Meghan Markle Helps Break Stigmas on Talking About Race, Mental Health, and Suicidal Ideation
By now most people have at least seen headlines about the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah. This is a good thing, because her candor about race, mental health, suicide—and the stigma she faced seeking help for her mental health—are much needed. Stigma thrives in silence. Meghan Markle’s Famous Oprah Interview In a […]
What is the Difference Between Mood and Personality Disorders?

Mood and personality disorders are both categories of mental health conditions, but they differ from one another. Mood disorders are about patterns in people’s emotions, while personality disorders are more centered on the ways people relate to others. Of course, mood disorders can affect relationships, and personality disorders can affect mood. However, each is about […]
Recent Study Finds COVID-19 Continues to Adversely Affect Mental Health
At the beginning of the pandemic, many people’s mental health suffered; people were stressed, traumatized, and more likely to use substances to cope. A study published last month[1] aimed to figure out whether this initial response has lessened over time or remained consistent. Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 Continue After Initial Trauma The study survey—given […]
Common Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences the occasional bout of anxiety, which is that feeling of inner turmoil because you are uneasy or worried, perhaps fearful. Anxiety typically involves a sense of dread because it is the brain’s way of telling you there might be a danger. While everyone feels anxious at times, those with anxiety disorders have overwhelming […]
Coping with Strong Feelings Sober
A big part of recovery is learning to cope with strong emotions—the kind we previously dealt with by using alcohol or drugs. This change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s something to work towards throughout recovery. Learning to sit with strong feelings not only helps protect against relapse—it gives you emotional resilience and improves your quality of […]
Finding Help on Self-Injury Awareness Day
March 1st every year is Self-Injury Awareness Day, which is designed to encourage people to open up about self-harm. It is a global event that has been raising awareness since 2002. An estimated four percent of all Americans self-harm, typically as adolescents or in college. It is a dangerous behavior that can signify mental health […]
Even More Books About Addiction, Recovery, and Mental Health
Learning about addiction and sobriety is helpful for recovery. It’s empowering to understand your own and others’ experiences. In that spirit, here are some books about addiction, recovery, and mental health to add to the ones we recommended here, here, and here. Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction by Judith Grisel Judith Grisel is […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
This week (February 22nd through the 28th) is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. As we have written on this blog before, there is a strong connection between eating disorders (EDs) and addiction. What is the Link Between Addiction and Eating Disorders? I myself have struggled with both; I know firsthand that they share many similarities […]
Comparisons Have No Place in Recovery
We tend to take our cues about how to act from other people. It’s human to occasionally compare yourself to others. But if you find that you’re doing it frequently regarding your recovery, you might want to pivot your attention. Recovery is so unique to the individual that comparisons are futile—and ultimately detrimental. How Does […]
TikTok Star Dazharia Shaffer Dies of Suicide
TW: Discussions of suicide Dazharia Shaffer, a TikTok star known as “Dee,” died by suicide last week at age 18. When posting about her death, her father said he would have helped her if he’d known about her thoughts of suicide. Suicide Increasing Among Youth In recent years, the number of young people attempting or […]