Posts

person in white shirt with brown wooden frame

Understanding the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety

We often use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably. After all, both can leave us feeling overwhelmed, mentally drained, and physically tense. But while stress and anxiety share similar symptoms, they are not the same—and understanding their differences can be key to knowing when to seek support and how to find relief. Whether you’re navigating everyday pressures or dealing with something more persistent, let’s break down the clinical distinctions between stress and anxiety and why Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Helping Teens Cope with Stress

Stress isn’t always bad—sometimes it helps us rise to the occasion, like practicing extra for a recital or studying hard for a test. But when stress sticks around too long or becomes overwhelming, it can do serious harm. Chronic stress in teens is linked to physical problems like high blood pressure and a weakened immune system, and it increases the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression—both of which are becoming more common Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

What Is Spiritual Bypassing? Healing Beyond the Mask

As a mental health therapist who works with people of all faiths and spiritual paths, I often meet clients who are genuinely committed to their inner growth. They pray, meditate, journal, and attend spiritual gatherings—but still feel stuck. They can’t shake their anxiety. Their relationships feel disconnected. Old traumas keep resurfacing. And when we dig deeper, we often uncover a common culprit: spiritual bypassing. What Is Spiritual Bypassing? Coined by psychologist John Welwood in the Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Understanding Substance Use and Mental Health Through Neuroscience

Substance use and mental health struggles don’t arise in a vacuum. They are deeply connected to brain development, early life experiences, and the environments in which young people grow up. While we have recognized this link for quite a while, groundbreaking neuroscience research is shedding light on how adverse experiences shape the brain and how early intervention can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. By focusing on prevention, fostering empathetic responses, and recognizing Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Notebook in lap, pen in hand writing in notebook.

Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself

Imagine a child who believes they can’t draw because someone once laughed at their art. That belief becomes a part of their story, whispered by a voice in their mind: “I’m not creative. I’m just bad at this.” Over time, the story feels true, like a label they can’t shake. But what if that wasn’t the whole story? What if we could find the moments that were left out—moments where creativity still shone through—and write Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
person holding a pen and notebook with a swirling black form in front of them

What If the Problem Isn’t You?

Imagine this: you’re sitting in a chair across from a big, blobby figure that seems to be made of shadows. It whispers doubts into your ear, fills your chest with tightness, and makes you feel like every choice you’ve made has been the wrong one. That shadowy figure doesn’t have a name yet, but it’s been following you around for a long time, shaping how you see yourself and the world. What if, instead of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Mental Health Support for Adolescents and Young Adults

Schedule a Free Consultation Adolescence and young adulthood are full of change, pressure, and confusion—and many young people feel lost in the middle of it all. I specialize in connecting with teens and young adults in a real, non-judgmental way, offering support that’s tailored to who they are and what they’re going through. Whether it’s anxiety, neurodivergence, identity shifts, or major life transitions, I meet them with empathy and expertise. Your child doesn’t have to Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
pencil sketch of an older man with his eyes closed and his chin in his hand

The Power of Meditation for Mental Well-Being

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. However, an ancient practice is gaining new popularity as an antidote to modern mental health struggles: meditation. By taking time to focus inward and cultivate mindfulness, meditation provides powerful benefits for psychological well-being. Reduces Stress and Anxiety One of the primary advantages of meditation is its ability to lower levels of stress and anxiety. When we meditate, Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
prescription bottle

Part 4 of 4 – Behavioral Manifestations of Addiction: It’s Medical, Not Moral

Behavioral patterns offer crucial insights into the complexities of addiction. While chemical imbalances play a role, behaviors serve as tangible indicators of addiction’s grip on individuals. The DSM-5 delineates addiction based on behavioral criteria, emphasizing impaired control, social consequences, risky usage, and pharmacological factors. Recognizing addiction through behavioral cues is paramount in providing effective intervention. By reframing behaviors as symptoms rather than moral failings, we can offer compassion and appropriate treatment. Understanding the primal drive Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
colorful artistic image of a human brain

Part 3 of 4 – Decision Fatigue: An Unseen Hurdle In The Recovery Journey 

Even after restoring healthy dopamine levels, recovering individuals face another neurological challenge – decision fatigue. Research shows the more choices we navigate daily, from mundane to momentous, the harder it becomes to exert willpower and self-control by evening. In recovery, each day brings a deluge of decisions loaded with relapse risks: refusing drug offers, avoiding triggers, battling cravings. This unrelenting gauntlet wears down finite cognitive resources before tackling other commitments like securing employment or housing. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
brain scans showing that D2 dopamine receptors are significantly lower after cocaine use

Part 2 of 4 – Decoding Dopamine: The Motivation Molecule

Dopamine, often dubbed the “motivation molecule,” plays a pivotal role in human behavior. Essential for functions ranging from forming bonds to driving ambition, dopamine influences our everyday actions. From the moment we wake up to pursuing our goals, dopamine serves as the driving force behind our endeavors. Understanding the significance of dopamine levels provides insights into addiction. On a typical day, our dopamine levels fluctuate, impacting our mood and motivation. However, substances like methamphetamine disrupt Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
diseased brain. Coloured stipple etching

Part 1 of 4 – The Quiet Epidemic: Understanding Addiction as a Disease

Addiction, a complex and devastating disease, affects millions in the United States alone. With over 21 million individuals grappling with addiction, it’s a crisis that demands our attention. Among these, 15 million suffer from alcohol use disorder, while 3 million battle opioid use disorder, a leading cause of injury-related deaths. In 2015, over 50,000 people succumbed to overdose. This is a remarkably high number, but to illustrate the prevalence and severity of the disease of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
watercolor painting of a woman with a burst of color over her head

What Is Trauma?

In my network of mental health counselors, many of us are recognizing a shift in how American culture processes mental health issues. On the positive end, mental health diagnoses and concerns are becoming far less stigmatized, and society as a whole is more accepting, understanding, and accommodating of mental health needs.  Certainly, there are still significant limitations to this rule, but when I walk into a children’s museum with my kids and see that they Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
artistic depiction of anxiety, portraying a person experiencing social anxiety while sitting at a table with others, swirling thoughts, rapid breathing, and a person sitting cross-legged while experiencing a panic attack.

Supporting a Friend or Loved One through a Mental Health Crisis

Mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, but it can be affected by many factors, such as stress, trauma, loss, or change. Sometimes, these factors can trigger a mental health crisis, which is a situation where a person has difficulty coping with their emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. A mental health crisis can take many forms, such as self-harm, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or aggression. It can be scary and overwhelming for both the Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
a woman sitting in an armchair reading a book and sipping a drink from a mug while a cat rests at her feet

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is a term that refers to the actions and activities that we do to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care can help us cope with stress, prevent burnout, and enhance our overall health and happiness. But what does self-care look like in practice, and how can we make it a part of our daily routine? The term “self-care” often gets conflated with “selfishness.” And certainly, it is possible to behave Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
artistic depiction of a brain

The Link Between Substance Abuse and Dopamine

Introduction Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for both physical and mental health. While the reasons behind substance abuse are multifaceted, one critical factor to consider is the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain’s reward system. In this article, I will explore the connection between substance abuse and dopamine, shedding light on the neurochemical pathways that contribute to addiction. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
a bowl of mixed, unknown pills

Navigating the Complex Intersection of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: A Compassionate Perspective

Introduction The intertwined struggles of substance abuse and mental health issues are challenges that millions of individuals face around the world. These two issues are deeply interconnected, and understanding the complex relationship between them is crucial for offering support, compassion, and effective solutions. This article offers a brief exploration of the profound connection between substance abuse and mental health while emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in helping those who are affected. The Overlapping Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
polygonal depiction of a brain

The Connection Between Stress and Cortisol: Unraveling the Body’s Natural Response

Title: The Connection Between Stress and Cortisol: Unraveling the Body’s Natural Response Introduction Stress is an inevitable part of life, and our bodies have evolved intricate mechanisms to deal with it. One key player in our stress response system is the hormone cortisol. Often referred to as the “stress hormone,” cortisol plays a crucial role in our body’s ability to cope with the demands of modern life. In this article, we will explore the relationship Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago