Our thought life has incredible power and influence over our behaviors, and the intensity, direction, and quality of our thoughts can manifest in healthy and unhealthy ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn much-needed attention to the importance of maintaining good mental health and reaching out for support when necessary. However, despite the increased conversation and focus … Read More
For individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder, the ability to recognize and avoid triggers can be an essential skill. But no matter how hard you work or how diligently you prepare, sometimes it’s impossible to remove yourself from situations or experiences that threaten your sobriety. For example, we know that excessive … Read More
There was a time in my life, after my recovery, when I was in a position in which very little about my role, my life, where I would be traveling the next day, and who I spent time with was under my control. The job of Miss America may seem very glamorous and exciting, but being on the road most days of the … Read More
As we continue to practice social distancing and attempt to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus is on protecting our physical health and preventing an overwhelming toll on many of our medical and surgical hospitals. But as new cases diminish, effective treatments become reality, and – eventually – a vaccine becomes available, there will … Read More
I am an introvert in the truest sense of the word. I hate small talk, love deep and meaningful conversation, thrive on my alone time, and have a very vivid thought life. While I am very much a “people person” and have chosen a field of work in which I am interpersonally engaged all day long, … Read More
The outbreak of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, is introducing new words and phrases to our daily vocabularies. It’s also forcing us to rediscover the meaning of concepts that we haven’t used regularly for decades – or, in some cases, centuries. The phrase “social distancing” wasn’t exactly part of the lexicon until recent weeks. Now we’re … Read More
According to a new study reported in the journal JAMA Network Open, the rate of alcohol-induced deaths among women increased between 3.1% and 3.6% a year from 2000 to 2016. Deaths for men increased 1.4% to 1.8% each year. Statistics report that the rates have particularly accelerated in recent years, with the average annual increase for … Read More
The journey to recovery from an eating disorder can be a lonely one. After an initial diagnosis can come the exhausting search for treatment, battles with insurers, a fumbling in the dark for answers and resources, and little connection to other individuals and families who are also battling the illness. Additionally, there is the feeling that if one speaks … Read More
There has been a lot of conversation in recent months about vaping and its impact on health. What is really in the vape liquid? Usually this liquid contains various milligrams of nicotine. It’s important to note that while nicotine is an addictive substance, it is noncancerous. Flavoring is a common ingredient in vape liquids. It … Read More
The holiday decorations have come down, everyone is back to busy work and school schedules, and we have all settled in for a few dark months before spring. This time of year can be incredibly challenging: The days are short, sunlight can be rare, and many parts of the country can be frigid. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is recognized in the fifth edition of … Read More
