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Spiritual practice and faith communities are known to positively impact mental health. But for LGBTQ+ folks, the relationship with church can be a contentious one, as research has shown that negative or rejecting experiences in religious contexts are associated with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in LGBTQ+ individuals. Key Takeaways Nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals identify as religious, despite a popular narrative of contentious relationships with churches.After discontentment with studies focusing on one side of this experience, a group of researchers set out to draw a more accurate and inclusive picture of the wide range of LGBTQ+ experiences in faith communities....

Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on a person’s present life rather than delving into their past experiences. This form of therapy stresses the importance of understanding the context of a person’s life when considering the challenges they face. It also involves taking responsibility rather than placing blame. Gestalt, by definition, refers to the form or shape of something and suggests that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts....

“As someone who prides [myself] on being healthy, as well as knowing and listening to [my] body, I was really shocked to find out that it was taking us much longer than we anticipated to get pregnant,” shares Hannah Fallis Bronfman, a prominent 33-year-old DJ, entrepreneur, and content creator. Parents don’t work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—we work 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., from the moment our kids wake up until they go to sleep....

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be overwhelming. You may feel depressed, anxious, and irritable. You might be missing the ritual of smoking as well as the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, in your brain. The good news: These discomforts are temporary as long as you stay smoke-free. In the meantime, celebrate yourself and your accomplishment of quitting! There are natural ways to increase dopamine in the body and start feeling good....

Mentally strong kids are prepared for the challenges of the world. To be clear, mental strength isn’t about acting tough or suppressing emotions. It’s also not about being unkind or acting defiant. Instead, mentally strong kids are resilient and they have the courage and confidence to reach their full potential. As a parent, there are things you can do to help instill mental strength in your kids. Tips for Raising Tough Kids Kids who are mentally strong are able to tackle problems, bounce back from failure, and cope with hardships....

Any type of change can be difficult, but quitting an addiction such as smoking or other forms of tobacco use (chewing, snuff, e-cigarettes) is particularly demanding. When facing this challenge, developing the right kind of mindset can help you stick to your goals and overcome obstacles. As of Dec. 20, 2019, the new legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U....

When you or a family member experience health issues, this can be a huge stressor. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a federal law passed in 1993, was designed to alleviate some of those stressors by allowing employees to balance their work demands and family responsibilities. Ultimately, under FMLA, a person is able to care for their family for an extended period of time without fear of losing their job....

We hear a lot about childhood obesity and physical activity, but teen fitness is just as critical for physical and mental health. Yet it doesn’t get as much attention. Just like their parents and their little brothers and sisters, adolescents need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day to stay healthy. And just like adults and younger kids, teens often fail to meet this standard. (One study showed that less than 10% of high school students got their daily hour of exercise....

As you plan your baby registry, you’ll probably notice that there are many products that promise to make your life with a baby a little easier. The problem is, not all of them are safe, and infant sleep positioners are at the top of that list. For example, while your parents may have padded your own baby crib with a cute bumper and filled it with stuffed animals and toys, it is now recommended that a baby’s sleeping space be clear of all of these....

Many parents restrict their children’s diet when they have diarrhea, like when they have rotavirus or “stomach flu.” That usually means no milk or any of their kids’ other favorites. However, while it might make some sense to you to not let your kids eat certain foods when they have diarrhea, the BRAT diet is now considered rather old-fashioned advice. Experts now believe that children should continue their regular diet when they have diarrhea....

If you have previously delivered via cesarean section (C-section), you might be interested in trying for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). This is an option for many women, but it is important to find a VBAC-friendly prenatal care provider. Choosing a provider who is supportive of your plan can make it more likely that you are able to have a successful VBAC. Taking time early in your pregnancy to discuss your birth can help put you and your provider on the same page....

If you have recently miscarried or learned that you will miscarry, you will likely experience the five stages of grief. Typical emotions can range from shock or anger to sadness or numbness. Whatever you are feeling is OK. Everyone reacts differently to pregnancy loss, and pretty much any expression of miscarriage grief is normal. Your feelings of grief may be at their strongest immediately after your loss and may feel similar to depression....

Opiates, sometimes known as narcotics, are a type of drug that act as depressants on the central nervous system (CNS). Opiates come from opium, which can be produced naturally from poppy plants; opioids are chemically synthesized opiate-like drugs. Some of the most common opiates and opioids include: Morphine (Kadian, Avinza) Codeine Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Fentanyl Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) Heroin Opiates Definition Opiates can be defined as any drug that comes from the opium alkaloid compounds that naturally occur in the poppy plant....

The NICU Parent’s Bill of Rights is an important document with the goals of helping to create clarity and protecting individuals. The Bill of Rights is a wonderful way for parents to understand what it is they can ask for and expect during their NICU stay. This list of 10 important considerations is also something that NICU staff should appreciate and try to honor when caring for the parents of their NICU patients....

Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. While pediatricians recommend exclusive breastfeeding (no formula or other supplemental nutrition) for your baby’s first six months of life, partial breastfeeding—also called partial weaning or combination feeding—may be the right choice for you. How often and how long you breastfeed your baby is up to you and depends on your circumstances. Partial weaning simply means that you breastfeed for some feedings and supplement with formula for others....

Numerous prominent tech companies, including Facebook, Apple, and Google, now offer egg freezing insurance benefits to their female employees (and the female spouses of their employees). Many women, particularly those who are interested in extending their fertility, wonder how egg freezing works and if it’s worthwhile. Also, could companies who offer this have ulterior motives? Overview These are just a few of the considerations to weigh when thinking about social egg freezing or the practice of freezing eggs for non-medical purposes, like delaying motherhood....

Psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been a boon for emotional and mental health, and a new meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests you may also get an immune system boost as well. Key Takeaways A new study suggests a connection between psychotherapy methods and improved immune system function.The likely mechanism is improved regulation of inflammation, which can have a profound impact on immunity.Psychotherapy can also improve lifestyle behaviors, another boon to immune function....

Nearly one-third of all babies in the United States are born by cesarean section, also known as c-section. This means that quite a few babies come into the world surgically. The safety risks to mother and baby can be greater with a cesarean than a vaginal delivery, which has led medical organizations such as the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to create guidance for safely reducing the number of first cesareans....

Should your multiples share a bedroom? From birth, twins go from “wombmates” to roommates, as many parents of multiples find it most convenient to establish a single nursery for their infant twins, triplets or more. One bedroom houses all the cribs and one closet contains dozens of cute infant outfits. While that can be a wonderful solution for babies, many parents begin to consider the potential benefits of putting their kids in separate bedrooms once they grow older....

Small talk topics are good conversation starters between people who don’t know each other well. If you live with social anxiety disorder (SAD), making small talk can be anxiety-provoking. It can also be difficult if you tend to be more introverted. Learning to make small talk can help build the confidence you need to start conversations, make connections, and develop your social skills. Even if you are uncomfortable, avoiding small talk all together only serves to worsen anxiety in the long run....