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Month: January 2026

The Difference Between Acute Stress and Chronic Stress

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Stress is a normal part of life and, in many situations, it can even be helpful. It prepares the body to respond to challenges, solve problems, and stay alert in demanding situations. However, not all stress is the same. Understanding the difference between acute stress and chronic stress is essential for recognizing when stress is adaptive and when it begins to undermine mental and physical health. While short-term stress can be manageable and temporary, ongoing stress can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. What Stress Is and How the Body Responds Stress is the body’s response to perceived demands or threats. When a stressor is detected, the brain activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate, sharpen focus, and mobilize energy. This response is …

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How Psychiatric Evaluations Work and Why They Matter

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry A psychiatric evaluation is one of the most important steps in mental health care. It serves as the foundation for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and long-term recovery. While the idea of a psychiatric assessment can feel intimidating, the process is designed to be collaborative, thorough, and patient-centered. Understanding how psychiatric evaluations work and why they matter can help individuals approach care with clarity and confidence. What a Psychiatric Evaluation Is A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive mental health assessment conducted by a licensed psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional. Its purpose is to understand an individual’s emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and biological functioning. Unlike brief screenings or symptom checklists, a full psychiatric evaluation takes a holistic view of a person’s mental health, medical history, and life context. The evaluation is not limited to …

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What Makes Depression Treatment Resistant and What to Do Next

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions, yet for many people, traditional therapies like antidepressants and talk therapy are not enough to achieve lasting relief. When symptoms persist despite multiple treatment attempts, this is referred to as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The experience can be deeply discouraging, leaving patients feeling hopeless or misunderstood. However, TRD does not mean untreatable. Advances in psychiatric care now offer several promising options for those whose depression has not responded to conventional approaches. Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression Clinicians typically define treatment-resistant depression as a major depressive episode that does not adequately improve after at least two trials of antidepressant medication at therapeutic doses and durations. According to estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 30% of people with depression meet this definition. TRD can be partial—where …

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Understanding Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Strategies

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by chronic stress, often related to work or caregiving roles. It can leave individuals feeling depleted, unmotivated, and detached. Recognizing the early signs of burnout and addressing them promptly can prevent more serious mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Recognizing the Symptoms Common signs of burnout include persistent fatigue, irritability, decreased performance, and loss of motivation. People may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal issues. Emotionally, burnout can cause cynicism, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness. Causes of Burnout Burnout develops when prolonged stress overwhelms coping capacity. Factors such as heavy workload, lack of control, unclear expectations, or limited social support contribute to its onset. Healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers are particularly vulnerable due to high emotional …

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How to Support a Partner Struggling with Depression

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry When someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be difficult to know how to help. Feelings of helplessness, frustration, and worry are common among partners. Supporting a loved one through depression requires empathy, communication, and patience—along with awareness of your own emotional limits. Understanding Depression Depression is a complex mood disorder that affects both emotional and physical health. Symptoms may include sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Recognizing that depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness, helps remove blame and fosters compassion. How to Communicate Supportively Open communication is essential. Use statements like “I’m here for you” instead of trying to fix the problem. Listening without judgment encourages trust and allows your partner to express emotions freely. Avoid minimizing their experiences or offering overly simple solutions. Encouraging …

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