Help! How hard is it to say that word? According to a new study in the journal Psychological Science, it can be difficult; even though most people are naturally inclined to help others, many of us struggle to reach out when we’re in need, the Stanford...
For many of us, drinking alcohol socially can lighten our mood, reduce the stress we feel, and can even help us feel closer to others—at least for a while. While the short-term relaxation and mood enhancing effects of alcohol may not lead to misuse for many people,...
Mental health should always be a priority, and it’s especially important in these challenging times filled with health concerns amidst a pandemic, economic woes, and societal upheaval. Mental health checkups aren’t really a thing but given the rising rates of...
For many of us, spending the holidays with family brings us comfort and joy. For others, holiday family time is anything but good tidings. From the stress of travel to the pressures of gift-giving, the holidays can trigger a flurry of bad habits and feelings that...
Dysfunctional families are fertile ground for neglect, abuse, secrecy, addiction, or denial. In these family systems, children’s emotional needs go unmet because the parents’ needs take precedence. One or both parents might be suffering from a substance use...
After the busy festive period, the New Year can be an excellent time for a fresh start, and a chance to begin the year with a healthy mind-set. You may already have some ideas for New Year’s resolutions – you may be planning on joining a gym, spending more time with...
What is gender-affirming care? Gender-affirming care, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions “designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it conflicts...
What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually in winter. Otherwise known as seasonal depression, SAD can affect your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels, taking...
When people speak about Selective Mutism (SM), they often refer to children. That is because SM is an anxiety disorder that is diagnosed in childhood, typically around when a child begins school. But what happens to SM when a child grows into adolescence, or when a...
What is a mental health screening? A mental health screening is an exam of your emotional health. It helps find out if you have a mental disorder. Mental disorders are common. They affect more than half of all Americans at some point in their lives....
