Learn How To Trust Yourself With Tips From a Therapist The journey of beginning to trust yourself is a profound odyssey that begins in childhood and evolves into adulthood. Rooted in our early experiences, self trust forms the bedrock of our confidence and decision-making. However, it’s not immune to erosion, often influenced by external factors and our own responses to them. This blog explores the developmental aspects of trusting yourself, delves into why it may falter in childhood, and offers insights for you to learn how to trust yourself. How Self Trust Develops Early Attachment and ..read more

Why Do People Drink Alcohol? April is Alcohol Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to delve into the question: why do people drink alcohol? This month prompts discussions about alcohol use, its mental health effects, addiction, and the journey to sobriety.  Alcohol has a rich history in this country, and today remains the most socially accepted and publicly consumed addictive substance. A great deal of social acceptance makes problematic or excessive drinking very difficult to name for us in ourselves, and sometimes, impossible to share with others as something we are experiencing ..read more

Is Neurodivergence a Disability? The short answer is, the experiences of neurodivergence can be disabling, but they are not disabling for everyone with related diagnoses/symptoms. It is important to note that Disability is a medical and governmental term that comes with specific criteria and limitations for recognition – rather than being a diagnosis, it is related to the severity of impact that symptoms of a diagnosed illness have on an individual’s functioning in main areas including personal/independent care, emotional stability, and employability. While neurodivergence is experienced by ..read more

Exploring Different Types of Depression Depression is a complex mental health condition with a diverse spectrum of manifestations. It’s important to recognize that different types of depression are characterized by unique symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. According to a February 2023 Gallup Poll, the percentage of U.S. adults who report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime has reached 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015. Additionally, according to Mental Health America, in 2019-2020, 20.78% of adults were currently experiencing a ..read more

Worsening Depression? Questions to Ask Yourself In managing your depression, it’s common to experience fluctuations in mood. Recognizing the signs of a potential dip in your mental health and having proactive strategies in place can be instrumental in preventing a full-blown relapse. Let’s explore practical steps you can take when you sense a shift in your mood and worry that you are experiencing worsening depression. Have I Experienced New Stressors That Could Contribute to Worsening Depression? Take a moment for personal reflection and ask yourself if there have been any new stressors in ..read more

Hormones and Women’s Mental Health: What You Need to Know In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricate relationship between female hormones—namely estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—and women’s mental health. These hormones are pivotal in shaping women’s emotions, behaviors, and perceptions of interpersonal connections. We’ll explore how overlooking their influence can impact overall well-being and emotional stability, emphasizing the significance of addressing the intersection of hormones and women’s mental health. The Three Women’s Hormones Estrogen, also known as estradiol, p ..read more

Am I Lazy? Lack of Motivation? Or is it Depression? We all have those days when we indulge in bed, order in from Grubhub, and binge-watch the latest shows on Netflix. Sometimes this can be as simple as self care or even a personal preference. Other times and perhaps if it occurs often enough, we may begin to wonder if there’s something more going on. Questions may arise in our minds like, “Am I Lazy?”, “Is it Lack of Motivation?,” “Could it possibly be depression?” To help guide you, first it’s important to understand the differences between laziness, lack of motivation, and depression, reco ..read more

Journey Through Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Black Owned Businesses As we embrace Black History Month, a time to honor the rich contributions and achievements of the Black community, it’s essential to celebrate and support the businesses that contribute to the cultural tapestry of our cities. Pittsburgh is home to a plethora of Black owned businesses that not only showcase entrepreneurial excellence but also offer a diverse range of products and services. Join us on a journey through the heart of Pittsburgh as we explore a curated itinerary of Black owned businesses, each with its unique story and c ..read more

9 Signs Your Child Should See a Therapist Parenthood comes with its share of joys and challenges. While watching your child grow and navigate the world is rewarding, it’s also essential to be attuned to their emotional well-being. Children, like adults, can face struggles that may benefit from professional support. In this blog post, we’ll explore nine signs that suggest your child should see a therapist. Key Indicators That Your Child Should See A Therapist Persistent Mood Changes: Children are known for their fluctuating moods, but persistent and extreme changes could indicate underlyin ..read more

6 Ways to Support Men’s Mental Health The pursuit of mental well-being is universal, but men often encounter unique challenges in acknowledging and addressing their mental health. In this blog post, we explore men’s mental health, delving into the prevalent reluctance to seek therapy. Supported by men’s mental health statistics, we not only examine the drawbacks of avoiding therapy but also offer a comprehensive guide for friends and family on how to encourage and support the men in their lives. The Stigma Surrounding Men’s Mental Health Throughout history, societal expectations and establ ..read more