How to Get Assessed for a Mental Disability

How to Get Assessed for a Mental Disability

More than 58 million people experience mental illness in the U.S., according to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health. Some severe conditions appear on the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability illness list and may qualify for benefits. Many individuals may have anxiety or depression that doesn’t interfere with their everyday functioning or ability […]

“It’s Complicated”: ADD/ADHD and Relationships

"It's Complicated": ADD/ADHD and Relationships

All relationships have difficulties. After all, we’re all human. But, when one or more people in the relationship have a condition like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—also previously known as attention deficit disorder (ADD)—unique challenges can pop up. Sometimes, those problems don’t appear until the relationship is quite serious. The early days are often full of fun […]

“It’s Complicated”: Personality Disorders and Relationships

"It's Complicated": Personality Disorders and Relationships

The desire to form close, healthy relationships is universal and present in every stage of life. Being in a healthy relationship requires the ability to give and provide support, willingness to see from the other person’s perspective, and consideration for their interests when making decisions. For many people, learning to be a good partner can […]

Going ‘No-Contact’ with Family: Mental Health Considerations

Going 'No-Contact' with Family: Mental Health Considerations

There’s a new trend emerging online of people sharing their reasons for going “no-contact” with parents (or other family members). People have been revealing how cutting off familial relationships has sometimes been the healthiest thing they could do for their overall well-being. A recent study from Cornell University found that 27% of American adults are […]

What Is Somatic Exercises vs Meditation

What Is Somatic Exercises vs Meditation

If you’re familiar with holistic wellness, you might recognize the term “somatic.” First coined in the 1970s, somatics are practices that regulate the body by facilitating a mind-body connection. Somatic meditation and somatic exercises are just two of the forms. While somatic meditation and exercises are based on the same principle, they have their differences. […]

A Killer’s Mind: Sacramento Vampire Richard Chase

A Killer's Mind: Sacramento Vampire Richard Chase

While it isn’t uncommon for serial killers to have mental health or personality disorder diagnoses, certain cases stand out from the rest. Undoubtedly, one of those is Richard Trenton Chase, the infamous “Vampire of Sacramento.” Notorious for the murder and mutilation of six victims in late-70s Sacramento, CA, he became a symbol of fatal madness. […]

CBT for Chronic Pain? How Therapy Helps

CBT for Chronic Pain? How Therapy Helps

According to the CDC, an estimated 51.6 million people in the United States experienced chronic pain in 2021. That’s no small number, and it’s no small problem. Chronic pain can be debilitating for those who experience it, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships and enjoy life the way they deserve. Fortunately, there are viable […]

Family Secrets: Addiction and Related Stigma

Addiction and related Stigmas

It’s heartbreaking to see a loved one struggle to control their drug or alcohol use. While the descent toward addiction can be rapid, its effects tend to be devastating and lasting. Such grave consequences can be shocking and humiliating, making addiction one of the best-kept secrets in many families. However, addiction doesn’t just affect the […]