ADAA Mental Health Blogs for the Public

Supporting someone with PTSD can feel overwhelming. ADAA member Michelle Fernando, PhD, offers clear, compassionate steps to help you recognize the signs, encourage treatment, and be a steady, supportive presence without losing yourself in the process.

Have you ever tossed and turned at night, unable to fall asleep? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with sleep, but women often face extra challenges.

Jealousy is a common feeling in romantic relationships. Retroactive jealousy (RJ) is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms that involves frequent, distressing thoughts about a partner’s past romantic relationships or sexual experiences. This blog explores what RJ is, how it shows up in relationships, and points to effective ways it can be managed—offering valuable insight for anyone who wants to better understand this complex experience.

Losing a loved one to suicide is one of the most painful and complex experiences a person can endure. The grief that follows can feel overwhelming, and the emotions you may experience can be confusing. This article offers guidance on coping with grief, understanding the emotions that often accompany suicide loss, and finding support as you begin the healing process.

How do you tell a 19-year-old who just lost a parent and failed an exam that their pain is not a curse? Our job—whether we are teachers, parents, helpers, or just people who care—is to help young people learn new ways to see their pain. As African thinker Kwame Gyekye once said, our old beliefs aren’t “crazy”—they are based on what people knew at the time.

It’s time to ditch perfectionism’s worries and embrace “excellencism” instead. Read Dr. Post's blog about the difference between perfection and perfectionism, how it connects to anxiety and how to strive for excellence without falling into perfectionism.