Are There Different Types of Schizophrenia?

illustration of melancholy with face silhouette

Schizophrenia is a complex, commonly misunderstood neuropsychiatric disorder. Left untreated, it can cause a host of debilitating symptoms and create dangerous cycles of confusion, fear, and destruction for both the people experiencing the disorder and their loved ones. Medical experts are far from having all the answers about schizophrenia, but new research and improved science […]

What is Family Enmeshment?

a delicate watercolor image of families

Close family bonds are an important part of development for children and adolescents. A strong family unit provides stability and safety for kids as they grow, allowing them to explore, make mistakes, and mature into physically and emotionally independent adults. Among families with grown children, close family bonds can provide an ongoing source of emotional […]

Uncovering the Facts and Myths About Schizophrenia

watercolor painting of a human with colorful swirls in the brain representing the struggles of mental illness

Schizophrenia is one of the most widely misunderstood mental health conditions. Exaggerated and inaccurate media depictions and representations have left the general public with false (and often harmful) assumptions about people who live with this disorder. For a deeper look at how these misconceptions arose, see our overview of the history of schizophrenia. Although it […]

Exploring the Link Between Anxiety and Depression

PV - Blog Featured Image - representation of anxiety and depression

You might think there is a stark difference between anxiety and depression. Anxiety causes excessive worry and frustration, while depression causes lethargy and loss of interest. While they might seem like opposites, these two mental health conditions are closely related. They’re almost like two sides of the same coin. Both anxiety and depression are distinct […]

Dealing with Psychosis: A Closer Look at the Experience

PV Elderly Man in a therapy session with a woman

Are you familiar with psychosis? An often misunderstood condition, psychosis can be a frightening experience for both those going through it and their loved ones. But what is psychosis? What causes it? How can you manage it, and what are some ways to practice self-care for psychosis? What is Psychosis? Psychosis is a collection of […]

Long-Term Effects of Comorbid Anxiety Disorder

woman having anxiety attack

Although nervousness, fear, and worry are normal human experiences, some people are debilitated by their worries. When someone’s anxiety interrupts their daily life, they may meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders account for the majority of mental health disorders in the United States. About 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1% of […]

What is the Difference Between Bipolar and Unipolar Depression?

Illustrated man looking at a green question mark.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, where over 21 million adults — or 8.4% of the population — experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year.1 Depression is both a disorder itself as well as a symptom of other disorders. Some people experience only depression, […]

Bipolar Disorder: Supporting Someone Having a Manic Episode

Illustrated woman in the center of a big swirl of colors.

Watching someone experience a manic episode is a difficult thing to witness. It probably feels like there isn’t much you can do to alleviate your loved one’s struggles. Although it’s true you can’t eliminate their mania, there are a few ways to help someone through a manic episode. Wondering how to calm a manic episode? […]

Can You Heal from Codependency?

Two cartoon hearts looking blankly at each other. They have arms and legs. Their hands are tied together with blue string.

When people think about mental health recovery, they often think about depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Perhaps borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the first that come to mind. Conditions like codependency oftentimes aren’t high on the list of conditions that need treatment, but its effects can be just […]

Unresolved Trauma and Relationships

Notebook paper with a heart drawn on it in red pencil. The heart has an "x" through it and the red pencil is broken in half.

Trauma is never easy to cope with. Experiencing an unexpected and catastrophic event leaves lasting results that impact many areas of your life. After some time, though, most people work through their traumatic experiences and return to living life as normal. However, if you do not process the trauma and bottle it up instead, it […]