Sleep After the Pandemic: Ways to Find Some “Shut-Eye.”
Sleep is a complicated issue with many inter-connected components. However, if you are struggling with sleep, consider making some dietary changes to promote improvements in your sleep cycle.
Category: Medical
Responding to Coronavirus Anxiety
Today, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, a pandemic. COVID-19 has a lot of people scared, and understandably so. Here’s a little about what we can all do to respond our fear: Take care of your health. Don’t go places when you are sick. Reduce the people that you are […]
Vaccines for Children Are Not Linked to Mental Health Conditions
There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines, particularly as it relates to mental health conditions. Some communities report that vaccines have links to Autism, Schizophrenia, and other neurological concerns. However, it is important to know the facts. Here are some basic facts about vaccines and mental illness. Vaccines do not cause mental illness. The government […]
Mental Health and Self-Care When You’re Sick
Chances are that you or someone you know has gotten sick in the last month. As we lead into the new year, with frigid temperatures and a return to routine (school and work), it’s likely that there will be more waves of viruses and colds moving through. Getting sick often involves all parts of our […]
Uncertainty in the Midst of Corona Virus
Corona virus concerns seem to be everywhere: the television, the internet, the news, and our homes. Our children are out of school, and our college students are likely home early. And it seems like there are no clear answers or ways to help. These concerns represent a lot of uncertainty, and as a result, cause us a lot of stress.
Marijuana Use: Science Facts Regarding Teen Use and Health
In my work with adolescents, marijuana issues are occasionally discussed. Sometimes, the teen has been using. However, often she or he reports that other friends and classmates are regular users. Frequently, I am told that it is easier for teens to buy marijuana than alcohol or cigarettes. Marijuana is a common drug that is used […]
Taking Medication as Prescribed Is Very Important, But Not Common
…the CDC estimates that, in general, 50% of people are not compliant with medications. The findings are even more concerning for mental health. 80-90% of adults who are prescribed medication for ADHD do not take ADHD medication regularly, even though medications are prescribed daily on a long-term basis. Similarly, 50-75% of adults are non-compliant with antidepressant medications. The research by the CDC directly linked non-adherence to medication to 50% of treatment failure, and up to 125,000 deaths annually. That’s a life every 4 minutes. In summary, not taking medication as prescribed is a big deal and it’s dangerous.
Burnout Can Be Real and Requires Care
Burnout is a common experience, particularly among high-achieving people. It can occur in tweens, teens, and adults. Often, burnout can occur as a result of employment roles, but also other care-giving roles, such as those of parents and helpers. What is burnout? Burnout is defined as a state of chronic, enduring stress. It is characterized […]