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Treatment Goals for BPD: How to Cope With the Disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a disorder of instability: in emotions, thought patterns, beliefs, behaviors, interpersonal relationships and sense of self. There is a lot of stigma around this serious mental health condition which can be difficult to treat. Typically diagnosed from early adulthood on, most of the time BPD symptoms gradually decrease with age. […]

Anxiety and Nerve Pain: What’s Actually Happening in Your Body?

Can Anxiety Cause Nerve Pain?

Identifying the causes of peripheral neuropathy (neuropathy) can be challenging, making it hard to diagnose. Damage to nerves and related pain, which are causes of neuropathy, can be triggered by injuries, certain medical conditions, and alcohol consumption. However, a common inquiry is whether anxiety or stress can cause nerve pain. What options exist for treatment? […]

What Is Complex Betrayal Trauma — and How Does It Affect You?

betrayal trauma

Following a betrayal by someone we loved or trusted, we often feel shattered, wondering if or how we will ever regain ourselves. It can cause shock, loss, anger and grief. We even might doubt if we will ever have a future. The acutely despondent or even depressed feeling after a betrayal can leave us crushed […]

Non-Drug Treatments for Anxiety: What the Research Supports and What to Expect

You’re not alone if you feel occasionally anxious. It’s a normal feeling of fear, dread or uneasiness tied to the stress response that helps us sense danger, prepare and pay attention.  Fear is an emotional response to the fight or flight reaction felt in a moment of immediate danger when we may feel anxiety. We […]

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 […]

Is BPD the Same as Multiple Personality Disorder?

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 […]

16 Traits of Mentally Healthy People — and How to Build Them

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 […]

Passive vs. Active Suicidal Ideation: Signs, Risk Factors & Treatment in Utah

A young man dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. He is suicidal.

What Is Suicidal Ideation — and What Are the Different Types? Suicidal ideation is a complex and distressing phenomenon characterized by persistent thoughts, fantasies, or urges related to ending one’s own life. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to detailed plans, encompassing both passive and active forms.  Passive ideation involves a desire for death […]

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.  […]

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): How It Works and Who It Helps

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 […]