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National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024

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sexual assault

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 April 2024 marks National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s 23rd annual National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign dedicated to preventing sexual assault. Though each year focuses on a different theme pertaining to preventing sexual assault, NSVRC always centers visibility about sexual assault and how it can be prevented – whether that’s through education about healthy sexuality, consent, or bystander intervention.  NSVRC coordinates a national SAAM campaign complete with the resources and tools needed to hold an event or otherwise raise awareness. This makes it more accessible for communities, workplaces, and college campuses to develop their own programs related to preventing sexual assault.  Sexual Assault and Trauma The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) describes sexual violence/assault as “sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. It is a serious public health problem in the United States …

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Stress Awareness Month 2024

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sexual assault

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is Stress Awareness Month? Stress Awareness Month has been recognized during the month of April since 1992; it spreads awareness of the ways in which stress impacts our mental and physical health as well as urges us to find healthy ways to manage our own stress. What is stress and how does it impact us? What exactly is stress? According to the American Psychological Association, stress is defined as “the physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors. Stress involves changes affecting nearly every system of the body, influencing how people feel and behave” (2024). In other words, stress is our own response to stimuli (stressors). Stress can be acute (responses to short term stressors) or chronic (response to ongoing, long term stressors), and not all stress is bad. Some stress can help us better navigate situations such as job interviews or help us …

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4 Benefits of Group Therapy

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sexual assault

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Group Therapy Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy involving one or more mental health professionals working with several people at the same time. In group therapy settings, clients often reinforce and develop support networks, learn and practice coping skills, and build interpersonal skills. Group therapy is often used to treat mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, etc.), substance use disorders, and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.). Group therapy is also appropriate for people navigating similar challenges such as motherhood, grief due to a loss, bullying in adolescence, and many other lived experiences. Benefits of Group Therapy Group therapy has many benefits, some of which are outlined below: More Affordable Group therapy can be a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional, individual talk therapy. Group therapy is often less expensive than individual therapy, even …

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What to Expect After Ketamine Treatment for Depression

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression

If you have treatment-resistant depression, you may be interested in what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression. After receiving ketamine treatment for depression, many patients may experience rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, with some reporting relief within hours to days. This treatment can lead to varied outcomes, including enhanced mood, increased motivation, and improved emotional stability. However, discussing potential side effects and long-term outcomes with a healthcare provider is essential. Depression often leads individuals into a seemingly endless tunnel with no light in sight, especially when traditional treatments fail to provide relief. Ketamine treatment emerges as a beacon of hope, offering rapid and significant improvements where other methods have not succeeded. Understanding the outcomes and navigating the journey post-treatment is crucial for those considering this path. This article explores what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression. What to Expect After Ketamine Treatment for Depression When considering ketamine treatment …

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How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect the Brain?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Smiling woman after asking how does bipolar disorder affect the brain

How does bipolar disorder affect the brain? Bipolar disorder impacts the brain by causing alterations in mood regulation mechanisms, neurotransmitter levels, and neural circuitry. This can lead to significant mood swings, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Studies suggest changes in brain volume and activity, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation and cognitive function, contributing to the symptoms and challenges associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that significantly impact an individual’s life. These mood fluctuations correlate with profound changes in brain structure and function, affecting emotional regulation, energy levels, and cognitive processes. Fortunately, bipolar disorder treatment can help stabilize mood swings, reduce episode severity and frequency, and improve daily functioning. This article explores a common question we hear – how does bipolar disorder affect the brain? How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect the Brain? Bipolar disorder, marked by …

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