You don’t need to manage your mental health alone, and you shouldn’t have to. Long‑term mental health success is most sustainable when your care is coordinated, collaborative, and grounded in a team approach. Whether you’re managing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or any other mental health condition, having a connected team behind you can make […]
Author: Laura Baker, PMHNP-BC
Protecting Your Mental Health in a Polarized World
Political stress is not just a passing frustration. For many people, it shows up as chronic anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and a growing sense of overwhelm. The constant stream of news, divisive headlines, and pressure to stay informed can take a serious toll on your mental health. If you’re feeling emotionally worn out by the political […]
How to Break Free from Catastrophic Thinking
Catastrophic thinking is when your brain jumps straight to the worst-case scenario, often without warning and without evidence. You spill coffee and think, “Now the whole day is ruined.” Your partner doesn’t text back, and your mind spirals to something terrible happening. It feels automatic, exhausting, and hard to turn off. This pattern is common […]
The Connection Between Money and Mood Swings
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 […]
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 […]