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You’ve probably heard about the many benefits that nutritious foods can offer for your physical health—for example, eating a healthy diet can strengthen your bones, support your immune system, and lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and various other conditions. But did you know that your diet can also affect your mental health? […]
You’ve probably heard about the many benefits that nutritious foods can offer for your physical health—for example, eating a healthy diet can strengthen your bones, support your immune system, and lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and various other conditions. But did you know that your diet can also affect your mental health? Below, we discuss how your diet can impact you mentally, and we also explore which foods to eat to avoid depression.
Certain nutrients have been shown to reduce the risk of depression. For example, antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body—thereby lowering the chances of developing anxiety and depression—and vitamins B-12 and B-9 support the brain and the nervous system. Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, protein, selenium, and zinc can also improve the symptoms of depression.
Many studies suggest that eating a diet rich in the following foods may help prevent depression:
You should also take care to avoid eating the following foods on a regular basis (moderation is key):
If you’re struggling with depression, we can help. We have extensive experience treating this condition, and in addition to discussing the link between diet and depression, we can offer tips on other lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your symptoms. Contact us today to get started.
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a type of impulse control disorder that causes someone to frequently experience impulsive angry outbursts that are disproportionate to the event or situation that triggered them. For example, when someone with this condition becomes frustrated—even about something relatively minor—they may throw a tantrum, engage in an argument, damage property, instigate […]
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a type of impulse control disorder that causes someone to frequently experience impulsive angry outbursts that are disproportionate to the event or situation that triggered them. For example, when someone with this condition becomes frustrated—even about something relatively minor—they may throw a tantrum, engage in an argument, damage property, instigate a physical fight, or otherwise act aggressively. Below, we explore common IED symptoms, and we also discuss what can cause someone to develop IED.
People with intermittent explosive disorder often report experiencing the following symptoms shortly before their outbursts occur:
Individuals with IED often recognize that their outbursts are unreasonable, yet feel out of control when the episodes occur.
Researchers are still trying to determine exactly what causes intermittent explosive disorder, but studies show that genetics, biological factors (such as brain structure and serotonin levels), and environmental factors (such as abuse during childhood) may play a role. Notably, many individuals with IED have another type of mental health condition, such as anxiety, autism, or bipolar disorder.
If you suspect that you might have intermittent explosive disorder, one of the best things you can do is speak to a therapist who regularly treats patients with this condition. Contact us today—we’ll be happy to tell you about our practice and our experience treating IED, answer your questions, and schedule an initial therapy appointment.
There’s nothing better than the refreshed feeling you have when you wake up from a restful night of sleep. But did you know that sleep can do much more than just alleviate fatigue? It’s true! Getting a sufficient amount of sleep can: Improve your cardiovascular (heart) health Regulate your blood sugar (reducing your risk for […]
There’s nothing better than the refreshed feeling you have when you wake up from a restful night of sleep. But did you know that sleep can do much more than just alleviate fatigue? It’s true! Getting a sufficient amount of sleep can:
Considering all the benefits that a good night’s sleep can offer, it’s important that we get the correct amount of shut-eye. But how much sleep is enough? Experts generally recommend that adults sleep between seven and nine hours each night. (Notably, statistics published by the Sleep Foundation indicate that more than one-third of adults sleep less than seven hours a night, on average.)
If you regularly have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep, contact us today. Given how many benefits can result from a good night’s sleep, it’s critical that you promptly address any insomnia concerns, and we can help. We’ll be happy to tell you about our practice and our approach to treating insomnia, and if you feel that we’re a good match for your needs, we can schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
Healthy boundaries are a crucial part of all relationships—they help instill respect, trust, and safety—and work relationships are no exception. In fact, failing to set boundaries at work can cause stress, lead to burnout, and impact your productivity. Unfortunately, with the influx of remote jobs that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become harder than […]
Healthy boundaries are a crucial part of all relationships—they help instill respect, trust, and safety—and work relationships are no exception. In fact, failing to set boundaries at work can cause stress, lead to burnout, and impact your productivity.
Unfortunately, with the influx of remote jobs that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become harder than ever to set boundaries with bosses and colleagues. After all, it’s not as easy to end your workday when you always have the ability to log back on to your computer from the comfort of home. Don’t worry, though—it’s still possible to set boundaries while working from home. Here are some tips for how to do so:
Setting boundaries can be difficult—especially with your bosses and colleagues—but an experienced therapist can help. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session. We’ll be happy to discuss any issues that you’ve been experiencing while working from home, and once we’ve learned about your unique circumstances, we can offer you tailored advice on how to set necessary boundaries.
Perfectionism—the tendency to demand flawlessness from yourself or others—can often be a positive quality. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated and ambitious, and thanks to their close attention to detail and their willingness to work long hours, they often excel at school and in the workplace. However, perfectionism also has a downside. In some cases, […]
Perfectionism—the tendency to demand flawlessness from yourself or others—can often be a positive quality. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated and ambitious, and thanks to their close attention to detail and their willingness to work long hours, they often excel at school and in the workplace.
However, perfectionism also has a downside. In some cases, perfectionists can be overly critical, taking an all-or-nothing mindset and failing to accept anything that doesn’t meet their (sometimes unattainable) standards, no matter how much time and effort went into the work. Perfectionists also tend to base their own self-worth on their performance abilities, which can be damaging if they don’t deliver perfect results. In fact, studies have shown that perfectionists often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and are more likely to become burned out.
Perfectionism can be difficult to overcome, but it’s possible to do so. Here are some tips for how to manage perfectionist tendencies:
Do you suspect that you might be a perfectionist? If so, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of the knowledgeable therapists at our practice. We’re highly experienced in treating patients who struggle with perfectionism, and we can supply you with personalized advice that will help you embrace imperfection and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to get started.
Are you struggling to find joy in your everyday life? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have a difficult time achieving happiness, and yet it’s critical for our health and well-being—happiness can reduce stress, lower our blood pressure, improve our cardiovascular health, strengthen our immune systems, and help us sleep better. Some studies show […]
Are you struggling to find joy in your everyday life? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have a difficult time achieving happiness, and yet it’s critical for our health and well-being—happiness can reduce stress, lower our blood pressure, improve our cardiovascular health, strengthen our immune systems, and help us sleep better. Some studies show that being happy can even lead to us feeling less pain. Happiness can also cause us to feel more optimistic, enhance our productivity and problem-solving skills, and improve our relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
With all of that in mind, here are nine things you can do on a daily basis to help you start feeling happier:
If you’re looking for ways to become a happier person, contact us today. Our caring therapists can provide you with customized advice on lifestyle changes you can make to boost your happiness. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the first step toward enhancing your quality of life.
Do you suspect that you might have an eating disorder? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population (28.8 million people) will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Below, we discuss three of […]
Do you suspect that you might have an eating disorder? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population (28.8 million people) will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Below, we discuss three of the most common eating disorders.
Commonly referred to simply as “anorexia,” anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes someone to have a distorted perception of their own weight. Because they fear gaining weight, people with this condition tend to severely restrict how much food they eat, essentially starving themselves. They may also exercise excessively.
This eating disorder causes someone to eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time, then try to get rid of the excess calories in an unhealthy way (for example, by vomiting, taking laxatives, or using enemas). This cycle is referred to as “binging and purging.”
Binge-eating disorder causes someone to regularly consume abnormally large amounts of food. People with this condition often report feeling like they’ve lost control and can’t make themselves stop eating.
If you think you might have one of the conditions described above or a different type of eating disorder, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced therapists on our team. We understand how having an eating disorder can affect all aspects of your life, and we’ll work with you to overcome your struggles and achieve your treatment goals. Contact us today to get started.
Bipolar disorder (previously referred to as “manic depression”) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Someone’s mood can shift from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). The frequency of these shifts varies from one person to another. What Causes Bipolar Disorder? Researchers are still trying to determine exactly what […]
Bipolar disorder (previously referred to as “manic depression”) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Someone’s mood can shift from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). The frequency of these shifts varies from one person to another.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Researchers are still trying to determine exactly what causes bipolar disorder. With that said, studies suggest that this condition may develop due to genetics or physical changes within the brain.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms vary depending on the type of episode that someone is experiencing. For example, when someone is having a manic or hypomanic episode, they may:
But when someone enters into a depressive episode, they may instead:
Experienced Therapists Treating Patients Near You
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder—or if you suspect that you might have this condition—you can turn to our skilled therapists for assistance. We’re highly experienced in treating bipolar disorder, and we’ll draw on this background to supply you with the knowledgeable, caring treatment you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
When someone lives through a traumatic event, they may begin experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. If these symptoms worsen, interfere with the person’s daily routine, or persist for an extended period of time (months or years), it’s referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental health condition is quite common—in fact, […]
When someone lives through a traumatic event, they may begin experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. If these symptoms worsen, interfere with the person’s daily routine, or persist for an extended period of time (months or years), it’s referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental health condition is quite common—in fact, according to statistics published by the National Center for PTSD, approximately 6% of the U.S. population will develop PTSD at some point during their lives.
Despite the prevalence of PTSD in today’s society, many people still don’t understand what it truly means to have this condition. Below are three common myths about PTSD that aren’t actually true.
Although PTSD is relatively common among members of the military, it can affect anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. For example, someone may develop PTSD after being abused, surviving a violent crime, living through a natural disaster, or working as a first responder.
While some people begin experiencing PTSD symptoms immediately after a traumatic event, others can go months or even years before they develop symptoms. And once symptoms do appear, they can come and go over time.
There are numerous treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms of PTSD. For example, someone with this condition may benefit from attending therapy, participating in support groups, and taking medication.
If you’ve been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder—or if you have a loved one who’s displaying the signs of this condition—it can be incredibly helpful to speak to a therapist who specializes in treating PTSD. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of the knowledgeable therapists on our team. We’ll be happy to tell you more about our practice and answer any questions you might have about our approach to PTSD treatment.
You’ve probably heard of schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes someone to abnormally interpret reality, changing how they think and behave. But what does schizophrenia actually feel like? Schizophrenia symptoms are commonly divided into the following four categories: Hallucinations – Someone with schizophrenia may hear, see, smell, taste, or feel things that don’t actually exist. […]
You’ve probably heard of schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes someone to abnormally interpret reality, changing how they think and behave. But what does schizophrenia actually feel like? Schizophrenia symptoms are commonly divided into the following four categories:
If the schizophrenia symptoms described above seem familiar, it’s important that you promptly reach out to a therapist who specializes in treating this condition. Our therapists regularly work with patients who have schizophrenia, and we’ll be happy to discuss the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and provide you with our initial thoughts. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at the date and time of your choosing.
