Paul Hunnicutt
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The holiday season often brings joy and celebration, but for many, it also triggers anxiety and low mood. The pressure to be cheerful, social, and festive can feel overwhelming. Recognizing these feelings and knowing how to manage them can make the holidays more bearable and even enjoyable. This post offers practical strategies to help you cope with anxiety and low mood during this challenging time. Creating a calming space at home Understand Your Triggers Start by identifyin

Valentine's Day, often associated with love and romance, can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress for those who are single or going through difficult times in their relationships. It is important to prioritize and maintain our mental well-being during this time, regardless of our relationship status. In this blog post, we will explore some practical self-care tips and strategies to help you navigate Valentine's Day with a focus on your mental health. 1.

May is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and encouraging us all to examine our mental well-being. This month reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking help and supporting one another is crucial. Understanding Mental Health Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stre

Valentine's Day, often associated with love and romance, can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress for those who are single or going through difficult times in their relationships. It is important to prioritize and maintain our mental well-being during this time, regardless of our relationship status. In this blog post, we will explore some practical self-care tips and strategies to help you navigate Valentine's Day with a focus on your mental health. 1.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cast a long and challenging shadow over one's life. Coping with its effects requires patience, understanding, and a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies to help individuals navigate the complexities of living with PTSD. 1. Seek Professional Support: PTSD often necessitates professional guidance. Therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists can provide invaluable support, offering coping mechanisms and a safe space to explore

Introduction: Thanksgiving is not only a time for expressing gratitude for the abundance in our lives but also an opportunity to nurture our mental well-being. This blog post explores the connection between Thanksgiving and mental health, offering valuable insights and practical tips to make the most of this festive season. 1. Reflecting on Gratitude: Thanksgiving prompts us to reflect on the things we are grateful for. Research shows that practicing gratitude can have a posi

Mindfulness is being present and fully engaged in the current moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without getting caught up. This can be achieved through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments to focus on your surroundings and be fully present at the moment. The benefits of mindfulness are numerous. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve sleep quality,

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to depression, some simple tips can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. 1. Exercise: Exercising is a powerful tool for managing depression as it releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Even light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can positively impact mood and energy levels. 2. Sleep: Getting enough sleep is cruc

This may sound familiar to you: “I wake up with dread and fear, unsure why. "I can't stop my mind from racing.” "My son was expected to arrive home from school an hour ago but hasn't called as he usually does. Oh my God, he must have been in a collision! We all worry, are afraid, and are concerned. Most individuals spend much time worrying about their jobs, relationships, or an imminent event with higher than usual costs, like an exam or a month or two. The inability to turn

Looking for a provider can be a bit intimidating. You’ve decided to contact a professional, but so many profiles and websites exist. It’s tough to narrow it down to find someone that sounds like someone you’d like to work with. Then you notice that on nearly every profile and website, you see “free 15-minute phone consultation!” Not everyone knows what a phone consultation is, and if you are reaching out to a provider due to some anxiety, ‘not knowing’ can stop you in your tr