Lifestyle Mental Health Related Content

Video: Examining Gender Differences in Mental Health

Mental health conditions impact all genders—but how they present may differ depending on gender. In addition, strong sociocultural forces—like the saying “Boys don’t cry”—can impact social and emotional development in kids. Variations in symptoms, coupled with differences in how genders are expected...

The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health

The social media platform Instagram made headlines last year for suppressing likes in an effort to curb the comparisons and hurt feelings associated with attaching popularity to sharing content. But do these efforts combat mental health issues, or are they simply applying a band-aid to a wound? It’s...

Do You Manage Your Time Well?

Time management sounds so adult. But the reality is that in today’s society, being busy can be seen as a badge of honor, and too many of us place value on cramming “just one more thing” into our already jam-packed schedules. How often have you or someone in your life uttered the phrase “there isn’t...

Diet and Mental Health: How Nutrition Shapes Your Well-Being

Throughout history, we haven’t completely understood the relationship between diet and mental health in the Western world. Some people have suspected a connection between nutrition and health (mental and physical) based on observation. However, we did not have the scientific evidence to support it...

Mental Health Experts Share Their Top Relationship Advice

The most important part of our lives is often the people in it. Relationships between family members, friends, and loved ones can be incredibly meaningful. Romantic partnerships, in particular, have a profound impact on our emotional well-being. Keep Reading To Learn What a healthy relationship...

Video: The Link Between Social Media & Mental Health

Is it possible to break the habits of social media consumption? And even more importantly, how do we know when to log off and take care of ourselves? Like it or not, social media has an effect on our mental health. Not only does it provide a lens in which you can see what you’re missing out on...

Brain Food: What You Eat Impacts Your Mental Health

Diet has a direct impact on how well our bodies function, from digestion and sleep to feeling tired or having the ability to focus. There have been plenty of fad diets over the decades as well as popular ones that get a lot of fanfare. Some have been shown to work, while others are simply marketing...

McLean’s Guide to Managing Mental Health Around the Holidays

Elvis once crooned about feeling blue at Christmas time—and we’re here to tell you: It’s perfectly normal to feel that way. There are a variety of reasons why your days may not be merry and bright around the holiday season. It can be the jam-packed social calendar, deadlines at work, the loss of a...

Video: Redefining Self-Care in Kids & Teens

Self-care can be interpreted in a variety of ways—for some, it’s taking a walk; for others, it’s reading and having a cup of tea. But for children and adolescents, self-care can be as simple as anything they enjoy doing that helps keep them happy while maintaining good mental and emotional health...

How Working Improves Your Mental Health

For those who have experienced life-altering events or diagnoses, getting a job may be the last thing on their mind. They may consider it out of the question altogether. But it turns out that working has significantly more value than a paycheck alone. Karen L. Jacob, PhD , program director of McLean...

The Mental Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors

In 1853, Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal, “All nature is doing her best each moment to make us well—she exists for no other end. Do not resist her.” Long before Thoreau retreated to his cabin on Walden Pond for two years to immerse himself in nature, human beings have understood the...

Understanding Spirituality and Mental Health

Spirituality is a deep well upon which many people draw in times of crisis, unrest, or personal challenge. It reinforces inner peace and provides a sense of connection to a force greater than ourselves. Spirituality can relieve the stress of everyday life, especially when directed with intentional...

The Benefits of Taking a Mental Health Day

From time to time, everyone needs what many have coined a “mental health day.” It’s a day off from work, a day away from screens and other obligations, or a little time to escape the pressures and frustrations of everyday life. “We all have a point at which we get overwhelmed, we’re engaging in...

Podcast: Redefining Self-Care in Kids & Teens

Jeff talks to Dr. Jennie Kuckertz about the importance of self-care among children and adolescents, and how to incorporate self-care into the daily lives of kids and teens. Jennie shares ways to explore different types of age-appropriate self-care, explains the short- and long-term benefits of self...

4 Steps To Walk Away From Loneliness

There are plenty of times where we may be alone—working remotely, commuting solo, or even living by ourselves. Just because we’re by ourselves doesn’t mean we feel lonely. Sometimes we thrive in this “alone time,” allowing us to do activities we enjoy on our own. But many of us don’t like to admit...

When Eastern Practices Meet Western Psychology

Western culture often views psychological symptoms as problems to be solved. Eastern practices tend to focus on taking a deeper look into a person’s life circumstances. “Most people are too caught up trying to survive from day to day,” explains social worker Charlie Patterson. “We are always trying...

How To Deal With Stress Caused by Working From Home

Routine and structure. For many people, these are two major keys to success in the professional world. Consistent schedules and deadlines, regular rules, and clear organization keep work on track and make coworkers, customers, and bosses happy. These days, work-from-home arrangements—made more...

Video: Simple Ways to Improve Sleep Hygiene

When was the last time you had a restful night’s sleep? If you find yourself yawning during the day or feeling irritable or outright fatigued, there’s a good chance that you’re not getting quality sleep. Good sleep hygiene not only provides you with a good night’s rest, but has plenty of other...

Video: Supporting a Healthy Mind Through Diet & Exercise

Diet, sleep, and exercise have been referred to by some as the pillars of mental health. Sleeping well, moving regularly, and eating healthily can improve overall well-being—and can also lead to better lifelong habits. Some mental health conditions may be improved by diet, exercise, and sleep. Not...