LifeStance Insights
Our team of expert clinicians give their perspectives across a range of subjects, touching on current topics, family and loved one issues, mental health struggles and the comprehensive services that can help you live a better life.
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Understanding Schizophrenia: Treatment Options and Paths to Hope
April 28, 2025
By: Darcy Leon
Read Time: 4 Minutes
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...
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Lifestyle/Cultural
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10 Mental Health Podcasts Therapists Actually Listen To and Recommend
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...
By LifeStance Health
Published: April 23, 2025Read Time: 5 Minutes
10 Mental Health Podcasts Therapists Actually Listen To and Recommend
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...
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Does Social Media Make You Think Your Relationship is Toxic? 52% Say YES!
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...
By LifeStance Health
Published: April 21, 2025Read Time: 3 Minutes
Does Social Media Make You Think Your Relationship is Toxic? 52% Say YES!
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...
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Lifestyle/Cultural
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Help, My Roommate Is Depressed: What You Can Do and When to Step Back
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...
By LifeStance Health
Published: April 14, 2025Read Time: 6 Minutes
Help, My Roommate Is Depressed: What You Can Do and When to Step Back
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...
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Anxiety/Stress
Overcoming Self-Criticism: How to Unhook from Negative Thoughts
Why We're So Hard on Ourselves
As a therapist, I’ve observed that nearly everyone struggles with critical thoughts about themselves at some point. This tendency isn’t random or a personal failing—it’s connected to our fundamental human need for connection.
We are social beings, hardwired for belonging. Our brains constantly scan our environment, assessing whether we fit in. This vigilance leads us to judge, criticize, and compare ourselves to others. When we perceive differences that might threaten our sense of belonging, our minds often respond with harsh self-judgment.
This inner critic can be relentless, telling us we’re “not good enough,” “a loser,” or that we don’t belong. When we believe these thoughts, they don’t just stay in our heads—they manifest in our behaviors and emotions.
How Critical Thoughts Affect Our Well-Being
These thoughts don’t remain con...
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Overcoming Self-Criticism: How to Unhook from Negative Thoughts
Why We're So Hard on Ourselves
As a therapist, I’ve observed that nearly everyone struggles with critical thoughts about themselves at some point. This tendency isn’t random or a personal failing—it’s connected to our fundamental human need for connection.
We are social beings, hardwired for belonging. Our brains constantly scan our environment, assessing whether we fit in. This vigilance leads us to judge, criticize, and compare ourselves to others. When we perceive differences that might threaten our sense of belonging, our minds often respond with harsh self-judgment.
This inner critic can be relentless, telling us we’re “not good enough,” “a loser,” or that we don’t belong. When we believe these thoughts, they don’t just stay in our heads—they manifest in our behaviors and emotions.
How Critical Thoughts Affect Our Well-Being
These thoughts don’t remain con...
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Share
Disordered Eating
How Trauma Can Trigger Eating Disorders: A Path to Holistic Recovery
As a licensed professional counselor, my work across various therapeutic settings—from private practice to residential treatment facilities—has cultivated my passion for and expertise in understanding eating disorders and their complex origins. My experience treating adults with eating disorders has shaped my approach to treatment and fueled my dedication to this specialized field.
Today, I want to share some insights about the often-overlooked connection between trauma and eating disorders, and how addressing both is essential for healing.
How Do Eating Disorders Develop?
When patients ask me why someone might develop an eating disorder, I explain that there isn’t a single cause—eating disorders are multifaceted conditions with various contributing factors. Many eating disorder myths suggest these conditions are simply about vanity or control, but the reality is much more complex.
Some of the most common factors I’ve observed in my clinical practice include:
Soc...
Read More
How Trauma Can Trigger Eating Disorders: A Path to Holistic Recovery
As a licensed professional counselor, my work across various therapeutic settings—from private practice to residential treatment facilities—has cultivated my passion for and expertise in understanding eating disorders and their complex origins. My experience treating adults with eating disorders has shaped my approach to treatment and fueled my dedication to this specialized field.
Today, I want to share some insights about the often-overlooked connection between trauma and eating disorders, and how addressing both is essential for healing.
How Do Eating Disorders Develop?
When patients ask me why someone might develop an eating disorder, I explain that there isn’t a single cause—eating disorders are multifaceted conditions with various contributing factors. Many eating disorder myths suggest these conditions are simply about vanity or control, but the reality is much more complex.
Some of the most common factors I’ve observed in my clinical practice include:
Soc...
Read More
Share
Anxiety/Stress
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Lorazepam Mania: How “White Lotus” Put This Anxiety Drug in the Spotlight
If you’ve been watching Season 3 of HBO’s hit show “The White Lotus,” you’ve probably noticed southern socialite Victoria Ratliff (played by Parker Posey) popping a certain pill as casually as most of us might pop a breath mint. Her drawling pronunciation of “lorazepam” has become almost as memorable as her increasingly concerning habit of washing it down with white wine at dinner.
But what exactly is this medication that’s getting so much screen time, and should we be concerned about how it’s being portrayed? A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Sabitha Aligeti, MD, provided insights to separate Hollywood fiction from medical reality.
Lorazepam on Screen: The 'White Lotus' Way vs. Real Life
In the luxury Thai resort of “The White Lotus,” Victoria treats lorazepam like it’s part of her vacation essentials. Need to relax before a massage? Pop a lorazepam. Feeling a bit anxious at dinner? Lorazepam w...
By LifeStance Health
Published: April 1, 2025Read Time: 5 Minutes
Lorazepam Mania: How “White Lotus” Put This Anxiety Drug in the Spotlight
If you’ve been watching Season 3 of HBO’s hit show “The White Lotus,” you’ve probably noticed southern socialite Victoria Ratliff (played by Parker Posey) popping a certain pill as casually as most of us might pop a breath mint. Her drawling pronunciation of “lorazepam” has become almost as memorable as her increasingly concerning habit of washing it down with white wine at dinner.
But what exactly is this medication that’s getting so much screen time, and should we be concerned about how it’s being portrayed? A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Sabitha Aligeti, MD, provided insights to separate Hollywood fiction from medical reality.
Lorazepam on Screen: The 'White Lotus' Way vs. Real Life
In the luxury Thai resort of “The White Lotus,” Victoria treats lorazepam like it’s part of her vacation essentials. Need to relax before a massage? Pop a lorazepam. Feeling a bit anxious at dinner? Lorazepam w...
Read More
Share
Relationships
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Monkey Branching in Relationships: The Psychology Behind It and Its Impact
Relationships can be complicated, and the ways people transition between them even more so. One particularly harmful pattern that has gained attention in recent years is known as “monkey branching.” We explore the psychology behind this behavior, its impact on both parties involved, and whether relationships that begin through monkey branching can be sustainable in the long term.
What Is Monkey Branching?
Monkey branching occurs when someone in a committed relationship begins to cultivate romantic or emotional connections with other potential partners while still maintaining their current relationship. The term stems from the image of a monkey swinging from branch to branch, never letting go of one branch before having a firm grip on the next—helping ensure they never fall.
In relationship terms, this means someone is essentially lining up their next partner before ending their current relationship, creating an overlap that often involves emotional, and sometimes ph...
By LifeStance Health
Published: March 27, 2025Read Time: 8 Minutes
Monkey Branching in Relationships: The Psychology Behind It and Its Impact
Relationships can be complicated, and the ways people transition between them even more so. One particularly harmful pattern that has gained attention in recent years is known as “monkey branching.” We explore the psychology behind this behavior, its impact on both parties involved, and whether relationships that begin through monkey branching can be sustainable in the long term.
What Is Monkey Branching?
Monkey branching occurs when someone in a committed relationship begins to cultivate romantic or emotional connections with other potential partners while still maintaining their current relationship. The term stems from the image of a monkey swinging from branch to branch, never letting go of one branch before having a firm grip on the next—helping ensure they never fall.
In relationship terms, this means someone is essentially lining up their next partner before ending their current relationship, creating an overlap that often involves emotional, and sometimes ph...
Read More
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