Blog

With a current spotlight on police brutality amongst people of color in our country, it’s important to discuss the mental health effects these traumatic interactions can have on those affected. Police brutality has been defined as the use of excessive physical force or verbal assault and psychological intimidation by law enforcement. Excessive use of force by aggressive police officers often result in increased rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as overall lower well-being, lower self-regard, and ill health, particularly among minority populations.

My name is Brooke Cornett and I am a sophmore at Purdue University Northwest. Having dealt with ADD and ADHD in school as a child, and now studying Psych and Mental Health in college, I can offer an interesting perspective on the subject. I have had to, by trial and error, test these methods on myself growing up and now am in the position to study their effectiveness on a broader scale through the University.

Addiction is often thought of as a decision or selfish behavior. What if I told you that the process of addiction is an automatic unconscious process of the brain that acts like a reflex? Dopamine is a big player in how the brain works and continues cycles of addiction. Dopamine is released in abundant amounts while using drugs or engaging in compulsive behaviors (e.g. gambling, sex, and compulsive eating.) But dopamine is also released as a reaction to stress, which creates the cycle of addiction.

Talking with your children about their body and sex can be uncomfortable for many parents. However, the earlier your talk with your children about human development and puberty, the more open your children may be to coming to you about questions or concerns as they get older.

For parents who are separated or divorced, navigating child custody and visitation can be challenging even in the best circumstances. In times of stress such as the COVID-19 pandemic, everything can suddenly become more complicated.

The COVID-19 outbreak has forced school closures across the country. Suddenly, parents and caregivers are being turned into homeschoolers, creating makeshift schedules and study tables as parents worry about their children losing academic progress. These concerns are heightened for parents of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and other special needs.

Being stuck inside during this time can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. Setting an intention for physical exercise can not only keep you busy but can improve your overall wellbeing. There are plenty of physical activities that can keep you busy during this otherwise boring and uncertain time.

Everyday life is rapidly changing for all of us during this pandemic. Uncertainty is looming around every corner. On top of all the stressors and issues that originally brought you to therapy, there are new stressors and fears being added as a result of this pandemic. In addition to now having practice social distancing, employers are temporarily closing their doors - adding to financial stress; much-needed supplies aren't available for purchase, and of course the fear of our well-being and the ones we love.

Half of all adults in the United States have at least one chronic illness. This can range from around 20% of people ages 45 to 64 and jumps to 80% of people over the age of 65. With these rates, about 45% of adults help aid a loved one with a chronic condition at some point in their life. Chronic illnesses are those that are not immediately curable and are present for an extended period of time. Some of the most common examples in the United States include diabetes, chronic headaches or migraine, epilepsy, arthritis, and asthma.