The brain has many different parts that affect both our mental and physical health. Let’s review the human brain and how it influences our thoughts and behavior. Basic Brain Overview Each region of the human brain has particular functions. The three main parts of the brain include the: Cerebrum: Located at the front of the…
Whether you love making New Year resolutions or think they’re overrated, the New Year is a good time to consider healthier habits. If you want to try building your mental health in 2022, here are some goals to consider. 1. Practice gratitude. Gratitude is not just for Thanksgiving! Taking time to be grateful, even for…
Mental illness can create significant strains on the body as well as the mind. The opposite is also true: physical disorders can cause symptoms that imitate many mental health conditions. Treating the underlying physical condition may resolve many psychological symptoms. If you have a behavioral health client with mental health symptoms, always rule out underlying…
Experts have known for a long time that there is a link between depression, insomnia, and insufficient sleep. Depression can lead to disturbed sleep, which can worsen depression symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break. Experts do not fully understand the link between insomnia and depression, but new research continues to shed light…
When was the last time you got a great night’s sleep? Chances are, it’s been a while. According to the Sleep Foundation, more than one-third of U.S. adults report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. (Seven to nine hours per night is the standard recommendation for adults aged 18-64.) Many different factors…
In this mini-series on problem gambling, we’ve covered some unhappy statistics about gambling and its risk factors. But what can be done about it? Are there effective treatments for gambling addiction? Let’s look at what experts are trying. Current standards for gambling addiction treatment Problem gambling affects people in different ways, and so do the…
Many people enjoy playing at casinos, buying lottery tickets, and playing a friendly game of poker. According to PlayItSafeOhio.org, which promotes responsible gambling and offers help to those who may have a problem with gambling, about 85 percent of Americans in 2012 said they gambled at least once in their lives. In fact, the American…
Insufficient sleep can be harmful to your physical health as well as damaging to your mental wellbeing. From cardiovascular disease to bipolar disorder, lack of sleep has been connected to a wide variety of health conditions. This makes sleep a crucial factor to consider in your behavioral health clients. Let’s examine some of the chemicals…
Mental health and substance misuse concerns have resonated across the United States, including BestNotes’ home state of Idaho. Check out this news roundup of some of the top behavioral health-related stories affecting the state. Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Drugs Increasing in Idaho Idaho law enforcement agencies are warning the public about a rising supply of pain medications…
Like all other healthcare specialties, behavioral health is constantly evolving with new discoveries and information. Here are some of the top trends impacting the field of behavioral health today. 1. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important tool for organizations that collect and analyze enormous amounts of data. Information generated by social media…