During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we’re shining a light on this form of mental illness and sharing ways you can support the 28 million Americans who experience an eating disorder in their life. Be aware of the various illnesses The spectrum of eating disorders is wide and varied from well-known conditions such as anorexia… Continue reading National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In 2017, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that over 17 million Americans have experienced at least one major depressive episode. Despite its prevalence in our society, many myths and misunderstandings still exist about depression. We’re here to debunk a few… Continue reading Understanding Depression
A healthier lifestyle never hurt anyone—quite the opposite, actually. But there’s a distinct difference between taking care of yourself and putting yourself on a diet. Today’s culture equates the two, but it’s important to know their differences and how to spot when your #FitnessGoals become dangerous. Diets don’t work A weight loss plan or fad… Continue reading The Dark Side of Dieting
Self-injury is the deliberate destruction of a person’s own body. This behavior is not always an attempt at suicide but rather an unhealthy way of coping with emotional pain, frustration, and anger. While a person suffering from self-injury tendencies may receive a sense of peace immediately after the act, this is usually followed by more… Continue reading What is Self-Injury?
During the month of December, awareness is being built around seasonal affective disorder. Also referred to as SAD or seasonal depression, there treatment is available for this disorder and hope can be found for the 16 million Americans struggling through it every year. What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder is a form of… Continue reading December is Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
At Valley Oaks, we know it can be hard to talk about suicide. Mental health awareness has come a long way in recent years, but it can still be difficult to tell someone you’re concerned for them or hear about their struggle with suicide ideation. You don’t have to be a professional to engage in… Continue reading The Tough Conversations About Suicide
Close to one million people attempt to end their life each year, but—thankfully—not all succeed. We don’t always have the opportunity to hear from survivors as it can be difficult to relive the memories and, for some, embarrassing to discuss. We’re sharing this story of survival because we believe stories like Elaina’s can open the… Continue reading Celebrating Survivors
Even the most angelically-behaved children push boundaries now and then. It’s a normal part of child development to test limits set by parents, teachers, and other adults. But what about early adolescents and teens who are consistently uncooperative and hostile? When a pattern of bad behavior begins wearing on family dynamics, your child’s relationships with… Continue reading Recognizing Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Young Adults
Many people experience a mood shift during the colder, darker days of winter. Getting out of bed means being greeted by the cold bathroom floor. Taking a walk around the block means coming back with a runny nose and unshakable chill. It’s no wonder that your spirits can feel dampened until the flowers start to… Continue reading Winter Blues or Something Serious?
During the first year of a baby’s development, over 1 million neural connections form each second within their brain. Babies master developmental milestones like rolling over, holding a bottle, and pinching food with their fingers. While developing physically, their minds work overtime. New experiences create a foundation to support learning as they grow. Infants who… Continue reading Infant Mental Health
