Next Step 4 Mental Health

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from all of us at Next Step 4 Mental Health!

12/30/2025

When Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) hits, it can feel overwhelming, but light therapy offers a proven solution. Specific wavelengths of light can have a significant impact on alleviating SAD symptoms by mimicking natural sunlight and boosting serotonin levels.

But not all light therapy products are created equal, and knowing which ones are backed by evidence is key.

https://www.nextstep.doctor/how-certain-wavelengths-help-with-sad/

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Next Step 4 Mental Health!

12/22/2025

The holiday season is often viewed as a time of joy, family, and togetherness. However, for those in the “sandwich generation”—adults caught between the responsibilities of childcare and caring for aging parents — this period can present unique challenges.

The demands of managing the needs of a younger and older generation simultaneously can be particularly heightened during the festive season.

Read on as the Next Step 4Mental Health team shares tips for navigating the holiday season.

Are you in the sandwich generation? Here are tips for navigating the holidays while you care for children and aging parents.

12/16/2025

Notice a pattern? 📉

Every fall/winter: Low energy. Mood changes. Loss of motivation. Every spring: You start feeling like yourself again.

This isn't coincidence. It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder. And there ARE solutions beyond "just push through it."

Learn what's really going on and how to get help.

Feeling blue? How to tell the difference between major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Plus, four tips to manage SAD.

12/01/2025

As a parent, you’re always watching out for your child—especially when something seems off. Maybe your child worries more than other kids. Maybe they ask the same questions over and over. Or maybe they have small routines that feel a little… rigid.

Many parents are unsure whether their child is struggling with anxiety, OCD, or something else entirely.

At Next Step 4 Mental Health, we regularly work with families who say: “We didn’t realize it was OCD. We thought she was just being extra careful… or he was just going through a phase.”

The truth is, OCD often hides in plain sight—and recognizing the signs early can make a huge difference.

As a parent, you’re always watching out for your child—especially when something seems off. Maybe your child worries more than other kids. Maybe they ask the same questions over and over. Or maybe they have small routines that feel a little… rigid. Many parents are unsure whether their child i...

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Next Step 4 Mental Health!

11/25/2025

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and connection, but family gatherings can sometimes come with tension and stress. The good news is you can manage these moments with a little preparation and the right mindset.

Here are 12 tips to help you navigate family dynamics and make the holiday enjoyable for everyone, courtesy of the Next Step 4 Mental Health team.

Worried about family tension during Thanksgiving dinner? Read on to learn 12 tips to deal with family tension.

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.