Every person on the autism spectrum has unique strengths, and many of those strengths shine through their special interests. These interests are often deep, focused, and full of passion. In therapy , they can become powerful tools for growth. Instead of pushing a child or...
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude in our lives. Research tells us the practice of gratitude can significantly enhance our well-being and resilience. At Upward, we believe that proactively cultivating mental wellness is an investment in yourself, as it not only protects against mental health struggles but enhances one’s quality of life. Let us delve into what “mental wellness” means, the purpose of gratitude, its myriads of benefits, and practical strategies to incorporate gratitude into our daily life.
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.
Dear Upward, I’m really struggling with some heavy stuff right now. I’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety, and honestly, it’s hard to see if I'm worth anything at all. Some days, it feels like I'm just going through the motions without any joy. I'm reaching out because I want to know what I can do to work through this and start feeling good about myself again. What can I do to get back on track? --Depressed in Alabama