Virtually everyone has moments when they are less than impressed with how they look. But for people who have a mental health disorder known as body dysmorphia, dissatisfaction with their appearance is intense, constant, and the source of considerable emotional pain. What is Body Dysmorphia? Body dysmorphic disorder, which is commonly referred to as body dysmorphia, is a mental health...

Severe depression may be much more common than you realize. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), about 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. Within that group, nearly 70% (or 14.8 million people) experienced severe impairment due to depression. When you understand how to recognize the signs, symptoms,...

It can be difficult for non-clinicians to differentiate between some mental health concerns, such as PTSD vs. bipolar disorder. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to complete a thorough assessment and receive an accurate diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider. Types of Bipolar Disorder There are three common forms of bipolar disorder. They are defined...

The Cleveland Clinic reports that about 11% of adults in the United States will have at least one panic attack in a typical year. Yet, even though millions of Americans have experience with panic attacks, many people don’t understand what they are.  Questions & Answers About Panic Attacks The following are answers to common questions about panic attacks. What is...

When you don’t feel well, you visit your doctor. When you have a toothache, you make a dentist’s appointment. But when your mental health begins to suffer, you’re hesitant to pick up the phone and call a therapist. This unwillingness is not uncommon, but it can be overcome. If fear of therapy has been preventing you from getting the help...

College students have a lot on their mind. Classes, roommates, part-time jobs, finances, & career plans are just a few of the many topics that fight for their attention every day. With so many stresses and distractions, it’s easy for a student to ignore their own health. One way to make sure you’re not neglecting something as important as your...

When you hear the term “self-care,” it’s common to think about diet, exercise, and other components of good physical health. But what should you be doing to take care of your psychological well-being? Are there exercises for mental health? Why Is Focusing on Mental Health So Important? You brush your teeth, get annual checkups, and watch what you eat. You...

Traumatic occurrences are unfortunately common. Some people who survive these experiences do not suffer from negative mental health effects, while others develop a variety of distressing and potentially debilitating symptoms. Taking a trauma quiz can help you decide if you should seek professional help.  What is Trauma? When the word trauma is used in a mental health context, it refers...

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a distinct mental health condition for more than 40 years. But many experts believe that the time as come for rethinking borderline personality, with the goal of classifying the disorder more appropriately and improving clinicians’ ability to treat it more effectively.  What is BPD? Borderline personality...

Sleep deprivation can have a profound negative impact on a person’s body and mind. To protect your health, it is important to understand what causes sleep deprivation, what the potential effects can be, and how you can get help if you need it. What is Sleep Deprivation? Sleep deprivation is a condition that results from an insufficient amount of quality...