Nearly half of all Americans have tried to lose weight via dieting in the past 12 months, a rate that is even higher among women. Not quite half of college-age women dieted to lose weight, but 44% is still a troubling statistic when you consider the proclivity for that same group to engage in disordered … Read More
I was in a conversation with someone recently who was describing how difficult it was to communicate with a family member. She felt misunderstood and the more she tried to make that family member understand, the worse the conversation went. As we explored it further, I came to understand that the family member also wanted … Read More
The reflective periods that come with the end of a year and the beginning of a new one can be a wonderful time to sow dreams for the future, identify patterns of behavior, and set goals for our personal and professional life. While changing seasons and new years’ celebrations can bring much hope, they can … Read More
The debate about how to prevent and prepare for school shootings in America continues to be brought up. Some believe that active shooter drills save lives. However, some experts and parents believe that there isn’t enough evidence to prove the effectiveness of these drills, and they fear that the drills may be causing emotional harm … Read More
The mental health toll of the pandemic has hit America’s young people the hardest. Symptoms of depression and anxiety have doubled as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, as 25% of youths have experienced depressive symptoms and 20% have struggled with signs of anxiety, according to an advisory released by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. … Read More
Opioid use disorder is a growing concern in the United States, especially for teens and young adults. New research indicates that a history of substance use and mental health concerns may increase the risk for opioid misuse in young people. These findings also prove that education about the warning signs for these conditions can help … Read More
The other day I was speaking with one of our residents and I heard her say, “I just want to feel better.” Who wouldn’t? She had shared with me some of the things she was struggling with and my heart went out to her. But, as much as I would have liked to help relieve … Read More
One of the most common themes that I have observed working with people is the negative attitude they hold toward themselves. So often I hear the words, “I’m worthless,” or “I’m bad,” or “I don’t deserve….” What is striking about those words is they just don’t seem to fit the people who are saying them. … Read More
Taking part in residential treatment can be an essential step toward recovery from an eating disorder. But a person’s recovery journey doesn’t end when they transition out of residential care. The day an adolescent girl or adult woman enters the residential program at Timberline Knolls, we begin planning for her eventual discharge. We want to … Read More
One of the biggest burdens of the holiday season is that it can get overwhelming, fast. The schedule fills up, expectations are high, anxiety creeps in, the days get shorter and darker, and it can feel as though stumbling blocks to recovery are everywhere. Trying to maintain a balanced outlook, emotional health and a stable … Read More
