Silver Spring Counseling

09/03/2025

It may seem early to be talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder (better known as SAD but now called Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern) but some people begin to experience symptoms as early as August. What is this condition, how do you know if you have it, and what can you do about it? Read on to learn more. , ,

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression in late fall and winter, alternating with periods of normal mood the rest of the year.

07/03/2025

Federal government is cutting funding for school mental health services Where is the logic in this? Can’t imagine there was a single mental health professional involved in, let alone agreeing with, this decision. Thoughts anyone? , ,

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) said she will reintroduce a bill to support youth mental health programs.

04/30/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

This month, and every month, remember that your mental health matters! Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to, therapy can be a powerful step toward healing and growth. This month, take a moment to check in with yourself and know that you’re not alone. Help is here…..whenever you might be ready.

04/12/2025

For those who celebrate…….

02/25/2025

Obsessive-compulsive disorder encompasses far more than common misconceptions suggest. It is not merely a preference for orderliness or an excessive concern with germs leading to repetitive handwashing. In reality, OCD is a debilitating and life-altering condition. The good news is that highly effective treatments are available, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and medication. Watch this video to better understand OCD and to distinguish fact from fiction.

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/debunking-the-myths-of-ocd-natascha-m-santosThere’s a common misconception that if you like to meticulously organ...

01/14/2025

Most people are well aware of the risks and dangers associated with alcohol use. Most people are not, however, aware that alcohol is the third leading cause of cancer in the country. Given this, the surgeon general has proposed warning labels on alcoholic beverages. What are your thoughts on this? , ,

Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory Friday about alcohol and cancer risk and called for changes to beverage warning labels.

12/24/2024

Wishing everyone a happy and joyful holiday season and health and happiness in 2025!

12/10/2024

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is an excellent resource for those struggling with domestic violence. It is a free and (very) confidential service that helps domestic violence survivors by providing them with the tools and resources to help them live lives free of abuse. This site is also a great educational resource for understanding what domestic violence and other types of abusive behaviors are. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, please read or pass on this info. , ,

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

11/27/2024

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that you’re thankful for.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!

11/06/2024

Whether your candidate won or not, this election (and the lead up to it) has been exhausting, anxiety-provoking, and just plain difficult for many. I’m offering free 15-minute phone consults to anyone who might want/need to process their feelings about the election, it’s outcome, your concerns about the future, etc…..regardless of your chosen candidate. Please send me a message by clicking on the “send message” button below if you’re interested.

10/27/2024

Whatever your political beliefs or leanings are, one thing most everyone can agree on this election season is that it is stressful and anxiety-provoking. Much of this is due to the divisions and disagreements that have been created between people. Such divisions have cost people their friends, family members, neighbors, etc. But there are ways (believe it or not) that these divisions can be bridged. And it starts with looking at ourselves…… ,

With only weeks to a divisive election it can be hard to talk politics. Polarization can damage our relationships and our health. We have strategies to reduce election stress, starting with ourselves.

09/26/2024

Parents often ask me how they can help their addicted adult child get sober. My first response is a bit of education that addiction is often a “disease of opposites”. What you think is helpful to an addict usually is not, and what you think is not helpful often is. Read this Psychology Today article for some information on what does, and doesn’t, help. , ,

Are you at your wit's end with an adult child who struggles with addiction issues and self-defeating behaviors? Here are some sound strategies to help.