Everyone has ups and downs in life. In general, most people manage these ups and downs without experiencing significant problems. However, the challenges of life sometimes become so great that they overwhelm a person’s normal ability to cope. As a result, an...
Mental Health
Why Does Someone Self-Harm?
Self Harm Behaviors Self-harm can happen at any age but is most common in teenagers and young adults. Some common self-harming behaviors include: Cutting Burning self Picking at skin Pulling hair Extensive piercings or tattoos Branding skin Breaking bones or bruising...
Suicide Rates on the Rise
According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) the suicide rate among the US working-age population increased by 34 percent between 2000 and 2016. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and is a contributing factor to the recent decrease in...
Coping with Holiday Stress
For many people, the holidays can be a time of enjoyment with family and friends. For many others, the holidays can be a time of stress, loneliness, tension, disappointments, and arguments. The difference is often related to the dynamics within our families, the types...
Living with Someone Who is Depressed
Depression is a debilitating disease that affects not only the depressed person but also those who live with them. When someone is depressed, they tend to feel sad, hopeless, helpless, tired, irritated, and worthless. They may withdraw from those around them and lose...
Treatment for Sexual Abuse Trauma
In today’s world, it seems like reports of sexual abuse are everywhere. Given the recent headlines, it would be easy to think that sexual abuse is on the rise. Unfortunately, those of us in the mental health profession know that sexual abuse has been a painful reality...
Am I Going Crazy?
If you are asking the question “am I going crazy”, the answer is that you probably aren’t. Most people who lose touch with reality (i.e. hallucinations, delusions, paranoia), usually don’t ask this question. They are typically unaware that they are becoming delusional...
Anxiety in Teens
Many teenagers have anxiety. Some of this anxiety in teens occurs because of the normal transition from childhood to adulthood. During this time, teenagers experience physical, intellectual, and social changes. Their thinking becomes more abstract and complex and...
How to Relieve Stress
While many of us would like to create a “stress-free life”, the reality is that stress is a normal part of our day-to-day lives. Whether it is the stress of traffic, work, school, parenting, money, relationships, weather, or some unexpected event, we all have to find...
At Risk Teenagers and the Start of the School Year
The start of the school year can be stressful as parents and teenagers adjust to the demands of school and the increase in extracurricular activities. While most teenagers adjust relatively quickly, some teenagers really struggle to transition back into the school...