What is Mental Health and Wellness? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health is defined as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.” But practicing good mental health is… Continue reading Prioritizing You: Self-Care Strategies for Mental Health and Wellness
Category: Bipolar disorder
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding, Coping, and Thriving
What is Bipolar Disorder? An estimated “4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bipolar disorder, formerly referred to as manic depression, is a mental disorder where people experience extreme mood swings. Most people with bipolar experience extremely high highs (known as… Continue reading Bipolar Disorder: Understanding, Coping, and Thriving
Prioritizing Mental Health: Insights for World Mental Health Day
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This day allows stakeholders working in mental health around the world to talk about their work and “what more needs… Continue reading Prioritizing Mental Health: Insights for World Mental Health Day
Balancing Act: Managing Your Mental Illness While Parenting
Mental Illness Can Impact Anyone, Including Parents Mental disorders are conditions that impact how a person experiences the world. These conditions can impact how you think, feel, and act. It may even impact how you cope with events, employment, and interpersonal relationships. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, truly. No matter your age, gender, or… Continue reading Balancing Act: Managing Your Mental Illness While Parenting
Sleep and Mental Health: The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep for a Sound Mind
We all know that when we don’t sleep for an extended period of time our physical health suffers. We feel groggy, lethargic, and have difficulty concentrating. But sleep deprivation is not just a detriment to our bodies. It also takes a huge toll on our minds. According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, there… Continue reading Sleep and Mental Health: The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep for a Sound Mind
Building Resilience: Finding Strength During the Mental Health Struggle
What is Resilience? Resilience is a critical part of navigating mental health challenges. According to the American Psychological Association, “Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.” But… Continue reading Building Resilience: Finding Strength During the Mental Health Struggle
Health news: What’s making headlines in June
In case you missed it, check out this round up of some of the stories making headlines in June… Parkinson’s disease: Apple Watch will now be able to monitor PD: Tech developers announced this month that the Apple Watch will now be able to track two common PD symptoms — tremors and dyskinesia —… Continue reading Health news: What’s making headlines in June
Parenting with bipolar II: Alysia’s story
Meet Alysia, a member of the 2018 PatientsLikeMe Team of Advisors who’s living with bipolar II disorder. Here’s what she had to say about parenting with a mental health condition, learning to adapt and how she “defies the odds.” When I was younger I wrote stories about my alter ego who had kids. I lived almost… Continue reading Parenting with bipolar II: Alysia’s story
The benefits of just a bit of exercise (+”forest bathing”?)
If frequent, long workouts aren’t in the cards, here’s some good news: A new research analysis based on decades’ of studies shows the potential mental health perks of even just a smidgen of light exercise. Also, see the results of a Japanese study on something called “forest bathing.” Exercise linked to good vibes “Even a Little Exercise… Continue reading The benefits of just a bit of exercise (+”forest bathing”?)
Lights out: Bedtime tips to help you sleep through the night
Do you have a bedtime routine? Sleep is a challenge for many members in the mental health community — over 3,000 PatientsLikeMe members say they have difficulty sleeping through the night. Establishing a regular bedtime and better sleep hygiene is one way to help manage restless nights. Check out some pointers from around the web, and hear… Continue reading Lights out: Bedtime tips to help you sleep through the night