Latest news with #NationalInstituteofMentalHealth
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I'm highly organized and productive, so my ADHD diagnosis at 32 surprised some people in my life. It didn't surprise me.
I recently received an ADHD diagnosis at 32. I've used coping mechanisms for years to make life easier without knowing why I was doing it. Now, I'm learning about thriving with ADHD, and the confirmation of a diagnosis is validating. Aristotle said that knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. My latest 'ah-ha' moment is a long-suspected ADHD diagnosis, made official this month. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the median age for a mild ADHD diagnosis is 7. I'm 32. I was hesitant to assign myself the label, since finding ADHD memes relatable is hardly a diagnosis, even when those memes feel like they were made with me in mind. Now that I've seen a specialist who confirmed my suspicions, the feeling of vindication is kind of exhilarating. I've suspected I had ADHD for about 10 years "When was the first time you suspected this?" the doctor asked. Ten years ago, I was team-marking with other teachers, trapped for a full weekend with the task of grading hundreds of senior exams before the deadline. The other teachers were flying through essays, their red pens a blur. I watched them for a bit, wondering how they were able to tune each other out. I graded two essays and then made some tea. I rewarded myself for finishing another essay with the slow removal of my jacket. Many buttons. Thrilling. And then one more essay, followed by a snack. The sound of my colleagues' pens was distracting. The sound of the kettle boiling, even more so. Speaking of which…more tea? A bathroom break? I was bored senseless. "How many have you done, Tayla?" I'd tackled four in the time the others had each graded 12. I told myself it was because the other teachers were more experienced. I developed coping mechanisms long ago to mask symptoms I shared the news of my diagnosis with a friend from school. "Seriously? But…you're so productive?" she said, shocked. It was easy to slip through the cracks as a high achiever. ADHD diagnoses are often missed in girls — the ratio of boys to girls with ADHD is 3:1 in childhood, but in adulthood it's much closer to 1:1. Apparently, girls with ADHD are more likely to make an effort to mask symptoms. I got straight As in school (bar physical science, which felt like torture) and graduated from university magna cum laude. Along the way, I'd unknowingly been developing coping strategies, weaving them into my daily life. A major one was the subjects I chose. In high school, I dropped two math classes in my final year; it wasn't my strong suit. In university, excelling in psychology and English was easy — I loved both majors and would happily fixate on them for hours. I've had a daily to-do list for decades. I voice note myself constantly. My calendar is so detailed that it looks encyclopedic. I schedule meetings and my toughest tasks during my most productive hours. I lock my phone away during work because I'll scroll fruitlessly. And now I can see all of this for what it is: a plethora of coping mechanisms. Even pursuing my writing career, I curated it around an ADHD diagnosis I didn't yet have. I struggle to write on topics I don't care about, so I built a roster of clients and publications in travel, a subject that obsesses me. Being self-employed has allowed me to tap into other interests, like coaching people in writing personal essays. I've always gravitated toward the form. After a quick Google, it turns out many associate oversharing with ADHD, too. Hmm. I'm throwing myself into learning. I'm reading books about thriving with ADHD. I'm following relevant accounts on social media, knowing that I now belong in these communities. The best time to get this diagnosis was probably 25 years ago. But I have it now. I'm not convinced this is the "beginning of wisdom" as Aristotle says, but it's the beginning of something. That's good enough for now. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
14 hours ago
- Health
- Business Insider
I'm highly organized and productive, so my ADHD diagnosis at 32 surprised some people in my life. It didn't surprise me.
I recently received an ADHD diagnosis at 32. I've used coping mechanisms for years to make life easier without knowing why I was doing it. Now, I'm learning about thriving with ADHD, and the confirmation of a diagnosis is validating. Aristotle said that knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. My latest 'ah-ha' moment is a long-suspected ADHD diagnosis, made official this month. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the median age for a mild ADHD diagnosis is 7. I'm 32. I was hesitant to assign myself the label, since finding ADHD memes relatable is hardly a diagnosis, even when those memes feel like they were made with me in mind. Now that I've seen a specialist who confirmed my suspicions, the feeling of vindication is kind of exhilarating. I've suspected I had ADHD for about 10 years "When was the first time you suspected this?" the doctor asked. Ten years ago, I was team-marking with other teachers, trapped for a full weekend with the task of grading hundreds of senior exams before the deadline. The other teachers were flying through essays, their red pens a blur. I watched them for a bit, wondering how they were able to tune each other out. I graded two essays and then made some tea. I rewarded myself for finishing another essay with the slow removal of my jacket. Many buttons. Thrilling. And then one more essay, followed by a snack. The sound of my colleagues' pens was distracting. The sound of the kettle boiling, even more so. Speaking of which…more tea? A bathroom break? I was bored senseless. "How many have you done, Tayla?" I'd tackled four in the time the others had each graded 12. I told myself it was because the other teachers were more experienced. I developed coping mechanisms long ago to mask symptoms I shared the news of my diagnosis with a friend from school. "Seriously? But…you're so productive?" she said, shocked. It was easy to slip through the cracks as a high achiever. ADHD diagnoses are often missed in girls — the ratio of boys to girls with ADHD is 3:1 in childhood, but in adulthood it's much closer to 1:1. Apparently, girls with ADHD are more likely to make an effort to mask symptoms. I got straight As in school (bar physical science, which felt like torture) and graduated from university magna cum laude. Along the way, I'd unknowingly been developing coping strategies, weaving them into my daily life. A major one was the subjects I chose. In high school, I dropped two math classes in my final year; it wasn't my strong suit. In university, excelling in psychology and English was easy — I loved both majors and would happily fixate on them for hours. I've had a daily to-do list for decades. I voice note myself constantly. My calendar is so detailed that it looks encyclopedic. I schedule meetings and my toughest tasks during my most productive hours. I lock my phone away during work because I'll scroll fruitlessly. And now I can see all of this for what it is: a plethora of coping mechanisms. Even pursuing my writing career, I curated it around an ADHD diagnosis I didn't yet have. I struggle to write on topics I don't care about, so I built a roster of clients and publications in travel, a subject that obsesses me. Being self-employed has allowed me to tap into other interests, like coaching people in writing personal essays. I've always gravitated toward the form. After a quick Google, it turns out many associate oversharing with ADHD, too. Hmm. I'm throwing myself into learning. I'm reading books about thriving with ADHD. I'm following relevant accounts on social media, knowing that I now belong in these communities. The best time to get this diagnosis was probably 25 years ago. But I have it now. I'm not convinced this is the "beginning of wisdom" as Aristotle says, but it's the beginning of something. That's good enough for now.
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Small Steps, Big Changes: Practical Ways Youth Can Face Depression
Seeing the Signs: Recognizing Depression in Yourself Why Young People May Be More Vulnerable Talking Openly: The Power of Conversation Everyday Actions That Help Managing Social Media and Online Life The Role of Family, Friends, and Community When and How to Seek Professional Help Building Hope and Resilience for the Future Depression among youth is an invisible weight that can dim even the brightest young minds, making everyday life challenging and introducing doubt into relationships, ambitions, and a sense of belonging. This struggle is often hidden beneath a calm surface, but it's something many teens and young adults battle with silently. For those seeking direction or simply a sense of connection, platforms such as can provide a lifeline. These spaces offer treatment, community support, and new perspectives, which can be especially helpful during uncertainty or isolation. By connecting with communities, young people can see that support does exist, and fresh ideas are always within reach. According to research from the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in six adolescents experiences depression each year, highlighting just how common and pressing it is. Facing depression isn't about finding 'the one fix'—instead, it's about piecing together different kinds of support, daily habits, and trustworthy information. Progress happens in small increments. Moments of hope, consistency in routines, or finding the right group to open up to can be enough to spark change. Approaching this journey with kindness and patience—for oneself and others—sets the stage for a positive shift that's real and lasting. Realizing you might deal with more than a rough week takes courage and self-awareness. Depression isn't always a dramatic downward spiral; sometimes it's the subtle loss of interest in activities you once loved or a persistent heaviness that snuffs out joy. More often than not, youth feel the sting of constant tiredness, have trouble focusing, or sense an uptick in irritability that feels out of character. Recognizing these signals is the first step toward healing. Reading firsthand stories from teens who've faced depression can validate these feelings, showing that these experiences are not only everyday but also worthy of attention. When seemingly minor issues pile up, it's essential to take them seriously—persistent sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, and withdrawal from friends should not be ignored. Identifying depression early can open the door to new coping strategies and healthier habits. The pressures that today's teens face reach far beyond the classroom. Not only are they managing academic requirements, extracurricular activities, and the push to plan their futures, but they're also living in a world that's plugged in around the clock. Social dynamics—both online and offline—sometimes amplify insecurities or make problems feel public and permanent. Factors like family changes, bullying, trauma, and even genetics can increase the risk of depression in youth. It's essential to recognize that mental health isn't only affected by what's happening 'inside.' Environmental stressors, like instability at home or economic challenges, and the non-stop comparison culture of social media all play influential roles. For many teens, the need to 'fit in' can make it harder to talk openly about mental health struggles, creating a cycle of isolation that magnifies the problem. Breaking the silence around depression starts with a simple truth: You don't have to carry the burden alone. Opening up about their feelings for many young people feels awkward or risky. However, confiding in a friend, family member, or trusted adult can provide instant relief. Even if the conversation isn't long or emotional, putting thoughts and feelings into words releases pressure and invites support. Real-life stories show that reaching out is often a turning point—sometimes the person you tell has been hoping for the invitation to help. Empathy from others doesn't require solutions; simply having someone listen, share their perspective, or reassure you that feelings are normal can make a difference. Not every conversation will be perfect, but honesty and vulnerability are bridges to more robust, ongoing support. Stick to Routines: A daily pattern—even a basic one—can provide structure and clarity when everything else feels unsettled. Setting a regular wake-up time, sticking to meals, and having wind-down rituals at night can improve sleep and emotional stability. A daily pattern—even a basic one—can provide structure and clarity when everything else feels unsettled. Setting a regular wake-up time, sticking to meals, and having wind-down rituals at night can improve sleep and emotional stability. Move Your Body: Research consistently shows that exercise, such as walking, running, or dancing, can lower symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins. The key isn't intensity, but regularity—even a ten-minute walk outside can help clear your mind. Research consistently shows that exercise, such as walking, running, or dancing, can lower symptoms of depression by releasing endorphins. The key isn't intensity, but regularity—even a ten-minute walk outside can help clear your mind. Write It Down: Journaling doesn't have to be poetic. By giving shape to your thoughts on paper, you create space between yourself and your emotions, which can help manage overwhelming feelings and spot patterns. Journaling doesn't have to be poetic. By giving shape to your thoughts on paper, you create space between yourself and your emotions, which can help manage overwhelming feelings and spot patterns. Create: Many find that creative activities like drawing, painting, music, and crafts provide a positive focus and a safe way to express feelings that might be hard to say aloud. These outlets foster pride and achievement, even on difficult days. These everyday actions are not about fixing everything overnight. Think of them as ingredients in a bigger recipe for mental wellness. Studies show that youth who build small, positive habits have greater resilience over time. For some, these habits may work best alongside professional help, but either way, they offer a foundation to stand on when times are tough. Navigating social media is no easy feat, especially when it feels like everyone online is living their best life. While social platforms offer opportunities for connection, they can also become a source of stress, comparison, and even negativity. Heavy use is associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression, particularly in youth. Setting boundaries—limiting daily screen time, curating your feed to promote positivity, and stepping back when comparisons arise—helps put you back in control. Following accounts focusing on mental health education and relatable stories can also be helpful. Remember, much of what appears online is curated or filtered, and reality is often messier. Prioritizing offline moments, checking in with your real feelings, and reaching for in-person connections whenever possible are key to a healthy digital and emotional balance. Positive relationships and supportive environments can act as a buffer against depression. For youth, a caring friend, a mentor, or an engaged family member can provide stability and understanding when things get rough. Community resources—like school-based counseling, youth organizations, or faith groups—can offer safe spaces to share, learn, and grow. Research shows that social connection, even when it starts small, is strongly linked to better recovery and lower chances of relapse. Don't give up if you struggle to find your support system right away. Sometimes support comes from unlikely places, like teachers, coaches, or online communities focused on self-improvement and well-being. The most important thing is to keep looking until you find the understanding, encouragement, and presence you need. If sadness, anxiety, or irritability continues for more than a few weeks and disrupts your school, relationships, or favorite activities, it's time to ask for help. If you feel like family or peer conversations aren't enough, or things seem to get worse, contacting a mental health professional is a brave and essential step. If you ever have persistent thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, reach out to a crisis line or a trusted adult immediately—help is always available, and reaching out can save lives. Seeking professional help sometimes seems daunting, but it is an act of courage and self-respect. Therapists, counselors, and doctors are trained to offer guidance, coping tools, and even medication if appropriate. Many schools provide confidential counseling, and hotlines or online resources are accessible 24/7. Remember: there's no shame in needing help—mental health deserves the same care and attention as physical health. Depression can feel endless in the moment, but it doesn't have to define your future. Young people who learn to reach out, adopt healthy habits, and get support become more resilient over time, even after setbacks. Hope grows from tiny steps—like showing up for yourself day after day—and from acknowledging progress, no matter how small. Life after depression isn't about being happy all the time, but about having the tools to face ups and downs with confidence, compassion, and the knowledge that change is possible. Resilience is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Anxiety isn't the problem: 10 things we need to understand to better cope with anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in three people will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. But after over a decade of working as a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in anxiety, I firmly believe that anxiety isn't the problem. Yes, I said what I said. Hear me out: The problem is that we don't understand what anxiety is, and without that foundational knowledge, we're at a disadvantage. We don't learn to recognize anxiety's function and inevitably miss the early signals, mislabel what we're feeling, and eventually become overwhelmed by poorly managed symptoms. This misunderstanding is at the root of a lot of unnecessary suffering. Before we go any further, if you have ever blamed your anxiety, please know that in this article, I do not blame you. I used to do the same. Like many, this critical blame and shame spin cycle only made everything worse. How do we get there? Most of us are not informed about mental well-being throughout our lives. Mental hygiene and psychoeducation is not a cornerstone of our education, and boy, I wish it were. So please know you are not at fault for not knowing the basics of anxiety, and therefore misunderstanding it. Now that you know, it is your prerogative to fill that gap. I hope these 10 essential points I wish everyone knew about anxiety help to point you in the direction of mental wellbeing. Anxiety is a natural human emotion. It's a sense of unease or worry about what might happen in the future. When it becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, that's when it crosses into the territory of an anxiety disorder. While anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns, not everyone will experience an anxiety disorder, yet it is expected that most people will endure anxiety at some point in their lives. You're supposed to experience anxiety. Yes, really. Anxiety is your body's alert system, designed to protect you from danger. Early humans relied on this reaction to survive life-threatening encounters. Our bodies haven't fully adapted to modern-day stressors, so even when the threat isn't life or death, your body may still respond like it is. Not to mention, many of us are exposed to several stressors daily that may be valid triggers for anxiety. While it may be uncomfortable, anxiety is just doing its programmed job to alert you. We often view anxiety as something to defeat, but what if it's actually trying to help? Anxiety is your body's way of saying, 'I'm not sure we're safe.' It wants to protect you. That racing heart or tight chest? It's your nervous system's effort to prepare you for something it perceives as a threat-even if that threat is a presentation, a conversation, or a crowded grocery this can help us stop fighting our anxiety and start listening to what it's trying to say. Some common signs include restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep issues. Oftentimes symptoms can be held in the body and an observer may not even be able to tell. On top of that, some people living with persistent anxiety are able to function, causing our minds to trick us into believing they are free from anxiety. Whatever image you have in your mind of a person who lives with anxiety is probably only accuate for a fracton of the people who work hard to manage daily anxiety. There are four common responses to anxiety: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. These reactions are shaped by both biology and past experiences. When danger is detected, the fight response means the body deduces you are capable to handle the treat directly. On the opposite hand, if the body discerns your best bet is to flee the situation altogether you have a flight response. Sometimes in overwhelm the body sends signs to stay put and quiet and other times the body turns up the trickery and charm to distract from danger. None of these are right or wrong, they are contextual and survival-based. Over time, our body crunches the data and has a preferred response, however, as each scenario differs the respective response may as well. It's tempting to minimize, rationalize, or jeer at triggers. It may work, but in my clinical work with folks working through anxiety probelms it seems that these are temporary solutions. You may end up mocking the body's attempt to protect you and over time our cues can become distorted. This distancing causes a blurry perception of anxiety and doesn't actually help to understand to resolve the triggers. When this perpetuates, simple anxiety can morph into a problem. What seems irrational may actually be layered, deep-rooted, or even based on real past experiences. Instead of rushing to fix the fear, try sitting with it. Ask: 'What might this fear be trying to tell me?' Avoiding anxiety often makes it worse. Sometimes we don't even know what we're afraid of, and that ambiguity increases the distress. Taking time to reflect, ideally in a safe, supported space, can help uncover the root of your fear. Yes, this can feel vulnerable and even uncomfortable. But without facing the cause, it's hard to truly heal the symptoms. People manage anxiety in all kinds of ways. There's no one-size-fits-all solution but what matters most is that we are actively invested in coping. When it comes to anxiety I always encourage my clients to familiarize themselves with a wide variety of coping skills to manage. Stressors vary and so should our coping strategies. My go-to skill to routinely regulate is a hot power yoga class. The combination of the heat, movement, rest, and meditation packs several of my skills into one and the only thing that gives me the same type of calm is sleep. But can I go to a yoga class every day? Definitely not. I turn to other skills in the moment such as deep breathing, mantras, and my anxiring to help release my anxious energy. For those of you who have the Self-Love Workbook, there's a thorough exploration of coping in the self-care chapter. When we stop demonizing anxiety and start listening to it, we can uncover meaningful truths about what we value, what we fear, and what we need. This journey of self-exploration may begin with management and help you delve much deeper into who you are and what makes you alignment, fulfillment, and wholeness look like for you. Living with anxiety doesn't mean you're broken. It doesn't mean you can't experience calm, joy, or can have a full, vibrant life with anxiety, and in some ways, because of it. By respecting your feelings, tending to your needs, and finding supportive spaces, healing becomes possible. If you're living with anxiety, know that you're not alone. Millions of others experience this valid struggle with you. You are not weak or any less worthy. With the right tools, understanding, and support, anxiety can shift from something that limits you to something that teaches you. Want to hear more? You can tune into the full conversation in The Mental Wellness Practice Podcast episode 41. If you're struggling with a mental health problem, please consider professional help: National Alliance on Mental Illness National Mental Health Lifeline Open Path Therify Melanin & Mental Health Inclusive Therapists Therapy for Black Girls Asian Mental Health Collective
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
Tallulah Willis reveals hair loss amid recovery from 'severe' anorexia
Tallulah Willis is shining a light on the physical impact of her battle with an eating disorder. In a candid Instagram post on Sunday, the actress, who is the youngest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, shared a deeply personal reflection, detailing the hair loss she experienced during the most severe phase of her anorexia. The post included photos from her time at a recovery facility in 2022, showing her hair cropped close and visibly thinning. In the caption, Tallulah Willis opened up about how, at the time, she saw her hair loss as a twisted badge of honor, shaped by the unhealthy mindset her disorder created. "I wanna talk about when I was balding because of my severe anorexia," she wrote. "The first photos were taken in summer 2022 in Austin TX while I was at Driftwood recovery. I want to talk about how I for a long time in my life I would have seen those patches of bare skin blurring through sparse hairs as a badge of honor. 'I was sick enough to make you look' :( ." She continued, "While I was at driftwood I temporarily needed a wheelchair to walk because my leg muscles had atrophied so badly. I'm still working to build back the muscles decimated during those many many years. I had such breakable and fragile hair, so thinned I had to use thousand clippies to keep things in place. And usually they slipped off because they [had] nothing to grab into." "I chose to crop some of them because for me this truly isn't a stage to show off how I nearly starved to death (publicly!), but I think the photos serve as a teaching tool," she added. Tallulah Willis went on to detail her recovery journey with gratitude, sharing that looking through recent "after" photos brought her joy, and expressing how something as simple as feeling her hair bounce now feels empowering. "I didn't realize how comforting a big bun could feel like, how sexy it feels for your hair bounce a little when you walk," she wrote. "I didn't value myself or my health but I am of the lucky who have made it to the other side. I made my disorder public and now it only feels right to make my recovery as well." "I want to heal and hug and soothe every busy mind that's out there still hurting," she concluded her post. "Keep going I love u all 🫂." Eating disorders are serious and potentially "fatal illnesses associated with severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions," according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) notes that low caloric and fat intake can lead to dry skin, brittle hair, and hair loss. In response to prolonged starvation, the body may also develop fine, downy hair called lanugo to conserve warmth. Additionally, severe and extended dehydration can result in kidney failure. In the U.S., NEDA estimates that 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. In addition to Tallulah Willis, Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and frontotemporal dementia in 2023, also shares Rumer Willis and Scout Willis with Moore. He is also father to daughters Mabel Ray and Evelyn Penn, whom he shares with his wife, Emma Heming Willis.
