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Anxiety

How Seasonal Affective Disorder Impacts Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. While occasional winter blues are common, SAD is a clinically recognized condition that can significantly impair daily functioning and overall mental health. Understanding its symptoms, underlying causes, and effective treatment options can help individuals manage the disorder and improve quality of life. Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD is categorized as a subtype of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, depending on the individual’s overall diagnosis. The most prevalent form is winter-pattern SAD, where symptoms begin in late autumn or early winter and resolve in spring or early summer. Less commonly, some individuals experience summer-pattern SAD, which emerges during the warmer months. The disorder is …

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High Functioning Anxiety: Signs and Coping Skills

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry High-functioning anxiety refers to the ability to perform daily tasks and responsibilities despite experiencing anxiety. People with this condition may seem outwardly calm, confident, and competent, but internally, they’re dealing with intense feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness. This type of anxiety can manifest in different ways, and it’s often mistaken for being “productive” or “driven,” when in fact, it may stem from an overwhelming need to control, fear of failure, or perfectionism. Unlike traditional anxiety, which might lead someone to avoid certain situations or withdraw, those with high-functioning anxiety often push through and appear to be managing it well. However, this can be mentally and physically exhausting in the long run. Recent Research on High-Functioning Anxiety Recent studies have shed light on various aspects of high-functioning anxiety: Prevalence and Impact: A 2024 poll …

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When Your Loved One Has Anxiety: 5 Ways to Help

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Learn how to support a loved one with anxiety. Discover actionable tips to provide care and understanding. Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns that exist. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety disorders impact approximately 264 million people globally. In the United States, about 18% of the population is affected by anxiety each year, making it a widespread issue that often goes unrecognized and untreated. It is more than likely that someone you know and love is struggling with anxiety. If someone you care about is grappling with anxiety, understanding how to offer meaningful support can be pivotal in their wellbeing.  Here are five ways to support a loved one with anxiety: 1. Listen Without Judgment One of the most impactful ways to support someone with anxiety is by …

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Understanding the Anxiety and Alcoholism Cycle

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man worried, experiencing symptoms of anxiety and alcoholism cycle

Drinking alcohol is a coping method for some people struggling with anxiety. When someone first starts drinking, alcohol relieves the symptoms of anxiety and makes them feel good. However, short and long-term alcohol misuse can lead to more stress, which then leads to more alcohol misuse. A troubling alcohol-anxiety cycle develops and affects a person’s physical and mental health. Many individuals find themselves caught in a troubling cycle where anxiety leads to alcohol use as a coping mechanism, which in turn exacerbates anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. This cycle can be challenging to break, as the temporary relief provided by alcohol often leads to increased dependence and potentially more severe anxiety symptoms, complicating recovery efforts. Understanding the dynamics of the anxiety and alcoholism cycle is crucial. Recognizing the triggers and effects can empower individuals to seek appropriate intervention strategies, such as therapy, medication, or support groups, which are designed to …

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6 Ways to Help a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder

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By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder (HD) is a mental health disorder where an individual collects a large amount of possessions and experiences difficulty parting with possessions to the point where parting with possessions prompts profound emotional distress. Approximately 2% to 6% of people in the United States have hoarding disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) previously classified hoarding disorder as a subtype of OCD, “however, healthcare providers were encountering people with hoarding behaviors who didn’t have any other mental health conditions. After more research, hoarding disorder was included as an isolated condition, in the OCD spectrum, in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is the most recent edition” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  Similar to many of us, people with hoarding disorder keep objects due to their sentimentality, aesthetics, and usefulness. These …

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