Author Archives: Kristina Robb Dover

Your mental health can change dramatically in response to the world around you. Most people know how stress and major life events can affect them, but even factors like diet or how clean their bedrooms are can have some noticeable impacts. But other elements could be influencing your mental health—without you even knowing. Mycotoxins are […]

Have you ever gone through a period when you felt unusually down? You may have been experiencing symptoms of the disorder known as “major depression” or “major depressive disorder.” It is also possible that your depressive symptoms were a form of “reactive” or “situational” depression in response to stress, trauma, or a major life event. […]

If you’ve heard the term “persistent depressive disorder,” you may’ve wondered whether it is a phenomenon from pop psychology or a real diagnosable condition. While persistent depressive disorder (PDD) may not be as debilitating as major depressive disorder, it is a legitimate psychological disorder and one that is highly treatable. Defining Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) […]

Conversations don’t always go the way we want, even if we enter them with the best intentions. Emotions can run high, we can say hurtful things, and everything can rapidly get out of hand. Often, the closer we are to the person we’re arguing with, the more intense the fallout. If one of the individuals […]

Does it seem like more people are anxious and strung-out today? Anxiety and causes of chronic anxiety are commonly googled phrases about mood issues and their connection to further mental health problems. Learning about managing persistent anxiety and effective anxiety management strategies may help. Understanding Persistent Anxiety Anxiety disorders, which affect more than 280 million […]

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) produce a constellation of physical and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation. Although the exact cause of PMS and PMDD remains uncertain, research studies indicate that factors such as hormonal surges and fluctuations in brain chemistry play key roles in both disorders. Two key differences highlight the distinction […]

The sense of fear that comes from someone or something posing an immediate threat to your well-being or survival is a rational fear. Whether that threat is a vicious dog or a burglar with a gun, fear is meant to compel you to take actions that increase your chances of survival. When you experience extreme […]

There are many energy and brain wellness options in the supplement aisle in drug, grocery, health, and vitamin stores. Some even tout “cures” for depression and other mental health issues. But are there over-the-counter mental health medications that may help ease some symptoms? Do they work? What are some of their effects? Overview of Over-the-Counter […]