How you talk to others is important and can play a big role in the quality of your relationships. However, how you talk to yourself is equally important. Your state-of-mind and your internal monologue (self-talk) impacts your mental health. The American Psychological Association can assess the quality of self-talk to predict anxiety in kids.  Self-talk doesn’t just impact anxiety; it can...

Nearly 6 million Americans are impacted by bipolar disorder every year. In terms of percentages, that’s about 2.6% of the adult population —  2.6% of all adults who struggle with the lows of bipolar depression and the highs of a manic episode. At the Next Step 2 Mental Health, our team is experienced in diagnosing depression. This is important because there are many types of...

Anxiety disorders are extremely common. About 40 million American adults are affected by an anxiety disorder each year. Anxiety disorders can profoundly impact the quality of your life, and even though anxiety is treatable, almost 40% of those with anxiety don’t get the treatment they need. Here at Next Step 2 Mental Health, we know that anxiety can affect many aspects of your life, but...

Are you looking for new ways to keep your family active this fall? With the current pandemic, we know that fall-inspired activities might not look the same this year, especially if you’re taking a pass on your favorite parades, festivals, or outings.  Even with a disruption to your normal fall activities, it’s important to find safe ways to stay active. Exercise and regular activity are...

Did you know that social anxiety is just one type of anxiety? There are five different anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and social anxiety. Social anxiety, like other forms of anxiety, is characterized by intense worry. In the case of social anxiety, anxiety symptoms are heightened...

If changes to “life as you know it” have caused tension in your relationship, you’re not alone. With more people staying at home and working at home, the increased time spent together can add pressure to your relationship. Anger, fear, and frustration are common feelings to experience during uncertain times such as these, and it can take a toll on your communication in...

Over 322 million people live with depression, according to the American Depression and Anxiety Association . While depression is a common mental illness, it’s not something to brush off. Depression is serious, and those living with it often need treatment to feel better. There are many different types of depression – including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and postpartum...