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.
Shining a Light on Seasonal Depression: More Common Than You Think
Seasonal depression is more common than you might think. According to the American Psychiatric Association, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects 5% of the American population, and for those that suffer from it, it can last 40% of the year!
Below, Dr. Brian Briscoe, a board-certified psychiatrist in Louisville, Kentucky, shares the ins and outs of seasonal depression:
More about Seasonal...
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Seasonal Marketing and Social Media: Navigating the Perfect Storm for Fall Anxiety
Is the thought of the upcoming holidays (and all of the marketing associated with them) leaving you less-than-thrilled? Does seasonal marketing already trigger feelings of anxiety? Read on as Dr. Briscoe shares tips for navigating seasonal marketing and social media “perfection” during this holiday season.
You know it’s fall when, in one aisle of the store,...
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Fall-ing for Hypomania: The Bipolar Seasonal Twist
The Excitement of Fall
Ah, fall. That magical time of year when the world transforms into a tapestry of golden hues, and the temperature takes a gentle nosedive. For many of us, with or without Bipolar Disorder, it’s the season of rejuvenation. Out go the unforgiving swimsuits, which reminded us just how un-summer-ready our “summer bodies” were, and in come the forgiving yoga pants...
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How Teens Can Deal with Back-to-School Anxiety
An upset stomach. Nightmares. Unrelenting desire to avoid school. Difficulty sleeping. These are all examples of how anxiety can manifest in teens. Sometimes, these signs of anxiety are mistaken for symptoms of another condition. For example, you might think that your stomachache was caused by something you ate. The truth, though, is that anxiety can be hidden in plain sight, and as we enter...
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Nurturing Minds: Back-to-School Tips to Support Kids’ Mental Health Needs
As the summer days begin to wane, the arrival of a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming for children. Transitioning from the relaxed routines of vacation to the structured environment of classrooms can put a strain on their mental well-being.
In this blog post, we will explore valuable back-to-school tips that parents, educators, and caregivers can employ to support...
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Thriving Under One Roof: Navigating Life as the Child of Someone with Bipolar Disorder
Growing up with a parent who has bipolar disorder can be challenging and complex, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t lead a fulfilling life. It’s essential to recognize that mental health impacts the entire family, and finding ways to create a thriving environment is crucial for everyone involved.
In this blog post, we’ll explore various strategies and resources...
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Breaking the Stigma of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar spectrum disorder, previously known as manic depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that range from prolonged periods of high energy and euphoria (mania) to periods of intense sadness and hopelessness (depression). It is also characterized by abnormal sleep patterns.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and patients can easily be...
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Depression and Anxiety in Teens: The Benefits of Talk Therapy
Depression and anxiety are common mental health issues that affect millions of people worldwide. For teenagers, these conditions can be particularly challenging, as they are still developing physically, emotionally, and socially. Talk therapy is a useful treatment option for teens dealing with depression and anxiety.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of talk therapy in helping...
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Hypomania and Hyperfixation: What’s the Difference?
Mental health conditions can manifest in various ways, and two related concepts that often come up in discussions about mental health are hyperfixation and hypomania. Hyperfixation is an intense preoccupation with a particular object, activity, or topic, while hypomania is a state of elevated mood and energy that is less severe than full-blown mania.
While both hyperfixation and hypomania can...
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How Spring and Daylight Savings Affects Hypomania
Bipolar disorder affects 4.4% of all adults at some point throughout their life, and about 2.8% of adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the last year, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Out of the adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder, nearly 83% experience extreme disruptions to their daily routines. Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness characterized...
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