How Does Childhood Trauma Impact Mental Health Throughout Adulthood?
Childhood is a crucial developmental period that has long-lasting impacts on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. When an individual is exposed to traumatic events and circumstances during childhood, they experience increased risks of developing severe, chronic illnesses, including addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Becoming familiar with the long-term effects of childhood trauma …
The Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment
Fundamental biological and behavioral differences exist between individuals of different sexes and genders. However, these differences are not always considered when it comes to treatment and recovery for substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders. Different from co-ed treatment, gender-specific treatment acknowledges the unique elements of gender that often contribute to substance abuse …
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder and How Does it Feel?
The next big event is coming up. Say you are required to attend a work conference in person. Maybe you got invited to a holiday event with a large group of friends. Perhaps your spouse’s family reunion is coming up, and you are completely dreading it. Whatever it is, you were feeling just fine before …
What Does Gaslighting Feel like?
According to the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (n.d), domestic violence is a cycle of behavior used by an individual to take control and hold power over their intimate partner. The behavior may consist of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Every situation is different, but any form of intimidation is classified as abuse. …
How to Cope with Caregiver Burnout
There often comes a phase in your life where you have to sacrifice your personal time and care for a loved one. It could be a grandparent nearing the end stages of life with Alzheimer’s or dementia or a loved one in active addiction facing challenges taking care of themselves. Supporting a care recipient can …
Depression and the Holiday Season
According to Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, symptoms of depression can accompany the holidays. There is also an increase in alcohol-related deaths during the holiday season. Depressive symptoms are a critical factor in both of these scenarios, as the holiday season is notoriously a time of increased activity and changes in routine. Therefore, you might be …
Saying No and Saying Yes to Yourself as an Act of Self-Love
While in active addiction, you probably engaged in behavior or activities not aligned with your morals and values. Without alcohol to persuade your decision-making, acting from your authentic self is easier. Though, doing so requires self-love, which can be a journey. Internal Boundaries as an Inner Guidance for Self-Love Internal boundaries are not self-protection to …
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a glorious season of change in the female body. However, if you have struggled with major depressive disorder (MDD) prior to conception, some of the emotions you experience now may be less than blissful. Pregnancy may only last 40 weeks, but when you live with MDD, its effects can encompass your mental and …
Living an Anger-Free Life: A Road to Anger Management
Everyone feels angry from time to time. It is natural to get upset when things don’t go the way you expected. Experiencing unwanted intense anger regularly is often a sign that anger management may be needed. There are a number of psychological disorders associated with anger. Anger management programs are essential when you struggle with …
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects the person with the mental health condition and those surrounding them. You are not alone in your struggle with PTSD. There are people that want to help you and your loved ones suffering from PTSD. Don’t wait; reach out today. What Is PTSD? PTSD is a mental health disorder that …
WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR: A SEASON FOR CHANGE
Every new year brings about the opportunity to reflect on where you are in your journey. While you are always on the path, there are certain seasons when you are more open to creating change, for releasing the old to make space for the new. The new year is a moment when we are primed …
12-STEP RECOVERY: STEP
Grace News January 2019 “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” When it was time for me to work the second step of our program of recovery, I brought with me a lifetime of judgements about organized religion and I was unwilling to be forced to accept someone …