Research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 14% of adults had difficulty falling asleep almost every day or every day in the last month — and nearly 18% had a hard time staying asleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to any number of mental and physical health issues. Studies show inadequate sleep can cause things like an increased risk of obesity, a decline in cognitive function, and a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity. In short, sleep is essential for our health and well-being. Fortunately, if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, there’s a simple, eff ..read more

Research done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that at least 1 out of every 7 children experienced neglect or abuse in the last year (although this number is believed to be much higher since so many cases of childhood abuse go unreported). It’s estimated that more than two-thirds of children go through one or more traumatic events by age 16. Trauma in childhood can stem from various adverse experiences such as abuse, violence, neglect, loss, or exploitation. These intense events can lead to significant psychological and emotional responses, impacting a child’s development and we ..read more

Trigger warning: This article discusses mental health issues and suicide, but we believe having difficult conversations and discussing these topics in respectful and non-stigmatizing ways is important. If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation, please:  Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 (800) 273-8255 Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Use these resources to get immediate help. A mental health crisis involves an urgent, heightened state of distress that poses an immediate risk to an individual’s well-being or the safety of those a ..read more

Sleep therapy — sometimes called sleep counseling or sleep psychology — is a type of therapy that focuses explicitly on diagnosing and treating unhealthy sleep quality and patterns. It uses a variety of effective therapeutic techniques to help you get better sleep by improving sleep hygiene to manage conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and other sleep conditions.  Sleep therapy uses cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation exercises as a way of improving sleep habits, and some people benefit from the use of medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.  Con ..read more

Finding out you have a chronic medical condition— an illness that lasts for a year or longer — can be devastating — and scary. Dealing with chronic illness is challenging, especially in the beginning. It can take a toll on your mental health in addition to whatever physical symptoms you’re learning to manage.  When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, you suddenly need to deal with things like symptom management and the impact your illness will have on your quality of life. You might need to start taking medicine, grapple with new physical limitations, or deal with the general uncert ..read more

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly challenging moment, filled with a mix of intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, and sadness. It’s a profound personal journey not just for you, but also for your loved ones. Remember, you’re not alone in this. As you begin to process this news, discovering coping skills can be a crucial support, helping you navigate the uncertainty ahead. These may include sharing your feelings with friends, family, or a professional therapist, engaging in your favorite hobbies, or focusing on self-care. What you’re facing may seem overwhelming, but remember ..read more

When a parent says, “I have cancer,” it shakes your world in an instant. Parents are our anchors, the ones who have nurtured and supported us through life’s ups and downs. The psychological impact of having a parent with cancer can launch you into uncharted emotional waters. It’s completely natural to find yourself swept up in a storm of emotions. Whether it’s fear, anger, denial, sadness, resentment, or guilt, every feeling is valid. There’s no right or wrong way to process and cope with a cancer diagnosis. While there’s no guidebook for coping when a parent has cancer, there are some things ..read more

Research suggests that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced at least 1 form of physical abuse by a partner. Deciding to leave an abusive relationship is an emotionally daunting experience. The journey can be filled with uncertainty, and the road isn’t always easy. However, recovering from an abusive relationship can be empowering — it can help you regain self-confidence and rebuild your self-worth.  Learning how to heal from an abusive relationship takes time, and while it can be lonely at times, it’s important to keep in mind that you have people in your corner. Remind yourself ..read more

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help teens identify unhealthy and unhelpful thought and behavior patterns so they can change them. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and emotions are intrinsically linked to our behavior. That is, how we behave is more related to our thought process than it is to external factors or environments.  Cognitive behavioral therapy for teens helps replace a negative thought pattern with a healthier, more productive one. Because it’s so individually driven, CBT can be an excellent type of therapy for teens — the process c ..read more

Microaggressions are subtle, indirect forms of discrimination that can be either intentional or unintentional. You can encounter microaggressions in various situations and settings, including the workplace, academic arenas, or personal relationships.  Knowing how to deal with microaggressions can be tricky — it requires a delicate balance of being confident and asserting yourself while being able to maintain the relationship. With the right strategies, though, you can effectively handle these inappropriate and dangerous interactions.  Use our tips to prepare for when and how to resp ..read more