What can I do to help prevent suicide?
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Suicidio Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
Burnout. I think I have it. What is it and what can I do about it?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Burnout is not a clinical diagnosis but a state of being. There are a few things that can help you deal with burnout. But the biggest thing is taking a pause so that you can re-evaluate the best way to restore your energy. Dr. Christina Maslach, who did a lot of the early work on Read more…
I think I have a problem with my substance use. What can I do?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💁🏽 If you think you have a problem with how you are using substances (anything like marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications used for other purposes), know that you are not alone. Rates of substance use* and/or drug overdose have increased since March 2020. There are many possible reasons for this including: isolation, lack of Read more…
Let’s talk about drinking.
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
What is self-care, and why is it Important?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Suicidio Read more…
Q: Does hormonal birth control have consequences for mental health?
Mental Health Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
Burnout. I think I have it. What is it and what can I do about it?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Burnout is not a clinical diagnosis but a state of being. There are a few things that can help you deal with burnout. But the biggest thing is taking a pause so that you can re-evaluate the best way to restore your energy. Dr. Christina Maslach, who did a lot of the early work on Read more…
I think I have a problem with my substance use. What can I do?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💁🏽 If you think you have a problem with how you are using substances (anything like marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications used for other purposes), know that you are not alone. Rates of substance use* and/or drug overdose have increased since March 2020. There are many possible reasons for this including: isolation, lack of Read more…
Let’s talk about drinking.
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
What is self-care, and why is it Important?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
A: It’s possible but unlikely for most people. Hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, and some types of IUD, can occasionally cause mood side effects. This makes sense, as there are receptors for these hormones in brain cells. It appears that for most people, any mood symptoms that occur Read more…
Burnout. I think I have it. What is it and what can I do about it?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Burnout is not a clinical diagnosis but a state of being. There are a few things that can help you deal with burnout. But the biggest thing is taking a pause so that you can re-evaluate the best way to restore your energy. Dr. Christina Maslach, who did a lot of the early work on Read more…
I think I have a problem with my substance use. What can I do?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💁🏽 If you think you have a problem with how you are using substances (anything like marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications used for other purposes), know that you are not alone. Rates of substance use* and/or drug overdose have increased since March 2020. There are many possible reasons for this including: isolation, lack of Read more…
Let’s talk about drinking.
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
What is self-care, and why is it Important?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Burnout is not a clinical diagnosis but a state of being. There are a few things that can help you deal with burnout. But the biggest thing is taking a pause so that you can re-evaluate the best way to restore your energy. Dr. Christina Maslach, who did a lot of the early work on Read more…
I think I have a problem with my substance use. What can I do?
General Health Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💁🏽 If you think you have a problem with how you are using substances (anything like marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications used for other purposes), know that you are not alone. Rates of substance use* and/or drug overdose have increased since March 2020. There are many possible reasons for this including: isolation, lack of Read more…
Let’s talk about drinking.
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
What is self-care, and why is it Important?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
💁🏽 If you think you have a problem with how you are using substances (anything like marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications used for other purposes), know that you are not alone. Rates of substance use* and/or drug overdose have increased since March 2020. There are many possible reasons for this including: isolation, lack of Read more…
Let’s talk about drinking.
General Health Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
What is self-care, and why is it Important?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Q: I am still drinking a lot. It all started during 2020. How can I stop drinking? A: Recognize that there is a problem. Get social, get help, and find what works for you. TL; DR. You aren’t alone. Alcohol related deaths are up and so are drinking rates. To get help, start with recognizing Read more…
What is self-care, and why is it Important?
General Health Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
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…
What is brain fog anyways?
Long COVID Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen after an infection or injury. We are learning more about what causes it, but there do seem to be changes in the immune system and the way the cells work as a Read more…
📣Have you heard about 988?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
⬇️Here is a little information about what it is and how it can help. 988 is the new three digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 was signed into law in 2020). People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. 🪂 If you are in the U.S. (or five major U.S. Read more…
How do I know if I have panic disorder?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
I feel on edge….A LOT! How do I know if I have panic disorder? Good question! About 2% of the population will have symptoms of panic disorder in any given year. Panic disorder usually starts during teenage years or in early adulthood. If you think you have it, ask yourself a couple of questions: ❓Do Read more…
The past few years have been difficult. How do I know if I have PTSD?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
PTSD is complex, but in a nutshell, it is the body’s response to a stressful or fear provoking event. It causes our bodies to go into a constant state of preparation to fight something dangerous or scary. Over time this can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and physical health symptoms. PTSD is not something Read more…
Do I have OCD?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Help! The pandemic has me worrying about germs 🧫…do I have OCD? 🤔 Not necessarily. OCD can include worries about germs, but can be a LOT more than that. Let’s talk a little bit more about OCD to understand why. OCD is a chronic mental health condition with typical symptoms including frequent and unwanted thoughts Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
