Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Pure O(CD)--When Your Mind Will Not Stop: A Guide to Understanding OCD and Specialized Care

By Courtney Worley, Ph.D., ABPP, DBSM, M.P.H.

OCD

Anxiety Treatment

Posted: June 14, 2026

Mental compulsions are one of the most misunderstood and under-diagnosed features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Often individuals with mental rituals are misdiagnosed, undertreated, or told that what they are doing — trying to think their way out of anxiety — is actually the right approach. The skill of learning to challenge thoughts is standard practice in many therapies and is effective in many disorders. In OCD, it is not. And understanding why is the first step toward real relief.

Understanding OCD: Intrusive Thoughts About Violence, Pedophilia, and Suicide

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD

Treatment

Posted: June 7, 2026

OCD is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety. While many people associate OCD with cleanliness or checking behaviors, the disorder often presents with a wide range of obsessions, some of which can be deeply distressing and misunderstood, such as those involving causing harm to others, pedophilia, and suicide.

Postpartum Mental Health

By Katherine Cofer, Ph.D.

Postpartum

Anxiety Depression Postpartum Health Treatment

Posted: May 15, 2026

The postpartum period can be a time of joy, excitement, and wonder, right alongside frustration, isolation, and exhaustion. While there are mental health challenges that can arise during the prepartum period, the changes experienced after that little bundle of joy arrives can be dramatic in terms of physical differences, routine changes, role adjustments, financial stress, and many other elements. These combine to create a space that leaves many women vulnerable to new or worsening mental health symptoms.

Why Sleep During Pregnancy Matters More Than You Think (And What You Can Actually Do About It)

By Courtney Worley, Ph.D., ABPP, DBSM, M.P.H.

Sleep

Insomnia Treatment CBT-I Pregnancy Perinatal Health Postpartum Health

Posted: May 12, 2026

You are growing a human. You are exhausted. And yet — somehow — you cannot sleep. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Sleep disturbances affect 75% of pregnant people, peaking in the third trimester. Despite being incredibly common, poor sleep during pregnancy is often brushed off as “just part of it.” But the science tells a different story: sleep health during pregnancy is a serious maternal health issue — one that is treatable, and worth taking seriously.