In early 2025, I called out 10 major trends shaping the behavioral health (BH) landscape: integration of behavioral and physical health, mental health parity, digital health and AI, federal policy shifts, prevention, vulnerable populations, workforce development, and overdose prevention. At that time, it seemed that the field was at a critical juncture; integration of behavioral…
Narcissistic personality disorder is a chronic condition known for its lack of empathy, need for admiration, and pervasive pattern of grandiosity. This condition affects approximately 1% to 2% of the general population, with higher rates found among those engaging in mental health treatment. Those who seek treatment often reach out for help because of a…
Returning to work, at a new job, after experiencing burnout, before you have had a chance to recover, is a slippery slope. It’s in your best interest to leave a positive impression in the new work environment and potentially form meaningful connections. This new setting might not align with your vision of a perfect job,…
Pop-psychology, stripped down into soundbites and chemical buzzwords, is turning complex human emotions into quick explanations and in many cases, encouraging people to self-diagnose before they’ve had the chance to understand themselves. This isn’t mental health literacy. It is emotional oversimplification dressed as empowerment. Why not every feeling is a diagnosis, and not every emotional…
Grief is a complicated thing. Just when you think you have a handle on it, it pops up to rear its ugly head. And, as if that isn’t hard enough, the littlest and most unexpected things can trigger it. A distinct smell, a savory taste, or the notes to a beloved song can instantly bring…
The holiday season is overwhelming on social media. Your Instagram or Facebook feed is probably filled with perfect photos of happy family times, big gifts, and beautifully decorated homes. But don’t be fooled, what you see online isn’t always the whole story. Just because someone is posting perfect holiday moments doesn’t mean they’re having the……
Change can feel risky for the brain. Many people want a new habit. Yet, they meet resistance and setbacks when stress rises, and doubt grows. So, the mind turns to the old path because it feels safe. Resistance shows up as a delay. You put off a call. You skip the gym. Next, you may…
I really didn’t mean to abandon this blog but the last four months have been completely miserable, healthwise. Less than a week after I last posted, I started experiencing what felt like electric shocks in my lower back. It was so painful that, at times, all I could do was scream. Even when the electric-shock-like…
My little firecracker is all of a sudden a decade and a half old. I can’t believe that in another six months she’ll be driving, with me in the passenger seat holding on for dear life. I could wait another couple of years for that, but of course she’s already counting the days. This spring…
For so many, the holiday season can bring about feelings of depression, complicated family dynamics, grief, or the quiet ache of being alone when joy feels mandatory. In this solo episode, I’m talking about why loneliness can feel heavier this time of year, the many reasons we may find ourselves alone, and how to care…