Oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD, is a behavioral disorder in children that can be difficult to identify for many parents. Children may be strong-willed or emotional without actually having ODD because it can be normal for children to behave in ways that oppose their parental figures. Though signs typically develop during preschool, there are times when ODD may develop later and cause significant issues related to family, school, work, and socialization.

To be diagnosed with ODD, at least four symptoms must occur from the following categories:

Did you know that nightmares are more frequently experienced by children? Children have wildly active imaginations and at young ages, they are beginning to learn about fear. Therefore, nightmares are a common result. However, if a child frequently has episodes of intense screaming, crying, and feelings of fear and anxiety while asleep, and the parent or guardian has trouble waking the child in the middle of the episode, this child is likely experiencing night terrors. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder caused by experiencing a life threatening, terrifying, or traumatic event. Examples of events that may cause PTSD includes physical or sexual assault, catastrophic accidents, military combat experiences, unexpected deaths, and natural disasters. The person who develops PTSD either experienced the event first hand or witnessed another person experience harm. When a person is in danger, the brain naturally creates a “fight or flight” response in order to help protect people from potential harm. However, if a person has PTSD, their “fight or flight” response has been damaged, causing unnecessary feelings of stress and/or fright despite not being in danger. PTSD can occur at any age for both men and women, although women are more likely to develop the condition. 

By Dr. Jolene Ross

In the United States today, stress is one of the leading causes of mental health issues and symptoms. In fact, The American Institute of Stress reports that 73% of people experience psychological symptoms as a result of stress and 77% of people even experience physical symptoms. The top causes of stress include work-related pressure, financial issues, illnesses and health-related problems, relationship troubles (friends, family, significant others), nutritional deficiencies, the overuse of media (television, social media, internet, etc), and lack of sufficient sleep. With all of these reasons in mind, it is no surprise that 48% of people report that stress has negatively impacted both their personal and professional lives. In order to maintain mental health and wellness, stress management is absolutely essential in the modern world. Read this list of five natural and healthy ways to combat stress in daily life.