A leading characteristic of depression is a persistent sense of apathy, as if nothing you do matters and there is no joy in your life. While occasionally experiencing some level of apathy might not be cause for concern, ongoing sadness and an inability to take pleasure in things could signify that you have major depressive…
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Some amount of stress can have positive effects by giving you more motivation to complete work and enhancing your problem-solving abilities. But chronic, prolonged stress can be overwhelming, leading to burnout. Chronic stress can adversely affect your physical and mental health, causing issues like anxiety, insomnia, body aches, high blood pressure and a compromised immune…
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Fentanyl is a human-made opioid that is similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent. Once relatively unknown outside hospitals, synthetic fentanyl has made its way into the North American drug supply from manufacturers who produce it in illegal labs. Because it is fast-acting and powerful, fentanyl has a high potential for abuse…
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Doctors frequently prescribe stimulants like Adderall to help their patients with ADHD and narcolepsy stay mentally sharp, alert and energetic. When used as prescribed, Adderall can provide more focus and clarity to people with these specific health disorders. However, for people without ADHD or narcolepsy, using Adderall without a prescription is dangerous and illegal. Read…
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In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis use with passage of the Compassionate Use Act. Today, Californians can legally purchase marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Many people use cannabis because they believe it is harmless and has no potential for addiction, but that isn’t the case for everyone. If you…
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The disease of addiction can affect anyone, even highly accomplished professionals. Despite enjoying abundant career success, you may privately struggle with alcohol abuse while carefully maintaining an illusion that you have it all. If you are an ambitious, driven person, your job is likely a foundational part of your identity. Worries that the business you’ve…
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Alcohol is the most frequently used drug in the U.S. It’s easy to buy, and there is no social stigma around drinking to relax and have fun. Sadly, these factors make people vulnerable to developing substance use disorders and related health conditions. Self-medicating with alcohol may seem like a simple solution, but the adverse effects…
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While getting a divorce can be stressful and cause grief, it’s not healthy to maintain a relationship that’s no longer mutually beneficial. Realizing you cannot stay with a partner you originally made a lifetime commitment to is emotionally challenging, but it does not mean you have failed. Sometimes people grow apart and need to separate…
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American culture prioritizes a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude, while devaluing leisure time and relaxation. Technology like smartphones has caused many professionals to feel increasingly pressured to be “always on.” Even on vacation, people feel they must bring their laptops and stay connected to their colleagues. As a result of this mindset, you…
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Before PTSD had an official name and diagnostic criteria, British psychologist Charles Samuel Myers coined the term “shell shock” to summarize the array of symptoms seen in veterans returning home from the battlefields of WWI. Other outdated names for PTSD include “battle fatigue” and “war neurosis.” However, we now know that serving in combat is…
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