Does Aromatherapy Work In Recovery?
A few weeks ago I was the very proud recipient of a spa basket at a raffle. The basket was full of relaxing goodies, including a box of assorted teas. Honestly, I did not think much of the teas, but I was excited to have won anything, so I wanted to make use of it . . . . Continue Reading
Should You Tell Your Employer About Your Depression?
Mental health issues like depression can be debilitating. Anyone who has experienced clinical depression knows that there is a difference between the occasional sad mood and feelings of deep despair. Often, these feelings of depression can hinder a person from being functional at work. However, because depression has such a huge stigma, it is . . . . Continue Reading
How to Survive College Life Sober
Worried about sober college life? You are not alone. Movie after movie depicts college life as a time full of boozing up and drug experimentation for the newly independent adult. However, not everyone’s story has to go like that. You can still get the most of your college experience and stay sober doing so! Many . . . . Continue Reading
Why We Seek Instant Gratification and How to Stop
Addiction often stems from the desire to seek instant gratification, even if it is unwise. Instant gratification may seem like the perfect idea in the moment but over time, seeking instant gratification is a major mistake. The problem with seeking instant gratification is it becomes insatiable. What is instant gratification? Instant gratification is the desire . . . . Continue Reading
Bipolar Disorder: What You Need To Know
While the occasional up and down mood is a normal part of life, those with bipolar disorder go through extreme mood changes that can significantly affect their quality of life. During episodes of mania and depression, some people with bipolar disorder learn to use substances to self-medicate. Because of this, bipolar disorder and drug addiction . . . . Continue Reading
Many Mothers Struggle With PTSD After a Traumatic Childbirth
Some women experience labor so challenging that the experience results in postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. This usually occurs from a real or perceived trauma during delivery or postpartum. Types of trauma includes: Prolapsed cord Unplanned C-section Use of vacuum extractor or forceps to deliver the baby Baby going to NICU Feelings of powerlessness, . . . . Continue Reading
How Much Does Weather Affect Our Mood?
Rain, Rain go away! Come again some other day! The past week in South Florida has been a rainy one, and I noticed it had a significant effect on my mood. My energy was lower, and I wanted more than anything to take a nap. All this rainy weather had me wondering how much weather affects . . . . Continue Reading
Why Your Digestive Health is Crucial in Recovery
In the beginning, your main focus in recovery should be staying sober by any means possible. However, once you are more secure in your sobriety, the next step is to focus on your digestive health. Why? Well, in case you did not already know, drug use severely impacts your digestive health. When you come off those drugs, . . . . Continue Reading
Is Being a Night Owl All That Bad?
Rise and shine! Oh, the morning time. How I love thee… Not! I hate to admit it, but I am not a morning person. I wished for so many years that I would become one, but it still has not happened yet. While I may have morning “phases,” I have never been a regular morning . . . . Continue Reading
Antidepressant Use More Than Doubles After Weight-Loss Surgery
A recent Danish study found that gastric bypass patients’ prescription drug use decreased after surgery. However, the use of psychiatric drugs like antidepressants more than doubled. Why could this be? Researchers studied over 9,000 Danish patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, currently the most common weight-loss surgery used today. They examined the prescription drug . . . . Continue Reading