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Sleep Awareness Week 2024

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By Ashley Barnes, M.S.   What is Sleep Awareness Week? Sleep Awareness Week was launched in 1998 and is the National Sleep Foundation’s public education campaign with the aim to spread awareness about the importance of sleep as it relates to physical and mental health. This year, Sleep Awareness week will be March 10th through March 16th. Prepare your pillows and blankets! The Importance of Sleep. Many of us don’t recognize the importance of sleep until we discover the difficulties we face when we are sleep deprived. We may not acquire enough sleep due to staying up late cramming for an exam, staying up late to finish work, or struggling with sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea. Lack of sleep tampers with our mood, memory, and health in very impactful ways.  In terms of mood and mental health, studies have discovered that lack of sleep induces heightened levels …

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What is High-functioning Depression?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
business woman wondering what is high-functioning depression

What is high-functioning depression? High-functioning depression, clinically known as dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder, is a form of depression where individuals can maintain their daily responsibilities and outward appearances of normalcy despite experiencing chronic symptoms of depression. These symptoms include low mood, fatigue, and a general lack of interest, which persist over a long period but may not severely disrupt daily functioning. Many people with high-functioning depression struggle silently, as their ability to keep up with daily tasks masks the severity of their emotional pain. This often leads to their struggles being overlooked or minimized by themselves and others, making it difficult to recognize the need for help. Understanding high-functioning depression requires acknowledging that someone can appear productive and engaged while internally battling significant emotional distress, emphasizing the importance of compassionate support and professional depression treatment. What Is High-Functioning Depression? High-functioning depression, also known as dysthymia, presents a unique challenge …

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How to Help an Alcoholic Spouse

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
couple talking after learning how to help an alcoholic spouse

Understanding how to help an alcoholic spouse requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. Encourage your spouse to seek professional help through therapy or support groups. Offer emotional support without enabling their behavior, and consider joining a support group to learn coping strategies. Setting boundaries is crucial for your well-being and can motivate them towards recovery. Addressing addiction within a family, especially when it involves a spouse, requires careful navigation through emotional and psychological complexities. Providing support while encouraging professional help from a doctor offering alcohol addiction treatment in Los Angeles is a delicate balance that demands understanding and patience. This article explores how to help an alcoholic spouse. Understanding Alcoholism Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a medical condition characterized by an inability to manage or cease alcohol consumption despite its adverse effects on one’s health, relationships, and responsibilities. It’s a chronic disease that can affect anyone, …

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National Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2024

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By Ashley Barnes, M.S. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week NEDA Week is an initiative taken by a non-profit organization called the National Eating Disorders Association. NEDA devotes their work to preventing and raising awareness about eating disorders, as well as providing resources to those in need. National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) week “is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and loved ones affected by eating disorders… NEDA week 2024 is an opportunity to center education about eating disorders which is critical for raising awareness, early detection, and access to quality care” (NEDA, 2024). In 2024, NEDA week will take place on Monday, February 26 through Sunday, March 3.  Eating Disorders As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, eating disorders are “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing …

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What Causes Mental Health Problems?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man reading about what causes mental health problems

There are several factors to consider when evaluating what causes mental health problems. Mental health problems can arise from genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. These elements interact in complex ways, with life experiences such as trauma, stress, and societal pressures playing significant roles. Understanding this multifaceted nature is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Understanding what causes mental health problems can help people approach the treatment needed. Mental health issues can profoundly impact individuals’ lives, yet their origins often remain misunderstood, leading to ineffective treatment approaches and persistent stigma. Without a clear understanding of the underlying causes, efforts to address these conditions may only scratch the surface, leaving root issues unresolved and individuals struggling in silence. The stigma surrounding mental health further exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for those affected to seek help. By delving into the causes of mental health problems, including genetic, environmental, and psychological …

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