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Search Results for: self care

National Fentanyl Awareness Day 2024

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fentanyl awareness

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. National Fentanyl Awareness Day 2024 May 7, 2024 is the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day. This day unites parents, teachers,  individuals, community groups, corporations, influencers, and government entities to help put an end to this national public health crisis. People, notably young people, are taking illicitly manufactured fentanyl without even being aware and dying at frightening rates as a result. “Last year, over 70,000 Americans fatally overdosed on illegally made fentanyl. Fentanyl is now found in fake pills and many street drugs, but users are often unaware that their drugs contain the potent opioid. This is an urgent public health crisis that puts all of us, and our loved ones, at risk. We all must play a role in preventing further tragedies” (National Fentanyl Awareness Day, 2024) What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970 …

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Stress Awareness Month 2024

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fentanyl awareness

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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The Difference Between Borderline and Bipolar Disorders

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woman talking to therapist about the difference between borderline and bipolar

What is the difference between borderline and bipolar disorders? People may confuse borderline and bipolar disorder due to them having two or three similar symptoms. However, they are very different, each with unique characteristics that help professionals diagnose and treat them appropriately. Borderline, a personality disorder, and bipolar, a mood disorder, can have a severe impact on someone’s life and interfere with daily functioning if left untreated. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are two of the more common mental illnesses. One of the signature traits of BPD is a person’s inability to regulate their emotions. With BD, a person’s mood changes in cycles from depression to mania. Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial to avoid the adverse effects of both disorders. This article explores the difference between borderline and bipolar. What is Borderline Personality Disorder? The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1.4% of Americans have …

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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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How to Help Someone with OCD

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
how to help someone with OCD

Interested in learning how to help someone with OCD? Helping someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves learning more about the mental health disorder, including recognizing the signs, symptoms, causes or risk factors, and various treatments available. You learn how to replace enabling behaviors with helpful support. You can also learn how to help them find the right type of treatment, which may include medication, therapy, alternative therapies, and self-care. People with OCD often struggle silently, feeling trapped by their thoughts and rituals. Acknowledging this challenge is the first step toward offering meaningful support. By learning about OCD and engaging in open, nonjudgmental conversations, you can encourage them to explore the benefits of seeking professional psychiatry and therapy in Los Angeles. This article explores how to help someone with OCD. How to Help Someone with OCD Supporting someone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be challenging, as it requires a delicate balance …

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