Anhedonia, Apathy and Depression May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A special month devoted to raising awareness and education about mental health. Mental health goes beyond the extent of the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Mental health includes being aware of our emotions, thoughts, personal
Having a loved one living with Mental Illness and/or an Addiction Disorder can be difficult. Fortunately, Akua provides many support groups that are available for friends and family members of those struggling or recovering from a Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorder. AKUA’S VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS Offered Monday through Thursday, 5:30- 6:30 pm PST. Free
Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder The hope and vision of World Bipolar Day are to bring world awareness to the world about bipolar disorder and to eliminate social stigma. This mood disorder affects nearly 3% of the adult U.S. population each year. World Bipolar Day (WBD) is celebrated each year on March 30th, Vincent Van Gogh’s
Traumatic stress and traumatizing events have a wide range of effects on brain function and structure. Trauma is defined as the perception that your safety and livelihood are in jeopardy, in other words, thinking that your life is at risk. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes, from emotional trauma such as bullying, verbal abuse,
Trauma is a six-letter word that affects an individual emotionally, mentally, and physically for a long period of time and sometimes a lifetime. Trauma comes in all forms and can occur throughout any life stage. Whether the individual has been emotionally, physically, sexually, verbally, or psychologically neglected, abused, or traumatized, it is nearly inevitable that
“Get your beauty sleep” is an understatement, and we all need sleep to survive. Studies show that teenagers and all adults should get, on average, 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. However, the reality is drastically different. The average American adult sleeps six hours each night with hopes of stacking sleep on the weekends,
A European study published indicates that binge drinking and depression are much higher in female military spouses than the general female population. According to another study, nearly one-third of deployed soldiers’ military spouses had at least one mental health diagnosis. The number doubled when the spouse was deployed for more than 11 months. These spouses had a higher
Depression Symptoms & Recovery Factors Sorrow and worthlessness are the cornerstone feelings of depression. Many individuals, often feel as though they have no energy, hope, or drive, which can interfere with romantic relationships. It may sometimes be hard to open up to your romantic partner about your battle with depression. As a result, you may
Mental health disorders can be described as any mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that results in impairment in multiple aspects of an individual’s life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental health disorder. There is a large amount of stigma attached
The New Year signals a new start, a whole new year to wipe your slate clean, and a chance to make lofty goals known as New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions can be troublesome for many individuals. On the one hand, these are a way to set high standards and new goals, but most of
The holiday season can be the busiest time of the year. Holiday parties, gift exchanges, family gatherings, celebratory dinners, and decorations are just a few factors that play into the holiday season’s hustle and bustle. From a young age, we are told to buy gifts for others, be on our best behavior at holiday gatherings,
World Aids Day: Mental Health Disorders Associated with HIV/AIDS Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. December 1st is known as
There is no holiday party so important that you should risk your sobriety. Contrary to popular belief, the holidays do not have to revolve around alcohol. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, honoring your recovery during the holiday season should be your priority. The holidays might remind you of past trauma, stressful
With more than 800,000 lives lost to suicide across the world each year, survivors, the name given to those who have lost a loved one to suicide, are all over the globe. Whether you lost your sibling, parent, lover, friend, or coworker to suicide, being a survivor takes strength and courage on a daily basis. Survivors not
“World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13th. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organizations”. Unfortunately, we live in a world riddled by stress, stigmas against mental health and substance abuse, violence,
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans
The holidays can be a joyous time to spend with family and friends and get into the festive holiday spirit, but for many, this time of year can also bring an insurmountable amount of stress and grief. Being in recovery during the holidays can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness or even temptation. Maybe you are
The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and the days are becoming shorter—all of these changes from summer to fall means that winter is just around the corner. Many individuals look forward to winter because of the holidays and the beauty of the snowfall. For others, the change from summer to fall can be
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a special month dedicated to educating individuals on ADHD facts, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, and dispel the myths and stigma surrounding this disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition of inattention and distractibility, with or without accompanying hyperactivity that affects more than 17 million people in the
“Before I was diagnosed by my former psychiatrist, I experienced intense mood swings and, retrospectively, extreme overreactions to everyday situations. I would swing from deeply insecure to super confident, and I had thoughts of suicide and worthlessness coupled with bouts of creativity. My symptoms now aren’t much different really, but I’m older now so I
“Every October, individuals from across the nation—and around the world—unite with the powerful message that bullying should never be a part of childhood”. Cyber bullying, workplace bullying, schoolyard bullying, and bullying within intimate relationships are all forms of bullying among children, adolescents, and adults. Back before technology dominated our world, one could hide from their
Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness. The theme of this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week is, “What People with Mental Illness Want You to Know.” Throughout the week,
More than 800,000 people die by suicide every year, and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. Each of these individuals is a son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, or even a parent themselves. Suicide affects the individual’s entire community and network of family, friends, and coworkers. Suicide is the third leading cause
“Motherhood and depression are two countries with a long common border. The terrain is chilly and inhospitable, and when mothers speak of it at all, it is usually in guarded terms, or in euphemisms.” -Tracy Thompson; Ghost in the House Depression is an all-encompassing mood disorder that affects nearly every aspect of your daily life.
Mental illness, including depression, carries a heavy stigma. Often we are embarrassed to talk about our feelings, our diagnosis, and the hurdles we face every day when we have depression. Even folks who are married for years, may struggle with telling their spouses about their new diagnosis, but what if you are in a new
Surviving a sexual assault Witnessing a hurricane Being a victim of domestic violence Watching a murder, being screamed at Being called names Surviving a fire Experiencing a life-threatening freak accident These are just a few examples of traumatic events that can shape our present and impact our future. When not treated, trauma can result in
A 4-Part Series throughout Mental Health Awareness Month Part 4: The Relationships Between Mental Health and Social Health “As much as we complain about other people, there is nothing worse for mental health than a social desert.” ― Charles Montgomery As we explore deeper into the pillars of mental health, it is essential to understand
Part 3 of a 4-Part Series throughout Mental Health Awareness Month “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” —Buddha As we explore deeper into the pillars of mental health, it is essential to understand that mental health often
A 4-Part Series throughout Mental Health Awareness Month Part 2: The relationships between Mental Health and Emotional Health As we dive deeper into May and reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize that mental health does not just encompass mental health disorders but includes the well being of our emotional health.
A 4-Part Series throughout Mental Health Awareness Month. Part 1: The relationship between Mental Health and Physical Health May is Mental Health Awareness Month. An entire month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, nurturing our mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Our mental health is an encompassing dynamic state
“Social media has given us this idea that we should all have a posse of friends when in reality, if we have one or two really good friends, we are lucky”. -Brene Brown A quick Google search of “social media and mental health” can elicit a plethora of mental health blogs and websites stating how
World Health Day: The Link Between Mental Health and Physical Health World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7th, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization, as well as other related organizations. World Health Day has a different feel this year than in previous years. In current
10 Ways To De-Stress During COVID-19 Crisis. Our world is hurting, but we still have kindness, compassion, and hope. We must take care of ourselves by making our physical and mental health a priority during this time. We must take care of our community, friends, and loved ones while still practicing social distancing. Below are
The Importance of C.A.R.E In recent weeks, the coronavirus has created a massive pandemic. This deadly virus has not only contributed to poor physical health but has led to an emotional and mental disaster for many. Schools have closed, many businesses have shut down, individuals have been laid off or furloughed from their jobs, and
“At times, being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you’re living with this illness and functioning at all, it’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of. They should issue medals along with the steady stream of medication.” -Carrie Fisher The hope and vision
Mental Illness and Addiction Disorders. The current global health crises is extremely stressful for most people. Increased fear and anxiety are common reactors and overwhelming emotions are felt and fought at a time like this. Mental health is often considered an invisible illness. We do not wear signs of depression or anxiety on our sleeve
Billie Eilish Discusses Her History with Depression and Suicide the five-time Grammy award winner, became the youngest winner in history at 18 years old. But her journey was not easy. On the way to her big wins, Billie struggled with clinical depression and suicidal ideations and felt utterly alone in the world. “I was so
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” – Laurell K. Hamilton Trauma is an innate response to an alarming event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full
Random Act Of Kindness Day is an awareness day on February 17th that encourages individuals, families, friend groups, and organizations nationwide to support acts of kindness. These simple acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day and even save a life. In the mental health world, we often tell those individuals to reach out for help,
Addiction can be an incredibly lonely disease. Substance use disorders, whether an opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, or a benzodiazepine addiction, can leave individuals feeling isolated, withdrawn, and emotionally distant. As the addiction progresses, it’s not uncommon for these individuals to cause damage in their relationships, lose the support of family and friends, and spiral into
According to the
January 21-25: No Name-Calling Week “#MeToo movement in 2006, which spread light on sexual violence among young girls and women of many who were sexually harassed in the workplace. Sexual harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, covert threats, gossip, and sabotage are all forms of workplace bullying that often take place daily in some offices around the
“Dry January” is 30 days during the first month of the year, where individuals refrain from drinking alcohol as a way to cleanse their body and their mind. Alcohol consumption usually peaks during the holidays, fueling addictions and mental health disorders, often leaving individuals feeling a plethora of negative feelings. Alcohol acts on the neurochemical
Millennials are considered “the therapy generation” in the mental health and substance abuse realm. This generation is changing the way people look and talk about mental health. Although depression and anxiety are skyrocketing in this age group, millennials are the first generation to talk about their battles with mental illness in hopes of breaking down
“New Year, new you” is a famous saying that is often advertised as we approach the end of the year, but can we completely change ourselves in one year? Are we setting ourselves up for failure when we set lofty New Year resolutions? Although New Year resolutions are great in theory and can be healthy
Co-occurring Disorders: Link Between Mental Health and Addiction. It is not uncommon for a loved one to enter treatment for an alcohol use disorder to soon after, be diagnosed with depression. Although their first presenting and most dangerous symptoms were associated with their high alcohol consumption, their alcohol use disorder could have been a coping
When talking about depression, the language we use matters. Even with the best intentions, things that might seem motivational can be hurtful to someone fighting depression. Depression comes in all shapes and sizes, in more formal terms, there is a spectrum of depressive disorders ranging from major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and postpartum depression
The popular psychological thriller Joker, released this October, has turned heads in more than way one, becoming a topic of political satire and mental health debates. This dark comic book film has grossed over $1 billion. There was fear that the movie would provoke mass shootings. In 2012, a shooter took 12 lives at an
Rising Suicide Rates Among Veterans. According to multiple recent studies and news reports, suicide rates among veterans are steadily increasing over the last five years. Combat deaths have been rapidly declining, resulting in suicide as the leading cause of death among active duty service members across all branches. The rate of suicides per 100,000 active
How Human Resources Departments Can Help Prevent Suicides. There has been a lot of buzz around the topics of suicide and the workplace since a
Ketamine & Treatment-Resistant Depression. 16 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year. Depression can seep into your professional career, make you doubt your relationships, leave you in bed crying, destroy your self-esteem, and ultimately wreak havoc on your life. Treatment for depression consists of
Sadness vs. Depression: Can You Tell the Difference? How often do we hear the term “depression” thrown around lightly? Work today was the worst. I’m really depressed. Another date with no real connection. It’s so depressing. If I don’t get to take this long weekend, I’ll be so depressed! It’s possible to be sad and
Brainspotting is a relatively new model of psychotherapy to help individuals overcome trauma. Dr. David Grand founded brainspotting in 2003 after working with individuals who experienced trauma during Hurricane Katrina and the devastating tragedy at the World Trade Center. Brainspotting is based on the theory that the brain can heal itself through eye movements. Sound
Anti-depressants are the first-line treatment for moderate to severe depression. These medications should always be prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy to see the biggest improvement in depressive symptoms. But some people hesitate when beginning treatment due to possible side effects. Choosing The Right Anti-Depressant It is important to choose an anti-depressant based on the side
How often are these expressions heard when an individual attempts Suicidality or commits suicide? World Mental Health Day is October 10, 2019, and this year’s topic is suicide prevention. Approximately 800,000 individuals take their own lives each year, and more than twice this number attempt suicide. Individuals who are struggling with a mental health issue
In 1990 The U.S. Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). During this critical week, mental health advocates work together to educate the public about Enabling Mental Health. This week is dedicated to mental health treatment, awareness, and recovery. Understanding the difference between supporting and enabling is
Shame Spiral. That is a loaded “feeling” word. I lead a group on Shame Resilience at Akua Mind & Body, and as soon as I mention the word “shame,” the group members fall silent and grow tense. I start off all my groups asking, “What do you think Shame means?” Here are the responses I
Unfortunately, we live in a world where going to our medical doctor for a physical ailment is accepted, but if we attend therapy sessions for depression or suicidal ideations, we are often judged. However, therapy is not only a type of treatment, but it can also be viewed as a preventative measure. The Importance of
There is no single underlying cause for suicide. Suicide often occurs when life stressors far exceed the current coping abilities of an individual who is battling a mental health disorder. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Communities come together and share their stories and resources to help spread awareness about suicide in hopes of
The three shootings, first in El Paso, Texas, and then in Dayton, Ohio, are the latest instances of deadly mass shootings in 2019, bringing the total number up to 255. As of Aug. 5, which was the 217th day of the year, there have been 255 mass shootings in the U.S., according to data from
Social media is often the highlight reel of the best part of one’s life. Many of the posts and photos are staged while others are meant to portray a false sense of security. Studies have linked the use of social media to depression, anxiety, poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem, inattention, and hyperactivity, often in teens
Teenagers and adolescents are at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders. During this time period in their lives, they are going through a stressful transition. Navigating high school, balancing independence while still being raised by parents, the stress of college admissions and facing peer pressure can contribute to mental health disorders such as
The month of June is dedicated to raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general public. Initially, in 2010, the United States Senate designated June 27th as National PTSD Awareness Day but to raise further awareness; in 2014 the Senate designated the full month of June for
Treatment for PTSD includes both medication management and psychotherapy approaches. Many individuals may have co-occurring disorders with substance abuse, and as a result, it is imperative to treat both the substance abuse disorder and PTSD. The two medications that are approved by the
Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shattered your sense of security, making you feel helpless in a dangerous world. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves an individual feeling overwhelmed and isolated can be traumatic, even if it doesn’t include physical
Common Myths About Depression: Debunked. A major depressive disorder is characterized by a sad mood, inability to concentrate, loss of interest and other symptoms that affect how an individual thinks and feels. This disorder can result in stress at home, poor workplace performance, and turmoil in relationships. It is the leading cause of disability in
National Prevention Week is an annual national awareness week that takes place during the third week in May (May12th-19th this year) in order to improve community involvement, enhance mental health partner engagement and increase mental health resource sharing within a community, state, and national level. Substance abuse and mental health disorders affect millions of individuals
Opioids are natural pain relieving medications cultivated from the poppy plant since 3400B.C. Today most of these prescription painkillers are man made and synthesized by pharmaceutical companies or through illegal makeshift laboratories and are sold on the street and are distributed all over the world creating an addictive opioid epidemic. Naturally occurring opioids such as
Bipolar affective disorder or manic-depressive illness is a mood disorder characterized by periods of profound depression that alternate with periods of excessive elation and irritable mood known as mania. Individuals will suffer from extreme mood swings that interfere with personal relationships, occupational function, and daily activities. Bipolar disorder is one of the most stigmatized mental
All too often individuals will say that they are depressed when they are feeling fed up or when things in their lives are not going as planned. And equally often, after a few days, these feelings disappear. However when an individual’s sullen mood begins to last for a few weeks and interferes with their daily
Weak physical health has long been associated with increased chances of developing mental illnesses. Likewise, possessing mental health issues can also weaken physical health and increase medical issues. A recent study has revealed an association between mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and having higher risks of heart attacks or strokes. A study published
Friendships and social networks are essential to our well-being. We also get to choose our friends so we expect friendships to be drama free, unlike family relationships. Because of that, we often fail to see how deeply toxic friendships can impact our lives, work, and well-being. While a good friendship can make you feel safe,
Stress at the workplace is a major issue that many of us face in our daily lives. Considering the fact that adults spend most of their time at their workplace, the workplace environment should be comfortable for all. However, 1 of 4 employees views their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives. The National Institute for Occupational Safety
Climate change is a global challenge that does not only affected a person’s physical health but has also been found to affect mental health in a substantial way. Recently, a new study has revealed that climate change may trigger higher suicide rates in the upcoming decades due to the rise of Earth’s temperature. Study estimates
Traditionally, behavioral health treatment providers have treated substance abuse and mental illnesses as specifically separate conditions that are solely a substance or mental disorder. However, it has been recognized that substance abuse and mental health issues rarely occur alone. To adequately treat behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorders and mental illnesses, providers have recognized
We tend to use words such as ‘obsessive’ and ‘compulsive’ in a casual manner, but obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious matter. Often marked by obsessions, compulsions and subsequent distress, OCD is marked as one of the top listed reasons of illness-led disability for individuals between 15 and 44 years of age.However, with new
Memories, although expressed differently, play a central part in our routine life. This includes the evolution of someone’s individuality which is conceived as a consequence of interconnections among memories. Various brain imaging studies have revealed that the part of the brain, called the hippocampus, is known to be crucial for memory formation. This stands equally
Around 100,000 American teens and young adults experience first-episode psychosis (FEP) each year. FEP, also known as early psychosis, occurs when an individual has trouble differentiating what is real and imaginary. The first signs and symptoms of psychosis may be highly distressful and confusing for many people, as they are often characterized by a loss
Six Strategies to Cope With Loneliness in a Seemingly Connected World. In modern life, we’ve grown increasingly reliant on technology and social media to communicate with other people. In fact, technological advances have been blamed for slowly changing our face-to-face interactions. Nowadays, we might spend hours scrolling through our Instagram feed or posts on Facebook,
Study Finds Lower Risk of Depression and Heart Disease in Highly Fit Adults. Approximately 16 million U.S. adults, or 6.7 percent of the population, has experienced at least one major depressive episode, according to National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The widespread predominance of this incapacitating mental disorder has lead researchers to look for alternative
Anyone can become a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but first responders like veterans, fire-fighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics and other rescue persons, who have not-so-easy jobs, are routinely exposed to traumatic and distressing situations. The high-risk jobs of military and emergency personnel makes them more susceptible to develop post-traumatic stress, regardless of
An estimated one in five adults, or nearly 43.8 million people in the United States, are diagnosed with a mental disorder in a given year. And, regardless of years of research, acceptance of mental illness as a disease remains taboo and mental health conditions among minorities is still a significant public health concern. Billions of
Do you feel overworked, have trouble sleeping or feel depressed? In our daily lives, we rarely think about how stress affects us in the long-term. However, over time, chronic stress can have debilitating effects on the body and mind. Chronic stress can impact nearly every system in the body, including the brain. Read on to learn
Mental health concerns for First Responders: Suicide – Certain occupations have an increased risk of injury or death, some see pain and suffering on a frequent basis, still others are under consistent high levels of stress. Many different jobs encounter one of these conditions. For example: truck drivers have an increased risk of injury due
