Depression Medication and Antidepressants Living with depression can be challenging, emphasizing the need to identify effective treatments. Collaborating with an educated psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner is crucial for informed guidance. At the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, we prioritize your mental health, offering the expertise of...

What Makes Someone a Hoarder? Hoarding Disorder Overview Hoarding Disorder is a distinct emotional-behavioral diagnosis classified under the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorders. While hoarding behaviors can be present in diagnoses like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder,...

Your Guide to Compassionate Listening Skills In Part I of “How to Become a Better Listener,” we discussed the attitude of compassion necessary to be an effective listener. Now, in Part II, we will cover the technical listening skills that build on this compassionate attitude. These listening skills help us respond thoughtfully, participate...

Do I have ADHD or Am I Just Lazy? Have you ever Googled, “Do I have ADHD, or am I just lazy?”. If so, you’re not alone. This question is often asked on Google, Reddit, and other platforms online. Many people struggle to identify if they have a mental health disorder, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), that requires treatment or...

6 Stages of Grief? What is Grief Anxiety? Have you ever found yourself questioning if your grieving process is “wrong” because it doesn’t align with the commonly known five stages of grief coined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance? If so, you may find some new insight from Claire Bidwell Smith, LCPC....

Understanding The Highly Sensitive Person Do you often find yourself deeply affected by the world around you? Do certain noises, lights, or crowds overwhelm you more than they seem to affect others? If so, you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to be highly sensitive, the common traits and symptoms...

Self Diagnosis: Do I Have ADHD? Do I Have Autism? In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Concurrently there has been a significant increase in Google Searches for “Do I Have Autism?” and “Do I Have ADHD?”. “Do I have ADHD” Google...

The Sober Curious Movement Popularized by Gen Z What is Sober Curious? In a world that often glorifies the indulgence of alcohol, a quiet revolution is underway. Enter the “sober curious” movement, a term coined by author Ruby Warrington in her book “Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep...

Learn How To Trust Yourself With Tips From a Therapist The journey of beginning to trust yourself is a profound odyssey that begins in childhood and evolves into adulthood. Rooted in our early experiences, self trust forms the bedrock of our confidence and decision-making. However, it’s not immune to erosion, often influenced by external factors and our own...

Why Do People Drink Alcohol? April is Alcohol Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to delve into the question: why do people drink alcohol? This month prompts discussions about alcohol use, its mental health effects, addiction, and the journey to sobriety.  Alcohol has a rich history in this country, and today remains the most socially accepted and publicly...

Is Neurodivergence a Disability? The short answer is, the experiences of neurodivergence can be disabling, but they are not disabling for everyone with related diagnoses/symptoms. It is important to note that Disability is a medical and governmental term that comes with specific criteria and limitations for recognition – rather than being a diagnosis, it is...

Exploring Different Types of Depression Depression is a complex mental health condition with a diverse spectrum of manifestations. It’s important to recognize that different types of depression are characterized by unique symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. According to a February 2023 Gallup Poll, the percentage of U.S. adults who report having...

Worsening Depression? Questions to Ask Yourself In managing your depression, it’s common to experience fluctuations in mood. Recognizing the signs of a potential dip in your mental health and having proactive strategies in place can be instrumental in preventing a full-blown relapse. Let’s explore practical steps you can take when you sense a shift in...

Hormones and Women’s Mental Health: What You Need to Know In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricate relationship between female hormones—namely estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—and women’s mental health. These hormones are pivotal in shaping women’s emotions, behaviors, and perceptions of interpersonal connections. We’ll...

Am I Lazy? Lack of Motivation? Or is it Depression? We all have those days when we indulge in bed, order in from Grubhub, and binge-watch the latest shows on Netflix. Sometimes this can be as simple as self care or even a personal preference. Other times and perhaps if it occurs often enough, we may begin to wonder if there’s something more going on. Questions may...

Journey Through Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Black Owned Businesses As we embrace Black History Month, a time to honor the rich contributions and achievements of the Black community, it’s essential to celebrate and support the businesses that contribute to the cultural tapestry of our cities. Pittsburgh is home to a plethora of Black owned businesses that not...

9 Signs Your Child Should See a Therapist Parenthood comes with its share of joys and challenges. While watching your child grow and navigate the world is rewarding, it’s also essential to be attuned to their emotional well-being. Children, like adults, can face struggles that may benefit from professional support. In this blog post, we’ll explore nine...

6 Ways to Support Men’s Mental Health The pursuit of mental well-being is universal, but men often encounter unique challenges in acknowledging and addressing their mental health. In this blog post, we take a closer look at men’s mental health, addressing the common reluctance to seek therapy. Supported by relevant men’s mental health statistics, we...