Dysthymia is a psychiatric condition that belongs to a larger group of conditions known as depressive disorders. People with the disorder have somewhat less severe forms of some of the symptoms found in people with major depressive disorder (major depression). However, by its very nature, dysthymia lasts for extended periods of time, and its overall …
Adjustment disorder is a general term used to describe several related forms of mental illness that can occur when people don’t recover from the effects of traumatic or stressful events within a certain amount of time. The specific symptoms of these conditions vary according to the severity of a person’s adjustment difficulties and the particular …
The personality disposition called perfectionism comes with pluses and minuses. Coupled with the right combination of other character traits, work habits, and values, it can help in achieving goals. What experts sometimes call “maladaptive” perfectionism, though, can actually hinder accomplishments and working relationships. It can be at this point where perfectionism becomes dysfunctional. How Perfectionism …
Co-occurring disorders are common in drug or alcohol addiction. Often, a person who has severe anxiety or depression is more likely to self-medicate by turning to alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms. As such, both conditions can turn into a disorder if left untreated. Furthermore, they can feed into each other and intensify the …
According to statistics, nearly 15 million adults in the U.S. struggle with depression. While that number alone is staggering, it doesn’t even tell us half the story when it comes to the condition’s actual impact. You see, the depression that directly afflicts millions also has a significant effect on those around them – their spouses, …
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 …
Living with a psychiatric disorder is challenging enough; interacting with people who are fearful or hold negative views of mental illness can make life even more difficult. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, you may find that it impacts the way others interact with you due to the stigma often associated with …
Everyone overeats at some point. It could be an extra helping at dinner or sampling every dessert at a wedding or eating for comfort after a tough day. Others set a New Year’s resolution to lose weight but they start, stop and never really let a new eating program take hold. All of these behaviors …
Problems associated with alcohol and depression are closely correlated. People who suffer from depression may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication. Long-term use may result in dependency. Every time a person gets depressed, they may reach for the bottle to cope with the symptoms of their condition. Alcohol abuse can, in turn, intensify …
Even the smallest childhood traumas can strongly influence our adult lives. We tend to think of early trauma as violence, sexual abuse, neglect and loss, or as something caused by major catastrophes, crimes or accidents. There are many different levels of overt trauma. However, there are subtle trauma effects that can lead to major consequences. …