Mental health

Anxiety

While occasional anxiety is a natural part of life, persistent feelings of fear and dread in anticipation of an unknown danger, whether real or imagined, may be a sign of a mental health disorder. It is not possible or desirable to eliminate all anxiety, so treatment often focuses on challenging distorted thought patterns that contribute to one’s distress, with the aim of making day-to-day life more manageable.

Codependency

Codependency describes a maladaptive relationship dynamic in which one person sacrifices his or her needs to meet those of the other, and in so doing, assumes responsibility for or even enables the other person’s irresponsible behavior. Those who struggle with codependency develop a sense of reward and satisfaction from “being needed” and may come to identify themselves as “the rescuer.”

Depression

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, decreased energy levels, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping or oversleeping. There are different types of depression, some of which result from specific circumstances, such as perinatal depression or seasonal depression.

Life Transitions

Life transitions may include events such as the birth or adoption of a child, changing jobs, moving to a new residence, ending formal schooling, or retiring from employment. Such changes can bring about a variety of emotions, from apprehension and overwhelm to excitement and joy. While some transitions are predictable, others are not. Each requires a degree of calm in the face of uncertainty, which can be difficult to muster.

Low Self-Worth

Feelings of low self-worth often first emerge during childhood, when key figures in a child’s life (e.g., caregivers, teachers, friends) convey messages of disapproval or dissatisfaction. When a person does not recognize his or her value, he or she may over-rely on reassurance from others and have difficulty setting personal goals and making decisions. Therefore, increasing one’s autonomy, or agency, is a key component of treatment.

Perfectionism

If the standards you set for yourself are unrealistically high, you may have a tendency toward perfectionism. A hallmark symptom of perfectionism is a fear of failure and/or harsh judgement, which can lead to procrastination, rigid ways of thinking, avoidance, and harmful social comparison. Those struggling with perfectionism often believe others’ affection and approval is dependent on a flawless performance.

Relationships

Relationships are a defining feature of our lives, our earliest attachments forming during infancy and evolving as we establish connections with the wider network around us. No relationship is immune to challenges, some of which include poor communication, jealousy, unhealthy boundaries, avoidance, manipulation, dishonesty, and differing fundamental beliefs.

Women’s Issues

Women’s issues refer to any concern that affects a woman’s mental and at times physical health. Such concerns may be unique to gender — sexism, body image concerns, motherhood, perinatal depression — but they may also be unrelated to gender. Research indicates that women are more likely than men to struggle with anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.

Work-Life Balance

Are you content with the amount of time you devote to work tasks versus non-work tasks? Do you feel a sense of dread every time you head to your job? Has your boss ever made you feel inferior? It’s not uncommon to experience troubles like these in the workplace, which can lead to dissatisfaction, underperformance, lowered self-esteem, or even burnout.

Additional Resources

MHA: Mental Health America

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

NIH: National Institute of Mental Health

NOW: National Organization for Women

Please note: The information contained in this page is for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional mental health, medical, legal, or other advice. This content is not intended to be a replacement for therapy, diagnosis, treatment, advice, or psychological care. Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and well-being. 

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