12 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress accumulates. No matter how we try to minimize it, it piles up over time and becomes a problem, both mentally and physically. And the more we try to live up to our own expectations and adhere to the responsibilities we have, the faster it builds up. Overcoming these stressors is an important factor for…
Read MoreWhat is Bipolar Depression? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What is bipolar depression or bipolar disorder? It is a mood disorder characterized by episodic symptoms of depression (low mood) and mania (high mood). In both cases, these episodes are debilitating, with symptoms ranging from lack of joy and loss of motivation to illusions of grandeur, restlessness, and extreme irritability. Bipolar disorder affects roughly 2.2…
Read MoreHow to Cope With Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are the most diagnosed mental health problems in the country. An estimated 19 percent of US adults have experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year, and about 7.8 percent of US adults have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Like any mental health issue, learning how to…
Read MoreThe Most Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder can differ from other mood disorders. Bipolar disorder is characterized by shifts in mood between a manic and neutral, or manic, neutral, and depressed state. On the other hand, most mood disorders are characterized primarily by symptoms of depression, or low mood. And while treatment for most mood disorders involves…
Read More10 Common Types of Mental Disorders
There are many types of mental disorders, each of which produces a variety of symptoms that can impact individuals differently. For this reason, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional for help. If you suspect you may be experiencing one or more symptoms of a mental disorder, you’re not alone. According to…
Read MoreThe Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Excessive drug use and alcohol use commonly coincide with other mental health issues, such as some of the most common co-occurring disorders. Whether one came before the other is a case-by-case matter – sometimes, the onset for a mental health problem is after the addiction began; in other cases, the problem is what led to…
Read MoreThe Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects an estimated 3.6 percent of American adults and is prevalent in about 5 percent of adolescents. It is more common in women than in men. It’s a well-known, yet misunderstood condition, characterized by traumatic experiences leading to symptoms of avoidance, reexperience, and recurring unwanted thoughts. PTSD is also a neurological condition, affecting the…
Read More5 Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Different types of anxiety disorders come in many forms. What they have in common is the generalization that fear and worry become overwhelming drivers in a person’s mind. Anxiety disorders differentiate themselves from normal worries and rational concerns by causing debilitating symptoms, occurring seemingly at random, and sometimes being triggered by unwanted and intrusive thoughts.…
Read MoreWhat are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world, but it is also often poorly understood. While very treatable, identifying depressive symptoms isn’t always easy, and it can be difficult to gain access to the type of care and medication needed to affect long-term change in depressive thinking. Learning more about…
Read MoreThe Connection Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health
The connection between substance abuse and mental health issues can be attributed to shared risk factors, as well as the effect that either can have on the other. Substance abuse can increase the risk of a mental health issue, and vice versa. Understanding this connection is important because it plays a role in both diagnosis…
Read More