The Crisis in Mental Health Services The dramatic increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum conditions among children over the past decade indicates that a correspondingly large number of youth will be transitioning to adulthood in the coming years. It is estimated that more than 50,000 adolescents with autism will turn 18 years old this …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) afflicts more than 250 million people worldwide and is the most common source of disability for Americans. In addition to counseling and talk therapy, there is a veritable alphabet soup of medications, from amitriptyline to venlafaxine, currently prescribed to treat MDD. Each class of antidepressant acts on an individual or combination …
Feeling overwhelmed, powerless or angry as you watch news of another mass shooting, this one in Las Vegas? Those feelings are normal, even for people who don’t have ties to Nevada or anyone there, according to counselors. There are tools that can help in handling those emotional reactions. NBC10 Philadelphia’s Tracy Davidson spoke to a …
When a tragedy like the massacre in Las Vegas happens, it can be difficult to know what to say to your children. They may hear or see images about what happened and have questions for you. Author Julia Cook is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. In addition to writing, she …
Feeling overwhelmed? Research shows that there are a number of simple things you can do for quick doses of stress-relieving happiness. Call someone far away that you’d like to hear from. A British study found that regular contact with 10 or more friends significantly increases happiness and even lengthens life! Reach out to a good friend you …
Odds are, you’re no stranger to stress. It’s a basic part of life and a natural reaction to danger, challenges, and nerves. While some stress is to be expected, the longer stress lasts, the more dangerous it can be for both the mind and body. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increase risk for …
Hobbies won’t magically cure your depression but healthy habits can help you regain some control over your feelings and thoughts. Becoming more involved and active will restore some strength, self-awareness, and happiness. In short, hobbies help you cope. 1. Take care of a living thing. Depression convinces you that you don’t matter. Your own brain …
Take an outdoor walk at least once a week. A regular dose of nature and physical activity is sure to elevate your mood. Research shows that outdoor walks can actually alleviate some symptoms of depression. Keep a journal. Writing out your thoughts is a great way to empty your mind of negative energy and to …
Carrie Fisher is best known for her role as the heroine Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, recently reprised in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She’s also a hero to the bipolar community, rebelling against mental illness stigma and fighting for more funding to treat mental illness. Fisher was born to celebrity parents …
The holidays aren’t always all happiness and cheer. What’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year is anything but for some of us. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Years are squeezed into 5 short weeks. Entertaining, shopping, decorating, baking, and cleaning can be big sources of stress for anyone, and for …
