in my experience, as well as Fiona Thomas’, it can occur with mental health as well.  Even more so, a few Google searches show its application outside of work performance—in relationships, parenting, talent, and then some. One thing that all people […]

How to Provide a Positive Home Environment for Your Teen with Anxiety

How to Parent a Teenager with Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the population each year. They’re the most common mental health disorders of children and adolescents, affecting young people at different times throughout development. Though anxiety is prevalent among the teenage population, there […]

Medicare and Mental Health for Seniors: What’s Covered and How to Get the Help You Need

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

When you reach a certain age, you expect that your health may not be what it once was. Your bones may become brittle, you are more susceptible to accidents and injury, and it can take longer to recover from everyday illnesses, such as the flu or a cold, that never kept you down before. However, […]

Uplifting New Year’s Resolutions for Your Mental Health

Mental and Emotional Health Resolutions

It’s that time of year again when we wave goodbye to one year and usher another one in. That means it’s also resolution time. The problem with New Year’s resolutions is the failure rate. According to U.S. News, 80 percent of resolutions fail by mid-February. Failure has become so common that most of us probably […]

Going Up in Flames: Wildland Firefighters and Mental Health

Wildland Firefighters mental health

We met on Tinder. His profile said he was a wildland firefighter, and one of his photos was of him covered in soot and ash with brilliant flames engulfing a forest behind him. I was completely infatuated without ever having met him. It turns out that he was as charming as he was brave, and […]

How I Healed My Chronic Anxiety and Depersonalization Naturally

Anxiety and Depersonalization Recovery

Disclaimer: I am not a physician or a mental health professional. The information in this post is simply a description of what I did to help myself overcome generalized anxiety disorder and depersonalization disorder. My bouts of anxiety and depersonalization started at the age of fourteen. I was just going into my freshman year of […]

New Canaan, Connecticut

Located northeast of New York City, New Canaan is a small affluent town in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut, settled in 1731. The town has a population of 19,738 with a median household income of $175,331. Considered part of Connecticut’s Gold Coast, New Canaan is known for its excellent public school system, its wide range of architecture from the Harvard Five modern homes to historic New England colonials and farmhouses, as well as a signature town center. […]

Panic Attacks and How to Cope with Them

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 […]

How I Conquered Mental Illness to Succeed in University and How You Can, Too

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 […]

My Life With Borderline Personality Disorder: A Young Adult’s Perspective

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 […]

How to Maintain Positive Mental Health During Freshman Year: College Tips for Young Adults with Mental Health Issues

group of college students having fun while studying

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 […]

Grounding Techniques for Trauma Symptoms

Grounding Techniques for Trauma Symptoms (PTSD)

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; […]

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 […]

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Health

social security disability benefits for mental health

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, […]

Through the Past, Not So Darkly: The Rolling Stones, Mental Health and Aging

“What a drag it is getting old.”   When Mick Jagger and Keith Richards penned the opening line to “Mother’s Little Helper” in 1966, they were brash 22-year-olds still not at the top of their game. My father, a Rolling Stones fan from the other side of the generation gap, predicted that turning 30 would be […]

Therapy in Nature: 4 Mental Health Benefits of Nature Exposure

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 […]

Three Evidenced-Based Treatments for Anxiety

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 […]

BHcare Parent Child Resource Center

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.

Why “Love Yourself” Is Good Advice to Follow When Struggling With Mental Health

“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 […]

Some Advice for Parents of Depressed Teens

depressed teen sitting on bed with parent

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 […]