Why am I so hard on myself? Discovering the root of negative self-talk and finding ways to change it by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Nov 1, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement As hard as we might try, sometimes we aren’t very kind to ourselves. While being hard on ourselves may seem like no big deal, consistent negative thoughts often convince us that our mistakes and flaws are who we are, not what we’ve done. Though it’s a long process to quiet…
What is depression? Recognizing signs, symptoms, and finding solutions by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jun 12, 2024 | Depression, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Depression is one of the most well-known and studied mental health conditions. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness, low energy, lack of concentration, and sleep and appetite changes, among a myriad of other symptoms, with episodes recurring over months or years. The different forms of depression are complex…
Understanding and overcoming inferiority complex issues by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Apr 23, 2024 | Coping Skills, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Personality An inferiority complex refers to someone’s unrealistic perceptions of their inadequacy. While it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, inferiority complexes aren’t recognized in the DSM-5 but are still a mental health concern for many everyday people. Learn the truth about inferiority complexes below, including the signs,…
BPD vs. bipolar disorder: What makes them similar, and how are they different? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Feb 16, 2024 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics Despite being different disorders, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder have so many symptomatic similarities that they can often be mistaken for one another. That being said, the functioning and root causes, and therefore the treatment, of each disorder are quite different, which makes it very important to discern one…
Is self-harm addictive? by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Feb 12, 2024 | Addiction, Mental Health Topics Self-harm is a serious and prolific issue today — especially among young people. Self-harm is not uncommon. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, it is estimated that up to 16.9% of people will self-harm in their lifetime, often starting at the age of…
Understanding and dealing with emotional manipulation tactics by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Oct 27, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Spotting emotional manipulation is vital—and unfortunately, deceptive behaviors are all too common in many relationships. Whether you’re struggling with manipulative communication, actions, or experiences, it’s crucial to safeguard your emotional health and protect your relationships and yourself. We’ve assembled a streamlined guide to understanding and dealing with emotional manipulation. Learn…
Self-esteem counseling: Boost your confidence and self-worth with help from Thriveworks by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 15, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Self-esteem significantly influences our life in many ways: It impacts our self-confidence, relationships, and ability to pursue our goals and aspirations, ultimately playing a pivotal role in our overall life satisfaction and success. This is precisely why low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on our life, leading to feelings of…
How to improve self-esteem: Expert guidance and support by Evan Csir, LPC | Aug 28, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement As cliche as it sounds, life is a roller coaster, with frequent ups and downs. And when we hit the lows of the ride, our self-esteem (among other things) can suffer. For example, when we’re ghosted after a couple of promising first dates; or when we don’t get that callback…
Can you be depressed and not know it? A look into the subtlety of depression by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Jun 27, 2023 | Depression, Mental Health Topics Right now, millions of people are suffering from depression—and some might not even know it. Despite being one of the more well-known mental health conditions, not everyone understands the signs. You may ask yourself: “Am I depressed? How can I be depressed and not know it?” That question has many…
What is narcissism? Signs, causes, and treatment options by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | May 16, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Narcissism The word “narcissism” comes from a Greek myth where an attractive man named Narcissus looked at his reflection in a pool of water—and fell in love with it. You may know somebody like Narcissus. They might think about the world of themself and all of the great things they accomplish…
Self-esteem vs. self-confidence: What’s the difference, and can you have one without the other? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Mar 17, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Self-esteem and self-confidence can be hard to develop, but both are key to loving yourself and living a fulfilled and happy life. Even so, that can be easier said than done. Low self-esteem can result from a variety of factors, including past relationships, negative coping strategies, and overthinking to name…
Bullying: A guide for the bullied and their loved ones by Taylor Bennett | May 17, 2022 | Bullying Awareness & Prevention, Mental Health Topics When you think about bullying, you probably think about middle school or high school. Teenagers can be cruel after all, and it’s common for them to bully their weaker peers — shoving their victim against a locker (at least in the movies), teasing them in class, tripping them in the…