It’s common to hear the phrase “mentally unstable” when referring to people who are struggling with their mental health. However, this description is not an official diagnosis, nor is it an appropriate phrase to use. In fact, calling someone (including yourself!) mentally unstable can be highly stigmatizing and demeaning, leading to misconceptions about mental illness. […]

Mental health disorders—such as anxiety, depression, and substance addiction—are complex conditions that can stir a range of symptoms in individuals. Everyone has a different experience with mental illness, including the severity of their disorder and how much it affects their day-to-day life. Some individuals struggle with multiple, co-occurring mental health problems. Therefore, no treatment plan […]

Research has long connected substance abuse to mental illness. Experts report that close to 40 percent of individuals with substance addiction also struggle with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Among adolescents, in particular, it’s estimated that 60 percent of those in addiction treatment programs also meet the diagnostic criteria for mental illness. But […]

Mental illness can affect anyone, of any age. Although it’s an unfortunate reality, it’s estimated that 1 in every 5 youth (between the ages of 3 and 17) has been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. If you are a parent with a child who is also struggling, know that you are not […]

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is one of the most popular and powerful treatments for young people struggling with mental health disorders. A branch of cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT is largely known for its ability to address the underlying emotional dysregulation that accompanies anxiety and depression. DBT encourages individuals to develop important life skills, improve relationships, […]

When you think of the word “self-care,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s a mid-afternoon nap, a special treat, or spending some time reading a book in the sunlight. Maybe it’s a trip to the spa, a jog around the neighborhood, or a good morning stretch. While these are all great examples of self-care, self-care […]

It’s estimated that close to one in 10 Americans regularly practice yoga to enhance their health and wellness. Yoga has been found to improve flexibility, balance, fitness, and overall quality of life. However, yoga also has a range of mental health benefits, including the ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.  As such, yoga is […]

Mental illness affects close to 58 million Americans today, but no story is the same. Every person struggles with their own symptoms and faces their own challenges because of their condition. When it comes to treating mental illness, then, it’s important to receive a personalized evaluation – so that whoever is struggling can receive a […]

There is something to be said about the way we feel in nature. Whether or not you’re an “outdoorsy” person, just stepping outside can have a profound impact on your spirits. The warmth of the sun on your face. A rippling current on your feet. The soft sounds of the birds on a quiet afternoon. […]

The benefits of exercise on mental health are widely known, with physical activity helping to reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and boost a person’s mood. (That’s why exercise has long been integrated into our mental health treatment programs.) However, a new study published in 2023 confirmed that exercise is, in fact, highly effective in […]