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,...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder marked by recurrent intrusive thoughts and fears that lead to ritualistic behaviors. At first, you might find the obsessions and compulsions are manageable, but left untreated, the patterns of OCD can impact all aspects of your life. Here at Next Step 2 Mental Health, our multidisciplinary team excels when it comes to diagnosing and...

Anxiety at Christmas? While Christmas can be nothing short of jolly for most people, it’s not always exciting for those who suffer from anxiety. Here are a few things to consider during the holidays if you live with someone who has anxiety… A United Kingdom-based mental health charity, Mind, explored the connection between anxiety and the holiday season. Let’s take a look at...

Bipolar disorder affects 4.4% of all adults at some point throughout their life, and about 2.8% of adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the last year, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Out of the adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder, nearly 83% experience extreme disruptions to their daily routines. Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness characterized...

Holidays can be a time of joy and togetherness, but sometimes holidays can be stressful or even sad. Spending the holiday alone may be the result of conflicting schedules, familial issues, or the financial strain of traveling. This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted Thanksgiving plans across the globe.  Regardless of what’s having you feel a little blue this Thanksgiving,...