Category Archives: Mental Health

Asking Yourself If It’s Coronavirus or Anxiety

A tough question a growing number of people have been asking themselves lately is this: Is it Coronavirus or anxiety? It’s actually a two-fold question, relating to both mental and physical health.  Regular Anxiety vs. Coronavirus Anxiety The first concern many people are dealing with is whether or not they are having a so-called “normal” […]

Why are People Having Virtual Affairs to Cope with Their Stress?

virtual affair

Stress can cause you to behave in ways you would otherwise find unacceptable. According to the journal Family Process, data suggests that Americans are having virtual affairs in response to the stress and isolation caused by the COVID-19. Learning how to manage anxiety before it gets out of hand can help to keep you and […]

Treating Depression With Music Therapy

music

The National Institute of Health reports that studies show treating depression with music therapy provides beneficial effects. When music therapy is coupled with regular treatment, symptoms of depression often show improvement. It can decrease anxiety levels, as well as improve a person’s ability to function at work, in daily activities, and in relationships with others. […]

Learning to Manage PTSD Triggers

managing triggers

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health diagnosis related to a person’s difficulty in recovering from a traumatizing event they experienced or witnessed. PTSD triggers are common side effects, including those brought on by certain sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, tastes and touches. These triggers remind the person of the traumatic event that occurred, often […]

How Addiction Impacts the LGBTQ Community

lgbtq mental health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) population are more likely to use alcohol and drugs. They also have a higher rate of substance abuse, and a higher risk of heavy drinking later in life. The CDC states that gay and bisexual men […]

What Makes a Great Mental Health Mentor?

What Makes a Great Mental Health Mentor? Being a mental health mentor requires the ability to understand a variety of mental illnesses and knowing the best course of treatment for them. By knowing what it takes to be the best mental health mentor to someone, you can help people who are dealing with mental health […]

How One Artist Used His Work to Convey His Personal Experience With Addiction

art

Art is a great way to communicate experiences and feelings that are difficult to explain with words. Artist Lucas Joel Mcauley became homeless and alienated from family and friends due to co-occurring mental health issues and opioid addiction. Once he entered rehabilitation his painting became an essential part of his recovery and continues to aid […]

Theater and Mental Illness Have a Long History

theater mental illness

Theater and mental illness may sound like an odd combination, but the marriage of the two has long been an effective way to allow audience members to process and normalize mental health issues. Theater has been a leader in showcasing fascinating characters who struggle with, and even celebrate, their mental health challenges. Live theatre offers […]

Kanye West Puts Bipolar Disorder in the Spotlight

mental illness

Kanye West captured the world’s attention with his rap music and tabloid-worthy private life. These days, however, he is more likely to make headlines because of his ongoing mental health issues. West received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which has resulted in sometimes combative and erratic behavior that is regularly reported on in the press. […]

Stereotypes About Schizophrenia

possibilities life

Television and film often engage in portraying characters who exemplify negative stereotypes about schizophrenia. Too often, their presence is limited to people with frequent, often violent, outbursts. These fictionalized schizophrenics are shown as either living in or in need of institutionalization in psychiatric hospitals. They are to be feared or pitied, which is a gross […]