New Year: Why Don’t I Feel Happier?

The beginning of the year is often associated with high expectations of happiness and enthusiasm to find joy and contentment. But these feelings can create emotions on the opposite end of the spectrum depending on a person’s circumstances. Depression between Christmas and the New Year can be a major problem for many who find themselves…

When someone receives a dual diagnosis, it usually means they will require treatment for a mental health condition and for substance abuse. These disorders are frequently associated with each other and increase the damaging effects on a person’s well-being. Another name for this connection is a co-occurring disorder that combines the effects of having two…

The years 2020 and 2021 have been ones we will never forget, as so many lives were turned upside down with the mention of a new virus: COVID-19. The changes that occurred brought a new way of life where you couldn’t watch the news, get on social media sites, or drive down the street without…

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings, including emotional highs and lows. Most people with this condition, also known as manic depression, are usually diagnosed in their twenties as symptoms start appearing. Dealing with the signs of bipolar disorder can be overwhelming, and it is important to get help as…

Self-harm is often kept secret and may be more prevalent than you think, especially in young adults or adolescents. This type of behavior is usually not suicidal but rather a way of dealing with emotional pain or anger. It provides relief for a short period of time, followed by bouts of guilt or shame. This…

Many of us use substances to relax, unwind, and enjoy ourselves. Though there are also those who use them for other reasons, including escaping the stresses of life, masking emotional pain, or eliminating chronic anxiety. But the comfort provided by drugs, alcohol, or other substances is often nothing more than a band-aid for deeper mental…

Suicide or taking one’s own life occurs too often when someone is overwhelmed by intense emotional pain. It can leave a family devastated and wondering what they could have done differently. When thoughts of suicide are not part of your thought process, you may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation….

People with mental health challenges can sometimes feel alone in their struggles. By taking part in an outpatient program at Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, patients can have ready access to the support they need while realizing they are not the only ones facing these types of challenges. Our outpatient programs are also designed to…