Category: Mental Health Matters

In keeping with the theme of suicide, in honor of September being Suicide Prevention Month, it is important to learn to become comfortable with addressing the subject, especially if it is impacting someone you know or love....

September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo topic. According to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), “We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope...

Are you familiar with the term imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the psychological experience of feeling like a “fake” or a “phony” despite any genuine success that you have achieved. It can show up in the context of work,...

When someone hurts us, it can be difficult to move past the pain and forgive them. But what is forgiveness? Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of...

Survivors’ guilt is a particular kind of guilt that develops in people who have survived a life-threatening situation. Some survivors feel guilty that they survived when others died. Others believe they could have done more to...

Even with the various mental health treatment modalities available, there is a disproportionate difference between the number of males experiencing mental health disorders and those seeking treatment. The stereotype that men...

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) was once known as multiple personality disorder and is a rare and extremely controversial diagnosis. DID is characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring...

The word schizophrenia derives from Latin and literally means a “split or fragmented mind.” Contrary to popular opinion, it does not mean a split personality: this is a separate condition altogether known as dissociative...

In this final segment relating to the impact of social media on mental health, we will explore ways to navigate social media in a healthy manner. The first is to support a healthy online community. Before you comment, let your...

We are constantly being bombarded with “red flags” and warnings regarding many aspects of our lives, yet we rarely encounter “green flags” that serve to demonstrate something positive, in this case, healthy things about a...

By Christina Martinez, LCSWContributing Writer The term gaslighting is often used to call out manipulative behavior. Moreover, gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse and mental manipulation that has you questioning your...

by Christina Martinez, LCSW In 1997, Don Miguel Ruiz wrote the book “The Four Agreements-A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom.” In the book, Ruiz recounts the indigenous teaching of a Toltec elder which transformed his outlook...