Real people sharing real stories about their experience with substance abuse and mental health.
During my twenty-five year career in substance abuse treatment, I’ve frequently heard family members (and clients) insist that "Alcohol isn't his/her/my problem - drugs are!" and "Alcoholism isn't his/her/my problem - addiction is!" as if the same principles of recovery from chemical dependency don't apply to any dysfunctional situation where alcohol either isn't present or isn't present enough to be identified as the primary drug-of-choice.
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Secondary Trauma: Definitions, Causes and How to Get Help Experiencing traumatizing events first-hand can lead to many unhealthy mental health outcomes. Unfortunately, these outcomes sometimes extend beyond the initial victims through secondary trauma. When exposed to individuals with trauma, it’s possible for a person to develop symptoms themselves. In many cases, these symptoms are as…
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Minority Stress: Causes, Outcomes and Treatment Options America recently experienced its highest spike in hate crimes in over a decade. Mental health issues linked to minority stress, however, are not contingent on the occurrence of a prejudice-motivated crime. Being part of a stigmatized group creates its own hurdles, and in many cases, a person can…
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Can Depression Really Kill You? Many people with depression find treatment plans that allow them to live a fulfilling life. And while that is the goal of most people, there are unfortunately those who feel there is no hope. Some researchers consider depression the killing disease, as there are fatalities in some who suffer from…
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What Are the Four Stages of PTSD? We often hear about PTSD in movies and television. Yet, they don’t always depict reality. For those living with PTSD in the real world, there is much to learn about how to get help and heal. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a genuine mental health disorder. Those suffering from…
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Most Common Types of Depression Some people think about depression as an umbrella term covering all types. Or sometimes, they do not realize there are different depression categories. Some simply divide it into two categories — the sadness we all feel sometimes or clinical depression. In fact, there are different types of depression with a variety…
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LGBTQ Anxiety and Depression: Understanding and Overcoming Statistics show that those within the LGBTQ community experience anxiety and mood disorders at higher rates than the general population. A variety of issues and underlying problems lead to this disproportionate statistic. For anyone experiencing these mental health issues, though, pinpointing a solution is often more desirable than…
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What Events Cause PTSD? Many people don’t realize the origins of PTSD, which is post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of television shows, movies, and the media, many of us only relate it to those who served in combat. This is a problem because people who need help with PTSD may believe they don’t have it. The…
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Some people feel they can overcome mood disorders without therapy. Because of the severity of the condition, though, bipolar disorder treatment is more of a necessity than luxury. Very few people with this condition have symptoms they can manage on their own. In fact, over 80 percent of those suffering from the illness encounter serious…
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9 Tips for Anxiety Relief Anxiety disorders affect more Americans than any other mental illness. It’s normal to feel a bit of worry, though, so using tips for anxiety relief often proves beneficial. Simple changes to a person’s daily routine can have dramatic effects on their stress levels. While there’s a fine line between normal…
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