Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. Obsessions are recurring thoughts. Compulsions are recurring behaviors. A child with OCD has obsessive thoughts that are not wanted. They are linked to fears, such as touching dirty objects. He or she uses compulsive rituals to control the fears, such as excessive handwashing. As children grow, […]
Medication Management for Mental Health
Mental health has long been a spot of contention in our social discourse, a source of misunderstanding, fear, discrimination, and injustice. As a mental health professional, I take my role as an advocate very seriously when it comes to debunking the stigma around seeking help for mental illness. Perhaps no issue is more stigmatized than […]
Avoidant Personality Disorder
People with avoidant personality disorder (APD) have a lifelong pattern of extreme shyness. They also feel inadequate and are hypersensitive to rejection. APD can cause psychiatric symptoms that create serious problems with relationships and work. What are the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder? If you have APD, you might have difficulty interacting in social and […]
Differences Between Sadness and Depression
What Is Sadness? Sadness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of unhappiness and low mood. It is considered one of the basic human emotions. It is a normal response to situations that are upsetting, painful, or disappointing. Sometimes these feelings can feel more intense, while in other cases they might be fairly mild. Unlike […]
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Every individual on the autism spectrum has problems to some degree with social interaction, empathy, communication, and flexible behavior. But the level of disability and the combination of symptoms varies tremendously from person to person. Two […]
Teletherapy: How it works
Teletherapy is mental health counseling over the phone or online. As videoconferencing software improves, more therapists are incorporating this form of virtual mental health support into their practice. Teletherapy can be convenient for both the client and the therapist. Most research suggests that it works just as well as in-person counseling. What is Teletherapy? Teletherapy […]
Ways to Manage Stress
Stress is part of being human, and it can help motivate you to get things done. Even high stress from serious illness, job loss, a death in the family, or a painful life event can be a natural part of life. You may feel down or anxious, and that’s normal too for a while. Talk […]
