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 …
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, …
As caring individuals, we often give our hearts and souls to help others. Whether it’s taking care of aging parents, helping a friend through tough times, or being responsible for someone who needs consistent support, being the caregiver can feel overwhelming. This continuous exposure to others’ pain and suffering can take a toll on our …
Compassion Fatigue: Understanding And Avoiding The Burnout Trap Read More »