Mental Health

Internally, however, they feel a persistent sense of exhaustion, emptiness, or quiet hopelessness. This is the reality of high-functioning depression, and it’s a silent struggle for many high achievers.

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in mental health. When I talk to people about it, the word itself often brings up images shaped more by movies and sensational headlines than by medical reality.

When you think of ADHD, what image comes to mind? For many people, it’s a hyperactive young boy disrupting class, unable to sit still, and bouncing off the walls. This stereotype is so deeply ingrained in our culture that it has shaped how we diagnose and treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for decades.

Starting ADHD Medication: What to Expect

When it comes to mental health medication, few are as discussed and misunderstood as lamotrigine, also known by its brand name, Lamictal. You might hear it called a "mood stabilizer" on social media or from a friend, while others express concern that it could change their personality.

When we talk about trauma, it’s easy to picture catastrophic events - hurricanes, combat, or severe accidents. While those are certainly traumatic, limiting our definition to "big" events misses the full picture.

Focalin, which is the brand name for dexmethylphenidate, is one of the key options we consider. For some people, it feels like the perfect fit - offering clear, smooth focus. For others, it might feel too weak or cause discomfort. Understanding how it works, and for whom, can help you and your provider make a more informed decision.

Lithium is one of the most well-studied and effective medications we have in psychiatry. It has been prescribed for over 70 years, and for good reason - it remains a first-line treatment and the gold standard mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.

I often sit with patients who are genuinely confused by their own struggles. They look at me and ask, "Is it really possible that I have ADHD? I got good grades. I hold down a demanding job. I’m definitely not lazy."

But here is the reality: For many with ADHD, winter creates a specific set of biological and environmental challenges that make symptoms more difficult to manage.

Healthy goals shouldn't just push you forward; they should protect your mental health while you get there. Here is how to shift your approach.

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it is common to hear people joke about the "winter blues." We treat it like a minor inconvenience, something we just have to grit our teeth and get through until spring.

The holiday season is often marketed as a time of uninterrupted joy—a highlight reel of family gatherings, gift exchanges, and cozy nights in.

If you've heard that Wellbutrin XL feels different from other antidepressants, there's a good reason for it.

Bipolar I disorder is one of the most recognized mental health conditions, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Many people mistakenly equate it with simple “mood swings,” but the reality is far more complex.

For many, the line between “normal worrying” and GAD can feel blurry. You might wonder, “Am I just stressed, or is this something more serious?” This is a common question, especially among students, young professionals, and anyone juggling the demands of modern life.

If you have ADHD, you might be familiar with the feeling. You know exactly what you need to do—start that paper, answer that email, finish that project—but your brain seems to have other plans.

Starting fluoxetine, often known by its brand name Prozac, can bring up a mix of feelings. There’s the hope that it will lift the fog of depression or quiet the constant hum of anxiety.

When we hear the word "depression," it’s easy to think of sadness. But for many people living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the experience is much more complex.

My interest in psychiatry started with a love for self-help and personal growth. I’ve always been drawn to the question of how people can grow, heal, and live fuller lives.