Skin picking; nail biting; hair pulling… It’s not uncommon to occasionally fuss with our hair or pick at an annoying scab. For some people, however, that fussing turns into a compulsive behavior that is both destructive and embarrassing. From constantly biting one’s nails to cutting one’s skin when strong emotions hit, these repetitive behaviors often…
With the popularity of reality TV shows, many personal and family struggles have become the fodder for discussion. Television shows which highlight the plight of hoarders is just one example of this phenomenon. The interest has also brought on questions such as what is the difference between a person who compulsively hoards things and the…
The use of alcohol by teens is a multi-faceted problem. The immediate effects of alcohol can result in an increased likelihood of injury, risky sexual behaviors and problems with academic achievement. Use of alcohol by teens may also create a rift in the parent-child relationship.
Many teens struggle with depression or anxiety, but may not realize that what they are encountering is more than typical teenage angst. Much of the confusion may come from a general belief that the teenage years are filled with mood swings and overwhelming social situations, from dating to friendships.
A 2011 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that fewer teens today are drinking alcohol than in previous years. Things are looking up, but teens are still in jeopardy of harming their health, their future life, and endangering the lives of others because of alcohol use. According to the Substance…
Holiday cheer can be particularly difficult to muster when you’re prone to or currently battling depression. If you’re already living with symptoms of depression like fatigue, insomnia, sadness, or severe pessimism, this time of year can make you feel even more overwhelmed than usual. Even if your symptoms are generally under control, holiday strain has…
The transition to the teenage years is marked with a significant change in the influences over a young person’s life. An individual may have had only their parents as major forces contributing to their thoughts and decisions as they completed elementary school. When it is time to go on to middle and high school, teens…
With a literal and figurative wave of natural disasters on our shores and an uptick in violence against U.S. citizens and soldiers around the globe, understanding how to best treat PTSD is vital. The condition is triggered by experienced trauma, but it can quickly grow in severity as the person mentally rehearses the event(s) over…
Stories of violence or suicide related to bullying have gained national attention in recent years. While school bullies have been around as far back as the one room schoolhouse, the impact of bullying seems to have intensified. Even if the victim does not succumb to violence in response, the damage done can be significant. A…
Though predominantly a female problem, anorexia nervosa is not exclusively a female one because men do suffer from the condition as well. Yet, some wonder if there are subtle gender biases which prevent the condition from being recognized in men. Further, the public image of the condition as an overwhelmingly female problem may prevent men…