Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💖 What is self-care and why is it Important? 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 Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💙 Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
Is it normal to be extremely anxious six months after having a baby? Everyone tells me it will get better.
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Some adjustment is normal, but sudden changes in how you feel may be a sign that you are experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder in the perinatal period (sometimes called a PMAD). TL; DR: It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms after you have Read more…
How can I celebrate the holidays with my family when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is 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 understand Read more…
‘Tis the season. How can I deal with feelings of dread?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
💖 What is self-care and why is it Important? 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 Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💙 Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
Is it normal to be extremely anxious six months after having a baby? Everyone tells me it will get better.
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Some adjustment is normal, but sudden changes in how you feel may be a sign that you are experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder in the perinatal period (sometimes called a PMAD). TL; DR: It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms after you have Read more…
How can I celebrate the holidays with my family when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is 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 understand Read more…
‘Tis the season. How can I deal with feelings of dread?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
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, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💙 Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
Is it normal to be extremely anxious six months after having a baby? Everyone tells me it will get better.
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Some adjustment is normal, but sudden changes in how you feel may be a sign that you are experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder in the perinatal period (sometimes called a PMAD). TL; DR: It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms after you have Read more…
How can I celebrate the holidays with my family when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is 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 understand Read more…
‘Tis the season. How can I deal with feelings of dread?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
💙 Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
Is it normal to be extremely anxious six months after having a baby? Everyone tells me it will get better.
Mental Health Reproductive HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Some adjustment is normal, but sudden changes in how you feel may be a sign that you are experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder in the perinatal period (sometimes called a PMAD). TL; DR: It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms after you have Read more…
How can I celebrate the holidays with my family when I am grieving?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is 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 understand Read more…
‘Tis the season. How can I deal with feelings of dread?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
A: Yes and no. Some adjustment is normal, but sudden changes in how you feel may be a sign that you are experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder in the perinatal period (sometimes called a PMAD). TL; DR: It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms after you have Read more…
How can I celebrate the holidays with my family when I am grieving?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is 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 understand Read more…
‘Tis the season. How can I deal with feelings of dread?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
It is 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 understand Read more…
‘Tis the season. How can I deal with feelings of dread?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
There are many ways to deal with feelings of dread including acknowledging it, expressing it, and making a plan for it. If your dread is making it hard for you to get out of bed, causing you to avoid situations or miss work, or doesn’t go away even after you try different things to make Read more…
How will having an abortion impact my mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
A: While it is perfectly natural to experience some mixed emotions and even some sadness and anxiety after having an abortion, the research shows that the vast majority of people who get abortions feel satisfied with their decision and do not regret the choice. The best data we have on this issue is from something Read more…
Is it possible to have symptoms of depression because I had COVID recently?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
Yes, it is. People can also have symptoms of anxiety and other mood symptoms after COVID too. This can also happen after other infections like the flu or even Epstein Barr Virus [(EBV), the one that often causes mononucleosis]. Between 20-30% of people can develop mental health symptoms* up to 6 months after COVID or Read more…
Do weighted blankets help me sleep better?
General Health Mental HealthLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
A: TL; DR: Yes, weighted blankets can be a helpful part of improving your sleep and psychological health. THIS POST IS UPDATED with results from a recent experimental study showing that weighted blankets increase the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. And don’t forget to pay attention to other factors that may be interfering with your sleep: schedule, Read more…
What is PMDD, and what should I do if I think I have it?
Mental Health Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
A: PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a serious mood condition. Symptoms often appear in the time between ovulation and menstruation. If you think you have PMDD, speak to your clinician about medicine and lifestyle changes. What is PMDD and what are the main symptoms? PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a condition that results in severe Read more…
