Psychiatry Associates Blog

Every year, over 2.5 million Americans pass away, often leaving behind people who cared for them deeply. At the very root of the human experience is our connection with others. Whether family or friends, the bonds we share largely define our time on Earth. In fact, in the absence of close relationships, mortality rates, disease, and depression all tend to increase. We rely heavily on others and tend to define ourselves and our own existence based on our closest connections. So, when we lose such a connection with someone for whom we cared deeply, the sense of loss and grief can feel crushing.

Do you have piles of dishes and laundry awaiting your attention? Are stacks of mail waiting to be sorted and clutter overtaking the surfaces of your home? It isn't uncommon. While it can be easy to feel as though everyone else has the hang of keeping an organized space, the truth is that most people have unfinished projects around their home or office. However, when these projects begin to stack up, despair can eventually take over. How could you possibly ever take care of them all? The more overwhelming they become, the more likely you are to continue putting them off, allowing more to be added to the list and exacerbating your stress.

We often think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in association with combat veterans.  While the condition does impact a large percentage of our military, PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced trauma, whether physical or mental.  Naturally, stress reactions following a traumatic event are expected, but if these stress reactions last longer than three months, cause great distress, or disrupt work/home life, it is time to seek help.

An individual’s personality is the combination of characteristics that makes them unique. Their patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving all combine to form their character as a whole. However, when unhealthy repetitions arise, this can sometimes point to one of the ten personality disorders. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning and lasts over time.” 

Going back to school can be stressful, but going back to school with a full-time job, family and all the responsibilities that adulthood brings can seem like a monumental task. Implement these strategies into your day-to-day routine in order to tackle your overflowing schedule with ease and reach your education goals.

When it comes to nearly any aspect of health, you have likely heard that a healthy diet and exercise are key. Of course, you've heard it so often because it's true. The human body thrives on the right type of fuel and burning that fuel through energy. Doing so keeps us trim and strong. It builds muscle, eliminates fat, and keeps vital components like the cardiovascular system running smoothly. In addition, it is also beneficial to the brain, positively impacting factors such as mood, sleep, and the release of stress hormones.

Everyone has something they fear.  For most, their fears are mild and do not affect their quality of life.  However, for patients with diagnosable phobias, the level of fear and discomfort when confronted with specific objects or situations is exceptional and can significantly impact their day-to-day experiences.  This impact can be so severe that it produces physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and even a panic attack.

Food is at the very foundation of our being, giving us nutrition, energy and supporting life.  Yet, many have a complex relationship with food which can transform from life-sustaining into something more sinister.  For the millions of Americans who deal with an eating disorder, whether they consume too much or too little, food can be problematic.