Blog Archive
Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated since 1949 with the goal of helping to increase awareness around mental health symptoms and services, as well as to celebrate recovery from mental, behavioral, or emotional diagnoses. It is a month focused on awareness and connection. It is also a time to...
First, it is important to have an understanding about what psychiatric medication is, who it is appropriate for, and how it might help. Then you can consider your own individual needs, and decide if you would like to move forward with psychiatric medication with a trained clinician. Psychiatric medication is...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
Historical adversity, such as slavery and exclusion to experiences and resources due to race, create social and economic disparities for generations. Although rates of mental illness among the Black population are comparable to rates of the White population, Black people are likely to experience more persistent symptoms and greater negative...
The transition to college and the demands related to being a more independent young adult often manifest in students feeling isolated, stressed out, and depressed. How can college students be more resilient to their circumstances so they can focus on their schooling and future success? Depression in college students can...
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can have a profound impact on mood, personal relationships and overall satisfaction with life. Although we typically think of seasonal depression in the winter months, it can also occur from spring to summer. These seasonal changes often coincide with other life shifts such as the school...
To say that this has been an effective procedure would be an understatement. I have taken SSRIs for a fairly large portion of my life, and anti-anxiety alongside them. They held the proverbial line, but I always felt like I was doing only that. Any ground I ceded to depression...
Trigger Warning: This article discusses depression, self-harm, and suicide which may be triggering for some readers. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and here at Plymouth Psych Group, we know just how important that is. The truth is that we can ALL help to prevent suicide, not just mental health...
1. Spend Time Outdoors Summer is short, so spend some time soaking up these warmer days in whatever ways feel comfortable to you. That might look like a morning walk in your neighborhood or around a local lake, enjoying dinner on the patio with family and friends, or just taking...
Each year, February marks Black History Month, a celebration and commemoration of the impact and contributions that Black people make to society. As it relates to an important cause that is very near and dear to us, and likely to you as well (mental health care) - this is also...
31 Years of History The Autism Society of America is the country's oldest leading grassroots autism organization. Since it's inception in 1970, April has always been known as Autism Awareness Month, but now the Autism Society is changing the title to Autism Acceptance Month. More information about this call for...
One minute you’re on top of the world and the next you’re feeling the weight of the world — could this be bipolar disorder? Perhaps, but a bipolar disorder is far more complex than extreme mood swings. Our team at Plymouth Psych Group has considerable experience helping clients and families...
Each year during the month of February, we recognize and celebrate Black History Month. This is an important time to acknowledge the role African Americans have played in the United States throughout history (and present) and to recognize and celebrate their achievements. But how does this relate to mental health?...
Many mental health issues stem from an imbalance in your brain’s chemistry, and the goal with medications is to restore that balance. While effective, this approach is only a part of a much larger treatment plan. Every person’s struggle with mental health is unique, and the team here at Plymouth...
The statistics surrounding trauma are nothing short of eye-opening: 70% of American adults report at least one traumatic event, and two-thirds of children experience trauma before the age of 16. To give you an idea of the effects these experiences can have on your mental health, trauma is considered the...
The holiday season is well underway as marketing messages bombard us with images of happy friends and families enjoying time together. For many who have depression, however, this season may only serve as a stark contrast to their own emotions, leaving them feeling more lonely and sad than usual. Our...
Every parent wants their child to have a healthy and happy adulthood, and they do their best to provide them with the right tools and support. If your child is on the autism spectrum, you may need a little bit of help in transitioning them into the independence of adulthood,...
Millions of lives have been upended by the pandemic that has gripped our nation for the past seven months, but for those who are on the autism spectrum, the challenges can be even greater, starting with wearing a mask. At Plymouth Psych Group, our team of compassionate and skilled practitioners...
From September 6-12, 2020, the United States acknowledges National Suicide Prevention Week in order to bring education and help to the millions of people who are feeling lost and hopeless. The fact is that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and in 2018 alone,...
From the moment they exit the womb, children develop at a dizzying rate, and it’s all you can do to ensure that critical milestones are met along the way. As you track their mental, physical, emotional, and social health, recognizing the early signs of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is...
If you’re feeling anxious and worried amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic, the death of George Floyd, and the social unrest that has followed, you’re not alone. These troubling times are difficult for everyone, both here in Minnesota and across the nation. It can be challenging to know what is normal...
by Gerard Balan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Plymouth Psych Group Many patients and their families are struggling with the isolation & loneliness that come from prolonged quarantine. In doing so, I offer the following tips those who are struggling during this unprecedented time. Stay strong and I hope you find the...
by Brittan Donohoe, Registered Dietician at Plymouth Psych Group As you think about the past few weeks and uncertainty ahead, food choices may or may not be on your mind. Wherever you fall, I encourage you to reflect on your decisions as you move forward. What has been going well...
Did You Know….? 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year (47.6 million in 2018) 1 in 25 adults experience serious mental illness each year (11.4 million in 2018) 1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year (7.7 million in 2018) Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death...
(Source: Unity Day photo and excerpts from PACER.org) On Wednesday, October 23rd, the PPG Staff took a stand against bullying and supported Unity Day 2019 by wearing orange. “Orange provides a powerful, visually compelling expression of solidarity…the vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, sending the supportive, universal message that bullying is...
by Cristin Murray, MA, LPCCMental Health Therapist & Development Manager While back to school can be a very fun and exciting time, changes in schools, teachers, friends and routines can also mean added stress and anxiety for members of your family. Since this transition happens every year, it’s a good...
Happy Birthday, America! In observance of Independence Day, our office will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5. From all of us at Plymouth Psych Group, we wish everyone and fun and safe 4th of July weekend!
Most people associate Seasonal Affective Disorder with the dark days of winter, but did you know that 10% of people with the disorder also suffer through the brightest days of the year? Transitioning to longer days and increased sunlight can affect our circadian rhythm, in turn, causing the following symptoms:...
We all know that that being a teenager comes along with many new and exciting experiences. Looking back on those years (many, MANY years ago for some of us!), you may remember the feeling of finally getting your driver’s licensce and gaining a newfound independence, or integrating with a new...
Due to another big snow fall here in the metro, we will be closing our office at 4:00pm today. All evening appointments and groups will be cancelled. The concern we have for both our staff members and our clients during incliment weather situations is our top priority on days like...
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 3rd!8:30am – 11:00am; Southdale Mall The 19th Annual Steps for Autism (formally Steps for Hope) is just around the corner, and we are busy preparing to take part in all of the festivities. This event is hosted by the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and is known as...
Due to the severe weather and deteriorating road conditions, Plymouth Psych Group will be closing at 3:00pm today, February 7th. All afternoon groups and appointments are cancelled for the safety of our clients and staff. We will reopen at 10:00am tomorrow Friday, February 8th. Thank you for understanding. Travel safely!
2019 is marked with many special dates dedicated to raising awareness about various emotional, physical and psychological health issues. February is marked by Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, about 50% of the most common U.S. cancer cases are preventable. Download Your Free Cancer Prevention...
Since we opened the doors to our new Specialty Programs division a couple years ago, we have welcomed 17 different groups of teens who are on the spectrum (or have a related diagnosis) into our ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Social Skills and Emotional Regulation program. As awareness and diagnosis, hence...
As we prepare for another Autism Spectrum Disorder Social & Emotional Develpment Group to begin next month, we reflect back to our last group of proud graduates who completed the program just a couple of weeks ago. It is always so wonderful for both the parents and PPG staff to see the...
You may have a typical level of anxiety and this information may help to understand and manage it more effectively. This blog may also be helpful to identify anxiety issues in friends or family to help them get the support that they need. What is anxiety? Many people think that...
It is that time of year again where we promise to take better control of our lives. Whether it’s reclaiming our physical health, ditching bad habits, or picking up better ones; we want to look and feel good as we anticipate the year ahead. We stock up on the workout essentials and...