Almost no one enjoys pain. In fact, many distorted patterns of behavior that can become serious mental health conditions begin with the very normal desire to avoid feelings of pain – physical or emotional. As humans, so much of what we do on a daily basis is either to avoid pain or maximize pleasure. These … Read More
One in 5 people have a mental illness. Five in 5 people have mental health. Mental illness is a diagnosis that interferes with your mental health and overall wellbeing: just like a physical illness interferes with your physical health and overall wellbeing. Mental health is how you care for yourself as it relates to your … Read More
Scrolling through TikTok offers a welcome escape during the pandemic, something more adolescents than ever have been doing to stay connected with friends. But the video content the social platform serves its users is not always harmless entertainment. Many adolescents are seeing videos that promote eating disorders, and the impact on their mental health can … Read More
With the added stress, grief, and, at times, boredom that has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol and drug use has spiked. We’re starting to see the dangerous effects of increased alcohol use, particularly in women, as more and more young women are being diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease. While liver disease still affects more … Read More
I learned the HALT acronym early in my recovery process, and while it is easy to remember, and logical in its construction, it was one of the most challenging tools for me to learn how to use. The word “halt” actually translates to “stop” in German, and is a technique used to remind us to … Read More
Most people can relate to feeling anxious, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worries over health, employment, and the future in general are common right now. For many, the symptoms of anxiety can be easily managed. But for those who are struggling with another mental health concern like bipolar disorder, anxiety can be difficult to control, … Read More
“One day at a time.” If you’ve been through treatment for any sort of life controlling issue or addiction, you have likely heard this phrase and committed it to memory. Perhaps you repeat it to yourself daily as part of your affirmations. But exactly how we spend each one of those days, taken as they … Read More
These days, leaving the house and socializing with others comes with a laundry list of warnings and precautions because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and that can make anyone a bit nervous. But how do you know if the fear and anxiety you’re feeling has gotten more serious than you realized? The Rise of Pandemic-Related … Read More
As of February 1, 443,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19 complications — more than the population of Minneapolis. By the end of February, that number is expected to cross the half-million mark. That’s difficult to wrap your head around, and even as hope is on the horizon in the form of … Read More
Many people who suffer from an eating disorder are intensely anxious about their appearance. But in some cases, it’s not just the eating disorder that’s contributing to these troubling thoughts. Eating disorders often coexist with body dysmorphic disorder, a mental health condition that causes a person to become overwhelmed by thoughts or feelings about … Read More
