How to protect yourself on Blue Monday—the “most depressing” day of the year by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Jan 16, 2025 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Self-Care In the early 2000s, a travel company labeled the third Monday in January as the most depressing day of the year and named it “Blue Monday.” While data hasn’t proven the day to be more depressing than any other, the name stuck. Whether or not Blue Monday is really the…
Sports fan depression is real: Did your team lose last night? by Anthony Centore, PhD | Nov 13, 2024 | Depression, Mental Health Topics In the world of sports, the thrill of victory often comes with the sting of defeat. For die-hard fans, these emotional swings are familiar—but what happens when a team’s loss brings more than just temporary sadness? “Sports fan depression” is a term that describes the intense emotions some fans experience…
September is National Suicide Prevention Month: Recognizing warning signs and identifying treatment options by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Sep 3, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Suicide September is National Suicide Prevention Month and is an important chance for each of us to understand how suicidal thoughts can be identified, prevented, and treated. The resounding theme of National Suicide Prevention Month is to provide support and compassion to those struggling with mental health conditions or life circumstances…
The complex relationship between depression and sleep: Insights and solutions by Hannah DeWitt | Jun 6, 2024 | Depression, Mental Health Topics, Sleep Depression has many noticeable symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. One of the more impactful depression symptoms is sleep disturbances. Those struggling with depression may sleep too much or not enough, and these sleep disturbances can exacerbate other depression symptoms. Read on to learn more…
Why do we love Halloween? The psychology behind what makes Halloween so enjoyable by Hannah DeWitt | Sep 22, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Psychology From office parties to kids in full costume attire, it’s obvious every year that Halloween is one of America’s most beloved holidays. This fall, the U.S. is predicted to spend a massive $10 billion on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy. But why do we love Halloween so much? The answer…
What is gratitude? Examining benefits, best practices, and more by Jason Crosby | Sep 15, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Gratitude is a powerful and transformative emotion that can greatly enrich our lives. This simple, yet profound practice holds a vital place in our personal and social well-being. Gratitude, at its core, is more than just a polite gesture or a perfunctory “thank you.” It is a deeply felt appreciation…
Do I need therapy? Signs you should start and the benefits of Thriveworks counseling services by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Aug 10, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Psychotherapy — or, as it is more commonly known, just therapy — is a powerful tool used by millions of people each year. In the right circumstances, therapy and professional counseling offer a safe and comfortable space to share your thoughts and feelings and acquire skills to help you deal…
Am I having a quarter-life crisis? How to determine and what to do next by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jun 30, 2023 | Aging, Mental Health Topics Do you feel like you’re falling behind everyone else? Are you disappointed with your life today? If you’re in your mid-twenties or early thirties and you feel disappointed with your life—seeing where your friends or family are or were at this point in their lives and starting to despair about…
Morning depression: What are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options? by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP | Mar 3, 2023 | Depression, Mental Health Topics, Sleep Depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Those who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) often experience a loss of interest in once-beloved activities, significant impairment in day-to-day functioning, and a range of other symptoms, such as changes to sleep and appetite. These factors, most notably sleep…
Sleep divorce: Relationship doom or sleep hygiene? Why sleeping apart can be both good and bad by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Feb 15, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Sleep Despite what it sounds like, sleep divorce doesn’t always spell the end of a relationship. It’s what happens when one or both partners decide to sleep in separate beds. As controversial as it sounds, it’s actually pretty common. But does sleep divorce truly spell the end of a relationship? And…
Why is suicide a leading cause of death in the U.S.? by Taylor Bennett | Sep 16, 2022 | Mental Health Topics, Suicide Suicide is a critical public health problem. According to the most current data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which dates to 2020, it is the 12th leading cause of death for Americans. Additionally: Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-14 and 25-34…
Signs of gaslighting parents and how to cope by Taylor Bennett | Sep 1, 2022 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control Camille and Amma couldn’t be more different. Camille is a 30-something journalist who prefers to stay under the radar. Amma, on the other hand, is her more outgoing and rebellious kid sister. That said, there is one common thread between them: their mother Adora. Or more specifically, her abuse. If…