John Hulsey, Author

Depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co-occur and have a bidirectional relationship. Various factors such as genetic and biological factors, stress, major life changes, exposure to trauma, certain medications, low socioeconomic status, and substance use can increase the risk of developing depressive disorders. Symptoms of depression include persistent low mood, feelings of sadness, irritability, loss of interest or pleasure, lack of energy, difficulty thinking, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Using alcohol to cope with depression can have detrimental effects on mental health. While individuals may initially turn to alcohol as a way to alleviate symptoms of depression, it can both cause and worsen depressive symptoms. This can create a vicious cycle where individuals rely on alcohol to cope, leading to the development of AUD. Co-occurring depression and AUD are associated with greater severity, worse prognosis, and a heightened risk for s...

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we connect and interact with others. It has undoubtedly had a profound impact on friendships, both positive and negative. In this article, we will explore the effects of social media on friendships, including the positive impacts, negative consequences, and strategies for maintaining healthy relationships in the digital age. Positive Impacts of Social Media on Friendships Social media platforms have provided us with new ways to maintain and strengthen existing bonds . With the click of a button, we can stay connected with friends from different parts of the world, sharing updates, photos, and videos.This increased connectedness helps us feel more aware of our friends' feelings and experiences, fostering a sense of closeness and support. For example, when a friend posts about their achievements or challenges, we can offer words of encouragement or celebrate their successes virtually, even if we are physically far ap...

The holiday season has come and gone, and maybe there were times when you were with a family member and thought, "I never want to talk with this person again." Here are things to know and consider when choosing to go or remain full no-contact with a family member. Going no-contact with a family member refers to the decision to sever relations with a toxic family member in order to end emotional, psychological, and physical suffering. It is a difficult and personal choice that should not be taken lightly. Understanding the importance of establishing boundaries, seeking support, and considering potential outcomes is crucial when making the decision to go no-contact. When an individual decides to go no-contact with a family member, it is often the result of enduring a long history of abuse, dysfunction, betrayal, lack of respect, or other toxic behaviors. For example, someone may have grown up in an environment where they experienced consistent emotional abuse or neglect. Despi...

Friendship plays a vital role in our lives, providing support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Understanding the qualities of a good friend is essential for building and nurturing strong relationships. This article explores the key aspects of being a good friend and offers practical tips to enhance your friendships. Qualities of Good Friendships A good friend possesses several important qualities that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Honesty, nonjudgementalism, acceptance, and trustworthiness are fundamental qualities of a good friend. Good friends are low-maintenance and offer support during both good and bad times. They are open-minded, look out for each other, and challenge each other with love and respect. Being loyal in confidence and character is a fundamental aspect of a strong friendship. Good friends are kind, fun, and serious when needed. They show genuine interest, accept you for who you are, listen without judgment, and share about themselves. ...

The rise of audio content is a testament to its accessibility and convenience for consumers, as over 28.3 million adults in the UK alone listen to digital audio every week. This growing trend presents a remarkable opportunity for writerpreneurs to tap into this expanding medium and connect with an audience that increasingly values flexibility and multitasking capabilities. One notable example of the rise in audio content is the surge in podcast consumption. Podcasts have become incredibly popular for multitasking and entertainment, making them an ideal platform for writerpreneurs to showcase their expertise and engage with diverse audiences. With the demand for varied content on podcasts, writerpreneurs can contribute through research, script writing, transcription, show notes, and other writing tasks, presenting an array of opportunities to demonstrate their skills and gain recognition in the audio content industry. This demonstrates the potential for writerpreneurs to not only create...