5 Common Myths About Psychiatric Medication
When a therapist recommends medication as part of a mental health treatment plan, it can bring up a complicated mix of emotions. Individuals may feel relief that help is available, uncertainty about what the medication will do, or concern about what it means to need medication in the first place. These reactions are understandable and […]
Dual Diagnosis: Treating Mental Health & Addiction Together
When a person struggles with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder simultaneously, it is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis is more common than many people realize, and presents unique challenges for individuals, families, and treatment providers alike. For families watching a loved one cycle through periods […]
When a Teen Starts Mental Health Treatment
When a teenager begins mental health treatment, family members often experience a mixture of relief and uncertainty. An important step toward wellness has been taken, but most families have little experience with what it involves, how long progress takes, and what their role in the process will be. Families who understand what to expect during […]
How to Talk to Someone About Getting Mental Health Treatment
Despite how common it is for teenagers to face mental health challenges, most who are struggling do not seek help on their own. Research from KFF shows a significant unmet need for mental health treatment in adolescents, with 20% reporting they did not receive the therapy they thought they needed. While a lack of access […]
The Emotional Impact Mental Health Disorders Have on Families
When a teenager is diagnosed with a mental health condition, the effects are often far-reaching. Parents, siblings, and the broader family all experience their own responses to what is happening, and those responses can reshape relationships in ways that families are rarely prepared for. The stress, uncertainty, and emotional weight of supporting a struggling teen […]
How to Help Teens Struggling With Mental Health
When your teenager begins to change in ways that concern you, it can be difficult to know how to respond. You may notice that they have become withdrawn, irritable, or disengaged from activities they once enjoyed. Sleep patterns may shift, grades may slip, and conversations that used to come easily now seem to stall or […]
Signs Your Teen May Need Mental Health Treatment
Parents are often the first to notice when something has shifted in their teenager’s behavior or mood. A typically social teen may withdraw from friends, or a previously motivated student may stop completing schoolwork altogether. While most teens go through periods of moodiness or stress, these kinds of abrupt or sustained changes often point to […]
What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session
Taking the step to begin therapy is a meaningful decision. For many people, it also comes with a fair amount of uncertainty. Many individuals wonder what kind of questions the therapist will ask, how they ought to respond, or what to do if they don’t feel ready to discuss a difficult subject. These questions are […]
Trauma’s Impact on Mental Health
Trauma is one of the most significant and misunderstood contributors to mental health challenges. Whether it stems from a single overwhelming event or prolonged exposure to distressing circumstances, trauma can have lasting effects on how a person thinks, feels, and lives their daily life. Trauma’s impact is not always immediate or obvious. Some individuals experience […]
When to Seek Professional Help
It can be difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with their mental health. You may notice changes in their mood, behavior, or energy and wonder whether what they are experiencing is temporary or something more serious. Knowing when to seek help or encourage professional support is not always clear. Mental health concerns can […]