When someone has a broken leg, the evidence is visible. They have a cast, possibly crutches; people can witness their struggle with opening doors or navigating furniture. But when someone has a mental illness or disorder, the evidence may not be obvious—if others can see it at all. And no can see “inside” the struggle of trying to navigate a …
Bullying has affected children and teens for generations. But we’ve only recently understood bullying’s mental health effects, which extend beyond the victim to bystanders who witness it and the bullies themselves. What is bullying? The Centers for Disease Control defines bullying as a form of “youth violence” toward a victim involving unwanted aggressive behavior from a bully (an individual or …
College should be a time of discovery, freedom and independence. But sometimes those perks of the college experience can become a source of mental distress. Students can also struggle with mental health issues they bring with them to college. College can still be a time of growth and independence if students attend to their mental health and get help when …
You can’t imagine your child would hurt herself. And yet you’re seeing disturbing signs. She’s become withdrawn, spending more time than usual in her room. She’s wearing long-sleeve shirts, even in summer. And you’re seeing bloody tissues in the wastebasket. If you suspect self-harm, there are things you can do—and things you shouldn’t do. Self-Harm and Children Self-harm is not …
Nightmares… avoiding certain streets… becoming easily startled or feeling on edge… Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can manifest in many ways. The National Center for PTSD defines PTSD as “a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.” Precipitating events can also include sudden …
It’s hard to remember that just a few years ago, social media didn’t exist. It’s become such a large part of our lives that we can’t imagine being without it. Social media lets us find community and entertainment. It lets us stay connected when we can’t meet physically. But it can also have negative effects on our mental health. We …
At any given moment, at least a third of us feel lonely. As we write this, the social distancing of the COVID-19 pandemic has probably pushed that figure higher. We can take comfort in knowing that loneliness is not a permanent state. There are many ways to address and alleviate / heal loneliness. But first, let’s explore loneliness itself. The …
Life changes like divorce, death of a loved one or loss of a job, can throw us for a loop. But so can happier events like getting married or starting a new job. Significant life changes of any type can be challenging to navigate as we move forward into the unknown. Even if the change is expected or welcomed, it …
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In combination with other medications, antipsychotics may also be prescribed to treat the following issues: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) anxiety disorders eating disorders severe depression Antipsychotic Basics Antipsychotic medications are used to manage and relieve symptoms of psychosis such as …
It’s the dream of every mother—a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. If you’re taking medications for your mental health you’re probably wondering whether they will be safe for your developing baby. The good news is, enough is known about many medications to declare them safe enough for pregnant mothers. Where questions arise, alternative medications and therapies can help secure …
