BLOG ARTICLES
Below you can find blog articles on various mental and behavioral health topics written by professionals in Polk County. Blog articles are not intended to be a substitute for personalized help from a licensed professional. They are not medical advice. Polk County Government does not endorse any of the views expressed in these articles.
Understanding Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are two common conditions that affect many people each year. Learning about these conditions can help reduce stigma, support early recognition of symptoms and encourage individuals to seek appropriate care. What Is Depression? Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is a medical condition that affects how a person thinks, …
Understanding Addiction: Types, Signs and Recovery Resources in Polk County, Florida
Addiction is a medical condition that affects how the brain processes reward, decision-making and impulse control. It can involve substances like alcohol and drugs or behaviors like gambling and shopping. In Polk County, Florida, rising rates of alcohol-related hospital visits and opioid overdoses show how common substance use disorders are. It is important for individuals …
Breaking the Stigma in Polk County: Signs of Mental Illness and Local Resources
Every October, communities across the United States recognize Mental Illness Awareness Month — a time dedicated to raising understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. As we continue to recover from challenging times and support loved ones through various life changes, this month offers an important opportunity for Polk County residents to …
Understanding OCD: What It Is and When to Seek Help
I’m Dr. Benjamin Lippmann, a psychiatrist, and today I want to talk to you about something called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). What is OCD? OCD is a condition that affects the brain. People with OCD have thoughts or fears that bother them a lot. These are called obsessions. To try to get rid of these thoughts, …
Sorting Through Messages
Everyone has storage in their brain. Depending on your generation (Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Milennials, Generation Z, Alpha or Beta), you can compare this “storage” to an 8-track tape, cassette tape, CD or Spotify streaming. Your “storage” has recorded all kinds of messages since you were born. When you were 3 and you …
Understanding Grief
The death of a friend or loved one is hard. The reaction people have to loss and death is called grief. Grief is natural and is experienced in some manner by all who have lost someone they loved. Grief can also be experienced after any time of loss, including the loss of a pet, a …