Living with Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD can be incredibly heavy. Many of us carry not only the weight of our symptoms, but also guilt, shame, or harsh self-judgment for how we’ve coped, what we’ve missed, or who we believe we “should” be by now. At DBSA Northridge, we want to gently remind you that healing includes how we speak to ourselves. This is where self-compassion and self-forgiveness become powerful parts of the recovery journey. Self-compassion means offering ourse

As we move into a new year, many of us reflect on what we want to carry forward—and what we’re ready to leave behind. One powerful intention for the year ahead is to set and honor boundaries that protect our emotional and mental well-being. Boundaries are not punishments. They are not walls meant to keep people out. They are intentional choices about what we allow access to—and who we trust with our time, energy, and vulnerability. For many of us, family is not defined only b

Weekly Wisdom Gentle Ways to Self-Soothe When You’re Feeling Distressed in Public There may be moments when distress hits while we’re in public—at work, in a store, on public transportation, or during a social gathering. When emotions feel intense, and privacy is limited, it can be especially overwhelming. While everyone’s experience is different, there are simple, discreet ways to help soothe your nervous system and regain a sense of steadiness in the moment. Here are a few

Physical Pain due to Mood Disorders Depression hurts. And while we often associate this mental illness with emotional pain like sadness, crying, and feelings of hopelessness, research shows that depression can manifest as physical pain, too. While we don’t often think of Depression as physical pain, some cultures do — especially those where it’s “taboo” to openly talk about mental health. Different cultures may understand depression differently. For example, Asian American pe

S.A.D. How We Can Support You As we enter the colder, darker months and move into the holiday season, DBSA Northridge would like to take a moment to bring awareness to the challenges many people face during this time of year. While the season often brings celebrations, connection, and reflection, it can also intensify feelings of stress, sadness, or emotional overwhelm—especially for those living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or other mood disorders. Seasonal Affect

Extreme stress can trigger hypomanic or manic episodes, often in individuals with bipolar disorder. However, It's not the sole cause and may interact with other factors like sleep disruption, genetics, and substance use. Stress activates the body's stress response system and can disrupt brain chemistry, potentially precipitating symptoms such as elevated mood, decreased sleep, and racing thoughts.  How Stress Can Lead to Mania Physiological Response : High stress levels trigg

For those of us living with Mood Disorders, the pressure to “keep up” can amplify our stress, leaving us exhausted, anxious, or shut down. There are seasons in life when everything feels like too much. The world moves quickly—deadlines press in, responsibilities pile up, and even the simplest tasks can feel impossible. For those of us living with Mood Disorders, the pressure to “keep up” can amplify our stress, leaving us exhausted, anxious, or shut down. When life feels over