What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone tells you about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? If you are like most people, you likely thought of PMDD as just “really bad PMS” or just moodiness before someone gets their period.  This misunderstanding can lead to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment outcomes, and reduced help-seeking.  People may also blame themselves for symptoms they cannot control. In reality, PMDD is a serious mental health condition that go

Do you ever have experiences, thoughts, or perceptions that don’t align with the reality of the situation?  Perhaps you hear voices that others tell you aren’t there, or that your beliefs about people or situations aren’t true.   If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be experiencing one of the many mental illnesses known as schizophrenia. It affects how people think, feel, and behave. It can commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions and forms of neurod

Do thoughts, experiences, or scenarios replay over and over again in your mind? Perhaps you dwell on your negative feelings, and this causes you great distress.  If this resonates with you, you may be experiencing rumination. While rumination may provide comfort or structure, it can also contribute to stress and anxiety, making it important to understand and manage it effectively. For many individuals, autism and rumination are closely linked. Many autistic individuals experi

When you picture someone with ADHD, what is the first image that comes to mind?  It’s common for this picture of ADHD to be of a hyperactive boy bouncing off the walls or one who gets easily distracted in their math class.  But the reality is that it is far more nuanced than this.  We have made positive strides in ADHD awareness in the past decade. However, misunderstandings have led to stigma, underdiagnosis, and individuals missing out on support. For this reason, understan

When you think of the word “accommodations,” what first comes to mind for you?  Perhaps you see a lowering of expectations or an unfair advantage. But the truth is that accommodations are essential tools for neurodivergent individuals because they help to remove barriers and promote equity. They are more than checkboxes on a form or a bureaucratic obligation for an organization.  For neurodivergent and disabled individuals, accommodations allow for access, dignity, and inclus