The term “toxic masculinity” is thrown around a lot these days. It may sometimes seem like a phrase used to equate masculinity with poison. While masculinity itself is not negative, hypermasculinity is a cultural issue that harms men just as much as it does women. Researchers continue to uncover the many connections between hypermasculinity and…
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Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders make many sacrifices to serve their communities, sometimes to the detriment of their own mental health. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder occur at higher rates among first responders. These issues can lead to dangerous and unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance…
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With a majority of fire departments relying on the assistance of volunteers, the safety of our society hinges upon the support of non-career first responders. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 54% of firefighters are volunteers. While this support is essential, the lack of financial compensation often leaves volunteers without much recourse in the…
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Prescription antidepressants are becoming increasingly common as an effective way to treat a wide array of mental health issues. Unfortunately, these medications continue to carry a heavy stigma in our culture, which leads to a great deal of misinformation and reluctance surrounding their use. Many people mistakenly believe that antidepressants are a type of sedative…
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Depression is a complex disease that can cause different symptoms to develop in different people. Some people appear visibly sad and deprived of energy when they are depressed, while others maintain a high-functioning personality and work ethic. Depression can even go unnoticed by those closest to us, such as partners in intimate relationships. As the…
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One of the most common fears during and after seeking treatment for addiction is the fear of relapse. The term relapse is used when someone who has entered recovery from addiction begins using again. Reasons for relapse vary widely, and the extent to which a person relapses is also unique to each individual. Many people…
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If you have ever looked into therapy for yourself or someone you love, you have likely come across the term cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT is a common psychotherapy technique that is used to treat a wide array of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Even those who have not…
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Depression is a major risk factor for addiction and relapse. One study found that among people with major depressive disorder, 16.5 percent developed alcohol use disorders and 18 percent developed drug use disorders at some point in their lives — significantly higher than average. If you’re recovering from a substance use disorder, managing co-occurring depression…
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Depression is a mental illness that is commonly associated with overwhelming sadness and an inability to experience joy. While these symptoms may be true for some people, many people with depression experience far more subtle symptoms that may be difficult to recognize as signs of a mental illness. Overcoming depression often requires professional mental health…
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