Do my parents hate me? Help for teens while navigating unhealthy relationships and family-based issues by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Apr 6, 2023 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Family, Parenting As much as we might try, no family is without its share of problems. But for teens who are particularly vulnerable to mistreatment as minors, or who may feel resentful and rebellious as they form their own identities in adolescence, it’s normal to wonder, “Do my parents hate me?” The…
Dating someone with depression: What to know by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Apr 3, 2023 | Depression, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Dating someone with depression can be rewarding, but it may also require you as a partner to offer emotional strength and support in unique ways. Though depression doesn’t always create barriers to romantic relationships, depressive symptoms can affect the way your partner is able to express their emotions both verbally…
Self-harming behavior: Alternative coping strategies and simple self-care habits for avoiding future relapses by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Mar 29, 2023 | Coping Skills, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics A self-harm relapse occurs when someone engages in self-harming behavior after a period of approximately 3-4 weeks of abstaining. A self-harm relapse can happen via the same mechanism of self-harm or a different behavior. During a relapse period and the hours or days afterward, the individual may face additional temptation…
Acute stress disorder vs. PTSD: Differences in diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Jan 31, 2023 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics After experiencing a traumatic or emotionally scarring event, the fear, pain, and helplessness felt in that moment can linger and affect someone’s life in the weeks and months after it happens. This reaction is completely understandable, as events like those are extremely harmful and can certainly change the life of…
Domestic violence and abuse: Understanding abusive behavior, plus when (and how) to seek help by Jason Crosby | Oct 7, 2022 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue within the United States, and is a form of mistreatment and control that can be inflicted physically emotionally, sexually, verbally, and even financially. Domestic abuse is typically committed by an intimate partner, roommate, or relative. Domestic abuse is often a cyclical process that affects…
Tips for parents: Talking to teens about tragedy by Taylor Bennett | May 25, 2022 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Communication, Mental Health Topics In the midst of tragedy — or an event that causes great suffering and distress — parents have the difficult job of talking to their children about it. While the topic should often be avoided with kids under 7 years of age who are too young to understand tragedy, it…
Safe drinking tips for college students: Preserve your physical and mental health while under the influence by Jason Crosby | Oct 19, 2021 | Alcohol & Drugs, College, Mental Health Topics For many undergraduate college students (as well as those who’ve since graduated), drinking alcohol seems synonymous with the university experience. It can be a way to celebrate getting through final exams or winning a home football game. Most notoriously, a drink in hand can also loosen our social inhibitions, to…
Youth football helmets need more front padding (Video) by Taylor Bennett | Apr 25, 2019 | Mental Health Topics, Research Most youth football helmets lack sufficient front padding. This, from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which rated every youth football helmet on the market. Only seven of these helmets received a perfect score for effectively reducing head acceleration during impact. Those with lower ratings typically had front padding that was…
7 ways to fight depression on Halloween by Michael Reffner, Ed.S. | Oct 25, 2017 | Depression, Mental Health Topics Depression on Halloween? You might be wondering, “Who’s depressed on Halloween?” That’s a good question. The answer: Many people are depressed on Halloween.