Why am I mourning something that isn’t normally recognized as a loss?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
January 28, 2025
Lessons on Showing Up for Loved Ones from My Family’s Crisis
Mental Health Nerdy Notes
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
January 18, 2025
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Thanks to reader Betsy for this great question! There’s “stuff” circulating on social media now about the “negative efficacy” of COVID shots. . . . I don’t believe this! But how do I respond to family who are claiming this is true? We get it! The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult Read more…
January 10, 2025
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 3, 2024
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
November 6, 2024
Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
September 16, 2024
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
January 28, 2025
Lessons on Showing Up for Loved Ones from My Family’s Crisis
Mental Health Nerdy Notes
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
January 18, 2025
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Thanks to reader Betsy for this great question! There’s “stuff” circulating on social media now about the “negative efficacy” of COVID shots. . . . I don’t believe this! But how do I respond to family who are claiming this is true? We get it! The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult Read more…
January 10, 2025
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 3, 2024
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
November 6, 2024
Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
September 16, 2024
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
Lessons on Showing Up for Loved Ones from My Family’s Crisis
Mental Health Nerdy Notes
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
January 18, 2025
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Thanks to reader Betsy for this great question! There’s “stuff” circulating on social media now about the “negative efficacy” of COVID shots. . . . I don’t believe this! But how do I respond to family who are claiming this is true? We get it! The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult Read more…
January 10, 2025
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 3, 2024
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
November 6, 2024
Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
September 16, 2024
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental HealthThanks to reader Betsy for this great question! There’s “stuff” circulating on social media now about the “negative efficacy” of COVID shots. . . . I don’t believe this! But how do I respond to family who are claiming this is true? We get it! The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental HealthHELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 3, 2024
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
November 6, 2024
Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
September 16, 2024
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental HealthIs setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental HealthTL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
November 6, 2024
Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
September 16, 2024
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
September 16, 2024
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
It is the day after Election Day in the United States, and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
What are the benefits of mindfulness, and how could I fit it into my busy schedule?
General Health Mental Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
September 6, 2024
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Mindfulness may offer mental and physical health benefits, and it’s possible to fit mindfulness techniques into a busy schedule in just a few minutes each day. 🔸 What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to how we feel, what we’re doing, and where we are in the present moment. Mindfulness has been Read more…
What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
August 30, 2024
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death from suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
July 19, 2024
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
I’ve been feeling down even though it is bright and sunny out. Can I be depressed in the summer? Yes, you can be depressed in the summer. Some people actually feel depressed every summer, and they may have summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 😥 But WHAT is summer SAD and why does it happen? People Read more…
What’s going on with FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD, and what does it mean for psychedelics as psychiatric treatment in general?
Health Policy Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May 20, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
An independent advisory committee voted against approval of MDMA for PTSD. This makes it unlikely the FDA will approve it, but we’re still not sure. There’s no reason to believe this substantially affects the opportunity for other psychedelics to be approved for other psychiatric conditions. On May 30, 2024, there were headlines everywhere (at least Read more…
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
February 21, 2024
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
Ever feel like talking about certain things can be a bit tricky?
Mental Health
Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, MD
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
January 23, 2024
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
We get it! Here is a question we received from a reader: “How do we navigate conversations about difficult topics with loved ones? The simple answer is that we all struggle with difficult conversations AND there are simple strategies we can use to help us keep our cool and focus on what matters during these Read more…
Are puberty blockers helpful or harmful to trans youth?
Families/Kids Mental Health Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
November 29, 2023
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
A: Current evidence suggests that puberty blockers, which hit the pause button on puberty and are reversible, significantly improve the mental health of trans youth while reducing the risk of needing future surgeries. A recent study showed that trans teens who were treated with puberty blockers had significantly less anxiety, depression, and stress compared to Read more…
Will ketamine help my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
November 22, 2023
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
It can be helpful for some people with treatment resistant depression or major depressive disorder. Ketamine is a medication commonly used during surgery and was first developed to be an anesthesia medication with fewer side effects. It is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist and has been studied for nearly 20 years in mental health because Read more…
How can I celebrate the holidays when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
November 8, 2023
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Grief can feel complicated, but know that you are not alone. Many people find this time of the year difficult, especially so when they are facing the death or loss of a loved one. The holidays can bring up feelings of sadness, loss around the rituals you had, and isolation as other people may not Read more…
How can I talk to my child about the news?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…
Address any concerns, talk about the news in an age-appropriate way, and check in regularly. Many children have questions about what is happening in the world. They may feel afraid, upset, confused, and even guilty. Helping them talk about what they see or hear and how they take in information can help them to process Read more…