Category Archives: Mental Health

Do I Have OCD or Anxiety? How to Tell the Difference

woman with hand on forehead sitting indoors

If you’ve ever wondered whether your racing thoughts point to OCD or anxiety, you’re not alone. The two conditions share so many features that even thoughtful, self-aware people mix them up. Sorting out OCD vs. anxiety isn’t a meaningless distinction though—it affects how you’re treated and how quickly you start to feel better. This post […]

Why Am I So Irritable All the Time? What Your Mood Might Be Telling You

irritable woman with headache

If you find yourself snapping at loved ones or feeling on edge over small things, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Why am I so irritable?” Those who struggle most with chronic irritability often feel the worst guilt about it afterward. But irritability isn’t necessarily a character flaw. It’s a symptom—a flag waved by your body and […]

Why Perimenopause Makes You Anxious (and What Helps)

woman experiencing perimenopause anxiety

If you’ve started feeling anxious for no clear reason in your 40s, you’re not imagining it. Many women describe a strange new edginess during this stage—a racing heart, a sense of dread, or feeling rattled by things that never used to faze them. The cause is often perimenopause anxiety, and it’s far more common than […]

Do I Have Postpartum Depression or Just the Baby Blues?

Young mother suffering with the signs of postpartum depression

Becoming a parent reshuffles your whole world, and your emotions often come along for the ride. Maybe you cried for no reason. Maybe you felt joy one minute and crushing dread the next. A lot of new parents wonder whether what they’re feeling is normal or something more. Learning the signs of postpartum depression can […]

Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance and What They May Mean

contemplative woman struggling with hormone imbalance symptoms

When you spend weeks or months feeling completely drained, emotionally flat, or easily overwhelmed, it’s natural to search for answers. Many people assume they’re just stressed or need more sleep. However, these shifts often point to something happening on a chemical level. Understanding your hormone imbalance symptoms is an important first step toward feeling like […]

Psychiatrist vs. Therapist vs. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: What’s the Difference?

psychiatrist vs therapist

Navigating mental health care can feel confusing when you’re first seeking help. You might be unsure who prescribes medication, who provides therapy, or where psychiatric nurse practitioners fit into the picture. You might even wonder whether you need one provider or a combination of several professionals. These terms sometimes blend together, but understanding the psychiatrist […]

What Is Supportive Therapy and Why It Matters in Your Care at LÉVO

Two women sitting in chairs at therapy with the therapist pointing at a printed out piece of paper explaining something

When people begin their mental health journey, one of the most common questions is: Where do I start? At LÉVO, that starting point often includes meeting with one of our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) for a comprehensive assessment and, when appropriate, medication management. But there’s another important piece of care happening in every […]

What to Say (and Not Say) When a Loved One Is Struggling

An image of dainty purple flowers during sunset

Content note: This post includes discussion of self-harm and suicide. If that topic feels activating or overwhelming right now, please consider skipping the safety section or reading with support. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call emergency services. In the US, you can also call or text 988 for the Suicide […]

What Is Genomic Testing and How Can It Improve Your Treatment Plan?

Golden hazy shot of leaves descending from a branch on a tree

When a medication works well, it can feel like the clouds finally part. When it doesn’t, the process can feel exhausting. Side effects show up quickly. Symptoms don’t improve. You’re left wondering whether you should keep going, switch medications, adjust the dose, or try a completely different approach. At LÉVO, that uncertainty is something we […]