Children look to their parents for support, guidance and stability in life. This is how society has always operated. But when mental health issues enter the equation, it may be more of a challenge for a parent to fulfill those roles — and this has potential consequences. For example, a depressed mother's effect on her ... Read More
Learning Center
FHE Health is dedicated to educating the American public—especially individuals, families, and communities—about mental health and substance abuse topics. In our Learning Center, you'll find articles on alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral and mental health, and other treatment-related issues. Our articles are written both for the person in need of treatment as well as loved ones seeking more information. We also provide information for those who have gone through treatment and are building a new life in recovery.
Growing Up With a Depressed Parent
Step 6 AA: Addressing Character Defects
Embracing change means making commitments to yourself to rid your life of your defects and faults. In the 12-Step Program, Step 6 focuses on this key topic. What Is Step 6 of the 12 Steps and What Does It Mean? Are you ready for a change? It seems like a simple statement, but Step 6 of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) asks ... Read More
The Hidden Trauma of Being Raised by a Narcissist
Imagine what it's like for a child to grow up in a home with a parent who's almost impossible to please. Where every time they looked for encouragement or validation, they were met with criticism or belittlement. Where their parent felt threatened any time their child stretched their wings and showed a glimmer of ... Read More
The College Student’s Guide to Addiction and Mental Health Help
It's no secret that substance abuse is a problem on American college campuses. Each year, publications such as Princeton Review and Best Colleges post annual lists highlighting the "top party schools." Fraternity/sorority and house parties and near-campus bars with dirt-cheap drink specials accompany the typical ... Read More
What Is It Like to Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
For most people, a crisis is something that unexpectedly disrupts their lives but eventually resolves itself. A death in the family, sudden job loss or losing your home in a fire is a crisis. The way we deal with a crisis depends on many factors as well, such as how much family support is available, financial resources ... Read More
Can Drug Seizures Kill You?
Seizures are a common topic in discussions about substance abuse. Their occurrences are common during withdrawal from several addictive substances, including alcohol and benzodiazepines. But what many people aren't so aware of are seizures caused by other drugs. These can occur as a result of short- and long-term ... Read More
The Dangers of Combining Caffeine and Alcohol
Some people may think that drinking coffee after drinking alcohol will perk them up and alleviate the symptoms they're feeling as a result of the drinks they consume, but this isn't the case. The dangerous reality is that consuming caffeine after alcohol can mask alcohol's depressant side effects, making you feel you ... Read More
Why Psychoeducational Groups Are Effective at Treating Mental Health Issues
Psychoeducation is a type of group therapy for those seeking help for mental health disorders or addiction. Psychoeducation isn’t always well understood by the public or by those who seek out psychoeducational group therapy. Yet, its premise is very simple and very valuable. Psychoeducational groups work to educate ... Read More