Many of us are aware that our genetics may predispose us to certain conditions. For instance, we know that not everyone who develops a cigarette habit will develop cancer or that not all people who live in a smog-filled city will suffer from respiratory problems. In a similar vein, there are certain genetically ... Read More
Behavioral & Mental Health
Approximately 18.5% of adults in the U.S. have experienced mental illness. These disorders include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder among others. This learning center explores the reality of mental health and the treatment needed. The stigma surrounding this issue prevents people from reaching out for quality help when a better life is possible. Our mental health licensed professionals treat patients with a variety of conditions and inform our topics found in this section.
The Diatheses-Stress Model: Life Events That Can Trigger a Disorder
SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome – What Everyone Should Know
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — or SSRIs — can be an incredible help for people diagnosed with depression. They're also considered very safe, with little potential for abuse because of their long-term effects. But while this is true, just like with other drugs, taking SSRIs isn't completely risk-free. When a ... Read More
The Humors: Ancient Perspectives on Mental Health
Hippocrates and Mental Health Humans have been aware of mental illness since about 6500 BCE. Back then, of course, they didn't refer to it by that term. Superstition ruled over views of what we know as mental illness in ancient times. A mentally ill person had been possessed by an evil spirit or, on the other hand, ... Read More
Outdoor Therapy for Mental Health
Over the past few decades, we've taken major steps forward when it comes to acknowledging the damage that mental health issues have on society and expanding access to quality treatment. With an increase in awareness, there will naturally be an increase in treatment options. In this piece, we're going to be discussing ... Read More
4 Most Realistic Depictions of PTSD in Hollywood
Often, Hollywood dramatizes serious mental health conditions to a point that can be damaging and misleading. For example, portrayals of dissociative identity disorder (DID) are often highly exaggerated and have spread misinformation about the condition. Another mental health condition that's sometimes not represented ... Read More
Impulse Control Disorders – What Are They?
Humans are impulsive creatures by nature. In some cases, those impulses let the individual take hold of an opportunity that may otherwise pass them by. Impulses can even be life-saving, letting the individual act quickly to get out of a dangerous situation. On the flipside, impulses can lead to damaged relationships, ... Read More
Genetic Predispositions: The Surprising Factors That Increase Your Mental Health Issues
Who Is at Risk for Mental Illness? Mental illness is a biopsychosocial disease with a strong genetic component. If a parent, sibling or grandparent is diagnosed with a mental illness, the likelihood of developing the same or similar kind of mental illness does increase. Although the exact etiology of mental illness ... Read More
6 Most Realistic Depictions of Depression in Movies
According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 264 million people worldwide. In the United States, it affects about 7.1% of the adult population. Although movies are meant to entertain, they also play an important role in educating viewers. The following movies about depression help audience ... Read More