Yes, Stress Really Can Make You Sick —Here’s Why
Can Stress Really Make Us Sick? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection Yes—chronic stress can absolutely impact your physical health. In fact, 60% to 80% of primary care visits involve stress-related concerns. Health psychologists like Dr. Julia Kogan and functional medicine specialists like Dr. Patricia Mills explain that prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the […]
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a serious mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life. Unlike occasional sadness, depression is persistent and can lead to emotional, physical, and cognitive challenges, impacting work, relationships, and overall well-being. Symptoms include persistent feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest […]
Is Adrenal Fatigue Real? Here’s What Medical Experts Have to Say
The term “adrenal fatigue” is often incorrectly used to explain chronic exhaustion, stress, and burnout, but according to experts like Dr. Raj Dasgupta, it is not a recognized medical diagnosis. Research has shown that the adrenal glands don’t simply “wear out” from stress, and there is no scientific evidence supporting the concept of adrenal fatigue. […]
7 Ways Spring Cleaning Is Good for Your Mental Health
As winter fades and spring emerges, many embrace the tradition of spring cleaning—not just as a household chore but as an act of self-care. Beyond the obvious physical benefits of a cleaner space, research suggests that decluttering can significantly boost mental well-being. Many people report feeling less stressed and more accomplished after tidying up, making […]
How to Know If You Are in a Healthy Relationship
Relationships are rarely flawless; they’re a blend of both healthy and unhealthy elements. Yet, while we often discuss the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, we tend to overlook what defines a healthy one. Healthy relationships thrive on respect, trust, honest communication, and mutual support. Shifting our focus to these positive aspects helps us cultivate stronger, […]
Can You Have a Delayed Reaction to Grief?
Grief typically unfolds through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While it begins with denial and ends with acceptance, the journey is rarely linear. According to San Francisco therapist Dr. Avigail Lev, individuals often move back and forth between stages—shifting from anger to bargaining, returning to depression, and so on. These stages provide […]
10 Sneaky Signs Stress Is Showing Up in Your Body
You’re probably familiar with the word stress, but you might not have heard of overstress. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines stress as the physical and emotional reactions to challenges or stressors. This can manifest as physical symptoms like a racing heart or emotional responses like irritability (more on that shortly). Stress is an unavoidable […]
Marijuana and Lung Health
Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug, with its health effects largely determined by how it’s consumed. It can be smoked using pipes, bongs, joints, blunts, and vaporizers or consumed through products like e-cigarettes, candy, brownies, beverages, and capsules. While this discussion centers on marijuana and lung health, it’s crucial to recognize other health concerns, […]
Is Anxiety a Mental Illness?
Anxiety is a natural part of life that everyone experiences at some point, whether it’s feeling nervous before a big event, getting butterflies in your stomach, or dwelling on a stressful situation. While these feelings can be uncomfortable, occasional anxiety is not considered a mental illness. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, and significantly impacts […]
School work identified as key stressor for AAPI youth
Mental health challenges among AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) youth have often been overlooked due to a lack of research and attention to their unique struggles. A recent study by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), titled “Beyond the Surface: Understanding Mental Health Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Youth,” sheds […]