Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Plan for Good Mental Health

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

Posted: February 7, 2026

As we approached the new year, I saw a few jokes about how it was now time to buy the annual notebook that would change your life. Now, as the calendar turns to February, I see posts suggesting that many people have already abandoned their planners—and their goals—for the year. It’s easy to conclude that planning doesn’t work and that you might as well give up on the life you desire. Here’s the good news: you can start working toward good mental health just as effectively in February, April, July, or even December as you can in January.

Childhood OCD

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD Children

Posted: November 17, 2025

OCD can first appear at any age, but individuals seem to get symptoms most commonly at either ages 7-12 or in the late teens/young adult years. Research shows us that individuals who develop OCD in childhood are more likely to have a family history of OCD or similar disorders. Additionally, childhood OCD often doesn’t come alone—it tends to show up with other disorders like depression, anxiety, tic disorders, ADHD, and autism. Additionally, because there is significant overlap among symptoms, children may be misdiagnosed.

How OCD Impacts Relationships--And What You Can Do About It

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD

Posted: October 29, 2025

While the person with OCD endures intense anxiety and emotional distress, their family members, partners, and close friends often struggle too. Feelings of guilt, helplessness, frustration, and emotional exhaustion are common on both sides. But understanding the way OCD works—and the ways it draws loved ones into its cycle—is the first step toward healing.

Sleep Across Time and Place

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

Sleep

Insomnia

Posted: October 16, 2025

Many people put extensive pressure on themselves to sleep a certain way, at a certain time, with or without certain people. But when we look at world history, our own personal history, and cultures across the world today, we see that there are very few firm “shoulds,” and we can rework patterns and habits that are not serving us.