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While Black Americans experience a wide range of attitudes toward mental health treatment, there’s a stigma surrounding mental illness that prevents some people from getting help. It’s important to consider how the stigma—and the forces that create the stigma—may make it difficult for individuals to reach out to a mental health professional. Beliefs About Mental Illness Some communities accept the idea that mental illnesses are health problems that require treatment. But in other communities, there’s a serious stigma that implies a mental health problem is a sign of weakness and should be kept hidden from others....

In recent years, thousands of apps have been released to help people manage their mental health. These apps are designed for various issues, including stress, anxiety, sleep, and daily functioning. In addition, there is a whole category of apps specifically to help autistic people communicate and address sensory issues. Although an increase in telehealth has significantly improved access to care for many Americans, a shortage of qualified professionals makes it difficult for people to get the services they need....

Stimulants are the most common type of medicine used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain, thus making the pathways in the brain work more effectively. Stimulants lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who take them. How the Brain Works Our brains are made up of nerve cells called neurons, which are separated by tiny gaps called synapses. All brain and nervous system functions are based on how these neurons communicate across synapses....

Gym anxiety is common when you first start working out somewhere new. If you’re a student, you might also be afraid of gym class at school. On the other hand, for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD), fear about going to the gym or attending gym class can be so severe that it interferes with just getting through the day. Imagine the thought of an upcoming gym session or physical education class leaving you so distraught that your stomach is in knots or you experience a panic attack....

Slumber parties are a fun tradition and a rite of passage of growing up. Whether the occasion is summer fun, birthday party, holiday break, or socializing through an enrichment activity, here are some slumber party ideas to make sure the sleepover is fun, hassle-free, and ends with a snooze. Keep in mind that you will be the caregiver for your child’s guests overnight. You will need to ensure their health and safety....

Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS On The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews experts, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Meet Nikki Sixx Nikki Sixx is the co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter for the legendary rock band Mötley Crüe. He’s also a member of the successful band Sixx:A....

Of all the things you hear about pregnancy, you may not have heard about all the unsolicited advice and opinions people will give you. From your family, to your co-workers, to total strangers, it might seem like everyone has something to say. While some of this advice might be helpful, you may find yourself feeling awkward or uncomfortable, or even feeling obligated to listen to others talk to you about your pregnancy....

When faced with uncertainty or challenges in life, it is not uncommon for kids to experience strong feelings, have doubts, and even engage in negative self-talk. In fact, it is a relatively common phenomenon for kids to have negative thoughts about themselves especially if they are being bullied, struggling academically, or having trouble making friends. Facing challenges is hard for kids and sometimes the default is to assume there is something wrong with them....

Deciding to get divorced is typically a difficult, emotionally raw experience. It tends to get even more heart-wrenching when children are involved. Often, the prospect of letting the kids know that the divorce is happening can be especially challenging. Many parents struggle with how and when to tell their kids that they are getting a divorce. Telling your child that their family is breaking up can feel doubly hard—you’re likely struggling with your own feelings of regret, failure, uncertainty, relief, or sadness while also coping with inflicting this wound on your child....

Learning disabilities in basic reading, also known as reading disorders, affect a person’s ability to decode and comprehend individual words and passages of text. People with reading disabilities may also have difficulty understanding the relationship between letters and sounds. Because the ability to read is an early predictor of educational achievement, students with reading disorders are at risk of poor academic performance throughout their school years. They may experience low self-esteem and negative outcomes later in life if they don’t receive the help they need....

Depression is a serious condition that can impact many areas of a person’s life. Because there are many factors that can contribute to major depressive disorder (MDD), there is no single way to treat MDD and treatment approaches vary. Since there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, each person has a unique experience with treatment. However, there are certain things that you can expect in terms of how you will begin treatment, the approaches a doctor might recommend, and the results you might experience....

Hearing loss does not just affect your ability to hear. The consequences of the loss can affect many areas of your life and lead to serious health issues. Yet, many don’t realize the impact of hearing loss on your mental health. This article covers why hearing loss can be so impactful to one’s mental health, the causes of hearing loss, and hearing loss treatment. Hearing is one of your critical senses....

What Is Meth and How Does It Work? While some drugs slow down the body, meth speeds it up by triggering a burst of energy and an intense rush of euphoria. It also boosts alertness, reduces appetite, increases activity and talkativeness, and offers a general sense of happiness and well-being. Methamphetamine Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, speed, or crack, is a powerful stimulant drug. Methamphetamine is sometimes prescribed—in low doses—to treat mental health conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and as a short-term component in weight-loss treatments for obese people who are unable to lose weight....

The human microbiome refers to the trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that share your body and contribute to your overall health. Many of our organs have their own microbial inhabitants, including, perhaps most famously, the gut. Key Takeaways Research shows that gut health can reflect overall health, including that of the mind.A recent review of dozens of studies pertaining to the gut microbiome’s connection to mental health reveals a biological overlap in bacteria in relation to certain conditions....

A baby who is compromised in labor or during delivery is in distress. The medical term for fetal stress is nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS), which describes a baby’s health late in the pregnancy or during labor. Reasons for fetal distress are varied, from cord issues to fetal anomalies, reactions to medications or the stress of labor, and other complications of labor. Symptoms While you may not experience physical symptoms, signs of fetal distress may include:...

A new study, published in the Journal of School Health, measured the quality of recess based on safety, equipment, inclusion among other kids, and the options they had for play. The findings were clear—the quality of recess accurately correlated with executive functioning problems, resilience, emotional self-control, and adaptive classroom behaviors. Key Takeaways A recent study reveals a correlation between quality recess and the social/emotional status of students throughout the rest of the school day....

Many people find themselves too busy these days, which causes stress. The reasons vary from person to person, but the following are some main ones why people find themselves too busy, along with time management and stress management ideas to help. Say No Many people end up overscheduling themselves because they feel uncomfortable saying “no” when people ask things of them. Perhaps they don’t want to disappoint others or admit they can’t “do it all....

At some point during the tween years, a girl will begin to experience the stages of puberty. Knowing what to look for can ease your mind, and help your tween through these enormous physical and emotional changes. While some of the signs of puberty may take a while to develop, others may appear as if they happened overnight. Signs There are many signs of puberty in girls. Keep in mind that these stages may appear gradually and it may take three to four years for your child to cycle through all the phases of puberty....

Teens today are very gifted at using social media to connect with others. They know all the ins and outs of posting, liking, sharing and commenting. And they can use social media in ways many adults simply do not grasp. But they also are skilled at using it for cyberbullying too. Sometimes their cyberbullying is overt, obvious and painful. Teens post pictures and comments that shame and humiliate others. Other times, they are subtler in their bullying....

When your intentions of eating a healthy, balanced meal fall through, but you still need to eat something, a meal replacement bar is a great option. A meal replacement bar is similar to a protein bar but usually higher in calories, fat, and fiber since it’s intended to replace a meal versus being a snack. The best meal replacement bars are between 200 and 400 calories and are packed with whole food ingredients, fiber, and protein....