How can you find the most accurate and credible mental health information? It’s often easier to go ask Dr. Google what you’re going through than talk to someone you know. The problem is, when you google “anxiety,” you get 456,000,000 results! The internet is fast, anonymous, and available 24 hours a day. However, the sheer volume of information out there … Read More

When did we start believing that expert help is required for life’s stress and struggles? I recently heard a radio segment on eco-anxiety, and at the end of the story, the radio announcer advised people who felt emotionally impacted by climate change to contact a mental health professional. I countered out loud for people to first try building their psychological … Read More

Andrew was tired. Tired of how much effort even the smallest tasks took, tired of feeling inadequate, tired of the aches and pains in his body, and tired of well-intentioned friends and family saying things like, “You just have to think positively and count your blessings” or “You have so much going for you, why are you so sad?” Most … Read More

Bipolar disorder is a term I hear many people use conversationally or as slang, without understanding what it means. But bipolar disorder is more than just wide mood swings. Learning accurate information about this disorder is the first step to getting help for yourself or others who may suffer from it. Here are some experiences or characteristic feelings often reported … Read More

Have you ever had a confusing conversation with someone that left you questioning your own perceptual abilities? As a professional helper, this is often the case when working with people who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It can be quite an uncomfortable experience for anyone, particularly if you take pride in your strong intuitive and interpersonal skills. I recently had … Read More

Anxiety is our body’s natural alarm system. It is a normal and useful emotion when we feel under threat. It can save your life when you run to make it across the road because a car is speeding too fast towards you. However, when the threat is in our minds rather than a real physical danger, problems arise. Most times … Read More

If you have a friend or family member with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you know the stress of this difficult problem. And you may be at a loss for how you can respond helpfully. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves emotional instability, interpersonal difficulties, and impulsive, often self-destructive, behaviors. People with BPD experience intense emotions and often distrust themselves and others, … Read More

Many people love a glass of wine or pint of beer with friends. Alcohol is part of celebrations and sharing. On a bad day, friends may suggest going to get a drink to talk it over. Alcohol use is interwoven into the routine daily life for so many people. There are many individuals who engage in drinking in a respectful … Read More

Physical symptoms of anxiety can be frightening and upsetting – their overwhelming nature can rock your world within minutes, leaving you fearful and drained. Maybe you feel your heart wildly beating in your chest, experience chest pain that makes you think you’re having a panic attack, or have the overwhelming feeling you are going crazy. The sudden onslaught of symptoms … Read More

Every year, the summer turns to fall, and the fall turns to winter. A lot of us have been going to the same job, doing the same work, and talking with the same people. However, as the days are filled with increasing darkness and dropping temperatures, those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may notice feelings of sadness or depression. So, … Read More