Category Archives: Disorders

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 […]

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 […]

Do I Have Bipolar Disorder?

Do I Have Bipolar Disorder?

Signs of bipolar disorder (BPD) may be difficult to recognize at their onset because symptoms often emerge during adolescence or early adulthood. Parents of teens know that moodiness, impulsive decision-making, and sleeping too little or too much are characteristics of teenage behavior. These “teen growing pains” could also be initial symptoms of bipolar disorder. It […]

Do I Have ADHD?

Do I Have ADHD?

Are you someone who struggles to focus? Maybe people say you interrupt in conversations too much or maybe you just can’t sit still. People of all ages and backgrounds occasionally have these issues. However, those with neurodevelopmental conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face them constantly, along with a variety of other symptoms. While […]

“It’s Complicated”: Schizophrenia and Relationships

"It's Complicated": Schizophrenia and Relationships

Romantic relationships are complex and can be challenging to navigate. When a mental health condition is involved, such as schizophrenia, issues may arise that you and your partner don’t know how to handle. For example, dating with schizophrenia can make it difficult to effectively communicate and meet your partner’s needs, especially if you aren’t familiar […]

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 […]

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 PTSD

The Family's Role in Supporting PTSD

Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a shocking, frightening or traumatic event. The condition can cause distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive thoughts. Helping someone with PTSD and navigating the effects of PTSD on family members can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right knowledge and support. Below, we’ll explore […]