Hello, It's Hannah

Okay, so it's officially winter now, and people across the nation are huddled in their houses with the fireplace roaring and every part of their body covered in clothing. Even here in Texas, it's getting pretty cold (I'm currently wearing a t-shirt, striped skirt, and PJ pants under my skirt). It's quite difficult to get outside and breathe in that fresh sunshine this time of year, and sometimes, when people get stuck inside too long, they tend to become bored and even sad and fatigued. If the winter weather is driving you crazy, here are a few tips to keep yourself happy and healthy, even when you can't go outside. Make your space brighter Whether it's investing in an artificial light (light box), opening up your blinds, or putting some plants on your desk, making your bedroom or work space a little bit brighter is important for kicking that foul winter mood. Sitting next to open blinds while you work or a light box for 30 minutes a day will signifi...

Hello, friends! After a long and difficult month, I am back and ready to put my thoughts out into the world. Today we're focusing on a topic that is not talked about enough and something that I've had to deal with for the past few months.  You all know what depression and anxiety are. I've done posts on them and talked about them on my social media for as long as this blog has been in existence. However, there is a side to these disorders that is overlooked and not talk about nearly as much as it should be.  Depression and anxiety do not look them same for everyone. It manifests differently in everyone, and for me, it's high functioning. This is a term I was not aware of until very recently, and it made everything that I was experiencing make so much more sense. So, what does high functioning mean? High functioning anxiety/depression means that someone goes about their day to day lives appearing perfectly okay and healthy, but below the surface, they are experie...

Hello, friends. Today' I'm tackling a topic that's not talked about a whole lot, but that I believe is important to acknowledge. Today, we discuss seasonal depression. WHAT IS SEASONAL DEPRESSION? Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, is a mood disorder involving depression that occurs at the same time every year. It is usually self-diagnosable, can be treated within months, and must be treated by a medical professional. SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL DEPRESSION The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include: apathy anxiety general discontent loss of interest in certain activities mood swings excessive sleepiness insomnia fatigue  appetite change irritability social isolation depression lack of concentration TREATMENT Seasonal affective disorder can be treated a number of ways and within months. These ways include: talk therapy self care (physical exercise) medication (anti-depressants and Selective Se...

Hello everyone, and happy Monday! Today I’ve got another Mental Health Monday for you. Today, we’re focused on ADHD. WHAT IS ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is associated with trouble paying attention and focusing, excessive activity, sitting still, and acting without thinking. ADHD can start in early childhood and can go into adulthood. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is usually hereditary. SYMPTOMS OF ADHD Symptoms for ADHD include: Hyperactivity Short attention span Fidgeting Impulsivity Forgetfulness Trouble focusing Mood swings Easily bored ADHD can also be asscociated with certain learning disabilities and depression. TREATMENT ADHD is not curable as of right now, but there are certain medications and therapies used to ease the symptoms, such as: Talk therapy Stimulants Cognition-enhancing medication Support groups A NOTE FROM ME I have struggled with ADHD my e...

Hello friends! After a crazy three weeks of getting ready for college, getting settled into college, and starting my very first college classes, I’m back and ready to blog! And for those of you who don’t know, I’m a freshman at the University of North Texas, and I’m majoring in Psychology. Now, back to the blogging. As you know, it’s Monday, and that means another Mental Health Monday. Today’s focus is Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a brain disorder associated with unusual mood swings that make daily life and daily tasks difficult. SYMPTOMS Manic Episodes The symptoms for bipolar disorder manic episodes include: Feel very “up” or elated Have a lot of energy Have increased activity levels Feel “jumpy” Have trouble sleeping Become more active than usual Talk really fast about a lot of different subjects Be agitated or irritable Feel like their thoughts are going very fast Think th...

Hello, friends! I know it’s been a while, but I just wanted to take some time off for vacation and getting ready to head to college in FIVE days! So exciting! Anyway, I’m back and ready to share another Mental Health Monday with you. Today’s topic is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, otherwise known as OCD. WHAT IS OCD? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is defined as a type of anxiety disorder that produces unreasonable thoughts and behaviors that lead to compulsive behavior(s). ODC is commonly displayed through a fear of germs or a need to keep everything organized in a specific manner. The symptoms for OCD begin gradually and can vary in the different parts of life. SYMPTOMS The symptoms for OCD include: Compulsive behavior Compulsive hoarding Repetitive movements Social isolation Impulsivity Meaningless repetition of words Anxiety Depression Panic attacks Fear Nightmares Repeatedly going over thoughts TREATMENT Treatment...