Melissa Plantz : AuthorMelissa Plantz is a Christian author and freelance writer. She spent twenty years in the pharmacy industry and has specialized in faith, fitness, nutrition, geriatrics, and mental health since 2015. She writes from the beautiful Lake Marion area in South Carolina.
Depression after childbirth, often referred to as postpartum depression, occurs in about 10% to 14% of women. Women may not realize that they are struggling until it is too late, and untreated depression can continue much longer. Important Notes About Depression After Childbirth Depression after childbirth can have surprising symptoms. Most people don’t realize that postpartum depression can take many forms and affect more than just the biological mother. Read on to find out more about depression after childbirth. [...]
If you have felt down more during the winter months, you are not alone. As many as 5% of the American population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder. This type of depression can last more than 40% of the year, typically during the Fall and Winter months when the nights are longer. This is why seeking out Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment is essential. The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are the same as seen with general depression, including: Sadness Feelings of [...]
Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are closely linked, positively or negatively. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this is known as the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) triangle. Each component of the triangle influences the others. We can change the third if we change one or two on the triangle. The best way to make changes is to work them into your daily routine by creating new habits. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Triangle In the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy triangle, the top [...]
The signs of autism are often talked about in regards to children. However, many adults have never been diagnosed. Some experts believe that for every three diagnosed cases of autism in adults, two cases remain undiagnosed. Understanding the signs of autism in adults can bring awareness to the condition and help those struggling. The Signs of Autism in Adults The signs of autism in adults are varied, and no individual will display every sign. Autism in adults may also [...]
Teenagers go through the ups and downs of adolescence. But how do you know when your child’s behavior is more than just puberty? Knowing the signs that your children may need mental health help can help you discern between typical behavior and troubled teens. Signs That Your Child Needs Help Children during the teen years shape their identity by the influences around them. This can include their friends, media, and social platforms. As a Christian, you want to have [...]
🎧 Listen to this article https://christiancounselingmckinney.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/McKinney-Christian-Counseling-How-EMDR-for-PTSD-Can-Help-Your-Trauma-Symptoms.mp3 PTSD can happen to anyone, not just combat veterans. EMDR for PTSD and trauma symptoms has been shown to help patients move past the painful memories by decreasing the emotions attached and reducing the vividness of the memory. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition caused by a traumatic event. This event can be related to war, violence, natural disaster, accident, or abuse. Witnessing a [...]
🎧 Listen to this article https://christiancounselingmckinney.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/McKinney-Christian-Counseling-Seven-Ways-to-Improve-Mental-Health.mp3 Mental health is more than just preventing mental disorders; it is the well-being of a person. It encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of an individual. This can also include a person’s spiritual health, as leaning into God and building a relationship with Jesus Christ can build resiliency. There are ways to improve mental health that require creating a few new habits. Ways to Improve Mental Health in McKinney, Texas [...]
Although most of us think of caregiving for a loved one as a blessing, it is hard work that can lead to physical, emotional, and mental burnout. Caregiver burnout can lead to a diminished immune system, making it harder for you to recover from illnesses and raising your risk for cardiovascular disease and other conditions. The responsibility of a caregiver may fall on many of us with aging parents, ill children, or disabled spouses. Learn how to balance the [...]
Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the United States, and roughly 4% of the adult population suffers from nightmare disorder. Sleep anxiety is the fear or worry of falling asleep or waking up during the night. Those with sleep anxiety may also develop nightmare disorder, a frightening condition where the person experiences nightmares most nights. These nightmares are recurring and vivid, leaving a lasting impression of fear upon waking. Instead of the person being sleepy and groggy [...]
High-functioning depression can be tough to diagnose due to it being easily hidden behind a smile. People with depression tend to succumb to its symptoms. Still, those with what is known as high-functioning depression continue with their daily activities and responsibilities while hiding their sadness and pain. It becomes second nature for them to push through. However, not acknowledging your mental state and seeking appropriate treatment can lead to physical ailments due to the dysregulation of neurotransmitters that manage sleep, [...]
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, known as OCD, is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feelings of anxiety or fear, and compulsive behavior. As many as 1.2% of the adult population of the United States suffers from OCD. What is OCD? OCD works in a vicious cycle. An intrusive thought or unwanted thought enters the mind and creates an emotional reaction, typically anxiety or fear. To relieve this fear, the person turns to compulsive behavior. [...]
Self-esteem can be lowered after a traumatic event, the effects of childhood abuse or neglect, or a life event. Your self-esteem can change based on your life experiences and relationships. It is how you view and appreciate yourself. Building self-esteem can take time, but it is well worth it. The Connection Between Self-Esteem and Exercise Consistent exercise boosts mood, confidence, and self-esteem. When we move our bodies as designed, the brain releases hormones and chemicals that leave us happy [...]
