The New Year often brings hope, motivation, and a sense of fresh possibility. For individuals in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges, however, this time can also introduce pressure, emotional vulnerability, and increased exposure to triggers. Family members and friends play a powerful role in shaping the environment around recovery. Research consistently shows…
The holidays are often presented as a time of joy and community, but for many individuals, the season can intensify feelings of loneliness or disconnection. Understanding how loneliness impacts emotional well-being and learning supportive ways to reconnect can help create a more grounded and meaningful holiday experience. Understanding Seasonal Loneliness How Isolation Impacts Mood Isolation…
Doomscrolling is Affecting your Mental Health Doomscrolling refers to the persistent consumption of distressing news or crisis-oriented digital content, typically through platforms designed to encourage prolonged engagement. Although information-seeking is a normal response to uncertainty, excessive exposure to negative media can dysregulate emotional processing systems, heighten physiological arousal, and interfere with healthy sleep and coping…
Holiday Stress & Substance Use — Prevention and Support Strategies The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and fulfilling, but for many individuals it can be a time of stress, emotional triggers, and increased vulnerability to substance use. Understanding why holidays can intensify challenges, and knowing how to access effective support, is key to…
Using Seasonal Change as a Reset for Mental Wellness As the crisp air and golden light of fall arrive, many people feel an intuitive pull toward reflection. The transition from summer’s intensity to autumn’s calm can be more than aesthetic—it can be psychological. In Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, where community and wellness intersect, fall…
What Is Kratom and Why Is It Rising in Use? Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia that has stimulant-like effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. In recent years, kratom products have quietly made their way into Ventura County, often sold in smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas…
Parents: Is Your Teen Vaping at School? As your teen heads back to school, nicotine addiction may not be the first concern on your mind. But vaping devices are now common on school campuses, often disguised as USB drives or pens. For many students, “just trying it with friends” quickly escalates into daily use and,…
“Crashing out” has become a trending phrase in Gen Z social media circles, referring to sudden irritations and emotionally overwhelmed breakdowns rooted in overstimulation and exhaustion. While the phrase can offer a sense of shared experience, experts warn that normalizing breakdowns may sidestep emotional literacy and healthy coping strategies. Without professional support, these episodes may evolve…
Personality Disorder Testing Neuropsychological evaluations are designed to assess core cognitive functions such as: Memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning Identify the impact of conditions like ADHD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or dementia; Evaluate the role of emotional and psychological factors—especially anxiety, depression, trauma, or personality traits—that may be influencing performance; and provide…
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