By Jennifer McDougall The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our global community. Among these challenges were lockdowns and social isolation, which significantly impacted mental health and well-being. Let’s explore how the pandemic, particularly the lockdowns and loneliness it fostered, led to a surge in addiction rates, and we willContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall As the colors of nature change and days become shorter or longer, depending on the hemisphere, many individuals feel an inexplicable shift in their mood. Seasonal changes can have profound effects on our emotional well-being. At Passages Malibu, we recognize the intricate dance between nature’s rhythms andContinue Reading
October is Depression Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to discuss this critical topic. In the U.S., depression is the leading cause of disability for people between the ages of 15 and 44—and it can be challenging to treat. But many treatment options are available, including holistic therapy andContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem good enough? Of course, we all have our good days and bad days regarding self-esteem, but when those feelings of low self-worth can sometimes become too much to bear for many people. IfContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Coping with events that disrupt our inner peace and shake us to the core can be upsetting. Knowing how to navigate challenging emotions with a healthy approach is always important, especially if you have struggled with substance abuse-related issues in the past. To avoid a relapse, youContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “When a problem or a difficult situation arises, say to yourself, as if you already believe it: “This is for my benefit.”― Chris Prentiss, Be Who You Want, Have What You Want: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Moving on after something traumatic can feel like an impossible task,Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall During times of crisis, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos spreading through the news and media outlets informing us hourly of the many updates happening in the world. As a result, it’s common to feel increased stress and anxiety during times of uncertainty. InContinue Reading
Knowing the benefits of essential oils will help you understand the importance of incorporating them into your daily routine. From increased energy to pain relief and digestion help, essential oils have shown to improve the quality of life for those who use them. If you are someone who struggles withContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “To heal illness, begin by restoring balance.” –Carolone Myss Individuals who struggle with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder (along with their loved ones) can tell you that there are definite changes in mood and behavior preceding the onset of mania or depression. SomeContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” -Nelson Mandela Many people are afraid to ask for help—especially when in crisis.Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” – August Wilson Facing your inner demons takes great courage.Continue Reading
by Jennifer McDougall “There is no cell culture for depression. You can’t see it on a bone scan or an x-ray. Not everyone with depression will show the same behavioral symptoms.” ― Chris Prentiss, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure Suicide has become one of the nation’s biggest causes of death amongst teens,Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Those who struggle with constant mood swings often feel as though they cannot control what is happening to them. They may be happy one moment and in absolute despair the next. Extreme mood swings could be a sign of bipolar disorder in which they should seek professional medicalContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “How do you change what you believe when your experience has convinced you otherwise? By creating a new experience. The best way for you to get that new experience is to change your response to what happens. By the natural law of cause and effect, that newContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Even emotional pain makes a person feel paralyzed with hopelessness and fear. The impulses driven by anxiety and depression can make someone feel like they’re in the middle of a hurricane. Being still and staring off into thin air happens too often than this person is probablyContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Accepting the loss of someone you loved and cared for, no matter the time or relationship, can be challenging. Leaning on loved ones and avoiding the urge to isolate into your shell is essential. When someone you love passes on, there is a numbing pain usually feltContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Depression is an invisible anchor that pulls down millions globally, irrespective of age. This daunting adversary often brings along its companions: anxiety disorders and the lure of substance use. Many individuals caught in the clutches of depression’s gloom turn to drugs and alcohol, seeking a fleeting escapeContinue Reading
Insomnia can have a debilitating effect on your daily life, causing daytime sleepiness, lethargy, and irritability, as well as cognitive and memory difficulties. For these reasons, many people living with insomnia turn to prescription drugs to alleviate their symptoms. Most drugs prescribed for insomnia are known as hypnotics, with oneContinue Reading
Visualization can be a powerful tool for boosting self-confidence. We often negative beliefs to permeate our thought life, robbing us of creativity, confidence, and a sense of competence. Recover a mindset of grounded, inspired, and positive thinking by using these easy visualization techniques to bolster confidence and foster a senseContinue Reading