Summertime Depression in Students

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression most often associated with winter months, but it also has another variation that impacts people during the warm summer months.  Summertime depression can particularly impact children since their routines fade away in the summer.  As a parent, there are ways to acknowledge your child’s feelings, talk to… Continue reading Summertime Depression in Students

Understanding Germophobia

No one likes germs, but some people may experience extreme anxiety at the thought of touching a surface that could contain germs, bacteria, or other microorganisms. And this anxiety may be becoming more common.  Researchers have linked broad virus-centric outbreaks—like the COVID-19 pandemic—to an increase in mysophobia, more commonly known as germophobia.  While worrying about… Continue reading Understanding Germophobia

The Impact of Social Media on Young Women

On the surface, social media can seem like a great thing. Connecting with those you can’t be physically close to and finding communities that support you and share your passions. However, the reality is that social media can be harmful. This is especially true for girls and young women. The impact of these platforms on… Continue reading The Impact of Social Media on Young Women

Managing Auditory Anxiety Caused by Fireworks

While fireworks delight celebratory crowds in the summer, for those experiencing PTSD, autism, or sensory-related triggers, these loud and illuminated events can be anxiety-inducing. Understanding how fireworks affect others can help us celebrate holidays safely and with compassion for those around us. Fireworks & your brain The loudness of fireworks isn’t the only reason they… Continue reading Managing Auditory Anxiety Caused by Fireworks

The Effect of Birth Control on Mental Health

Nearly 65% of girls and women are on birth control in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But this protection can come at a cost, like developing depression. Is it the birth control?  In one study of girls and women between the ages of 15 and 34, researchers examined… Continue reading The Effect of Birth Control on Mental Health

Nutritional Choices That Help With Mood Disorders

If you suffer from a mood disorder or depressive illness, you are not alone. These challenges are incredibly common and impact about 1 in 4 adults. Though these disorders can be debilitating, studies show that making changes in your diet can positively impact mood and make it easier to manage mania and depression.  Here’s some… Continue reading Nutritional Choices That Help With Mood Disorders

Overcoming Airplane Anxiety

Traveling to a new place can be fun, exciting, and give you the chance to try something new. However, sometimes the only way to get to those new places involves flying. There are a lot of anxieties and stressors that come with flying, including the lack of control over the process, the fear of losing… Continue reading Overcoming Airplane Anxiety

Attention Deficit Disorder: Inattentive vs. Hyperactive

Many of us have heard of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, ADD is no longer considered its own condition. Today, it’s classified under ADHD as the “inattentive” form of the condition while what we traditionally think of as ADHD is the “hyperactive” form.  According to the American Psychiatric Association… Continue reading Attention Deficit Disorder: Inattentive vs. Hyperactive

Managing Doctor and Dentist Appointment Anxiety

Young doctor and patient talking in the doctor's office.

If you feel anxiety surrounding doctor and dentist appointments, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety impacts around 36% of adults, and many also share a fear of the doctor. This anxiety can be caused by previous traumatic experiences, fear of pain, fear of an unwanted diagnosis, fear of needles, or even nothing at all. So, how… Continue reading Managing Doctor and Dentist Appointment Anxiety

Post-COVID Stress Disorder

Working from home. Scrambling to find child care. Coping with the death of a loved one. Feeling distant from friends. These are just a few of the ways the global COVID-19 pandemic spurred difficult times for everyone and caused universal stress and mental health challenges, including the emergence of post-COVID stress disorder. This is a… Continue reading Post-COVID Stress Disorder