Next Step Blog
We’re committed to delivering outstanding mental healthcare. Period.
Here at Next Step, we’re extremely passionate about helping you live a better life! Mental health is important for every person at every stage of life.
That’s why we work hard to create courses, videos, books, and other resources to encourage you to take the Next Step toward positive mental health. But if you’re struggling or going through a crisis, asking for professional help is a great idea – and you can do it now! In the meantime, if you read through our blog, you might be pleasantly surprised by the guidance, tips, and strategies from our providers. After all, one step in the right direction is a step in the right direction.
10 Things You Can Do to Support Your Mental + Physical Health If You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
When the days grow shorter and colder, many people notice changes in mood, energy, motivation, and focus. For some, these seasonal shifts are marked by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly during fall and winter.
The most effective support for SAD looks at mental and physical health together. Small, consistent habits can gently...
Learn More
Religious OCD Series
As a practicing psychiatrist who holds my Christian faith dear to my heart, I have had the privilege of walking alongside patients through some of their most challenging mental health struggles. In addition to my clinical work, I have served as Chair of the Psychiatry Section of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), where I have had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues...
Learn More
What Autism Looks Like in Girls: Why It’s Often Missed
Autism is often thought of as a condition that predominantly affects boys. According to the CDC, boys are identified with autism about four times more often than girls.
That being said, research shows that girls on the spectrum are frequently underdiagnosed. In fact, as many as 80% of females with autism remain undiagnosed at age 18.
To compound matters, autism in girls often presents...
Learn More
How OCD Hides in Plain Sight: What Every Parent Needs to Know
As a parent, you’re always watching out for your child—especially when something seems off. Maybe your child worries more than other kids. Maybe they ask the same questions over and over. Or maybe they have small routines that feel a little… rigid.
Many parents are unsure whether their child is struggling with anxiety, OCD, or something else entirely.
At Next Step 4 Mental Health, we...
Learn More
Moving Forward in Hope — A Final Word on Religious OCD
This is the final article in the Religious OCD Series.
Religious OCD can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to define a person’s faith or life. God’s grace is bigger than obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. There is hope, healing, and freedom ahead.
Introduction
If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, you now understand what Religious OCD is, how it manifests, and how...
Learn More
How Small Groups Can Support Members Struggling with Religious OCD
This blog is part of the Religious OCD series.
Small groups are meant to be places of encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. For members struggling with Religious OCD, a small group can either become a source of pressure or a place of healing. Here’s how to help your group be the latter.
Introduction
Small groups play an essential role in the life of the church. They provide...
Learn More
How Pastors Can Recognize and Respond to Religious OCD in Their Congregations
This blog is part of the Religious OCD Series.
Pastors are often the first to hear the spiritual struggles of their congregants. Recognizing Religious OCD and knowing how to respond with grace and wisdom can prevent misunderstanding and offer hope.
Introduction
As a pastor, you have likely encountered church members who are burdened by deep spiritual anxiety—fearing they have committed the...
Learn More
How Parents Can Recognize and Support a Child with Religious OCD
This blog is part of the religious OCD series.
Religious OCD can start in childhood or adolescence. As a parent, knowing how to recognize the signs and offer loving, faith-sensitive support is crucial for helping your child find hope and healing
Introduction
Children and teenagers growing up in Christian homes are often taught the importance of honoring God, obeying Scripture, and living a...
Learn More
How to Support a Spouse Struggling with Religious OCD
This article is part of the Religious OCD Series.
Living with a spouse who struggles with Religious OCD can be confusing and overwhelming. Learning how to support them with grace, patience, and practical help can make all the difference.
Introduction
Religious OCD doesn’t just affect the person struggling with it—it impacts marriages and families too. As a spouse, you may feel unsure how...
Learn More
5 Subtle Signs It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health
For Yourself or Someone You Love
Not all signs of emotional strain are dramatic. Sometimes the most important clues are the quiet ones — things we brush off, explain away, or power through.
Whether you’re noticing something in yourself or in your child, these subtle signs are worth paying attention to:
1. The joy is gone.
Things that used to bring energy or excitement now feel flat — or...
Learn More