This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Anne Phan-Huy M.D., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.
Remember the iconic scene in Rain Man where Raymond Babbitt counts toothpicks in a split second, astonishing the character played by Tom Cruise? While this moment brilliantly showcases Dustin Hoffman’s acting, it also helped to etch a stereotype into the public consciousness: that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) implies extraordinary ability.
Rain Man has been pivotal in introducing the concept of ASD to a wider audience, yet it has also contributed to a skewed understanding of what it means to have an autistic spectrum disorder. In this article, we will move beyond Hollywood archetypes to explore the nuanced, multi-dimensional nature of ASD. We’ll tackle not only the spectrum itself but also the stigmas and stereotypes that often accompany a diagnosis. Ready to break free from the reel and get real? Let's go! This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Anne Phan-Huy M.D., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.
Every college student knows the feeling: the clock strikes midnight, and you’re in the middle of a study marathon for an exam you have first thing in the morning. It’s a familiar scene, your dorm room littered with coffee cups, textbooks, and scattered notes. Your mind feels like a tangled web of deadlines, relationships, and the pressing need to make crucial decisions about your future. Welcome to the life of a typical college student!
College years are an exhilarating whirlwind of opportunities, challenges, and change. Yet, amid the academic pressures and evolving personal lives, one critical aspect often gets sidelined — mental health. Many college students wrestle with issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress, but do not seek the help. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and it is important to know that help is available. In this article, we explore the unique mental health challenges faced by college students, how to recognize them, and the resources available. Let’s navigate this often overlooked part of college life together, helping you achieve not only academic success but also a healthier, balanced lifestyle. This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Abena Apraku M.D., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.
Are you tired of being told not to worry when you’re feeling down? That you should look on the bright side, and that things aren’t as bad as they seem? While these clichéd consolations may be said with good intentions, they can often be counterproductive. Welcome to the hidden world of toxic positivity, where good vibes take a dark turn.
In this eye-opening article, we'll get to grips with toxic positivity and its effects on mental health. Join us as we navigate the fine line between healthy optimism and emotional invalidation, and discover how to foster genuine positivity that respects and supports emotional well-being. This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Chenhang Zou M.D., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.
You've been feeling off for a while now. Your mood swings are more intense than usual, you're constantly fatigued, and you can't seem to focus. Social media and self-help articles tell you that self-care is the answer. So, you run a bubble bath, complete with lavender bath salts and soothing music, hoping it will wash away your worries and emotional heaviness.
As you soak, you find your mind wandering to the problems that made you stressed in the first place. The bath ends, but the mental fog and emotional turmoil do not. It's a disheartening experience. You followed the popular advice to indulge in self-care, yet here you are, feeling just as troubled, or even more so for lack of relief. You might be wondering, "Why didn't this work? Isn't self-care supposed to help me feel better?" In this article, we’ll delve into why bubble baths, scented candles, and other quick fixes often miss the mark for people dealing with serious emotional and mental struggles. We’ll explore what true self-care entails and how to pair it with other wellness strategies to achieve a more lasting sense of well-being. This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Chenhang Zou M.D., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.
Imagine you’ve just planted a seed in your garden, anticipating the growth of a beautiful flower or perhaps a fruit-bearing tree. You can almost see the vibrant colors or taste the delicious produce it promises. But what if, after planting the seed, you don’t water it consistently, ignore the weeds that spring up, and fail to give it the nutrients it needs? The seed won’t have the opportunity to flourish.
Similarly, starting psychiatric treatment is akin to planting that hopeful seed for a better, healthier mental state. However, for the ‘seed’ of treatment to truly sprout and thrive, it requires ongoing care and attention from your end. This includes adhering to medication schedules, engaging in therapy, and implementing lifestyle changes as advised. Following a treatment plan is not just a checkbox to tick off. It’s a sustained effort that encompasses investment, commitment and consistency. Failing to adhere to your treatment plan not only hampers your progress but could also worsen your symptoms, setting back your journey to recovery. Here, we’ll explore the significance of sticking with your treatment plan and provide actionable tips to help you get the most benefit from your psychiatric care. This blog post was reviewed and approved for publication by Anjuli M. Shah D.O., a Board-certified psychiatrist at Apraku Psychiatry.
Imagine a ripple effect; a single pebble dropped into a calm pond, sending waves that extend far beyond the initial point of impact. This is a visual metaphor for intergenerational trauma — a single traumatic event or experience can reverberate down family lines, affecting generations far removed from the original source. The echoes of trauma may ripple through our lives in ways we’re scarcely aware of, shaping behaviors, emotions, and even our health.
However, understanding these undercurrents of pain is not about blame. Rather, it’s a journey towards understanding and healing. It’s about breaking the cycle, reclaiming control, and moving towards a future of emotional well-being. In this blog article, we delve into the heart of intergenerational trauma, unpacking what it is, how it impacts individuals and societies, and importantly, how we can begin to heal. The path may be long and challenging, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it’s a journey that can lead to remarkable transformation and growth. |