For those who have experienced trauma, it can be hard to predict what might trigger an emotional reaction. Smells, sounds, anniversaries of traumatic events – almost anything has the potential to bring back a painful memory, leaving you overwhelmed with emotion and anxiety. When triggered, you may experience what many people describe as the fight-or-flightRead More
Most of us have heard of “fight or flight.” But those aren’t our body’s only options when responding to a frightening, traumatic, or painful experience. Some of us become emotionally numb or feel disassociated from our surroundings. This “functional freeze” state is associated with our body’s natural “fight flight freeze fawn” instinct when danger isRead More
Stigma and discrimination in relation to mental illnesses have been described as having worse consequences than the conditions themselves. So why, with increased awareness and so much positive talk about the importance of whole-person health, does mental health stigma still persist? And why do we have such a hard time talking about our own mentalRead More
If you’re pursuing an education after completing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), you may face unique challenges. According to an article In Focus: Journal of Life Long Learning in Psychiatry, “U.S. college campuses have witnessed a national increase of cannabis, stimulant, and illicit drug use among students over the past decade.” The authors continue,Read More
Everyone is impacted by stress to some degree in their daily lives. Some stress is healthy as it motivates you to challenge yourself and grow. However, prolonged or chronic stress can have a devastating impact on your well-being. Your health and well-being are also further compromised by unaddressed trauma. Thus, exposure to trauma in yourRead More
Meditation can be profoundly beneficial. This is especially true for people who are suffering from addiction, mental health issues, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lasting effects of meditation can be significant, as meditation can improve nearly every area of a person’s life functioning. When people commit to a consistent meditation practice, this can paveRead More
Everyone you know has had at least one negative thought. Granted, some people have more of them than others. Sometimes negative thinking overrides positive thoughts and wreaks havoc on your life. Understanding how to change negative thinking can feel like an overwhelming process. However, with a few simple steps, you can be on your wayRead More
Legal issues and mental health often go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, this topic isn’t explored as often as it should be. If you’ve faced legal issues because of struggles with addiction, you may be left with feelings of guilt, shame, or other negative effects. Learning how to navigate these issues is crucial so you can find lastingRead More
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 21.5 million adults in the U.S. alone have a co-occurring mental health disorder and substance use disorder (SUD). Moreover, mental health disorders and SUD share a bidirectional relationship. On one hand, SUD increases your risk of developing or exacerbating a mental health disorder.Read More
Self-harm is an extremely complex issue that can have lasting effects. Understanding the long-term impact of self-harm can go a long way in helping people heal their physical and emotional wounds. Self-Harm: A Complex Condition According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), self-harm “refers to when a person hurts their ownRead More