Author Archives: Restore Mental Health

What Is “Toxic Shame”?

What Is "Toxic Shame"?

Toxic shame is an enveloping feeling of worthlessness that results from internalizing the way other people treat you. It’s different from regular shame. Rather than being situational and based on regretting specific actions or behaviors, it’s pervasive and all-encompassing. It often develops during your formative years, when you’re most vulnerable to criticism and other negative […]

Overcoming Negativity Bias

Overcoming Negativity Bias

Of the many mental tools available for ensuring a happy, healthy lifestyle, your mindset is arguably the most important. That’s why negativity bias can be so devastating. In short, the “mental tone” you adopt when absorbing information and planning will affect your desired outcome. Here’s how to spot and avoid one of the most common […]

Family Secrets: Mental Illness and Related Shame

Family Secrets: Mental Illness and Related Shame

Every family has its secrets, but some can be more harmful than others. For example, if you’re planning a surprise birthday party or a trip for a family member, these secrets often result in joy or excitement and can bring the family closer. However, other hidden family secrets, such as concealing mental health struggles, can […]

Can Mental Health First Aid Prevent PTSD?

Can Mental Health First Aid Prevent PTSD?

When you’ve experienced trauma, receiving early emotional and practical support can help you cope and address your physical and emotional needs. Many organizations use a system known as psychological first aid (PFA) to assist survivors in the immediate aftermath of a distressing event. Let’s explore how PFA works, whether it can reduce the risk of […]

The Power of Mental Health Labels to Help/Hurt

The Power of Mental Health Labels to Help/Hurt

Labels are a significant part of daily life and often used as an organizational method. For example, you may label your spice jars in the kitchen to avoid surprises when cooking. However, applying labels to people can have mixed results. Being assigned a label can feel like a judgment on your character or personality. Even […]

Growing Up with a Parent’s Bipolar Disorder

Growing Up with a Parent's Bipolar Disorder

Roughly 5.7 million adults in America are currently experiencing bipolar disorder, many of whom are parents. Having bipolar parents at any age can be incredibly challenging and stressful, especially if their condition is undiagnosed and untreated. Of course, young children arguably suffer the most as they don’t yet have the capacity to understand what mental […]

Growing Up with a Parent’s ADHD

Growing Up with a Parent's ADHD

Does my mom have ADHD? That’s for a professional to diagnose, but children can see the signs. Parents with ADHD often struggle with tasks that impact their children. While in some cases it’s diagnosed and treated, a parent with undiagnosed ADHD may not understand why some things are so difficult. Executive functioning deficits can mean […]

Take Back Your Mental Health from Social Media

Take Back Your Mental Health from Social Media

Most of us use social media regularly. In 2022, 82% of the U.S. population described themselves as currently using social media. It’s accepted as a standard practice and constantly at our fingertips thanks to our mobile phones. However, in the last few years, there’s been a shift in the conversation about social media’s effects on […]

The Family’s Role in Supporting Recovery from Addiction

The Family's Role in Supporting Recovery from Addiction

Watching a loved one struggling with addiction can be incredibly difficult for their family. For the families of some 46% of American adults — with just over a fifth of those people dealing with the combined effects of alcohol and drugs — it’s common to feel frustration and a sense of hopelessness. Substance abuse disorder […]