May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental HealthAparna 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…
April 23, 2022
Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help
Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I haven’t gone out in 2 years, 🆘 help 🆘! Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help! ✅ While we can’t tell you that leaving your house will be 100% safe at any given time (COVID-19 times or not), there are things you can do to increase your tolerance Read more…
April 22, 2022
Our Journey Out of This Pandemic
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
March 5, 2022
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health Reopening
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
February 28, 2022
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
February 15, 2022
Why Do I Feel So Down This Time of Year?
Mental Health
Megan Madsen, DO
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
December 31, 2021
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more 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…
Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help
Mental Health Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I haven’t gone out in 2 years, 🆘 help 🆘! Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help! ✅ While we can’t tell you that leaving your house will be 100% safe at any given time (COVID-19 times or not), there are things you can do to increase your tolerance Read more…
April 22, 2022
Our Journey Out of This Pandemic
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
March 5, 2022
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health Reopening
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
February 28, 2022
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
February 15, 2022
Why Do I Feel So Down This Time of Year?
Mental Health
Megan Madsen, DO
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
December 31, 2021
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
I haven’t gone out in 2 years, 🆘 help 🆘! Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help! ✅ While we can’t tell you that leaving your house will be 100% safe at any given time (COVID-19 times or not), there are things you can do to increase your tolerance Read more…
Our Journey Out of This Pandemic
Mental HealthChristine Whelan, PhD
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
March 5, 2022
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health Reopening
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
February 28, 2022
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
February 15, 2022
Why Do I Feel So Down This Time of Year?
Mental Health
Megan Madsen, DO
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
December 31, 2021
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health ReopeningMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
February 28, 2022
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
February 15, 2022
Why Do I Feel So Down This Time of Year?
Mental Health
Megan Madsen, DO
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
December 31, 2021
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
February 15, 2022
Why Do I Feel So Down This Time of Year?
Mental Health
Megan Madsen, DO
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
December 31, 2021
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Why Do I Feel So Down This Time of Year?
Mental HealthMegan Madsen, DO
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
December 31, 2021
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
“Mama, did the power go out? It’s so dark.” – 5 year old “No, it’s just morning and it’s cloudy.” – mom “BUT IT’S BEEN CLOUDY FOR DAYS!!!” – 5 year old “It’s called February.” – mom Sometimes kids just tell it exactly like it is, don’t they? This is an accurate recount of the Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
December 24, 2021
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
December 10, 2021
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
Feeling Blue? These tips can help you get through this season.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
November 17, 2021
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
With the shorter days, colder weather, and darker days in the northern hemisphere, many people may be experiencing the seasonal blues and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In fact, up to 20-40% of all adults may experience SAD every year. 💡 The good news is that there are a few recommended strategies that may help: Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out.
Clinical Symptoms Mental Health Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
November 1, 2021
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
Are you 1 in 5?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
October 22, 2021
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
➡️ 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition in any year. Having a mental health condition not only increases the risk of having a physical illness, it also increases the risk of worse outcomes like hospitalization, complications from the illness, and death. This can happen with illnesses like COVID-19. The CDC has Read more…
Is your social media use out of control?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
September 14, 2021
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
➡️ Here are a few tips to 🛠️tune up🛠️ your use and use the power of social media to make you feel 🌈 good. 🦋 1. HAVE A PURPOSE in using social media. 🗓️ Think about what information you are seeking out and what platforms you are going to use. Make a plan and stick Read more…
Fighting Pandemic Loneliness
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
August 23, 2021
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling isolated, disconnected, and even losing meaning in our daily life. It is an internal and subjective experience. And unsurprisingly, a lot of us are experiencing it right now, especially young people. Some surveys suggest that up to half of us are feeling lonely across Read more…
Can the framing of a message change how I process that information?
Mental HealthAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
August 13, 2021
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
A: YES! Thought pathways and subsequent actions are often influenced by the way information is received. This post will highlight a few common cognitive distortions AND tips for reframing information for more objective actions. A cognitive distortion is defined by the American Psychological Association as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief”. Cognitive distortions interrupt Read more…
How can I help my 8th grader manage anxiety about the upcoming school year?
Families/Kids Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
August 12, 2021
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
A: Many young people are struggling with anxiety and stress about the upcoming uncertainties surrounding the school year. We can help them by focusing on the basics of mental wellness and creating an environment that is supportive. We can also create a strong framework for young people, a “scaffold,” to offer tools to find solutions for Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental HealthSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
July 31, 2021
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
June 22, 2021
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…