As it is Alcohol Awareness Month, this week’s article will focus on the harmful effects that alcohol can have on an individual’s mental health. It is extremely common to hear someone say that they drink alcohol to feel happier, relieve stress or anxiety, or simply feel more confident. Although alcohol can have this effect somewhat in the short term, long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to serious mental health issues, and can actually provoke depression, anxiety, and other existing mental health issues.
Many people use alcohol to cope with the stressors of life. Since alcohol literally alters the chemistry of
How to Deal with a Big Move
by Mackenzie M. February 21st, 2012 | Mental Health
I have moved several times in my young life - first between neighboring cities in the Midwest, and then I made the big move to New Orleans, Louisiana. I recently moved back to the Midwest, and will soon be relocating to central Japan. Needless to say, every move is no less stressful than the last, especially when it is across the country, or even across the world.
According to several psychologists and medical studies, moving is cited as one of the most stressful life events, next to divorce or a serious illness. Everyone has different reasons for moving, but it
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According to several psychologists and medical studies, moving is cited as one of the most stressful life events, next to divorce or a serious illness. Everyone has different reasons for moving, but it
Stress Prevention in College
by Mackenzie M. October 6th, 2011 | Mental Health
In one of my previous articles, I wrote about how to recognize stress in college students. Well, it is that time of the semester again, and college students, including myself, are feeling the weight of mid-terms (and life) on their shoulders. The demands financially, academically, and emotionally, far outweigh the supply of money, study time, and emotions that college students possess.
To help, I have compiled a list of smart ways to prevent this stress.
Make smart financial decisions. We have all had to learn the skill of money management the hard way. Every day, college students are bombarded with advertisements,
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To help, I have compiled a list of smart ways to prevent this stress.
Make smart financial decisions. We have all had to learn the skill of money management the hard way. Every day, college students are bombarded with advertisements,
Stress in College: How Much is Too Much?
by Mackenzie M. July 11th, 2011 | Mental Health
Whether you attend a four-year university, a two-year local college, or a technical school, chances are that during the tedious and never-ending semesters, one word is always on the tip of your tongue: stress. According to Healthline, stress can only be defined as “an unavoidable part of life that has helped humans survive for thousands of years and keeps us on our toes in dangerous or critical situations.â€
Alright, now let’s get real. Put simply, in the life of a college student, stress is trying to make time for your significant other, while writing your paper for History 101, while
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Alright, now let’s get real. Put simply, in the life of a college student, stress is trying to make time for your significant other, while writing your paper for History 101, while
End of School Stress
by MPK May 17th, 2011 | Children's Health, Mental Health
For many students, May and June are an exciting time of year. The number of days until school ends and summer begins are counted with great anticipation. Students daydream about days without homework assignments and the hectic pace of the school day. However, before summer begins, teens have responsibilities to handle: year end projects, final exams, summer job hunting. While parents can't (or at least shouldn't) take on these jobs, they can help their teens learn to manage the stress involved with them.
Lisa Greenberg, a psychologist in Madison, New Jersey, offers the following suggetions:
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Lisa Greenberg, a psychologist in Madison, New Jersey, offers the following suggetions:
- Empathize with the stress your teen