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As I delve ever deeper into the mind-body connection to my health I have become increasingly aware of how little responsibility we tend to take of our lives and our health. To react to the influences in our lives makes us human, but I’ve discovered that we choose which path our reaction ultimately takes no matter how much we may feel the opposite. We can take the path of peace, calm and use a little common sense and wisdom which will lead us in the direction of health or we can take the path of anger, hurt, anxiety and stress which ultimately leads us to illness and dis-ease. [More]

As our understanding of the biological and genetic factors that contribute to the development of these disorders, it becomes easier to see these behavioral health disorders as real diseases—like diabetes or heart disease, which can also run in families. But, how might our relatively recent increased understanding of genetics and biology impact how people with mental illness are perceived and treated in our society? Will this understanding help to decrease stigma, or will it further fuel stigma for people living with behavioral health disorders? [More]

Work is crazy, the kids have so much to do, and you and your partner just had a big argument about the finances. Maybe you’re unemployed, the creditors are calling, and the bills are piling up. Perhaps you are the caretaker of a family member who is ill or disabled, and you never get a minute for yourself. More often than not, you dread the day ahead, and you feel like you’re heading for a nervous breakdown. You just don’t know how to get your life back on track, and you don’t know how much more you can take. [More]

As this generation reaches that magical age, one of their most pressing issues is how to age well (Severson, n.d.). Boomers have always been the youthful generation; this will not change now that they’re aging. Indeed, the idea will likely become more important than ever to them. Because of the tremendous number of the Boomer generation aging, more research interest has been and will continue being generated into the idea of aging successfully. [More]

Decision fatigue is a genuine condition. The term refers to the way decisions made by people after a long session of decision making will deteriorate (Baumeister, 2003). Decision fatigue is an important consideration here at Christmas time. Deciding the right thing to buy for others, shopping for it, then paying a good price for it are uppermost in most people’s minds at this time of year. [More]

Sleep. Sleep is something that many of us admit that we want to get more of, but most of us don't. As I write this, I've been struggling with my sleep patterns for a couple of weeks at this point. We all go through times like that, but did you know that, if you are not getting enough sleep, you can actually be negatively affecting your mental health? It's true. Getting good sleep and feeling well rested is absolutely vital when it comes to taking care of our mental health. Why? We're going to take a closer look at that and how you can be sure to get better sleep. [More]

Working out is a superb way to manage anxiety, depression, and anger. It is also a useful adjunct to manage addiction, PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), and insomnia. It has been noted that mental health providers are slowly recognizing this, and are advised to include it as part of a treatment plan (Weir, 2011). The exact mechanism by which exercise improves mood is unclear- it may be partly due to increased catecholamines- the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norephinephrine- which can all elevate mood (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Release of beta-endorphins, the natural opiates produced by the brain are also a likely cause (Mental Health Foundation, 2013). [More]

Investigation into PANDAS has led to a newer line of thought regarding rapid-onset OCD symptoms (Mittelman, 2012). A broader category called PANS, Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, is being investigated. This broader diagnosis has been suggested due to diagnostic difficulties with PANDAS. [More]

Addiction. It's a word that a lot of us have a negative response to, because it is something that we've all be conditioned to distrust and dislike. With good reason as well! Addiction can cause a lot of problems for people, both the person who is struggling with the addiction and those who are around them on a regular basis. But why does addiction happen? What happens in your body to make it addicted to something? [More]

Sleep is a basic requirement for survival, as essential as air, food, and water. It is a period of time where the activity of our body and brain are on standby, so both can not only reduce the amount of energy used, but recharge vital functions. It is something we must all do about every 16 hours. [More]