There is no single aspect of healthcare in the modern digital world that is not impacted by technology. Like most things in life, there is a duality at play regarding the positive and negative role of technology on personal well-being. Relying on the media consumed via smartphones and tablets, people can either improve their mental […]
Our Latest Blogs
29
Mar
Mar
I started struggling with anxiety and depression when I dropped out of university. I had spent one day in my new dorm, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and felt an overwhelming dread. I asked my dad to pick me up, and when I got into the car, I immediately broke down in tears. When my parents […]
26
Mar
Mar
For ages, the terms religion and spirituality have often been used interchangeably. Both have to do with trying to understand the meaning of life. Spirituality and religion also offer a sense of comfort and peace to people who are in distress. Both can also make an impact on a person’s mental health. Despite all the […]
25
Mar
Mar
Windhorse Integrative Mental Health is a nonprofit service provider committed to providing mindfulness-informed, compassionate, team-based care to individuals experiencing life-disrupting psychiatric distress.
24
Mar
Mar
Family connections are usually our closest relationships in life and have the greatest impact on our well-being. When a family member suffers from the disease of addiction or mental illness – everyone in that family suffers. Our thoughts can quickly become consumed with worry and anxiety due to both the illness and the challenges our […]
12
Mar
Mar
Are you feeling that life is dreamlike or that everything is strange and unreal? You are not alone. The current lockdown has increasingly caused people to develop dissociative symptoms. If you’re one of them and are interested in getting back to normal, then keep reading. The lockdown resulting from COVID-19 has been extremely stressful on […]
11
Mar
Mar
Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs that Hold You Back from Living a Better Life Book by Gabrielle Bernstein “You’ve judged yourself five times, and you’ve only been here about 8 minutes.” My counselor told this to me in a not unkind way as I sat in a session. As someone diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and […]
10
Mar
Mar
Staying mentally fit keeps you sharp and alert. It improves day-to-day life and helps prevent the natural aging process from taking too much of a toll on your brain. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and stimulating your brain is just as vital to your wellbeing as physical exercise. You […]
08
Mar
Mar
After centuries of stigmatization, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment, mental health awareness has finally become a huge talking point in recent years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people suffered from depression, anxiety, and similar conditions. Now, nearly one in five adults lives with a mental health disorder — and that doesn’t even include those living […]
05
Mar
Mar
If you spend your life surrounded by people you can rely on, sharing thoughts and feelings probably comes naturally. In an atmosphere of mutual trust and care, staying mentally healthy often seems like a goal that’s not too difficult to accomplish. Unfortunately, not every environment is equally affirming. In some cases, people who feel anxious, […]
21
Feb
Feb
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook Authors: Kristin Neff, PhD, Christopher Germer, PhD Have you ever wanted the tools to comfort yourself with compassion and kindness? Do you resist experiencing emotions? Do you find yourself getting stuck in patterns of worry? If so, this book is for you. I picked this book up one desperate day in […]
19
Feb
Feb
Millions of people across the world are struggling with social isolation during this time. As a social species, humans need interaction with others. Even the most introverted individuals are having a hard time not being able to see friends, family, and colleagues while they try to stay safe and socially distance from those outside their […]
15
Feb
Feb
Say the acronym “PTSD,” and an image will probably emerge in your head. Most likely of a veteran. Most likely of someone who’s White. And though trauma studies began with White soldiers in WWI’s aftermath, trauma is not racially exclusive. Or is it? PTSD: A Historical Overview Though historical accounts of nightmares following ancient battles […]
14
Feb
Feb
Seeing your partner go through a panic attack can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but you aren’t sure how. Maybe you’ve tried so many different ways – but it usually doesn’t feel that helpful. You’ve tried reminding him to breathe, maybe even breathing with him. You’ve tried telling him that “everything is okay” and […]
10
Feb
Feb
I glanced down at the speedometer and realized that I was driving at 80 mph – way faster than usual. After slowing to a more reasonable speed, the engine still revving absurdly, I felt my heart thumping fast. I tried calming myself, but I just couldn’t. A phone call from my boss demanding me to […]
03
Feb
Feb
What do you want to be when you grow up? We’re all asked this seemingly harmless question from a very young age. But the truth is this is such a loaded question. Most who ask this question are interested in what type of job we want to do or field we’d like to work in. […]
01
Feb
Feb
“Dissociation?” a colleague and fellow trauma survivor remarked, during a pre-Covid conversation over breakfast tacos. “It isn’t good.” “Why?” I replied. “Because dissociation is shameful. It means you’re weak.” I ended the conversation by respectfully disagreeing. Because I believe dissociation is a miracle. What is dissociation? As a response to trauma and chronic stress, dissociation […]
29
Jan
Jan
It is alarming to see when older loved ones lose interest in activities that they usually enjoy. They may dread waking up in the morning because they find it challenging to get through an entire day. Time seems to crawl at a snail’s pace, making them feel anxious and sad. Unfortunately, depression is prevalent in […]
27
Jan
Jan
It might sound like a cliché, but youth really are the future. Unfortunately, it seems that mental health issues are on the rise among children and teens. All over the world, more and more young people are reporting issues with mental health. According to mental health experts Cheree Ashely, Founder of Bright Future Recovery, the […]
20
Jan
Jan
If you’ve ever felt a boost of happiness after a big hug with a loved one, you’re surely not alone. In fact, science has much to say about why that might be. Closeness with someone you care about is certainly a contributing factor, but a flood of positive brain chemicals released during your embrace can […]
18
Jan
Jan
I knew I had a problem in 2015, after returning to the US from a year-long teaching stint abroad. It began with flashbacks, intrusive memories of the poverty and food insecurity I experienced in my host village. And it ended with shame, an internalized belief that I was a broken woman, forever irreparable and therefore […]
15
Jan
Jan
2020 was a challenging year not only for Americans but for almost everyone. People’s mental and emotional wellbeing took significant hits throughout the year. 2020 featured several full-blown moments which drained many people’s mental state, from a series of natural disasters to the global pandemic and multiple political and social issues. Not to mention that […]
11
Jan
Jan
Yoga has long been recognized for its healing effects for a variety of health issues, but can it be applied in the recovery from eating disorders? In recent decades, the popularity of yoga has grown to such an extent that it is a hugely recognizable part of our cultural wallpaper, from classes at the gym […]
06
Jan
Jan
Smart people are often anxious. Is this news to you? I’m guessing not, since you’re smart. Research has shown that there is a high correlation between being intelligent and socially anxious. The higher your IQ, the higher the chance your social apprehension is higher than usual. Of course, that doesn’t mean that your social anxiety […]
03
Jan
Jan
2020 brought changes to all of us. For me, it was the year when my baby boy was born just as the pandemic took control over the world; I had him just before the lockdown started. Coping with the anxiety of being a new mother and the extra stress Covid-19 brought to our life wasn’t […]
02
Jan
Jan
Meditation and mindfulness exercises are used globally by drug and alcohol addiction centers as a complementary form of treatment to help patients improve physical and mental health. Substance abuse can cause problems ranging from kidney failure to depression to parasitic relationships. While professional help is the best course of action for treating addiction problems, meditation […]
30
Dec
Dec
The past year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, massive wildfires, brutal heatwaves, and even the recent presidential election, it’s likely your mental health has taken quite a hit. Unfortunately, extended periods of stress, coupled with other mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression, can do serious damage to your overall health and impact your quality […]
28
Dec
Dec
Today’s children and teens experience a great deal of stress and anxiety. From academic pressures to negative self-images, modern-day children take on a lot. Parents must learn how to recognize, understand, and support a stressed child. Parents and caregivers must learn to recognize the telltale signs of stress and anxiety. They should keep in mind […]
26
Dec
Dec
My life with bipolar disorder II has included six periods of success and six periods of failure. The worst began in 1980 when I was 42 years old. I had purchased a small guest ranch in Wyoming with the woman I loved. The ranch, which faced the Continental Divide at 8,000 feet, was to be […]
23
Dec
Dec
Elizabeth Courtney-Seidler, PhD, founder of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies of Ridgefield, is a licensed psychologist in New York and Connecticut. Dr. Courtney-Seidler works with children, adolescents, adults, and families and specializes in the practice of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
18
Dec
Dec
At 3 am on January 18, 2018, a cold winter’s night when most everyone was fast asleep, my wife and I were wide awake. Our then 17-year-old daughter, Audrey, was about to be abruptly woken up and transported by a third party to a wilderness therapy program. She had no idea this was about to […]
14
Dec
Dec
How cannabis abuse aggravated my borderline personality disorder to the point of medical intervention. Marijuana is a controversial topic when it comes to mental health. I have friends who have been self-medicating for years, insisting that weed cures their anxiety and helps them cope with their depression. I also have friends who refuse to touch […]
10
Dec
Dec
A 2020 study conducted by health insurer Cigna revealed a curious truth about Americans and loneliness: more than 3 out of 5 consider themselves lonely. Though for some, loneliness is a fleeting feeling that they have every once in a while, it can be more serious for others. In psychology, loneliness is defined as the […]
09
Dec
Dec
For many, Christmas is a time for celebration, eating, drinking, and spending the festive period with loved ones. From a child’s perspective, nothing compares to the joy that comes from the season. The magic, fun, and presents all add to the experience. The nostalgia we feel as adults is all constructed from our formative years. […]
07
Dec
Dec
All the fun and festivities aside, the “most wonderful time of the year” can be rather challenging for many people. There are added responsibilities, long shopping lists, draining activities, and numerous situations that can feel overwhelmed. Seasonal depression and anxiety are at an all-time high. Some people feel extra isolated watching TV and scrolling through […]
04
Dec
Dec
“In World War One, they called it shell shock. Second time around, they called it battle fatigue. After ‘Nam, it was post-traumatic stress disorder.” ― Jan Karon, Home to Holly Springs Shell shock, battle fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Same symptoms, different names. Throughout time, people have suffered things that affected their bodies and minds in […]
02
Dec
Dec
I have been attending therapy for over three years. At first, the thought of verbally expressing my thoughts, concerns, and emotions to a stranger seemed impossible. However, the fear and angst I felt regarding in-person therapy turned into hopefulness and optimism. I genuinely looked forward to attending each session because I knew there was time […]
25
Nov
Nov
There are millions of individuals living with various forms of mental health disorders. The figure stands at about 1 in 5 people, so chances are you have a relative experiencing an issue. There are multiple elements crucial to managing and recovering from mental health conditions, and one is you lending a helping hand to your […]
24
Nov
Nov
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means this is the season of giving. When the holiday season arrives, people tend to be more generous, giving their closest friends and family gifts. With so much to be received in this time, gratitude may come easily. What about the rest of the year, though? Finding gratitude […]
20
Nov
Nov
Can you hide in a cave until January 2? If the holidays mean nothing but stress, you might feel tempted. However, most people don’t have the luxury of skipping office parties and family gatherings. Others battle feelings of isolation and despair. How can you manage your mental well-being amid the holiday madness? Here are eight […]
17
Nov
Nov
The holidays are a joyous time, whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, or New Years. However, every year millions of Americans battle substance use disorders and co-occurring issues like anxiety and addiction. The time from Thanksgiving to New Years is rough for people struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and anyone in recovery. Along […]
17
Nov
Nov
Rumination Do you ever find yourself replaying a situation over and over in your head? Questioning what went wrong and the consequences? This is rumination. Rumination usually occurs when there is an inconsistency between the goals you want to reach and what you have actually achieved. It will continue until you come closer to your […]
16
Nov
Nov
Roughly 2000 years ago, the emperor of the Roman Empire sat in his tent to clear his head. He had plenty of reasons to decompress. Ugly border disputes threatened his legacy. Untrustworthy warlords schemed behind his back and unrelenting family issues from the premature passing of his wife and a difficult relationship with his only […]
13
Nov
Nov
The experience of being in a car accident can be traumatic and frightening, so it should come as no surprise that car accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population. Unfortunately, car accidents are not an uncommon occurrence, with about six million happening in the U.S. every year, about […]
11
Nov
Nov
Veterans Day is a day set aside to remember and honor military veterans who have served and are serving our country. It is a celebration of gratitude for servicemen and women who willingly sacrifice and serve America near and far. Veterans are heroes who share similar military lifestyles. They’ve been trained to serve and protect. […]
11
Nov
Nov
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact that toilet paper, bottled water, and disinfectant wipes sold out nearly everywhere was common knowledge. What you may not know is that in some communities baking yeast was just as hard to find. During a time of complete and utter panic, many people turned to baking […]
06
Nov
Nov
Sadly, it is all too common for war veterans to develop mental health problems after serving in the military. An estimated 20% of U.S. servicemen and women deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year. This is just one mental health issue that can surface as a result of serving at […]
05
Nov
Nov
It can be difficult to quit drinking alcohol or using drugs. However, we can use the power of our mind and thoughts to stop. We can do this by focusing our thoughts on the long-term positive benefits and negative consequences of drinking compared to the short-term benefits. Although it may sound counterintuitive, it can actually […]
04
Nov
Nov
Today’s world is a world of constant controversy. No one seems to agree—on anything. No wonder anxiety plagues so many of us! I often wonder if I will ever get better—less depressed, less anxious, less paranoid, with this current state of things. It reminds me that although I was personally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, […]
30
Oct
Oct
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects adults as well as children. Moreover, 60-80% of youngsters affected by ADHD will have the condition in adulthood.
Adults with ADHD exhibit many of the same symptoms as children.
19
Oct
Oct
“Hey babe, I uhhh…I think I have PTSD,” I stammered out quickly over the phone to my husband. This sudden revelation came after I had been in a library working, and someone sat down behind me, and I had become so anxious that I had to get up and leave the library completely. I couldn’t handle someone sitting behind me reading a book because I couldn’t see that person. My brain couldn’t stop telling me to be fearful, and I didn’t know why. All I knew was I had to get out. Immediately.
14
Oct
Oct
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a serious condition that affects around 6.1 million children between the ages of 2 and 17 years old in the United States alone. This translates to 9.4% of children in that age group, highlighting how prevalent the chronic condition has become.
But what’s worrying an increasing number of parents is that children might be misdiagnosed with ADHD when the real problem could be a sleep disorder. Given ADHD’s impact on mental and social functioning and the treatments involved, that’s very understandable.
12
Oct
Oct
Getting your resume right is imperative if you are looking to start or further your career. Unfortunately, many of us find that we really struggle with resume writing, and it can be even more challenging if you are also living with a mental health disorder. Indeed, the challenges of mental illness can make writing a […]
05
Oct
Oct
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 […]
28
Sep
Sep
I glanced down at the speedometer and realized that I was doing 80 mph, much faster than usual. After slowing down to a more reasonable speed, the engine of my beat-up station wagon was still revving strangely. Something wasn’t right. I pulled my foot off the brake and, as an experiment, removed it from the […]
23
Sep
Sep
Elizabeth Jorgensen is a certified alcohol and drug counselor who specializes in adolescent and young adult psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling. Liz has over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and is a nationally recognized expert in counseling, particularly in engaging resistant teens and motivating them to change.
21
Sep
Sep
On June 8, 2020, I had a dissociative episode that nearly resulted in suicide. When I say ‘nearly,’ I mean that had I not called a therapist that night, I wouldn’t have been there by the next week. This probably comes as a surprise to many who know me. I’m happy and bubbly and cheerful, […]
18
Sep
Sep
What does it mean to feel stuck? Feeling stuck is like having an aching sense that you need to do something, anything to propel you out of your current state – but you can’t. It’s like you’re frozen. Nothing feels available or good enough. When your mind presents something, you convince yourself it’s not the […]
17
Sep
Sep
Nothing is more frustrating than tossing and turning all night when you should be sleeping. Lying there, anticipating the alarm going off at 6:00 am as the hours tick by, can cause deep distress. You cringe when considering the coming day, knowing that you will be functioning on fumes. Insomnia is one of the most […]
11
Sep
Sep
While gardening isn’t for everyone, its positive impact on physical and emotional wellbeing are something we could all use more of today. Gardening is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Your garden is a space where you can clear your mind and reduce stress as you become one with nature. Gardening encourages positive mental […]
09
Sep
Sep
When someone suffers from a serious mental health disorder, family caregivers are also affected. It’s difficult to witness a loved one struggling with mental illness. Family caregivers go through a range of powerful, often unpleasant emotions. The stressful experience of looking after someone with extreme mental health problems may trigger emotional and behavioral distress in […]
07
Sep
Sep
Here are three things I know for sure: Dealing with Postpartum Depression (PPD) is hard. Watching your partner struggle with clinical depression is hard. Doing both at the same time feels unbearable. Dealing with PPD is Hard I gave birth to my first child on January 16th, 2020. I’m not quite sure I can accurately […]
06
Sep
Sep
This week marks National Suicide Prevention Week, a week when we are urged to learn more about suicide and how each of us can take steps to prevent deaths by suicide in our communities and our country. This year it comes after months of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and as many of us face the stress of family members returning to school, college, or work under uncertain conditions. With so much on our minds and with a pandemic threatening our health, is it really important to talk about suicide? The answer is yes.
04
Sep
Sep
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive worldwide disruption in addition to untold physical and financial devastation, negatively impacting countless areas of our lives. Unfortunately, this has hit more areas than many of us ever would have dreamed, and that includes addiction services. Due to the pandemic, hundreds of millions of people were forced to stay […]
28
Aug
Aug
Many people who desperately need residential treatment for an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder (BED) still harbor fears about the COVID-19 pandemic and sharing space with strangers. They might even consider putting off or avoiding treatment as a result of those fears. The fact of the matter is, residential eating […]
24
Aug
Aug
Did you know that about 3.3 percent of adults between 44 and 85 years have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What this means is that about 70 million adults may not be aware that they have ADHD until the challenges and demands of life become overwhelming and unbearable. Adults who may be facing the challenges of caring […]
21
Aug
Aug
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 […]
12
Aug
Aug
The world has changed. Day-to-day activities such as paying bills, working, studying, shopping, communicating with family or a co-worker no longer need to be done in person. The technology allows each of these activities to be done by the computer or via smartphones. Wi-fi networks enable interactions between people and groups anytime, anywhere in the […]
