You have a friend who’s behaved strangely for years – insisting on storing canned goods a certain way, double-checking doors, and locks, and quietly repeating a favorite phrase before doing something that brings stress. This person may have obsessive-compulsive disorder, but there are ways to help overcome the symptoms. What is OCD? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)…
Millions of people have symptoms like headaches, mental illness, widespread pain, sadness, fear, and trouble sleeping, among many types of physical and psychological problems, often caused by things both known and unknown. For many, pain and discomfort can affect every aspect of their lives, but there may be ways to regain control, including with treatments…
If you know someone with anxiety, the last thing that person needs is to hear you say, “Why aren’t you getting professional help?” Compassion and empathy are powerful weapons to wield against anxiety, but knowing how and when to use them is critical. What Is Anxiety? The U.S. National Library of Medicine says that anxiety…
If you stub your big toe, it’s obvious the injury can affect your mobility. But if you’re depressed, what’s the effect? Like other kinds of illness, depression can result in seen and unseen effects – including how your brain functions. If left alone, depression can affect your brain in unimaginable ways. What is Depression? “Depression…
Suicide regularly ranks as a top 10 cause of death in the United States, with men almost four times as likely as women to take their own lives. Thoughts of suicide are a big problem. Talking about it, even worse. The good news? Most U.S. adults think it is preventable. Who’s At Risk? Anyone can…
If you know someone who’s depressed, it’s sometimes difficult to know how to act or what to say to that person. You’re afraid of exacerbating the situation, but the worst thing you can do is to do nothing at all. Below are some helpful tips and best practices to help someone dealing with depression. What…
If you have problems getting restful sleep, it could be triggered by a sleep disorder or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Up to 70 million U.S. adults have trouble sleeping, and several million have mental health symptoms. Symptoms of either can be managed, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep. What is PTSD? According to…
You’re worried all the time and tired because of it. Or is it the other way around? Anxiety and fatigue go together, gradually taking control of your life if you let them. Both have certain triggers, and the more you know, the better you can fight them in the long run. What Is Anxiety? “Experiencing…
You think you’re a perfectionist. All your dress shirts hung “just so,” and your office desk has to be wiped clean daily before you leave. Often, you do things repeatedly or think of the ramifications of not doing something. If this is true, you may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. WHAT IS OCD? Obsessive-compulsive…
Some people crave social gatherings and being in someone else’s company. They thrive in those environments, but many others don’t. In fact, millions of people avoid such situations, fearful of their own behavior and paranoid about self-embarrassment. Feelings begin taking over their everyday lives, likely a sign of social anxiety. WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?…