Posts

-
Image
  Is it Puberty or a Mental Health Issue? Part 1 As young people begin to mature, and navigate puberty, they go through many changes – physical, emotional, and mental. These changes are all part of the normal and expected process of maturation, and will continue in some ways until their early- to mid-twenties. During this period of big changes, those around these rapidly-evolving humans may notice some new and different reactions to life. Responses to stress may be more emotional or aggressive; there may be more emotional volatility, and even signs of depression or anxiety. Some of these changes may be profound. But, is it “just puberty” or is it an emerging mental health issue? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 75% of mental illnesses manifest by age 24, with about 50% of all mental health conditions beginning by age 14. The question then is: If so many mental health issues emerge during puberty, is there a connection? Does puberty cause mental
Post a Comment
Read more

A Winter Wonderland… Is It Really?

-
Image
As we get into winter, and the colder months, you may hear people talking about the “winter blues” they experience every year, or even how they experience “cabin fever” toward the end of winter and just have to get outside. But are these things real? The short answer is yes. These things are very real, and affect many, many people – and knowing a bit about how they happen can help if you find yourself dealing with a case of the winter blues, or even some cabin fever later in the season. For many people, winter is a tough time. The shorter days, the longer nights, and even the lower temperatures, can affect us pretty significantly. We may be cooped up inside due to temperatures or weather conditions, and start to feel a bit off. We may also become more irritable, or even a bit depressed. So what’s causing this change in our moods? Well, among other factors, our circadian rhythms are to blame. Get Some Rhythm You have probably heard about the circadian rhythm, and how it regulates our sl
Post a Comment
Read more

Thanksgiving and Your Mental Health - A Survival Guide

-
Image
As we approach Thanksgiving, a day widely celebrated to acknowledge the good things in our lives, it is important to be aware that this holiday (like much of the holiday season) can very much be a two-sided coin. The day can often mean visiting with family, travel, stress, and reconnecting with people after a significant absence, in addition to the joys of family traditions, a good meal, and being truly grateful for the good things in life - whatever those might be. So, with those ideas in mind, it seemed to be a good idea to put together a little survival guide to help navigate some of the ups and downs of the holiday. Try to Maintain Routines While it may seem passé to remind yourself of the importance of your daily routines, especially sleep and exercise routines, they really do help you maintain an even keel by maintaining a sense of familiarity. Try to stick to your routines as much as possible. Be Mindful of Information Overload During the holidays, we can find ourselves immersed
Post a Comment
Read more

Ways to Support Our Veterans’ Mental Health

-
Image
Each year on November 11, we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Now called Veterans Day in the United States, the day was originally called Armistice Day and marked the official end of the hostilities of World War I. Armistice Day is still recognized across the world in countries that remember the anniversary of the end of World War I. Many of those who have served in our armed forces have been affected by their service – some in obvious ways, and others in ways that are not readily apparent. The unique and challenging lives led by our military service members can lead to a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury. Some veterans may be suffering from one or more of these conditions at the same time. Here are some ways that you can support veterans in your life who may be dealing with these challenges. ANXIETY Anxiety is a normal response to stress, and
Post a Comment
Read more

Changing Leaves and Changing Feelings

-
Image
The fall is a very interesting time – we see the leaves change through beautiful colors (depending on where you live) but know that winter is right around the corner. The changes in the amount of daylight can have a strong emotional impact. It’s very true that as the leaves change, so can our mental and emotional health. The two most common things people experience during that time are Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Autumn Anxiety. According to Psychology Today, more than 10 million Americans report being affected by SAD, and another 10 to 20 percent of the population experience mild symptoms without ever being diagnosed. Seasonal Affective Disorder typically affects four times as many women as men, and is typically diagnosed between ages 18 and 30. Autumn Anxiety and SAD share many of the same symptoms, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, lethargy, and a general loss of interest in daily activities. What Causes SAD and Autumn Anxiety? Despite the fact that SAD
Post a Comment
Read more

The Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health

-
Image
So, Just How Important is Sleep to my Mental Health? We have all heard the expression “waking up on the wrong side of the bed,” usually when we are not feeling our best in the morning, typically as the result of less than optimal sleep. We know we can feel out of sorts, have lower energy levels, and be more emotionally reactive. The question is- How much does sleep really affect your mental health? As it turns out, quite a bit! Researchers are continuing to study the relationship between sleep and mental health, and how exactly each can influence the other. Current research shows that the relationship is definitely bidirectional. Mental health issues can influence the amount and quality of sleep a person gets, and poor sleep can contribute to worsening symptoms or even the initiation of mental health issues. How can sleep affect mental health? According to the Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org), the proper amount of sleep – especially REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, helps the b
Post a Comment
Read more

The Health Benefits of Pets

-
Image
Each year, World Animal Day is observed on October 4th. This celebration of the animals we share the planet with dates back as far as 1925, when Heinrich Zimmerman, who published a German animal lovers magazine, organized the very first event in Berlin. Six years later, in 1931, the event went global when the International Animal Protection Congress formally adopted World Animal Day globally. You can certainly celebrate your favorite wild creatures – wolves, bison, rhinos, kiwis, or even your favorite salamanders - but you can also celebrate a bit closer to home. At home, in fact! Our pets, it seems, are not simply pleasant companions. According to scientists, they can also be good for your health. Approximately 68% of US households have at least one pet and, for the last decade, scientists have been studying the direct health benefits of keeping pets. While different types of pets can bring differing health benefits, it seems that interacting with animals lowers blood pressure, and al
Post a Comment
Read more