When someone’s relationship with alcohol or drugs begins to change, it can be difficult to know when substance use has become something more serious. Substance use disorder is a medical condition that affects the brain and can make it difficult for a person to control their use of alcohol or drugs, even when it is causing harm in their life. It’s also important to understand what substance use disorder is not. Substance use disorder is not a failure or weakness that can be fixed with willpower. It can affect anyone, and it’s not always as simple as making a different choice. Recognizing the warning signs can be an important first step toward getting help. These signs generally fall into [...]

Many students are filled with excitement and curiosity as they head back to school. They can’t wait to see their friends, make new friends, meet their teachers, and learn new things. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all students. This can be a stressful transition that causes students to feel consumed by nervousness and stress. Let’s discuss why back-to-school anxiety is common, warning signs to look for, and what you can do to make returning to school less stressful for your child. What Causes Back-to-School Anxiety? The specific underlying causes can vary but may include: The shift in routine from summer relaxation to a more tightly structured schedule – getting up in the morning, going to school, moving from [...]

You’re concerned and want to help, but you don’t want to say something that pushes them away or makes things worse. That’s the fine line to walk when a loved one is struggling with substance use. Addiction can affect a person’s health, safety, relationships, work, and education. It’s a complex condition with no perfect solution. Before you have a conversation with your loved one, give careful thought to when, where, and how to approach them and what to say. Set a Realistic Goal Don’t expect them to quit right after your conversation. The goal should be to let them know you’ve seen their substance use, you’re concerned, and you’re there for them. This will make them more likely to [...]

Most people think of burnout as physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Motivation drops, performance drops, and people become disconnected from friends, family, and co-workers. Physical symptoms are noticeable and include everything from headaches and chronic pain to digestive issues and changes in appetite. There’s also high-functioning burnout. On the surface, everything looks fine. The individual is doing their job well and meeting personal and family obligations, but something doesn’t feel right. This is often dismissed as temporary stress, even though more subtle, underlying symptoms could contribute to burnout that becomes downright debilitating. Here are the signs of burnout that aren’t obvious when all seems well on the outside but your mental health could be falling apart on the inside. [...]

The transition from high school to higher education is about more than academics. College life, especially for students living away from home for the first time, is filled with social changes, new routines, new responsibilities, and a more independent lifestyle. Feeling homesick and a little overwhelmed is common. But starting college can also create pressure, stress, and emotional challenges. Many students feel anxious and uncertain in a less structured environment and struggle with everything from grades to relationships. When students have an idea of what to expect and how the transition to college life can affect their mental health, they can develop habits and skills to ease the transition and make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Stress Does [...]

Many people associate trauma with a single traumatic event, like a serious injury or accident, a health emergency, loss or grief from the death of a loved one, or witnessing a tragedy. These events can definitely cause trauma, but trauma can also develop gradually over time. In some cases, people don’t realize it’s happening. Past trauma can affect your mental health right now, even if the connection isn’t obvious. Let’s discuss various types and sources of trauma, how it can show up later, and the type of support that can help you move past trauma. Common Types and Sources of Trauma Trauma can be ongoing, layered, or quietly experienced over many weeks, months, or years. In many cases, people [...]

Mental health affects people of every race, background, and culture. But access to mental health care is not equal for everyone. For many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, getting access to care can be more difficult, preventing people from reaching out for help when they need it most. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the prevalence of mental illness is highest among multiracial (25.5%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (25.9%) communities. Treatment rates also differ by race and ethnicity. Hispanic/Latino adults (44.15) and Black adults (38.5%) with mental illness are less likely to receive treatment than White adults. The gap is even wider among youth. When people cannot access care, mental health challenges may become [...]

Each person’s cultural beliefs, religion, experiences, and family dynamics shape their mental health, especially in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities that have been historically marginalized. Cultural understanding helps people feel seen, heard, and respected, which can make treatment more effective. As we recognize BIPOC Mental Health Month in July, let’s highlight the positive impact of culturally responsive care across the behavioral health experience, from therapy and counseling to nursing, case management, recovery support, and crisis services. Better Outcomes Research has shown that BIPOC individuals are more likely to stop mental health treatment and report care as ineffective compared to white individuals. Culturally informed care can help providers better understand a person’s behaviors, beliefs, values and communication [...]

Research has shown that LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and emotional distress than heterosexual youth. But they’re not more prone to mental health conditions because of their identity. LGBTQ+ youth often face mental health challenges due to: Bullying and harassment Stigma Family rejection or lack of support Discrimination and identity non-affirmation Lack of access to care Daily life in settings where people aren’t accepting of LGBTQ+ youth can cause them to carry a heavy burden of chronic stress that affects their well-being. Family acceptance and support are critical to reducing the risk of anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicide. How Families Can Show Acceptance and Support of LGBTQ+ Youth Communication. Listen without judgment or interruption. [...]