Mental health, plainly explained

The CHC Journal

Evidence-based articles, practical tools, and unhurried guidance from licensed therapists in Alpharetta — with companion podcast and video for every piece.

Filtered: Self-Improvement

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A Black woman in her 30s sits at a sunlit kitchen table with a coffee mug and an open notebook, papers scattered, brow slightly furrowed in concentration — editorial documentary photo about adult ADHD and the daily reality of executive function challenges

Self-Improvement

Adult ADHD: Why So Many Adults Were Missed in Childhood

Adult ADHD is a real clinical condition affecting 4-5% of U.S. adults — many missed in childhood. Learn the symptoms, diagnosis process, and what evidence-based treatment involves.

May 11, 202610 min read

A mother standing strong with her arms around two children at golden hour, representing maternal resilience and the strength that holds families together

Self-Improvement

Mothers Are Built Different: Honoring Maternal Resilience and Mental Health

Maternal resilience is real — and it deserves real care. On Mother's Day, we explore what unbreakable strength looks like and how to keep it whole.

May 10, 20269 min read

An adult daughter hugging her mother tightly outdoors in a sunlit garden, representing family support for mothers' mental health

Self-Improvement

Thank You, Mom: How Families Can Support a Mother's Mental Health

On Mother's Day we say thank you to moms. But families and partners can do more — here's how to support a mother's mental health every day.

May 10, 20269 min read

A mother gently holding her child's hand in a sun-filled kitchen, representing mothers' mental health and the quiet strength of caregivers

Self-Improvement

Mothers' Mental Health: Honoring the Strongest People We Know

Mothers' mental health is often the last thing prioritized in a family. On Mother's Day, we explore why their strength deserves real support — not just gratitude.

May 10, 20269 min read

A white man in his late 30s sits on his back porch in evening golden hour, phone in hand after sending a text declining a request, expression of relief mixed with discomfort — editorial documentary photo about saying no without guilt

Self-Improvement

Letting People Down Doesn't Make You Mean — It Makes You a Person

Letting people down doesn't make you mean. Here's why saying no triggers anxiety, what's really happening in your nervous system, and how therapy helps.

May 4, 20269 min read

Person at a crossroads reflecting on signs they may need therapy support

Self-Improvement

7 Signs It's Time to Talk to a Therapist

Therapy isn't just for people in crisis. Most people who benefit from therapy aren't falling apart when they first call — they're functioning, going to work, showing up for their families. And quietly carrying something they've been telling themselves they should manage alone.

Mar 13, 20266 min read

Person practicing mindfulness outdoors representing genuine self-care and mental wellness

Self-Improvement

Self-Care Is Not a Spa Day: What It Actually Takes

Self-care got co-opted somewhere along the way. It became Instagram captions and face masks. But here is what self-care actually is, stripped of the marketing: the deliberate, ongoing practice of tending to your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing — not so you can perform wellness, but so you can continue functioning.

Mar 12, 20268 min read

Person representing BIPOC mental health awareness and breaking barriers to therapy

Self-Improvement

Mental Health in the Black Community: Why Therapy Feels Inaccessible — and What's Changing

Mental health challenges don't discriminate by race. Access to mental health care does. For Black Americans and other communities of color, the barriers to therapy aren't just logistical — they're layered, systemic, and deeply rooted in both historical harm and present-day reality.

Mar 5, 20269 min read

Man in a thoughtful moment reflecting on mental health

Self-Improvement

Men's Mental Health: Breaking Barriers to Getting Help

Men face unique barriers when it comes to mental health, including social stigma and cultural expectations about masculinity. Understanding these challenges and normalizing help-seeking behavior is essential for men's well-being.

Nov 12, 20246 min read

Person building confidence and self-esteem

Self-Improvement

Building Self-Esteem: Practical Strategies for Lasting Confidence

Self-esteem is the foundation of mental health and well-being. Low self-esteem can affect every area of your life, from relationships to career success. The good news is that self-esteem can be built and strengthened with the right strategies and support.

Oct 12, 20246 min read

Person practicing mindfulness meditation for mental wellness

Self-Improvement

Mindfulness Therapy: Transforming Mental Health Through Present-Moment Awareness

Mindfulness therapy combines ancient meditation practices with modern psychological science. Research shows that mindfulness-based approaches can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress while enhancing overall quality of life.

Oct 8, 20246 min read

Person setting healthy boundaries for better mental health

Self-Improvement

Setting Healthy Boundaries: A Guide to Protecting Your Well-Being

Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining your mental health, preserving your energy, and building respectful relationships. Learning to set and enforce boundaries is a skill that can transform every area of your life.

Oct 5, 20246 min read

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