Many physicians prescribe antidepressants for individuals with mood disorders such as anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. In certain circumstances, medication is only necessary for a short time, while other diagnoses might require a change in the prescription dosage or a different type as part of effective long-term treatment. If you need to stop taking antidepressants,...Read More

According to the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH), approximately 30 percent of U.S. reserve and active military personnel—roughly 730,000 women and men—returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have mental health conditions requiring treatment, including PTSD and depression. However, less than 50 percent receive the care they need. Why? The Hidden Culture Within American military ranks...Read More

When you experience anxiety, the last thing you want to hear is there’s nothing to be concerned about, or you should just snap out of it. Some people aren’t as familiar with the way anxiety about, well, everything (and nothing, sometimes) can linger just below the surface of daily life. Anxiety Disorders Are Common The...Read More

The following is a message from Kathleen Parrish, Cottonwood’s Senior Director of Clinical Operations and Community Outreach: I love to look at houses. I could spend entire weekends wandering through “Open House” events, admiring each home as though it were a museum. I love the stalwart charm of older homes with their unique fixtures and...Read More

Addiction isn’t the only reason to seek treatment at a professional facility. For people struggling with mental health issues, inpatient treatment centers often provide focused, dedicated care. Individuals who immerse themselves in such environments: Understand more about their conditions Receive concentrated therapeutic attention Learn better management techniques Establish habits of wellness for a healthier life...Read More

Statistics don’t help when you’re in pain. However, discovering how many other people face and overcome challenges with mental health disorders removes the stigma. Learning you’re not the only one might bolster your courage to seek proper treatment and move to a healthier point in life. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Established nearly 80...Read More

How to Help Someone with PTSD It can be hard to understand what exactly someone with PTSD is going through unless you have gone through it yourself. It may be difficult to see your loved one being more intense and less affectionate. You will see your loved one being more angry, irritable, not being trusting,...Read More

What Does it Mean to Be Bipolar? There are those that experience an unusual shift in mood such as one minute everything feels fine to next minute feeling lousy. Experiencing these behaviors can mean you have bipolar disorder. Going into treatment and taking your medication will help even out your moods so that you can...Read More

Foods to Eat and Avoid for Bipolar Patients Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual mood swings from highs to lows. What you eat or drink can affect the intensity of those mood swings with a healthy, balanced diet. According to the Journal of Psychiatric Research, patients with bipolar disorder should be careful...Read More

OCD and Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is having intense moments of energy, activity, and mood whereas Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is having unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations. According to the Journal of Affective Disorders study, more than 20% who have bipolar disorder have signs of OCD. It is important to have both of these disorders treated...Read More