Cultivating Emotional Agility: Six Small Changes That Will Help You ThriveHealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 16, 2020Just as developing strength and agility is crucial for physical fitness, the same is true for emotional fitness. In our culture, the strength part of the psychological equation is well understood, given that it’s often equated with having good coping skills and emotional resilience. But the perks of having emotional agility are not as widely…
Addiction and Dopamine Neurotransmitters: How Addiction WorksAddictionBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 15, 2020A number of scientific studies have revealed the complex workings of our brain’s motivation and reward center and how neurotransmitters, often referred to as the brain’s “feel-good chemicals,” are released when we desire something or experience pleasure. Our brains produce numerous natural neurotransmitters that play critical roles in our health and how we feel. The…
Embracing the ‘Failure’ of RelapseAddiction, Addiction Recovery, Addiction Treatment, RecoveryBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 14, 2020Relapse is more the rule than the exception in addiction recovery. In fact, relapse is considered a component of addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which says, “Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” Instead of viewing relapse as…
A Marketing Team’s One Word Promise for 2020Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Addiction TreatmentBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 13, 2020As we welcome in a new decade of promise and possibility, the Promises Behavioral Health marketing team has decided to toss out the old meaning of New Year’s Resolutions and focus on a one word theme to live and work towards this year. This one word promise will be accomplished through thoughtful actions and by…
Compulsive Skin Picking – What Is Dermatillomania?Mental HealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 13, 2020Dermatillomania, also known as skin picking disorder (SPD), is a serious problem in which an individual picks at their skin to the extent that it causes wounds. Many people don’t have an awareness of this condition but 2% to 3% of the population actually struggles with it. If you struggle with compulsive skin picking, you…
Meth Paranoia and Domestic Violence RatesAddiction, Drug Addiction, drug rehab, Substance AbuseBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 12, 2020Methamphetamine is a highly addictive, long-lasting chemical substance that affects the central nervous system and creates a feeling of intense euphoria in the user. Meth works by causing the brain to release very high levels of the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects attention, alertness, motivation, and motor function. Elevated dopamine releases may…
Guide to Mental Health AcronymsMental HealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 11, 2020Sometimes mental health acronyms can seem like a bowl of alphabet soup. OCD and ADHD. BPD and PTSD. It can be difficult to keep them all straight. Many mental health disorders have long, complicated names that are much easier to refer to once shortened, but this can cause difficulties for those who aren’t sure exactly…
Common Symptoms of Anger DisorderMental HealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 10, 2020Anger disorders can lead to aggressive, angry or violent behavior. While anger is a normal human emotion that happens to everyone sooner or later, it can sometimes get completely out of control. If the frequency and severity of angry episodes you are having make you feel like you have lost control of your life, you…
What Are the Major Symptoms of Atypical Depression?Depression, Mental HealthBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 8, 2020Atypical depression is the name for a specific form of major depression (major depressive disorder). Doctors and mental health experts call it “atypical” because it produces certain symptoms that differ from those normally associated with depression. Defining Major Depression Despite its name, the condition is not at all rare. In fact, it affects a large…
Helping First Responders Cope with TraumaMental Health, Professionals Treatment & Issues, Trauma & PTSDBy Promises Behavioral HealthJanuary 6, 2020 First responders frequently suffer a traumatic injury. Whether from a single event or the cumulative impact of several events over time, most first responders don’t realize or recognize the impact. How should first responders cope with trauma? A necessary approach to their life-saving work is: Do first, feel later. When drawing a weapon, running into…
