Defined as an event that threatens our sense of safety, whether real or perceived, a traumatic event can have a lasting emotional and psychological impact. It is normal to think, act, and feel differently following a traumatic event. For most, these effects subside after a short time, and the details of the trauma begin to…
Why Veterans Should Enroll in the VA Healthcare System by Lisa Dean Florida has consistently been one of the top three most populated states in the country consisting of nearly 1.5M Veterans. However, over half of the Veterans that suffer from substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health concerns, are not enrolled with their…
Millions of people will experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Many will be able to tend to their mental health needs with the support of friends and family, with outpatient treatment, or both. Still, others with more serious treatment needs will turn to residential mental health treatment. After taking the…
by Lisa Dean The VA has taken a focus on not only the physical health of veterans but the mental health of men and women who suffer from Eating Disorders (ED). Dr. Robin Masheb conducted the first study to examine Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (ANN) that associated post 9/11 veterans who suffer from bulimia, binge eating,…
As with most things associated with mental health, many misconceptions and stigmas surround psychotherapy. At some point, we all struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, moodiness, or other forms of emotional distress. Whether due to grief, a breakup, financial issues, illness, or professional setbacks, your mental health is bound to suffer at some point. Typically, we…
Music is all around us in its many forms and is an integral part of most people’s day. While we are unsure why most people report that music impacts their mood, the effects are evident. A particular song can make you feel happy, energetic, sad, nostalgic, relaxed, or angry. Thus, it should come as little…
Mental health disorders are common, affecting millions of Americans annually. There has been a concerted effort from public and private mental health organizations to increase their educational awareness while eliminating their stigma. The impacts of mental health disorders are far-reaching, impacting not only the affected person but their friends, family, and the community at large.…
Alprazolam, or Xanax, is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, a prescription drug class that produces a sedative effect. Xanax is a fast-acting drug mainly used to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders effectively. GABA is a neurotransmitter that suppresses the activity of nerves. Xanax works by amplifying the effects of GABA to reduce the…
Perhaps the most well-known form of addiction and mental health treatment is the 12-step program. However, many people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction don’t really understand what 12-step programs are really about before they begin recovery. Often, individuals have or are exposed to many conflicting views and opinions. It may seem that the advice…
MDMA is a designer drug commonly referred to as ecstasy. Since its creation, it has caused controversy. The drug started as a possible therapeutic tool but quickly evolved into a wildly popular and frequently abused party drug. Yet, this drug has been re-approached over the last few years and re-appraised for its therapeutic benefits. Today,…