Breaking the Silence: Understanding Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community from a Young Woman’s Perspective
Author: Zakiya Johnson PMHNP-BC Mental health has become a common topic in recent years, especially with social media bringing conversations about anxiety, depression, trauma, and healing into the spotlight. But for many African Americans, especially young Black women, talking about mental health still feels difficult. Even though we face stressors like racism, colorism, discrimination, financial […]
Preventing Holiday Burnout: Staying Focused on the Gift of the Present
Written by: Haley Bland, LCSW The holidays often bring warmth, joy, and connection, but they can also bring stress, exhaustion, and emotional overload. As a licensed clinical social worker, I’ve seen how the “holiday hustle” can take a serious toll on mental health: juggling events, financial pressures, family obligations, and internal expectations can leave even […]
Hua Mulan’s Enduring Power: Identity, Resilience, and Well-Being Across a Changing World
Andrew J. Hewitt, PMHNP-BCCaliper Wellness — Pasco County, Florida AbstractMulan, first immortalized in the “Ballad of Mulan” and later reinterpreted by studios, schools, and global media, remains a remarkably flexible cultural figure. Over the last three decades, she has shifted from dutiful daughter and patriot to an international emblem of empowerment, self-definition, and courage under […]
Finding Light in the Winter: A Therapist’s Reflection on Managing Sadness and Reclaiming Joy
Written by Yvette Triana, LMHC- a Therapist at Caliper Wellness, New Port Richey Winter has a way of slowing us down. The days shorten, the air grows colder, and even the most familiar routines can suddenly feel heavier. Many people notice a shift in their mood this time of year: less motivation, less excitement, more […]
“Everyone Comes to Me for Help”: The Psychology of Being the Go-To Friend—and How to Care for Yourself Without Letting Anyone Down
Andrew J. Hewitt, PMHNP-BC — Caliper Wellness (Pasco County, FL) Author note. Caliper Wellness provides telehealth mental-health care in Pasco County, Florida, integrating talk therapy, medication management, and whole-person strategies. This article is informational and not a substitute for individualized care. Abstract Being the friend everyone turns to can feel meaningful and exhausting at the same […]
The Winter Soldier: A Case Study in Complex Trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder
by Andrew J Hewitt, PMHNP-BC The Winter Soldier: A Case Study in Complex Trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder Abstract The Winter Soldier, a prominent character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), presents a compelling case study for exploring the mental health sequelae of severe trauma, specifically focusing on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Dissociative Identity […]
Unraveling the Star-Spangled Shadow: A PMHNP-BC’s Analysis of John Walker’s Mental Health
by Andrew Hewitt Introduction John Walker, known variously as U.S. Agent and briefly as Captain America, is a complex and often controversial figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and comic book canon. While his physical prowess is undeniable, his psychological landscape presents a compelling case study for mental health professionals. This blog post, written […]
A Nurse Practitioner’s View on the Burden of Depression in Pasco County
I see directly the devastation that depression causes to our community as a nurse practitioner in Pasco County, Florida. The idyllic lifestyle may be portrayed by the sunshine and mild weather, but the truth is that depression and other mental health issues are common in this area. Like many other places, Pasco County has certain […]