6 Calming Gifts for Someone With Anxiety
Understanding anxiety can be difficult if you don’t experience it often or intensely or even at all. Because anxiety manifests in different ways, trying to support someone whose life is impacted by anxiety can be a challenge. One way in which you can support a loved one battling anxiety is through gift-giving. There are plenty of gift ideas that can both show your support for your loved one as well as provide them with a tool they can use in times of intense stress to help relax their minds and recenter themselves. Calming gifts for anxiety Whether you're looking [...]
What is the Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Use
Whether you have experienced it in your own life, or have witnessed it happen in the life of a loved one, you may have noticed that some people who battle a mental illness of some kind also struggle with substance abuse; or vice versa – someone diagnosed with substance abuse struggles with some form of a mental health disorder. While not everyone will be affected by it, individuals who battle substance abuse or a mental illness are occasionally diagnosed with what is called either a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis. This is often a result of the way [...]
What Is A Co-Occurring Disorder?
Overcoming a substance use disorder or mental illness is challenging – overcoming both at the same time is an even more difficult feat. Difficult, but not impossible. Some people seeking treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) or mental illness are often diagnosed with a co-occurring disease, an SUD and a mental health condition like depression, anxiety or PTSD. While these diagnoses present unique challenges in recovery, the right treatment program can help you manage both sets of symptoms and recover from both disorders simultaneously. Examples of co-occurring disorders Co-occurring disorders, sometimes known as dual diagnosis, co-occur, sometimes as a direct [...]
How to Increase Awareness of Depression and Suicide in Everyday Life
In the past few decades, the scientific understanding of mental health has changed drastically. Conditions like substance use disorders, bipolar disorders, depression and anxiety used to be considered moral failures or character flaws. Only a century ago, those with mental illnesses were excluded and treated with isolation or sent to asylums. Even though our understanding of mental illness has improved, there is still a social stigma associated with it. There are still common misconceptions about the origins and behaviors of mental health disorders, which can lead to poor treatment and discrimination on personal and institutional levels. For those who [...]
Supporting Your Spouse Suffering from Anxiety
All marriages have their challenges, and supporting a partner with anxiety is common trial couples face. In fact, the American Psychological Association states that 30 percent of American adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes, and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition. Thus, many people experience the obstacle of helping a loved one manage an anxiety disorder, although it's infrequently discussed. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia or a specific phobia, you're not alone. In this article, we'll explore some expert tips and tricks [...]
Addressing Past Trauma: Do You Need to Seek Help?
Learn about trauma and how it can profoundly affect your life, and the signs for when it's time to seek professional help when addressing past trauma.
