Do you ever notice how sometimes it just feels good to bask in the sun? Imagine laying on the beach and getting lost in a good book, or simply sitting on your porch soaking up the sun rays. What is it about sunlight that makes you feel lighter? (Pun intended.) The answer is that the sunlight has an impact on your mental health, and in this blog, we’re going to uncover that link....

Risk factors for diseases are the things that increase the likelihood that you’ll get the disease or condition. Risk factors don’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition, but they do raise your risk. For example, inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. Leading a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t mean you’ll 100% develop heart disease, but it does increase your...

Teenage depression isn’t just “a mood swing” or sadness. Depression is a serious mental health condition that can affect teenagers and adults alike. Teen depression can impact your teenager’s mental wellness, physical health, academic performance, and relationships with friends and family. Here at Next Step 2 Mental Health, our compassionate providers are experienced...

Depression can be debilitating, and if it’s your child or spouse or friend battling depression, you might wonder how you can help them. Even if your loved one doesn’t want to talk about it (which can be common), there are still ways you can be present and supportive.  Reminder: If you or a loved one are battling depression—or even suspect you might be— our compassionate team here...

A phobia is an aberrant or extreme fear of something. In some cases, the fear is so intense that it interrupts normal activities.

Bipolar disorder – formerly called manic depression – is a mental health disorder characterized by shifts in mood, energy levels, and concentration. These shifts can cause people with bipolar disorder to experience mood episodes. During mood episodes, a person might experience sudden changes in sleep and activity levels. Bipolar disorder can seriously affect a person’s ability to manage...

2021 is right around the corner … finally! Are you making resolutions this year? Here are nine New Year’s Resolutions that put your mental health first. Catch Your Zzz’s It’s no secret that getting enough sleep supports your physical well-being, but it also affects your mental health too. Insufficient sleep can increase your risk of a number of unfavorable conditions,...