Author: Laura Baker, PMHNP-BC

Explore Rochester for Better Mental Health This Season

As the days grow shorter and the air takes on its familiar chill, fall in Rochester brings both beauty and challenge. The brilliant colors of Highland Park, the calm of the Genesee River, and the scent of woodsmoke in the air can be grounding, but for many, these seasonal shifts also trigger changes in mood. […]

How to Help Prevent Suicide This September

Every September, we pause to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. And while it’s a month marked by ribbons, campaigns, and hashtags, the truth is that suicide prevention is not a one-month-a-year responsibility. It is a year-round, everyday effort. It is about the conversations we’re willing to have, the myths we’re willing to challenge, and the […]

How to Navigate Political Conversations Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Friends)

Political conversations don’t have to mean constant stress or emotional turmoil. By gently setting boundaries, listening compassionately, speaking kindly, and nurturing your emotional health, you can navigate these moments with confidence and care. Your emotional well-being and relationships matter deeply, never hesitate to protect your peace. You deserve meaningful connections without unnecessary emotional distress. Political […]

Not Just Hormones: The Hidden Crisis of Maternal Mental Health

Pregnancy and new parenthood are often labeled as the happiest times of your life. Yet for many, the emotional reality includes fear, fatigue, overwhelm, or simply feeling like you’re on autopilot. It’s tempting to brush these feelings off as “just hormones” or “exhaustion,” but research shows that mental health struggles during this time are common, […]

What LGBTQIA+ Patients Wish Their Mental Health Providers Understood

As psychiatric clinicians, we’re trained to assess symptoms and offer care based on what we hear. Yet, when it comes to LGBTQIA+ patients, many providers miss critical parts of the story, not out of malice, but due to a lack of training and awareness. This isn’t about shame; it’s about growth. LGBTQIA+ patients face unique […]