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Setting boundaries not only protects your mental health and needs, it also provides the ability to say “No” without feeling guilty and the opportunity to identify your emotional patterns with specific individuals and situations. Boundaries can involve your feelings, finances, health, opinions, possessions, relationships with …

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Being bullied is a traumatic experience that has long lasting effects, which can damage school performance and self-esteem and cause or worsen anxiety, depression and substance abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 33 percent of middle …

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a serious mental illness, 37 percent of inmates in state and federal prisons have a diagnosed mental condition, and 70 percent …

Teens can be embarrassed to say they need help or worry that anyone they tell about their mental health issues will not understand or will be disappointed in them. Five signs that someone is in emotional pain and may require assistance are agitation; a change …

Mental illnesses are manageable. There are many things you can do following a diagnosis to benefit your treatment and recovery, including gaining an understanding of your condition, taking responsibility for your own care and reaching out to others for help. It is important to show …

The typical doctor’s appointment only lasts 15 minutes. By making a list of concerns and/or issues ahead of time you can ensure that all of your questions are addressed and appropriate treatment is provided. Things to consider before your visit are: any alterations in mood …

July is now designated as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. (The public education campaign began in June 2008 to highlight the unique struggles with mental illness faced by underrepresented groups in America.) Individuals in marginalized communities not only have a higher …

Even though mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United States, stigma can cause individuals to feel ashamed about something that is not in their control and prevent them from seeking needed help. According to the American Psychiatric Association, stigma increases …

Disorders like anxiety, depression and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can interfere with sleep. Short sleep or fewer than six hours per day can cause difficulties with behavior, decision making, emotional control and problem-solving in individuals of all ages. In youth, a lack of sleep can slow the …

Even before the pandemic, many Americans were suffering from “infobesity” or a technology and news overload. Setting safe and healthy digital boundaries should be a priority, especially as students return to school buildings and hopefully spend less time in online classrooms. As part of a …