
Alleviant Integrated Mental Health Blog
ADHD in Girls and Women: What Gets Missed
For years, ADHD has been thought of as a condition that mostly affects boys. Because of this, countless girls and women have grown up without answers, often struggling silently with symptoms that don’t fit the “classic” picture of ADHD.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe it’s time to bring attention to how ADHD shows up differently in girls and women, and why it so often gets missed.
You Don’t Need to Be in Crisis to Deserve Care
Too often, people wait until they are at a breaking point before reaching out for mental health support. Maybe it’s because they don’t feel “bad enough” to ask for help, or because they believe care should be reserved for moments of crisis. The truth is, you don’t need to wait until life feels unmanageable to deserve care.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, we want to remind you that your mental health matters every day, not just in moments of emergency.
ADHD Isn’t Just About Focus: The Emotional Side No One Talks About
When most people think of ADHD, they picture challenges with focus, organization, or restlessness. While those are important aspects, they don’t tell the full story. Many people living with ADHD also experience emotional symptoms that often go unnoticed or misunderstood.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe it’s important to talk about this side of ADHD so people can feel seen, understood, and supported.
From Awareness to Action: 10 Things You Can Do for Mental Health Today
It’s easy to talk about the importance of mental health, but real change comes when we take action. Supporting your mind doesn’t always require huge steps. In fact, small daily practices can make a big difference in how you feel and how you show up for others.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we encourage practical, doable actions that anyone can take to nurture mental well-being. Here are 10 things you can do today to support your mental health.
High-Functioning Depression: When You’re Smiling on the Outside
When most people picture depression, they think of someone who looks sad, withdrawn, or unable to get out of bed. But depression doesn’t always look that way. Some people continue to show up at work, laugh with friends, and meet all of life’s demands while quietly battling an invisible struggle. This is often called high-functioning depression.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we want to shed light on this often-overlooked form of depression and encourage anyone experiencing it to seek support.
Depression Screening at Alleviant: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, but it often goes undiagnosed. Many people are unsure if what they’re feeling really “counts” as depression, or they don’t know what to expect from the screening process. At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe that taking the first step toward support should feel simple, safe, and caring.
Since October 7 is National Depression Screening Day, this is the perfect time to talk about why screenings matter and what the process looks like at Alleviant.
Managing Seasonal Affective Changes as the Days Get Shorter
As summer fades and the days grow shorter, many people notice changes in mood, energy, and motivation. These seasonal shifts can sometimes lead to seasonal affective changes, a milder form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or even full SAD in more severe cases. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can help you maintain emotional balance and mental health throughout the fall and winter months.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we understand that seasonal changes affect everyone differently. Some people feel a dip in energy or motivation, while others experience increased irritability or sadness. Paying attention to your emotional patterns during this transition can help you implement strategies that support your well-being.
The Science of Self-Care: How Small Habits Support Mental Health
Self-care is more than a trendy phrase or occasional indulgence. It is a set of daily practices that support emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Science shows that small, consistent habits can have a significant impact on mental health, helping reduce stress, improve mood, and increase resilience.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we encourage patients to develop practical self-care routines that fit their lives. By focusing on small, achievable actions, you can make meaningful changes without feeling overwhelmed.
How to Ease the Emotional Shift From Summer to Fall
As summer winds down, many people notice changes in their mood and energy. The shift from longer, brighter days to shorter, cooler ones can bring feelings of sadness, anxiety, or restlessness. These emotions are common and natural. Acknowledging them and taking steps to support your mental health can help you transition into fall with balance and resilience.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we recognize that seasonal transitions can affect everyone differently. Paying attention to your emotional needs during this time is an important part of self-care.
Closing the Season: Mental Health Lessons From Summer
As summer comes to a close, it is a natural time to pause and reflect. The season often brings a mix of relaxation, social activity, travel, and changes in routine. These experiences can provide valuable insights into your mental health and well-being. Taking time to reflect now can help you carry lessons forward into the months ahead.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we encourage reflection as a tool for self-awareness, growth, and emotional regulation. By examining how you felt, what supported you, and what challenged you this summer, you can better understand your needs and plan for healthy habits in the fall.
Permission to Pause: Why Stillness Is a Vital Part of Healing
In our busy world, it can feel like we are expected to always be moving forward, doing more, and producing results. When we are healing from mental health challenges, this pressure can make us feel like we are not doing enough. The truth is that stillness is not a sign of laziness or avoidance. It is an essential part of recovery.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we know that healing takes time and often requires moments of slowing down. These pauses are not empty spaces. They are where the mind and body can process, restore, and prepare for the next steps forward.
You’re Not a Burden: Challenging the Lie Depression Tells Us
Depression can distort the way we see ourselves and the world around us. One of its most harmful lies is the belief that we are a burden to others. This thought can feel convincing when we are struggling, but it is not the truth. The reality is that your life matters, and the people who care about you want you here.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we know how deeply depression can affect a person’s thoughts and emotions. We also know that these thoughts are symptoms of the illness, not reflections of your worth.
Creating a Safety Plan: A Tool for Hope in Hard Moments
When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or going through a mental health crisis, it can feel like hope is out of reach. In these moments, having a concrete, personalized plan can make all the difference. A safety plan is a written list of coping strategies, supportive contacts, and resources to use when things feel overwhelming. It is a simple tool that can provide structure, reassurance, and a path toward safety.
These plans are not just crisis tools. They are reminders that even in the darkest moments there are steps that can help you stay safe and connected.
September Is Suicide Prevention Month: Why Early Support Matters
Every September, communities across the country recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time to share resources, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is always available. Suicide impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is also preventable when people have access to timely, compassionate support.
At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe in the power of early intervention. We know that starting conversations about mental health and providing support early can save lives.
From Chaos to Centered: What Integrative Mental Health Looks Like During Transitions
Transitions are hard. Whether it’s starting a new school year, moving to a new home, changing jobs, or navigating any big life change, the chaos can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel anxious, tired, or off-balance during these times.
Integrative mental health offers a way to move through transitions with more ease and care. It looks beyond just symptoms and treats you as a whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
The Mental Load of a New School Year: Support for Teachers in Transition
A new school year brings more than fresh supplies and lesson plans. It brings a quiet pressure that many people outside the classroom don’t always see.
There’s the excitement of a fresh start, yes, but also the weight of expectations, shifting routines, and the emotional energy it takes to show up for so many others, every single day.
Teachers carry a mental load that goes far beyond the job description. And as the first day of school gets closer, that load can feel heavier.
The 10-Minute Mental Health Check-In You Can Do Every Day
Life gets busy and it’s easy to let your mental health take a backseat. But spending just 10 minutes a day checking in with yourself can make a big difference. This simple practice helps you notice how you’re feeling, manage stress before it builds, and keep your emotions balanced.
You don’t need special tools or training, but rather, just a little time and kindness toward yourself.
How to Start Meaningful Conversations with Your Pre-Teen or Teen on the Way Home from School
As a parent or caregiver, you know how important it is to stay connected with your pre-teen or teen. But getting them to talk about their day can feel like trying to crack a secret code. They may be tired, distracted, or just not in the mood to share. The good news is that the drive home from school offers a quiet, natural space to start a conversation without pressure.
At Alleviant, we understand that mental health isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about supporting the whole person, including the connections that matter most. Taking just a few minutes each day to check in with your child builds trust, opens communication, and helps you notice how they’re really doing beneath the surface.
How to Talk to Your Child About Mental Health
Talking about mental health with kids can feel tricky, even for the most loving and attentive parents. Maybe you’re not sure what to say. Maybe you don’t want to scare them or say the wrong thing. Or maybe you’re worried that bringing it up will make things worse.
But here’s the truth: your child doesn’t need perfect words. They need your presence. They need to know it’s okay to talk about feelings, especially the hard ones.
When mental health becomes something we talk about openly, it loses some of its power to scare or isolate. It becomes something we care for—together.
Teen Mental Health in August: Signs They’re Struggling And How to Help
August can feel like a pressure cooker for teens. The slower pace of summer is coming to an end, school is right around the corner, and for many young people, there’s a quiet (or not-so-quiet) sense of dread building beneath the surface.
Maybe your teen is feeling anxious about grades or friend groups. Maybe they’re dreading early mornings or dealing with body image stress as they head back into more social settings. Even if they don’t say much, you may notice changes in their mood or behavior this time of year.