Mental Health Hotline Articles
What to Know about Benzodiazepine Abuse
Benzodiazepine abuse refers to the misuse of prescription sedatives like Xanax, Ativan or Valium, which can lead to dependence, overdose and serious mental and physical health risks. Benzodiazepines, often called benzos, are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia and seizures. When used as directed, they can offer short-term
SSRI Abuse – What to Know
What is SSRI Abuse? SSRI abuse refers to the misuse of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of antidepressants, in ways not prescribed by a medical provider. SSRIs are among the most commonly prescribed medications for depression and anxiety. They’re generally considered safe and nonaddictive when taken as directed. However,
How Phobias Can Affect Mental Health and Wellness
What is a Phobia? A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation that can significantly disrupt daily life and mental health. While everyone experiences fear at times, phobias are different. They trigger overwhelming anxiety, avoidance behaviors and emotional distress that go beyond typical fear
Sleep Disorders: The Mental Health Impact
Sleep disorders are conditions that interfere with the quality, duration or timing of sleep and can significantly affect your mental health. Getting good sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. It’s critical for emotional regulation, memory, concentration and overall well-being. When sleep becomes irregular, fragmented or insufficient, your mind can start
Intrusive Thoughts and How to Stop Them
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images or urges that are often distressing and hard to control. They can pop into your mind without warning — violent, sexual, blasphemous or simply bizarre — and make you wonder, “Why would I even think that?“ While nearly everyone experiences intrusive thoughts occasionally,
“Will Everyone Know?” Confidentiality and Mental Health Care
Mental health confidentiality means your conversations with a therapist or mental health provider are legally protected and private, except in rare, specific circumstances. If you’re considering therapy or treatment, it’s normal to wonder who’ll know about it. Worries like “Will this go on my record?” or “Can my employer find