Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety and can disrupt a person’s life. During OCD Awareness Week, it’s important to learn as much as possible about intrusive thoughts and OCD, particularly about recognizing and managing symptoms appropriately. OCD Awareness Week The week of October 10-16 has been designated...
More than being sad for a while, depression can have an impact on your ability to live your life every day. The week of October 3-9 has been designated as Mental Illness Awareness Week. A mental health screening is a positive first step toward awareness, to help you know...
Depression is usually associated with a person’s mental or emotional state. Many people suffering from depression also experience issues with their physical health, including chronic pain. The physical symptoms of depression need to be addressed appropriately as well, for the individual’s overall health and well-being. Depressive Disorder One of the most...
About one-fifth of teens will use prescription medicines inappropriately by their senior year in high school, about half will use marijuana, and about two-thirds will try alcohol. Ten percent of alcoholic drinks in the U.S. are consumed by underage drinkers—some as young as 12. How do you know when...
You may be thinking that you need to quit drinking but haven’t quite been convinced yet. There are many excellent reasons to quit drinking alcohol, most of which point to benefits for your physical health as well as your mental health. Recovery from Addiction is for Everyone September has been designated...
Like many other diseases, alcohol use disorder is progressive. An individual with an addiction to alcohol will move through the stages of the disease as they continue to drink and drink larger quantities. The last stage is end stage alcoholism, which can severely shorten the life expectancy of an...
Medical professionals define chronic pain as pain that lasts six months or more, with little prospect for total relief. The pain may be “achy” or severe, constant or intermittent. It can be due to nerve damage, physical injury, or the accumulated effects of excessive muscle use, poor posture, and/or...
Methamphetamine is a potent, highly addictive stimulant that causes serious issues for the person using it as well as for their family members and friends. If you suspect that someone you care about is abusing this drug, watch for the signs of meth use. Meth abuse signs can point...
