There is a significant connection between how we spend our energy and our mental health. Imagine that each person has a set amount of energy “units” (which we will call “spoons”) to use daily. Ideally, we aim to have at least one spoon left by the end of each day. If we exhaust our spoons
Conserving Energy and Mental Health Read More »
The term “islands of happiness” was coined by one of my clients during a conversation about his experiences with his symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He vividly described how his mood fluctuated depending on whether he had a compelling interest or activity to focus on. During these periods of intense engagement, he felt
Navigating Islands of Happiness: ADHD and Passionate Pursuits Read More »
In the complex world of human health, the traditional distinctions between physical and mental well-being are fading, unveiling a significant connection that shapes our overall wellness. From chronic conditions to everyday health issues, countless examples demonstrate the intersection of physical health and mental well-being, showcasing their profound influence on each other. As a jumping off
Whole-Person Wellness: Examining the Link Between Mental and Physical Health Read More »
Within modern healthcare, the correlation between mental and physical well-being is gaining prominence. Nevertheless, despite this recognition, many primary care settings lack a comprehensive integration of mental health services and mental health education. Therefore, there exists a significant need to bridge this gap and provide detailed insights into practical strategies for achieving seamless integration. The
Integrating Mental Health Services in Primary Care: Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility Read More »
What is Contagious Anxiety? Contagious anxiety, or social and emotional contagion, is a process wherein one person’s anxious emotions are transmitted and absorbed by another, facilitated by verbal and non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This exchange can easily lead to a shared sense of unease and stress. We’ve all
Understanding and Mitigating Contagious Anxiety Read More »
Society has taken strides towards destigmatizing mental health in general and refraining from passing judgment on those who grapple with intense emotions. However, as a therapist, I have observed a lingering reluctance to articulate what one of my clients aptly termed “ugly emotions.” These emotions encompass feelings that many of us, myself included, have been
Ugly Emotions (Destigmatizing Jealousy, Bitterness and Resentment) Read More »
Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While it is characterized by feelings of sadness, low mood, and a loss of interest in activities, depression can also significantly impact how we see the world and ourselves. In this article discussion, we will explore the ways in which depression distorts
Fragmented Perspectives: How Depression Divides Our Perception Read More »
The term “summer blues” is often used to describe a phenomenon where some individuals experience feelings of sadness, restlessness, or a general sense of discontent during the summer months. While it is more commonly associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is typically linked to winter months, some people may experience a negative mood change
What are “The Summer Blues?” And How Do You Manage Them Read More »
Understanding Comorbidity Co-occurring, comorbid and Dual diagnosis are relatively interchangeable terms that mean an individual has more than one mental health diagnosis or a mental health diagnosis and a substance disorder. When an individual has more than one mental health diagnosis, treatment is more complex and the prognosis is more guarded. Statistics very, but anywhere
ADHD-It’s More Than Just an Attention Issue: Understanding Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly presents with symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. In addition to these hallmark symptoms, emotional dysregulation is often a prominent feature of ADHD. Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulties in managing and controlling one’s emotions,
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