Health Hub - Valley Oaks Health

Social Media & the Rise of Digital Depression

In a world where connection is just a click away, social media has become an integral part of daily life. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram,...

Gut Health & Mood: Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

The phrase “trust your gut” may have more truth to it than you think. Emerging research highlights the powerful connection between the gut and...

Cognitive Distortions: How to Recognize & Reframe Negative Thinking Patterns

Our thoughts shape our emotions, actions, and overall well-being. However, sometimes our minds fall into patterns of distorted thinking—automatic, irrational thought processes that negatively...

The Mental Health Benefits of a Well-Balanced Diet

When we think about mental health, we often focus on therapy, mindfulness, and exercise—but what about nutrition? The foods we eat play a direct...

Weathering the Storm: How Seasonal Changes Affect Mental Health

Seasons come and go, bringing changes in weather, daylight, and even our routines. While these shifts often bring excitement, like spring blooms, summer adventures,...

Your Heart & Your Head: Cardiovascular Health’s Impact on Anxiety & Depression

The connection between heart health and mental health runs deeper than many think. While it's common to think of the heart and brain as...

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait that pushes us to achieve and excel. But when the pursuit of perfection becomes an obsession,...

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

When we think of health screenings, we often consider them solely as a tool for catching physical illnesses early. However, regular checkups also play...

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as...

Your Body’s Warning Signals: When Physical Symptoms Indicate Mental Health Issues

It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms when thinking about mental health. We often associate mental health with emotions or thoughts rather than the aches,...

Beyond the Gym: How Physical Health Impacts Your Mental Wellbeing

When it comes to health, we often separate physical health from mental health. We see them as different sides of the same coin, assuming...

Understanding Decision Fatigue: How Too Many Choices Affect Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced world, we're constantly making decisions—big and small. From selecting what to wear to choosing what to eat, decisions can become a...

5 Signs You Have High Emotional Intelligence

In today’s fast-paced world, emotional intelligence has emerged as a key aspect of personal and professional success. Unlike traditional measures of intelligence, emotional intelligence...

Making the Most Out of Therapy Sessions

Navigating therapy can be a transformative journey, and making the most of each session is key to fostering growth and healing. Here are six...

How Does Trauma Impact the Brain?

Trauma, often perceived as an emotional response, has profound and tangible effects on the brain’s structure and function. This can manifest in various ways,...

Common Misconceptions About Disabilities

In our journey towards a more inclusive society, it’s essential to dismantle the myths that create barriers for individuals with disabilities. Despite advancements in...

Signs of a Healthy Friendship

Friendships are a foundational part of our lives, providing joy, support, and a sense of belonging. Recognizing the signs of a healthy friendship can...

What Do I Do If I’ve Relapsed?

Relapse, a word that often carries a heavy burden of guilt and disappointment, is not uncommon in the journey of recovery from addiction. Whether...

How to Cope with Being Triggered

Understanding and coping with emotional triggers is a crucial aspect of mental health and well-being. This article explores what it means to be triggered,...

Making Your Stepfamily Situation Stress-Free

Adapting to a new family environment can be difficult. It’s easy to get wrapped up in anxiety or even hate towards new family members....

Understanding Climate Change Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms and come from many different parts of our lives. Many people experience anxiety surrounding things that they have little...

Hypersensitivity or Hyposensitivity?

There are new buzzwords surrounding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other mental health topics every day. It can be hard to make sense...

What’s the Difference Between a Reaction & a Response?

We’ve all been there in the middle of a conversation that seems to be heating up, more and more, until finally… boom. We explode....

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