For many people living with mood disorders, money is more than a budgeting challenge, it’s a behavioral barometer. Rapid, impulsive spending can signal shifts in brain chemistry, especially for those with bipolar disorder, where mood swings directly affect judgment, impulse control, and risk-taking behavior. While compulsive spending often flies under the radar, it can be […]
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 Create a Mental Health Emergency Plan
When we think about emergencies, most of us know what to do for a house fire, a heart attack, or even a flat tire. But what about a mental health emergency? For many people living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, or other conditions, crises can arise suddenly and unpredictably. In those moments, it’s […]
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 Biofeedback Can Help Manage Anxiety and What to Expect
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like your body has a mind of its own. If you notice your heart racing, breath shallow, or mind foggy during moments of stress, know that many people experience that. It’s not a flaw, it’s your response system doing its best to keep you safe. And you absolutely deserve tools that […]
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 […]
What Happens When You Give Your Brain a Routine
When your mind has been in survival mode for a long time, structure can feel impossible. Waking up at the same time each day, remembering to eat, taking your medication, even brushing your teeth—it can all feel like climbing a mountain with no trail. But routine is not just a wellness trend. It’s a therapeutic […]
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, […]
The Importance of Play in Mental Health: Why Hobbies and Fun Matter for Adults, Too
Play is not a phase you outgrow. It is a form of psychological oxygen. Somewhere between paying bills, caregiving, chasing goals, and surviving the news cycle, a lot of us lost our sense of play. We don’t mean to; we just forget. As children, play is how we explore the world, process emotions, and build […]
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 […]