Mind + Body: Hormones
Since there is often overlap between mental health and medical symptoms, it is recommended to consult with medical and mental health professionals on options for care.
Peripartum Depression
A new baby brings a lot of change. While change can be fun and exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. Arrival of a baby can trigger feelings of doubt as a parent and fear of being able to provide for the baby’s needs.
High Functioning Depression “I’m Good”
“How are you doing?” “Fine” “I’ve noticed a change recently.” “I’m good”. This is a rather typical response from those who seem to be functioning just fine. They go to work or school consistently, join in on social outing and appear to be successful in their accomplishments. They may use things like exercise, hobbies, substance use, or sex to cope.
But What About Me? Post Partum Depression and LGBTQ+
There is a lot of information and research pertaining to mothers on pregnancy, birth/ delivery, and postpartum depression. There is also some helpful information available for fathers, who can experience symptoms of postpartum depression. But what about ME?What if I fall outside the heterosexual partnered relationship? Yes, this information applies to you too!
The Pandemic has led to an increase in OCD
A worsening of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was found to be a high as 65% according to a November 2021 meta-analysis of 21 studies published in Neuroscience & Behavioral Reviews.
Contamination OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder)
While individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder (OCD) often struggle with obsessions and compulsions in a variety of categories, cleaning and contamination are one of the most well-known and common categories.
Examples of OCD Behaviors
Obsessions are unwanted and distressing thoughts, urges or images. They are not pleasurable or voluntary. In fact, the nature of the thoughts may contradict one’s personality or values which only contributes to the distress. Obsessive thoughts, urges, or images repeatedly enter one’s mind and are experienced as intrusive
Family Members or Friends – Supporting Those with OCD
Family and friends may be become quite involved in one’s rituals. When an individual is confronted on their behaviors, the range of experiences can include anxiety, panic attacks, disgust, and feelings of unsettledness. The time spent on compulsions are time consuming or cause significant distress. Avoidance of situations, disruption or delay of plans, and distress within relationships are a few examples.
How does Therapy Help with Anxiety (“I don’t have time for therapy”)
With anxiety disorders being the most common mental illness, impacting approximately 18% of the adult population each year, psychotherapy “talk therapy” can be an effective treatment.
Looking Behind the Lens of High Functioning Anxiety
When you look behind the lens of high-functioning-anxiety, here is what you often find— Type A personalities, over-achievers, and those who hold high standards for perfectionBusy individuals who are productive with their use of time, People who are viewed as successful and accomplished on the outside but often silently struggle on the inside.
