When a woman drinks alcohol to excess during pregnancy, her infant may be born with developmental delays and various physical abnormalities. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can interfere with normal infant brain development and cause a range of other disorders that, taken together, are called fetal alcohol syndrome ... Read More
The Dangers of Mixing Opioids and Alcohol
Each day in the United States, nearly 80 people lose their lives because of an opioid overdose. In many of these instances, alcohol is also complicit—despite the prescription drug label that reads "Do not drink alcohol while using this medication." Many people who take prescription or illicit opioids minimize the ... Read More
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Isolating and Depression – An Interview with Dr. Michael Jochananov
Updated September 19, 2023 Table of Contents Reasons People Self-Isolate Practical Tips for Breaking the Cycle of Self-Isolating and Depression How a Therapist Can Help Address Depression and Self-Isolating Tendencies How to Know When to Seek Help During the Social Distancing Era How to Help a Loved ... Read More
First Responder Burnout – An Interview with Dr. Sachi Ananda
They are the first to respond to any crisis, disaster, or emergency. When COVID-19 struck, they still were first on the scene and have continued to show up—because that’s their job. These “first responders” are America’s heroes. Watch any Marvel movie, though, and you’ll soon discover that being a hero has its ... Read More
In Honor of Men and Women in Blue Who Gave Their Lives – Consider the Mental Health Sacrifices That Our Police Are Making
This Peace Officers Memorial Day we are taking a moment to honor and remember our law enforcement professionals—both those who have given their lives and those who continue to serve in the line of fire. Every day of the year, these brave men and women risk their lives to maintain the public peace and protect their ... Read More
Teaching Mental Health in Schools Is Now Mandatory in These States.
In most states, health education is a school requirement for middle and high-school students. Now, some states are requiring schools to teach about mental health as well. The state of Virginia is now requiring mental health be taught in ninth and tenth grades, and the state of New York is including mental health as ... Read More
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Commitment in Rehab (and Other Questions About Inpatient Mental Health Treatment)
The image of inpatient or residential mental health treatment may paint a picture of a hospital ward or an asylum in which patients are locked up to keep them safe from themselves and others. The truth is, this is far from the experience of patients in residential programs today. Most people seek treatment from ... Read More
Taking Care of Mental Health During Isolation
The drive to seek human connection is a powerful one. It's hardwired into our DNA; from an evolutionary standpoint, people who sought out relationships with others were more likely to make it to adulthood and reproduce. Hunter-gatherer societies in which people cooperated and collaborated with one another thrived. For ... Read More














