Author Archives: Stacie Collins

Roadblocks to Mental Health Help

graphic illustration of a roadblock

By Bobby Shriver In recent years, mental health awareness has taken a larger foothold upon our mainstream consciousness, leading to more people having the courage to get the help they need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of adults receiving mental health treatment increased from 2019 to 2021. And […]

When a Good Mood Is a Sign of Suicide Risk

masking emotions

By Mandy Parsons According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021. The number of people who contemplated committing suicide was significantly higher, at approximately 12.3 million American adults. Why have suicide rates increased nearly 36% from 2000-2021? A study published by the National Library […]

Helping Someone Who Doesn’t Believe They Have Mental Illness

man not wanting help

By Wesley Gallagher Having a loved one who struggles with mental illness is difficult, especially if they don’t believe they have a problem. It’s hard to watch someone exhibit signs of mental illness who does nothing about it. But the reality is that most people have to decide for themselves to get help. As a […]

Exploring Military Sexual Trauma

military woman depressed

By Anna McKenzie Military sexual trauma remains far too common in US Armed Forces, and its effects can have a lasting impact on service members’ livelihood. A major concern for military women, sexual assault frequently goes unreported and unpunished. Soldiers who have experienced sexual harassment or assault may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) […]

How Do Antidepressants Work, and When Are They Not Enough?

woman holding anti-depressants

By Bobby Shriver Depression has become a widespread condition in America today. Consequently, more and more people are being prescribed antidepressant medications. In fact, the number of antidepressant prescriptions in the US rose 18.6% in 2020, according to FierceHealthcare.com. With the rise of depression medications, depression and its treatment are increasingly under the microscope. If […]

It’s in the Genes: Do Genetics Determine Your Fate?

genetic structure

When you hear that a certain illness is genetic, you may automatically acquire a sense of hopelessness. After all, if something is written into the fabric of a person’s being, knit within their very DNA, how can it ever be overcome?

As scientists and physicians alike have unearthed more layers to human genetics, they have fueled further questions, too. Questions such as, Are mental health disorders genetic? What is the relationship between addiction and genetics? Is genetic testing for mental health disorders something I can have done?

The Trauma for Suicide Loss Survivors

grieving hands

Sometimes life and mental health can become just too much for someone. Losing this person to suicide is a tragedy, and that tragedy creates ripples of pain and trauma for the loved ones they left behind. For these suicide loss survivors, the story doesn’t have to end. You can learn more about suicide, find support, and begin to heal yourself and your family.