Next Step 4 Mental Health

10/23/2025

😔 “Why did I just think that?”
💭 If you've ever been disturbed by an intrusive thought—something unwanted, out of character, or even disturbing—you’re not alone. Intrusive thoughts are more common than you think, and having them does not mean something is wrong with you.

In the latest article from our Religious OCD series by Dr. Brian Briscoe, Dr. Briscoe explains why intrusive thoughts occur, how they take root, and most importantly—how you can begin to find freedom from their grip.

📖 Read the full article here:
👉 https://www.nextstep.doctor/understanding-intrusive-thoughts-why-they-occur-and-how-they-take-root

Listen on Spotify here:
👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/79sToql4xO79l05XpaKp5F?si=c5bdd1c9cb9b4fe3

10/14/2025

Postpartum Depression: You Are Not Alone
Bringing a new life into the world can be filled with joy, but sometimes it’s also filled with unexpected emotional challenges. Postpartum depression (PPD) is real — and it’s more common than many think.

If you or someone you love is experiencing overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with baby, it’s okay to ask for help. The team at Next Step 4 Mental Health is here to support you through diagnosis, treatment, and healing.

Remember: seeking help is not a sign of weakness — it’s a brave first step toward wellness. 💛

Learn more: https://www.nextstep.doctor/postpartum-depression/

What is postpartum depression? Find out here how this type of depression is different from the baby blues.

10/10/2025

Did you know... you can read our entire Religious OCD series in one spot?

Whether you'd prefer to listen to the podcast or read each blog post, this link organizes everything you need from the first to the 12th.

https://www.nextstep.doctor/religious-ocd-series/

What is religious OCD? How is it treated? This 12-part religious OCD series explains everything you need to know.

09/22/2025

Not all signs of emotional strain are dramatic. Sometimes the most important clues are the quiet ones — things we brush off, explain away, or power through.

Whether you’re noticing something in yourself or in your child, these subtle signs are worth paying attention to:
https://www.nextstep.doctor/mental-health/

Do you need a little TLC? Don't miss these five oh-so-subtle signs that it's time to prioritize your mental health.

09/12/2025

Is your teen dealing with back to school anxiety? Find out how you can help your teen get the mental health care they need.

08/25/2025

As the new school year begins, many teens experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. For some, the prospect of returning to school can be overwhelming and lead to heightened stress and anxiety.

Understanding the sources of this anxiety and implementing strategies to manage it can help teens navigate the school year with confidence and resilience.

Here’s what you need to know.

Is your teen dealing with back to school anxiety? Find out how you can help your teen get the mental health care they need.

08/20/2025

Autism in girls doesn’t always look like you think.

Many girls mask their struggles, making it harder for parents and teachers to see the signs—and delaying diagnosis for years.

Learn what to watch for, why it’s often missed, and how to get the right support.
📖 Read the full article here ➡️

Autism is often thought of as a condition that predominantly affects boys. According to the CDC, boys are identified with autism about four times more often than girls. That being said, research shows that girls on the spectrum are frequently underdiagnosed. In fact, as many as 80% of females with a...

08/19/2025

Living with a spouse who struggles with Religious OCD can be confusing and overwhelming. Learning how to support them with grace, patience, and practical help can make all the difference.

📰Read more: https://www.nextstep.doctor/how-to-support-a-spouse-struggling-with-religious-ocd/

🎧Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xa25UKBVjE9IyR6zGwH6c?si=_-6XfR2-R8mV7tosZtIO2g

This article is part of the Religious OCD Series. Living with a spouse who struggles with Religious OCD can be confusing and overwhelming. Learning how to support them with grace, patience, and practical help can make all the difference. Introduction Religious OCD doesn’t just affect the person st...

08/14/2025

🧠 Your child’s rituals might look like quirks… but what if it’s something more?

OCD is a close cousin of anxiety—and in kids, it doesn’t always look the way you expect. Repeating questions, extreme perfectionism, handwashing, or needing things to feel “just right” might be signs your child is struggling with more than everyday stress.

At Next Step 4 Mental Health, we help families recognize when anxiety turns into something more—and how to get the right support early.

👉 Read:https://www.nextstep.doctor/how-ocd-hides-in-plain-sight-what-every-parent-needs-to-know/
👩‍⚕️ Featuring insights from Dr. Sofeia Aslam, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
📍 Local, expert care for kids, teens, and families

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess. Let’s take the next step, together.

08/04/2025

Can’t remember why you walked into the room—again? Feel like your mind’s always in overdrive, yet somehow never quite lands on what it’s supposed to? If you’re a woman juggling work, family, and expectations, you may have started to wonder: Is this anxiety? ADHD? Both? And why does it feel like nobody else is struggling quite this much?

You’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone. Many women, especially in mid-life, begin to notice difficulties with focus, forgetfulness, restlessness, or an undercurrent of worry that just won’t quit. Often, these symptoms overlap between ADHD and anxiety, and it’s easy to feel unsure of what’s really going on.

In this article, we’ll explore how these two conditions can mimic, mask, or intensify each other—especially in women. More importantly, we’ll talk about how to find clarity, and why there’s every reason to be hopeful.

Is it anxiety? Or ADHD? Or.. both? The symptoms can overlap which makes it harder to tell the difference. Read on to learn more.

08/01/2025

Parenting a child with mental health challenges can be both rewarding and demanding. Whether your child is grappling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, witnessing their unique perspective on the world comes with its highs and lows.

If you’re in search of a child psychiatrist in Louisville, the good news is that Louisville, Kentucky, boasts a strong community of child psychiatrists ready to assist.

https://www.nextstep.doctor/finding-the-right-child-psychiatrist-in-louisville-kentucky/

Looking for a child psychiatrist in Louisville, Kentucky? Here are tips to find the right support for your child.

07/30/2025

Not all signs of emotional strain are dramatic. Sometimes the most important clues are the quiet ones — things we brush off, explain away, or power through.

Whether you’re noticing something in yourself or in your child, these subtle signs are worth paying attention to these signs:

https://www.nextstep.doctor/mental-health/

Do you need a little TLC? Don't miss these five oh-so-subtle signs that it's time to prioritize your mental health.