The information provided in the blogs is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor should it be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Family Psychiatry and Therapy (FPT), and Helene A. Miller, MD, make no representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information contained in each post. If you have a medical emergency, please contact 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These changes are known as bipolar episodes, and they can range from overwhelming highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression). While everyone experiences ups and downs, bipolar episodes are more extreme and can interfere with daily functioning,… Read more
Life in northern New Jersey moves fast. Between long commutes, demanding jobs, and family responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many Paramus residents and those in nearby towns like Ridgewood, Hackensack, and Fair Lawn find themselves struggling to balance it all. If you’ve been feeling anxious, irritable, or simply exhausted, you’re not alone. The good… Read more
Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies for Anxiety Medication Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, but nowadays, it seems like everyone struggles with excessive anxiety. As awareness of anxiety disorders rises, so does the number of people getting vital diagnoses. While therapy and lifestyle changes can definitely help reduce anxiety over time, many people also need… Read more
ADHD in the Workplace: Tips for Medication and Management Managing ADHD symptoms, especially in a professional setting, is nothing short of a challenge. At the workplace, you’re expected to be focused and organized, but folks with ADHD often struggle to function the same as their colleagues. Nevertheless, an ADHD diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t be… Read more
Telepsychiatry for Kids: Increasing Access to Mental Health Care Children’s mental health is a growing concern worldwide, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other behavioral disorders emerging among youth. Yet, timely access to mental health care remains a challenge for many families. Things like physical location, provider shortages, and the persistent stigma around mental… Read more
Lots of people look forward to cozying up in bed for a good night’s sleep after a long day at work. However, many others dread going to bed—they struggle with insomnia and know that falling asleep will be an uphill battle. Chronic insomnia is more than just an inconvenience. It can affect energy levels, focus,… Read more
Suicide Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness about mental health struggles and the reality that many people live with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. At its core, the message of this week is simple yet powerful: connection saves lives. Even a small act of reaching out can interrupt feelings of isolation and provide… Read more
Recognizing National Suicide Prevention Week Next week is National Suicide Prevention Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness around mental health, support those in crisis, and work toward reducing the stigma that surrounds suicide. For many people, this week brings a mix of emotions. Some may reflect on personal loss, while others may feel inspired… Read more
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects millions of people globally, and more and more folks are talking openly about their struggles with this condition. OCD, even in less severe cases, can have a noticeable impact on daily life and overall well-being. Treatment looks different for everyone, but medication is often a major part of addressing this mental… Read more
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Our Guidance on What to Expect Benzodiazepines have brought countless people relief from anxiety and insomnia. However, these medications aren’t always a walk in the park. Using them for long periods of time can lead to dependency, and when one decides to quit, withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve been prescribed benzodiazepines and are considering… Read more
Finding the Right Mood Stabilizers for Your Needs Mood swings can happen to all of us from time to time. One moment, you’re feeling excited and ready to take on the world, and the next, you’re hit with a wave of sadness. While occasional mood swings aren’t cause for too much concern, constant mood fluctuations… Read more
Managing Bipolar Disorder: What to Know About Medication If you live with bipolar disorder or know someone who does, you know that managing this complex condition is a challenge. It’s certainly not impossible, though. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication, folks with bipolar disorder can live normal lives and maintain strong… Read more
Exploring Depression Medications: How Do They Work? It seems like depression is more common than ever. Countless people struggle with this mental health condition, and its complexities make treatment feel overwhelming. While therapy and lifestyle changes are effective ways of managing depression, medication is often part of the solution. But with so many options available,… Read more
Addressing Anxiety With a Holistic Approach and Medication Hundreds of thousands of people deal with anxiety every day. While feeling anxious occasionally is normal, a significant number of us navigate extreme feelings of anxiety that never seem to end. Medication and traditional therapy are both fantastic options for managing this anxiety, but today, they’re far… Read more
Raising a child is never easy, but an ADHD diagnosis can make it even harder. Misconceptions about children with ADHD and medication are a dime a dozen, and sometimes, finding misinformation is easier than finding the facts. But here’s the truth: ADHD management, including medication when necessary, is grounded in science and effective when done… Read more
The last few years have transformed the way we approach healthcare, especially in mental health. One of the most significant shifts has been the rise of telepsychiatry — a method of delivering psychiatric care through secure, online video sessions. From therapy to medication management, this virtual model has opened new doors for patients who might… Read more
In the rush of everyday life, finding time for self-care can feel impossible. Between meetings, parenting, commuting, and an endless stream of notifications, many people struggle to slow down—even for a breath. But what if you didn’t need a full hour, a yoga mat, or a silent retreat to reset? At Family Psychiatry & Therapy… Read more
Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges can be both meaningful and emotionally taxing. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, or another condition, you may feel unsure about how best to help. You want to be there for them, but it’s not always clear what to say or how to… Read more
More Than Likes and Comments: What’s Really Going On? Social media has changed how we communicate, express ourselves, and even how we define our identities. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook offer space for creativity and connection, they also introduce subtle pressures that can affect our emotional and psychological well-being—often without us realizing it…. Read more
Despite growing awareness and advocacy, many persistent myths about mental health continue to shape how people view mental illness and treatment. These misconceptions often prevent individuals from seeking help when they need it most. They can also lead to feelings of shame, silence, and alienation, especially for those already struggling. Dismantling these myths is essential—not… Read more
As cannabis becomes more accessible through legalization, its use continues to rise across the country, including right here in New Jersey. Many people turn to marijuana for relaxation, sleep support, pain relief, or simply to take the edge off during stressful times. But as cannabis becomes normalized, especially among younger adults and teens, its risks… Read more
When most people think about treating mental health conditions, they often imagine therapy sessions or prescription medications, and for good reason. These tools are essential and highly effective. But there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that nutrition and lifestyle choices also play a powerful role in supporting mental wellness. At Family Psychiatry and Therapy… Read more
High-Stress Careers and the Weight They Carry Certain careers come with prestige, power, and a high sense of responsibility. But they also bring intense stress, long hours, and the constant expectation to perform without error. Professions such as law, medicine, emergency services, finance, education, and executive leadership often demand more than just skill; they demand… Read more
The Lingering Effects of a Global Disruption Although the most immediate threats of the COVID-19 pandemic have faded, its emotional and psychological consequences continue to ripple through communities, particularly when it comes to loneliness and social isolation. What began as temporary lockdowns and distancing measures evolved into long-term disconnection for many individuals, families, and even… Read more
Veterans Deserve More Than Just Gratitude Military service leaves a lifelong mark, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Many veterans return home with lasting injuries that are not visible to the eye. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injuries, and substance use disorders. Despite public recognition of their service, veterans often struggle to… Read more
How Political Division Affects Mental Health In recent years, the political climate has grown increasingly contentious. With 24/7 news coverage, passionate social media debates, and emotionally charged public discourse, political polarization is more present in everyday life than ever before. While it’s healthy to care about important issues and stay informed, the mental and emotional… Read more
Adolescence is a time marked by self-discovery, identity formation, and growing independence. For LGBTQ+ youth, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, this developmental period can be especially complex. While all teens face the pressures of school, peers, and social identity, LGBTQ+ youth often experience additional mental health burdens stemming from… Read more
In today’s economy, uncertainty isn’t just an occasional concern — it’s an ongoing presence in many families’ lives. Rising interest rates, inflated grocery bills, housing costs, job instability, and global economic shifts have created a landscape where financial anxiety is no longer rare — it’s increasingly the norm. For parents, this pressure is even greater…. Read more
Why It’s Becoming More Difficult to Access Mental Health Services In recent years, mental health has become a top concern for individuals, families, and communities across the country. The growing awareness and reduced stigma surrounding conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma have encouraged more people to seek support. However, with this positive shift comes… Read more
The New Reality of Remote and Hybrid Work Over the past few years, remote and hybrid work models have gone from temporary solutions to permanent features of professional life. While these setups offer flexibility and convenience, they’ve also introduced new mental health challenges. One of the most significant is burnout—a state of emotional, physical, and… Read more
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