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PTSD vs Adjustment Disorder: Key Differences Between Them

When faced with challenges or stressful events, it is normal for our brains to become overwhelmed. Most of us have had to respond to an unexpected experience that may trigger a period of intense stress.  While many of us tend to overcome these quite quickly, some people may not have the resilience necessary to overcome […]

BPD vs. DID: Key Differences in Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Mental health disorders are complex and often misunderstood. And these two are among the least well understood and most often confused. In fact, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and multiple personality disorder (MPD/DID).  MPD is now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It was once more […]

What Is the Science Behind PTSD?

What Is PTSD? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to lasting changes in the brain and nervous system. Without treatment, it may prevent you from living a full life. It affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year or about 9 million individuals. For many trauma sufferers, PTSD can be a lifelong problem […]

ARFID vs Anorexia: Are They Different? How to Identify Them

Understanding ARFID: A New Eating Disorder Eating disorders is an umbrella term that consists of a host of conditions where a person has developed an unhealthy and dangerous relationship with how they see food and their body. ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a fairly new eating disorder, most frequently occurring in middle childhood but […]

Emotional Wounds: Types, Symptoms, and How to Start Healing

Emotional wounds, often invisible yet profoundly impactful, shape our lives in myriad ways. They are scars left behind from painful experiences that mold our responses, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us. Understanding these wounds is not just about uncovering hurt but about embracing a journey toward healing and transformation. Emotional trauma can stem […]

What Is Emotional Self-care? Importance, Benefits, and Practices

Emotional self-care is an essential component of maintaining mental and emotional well-being. It involves proactive strategies and practices that help you understand, process, and regulate your emotions effectively. This process is critical for building resilience, enhancing personal relationships, and achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. Emotional Self-care 101: Understanding Ourselves Self-awareness At the core of […]

What Are the Characteristics of a Mentally Healthy Person? 16 Key Traits

Exploring the nuances of mental health involves not only recognizing the struggles but also appreciating the strengths that characterize mentally healthy individuals. Mentally healthy people possess a variety of characteristics that significantly contribute to their well-being and effective functioning in society. Selecting some of these to focus on is an important strategy for those in […]

Sexuality Struggle: The Overlooked Evolving Issue

Hand holding the middle piece of a broken rainbow-colored heart, symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride, sexuality, and the emotional impact of identity, stigma, and healing in the context of mental health.

Understanding Sexuality In this article I explore the complex topic of sexuality. I discuss ways of understanding and types of sexuality, mental health related issues, talking about your own sexuality and 15 ways to help someone with their sexuality. Understanding sexuality is an important aspect of comprehending human identity and experiences and is a topic […]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Cognitive Processing Therapy: How They Compare

Understanding the difference between CBT and CPT can facilitate getting help.

When it comes to evidence-based treatments for mental health, few approaches are as widely recognized as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Both are grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are closely connected, yet they differ in focus, structure, and application. CBT is a broad, flexible approach used […]

What Is Paranoid Personality Disorder? Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Overview Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, even in the absence of any concrete evidence.  The conviction that others ‘have it in for them’ represents their most basic and unrelenting belief; they feel constantly mistreated, and have a high capacity for annoying and […]

How To Help Someone With Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is present in many americans and this side of the population is being neglected.

What is Gender Dysphoria? Gender dysphoria is a complex and deeply personal experience characterized by a misalignment between one’s assigned sex at birth and their gender identity. Individuals experiencing gender dysphoria often face significant distress, impacting various aspects of their daily lives and mental well-being.  The 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) […]

What Is Clinical Depression? Symptoms And Treatments

Depression tends to affect women in the US.

Clinical Depression Overview Clinical depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities.  It is more than just feeling down with “the blues” or experiencing a brief period of sadness; instead, […]

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Coping Strategies

The post covers professional treatment options like therapy and medication, alongside self-help techniques such as mindfulness and lifestyle changes. It’s a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand and manage the challenges of GAD. What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent and persistent mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable […]

Empowering Stability: Lifestyle Changes for Bipolar Disorder Management

A yellow silhouette of a human head features a crumpled pink paper positioned where the brain would be, symbolizing mental clutter or confusion. Behind it, a second head silhouette with colorful horizontal stripes adds contrast. The background is a plain gray surface, emphasizing the visual metaphor of psychological complexity.

In this article I’ll describe the various lifestyle changes for bipolar disorder that can be integrated into daily routines, providing practical, actionable advice for those navigating the complexities of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from euphoric highs (mania) to debilitating lows (depression), affects millions worldwide.  […]

The Role of Cognitive Processing Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specialized type of cognitive-behavioral therapy particularly effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions.  Developed in the 1980s by psychologists Drs. Patricia Resick and Monica Schnicke, CPT is grounded in the understanding that traumatic events can lead to a shattering of one’s core beliefs, resulting in significant […]

Navigating the Bipolar Spectrum: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction to a Complex Topic Bipolar disorder, a condition that historically has been misunderstood and stigmatized, is more than just a fleeting change in mood or a simple life challenge.  It is a complex mental health condition that requires a nuanced understanding and a compassionate approach.  In this article, I explore the intricacies of bipolar […]

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection: Exploring the Science Behind Our Second Brain

Imagine Sarah, a 35-year-old teacher, who, for years, battled with unexplained anxiety and mood swings.  Despite various therapies, her mental health struggles persisted, casting a shadow over her daily life.  However, a turning point came when her doctor suggested exploring the gut-brain connection.  Intrigued, Sarah began a journey that not only transformed her understanding of […]

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: An Innovative Approach

Ketamine in liquid and powder form; call us if you're suffering from ketamine dependency.

Perhaps you’ve heard of ketamine as a recreational drug associated with raves (“Special K”). But have you heard of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)—a groundbreaking approach in the field of mental health treatment, particularly for adults?  In this post, I explain what KAP is, how it works, and what to expect, as well as provide more technical […]

Supporting a Partner With Bipolar Disorder

Supporting a Partner with Bipolar Disorder

Relationships aren’t always easy, but trying to support a partner with bipolar disorder can add extra strain to your dynamic. Watching your loved one swing from fervent highs to despondent lows can be confusing and heartbreaking. It can be difficult to know the best way to help. But you’re not alone; if your partner or […]

Embracing the Mess: How Reverting to Old Habits Can Benefit Trauma Recovery

A woman who is enjoying Utah as place to do rebab in.

Trauma is an experience that can leave a deep imprint on an individual’s mind and body, often leading to a range of negative emotional, physical, and psychological symptoms. While traditional therapy may help with some of these symptoms, more severe cases of trauma often require a more intensive form of therapy, such as EMDR or […]

What You Need to Know about Dating Someone with Depression

A group of friends wondering what purpose our addictions serve.

Dating someone with depression can be difficult. You may not know how to best support your partner or what to do when things get tough. You are likely struggling with a mix of emotions and lots of questions. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dating someone with depression: First, educate yourself […]

How Do I Explain Depression to My Loved Ones?

A man explaining his depression to a loved one.

Updated May 2024 By: Sara Sorenson, LCMHC Let’s be real, talking about depression can be scary. Tapping into our vulnerable side and sharing with others about such a personal issue can feel embarrassing or shameful for a number of reasons including social stigma, family culture and lack of psychoeducation.  Thankfully, this long-time taboo topic is […]

How Childhood Trauma Affects Mental Health and Wellness

Childhood trauma

Childhood trauma is a medical, psychosocial, and public policy issue that causes immense consequences for both victims and society. After all, according to the latest data available, almost 12,206,239 children suffered two or more adverse experiences in the US between 2020-2021. half of American children have experienced at least one type of childhood trauma. This […]

COVID-19 and Depression: How You Can Seek Help

A woman experiencing depression during COVID-19

The world wide pandemic we are currently experiencing has created depression and anxiety and sometimes addiction to unhealthy habits for many people, as well as added more for those who already struggle with these kinds of concerns.  The many months of additional stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taxed even mentally healthy individuals who have good […]