LifeStance Insights

Many people struggling with addiction have also experienced trauma. Whether it’s childhood abuse, neglect, violence, or emotional pain, unresolved trauma can play a major role in why someone turns to drugs or alcohol. I’ve seen this connection over and over in my work as a therapist over the past decade, especially in treatment settings that focused on both mental health and substance use. Early in my career, I worked in an intensive outpatient program for co-occurring disorders, and later in a trauma-informed agency that truly changed how I approached care. That experience taught me that healing happens when we treat the whole person—not just their addiction, but the pain underneath it. Addiction Is Not a Moral Failing—It’s a Brain Disorder Let’s start by redefining addiction. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is a chronic brain disorder. That means it changes how your brain works—not because you’re weak or broken, but because your brain...

This content has been updated from previous article posted July 3, 2023 When people encounter threatening or high-stress situations, their bodies often react automatically with what’s known as the “fight or flight” response. This instinctive reaction has helped humans survive dangerous situations throughout history. Whether it’s facing a wild animal, experiencing a traumatic event, or navigating overwhelming stress, the brain and body shift into survival mode. This automatic response is triggered by perceived threats to one’s safety—whether physical or psychological—and can result in intense fear, anxiety, and physiological changes. Over time, particularly in individuals who have experienced ongoing trauma or high-stress environments, these responses can become ingrained patterns of behavior. To better understand these responses, let’s take a look at an example of how this could come to life. If you happen to find yourself face-to-face with a tiger, would you be more likely to take out a weapon and fight? Or would you lace up your best running shoes and run away – taking flight? Both reactions are considered normal for different types of people. However, there’s more to the story. In today’s society, it’s highly unlikely you will have to face a tiger, but traumatic events that involve actual or threatened dea...

What Are Emotions? When we think of emotions, they at times feel almost magical and intangible. Sometimes we have clear cause and effect, such as “I was in such a rush leaving the house this morning I can’t believe I forgot this one specific item I wanted to bring and now I am annoyed.” Other times they can be more vague or unknown, like if someone was hanging out comfortably at home or with friends and noticed that for some reason, they suddenly felt sad or anxious despite being in an objectively happy situation. Sometimes they are powerful and seem to take us over without us wanting that to happen; for example, some people experiencing “black outs” when they are angry and seem to have clarity only after the event ended. To better understand this, we explore the biological process of emotions. The reasons emotions exist is to have a need to be met. If we did not have biochemical responses, it would decrease the likelihood of an action being taken. For example, if there was express danger in front of someone and there was no panic or fear, then they would not try to get away from the danger. We can see this in instances when there is dysfunction in emotional experiences. Using the example of individuals with no safety awareness, such as individuals with sever...

I’m Darcy Leon, PMHNP-BC, and I specialize in psychopharmacology—the study and practice of using medications to treat mental health conditions. My passion lies in educating my clients about their medications, staying current with the latest research, and tailoring treatment plans to fit each individual’s unique needs. While medication can be a vital part of treatment, I often find that psychotherapy plays a crucial role as well, which is why I frequently refer clients to one of our dedicated LifeStance therapists. Today, I want to talk about schizophrenia—what it is, how it’s treated, and most importantly, how we can support those living with it. What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it begins to take shape long before symptoms appear. It’s often misunderstood as a sudden onset of psychosis in early adulthood, but we now know that subtle signs can show up earlier in life, such as cognitive difficulties and social challenges. The exact...

In a world where wellness content is everywhere but quality can vary wildly, finding mental health resources that are both engaging and evidence-based can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. That’s why we’ve asked our own mental health professionals to curate this list of podcasts that combine clinical expertise with compelling storytelling. Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your experiences. These aren’t just any mental health podcasts—they’re the ones therapists themselves tune into for professional growth, recommend to their clients, and even enjoy during their own self-care time. From grief and depression to happiness research and culturally responsive therapy, these audio shows offer something for just about everyone on their mental health journey. Whether you’re currently working with a therapist, contemplating starting therapy, or simply interested in deepening your understanding of mental wellbeing, these expert-picked podcasts provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and the comfort...

If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok or Instagram and suddenly questioned whether your partner might be “toxic” or “gaslighting” you, you’re definitely not alone. According to LifeStance’s survey, “Navigating Mental Health in the Age of Social Media,” a whopping 52% of respondents have started doubting their relationships—wondering if they are “toxic”—and it’s all thanks to a new phenomenon called “therapy speak.” The survey, conducted by LifeStance in partnership with Researchscape International, revealed how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X are impacting the way we view our romantic partnerships.  What Does Toxic Relationship Mean? So, what does “toxic” mean in this context? A toxic relationship typically involves patterns of behavior that cause emotional, mental, or even physical harm. This might look like a partner who constantly belittles you, exerts excessive control—such as dem...

Starting college is an exciting experience and for many young people, it is the first time they live with a roommate. Sharing close quarters means daily interactions, and if your roommate begins showing signs of depression, it can have an impact on you as well. With studies showing that 44% of college students experience depression, the likelihood of living with someone exhibiting symptoms of depression is fairly high. Living with a roommate who is experiencing depression can be difficult to navigate, especially when balancing their needs with your own well-being. Mental health experts Kimberly Curtis, LPC, CADC, and Suzanne Mosaliganti, PsyD, offer insights on how to recognize the signs of depression in a roommate, provide support, and establish healthy boundaries to protect your mental health. How To Recognize The Signs of Depression in Your Roommate It’s not always obvious when someone is struggling with depression. You might think your roommate is just “going through somet...