Author Archives: Kristina Robb Dover

Long Covid Impacts on Mental Health

Long Covid impacts on Mental Health (Quality of Life)

Long COVID (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a variety of often debilitating symptoms that persist for weeks or months after a person recovers from a COVID infection. Long COVID involves both physical and psychological symptoms that affect people differently. For some, symptoms are mild and manageable. For others, symptoms are so severe […]

Depression and the Gut-Brain Connection

Depression and the gut-brain connection

Gut health and anxiety and the overall importance of gut health and mental health are gaining increased media and scientific attention. Depression and anxiety disorders are rising worldwide, with those affected experiencing increased disability, lowered quality of life, and significant illness burden. While genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, and lifestyle play an important role in psychiatric […]

When Is Medication Needed for Mental Health?

When medication is needed for mental health

Every person’s mental health journey is unique, and especially at the beginning of treatment, it can be challenging to navigate treatment options. Many individuals ask questions such as, “Do I need psychiatric help?” and “Do I need medication to manage my mental illness?” While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating a mental illness, many […]

Understanding the Signs of Chronic Stress

Signs of Chronic Stress

Stress is a part of everyday life in modern society. From long checkout lines to bumper-to-bumper traffic to the boss handing you an urgent assignment at the end of the day, to unruly children, bills that are piling up, worries about medical tests, failing grades, and countless other things, stress is unavoidable. Chronic stress, on […]

Mental Health Gadgets—Do They Actually Work?

Gadgets for Mental Health - Do They Work?

Stress is one of the most difficult-to-manage parts of our daily lives. If you’re unable to limit your stress levels, it can affect your mood, sleep, appetite, and so many other aspects of your mental and physical health. Long-term stress has links to serious conditions like obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease, among others. Because […]

Mental Health Tips for When a Loved One is Hospitalized

When a loved one is hospitalized - Mental Health

Handling a loved one’s illness is never easy, whether they’re living with a chronic condition or an acute illness that’s become unexpectedly serious. Many people associate hospitals with life-altering diagnoses and situations, and seeing a loved one in that setting can create a lot of fear, stress and anxiety. Coping with a sick loved one […]

Manipulative Personality Disorder

What is manipulative personality disorder

Like anything deeply personal, relationships are difficult to navigate and can be complex. Everyone needs healthy boundaries to feel safe and thrive in their own environments. What those boundaries look like will be different for every relationship. Some people will also attempt to push those boundaries, using their actions and behavior to control and influence […]

A Killer’s Mind: Jared Lee Loughner

A Killer's Mind: Jared Lee Loughner

On January 8, 2011, a shooting occurred outside of a supermarket, resulting in the deaths of six people and wounding 13 others. The target of this shooting was Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was holding a “Congress on Your Corner” event at the store. The man suspected of committing the crime, Jared Lee Loughner, was arrested […]

It’s Complicated: OCD and Relationships

It's Complicated: OCD and Relationships

How do OCD and relationships mix? Whether you’ve just met someone or been partnered for a while, mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can cause disruption and confusion and interfere with your bond. What should you do? Where can you go for help? Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) show that about 2.3 […]

The Importance of a Self-Help Plan for Mental Health

The Importance of a Self-Help Plan for Mental Health

About one of every five Americans has a mental illness. Over a lifetime, nearly 50 percent will be diagnosed with one of the types of anxiety disorders. Having a self-help plan can provide access to the benefits of self-care. Introduction to the Many Benefits of Self-Care With so many people experiencing mental illness and the […]