Archive for August, 2014

If you know anyone heading off to college, take note: studies have shown that depression can be contagious among college roommates. Negative thinking styles that make people vulnerable to depression can “spread” from one student to another. Help the college student in your life keep from “catching” the cognitive vulnerability with these tips.

1. Spend time around positive people. The influence of cognitive vulnerability can go both ways, and hanging out with optimistic people can help counteract the effects of a ...

Despite making huge advances in the way our society views mental health, mental illness does still carry a stigma. The recent suicide of Robin Williams has paved the way for discussions about depression, addiction and bipolar disorder, but we still have a long way to go before mental illness is as widely accepted and understood as fighting physical illnesses.

No one should ever be ashamed to seek help from behavioral health services available to them. There are many misconceptions surrounding ...

As humans, the ability to control our impulses and urges helps to distinguish us from other species. But people who have an impulse control disorder struggle with the ability that most of us take for granted. Impulse control disorders include things like kleptomania (stealing), pyromania (setting fires), pathological gambling, uncontrollable outbursts of rage and trichotillomania (pulling out and/or eating of one’s own hair). Committing the acts gives the affected people gratification and relief, but afterwards they often feel guilt and ...

Many of us spend a lot of time with our close friends, so it’s only natural to notice if someone’s behavior seems “off.” You might think it would be overstepping your boundaries to talk to your friend about mental health, but in fact, offering your support may mean everything. Obviously, anyone with a possible mental illness should seek out behavioral health services for assistance.

The three most important things you can do for your friend are:

1. Schedule a talk in ...