Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a related but distinct condition that is less widely understood. Complex PTSD is a challenging condition that results from prolonged, repetitive trauma, often experienced in childhood or in situations where escape…
Mindfulness
Ways to Help Your Child with Back-to-School Anxiety
As summer winds down and a new academic year approaches, many children experience a mix of excitement and anxiety about returning to school. While some anticipation is normal, excessive worry can impact a child’s mental health and overall well-being. In this post we will explore strategies to help parents and caregivers support their children through…
Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns: Maintaining Mental Health Through Major Life Changes
Life is full of changes, both big and small. Whether it’s starting a new job, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new city, the experience of transitioning from one stage of life to another can be exhilarating, but also incredibly stressful. In fact, many of life’s biggest events are also considered some…
Election Anxiety 2024: Navigating Uncertainty and Staying Balanced
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, many Americans are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety. In a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly three-quarters of respondents said they’re feeling anxious about the election. This phenomenon, often referred to as “election anxiety,” is not new, but it has become increasingly prevalent in recent election…
The Lasting Mental Health Impact of Covid-19
By the summer of 2023, the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to finally be behind us. Vaccines and effective treatments helped reduce severe cases and deaths to very low levels in most parts of the world. Mask mandates and other restrictive policies had been lifted. Life was starting to return to some sense of…
How to Break Free from Negative Thought Patterns
Negative thought patterns, often referred to as cognitive distortions, are ways in which our minds convince us of something that isn’t really true. These false beliefs tend to reinforce negative thinking and emotions, trapping us in a cycle of negativity that can affect our overall mental health and well-being. Understanding how to challenge and change…
Digital Detox: Balancing Technology and Mental Health
In an era where digital devices are an integral part of our daily lives, the concept of a “Digital Detox” has gained prominence, emphasizing the need to balance our technology usage with our mental health. The constant connectivity offered by smartphones, laptops, and social media can be a double-edged sword, providing immense benefits in terms…
7 Simple Ways to Manage Stress in Daily Life (and when to seek professional help)
Managing stress is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In today’s fast-paced world, stress is a common occurrence, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While a small amount of stress can be beneficial, motivating us to meet deadlines and achieve goals, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental…
The Power of Mindfulness: Techniques and Benefits for Mental Health
In our fast-paced, high-stress world, the ancient practice of mindfulness has emerged as a vital tool for mental health and well-being. Mindfulness, a form of meditation, involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. This simple yet powerful technique has profound effects on the mind, body, and spirit, offering a path to awareness, peace of…