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Month: April 2025

Effective Time Management for Mental Well-Being

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Time management is often viewed as a productivity tool, but its impact on mental health is just as profound. In our fast-paced world, where demands on time are ever-increasing, effective time management can be a game-changer for maintaining mental well-being. Research from the last five years highlights how organizing your time strategically not only increases productivity but also reduces stress, enhances emotional resilience, and improves overall mental health. Here are ways that effective time management can contribute to better mental health by managing stress, improving organization, and promoting productivity: 1. The Link Between Time Management and Mental Health Effective time management plays a crucial role in reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. A study published in Personality and Individual Differences (2022) found that individuals who practiced effective time management had lower levels of perceived …

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The Impact of of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Social media has become an integral part of daily life, especially for teens, who spend a significant amount of time on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. While these platforms can offer opportunities for connection, self-expression, and entertainment, there is growing concern about the potential negative effects they have on teen mental health.  Research from the last five years highlights both the risks and benefits of social media use for teens. Findings emphasize that the impact on mental well-being is complex.  Here’s more on how social media influences teen mental health, the risks associated with excessive use, the potential benefits, and tips for setting healthy boundaries: The Risks of Social Media on Teen Mental Health Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression One of the most significant concerns regarding social media use among teens is …

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The Link Between Stress and Sleep

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Stress and sleep are intertwined in an unfortunate feedback loop – depending on how you look at it. When stress levels rise, sleep tends to suffer, and poor sleep, in turn, can exacerbate stress – when you are able to reduce stress, sleep tends to improve, and in turn, stress is further reduced.  Understanding the relationship between stress and sleep is crucial for breaking a negative cycle and improving overall well-being. Research from the past five years sheds light on how stress impacts sleep quality and offers practical strategies for improving rest. Here’s more about the connection between stress and sleep, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and evidence-based tips to manage stress and improve sleep: How Stress Affects Sleep Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous …

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The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry One often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of mental health is nutrition. Research in recent years has increasingly pointed to the powerful impact of diet on emotional well-being, cognition, and aspects of mental health. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between nutrition and mental health, and present some of the latest research on how specific nutrients can support brain health and mental wellness. The Gut-Brain Connection: The Latest Insights The link between gut health and mental health has become an exciting area of research over the past few years. We now know that the gut and brain are intimately connected through the gut-brain axis, a communication system that allows the gut microbiota (the microorganisms living in your digestive system) to influence the brain and vice versa. This has profound implications for mental health, as the …

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Addressing Intimacy Issues Through Couples Therapy

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Intimacy is a crucial component of any healthy romantic relationship, encompassing not only physical closeness but also emotional, psychological, and relational bonds. When intimacy struggles arise, they can deeply affect the dynamics of a relationship, leaving partners feeling disconnected, misunderstood, and frustrated. However, research from the last decade has shown that both couples therapy and sex therapy can be effective in addressing intimacy issues, helping couples foster a deeper connection and rebuild trust, communication, and affection. In this post, we’ll explore how couples therapy and sex therapy can be powerful tools for addressing intimacy issues, citing recent research and examining how these therapeutic approaches can lead to long-lasting improvements in relationships. Understanding Intimacy Issues in Relationships Intimacy issues can manifest in various forms—emotional distance, sexual dissatisfaction, communication breakdowns, or an inability to share vulnerability …

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