Recent Posts

Prestige Health and Wellness, Tampa

Where Your Health Matters

Mental Health

When Love Hurts: Recognizing Unhealthy Relationship Patterns in Teens

by

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen relationships play a major role in emotional development, identity formation, and self-esteem. While many teen relationships are healthy and supportive, others involve patterns of control, manipulation, or abuse that can seriously impact mental health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Teen dating violence does not always involve physical harm. Emotional, psychological, and digital abuse can be just as damaging.

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Teen Relationships

• Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
• Constant monitoring of phone or social media
• Isolation from friends and family
• Insults, humiliation, or name-calling
• Threats of self-harm if the relationship ends
• Pressure around sexual activity

Mental Health Effects

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Sleep disturbances
• Trauma symptoms
• Academic decline

Longitudinal research shows that teen dating violence is associated with long-term mental and physical health consequences (Exner-Cortens et al., 2013).

What Healthy Relationships Look Like

• Mutual respect
• Open communication
• Trust
• Healthy boundaries
• Support for individuality

Parents Should Notice

  • Sudden behavior changes (withdrawal, anger, irritability)
  • Frequent disciplinary issues
  • Declining academic performance
  • Threats, violent talk, or fascination with weapons
  • Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
  • Increased isolation or hopelessness

How Parents Can Help

• Create a safe, nonjudgmental space for conversation
• Ask open-ended questions
• Listen more than you lecture
• Take concerns seriously and validate feelings

When to Seek Professional Support

If a teen shows mood changes, withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or distress related to relationships, a mental health evaluation can be helpful. Early intervention can reduce long-term impact.

Prestige Health & Wellness provides adolescent psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and trauma-informed care.

Schedule an appointment: https://www.yourprestigehealth.comReferences

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Teen dating violence. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teendatingviolence.html

Exner-Cortens, D., Eckenrode, J., & Rothman, E. (2013). Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(1), 90–97.

The Mind–Heart Connection: How Emotional Health Affects Physical Health

by

Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma affect not only emotional well-being but also cardiovascular functioning (American Heart Association [AHA], 2022). When emotional health is neglected, the body often carries the burden.

How Mental Health Impacts Physical Health

• Increased cortisol and stress hormones
• Elevated blood pressure
• Chronic inflammation
• Sleep disruption
• Changes in appetite and energy

Over time, these physiological effects increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and weakened immune function.

Depression and Heart Health

Individuals with untreated depression are at higher risk for developing heart disease and engaging in poor health behaviors such as physical inactivity and inconsistent medical care (Whooley et al., 2008).

Anxiety and the Nervous System

Chronic anxiety keeps the body in a prolonged fight-or-flight state, placing ongoing strain on the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. Over time, this constant activation can contribute to hypertension, palpitations, and burnout.

Whole-Person Healing

At Prestige Health & Wellness, we approach care holistically—addressing emotional, psychological, and biological factors that influence overall health.

Treatment may include:
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management
• Therapy referrals
• Lifestyle and wellness guidance

Small Steps That Support Both Mind and Heart

• Establishing a consistent sleep routine
• Gentle physical activity such as walking or stretching
• Mindfulness, meditation, or prayer
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Seeking professional mental health support

You Deserve Whole-Person Care

Your mental health is healthcare.

Schedule an appointment: https://www.yourprestigehealth.com

References

American Heart Association. (2022). Stress and heart health. https://www.heart.org

Whooley, M. A., et al. (2008). Depression and cardiovascular disease. Journal of the American Medical Association, 300(20), 2379–2388.

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the Black Community

by

Mental health is an essential part of overall wellness. Yet in many Black communities, conversations about mental health have historically been shaped by stigma, cultural expectations, and limited access to culturally responsive care (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2023; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2022). During Black History Month, we honor not only the resilience of Black individuals and families, but also the importance of creating space for healing, vulnerability, and support.

For generations, many individuals were taught to “be strong,” “pray it away,” or handle emotional pain privately. While faith, strength, and perseverance are powerful protective factors, they should never replace professional mental health care when it is needed. Prayer, strength, and seeking help can coexist.

Common Mental Health Concerns in the Black Community

• Depression and persistent sadness
• Anxiety and chronic stress
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress
• Burnout and emotional exhaustion
• Grief and unresolved loss

Because these experiences are often normalized or minimized, many individuals suffer in silence, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Barriers to Care

• Cultural stigma around mental illness
• Mistrust of the healthcare system
• Limited access to culturally competent providers
• Financial and insurance barriers

Systemic racism and chronic stress further contribute to increased mental and physical health burden (Williams & Mohammed, 2013).

Why Culturally Responsive Care Matters

Culturally responsive mental health care acknowledges lived experiences, cultural identity, faith, family dynamics, and systemic stressors. When patients feel seen, heard, and understood, engagement and outcomes improve.

At Prestige Health & Wellness, we believe healing begins with being heard. Our clinicians provide compassionate, nonjudgmental, and personalized psychiatric care rooted in dignity and respect.

You Deserve Support

Mental health care is not a weakness. It is healthcare.

Schedule an appointment: https://www.yourprestigehealth.com

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Mental health disparities: African Americans. https://www.psychiatry.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Addressing behavioral health disparities in Black communities. https://www.samhsa.gov

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2013). Racism and health I: Pathways and scientific evidence. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(8), 1152–1173.

New Year, Real You: A Sustainable Mental Health Reset That Lasts

by

January often brings pressure to reinvent yourself overnight. New habits. New goals. A “better” version of you.

At Prestige Health & Wellness, we believe mental health in the new year should look different.

January mental health resets are not about becoming someone else — they’re about returning to yourself.

Research consistently shows that sustainable mental health improvement is rooted in self-compassion, consistency, and support — not perfection or comparison (Neff, 2011; APA, 2023).

Why a Mental Health Reset Works Best in January

January creates a natural pause. The calendar resets, routines shift, and reflection becomes easier. When approached mindfully, this makes January an ideal time to:

  • Reevaluate emotional health
  • Reset daily habits
  • Begin therapy or medication support
  • Create sustainable mental health goals

Unlike extreme resolutions, mental health goals focused on awareness and regulation last longer.

pastedGraphic_2.png

Start With Self-Awareness, Not Self-Criticism

Mental health improvement begins with awareness.

Take a few quiet moments and ask:

  • Where am I emotionally right now?
  • What feels heavy?
  • What support do I need?

Mindfulness and emotional awareness reduce stress reactivity and improve emotional regulation (Kabat-Zinn, 2015).

Awareness creates choice — and choice creates healing.

Set Mental Health Intentions Instead of Resolutions

Traditional resolutions rely on external pressure:

  • “I need to stop…”
  • “I should do better…”

Intentions support intrinsic motivation:

  • “I’m choosing rest.”
  • “I’m prioritizing my mental wellbeing.”
  • “I’m choosing support.”

Intentions align with long-term behavior change and emotional resilience (Ryan & Deci, 2020).

One Daily Mental Health Habit Is Enough

Consistency — not intensity — drives real change.

Effective daily mental health habits include:

  • A 10-minute walk
  • Taking medications consistently
  • Practicing slow breathing
  • Hydrating first thing in the morning
  • Brief journaling

Habits formed gradually are more likely to stick and improve mental health outcomes (Lally et al., 2010).

Healing Happens at Your Own Pace

Mental health is not a race.

Every intentional choice you make — no matter how small — improves emotional regulation and resilience over time. Your pace is not a weakness. It’s wisdom.

When to Seek Professional Mental Health Support

Mental health support may include:

  • Therapy
  • Medication management
  • Psychiatric evaluation
  • Lifestyle and stress-management guidance

Seeking help early reduces symptom severity and improves quality of life (WHO, 2022).

Support is strength — not failure.

pastedGraphic_7.png

A Real Mental Health Reset for the New Year

This January, choose the real you.
Not the exhausted version.
Not the perfection-chasing version.
The supported, healing version.

At Prestige Health & Wellness, we specialize in Humanizing mental health care rooted in compassion and evidence-based treatment.

References

American Psychological Association (APA). (2023).
Stress, behavior change, and mental health.
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2015).
Mindfulness for beginners: Reclaiming the present moment—and your life. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.

Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010).
How are habits formed: Modeling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674

Neff, K. D. (2011).
Self-compassion, self-esteem, and well-being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 1–12.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020).
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: The psychology of human motivation. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2022).
Guidelines on mental health promotion and prevention.
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use

Winter Wellness Wonders: Boosting Mood in the Darkest Month

by

Prestige Health & Wellness — Bringing Humanity Back to Mental Health

December brings cozy sweaters, holiday celebrations, and a chance to slow down—but it also brings shorter days, colder nights, and fewer hours of sunlight. For many people, this shift can trigger changes in mood, energy, and motivation. If you’ve ever felt “off” during the winter months, you’re not alone.

The darker days can impact the brain’s chemistry, influencing serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) and melatonin (which regulates sleep). When these levels shift, it’s common to experience fatigue, irritability, sadness, or a general sense of heaviness.

Whether it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or simply the winter blues, understanding what your body needs is the first step to feeling better.

Why Winter Affects Mood

Less sunlight = less activation of the brain regions that regulate mood.
More darkness = more melatonin, which can make you feel sluggish or unmotivated.

Common symptoms of winter mood changes include:

  • Low energy
  • Oversleeping
  • Cravings for carbs and sugar
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Feeling “down” or more emotional than usual

The good news? Small, intentional wellness shifts can make a big difference.

Winter Wellness Strategies That Actually Work

1. Prioritize Light Exposure

Natural light is one of the most powerful mood boosters.
Aim for:

  • A 10-minute morning walk
  • Sitting near a window while working
  • Opening blinds as soon as you wake up

Light therapy boxes can also help regulate your internal clock and lift mood—especially for those with SAD.

2. Move Your Body (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

Physical activity increases serotonin and endorphins, which both support emotional balance.
You don’t need a gym membership—try:

  • Stretching in the morning
  • Dancing to your favorite song
  • A 15-minute walk during lunch
  • Short YouTube workouts

Movement is medicine.

3. Nourish Your Body With Winter-Friendly Foods

Shorter days can lead to carb cravings—and that’s okay.
Focus on foods that support mood and energy:

  • Lean proteins
  • Whole grains
  • Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds)
  • Warm soups and teas
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

Also consider discussing Vitamin D supplementation, which research suggests may support mood during darker months.

4. Stay Connected

Winter often makes us want to isolate, but connection is essential for mental health.
Try:

  • Scheduling weekly check-ins with a friend
  • Joining a virtual or local support group
  • Planning small activities—even coffee counts
  • Saying yes to events that nourish your spirit

Your mood improves when you feel seen and supported.

5. Create Cozy Moments of Joy

You don’t need a big vacation or major lifestyle change to boost your mood.
Small comfort rituals can make winter feel softer:

  • Warm blankets
  • Aromatherapy
  • Soft lighting
  • Quiet evenings with a book or calming music
  • Spiritual reflection or journaling

These small practices signal safety and calm to your nervous system.

When to Seek Support

If low mood, oversleeping, or loss of motivation lasts for several weeks or affects daily functioning, it may be more than the winter blues.
Treatment options like therapy, medication, and light therapy can be incredibly effective for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

At Prestige Health & Wellness, we’re here to support you with compassionate, whole-person care tailored to your needs.

Winter Tip

Take a brief walk outside each morning to help reset your internal clock and boost feel-good hormones. Even 10 minutes can make a difference.

Reference

Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches. Depression Research and Treatment, 2015, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/178564

Silent Signals: Recognizing Hidden Signs of Depression During Suicide Prevention Month by Dr. Louisana Louis, Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

by

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a vital time to shine a light on the silent struggles of depression. While some warning signs are easy to spot, others are subtle and often hidden behind a mask of “normalcy.” Learning to recognize these signals can be lifesaving.

The Silent Struggle

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Many people experiencing depression maintain outward appearances—going to work, caring for family, and smiling in public—while quietly battling emotional pain.

Recent research highlights that stigma and self-stigma continue to keep many from seeking help. A 2024 study found that individuals with depression often internalize feelings of shame or inadequacy, creating barriers to care and perpetuating silence (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024). Understanding this “masking effect” reminds us to look deeper when supporting loved ones.

🚩 Hidden Signs to Watch For

  • Withdrawal from social connections: Declining invitations or avoiding contact without clear reasons.
  • Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or oversleeping are highly correlated with depression—up to 75% of people with depression experience sleep disturbances (Hopkins Medicine, 2025).
  • Sudden irritability or anger: Shifts in mood, even if brief, may mask underlying sadness.
  • Expressions of hopelessness: Subtle statements like “I’m just tired of everything” or “It doesn’t matter anyway.”
  • Increased substance use: Alcohol or drug misuse may become a way to cope with unspoken distress.