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, […]
Our Latest Blogs
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 […]
10
Apr
Apr
Life is unpredictable. One moment you may be on top of the world, and the next, everything can come crashing down. What sets successful people apart is not how they handle Plan A but how they cope with Plan B. In this blog post, we will explore why it’s essential to have a backup plan […]
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 […]
29
Mar
Mar
This article by clinical psychologist Dr. Adeel Sarwar discusses the benefits of mindfulness techniques in managing ADHD symptoms. Do you often find it hard to stay focused, concentrate on tasks, and manage your emotions effectively due to your ADHD symptoms? If so, you are not alone. However, there is a solution – mindfulness techniques. Incorporating […]
27
Mar
Mar
Social workers play a critical role in today’s world. A social worker’s role is to help people cope with issues in their lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. Though they are primarily motivated to help others, social workers must prioritize their own health and well-being to be effective. Many […]
23
Mar
Mar
If you or a loved one are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you know how difficult it is to go through every day. The trauma takes hold of a person’s thoughts and emotions, making life extremely difficult. The prevalence of PTSD worldwide is about 3.9% of the general population. Those who deal with PTSD […]
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 […]
16
Mar
Mar
We all experience various emotions, whether joy, sadness, anger, or something in between. Sometimes our emotions are hard to handle, and it can feel like they come out of nowhere and don’t even make sense to us. But the truth is that when we understand and are mindful of the environments around us, we can […]
13
Mar
Mar
From waking up in the middle of the night to finding it difficult to nod off, failing to get a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling awful the next day. In this article, we’ll explore eight simple hacks to boost your sleep quality—for good. So keep reading if you want to discover the key […]
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 […]
06
Mar
Mar
Most of us know how great alcohol can make us feel—and how terrible. However, the adverse effects of drinking can extend well beyond a Sunday-morning hangover. For some people, regular alcohol use can also contribute to depression, anxiety, or a generally low mood. These effects won’t necessarily be severe for a casual social drinker, but […]
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 […]
27
Feb
Feb
Building Resilience in Children: Strategies for Helping Them Cope with Difficult Emotions Helping children understand and manage their emotions is challenging but provides them with a better and healthier life. It is particularly critical as they mature because their lives will only get more complex and their emotions more demanding. Helping your children develop problem-solving […]
24
Feb
Feb
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. […]
23
Feb
Feb
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that affects masses of people around the world. While it is typically associated with feelings of sadness, apathy, and low motivation, it can also negatively impact energy levels. Understanding how depression affects liveliness and vigor can give you a fuller understanding of this condition and its impact on […]
20
Feb
Feb
College can be a stressful and overwhelming time. Students with depression or an anxiety disorder may struggle to function and pass their classes. Students dealing with these issues for the first time may not even recognize they have a problem. Without help, they may have serious trouble coping in this new environment. Knowing the warning […]
16
Feb
Feb
Getting Started With Therapy You’ve done your homework and settled on a therapist. After much anticipation, the day of your first treatment session has arrived. Your emotions are all over the place, from excitement to worry to sighing relief. The problem is that they all seem to arise at once, making it hard to determine […]
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 […]
09
Feb
Feb
Coping with mental illness has never been easy. There’s a lot involved, including your commitment to mental wellness goals and outside factors such as stigma. However, with the right routine, tools, and guidelines, you can cope with mental illness. You may wonder what those guidelines are. My battle with mental illness went on for about […]
07
Feb
Feb
Before I started working at Laurel House, became a social worker, and got involved in rtor.org, my first encounter with the mental health system was as a family member. That was in 1987. I was thirty and had just returned from five years in the Peace Corps. My younger brother Michael met me at JFK […]
06
Feb
Feb
What is Motivational Interviewing? Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based approach to therapy that aids in bringing about change in a person’s life and mental health. Therapy works best when the therapist and client have built a great rapport and work as a team to create positive change, so the collaborative approach of motivational interviewing […]
02
Feb
Feb
Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most iconic painters of all time, was often referred to as “the Red-headed Madman” as people feared his behavior. Despite deteriorating mental health and financial instability, Van Gogh was a true artistic genius. Vincent Van Gogh’s art career lasted only ten years, but it was prolific. He created as […]
30
Jan
Jan
Most people experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. It might be something relatively common, such as nervousness or anxiety. Or a constant vague fear that the details of one’s life are fragile and impermanent. Or maybe it’s something more than that. Either way, mental health issues touch most lives sooner […]
27
Jan
Jan
Mental health and well-being are growing concerns for businesses. People are more aware of how work and emotional well-being affect each other but may still have difficulty maintaining or improving their mental health. Here are six ways you can improve employee mental health in your business workplace. 1. Develop Concrete, Streamlined Strategies and Objectives Every […]
26
Jan
Jan
If you have a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you can still have a satisfying and lucrative career even as you manage your condition. It’s an outdated practice to measure success at work as a fifty-fifty split between salary and job title. There is so much more to maintaining […]
24
Jan
Jan
What is Urgency Culture? In the digital age, there has been a societal shift in our common ideas about productivity and leisure. As a psychotherapist, I find that my clients believe they must always be doing something in order to feel worthwhile or content. This phenomenon is commonly known as ‘urgency culture,’ which is the […]
23
Jan
Jan
A common stereotype of mental illness is of someone speaking to imaginary beings or acting irrationally in public, not considering the effects of their behavior. Although these can be indications of a mental health problem, some other signs of mental illness are not so visible and may be hidden beneath a charming smile and clever […]
12
Jan
Jan
Today’s law enforcement professionals confront a wide variety of challenges every day on the job. One of the most significant challenges they face is mental health stressors. These are strains or burdens on the emotions and cognitive processes that can lead to mental health problems if not treated adequately. Holding down a job with such […]
09
Jan
Jan
Positive Mental health is fundamental for your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In fact, your mind influences not only the way you feel and think but also the way you act. Sadly, mental health issues have been rising: indeed, the World Health Organization states that there has been a 13% increase in mental health conditions […]
05
Jan
Jan
Mental health is a complex subject. Mental health disorders affect people differently, and what typically works for one person may be a trigger for another. No treatment or activity is universally helpful in all cases. However, exploring your creativity through the plastic arts can be a fantastic method of boosting mental health. Let’s dive a […]
02
Jan
Jan
The world is becoming increasingly aware of mental health and how cumulative stress can interfere with our mental well-being. Despite this increased awareness and sensitivity to mental health needs, populations around the world are still experiencing rises in problems related to mental health. Many forces operating outside of the average individual’s control can play a […]
29
Dec
Dec
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. […]
26
Dec
Dec
Mental health apps are a positive start toward improved mental health in 2023. This article will be especially helpful to beginning users who are confused about where and how to start. These mental health apps can benefit anyone interested in health and wellness, as well as those with mental health conditions. They’re a perfect fit […]
19
Dec
Dec
Finding an identity is an essential part of growing up. It’s something all adolescents and young adults go through as they become more and more aware of themselves and their place in the world. Also, the experience of finding identity can shape how well-adjusted teens become as they move into adulthood. If the process isn’t […]
16
Dec
Dec
In 2020, research revealed that 37.2 million people in the United States experienced poverty (US Census Bureau, 2022). In addition, more than 1 in 5 (22%) children living below the federal poverty level had a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health | CDC, 2022b). Keep in mind that this […]
15
Dec
Dec
The body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for automatic functions, including controlling your bladder, temperature, heart rate, breathing, and much more. Sometimes, people’s ANS doesn’t work the way that it should. This is called autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy and affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Cases can be mild to severe but […]
13
Dec
Dec
For many people, the holidays are a time for celebration and gathering of loved ones. Whether you are hosting or visiting your family or friends for the holidays, there are always a few essential items included for the celebration, such as food, presents, and a common one: alcohol. If you are opening a bottle of […]
12
Dec
Dec
For individuals struggling with eating disorders, holidays can be challenging. Bright holiday lights are shining, mom’s cookies are baking, and a festive spirit is filling the air. But then they see it—a table card lying gently on the table with a name in bright red letters. A seat is reserved for an uninvited guest, their […]
09
Dec
Dec
Everyone feels stressed at times. It is a normal human response to threats. Your body adjusts to new circumstances with the assistance of stress reactions. Stress can keep us focused, determined, and prepared to stay out of harm’s way. If you have a big test coming up, a stress response might make your body work […]
08
Dec
Dec
Hi, my name is Lori. I am a parent of three kids with three different expressions of gender and sexuality. And I have been a registered nurse since 1997, my preferred specialty being pediatrics. My kids have the same father and were raised in the same home, with the same values, in a safe environment. […]
05
Dec
Dec
Taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. One of the best ways to do that is by practicing yoga. Combined with mental health treatment, yoga is an effective method for coping with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can also help improve your sleep quality. Still, […]
01
Dec
Dec
In September of 2022, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released draft recommendations stating that all adults under age 65 should be screened for anxiety and depressive conditions. The Task Force, an independent voluntary panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine, cites that Americans are reporting symptoms of mental health […]
25
Nov
Nov
Mental health is important no matter how old we are. Positive mental health enables us to handle life’s stresses, manage our responsibilities well, and maintain good relationships with others. Yet people with cognitive distortions have an increased tendency to view things negatively. Cognitive distortions or irrational thought patterns are not considered a mental illness. Rather, […]
24
Nov
Nov
When you are depressed, you may find it difficult to get up in the morning. Even if you manage to drag yourself out of bed and find a way to dress, you may not be able to do much more than drag yourself along. You may believe nothing is worth doing anymore because it all […]
23
Nov
Nov
In the United States, Thanksgiving is traditionally viewed as the start of the holiday season. However, the rising popularity of Halloween has lengthened the season by at least a month. Between the decorating frenzy of the highly devoted “spooky season” lovers and the inflatable Santas, lights, and wreaths that start appearing in early November, Thanksgiving […]
21
Nov
Nov
A strong company culture plays a significant role in employee happiness and productivity. It’s something more employers and business owners need to pay attention to since an estimated 83% of American workers struggle with work-related stress. That kind of stress leads to less productivity in the workplace and can cause employee retention to suffer. More […]
17
Nov
Nov
Most wellness experts agree that restorative yoga has many benefits, especially for beginners. It’s a holistic and therapeutic approach to physical and mental health. Regardless of whether you are young or old, mobility through passive stretching can help everyone. But beginners don’t always know where to start. With so many online and in-person classes available, […]
15
Nov
Nov
My mom is a wonderful mother. She’s kind, loves classic rock, has funny stories—and she loves me. I know that. I have always known that. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be understanding of her problem. I saw her drinking and began to justify how normal it was. Resentment was there, but it […]
14
Nov
Nov
Being grateful has a lot of benefits, including making you happier. This Thanksgiving, find out how expressing gratitude can make you happier and have a better holiday season.
12
Nov
Nov
The past few years have seen an explosion in research into brain structure, organization, and function. As a result, brain fitness is becoming a crucial area of scientific investigation, much like physical fitness has been a central part of human health and well-being in the past few decades. Brain fitness refers to the brain’s ability […]
11
Nov
Nov
It’s a fact that we all go through hard times. One thing that all human beings have in common is challenges. They happen to everyone at different moments and for various lengths of time. Although challenges are sometimes daunting, they don’t have to be. Hard times can be an opportunity to emerge from the ashes […]
10
Nov
Nov
For the vast majority of people (if not all of us), there are times when life can feel overwhelming. Mental health issues can make it even worse. Finding a social worker you can relate to in a friendly manner can be life-changing if you struggle with mental health. Letting Down Your Guard Sometimes, seeing a […]
09
Nov
Nov
In February 2020, our lead Resource Specialist and Clinical Director Denise Vestuti received a call from a mother from Norwalk, CT, distraught over her 31-year-old son’s low emotional state and addiction relapse. The call was like many of the hundreds of requests for help received at rtor.org each year—a distressed parent or other family member […]
06
Nov
Nov
In 1987 when I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Scared and alone, I had no role models to guide me. Hospitalized and given pills, I was sent out into the world to find my way without a map. In June 2000, I obtained a Master’s in Library and Information Science. That […]
03
Nov
Nov
Unresolved mental health problems and related issues can impact you negatively. About 25% of American adults over 18 have a diagnosable mental disorder. This usually co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse. And since the Covid-19 pandemic, over 42% of employees have indicated a decline in their mental health. If you have been feeling down, […]
31
Oct
Oct
Moments of extreme trauma can have life-changing impacts on your mental and emotional health. Immediately following a sexual assault, it’s easy to feel that things will never be the same again. You will be okay. The path to recovery takes time and effort. Following the right steps can make dealing with domestic violence or sexual […]
28
Oct
Oct
Depression is difficult for anyone, but perhaps even more so for children who lack the ability to seek solutions for themselves. As a parent, it is your difficult but crucial responsibility to help see them through. Everybody’s experience with depression is unique to them. There are many factors that can cause clinical depression in kids […]
27
Oct
Oct
Feeling disconnected? Do you experience dissociation? Is it so intense that you just blink and feel like a week has passed? How long were you away from your body anyway? Those are difficult questions to answer. Dissociation starts with feeling disoriented. Then there’s memory loss. I have years in my life that I don’t remember […]
24
Oct
Oct
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland, a pea-sized gland close to the center of your cerebral cortex. It assists your body in determining when it’s time to rest and when it’s time to wake. The body normally produces more melatonin during the night, and it is common for levels to increase after […]
20
Oct
Oct
When coping with anxiety and depression, many options exist to help you deal with your daily struggle. Exercise has been proven to positively impact mental health, easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and many other cognitive problems. There are also the obvious physical benefits of exercise, such as better heart health and improved quality of life. […]
17
Oct
Oct
I did not inherit Kim Kardashian’s butt. I inherited my father’s rear end – flat and wide. I passed this rear end down to one of our girls. The other lucked out and inherited her father’s butt – a cute pop-out affair from years of squats and deadlifts. Perfect for twerking, but her father and […]
13
Oct
Oct
Everybody loves getting lost in their favorite pastimes. Whether it’s eating fish and chips on the beach, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or gaming late into the night, there’s nothing better than burning off steam and treating yourself to some luxury and fun. However, some habits can become destructive if taken to extremes. […]
10
Oct
Oct
Though domestic violence may leave you with scars and bruises, the harm often goes deeper than the physical. An experience of domestic violence can have a lasting negative impact on your overall well-being. One of the most common and severe effects of domestic abuse is adversely impacted mental health. Domestic abuse can leave you with […]
03
Oct
Oct
Student mental health challenges are real, and colleges struggle to keep up. The college years can be some of the most stressful and overwhelming times in a young person’s life. Balancing academics, social activities, and personal responsibilities can affect even the most well-adjusted student’s mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 […]
26
Sep
Sep
Relationships require time, energy, and commitment. They are not created overnight. And as difficult as it is to start a relationship, it’s even more difficult to sustain one. The ride is not always smooth. It is bound to be bumpy, and sometimes you will need to put in that extra ounce of care to stay […]
