Between work, relationships, and other daily tasks, there are a lot of stressors that people have to take on each day. It is normal to find ways to decompress and relax. However, not everybody makes the best decisions when it comes to winding down. It may seem harmless to partake in a recreational drug like…
Details
This is a big question for patients. It speaks to individual and societal expectations that we collectively heap onto medications. We see advertisements with happier faces after taking a specific drug, that we should “Talk to your doctor about.” We know of people who are taking antianxiety and antidepressant medications for mental health symptoms ranging…
Details
Part 2: Observations from the therapy office In my last video and blog post, I discussed why the pandemic might be affecting teens’ mental health in unique ways. Here, I’d like to share some observations from working with teens’ during the pandemic – from the days of scrubbing groceries with Clorox wipes, to googling: “how…
Details
Addiction affects the person with or recovering from a substance use disorder and the people in their lives. Family and friends want what is best for their loved ones, and it hurts them to see someone they care about struggle with addiction. It’s not always easy to figure out the best course of action when…
Details
Part 1: Why is this affecting teens differently? Matt Christian, LCSW We’re now two years (and who knows how many variants) into this pandemic, and it’s been rough on us all. However, just as the risks from Covid itself are different for different age groups, the psychological and social effects have been different as well.…
Details
One of the hardest things to do is stay sober during the pandemic. Addiction is a disease that puts individuals in recovery at a high risk of relapse. While many in addiction recovery already know to steer clear of emotional and physical triggers, the COVID-19 global pandemic has created new twists to maintain sobriety. Fortunately,…
Details
Your mental health is far too valuable for a drive-through experience. For me to even have to say this is a sad sign of our times. Like my patients, I too have experienced the phenomenon of the production-line: prescriptions are rubber stamped with endless refills and the patient emerges from the appointment without feeling heard…
Details
For a lot of people, a new year means a fresh start. Whether the goals are big or small, people everywhere are making new year’s resolutions. A common theme of these resolutions has to do with health. For some, that can mean changing your diet; for others, it can mean exercising more often. In some…
Details
Holidays are a time for relaxation and celebration. But for many individuals, it can be a time of stress, anxiety, and dread. Planning parties, meeting people’s expectations, and juggling different priorities can significantly affect one’s mental and physical health. However, with the right help and support, managing holiday anxiety shouldn’t be difficult. If you or…
Details
Individuals struggling with a substance use disorder often feel isolated and that they are fighting their battle alone. While it is true that those suffering from addiction or mental health disorders tend to withdraw from friends and family, their problems do not occur in a vacuum. Addiction is a disease that impacts the lives of…
Details