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Helping Someone with a Process Addiction

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process addiction

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is a process addiction? When thinking of the word “addiction,” one may picture alcohol, illegal drugs like cocaine, or addictive prescription drugs  – all substances of abuse. However, addictions come in many forms and are not limited to substances. Addiction can look like repeated behaviors that have harmful effects on a person’s life. Behavioral addiction, also called process addiction, refers to “the compulsion to continually engage in an activity or behavior despite the negative impact on the person’s ability to remain mentally and/or physically healthy and functional in the home and community” (American Addiction Centers, 2022).  Common for all who struggle with addiction, those who have process addictions may find the behavior they engage in psychologically rewarding, perhaps even feeling elated or “high” while engaging, only to later feel remorse, guilt, and experience consequences for said behavior. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for human pleasure, satisfaction, …

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How to Support a Family Member with Depression and Anxiety

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How to Support a Family Member with Depression and Anxiety

Data shows that 9.5% of American adults have some form of depressive disorder, and 18% have an anxiety disorder. Most of those millions have family members, like you, who wonder how to support their loved ones. You can take many actions to support someone with mental illness. One thing to avoid doing is ignoring the issue. Symptoms will not go away and will likely worsen if not treated. You may wonder how to start a conversation about mental health with a loved one without offending them. The key is to express empathy and caring in whatever you say.  The more you know about depression and anxiety, the easier it will be to find the right words of support. Learn More About Depression and Anxiety No one chooses to have a mental health disorder; it doesn’t go away without specific treatments and lifestyle changes. Depression and anxiety are mood disorders involving …

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9 Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood

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Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adulthood

Ignoring childhood trauma can lead to mental health conditions in adulthood related to childhood trauma in adulthood. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), one in seven children experiences abuse annually. Also, one in five high school students report being bullied, and at least 1,000 kids are treated in emergency rooms after being assaulted. SAMSHA says that two-thirds of children experience at least one trauma by age 16. Only a tiny percentage of children receive trauma-related treatments to learn how to cope, confront, and move forward. Instead, they take the trauma into adulthood, which can cause significant distress. In this article, you will learn more about the most common symptoms of childhood trauma in adulthood as well as the treatment options available. What is Trauma? Trauma can be both a noun and a verb. Trauma is an event or situation that negatively impacts your life. Examples …

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Parenting a Child with Mental Health Issues

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Illustration of mom and dad comforting child on couch - Parenting a Child with Mental Health Issues

Are you parenting a child with mental health issues? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of parents across the globe face similar challenges daily. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 6 million American children between 3 and 17 have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 5.8 million have anxiety, and nearly 3 million have depression. If you are parenting a child with mental illness, there are many things you can do to improve the outcomes for your child, yourself, and the whole family. Keep reading to discover helpful tips when parenting a child with mental health issues. Love Your Child If a child has a mental health disorder, it means their brain and nervous system are not functioning correctly. The communication parts of the brain malfunction, sending out incorrect messages to the rest of the body. Mental illness is not your child’s fault or …

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How to Share Your Mental Health Journey with Others

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mental health journey

Have you ever felt alone and overwhelmed while navigating the challenges of mental health? You’re not alone. Sharing your mental health journey with others can be a powerful way to connect, heal, and empower both yourself and those around you. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of opening up about your mental health experiences, from breaking down stigmas to building supportive communities. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to share your story in a way that resonates with others and fosters meaningful connections. Imagine the impact of your story on someone else’s life – offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie. By sharing your journey, you can create a ripple effect of understanding and compassion that extends beyond your immediate circle, helping others realize they’re not alone in their struggles. So, let’s dive in and learn how to share your mental health journey effectively and safely, allowing …

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