Telehealth available in Idaho, Utah, and Oregon. Covered by most major insurances.

Blog Articles

Hope Mental Health Blog View all posts

Acts Of Kindness: An Easy Way Out Of Depression
Did you know that showing kindness to others can help you out of depression? It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s true. Researchers have found that depressed people who showed kindness experienced improvements that other known depression and anxiety man
Jan 30th, 2023

Chronic stress can cause inability to feel pleasure: here's how
When under chronic stress, POMC neurons in the brain are activated, resulting in anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure, as well as despair, which is essentially depression. In humans, this can result in lower libido and reluctance to interact
Jan 26th, 2023

Clonidine: the blood pressure drug that can prevent PTSD
In line with the recent trend of repurposing drugs for other illnesses, clonidine seems to be the latest surprise. Researchers have found that clonidine, a drug used for high blood pressure and ADHD, can be very effective in preventing PTSD symptoms
Jan 20th, 2023

Social Support Can Be Key To Preventing Depression
When things get tough, it's always a good idea to reach out to someone for support. But did you know that social support can be especially crucial for those who are genetically predisposed to depression?
Jan 16th, 2023

The Role of Pharmacogenetic Testing in Psychiatry
Pharmacogenetic testing (or pharmacogenomics) can help psychiatrists select the right antipsychotic drugs for each patient based on their genetic makeup. This can lead to better and faster recovery from mental health issues.
Jan 15th, 2023

The Role Of Metformin In Treating Psychiatric Illnesses
Metformin is a diabetes drug that researchers are now studying its use in psychiatry. So far, studies have been able to show metformin's effects in managing psychiatric issues like bipolar depression, antipsychotic-induced weight gain, and schizophrenia.
Jan 9th, 2023

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Mental Health
Looking for some New Year's resolutions for 2023? Maybe this is the year to give more priority to your mental health. Because, think about it, there's nothing more important than putting your health first.
Dec 27th, 2022

Telehealth Keeps Mental Health Patients on the Road to Recovery
Due to how telehealth made life easier, opioid addiction patients are now more likely to continue medication-based treatment. This includes patients who are black, elderly, or lacked stable housing, demographics who are less likely to afford quality health
Dec 13th, 2022

How virtual reality helps with addiction recovery
Virtual reality can aid addiction recovery by lowering the risk of relapse and encouraging patients to connect with their future selves. When a patient interacts with their healthy future self, they become less inclined to use harmful substances again
Dec 6th, 2022

PTSD and alcohol use disorder: breaking the link
There is a link between PTSD and alcohol addiction. While some patients depend on alcohol to soothe their traumatic memories, there is a protein in the brain that plays a role in both mental disorders.
Nov 21st, 2022

Babies with low birth weight at risk of mental health problems
A recent study has found that babies with low birth weights are more at risk of developing mental disorders like depression and anxiety in their childhood and teenage years. On the other hand, babies with larger birth weights are less likely to develop a m
Nov 14th, 2022

PTSD patients can benefit from Blue light therapy
Poor quality sleep usually inhibits the effectiveness of PTSD treatments. And when the treatment isn't effective, the symptoms (including anxiety) remain the same, contributing further to sleep problems. This leads to a vicious cycle. Blue light can help
Nov 7th, 2022

What to do when you can't sleep
Having trouble falling asleep? That can be very annoying, especially when you're bored. Luckily, there are things you could do to help you fall asleep faster, such as breathing techniques and creating a relaxing environment.
Nov 1st, 2022

Lost Boys: How Societal Pressures Can Ruin Lives
Just as society systematically pressures young people into a particular thought process, the public, media houses, and online forums must speak up and inform these young ones of what's truly right and wrong
Oct 28th, 2022

The cause of postpartum depression found at last
Experts have always thought the risk factors for postpartum depression are the mother's age, diabetes, and history of mental illness. But a new study has found that the cause of postpartum depression is strongly linked to a deficiency in the body's ability
Oct 20th, 2022

Low alcohol use can lead to addiction
According to a recent study on rodents, even the smallest amounts of alcohol activate the part of the brain associated with the development of addiction. So when you take a sip of alcohol, you inadvertently prepare your brain for alcohol use disorder.
Oct 18th, 2022

Sound can suppress pain: new research shows how
A new study has identified how sound blunts pain. Using state-of-the-art brain imaging, an international team of researchers has discovered the neural mechanism through which sound numbs pain. lower volumes were more effective than loud music
Aug 25th, 2022

How to talk to a loved one about their mental health
Indeed, talking to your loved one about their mental health can make a whole world of difference. But you may feel like you don’t know the right thing to say, or even worse, you may be scared of saying something wrong. However, learning how to talk to some
Aug 15th, 2022

How to tell someone about your mental health issues
To talk to someone about your mental health challenges, set aside some free time (at least 30-60 minutes) when neither of you would have to take care of other obligations. You can start with a text message or social media if a face-to-face conversation is
Aug 12th, 2022

Dealing with Sleep Problems: What to Do When You Can't Sleep
Sleeping problems may result from stress, worry, noise, interruptions, or even prolonged screen time at night. Sleep problems usually resolve on their own within a month, but if they go on for long and interfere with your daily life, they may indicate a s
Aug 2nd, 2022

Why do you get angry easily? Intermittent explosive disorder
Generally, everyone has their anger triggers: you may get angry when you feel misunderstood, threatened, frustrated, powerless, or scorned. But when you seem to get angry and aggressive disproportionately, it just might be due to...
Jul 28th, 2022

Sleeping together can help you sleep better
A new study has discovered a link between sleeping together, better sleep, and mental health. People who sleep together (partners, siblings, or friends) tend to sleep better than those who sleep alone. And, of course, quality sleep is key to mental health.
Jul 25th, 2022

How To Deal With Guilt When You Hurt Someone
The feeling of guilt can be horrible. It’s a place none of us wishes to find ourselves. But unfortunately, things happen, and it’s not uncommon to discover we’ve hurt someone so terribly that we become trapped with guilt. But how do you go from there?
Jul 20th, 2022

8 Anxiety Triggers You Must Be Aware Of
Certain elements, emotions, and experiences can trigger the symptoms of anxiety to manifest. Anxiety triggers may include caffeine, negative thoughts, money problems, stress, and difficult tasks.
Jul 15th, 2022

Going on Vacation May Improve Mental Health
Many of us must have heard about music therapy and art therapy and how they can help the mind. Perhaps, travel therapy deserves a place among these as it promises real health benefits.
Jun 27th, 2022

How to Live with OCD - 6 Tips to Cope
Even when things are going great, obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can disrupt your day and leave you feeling embarrassed. The anxiety that comes with OCD can also leave you drained. But here are ways to cope to improve your quality of life.
Jun 23rd, 2022

How Does Depression Affect Relationships?
About 1 in 12 American adults experience these debilitating signs daily. And sadly, these effects of depression can transcend the individual, destroying their career and crippling relationships.
Jun 20th, 2022

Treating Anxiety and Depression in Children
Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders. Although they're different, they often occur together and have similar treatments. But, sadly, they're not only found among adults but children as well.
Jun 16th, 2022

Diet Influences ADHD Symptoms in Children
A new study has found that children who consume more fruits and vegetables have less severe symptoms of ADHD. These foods can help reduce their inattention issues.
Jun 9th, 2022

Anorexia During Pregnancy: A Huge Cause For Concern
There are many mental health disorders, and some are more common than others. But if there's one criminally under-investigated mental health disorder, it would be anorexia, especially among pregnant women.
Jun 2nd, 2022

Body Image Related to Mental Health in Teens
People who believe they look great also often feel great and have higher self-esteem. On the other hand, people with negative body image tend to feel bad about themselves, leading the depression and even suicidal thoughts.
May 16th, 2022

Dementia's Relationship with Mental Health
Notably, researchers have always believed that there is a relationship between mental disorders and dementia. Although many studies have been done in the past, results weren't always consistent. Fortunately, more light has been shared on the topic.
May 12th, 2022

Mushroom Consumption May Lower Risk of Depression
Many people know mushrooms to be very healthy food. But few know that it also promotes better mental health. New research conducted by Penn State College of Medicine has revealed that people who consume mushrooms have lower rates of depression.
May 9th, 2022

How Cannabis Affects Our Cognition and Psychology
If cannabis can influence how we think and feel, how does it affect our minds in the long term? Recent studies show that cannabis use can affect several cognitive and psychological processes.
May 2nd, 2022

Medical Marijuana May Lead to Cannabis Use Disorder
There are claims that cannabis may effectively treat some health conditions. However, there aren't sound scientific studies or proofs to back such claims. Instead, new research suggests that marijuana for medical use may lead to cannabis use disorder
Apr 23rd, 2022

Light Alcohol Intake is Risky After All, Large Study Finds
Experts have always told us that light to moderate alcohol consumption might be beneficial to promote better heart health. However, a large study showed that all levels of alcohol intake are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Apr 19th, 2022

Intimacy and Mental Health: The Connection
For most adults, intimacy forms an integral part of their lives. Whether expressed emotionally or physically with one or more partners, love and intimacy can bring great meaning and pleasure in a person's life. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys this.
Feb 10th, 2022

Depression, Suicide, and the American Teen
People are struggling with self-worth all over the world; suicidal thoughts ravage minds and render lives desolate. And quite sadly, more than ever before, depression and suicidal thoughts in American teens are on the rise.
Jan 27th, 2022

Digital Solutions Effective for Reducing Signs of Depression
For decades, we've relied solely on face-to-face interactions to treat mental illnesses. Patients need to walk into a therapist's office or discuss via live chat. But research shows that digital interventions (using computers and smartphones...
Jan 24th, 2022

Relapse—The Science behind the Intense Urge
Why can some people use recreational drugs controllably whereas others get compulsively drawn to it? Why do some individuals get strongly addicted after using drugs like marijuana, exhibiting the drug-seeking habits typical of substance abuse disorder?
Jan 17th, 2022

Type 2 Diabetes and Mental Health: The Link
Knowing how often mentally disturbed people commit suicide and get into accidents, the high mortality rate comes as no surprise. But that's not even all the risk mentally ill people face. New research shows that type 2 diabetes is more prevalent among peo
Jan 13th, 2022

How Insomnia Affects Mental Health
So, how does insomnia affect mental health? When you have trouble sleeping, you'll likely feel more stressed, anxious, or depressed. Insomnia can also worsen the symptoms of your mental illness, which may in turn make it more difficult to sleep well.
Jan 10th, 2022

A New Understanding of Mental Health Disorders
We've always believed that mental health disorders occur spontaneously without any definite cause. We thought that anyone is at risk of mental illness, regardless of background and personality. But it seems we've been mistaken for far too long...
Dec 26th, 2021

The Benefits of Sleep in Teens’ Mental Health
Youths of today rationally believe that sleeping less amounts to greater productivity. If you ask millennials what it takes to be rich, a considerable percentage would tell you "working late into the night." But evidence shows it may not be so.
Dec 22nd, 2021

Curbing the Mental Health Challenge in Cities
City dwellers generally face many issues that negatively impact their mental health. Notably, countries where more people reside in cities have higher rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression than rural countries.
Dec 20th, 2021

How Meditation Can Help You Make Fewer Mistakes
if you often make mistakes or forget things, especially when in a hurry, meditation can help you become less error-prone. However, the type of meditation used in this study isn't the well-known mindfulness meditation that focuses on breathing...
Dec 16th, 2021

What happens when you overdose on pills?
An overdose can cause breathing difficulty and even death, depending on the drug and amount taken. One can get overdosed accidentally. Other times, it's due to illicit use resulting from addiction.
Dec 13th, 2021

6 simple techniques for coping with bipolar disorder
A person with bipolar disorder (BD) can get bursts of energy and overwhelming joy at this moment and fall into a huge bout of depression soon after. However, the experience is unique to every individual...
Dec 2nd, 2021

Social media may help teens cope with stress
Young people use social media to reach out to friends, make new ones, get updated on social events, entertainment, and while away time. But it's long been said that social media is generally harmful to teen mental health. Is that entirely true?
Nov 24th, 2021

Trauma may lead to anxiety and other mental disorders
New research supported by the NIMH shows that a person's brain activity patterns after a traumatic experience may help to predict their long-term mental health. This might just be a major breakthrough in dealing with PTSD
Nov 9th, 2021

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on College Students

Many previous studies have discovered inadequate sleep and EDS in university students, but most didn't dive into the specific mental health issues they cause. The findings from this new research can help universities and students become even more produc...
Nov 8th, 2021

Histamine Release Can Be Causing Depression
The release of chemicals in the grain causes mood changes. Doctors must ensure that the treatment they provide to their patients will release the right chemicals so that they can curb depression.
Aug 27th, 2021

Why Leisure Activities Are Important To Your Mental Health
Recreational activities will brighten anyone’s day, and for people suffering from mental health issues, this is of extreme importance. Whether you're just trying to improve your mood or de-stress, some fun activity or simply resting can do a world of good.
Aug 27th, 2021

Effects Of Social Isolation On Mental Health
Social isolation can cause severe negative mental health impacts, including increasing depression and anxiety rates. When people become isolated from their friends, coworkers, family, and social activities, they can feel lonely and depressed.
Aug 27th, 2021

Social Media and Teen Mental Health
Peer influence is high online. Most youths engage in negative comparisons with what they have accomplished and some put too much emphasis on appearances. This leads to depression for many young people.
Aug 27th, 2021

Ketamine for Depression: Does It Help?
Ketamine has been found to help people with severe depression. These are new findings raising the hopes of affected persons that it can be a great treatment option for their mental health. This is because the drug can work where other antidepressants have
Aug 27th, 2021