Even in the most fulfilling and intimate relationships, setting boundaries is essential to mental health. Through setting boundaries in our personal and professional lives, we validate our feelings and needs and set standards for how we would like to be treated. ...
It is well known that anxiety is common in the United States—approximately 40 million American adults have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. However, many may not realize how often mental illness affects children. About 1 in 12 children in the U.S. struggle with diagnosed...
In a massive study of more than 20,000 men and women, sugar intake was linked to mental disorders. The Whitehall II study found that those in the top third percentile for sugar consumption were more likely to develop depression within five years. It is common...
Vulnerability is sometimes described as a negative or undesirable experience. After all, we evolved to protect ourselves and our families and make sure we are not susceptible to attack. However, in recent years, the concept of vulnerability as an important and...
You may have heard the word “serotonin” used in connection with mental health. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that carries signals through the brain) that serves many functions, but it is most popularly recognized for contributing to a sense of happiness...
Depression is a common mental illness and affects more than 18 million U.S. adults (1 in 10) in any given year, according to the Hope for Depression Research Foundation. More than 300 million people worldwide also struggle with depression. Individuals of all ages,...
It may not be a comfortable topic to discuss, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sucide and homicide are on the rise among young people—and the topic is a devastating reality for the families of those young people. A report published by...
Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. From anxiety to depression to bipolar disorder and OCD, mental health issues are widespread. It is likely that someone you know, or perhaps you yourself, struggle with one of these common illnesses. As the...
The practice of yoga has been proven to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Yoga was developed in Northern India more than 5,000 years ago and is used by many as a spiritual and health practice. It involves a variety of physical poses,...
Individuals can develop a mental illness at any point in their lives, but according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 75% of mental illness begins by age 25. Many factors can contribute to mental illness, including genetics, substance abuse, traumatic...
It is natural to have fluctuating emotions and moods. Emotions are a sign that our human needs are either being met or not being met. However, diagnosed mood disorders occur when persistent, distorted moods interfere with a person’s ability to function normally. ...
During Mental Health Awareness Month—and always—it is important to check in on friends you haven't heard from in a while. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social restrictions, economic hardship, and widespread anxiety mean a sense of community is more important...