How to Help Teens Struggling With Mental Health

A teen struggling with mental health, while sitting at a desk in school.

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 You may notice that they have become withdrawn, irritable, or disengaged from activities they once enjoyed.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

A photo of a bunch of sticky notes with different faces, an abstract portrait showing sings 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

A cartoon of a woman walking through a portal, the cover image for an article titled "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

A drawing of a person with trauma, the cover image for the article "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

A person learning when it's the right time 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 […]

Inpatient, Outpatient, and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

A woman learning about the differences between inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs.

When exploring mental health treatment options, the range of available programs can feel overwhelming. Inpatient care, outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) each serve different needs and offer varying levels of support. Understanding these differences is essential for making the right decision about the level of care a loved one […]

How Therapy Can Help Manage Dissociative Disorders

A man learning about how therapy can help manage dissociative disorders.

Dissociative disorders can create a sense of disconnection from reality, making daily life challenging and often isolating. These disorders, which include conditions such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder, disrupt normal cognitive functioning and can impact memory, identity, and perception. At Pillars Health Group, we understand how these disorders can affect your quality […]

How Drug Addiction Ages Your Body

A young man learning about how drug addiction ages your body.

Drug addiction doesn’t just hurt your body and mind—it also fast-tracks the aging process. If you’ve ever noticed someone struggling with substance use looking much older than they actually are, there’s a reason. Substance abuse leaves its mark both inside and out—from wrinkles and hair thinning to serious damage to organs. Understanding how addiction ages […]

8 Life-Changing Benefits to Quitting Adderall

A man learning about the 8 life changing benefits to quitting Adderall.

Adderall is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, when misused, it can lead to dependency and negative health effects. While many people turn to Adderall for increased productivity and focus, long-term use can result in unwanted consequences. If you’re considering quitting, the benefits can be transformative. From better physical and […]

Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Options

A woman understanding mixed anxiety depressive disorder symptoms, and treatment options.

Mental health conditions are complex and can often involve overlapping symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose and treat. One such condition is Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder (MADD), which combines symptoms of both anxiety and depression. While it may not be as widely recognized as individual anxiety or depressive disorders, MADD is a serious condition that can […]