Stress, wanting an escape, peer pressure, curiosity, self-medication, trying to feel grown up—there are many reasons teenagers experiment with drugs. But with time, that recreational drug use may turn into addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and… Continue reading Addiction in Adolescents
We all know the benefits of regular exercise: a longer life, a decrease in stress, an increase in self-esteem. However, sometimes exercise can become an obsession that can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. Symptoms of exercise addiction Exercise addiction is a behavioral addiction, or a compulsion to continually engage in an… Continue reading Exercise Addiction
Addiction is a chronic condition that can have chronic consequences. Substance use can affect several aspects of a person’s life depending on the substance and the person’s health history. If you recognize the signs of addiction in yourself or someone you know, reaching out for help is the first step to reaching recovery and preventing… Continue reading The Long-Term Damage of Addiction
Night terrors happen to a person when they’re asleep, often causing them to experience intense fear, scream, or even sleepwalk. While they are more common in children, around 2% of adults experience night terrors at some point during their life. So, what do you need to know about this condition? Causes and symptoms Night terrors… Continue reading What Are Night Terrors?
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression most often associated with winter months, but it also has another variation that impacts people during the warm summer months. Summertime depression can particularly impact children since their routines fade away in the summer. As a parent, there are ways to acknowledge your child’s feelings, talk to… Continue reading Summertime Depression in Students
No one likes germs, but some people may experience extreme anxiety at the thought of touching a surface that could contain germs, bacteria, or other microorganisms. And this anxiety may be becoming more common. Researchers have linked broad virus-centric outbreaks—like the COVID-19 pandemic—to an increase in mysophobia, more commonly known as germophobia. While worrying about… Continue reading Understanding Germophobia
On the surface, social media can seem like a great thing. Connecting with those you can’t be physically close to and finding communities that support you and share your passions. However, the reality is that social media can be harmful. This is especially true for girls and young women. The impact of these platforms on… Continue reading The Impact of Social Media on Young Women
While fireworks delight celebratory crowds in the summer, for those experiencing PTSD, autism, or sensory-related triggers, these loud and illuminated events can be anxiety-inducing. Understanding how fireworks affect others can help us celebrate holidays safely and with compassion for those around us. Fireworks & your brain The loudness of fireworks isn’t the only reason they… Continue reading Managing Auditory Anxiety Caused by Fireworks
Nearly 65% of girls and women are on birth control in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But this protection can come at a cost, like developing depression. Is it the birth control? In one study of girls and women between the ages of 15 and 34, researchers examined… Continue reading The Effect of Birth Control on Mental Health
If you suffer from a mood disorder or depressive illness, you are not alone. These challenges are incredibly common and impact about 1 in 4 adults. Though these disorders can be debilitating, studies show that making changes in your diet can positively impact mood and make it easier to manage mania and depression. Here’s some… Continue reading Nutritional Choices That Help With Mood Disorders
