By: Linda Boone BSN, RN Do you find yourself unable to enjoy the things you once loved, lacking motivation or the energy to engage in the activities that previously brought you joy? Perhaps you feel emotionally numb and disconnected from the world around you, unable to find a sense of purpose. Have the activities you once loved lost their appeal? Does the mere thought of participating in these once loved activities feel so overwhelming that you are left feeling paralyzed? Do

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks. The symptoms often begin in adolescence and then peak in the 30s-50s. It's a disease that can cause individuals to have disorganized thoughts and behavior, experience delusions (firm beliefs that are demonstrably false), and hallucinations (perceive something that isn't there). As of 2019, schizophrenia affects an estimated 14.2-23.6 million people worldwide. It is a serious illness which

An open hand framed by a sunset "I've been tryin' to get down To the heart of the matter But my will gets weak And my thoughts seem to scatter But I think it's about Forgiveness, forgiveness…” Don Henley, The Heart of the Matter, 1989 As human beings, we are familiar with the concept of needing to forgive those who have wronged us. However, people are often uncertain about how to accomplish forgiveness (7) or understand its importance in their own health and wellbeing (9). Th

Introduction Throughout the day, you encounter minor and major inconveniences. There’s no gas in the car, kids are crying and screaming, or you wake up late because you forgot to set your alarm. These occurrences can build up and contribute to a worldwide phenomenon known as stress. While stress is something everyone experiences, it does not affect everyone in the same way. Cultural background, lived experiences, and social conditions all influence how stress shows up in the

Your heart feels like it is racing before an exam. Your mind keeps on jumping to worst-case scenarios. Your body feels tense, and you cannot relax, even when there is no real danger. If these situations sound familiar to you, then you are not alone. These are common experiences and may be signs of anxiety. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threat. Everyone feels anxiety at some point in their life. However, when anxiety becomes intense, long-lasting, or har

Cortisol is one of the primary stress hormones and plays a significant role in numerous physiological functions, including the body’s fight-or-flight response. When the brain perceives stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which subsequently stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone then signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol into the bloodstream. Skin, being the largest organ in the b

At least 30 individuals have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in 2025 as of late December; a 20-year high and more than double the number who died in ICE custody in 2024. According to a 12/19/2025 Reuters report, four deaths occurred between 12/12 and 12/15/25 alone. The practice of imprisoning individuals detained for immigration-related reasons is nothing new in the United States. Already a world leader in immigration detention, the number of person

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that guides patients through a state of hypnosis, in order to treat certain symptoms or conditions. (1) Research has shown that hypnotherapy can aid in treating various ailments such as anxiety, depression, pain, stress, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is an induced trance that enables a patient to connect with the unconscious mind. In a state of hypnosis, the patient “readily” accepts suggestions. (2

Why Many Mental Health Struggles Go Unnoticed? Mental health is the component of behavioral health that includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health is a state of well-being that enables us to cope with the stresses of life, realize our abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to our community. More than one billion people suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, causing enormous human and economic losses.

Depression Versus the Blues: Understanding the Difference and Knowing When to Seek Medical Help by Catherina Pascale Introduction Feeling sad, discouraged, or emotionally low is a universal human experience. Nearly everyone encounters periods of emotional distress in response to life challenges such as bereavement, job loss, illness, relationship difficulties, or prolonged stress. These temporary emotional states are often described informally as “the blues.” While unpleasant

What is Meditation ? Meditation is the practice of training the mind to focus and reflect on thoughts. Common forms of meditation include mindfulness meditation, breathing meditation and guided meditation. These help individuals become aware of their thoughts, emotions and beliefs without fear of judgement. Meditation can be done anywhere and by anyone without the use of additional equipment making it accessible to all people. How does Meditation affect Mental Health ? Medita

Social isolation and loneliness in adults are significant public health concerns in our society. Although these issues can occur in any age, they are especially common in older adults. Individuals experiencing social isolation or loneliness may suffer a wide range of mental and physical health problems (Salari et al., 2025). In 2023, the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) issued an advisory highlighting the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation and emphasizing the

Effects of Meditation Meditation has been used as a tool for centuries as a way to connect the mind and body, to connect to the sacred, to improve health, reduce stress and anxiety as well as to center oneself.  Regular meditation has been found to (1): Reduce stress Improve sleep quality Reduce anxiety and depression Improve mood and improve positive outlook Increase self-awareness Increase compassion towards self and others Improve focus and attention span Boost the body’s

Introduction For over half a century, the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia has relied almost exclusively on a single mechanism of action: the modulation of dopamine receptors, specifically the blockade of D2 receptors. While effective for positive symptoms like hallucinations, these "dopaminergic" agents often fail to adequately address negative symptoms (such as apathy) and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, they are burdened by significant side effects, including weight gai

By Kristine Burneko, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC Introduction Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines the tridirectional interaction of psychological processes, neurological activity, and immune function. Within clinical practice, PNI provides the mechanistic foundation for mind–body medicine, an evidence-based approach that complements conventional biomedical care by enhancing psychophysiological regulation and response to concurrent treatmen

🌟 Joy’s Impact on Health Joy—the word alone sparks that sparkle, that glimmer of something fun and happy. It isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a biological boost. Research from the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic shows that laughter and play trigger the release of endorphins (our body’s natural “feel good” chemicals), lower cortisol (the stress hormone linked to higher blood pressure), and improve immune function. People who regularly experience joy tend t

Stress causes the “flight-or-fight” response. This evolved over time as a survival instinct, leading to the rapid-fire hormonal changes and physiological responses to help an animal react to danger. In moments of danger, the amygdala transmits a signal to the hypothalamus, which then prompts the adrenal glands to start producing adrenaline. This causes more rapid heart rate and faster breathing, all to maximize oxygen flow. The result of this is that senses sharpen and a pers

Introduction Nurses encourage patients to rest, hydrate, and prioritize wellbeing, yet many struggle to uphold these same practices themselves. This paradox highlights a deeper cultural and systemic issue: self-care among nurses is not merely a personal choice. It is influenced by professional demands and organizational environments. Nurses as Teachers of Health Nurses serve as frontline educators who model and reinforce healthy behaviors. Because nursing consistently ranks a

Painkillers were never meant to destroy lives. They were created to help us breathe through broken bones, surgical recovery, migraines, or sudden injuries. But for millions of people, what begins as relief slowly becomes dependence; quietly, stealthily, and often unnoticed until it is too late. The most commonly abused pain medications (opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine) work by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors. They dampen pain signals and fl

Walking Toward Wellness: An Evidence-Based Examination of the Physical, Psychological, and Social Value of Daily Walking by Catherina Pascale Introduction Walking has long been considered one of the most accessible and universally adaptable forms of physical activity. It requires no specialized equipment, advanced skill, or membership in a formal fitness facility. Both public health organizations and academic researchers increasingly emphasize walking as a foundational practi