Mental Health

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Mental Health: Finding the Help You Need

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If you notice periods of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes during the year, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

During Life's Journey See AllChildren See AllTeens See AllAdults See AllSeniors See All

Answers to Questions About Your Child's Mental Health in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Read on for helpful answers to common questions that can help you protect your child's mental health. ...more

Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

Common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem include poor grades in school, withdrawal from friends and family, and insomnia. ...more

Temper Tantrums in Behavior Issues

Temper tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. They often happen only with a parent. They are a way for the child to communicate their feelings. Read on to learn more. ...more

Lying and Stealing in Behavior Issues

Lying and stealing are common, but inappropriate, behaviors in school-aged children. Most of the time these behaviors will be outgrown. Here's what you should know. ...more

Conduct Disorder in Children in Behavior Disorders

Conduct disorder is a type of behavior disorder. It’s when a child has antisocial behavior. They may disregard basic social standards and rules. ...more

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children in Behavior Disorders

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavior disorder. It is mostly diagnosed in childhood. Children with ODD are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures. ...more

Medicines to Treat ADHD in Children in ADHD

Children who have ADHD are often given medicine as part of their treatment plan. The type of medicine most often chosen is a psychostimulant. Read on to learn more. ...more

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children in ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based, or neurodevelopmental, disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood. ...more

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children in Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a problem that affects a child's nervous system and growth and development. It often shows up during a child's first 3 years of life. ...more

What Every Parent Should Know About Immunizations in Autism

Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's healthcare provider. ...more

Separation Anxiety in Kids and Anxiety

Separation anxiety usually begins around 6 months of age. Babies may suddenly be afraid of familiar people, such as babysitters or grandparents. ...more

Your Child’s Separation Anxiety and School in Kids and Anxiety

The prospect of new experiences away from parents or other loved ones can be quite frightening, especially for younger children. These worries are a normal part of development for all children. ...more

When a Family Grieves in Kids and Tough Issues, Teens and Tough Issues

Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you get through the difficult times together. It may even help your family grow stronger. ...more

Helping Kids Cope with a Divorce in Kids and Tough Issues, Teens and Tough Issues

Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness, and embarrassment are common reactions to divorce for most children. ...more

Put Peer Pressure in Its Place in Kids and Confidence, Teens and Tough Issues

During the teen years, peer pressure can be very strong. It can push kids to do things that they don't really want to do. This pressure can come from friends or other kids at school. But parents can counter it, if they're ready to help. ...more

Raising Kids with Self-Esteem in Kids and Confidence, About Mental Health

Research shows that adolescents who grow up with high self-esteem are far less likely to abuse drugs or drink, compared with children who grow up without much sense of self-worth. ...more

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for Children in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

A psychiatric evaluation looks at the child's behaviors, when those behaviors happen, and what impact those behaviors have on school, family, and other relationships. ...more

Psychiatric Treatment Team in About Mental Health, About Mental Health, About Mental Health, About Mental Health

Team members may include a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse. Read on to learn more. ...more

Mood Disorders in Teens in Teens and Depression

Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. But mood disorders are more intense. They are harder to handle than normal feelings of sadness. Read on to learn more about these types of disorders in teens. ...more

Major Depression in Teens in Teens and Depression

Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns. ...more

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children in Teens and Anxiety

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. A child with OCD has obsessive thoughts that are not wanted. The thoughts are linked to fears, such as touching dirty objects. ...more

Phobias in Children in Teens and Anxiety

A phobia is an excessive fear of a certain object or situation. It's a fear that lasts for at least 6 months. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Bulimia Nervosa in Children in Teens and Eating Disorders

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. A child with bulimia overeats or binges uncontrollably. This overeating may be followed by self-induced throwing up (purging). ...more

Anorexia Nervosa in Children in Teens and Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is a form of self-starvation. Children and teens with this health problem have a distorted body image. They think they weigh too much. ...more

Is Your Teen Abusing Drugs or Alcohol? in Alcohol Abuse

Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teens taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger, and changes in sleep patterns. ...more

Binge Drinking Dangers for Young People in Alcohol Abuse

Binge drinkers are most likely found on college campuses, where many students consider a big game or fraternity party an excuse to drink all weekend. ...more

Talking With Your Kids About Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco in Kids and Tough Issues, Drug Abuse

Talking with your child about drugs, alcohol and tobacco is hard. But you can't afford to ignore these topics. Kids learn about these substances and feel pressure to use them at a very young age. ...more

Cough Medicine Abuse by Teens in Drug Abuse

DXM is a common ingredient in many cough and cold remedies. It's also become a popular substance to abuse by teens searching for a cheap, easy high. Here's what you should know. ...more

Talking with Your Teen About Sex in Teens and Tough Issues

Studies show that about half of U.S. teens have had sex by age 18. Read on for helpful tips about educating your kids about sex. ...more

Youth Suicide in Teens and Tough Issues

Suicide is when a teen causes his or her own death on purpose. Before trying to take his or her own life, a teen may have thoughts of wanting to die. Read on to learn how to recognize the warning signs, and how to get your teen help. ...more

Helping Teens Embrace Self-Care in A Healthy Outlook

Before your teens leave home, teach them to make their own healthcare decisions. One way is to provide information and include them in their own self-care from an early age. ...more

What You Need to Know About Mental Illness in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

Learning symptoms of mental illness can help you recognize when you or a loved one need help. ...more

Where to Turn for Mental Health in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

It's normal to feel stressed or anxious now and then. But it's time to call for help if emotional issues interfere with your life, your job or your personal relationships. ...more

For Adults: Take Care with Antidepressants in Adults and Depression

Learn all about antidepressants, including how they work, tips for taking them, and possible side effects. ...more

Major Depression in Adults and Depression, Seniors and Depression

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It touches every part of your life and is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. Treatment involves medicine and counseling. ...more

How to Beat Serious Stress in Managing Stress

When you're faced with a highly stressful event in your life, the strategies outlined here will help you cope. ...more

Managing Stress in Managing Stress

Emotional stress can have a serious effect on the body. But a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help. Read on for more tips. ...more

Managing Work-Related Stress in Stress and the Workplace

An overview of workplace stress, with helpful tips and exercises to help you relax and relieve some pressure....more

Domestic Violence in Adults and Abuse

Abuse often begins with verbal behaviors, such as name-calling, threats, and hitting or throwing objects. It can become worse, including pushing, slapping, and holding against the victim's will. ...more

Recognizing Domestic Violence in Adults and Abuse

Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is when someone you're in a romantic relationship with tries to control you through fear and threats. Read on for detailed information. ...more

Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous in Adults and Alcohol

Today there are alternatives to 12-step programs. Some treatment programs teach problem drinkers to reduce their drinking. This approach appeals to people who otherwise might not seek treatment. ...more

Helping a Friend With an Addiction in Adults and Alcohol

When a friend shows signs of abusing alcohol or other drugs, it's hard to know what to do or say. Here's how to help. ...more

Boosting Your Mental Health in For Your Well Being, Staying Mentally Fit

Good mental health is just as important as good physical health. But we all face changes in life that can challenge our emotional well being. ...more

Why You Should Try Yoga in For Your Well Being

Yoga is a series of stretches and poses that you do with breathing techniques. It offers the powerful benefits of exercise. And since yoga is gentle, almost anyone can do it, regardless of your age or fitness level. ...more

Mental Health: Finding the Help You Need in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

When your life seems to be spinning out of control, it's OK to seek professional mental health help. ...more

Psychiatric Evaluation in About Mental Health, About Mental Health

A psychiatric evaluation will look at symptoms and when they happen, as well as what impact they have on family and work relationships. ...more

Helping Someone with Memory Loss in Seniors and Memory

In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older. ...more

When It’s More Than the Blues in Adults and Depression, Seniors and Depression

People with heart disease are at increased risk for serious depression--and unfortunately, many of them don't know it. ...more

Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging in Seniors and Depression

Depression is not a natural part of growing old. It's a health condition that should be treated aggressively. Read on to learn more. ...more

Common Conditions See AllADD-ADHD See AllAutism See AllBipolar Disorder See AllDepression See AllEating Disorders See AllGrief and Loss See AllObsessive-Compulsive Disorder See AllStress and Anxiety See AllSubstance Abuse See All

Medicines to Treat ADHD in Children in ADD-ADHD

Children who have ADHD are often given medicine as part of their treatment plan. The type of medicine most often chosen is a psychostimulant. Read on to learn more. ...more

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children in ADD-ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based, or neurodevelopmental, disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood. ...more

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children in Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a problem that affects a child's nervous system and growth and development. It often shows up during a child's first 3 years of life. ...more

Interacting with a Child Who Has Autism Spectrum Disorder in Autism

If you are a parent or grandparent of a child with ASD, it can be heartbreaking if you feel like you just can't connect with them. Here are some things to know that can help you and your relationship. ...more

Bipolar Disorder in Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. People with bipolar disorder switch between periods of mania and periods of depression. There is no cure, but medicine and therapy can help manage symptoms. ...more

Overview of Mood Disorders in Depression

A mood disorder is a mental health class. The term is used to broadly describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders. ...more

Major Depression in Depression

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It touches every part of your life and is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. Treatment involves medicine and counseling. ...more

Depression and Suicide in Depression and Suicide

Most people who commit suicide have a mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. ...more

Dysthymia in Other Mood Disorders

Dysthymia is a milder, yet long-lasting form of depression....more

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD in Other Mood Disorders

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Binge Eating Disorder in Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is when someone often eats large amounts of food in a short time. It is also called compulsive overeating. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...more

Understanding Compulsive Overeating in Eating Disorders

The disorder may develop when others make repeated negative comments about a person's weight. ...more

Grief and Loss in Grief and Loss

Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss. ...more

When a Family Grieves in Grief and Loss

Learning about grief and how it affects your family can help you get through the difficult times together. It may even help your family grow stronger. ...more

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder. It causes unreasonable thoughts, fears, or worries. A person with OCD tries to manage these thoughts through rituals. ...more

Q and A: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This Q&A will help you understand OCD, and the obsessions, compulsions, and rituals that are part of it. ...more

Can Optimism Make a Difference in Your Life? in Stress

A growing number of scientific studies indicate that optimistic people tend to live longer and have better physical and mental health than pessimistic people. ...more

How to Beat Serious Stress in Stress

When you're faced with a highly stressful event in your life, the strategies outlined here will help you cope. ...more

Panic Disorder in Anxiety

Panic disorder is when you have repeated, unexpected panic attacks and worry constantly about when the next one might happen. Medicines and therapy can help. ...more

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Anxiety

If you tend to worry a lot, even when there’s no reason, you may have generalized anxiety disorder or GAD. Medicine and lifestyle changes can help. ...more

Substance Abuse or Chemical Dependence in About Substance Abuse

Learn about substance abuse and dependence, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. ...more

Alcoholism and Family History in About Alcohol Abuse

Genetics can play a part in whether you have problems with alcohol. But many other factors also have an influence. Here's what you should know. ...more

Prescription Drug Addiction in About Prescription Drug Abuse

Three kinds of prescription medicines are potentially addictive: opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants. Here's what you should know. ...more

The Facts About Recreational Marijuana in About Illegal Drug Abuse

Knowing about marijuana can help you tell if your child or someone else is using it, and help them to get treatment. ...more

Understanding Cocaine and Crack in About Illegal Drug Abuse

Cocaine use ranges from once in a while to nonstop. There is no safe way to use the drug. ...more

Support and Stability See AllGetting Help See AllStaying Balanced See AllCaregiving See All

Mental Health: Finding the Help You Need in About a Mental Health Evaluation

When your life seems to be spinning out of control, it's OK to seek professional mental health help. ...more

Psychiatric Evaluation in About a Mental Health Evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation will look at symptoms and when they happen, as well as what impact they have on family and work relationships. ...more

Getting the Most from a Mental Health Support Group in Support Groups

If you’re interested in joining an online support group, read on to learn more about finding one that's right for you. ...more

Helping Someone with Memory Loss in Support Groups, Caregiving

In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older. ...more

Finding Support for Emotional Issues in Support Groups, Types of Therapy

How do you know when your emotions are the everyday kind that are likely to get better with time? Or when it's time to get help? Read on to find out. ...more

The Power of Meditation in Staying Balanced

Meditation allows you to become more aware and more deliberate about your actions. It teaches you how to respond rather than react to situations in your life. ...more

Can Optimism Make a Difference in Your Life? in Staying Balanced

A growing number of scientific studies indicate that optimistic people tend to live longer and have better physical and mental health than pessimistic people. ...more

Being a Caregiver in Caregiving

A caregiver provides assistance in meeting the daily needs of another person....more

Caregivers Need to Care for Themselves in Caregiving

More than 22 million Americans are involved in some form of helping elderly family members or friends with their daily routines. If you're part of this group, whether you call yourself a caregiver, or simply a good daughter or son, you know that caring for an aging parent or friend has its rewards and its trials. ...more