Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which a person experiences uncontrollable, upsetting thoughts called “obsessions” coupled with the compulsion to engage in certain activities, such as hand-washing or counting, to help them control or cope with these obsessions. There is not one exact cause of OCD; instead, there are several risk factors …
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in mental health problems in the United States. For the past few years, headlines have warned of worsening mental health for children, teens, and adults, so you probably have a general idea of the psychological problems facing the population. If you are the parent …
There can be numerous risk factors for depression, including stressful events, genetic vulnerability, and co-occurring medical problems like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Furthermore, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression, and they may face some unique risk factors. For middle-aged women, menopause may increase the risk of depression symptoms. So, …
Prioritizing mental health is important, and there are a number of strategies that can improve psychological functioning. For example, getting regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and using healthy coping skills can promote mental health and reduce the risk of problems like depression and anxiety. On the other hand, unhealthy habits can have a negative …
Postpartum depression affects around one in seven women, and while the “the baby blues,” which improve quickly, are relatively common, postpartum depression is longer lasting and tends to be quite debilitating. Postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between mother and baby, cause marital distress, and have a negative effect on parenting practices and the baby’s …
While most of us are familiar with the concept of anxiety, you may be less acquainted with the term “eco-anxiety.” Also called climate anxiety, eco-anxiety has arisen out of the field of climate psychology. In some cases, eco-anxiety can actually be an adaptive response, but in others, it can lead to dysfunctional behavior that significantly …
You’ve probably heard people talk about seasonal depression, especially during the Winter months. After all, when it’s cold outside and darkness sets in before most of us are leaving work for the day, it’s understandable why some people may feel a little down. While we probably think of seasonal depression as being unique to Winter, …
Each year in May, Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is acknowledging the month with the campaign, More Than Enough. The message behind this campaign is that we each hold inherent value, regardless of our appearance, …
The issue of toxic school environments has recently come to light. A 2022 headline in The Washington Post addresses this concern, and discusses the worsening youth mental health crisis that grew more serious during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic wanes and life returns to normal, schools continue to grapple with violence, bullying, and poor …
Suicide is a public health concern for every age group in the United States, but it’s becoming increasingly problematic for youth, teens, and young adults. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate for those between the ages of 10 and 24 increased 52.2% between 2000 and 2021. …
