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July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This month was first recognized in 2008 and is also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. The purpose of the month is to bring awareness to the unique challenges people of color and underrepresented groups face when it comes to accessing care. Minority groups are statistically less likely to receive mental health services. By recognizing this disparity, the hope is that improvements can be made to the healthcare systems currently in place. Mental Health Disparities Among Minorities According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), mental illnesses affect minority populations more [...]

While everyone occasionally struggles to cope with life, mental illnesses are ongoing conditions that cause many women to suffer in silence. Sometimes, there’s an obvious difference between neurotypical behavior and mental illness, but in other cases, the distinction isn’t as clear. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Mental Health? Keeping tabs on your mental well-being involves observing patterns in your thoughts, moods, emotions and behaviors. You may have a mental illness if changes in the way you think and feel are significant enough to disrupt your daily life. A mental illness may affect how well you can: Maintain relationships [...]

After a terrifying or life-threatening experience, it’s normal to feel anxious and on edge. But if you can’t shake it off and move on, you might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can leave you with ongoing feelings of fear and unwanted, unpleasant memories. By making some changes in your life, you can move on from the trauma and finally feel safe again. What Is PTSD? PTSD is a diagnosable mental health disorder that can happen to anyone after a one-time or ongoing event that overwhelms you and leaves you feeling emotionally vulnerable. Since people process trauma differently, you might [...]

Your mental image of yourself significantly affects numerous areas of your life – your relationships with others, personal style and self-esteem. If you struggle with your body image and insecurities about your appearance, or you can’t let go of the nagging idea that others are judging you, here are some ways to overcome these obstacles. 1. Identify and Challenge Negativity The first step to improving your body image is to tune into your inner monologue. Most of us don’t stop to pay attention to the flow of automatic thoughts that run through our minds, but take time to listen to the [...]

Social media has helped millions of users worldwide keep in touch with distant loved ones, learn about specific interests, share their perspective and feel more connected. But for all the benefits these platforms may have brought to your life, you should also consider how they affect your mental health. How Does Social Media Impact People’s Mental Health? Like an irresistibly appealing casino game, apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter incentivize repeated use through intermittent reinforcement. When you get a notification about a new like or comment, your brain releases a feel-good chemical called dopamine. The memory of these occasional, unpredictable [...]

Today, recreational marijuana has been legalized in 18 states plus the District of Columbia. Nonetheless, federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance with no legitimate use, and rumor paints it as a gateway to serious addiction and violent crime. Where does the truth lie? Can you get addicted to weed? Addiction to Weed: Marijuana Use Disorder There are real health risks in using weed. And one risk is addiction—medical term “marijuana use disorder.” At least 9 percent, perhaps as many as 30 percent, of users have this disorder. Over 100,000 people a year are treated for it. Symptoms [...]

Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, unrealistic worries. People with GAD can become trapped in a cycle of fear and dread out of proportion to the situation. Eventually, anxiety can take over your thoughts until it upends your daily routine and disrupts your overall quality of life. Some researchers have hypothesized that anxiety served a crucial evolutionary purpose by keeping early humans alert and aware of potential threats. In a way, anxiety is your brain’s way of preparing you for the worst, which is why many people get anxious before major life events like a job [...]

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can be highly disruptive, causing people living with the condition to curtail their lives or activities in various ways. For example, someone with panic disorder may be unwilling to leave the house for fear that they’ll have a panic attack in a public place. Meanwhile, an obsessive-compulsive person may spend hours each day on rituals like cleaning or counting objects. If you have anxiety, the constant feelings of being on edge may leave you searching for ways to manage symptoms like irritability, sleep disruptions, trouble concentrating and an elevated heart rate. What is the [...]

Kratom is an herbal extract of a plant that’s native to Southeast Asia. Some specialty stores market it as a mood-improving supplement that enhances energy and reduces pain. Other supposed benefits of kratom include the ability to prevent panic attacks and relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms. If all these qualities sound too good to be true, you’re wise to be skeptical. Depending on the dosage and method of use, kratom can be dangerous. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Kratom? Kratom is currently legal to buy and sell in the U.S., which may make it seem like an attractive choice [...]

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which one person uses lies and manipulation to make their victim question reality. The concept gets its name from a classic thriller called Gaslight, in which a husband attempts to steal from his wife by convincing her she is slowly losing her sanity. While gaslighting often happens in toxic romantic relationships, friends, colleagues and even politicians can play this trick. How does this phenomenon happen, and what can you do to recognize its signs in your life? Why Is Gaslighting Harmful? Besides being a form of dishonesty and a side effect of narcissistic [...]