Trauma Isn’t Always PTSD: How Trauma Shows Up in Everyday Life

Posted on January 9, 2026January 9, 2026 by randygoleman

Trauma Isn’t Always PTSD: How Trauma Shows Up in Everyday Life

Trauma is a word we all recognize — but what it actually looks like in everyday life isn’t always clear. Many people assume trauma must involve dramatic flashbacks, violent experiences, or a formal diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While PTSD is a serious and well-defined condition, trauma itself is much broader and can influence mood, behavior, relationships, and physical health in ways that are not always obvious.

In this post, we’ll explore:

What trauma is (and isn’t)
How trauma can show up without meeting PTSD criteria
Common signs people overlook
Why understanding trauma matters
What treatment options can help

This is essential reading for anyone trying to understand themselves or support someone they care about — and especially for those considering professional help. For comprehensive care and evaluation, visit Valiant Mental Health at https://valiant-health.com.

What Is Trauma — Really?

Trauma refers to emotional or psychological injury that results from an experience (or series of experiences) that overwhelms your ability to cope. Traditionally, trauma has been associated with things like:

Combat or military events
Sexual assault
Physical violence
Major accidents or disasters

But trauma doesn’t have to be a single, catastrophic event. It can also come from:

Emotional neglect or childhood adversity
Chronic criticism or emotional abuse
Bullying or social exclusion
Medical trauma
Grief and loss
Repeated stress with no relief

In other words, trauma is any experience that overwhelms your ability to process or integrate emotions safely.

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD — and many people who struggle with symptoms don’t even realize trauma is part of what they’re experiencing.

PTSD vs. Trauma: What’s the Difference?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a specific clinical diagnosis with defined criteria in the DSM-5. It requires:

Exposure to a traumatic event
Intrusive memories or nightmares
Avoidance behaviors
Negative alterations in mood and cognition
Marked changes in arousal/reactivity
Persistent symptoms lasting more than a month

But trauma can affect people without fulfilling all the criteria for PTSD. That doesn’t make it less real — just less recognized.

Even if you don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, trauma can still cause:

Emotional dysregulation
Anxiety and depression
Difficulty with relationships
Low self-esteem
Sleep disturbance
Physical symptoms like pain, headaches, or fatigue

These experiences are real and can be debilitating — even if they don’t “look like” classic PTSD.

Trauma Shows Up in Everyday Life — Here’s How

1. Emotional Reactivity or Numbness

Some people respond to stress with frequent emotional outbursts — anger, panic, overwhelm — even in situations others find manageable. Others shut down entirely, feeling numb or disconnected from their emotions.

People might think they’re just “overly sensitive” or “shut off,” but these patterns often trace back to unresolved trauma responses.

2. Relationship Challenges

Trauma affects the way we relate to others — especially in close or intimate relationships. This can show up as:

Fear of abandonment
Difficulty trusting others
Patterns of conflict or withdrawal
Difficulty expressing needs
Over-accommodating or people-pleasing

These behaviors aren’t character flaws — they are survival strategies developed from earlier experiences.

3. Hypervigilance and Anxiety

You don’t have to have PTSD to feel on edge. People with trauma histories often:

Scan for danger
Feel tense without knowing why
Startle easily
Have persistent worry

This hypervigilance is the nervous system staying in “protective mode” long after the danger has passed.

4. Sleep & Concentration Problems

Trauma affects the brain and nervous system:

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Restless, unrefreshing sleep
Trouble focusing or “zoning out”

These are often dismissed as stress — but they can be echoes of trauma.

5. Somatic Symptoms (Body Pain Without a Clear Cause)

Your brain and body are connected. Trauma is stored neurologically and can show up physically:

Chronic pain
Headaches
GI issues
Muscle tension

Medical tests might be normal — but the symptoms are real. Trauma affects the body as much as the mind.

Why Trauma Symptoms Are Often Missed

Trauma doesn’t always look dramatic. Here’s why it’s often overlooked:

People assume it has to be “big”

If you haven’t been in a life-threatening event, you might think “that wasn’t traumatic enough.”

Not true — trauma is subjective. What overwhelms one person might not affect another. Emotional or relational trauma is just as important.

Symptoms develop slowly over time

Patterns like irritability, avoidance, or sleeplessness can be chalked up to “stress,” aging, or personality — but they can be signs of unresolved trauma.

People mask symptoms

Especially in workplaces or families, people learn to hide symptoms to avoid judgment. They appear successful on the outside but struggle internally.

How Treatment Can Help (Even Without PTSD)

If trauma shows up in everyday life, what can you do?

1. Therapy

Trauma-informed therapy approaches help people process experiences and retrain the nervous system. Common modalities include:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Somatic therapies
Mindfulness-based therapies

You don’t need a PTSD diagnosis to benefit. Click here for therapy.

2. Psychiatric Evaluation

A psychiatric evaluation can help differentiate trauma effects from mood disorders, anxiety, or other conditions. Medication — when appropriate — supports symptom management while therapy addresses root causes.

At Valiant Mental Health, we provide comprehensive evaluations that consider trauma history and current symptoms. Visit https://valiant-health.com to learn more about our approach.

3. Lifestyle & Nervous System Regulation

Trauma impacts the nervous system — not just thoughts. Practices that support regulation include:

Breathwork & grounding
Yoga or gentle movement
Sleep hygiene
Supportive relationships
Stress management routines

These are not substitutes for therapy, but useful complements.

You’re Not Alone — And It’s Not Your Fault

One of the hardest parts of trauma is feeling like you should “just get over it.” Many people go years without recognizing that what they’re experiencing is trauma-related — especially if they never developed full PTSD.

If you find yourself struggling with mood swings, anxiety, hypervigilance, relationship issues, or physical symptoms without a clear cause, trauma may be part of the picture.

Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness — it’s an educated step toward healing.

Next Steps & Resources

If you want professional support or assessment:

📌 Visit Valiant Mental Health

Valiant is dedicated to compassionate, trauma-informed psychiatric care, including evaluation, medication management, and support.
👉 https://valiant-health.com

📌 Learn More About Our Services

We offer tailored treatment plans for adults struggling with emotional health, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
👉 https://valiant-health.com/services

📌 Schedule a Consultation

If you suspect trauma or any mental health concern, a consultation can clarify your symptoms and connect you with an individualized plan.
👉 schedule

Final Thoughts

Trauma isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come with flashbacks or dramatic collapse. Sometimes, it shows up as:

Sleepless nights
Tense mornings
Relationship patterns
Chronic anxiety
Emotional numbness

Understanding trauma as a spectrum of experiences — not just a disorder — empowers you to seek healing earlier and with more clarity.

If you’re ready to take that step, the team at Valiant Mental Health is here to walk with you.
Visit: https://valiant-health.com

Do I Need Medication for Anxiety or Depression?

Posted on December 31, 2025December 31, 2025 by randygoleman

Do I Need Medication for Anxiety or Depression?

If you’ve found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. Many people struggle silently for months—or even years—wondering whether what they’re feeling is “bad enough” to need medication. You may worry about becoming dependent, losing your personality, or being judged for needing help. At the same time, symptoms like anxiety, depression, or emotional burnout can make daily life feel exhausting and overwhelming.

Deciding whether medication is right for you isn’t about weakness or failure. It’s about understanding what’s happening in your brain and whether medication management could help you feel more like yourself again.

This guide will help you understand when psychiatric medication may be helpful, what signs to look for, and how medication management actually works. Treatment can occur in person or online.

When Anxiety or Depression Starts Interfering With Daily Life

Everyone experiences stress, sadness, or worry from time to time. However, anxiety and depression become medical concerns when symptoms begin to interfere with your ability to function.

You may want to consider medication for anxiety or depression if:

Your symptoms last most days for two weeks or longer
You feel emotionally overwhelmed, numb, or persistently hopeless
Anxiety feels constant, intense, or difficult to control
You struggle to get out of bed, go to work, or complete daily tasks
Sleep, appetite, or concentration have noticeably changed
You feel irritable, on edge, or emotionally exhausted most of the time

These symptoms aren’t signs of personal failure. They’re often signals that your brain’s stress and mood regulation systems are under strain.

When Therapy Alone May Not Be Enough

Therapy is a powerful and effective tool for many people, and it’s often recommended as a first step. However, therapy isn’t always enough on its own—especially when symptoms are moderate to severe.

Medication may be helpful if:

You’ve tried therapy consistently and still feel stuck
Anxiety or depression makes it hard to fully engage in therapy
Your symptoms feel more physical than emotional (fatigue, panic, sleep disruption)
Stressors have passed, but symptoms haven’t improved
You’ve had recurrent episodes of anxiety or depression

Medication doesn’t replace therapy. Instead, it can help stabilize symptoms so therapy becomes more effective.

Common Myths About Psychiatric Medication, treatment with online provider

Many people hesitate to consider medication because of misconceptions. Let’s address some of the most common ones.

“Medication will change who I am.”
The goal of psychiatric medication is not to change your personality. It’s to reduce symptoms like overwhelming anxiety, persistent sadness, or emotional numbness so you can function more fully as yourself.

“If I start medication, I’ll be on it forever.”
Medication is not always lifelong. Some people use it short-term, others longer-term. The decision is individualized and regularly reassessed.

“Needing medication means I’m weak.”
Anxiety and depression are medical conditions involving brain chemistry, genetics, and stress physiology. Treating them is no different than treating any other health condition.

Signs Medication May Be a Helpful Option

Medication management may be worth exploring if:

Your symptoms significantly impact work, relationships, or daily functioning
You feel emotionally stuck despite lifestyle changes
Anxiety causes frequent panic, avoidance, or physical symptoms
Depression includes low motivation, hopelessness, or loss of interest
You feel like you’re “surviving” instead of living

These are not thresholds you have to meet perfectly. Medication decisions are collaborative and based on your experience—not a checklist.

How Medication for Anxiety and Depression Actually Works

Psychiatric medications work by helping regulate neurotransmitters involved in mood, stress response, sleep, and emotional processing. These medications don’t “sedate” you or erase emotions. Instead, they aim to reduce extremes—allowing your nervous system to operate more smoothly.

Medication management focuses on:

Choosing the appropriate medication class based on your symptoms
Starting at low doses when appropriate
Monitoring benefits and side effects closely
Adjusting treatment thoughtfully over time

This process is not rushed, and you are always part of the decision-making.

What Medication Management Looks Like in Practice

Medication management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A comprehensive evaluation considers:

Your current symptoms
Past treatment experiences
Medical history
Sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors
Your goals and concerns

Follow-up appointments focus on how you’re feeling, not just whether you’re “tolerating” medication. Adjustments are common and expected—it often takes time to find the right fit.

You Don’t Have to Be “Bad Enough” to Get Help

One of the most common reasons people delay care is the belief that they should wait until things get worse. You don’t need to reach a breaking point to deserve support.

Medication for anxiety or depression isn’t about giving up—it’s about giving yourself a chance to feel better.

If you’re questioning whether medication management might help, that curiosity alone is a valid reason to seek a professional opinion.

How Valiant Mental Health Can Support You, in person and online

At Valiant Mental Health, medication management is collaborative, thoughtful, and patient-centered. You won’t be rushed, pressured, or dismissed. The goal is to help you feel stable, functional, and supported—whether that involves medication, adjustments, or ongoing monitoring.

If you’re wondering whether medication for anxiety or depression could be right for you, a professional evaluation can help bring clarity and relief.

Adult Autism in Women: Why It’s Missed for Decades

Posted on December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 by randygoleman

Adult Autism in Women: Why It’s Missed for Decades

If you’ve ever wondered why social situations feel exhausting, why you’ve always felt “different,” or why anxiety treatments never fully worked for you, you’re not alone. Many women reach adulthood before realizing they may be autistic—not because the signs weren’t there, but because autism in women has been widely misunderstood and overlooked for decades.

Adult autism in women often looks very different from the stereotypes most people associate with autism. As a result, many women spend years being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or told they are simply “too sensitive,” “anxious,” or “overthinking things.” Understanding why this happens can be the first step toward clarity, self-compassion, and appropriate support.

Why Autism Looks Different in Women

Much of what we know about autism comes from research historically focused on boys. Early diagnostic criteria were built around externalized behaviors—obvious social withdrawal, repetitive physical movements, and clear communication delays. Many autistic women don’t present this way.

Instead, you may have learned early on how to mask your autistic traits. Masking means consciously or unconsciously copying social behaviors, rehearsing conversations, forcing eye contact, or suppressing stimming in order to fit in. While this can make you appear “high-functioning,” it often comes at a significant emotional cost.

Over time, constant masking can lead to chronic anxiety, burnout, depression, and a deep sense of not knowing who you really are.

Common Signs of Autism in Adult Women

Autism in women often shows up internally rather than externally. You may recognize yourself in some of the following experiences:

Feeling socially competent on the outside but emotionally exhausted afterward
Struggling with small talk while thriving in deep or meaningful conversations
Intense interests that feel central to your identity
Strong sensory sensitivities (sounds, textures, lights, smells)
Difficulty identifying or expressing your emotions
A lifelong feeling of being “out of sync” with others
Rigid routines or distress when plans change
Perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fear of being misunderstood

These traits are often misattributed to personality quirks or anxiety rather than recognized as part of the autism spectrum.

Why Women Are So Often Misdiagnosed

Because autistic traits in women are more subtle or internalized, many women receive alternative diagnoses long before autism is considered. Common misdiagnoses include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder
ADHD (or ADHD alone without recognizing autism)
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder

While these diagnoses may partially fit, they often fail to explain the full picture—especially when treatments don’t work as expected. Many women report trying multiple medications or therapies without lasting relief before learning they are autistic.

The Emotional Impact of a Late Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can bring mixed emotions. You may feel relief at finally having an explanation for your experiences. At the same time, you may grieve the years spent feeling misunderstood or unsupported.

It’s common to reflect on past relationships, school experiences, or jobs and wonder how different things might have been if you’d had the right information earlier. These feelings are valid—and they’re a normal part of the process.

A diagnosis isn’t about labeling you. It’s about understanding how your brain works so you can build a life that fits you, not one that constantly drains you.

How Autism Can Overlap with Anxiety and ADHD

Autism frequently overlaps with anxiety and ADHD, especially in women. Sensory overload, social confusion, and chronic masking can naturally lead to anxiety. ADHD traits such as distractibility, emotional dysregulation, or executive functioning challenges may also coexist.

This overlap is one reason autism is missed—symptoms are treated individually rather than as part of a broader neurodevelopmental pattern. A comprehensive evaluation looks at your entire history, not just your current symptoms.

If you’d like to learn more about ADHD in adults, you can explore our post on understanding ADHD in children and adults at
👉 https://valiant-health.com

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Understanding whether you are autistic can change how you approach your mental health. It can:

Help tailor medication decisions more effectively
Reduce self-blame and shame
Improve therapy outcomes
Support accommodations at work or school
Strengthen relationships through better communication

Medication management for autistic adults often focuses on treating co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD—not autism itself. When care is individualized, outcomes improve significantly.

Learn more about our medication management services here:
👉 https://valiant-health.com/medication-management

Getting Support That Actually Fits You

If you suspect you may be autistic, working with a provider who understands adult autism—especially in women—matters. A thoughtful assessment should explore childhood patterns, masking behaviors, sensory experiences, relationships, and emotional processing, not just surface-level symptoms.

At Valiant Mental Health, we take a comprehensive, respectful approach to adult neurodevelopmental assessments and medication management. Our goal is to help you understand yourself more clearly and find treatment options that support—not suppress—who you are.

If you’re interested in telehealth options, you can learn more here:
👉 https://valiant-health.com/online-treatment

You’re Not “Too Much”—You’re Just Wired Differently

If you’ve spent your life feeling like you’re trying harder than everyone else just to keep up, there may be a reason. Autism in women has always existed—it simply hasn’t been recognized the way it should have been.

Understanding yourself isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about finally giving yourself the understanding and support you deserved all along.

Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adults

Posted on December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 by randygoleman

Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD in Children and Adults

How Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Really Affects Daily Life

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly misunderstood mental health conditions. Many people still think of ADHD as simply being “hyper” or “easily distracted,” but the reality is far more complex—especially when comparing how ADHD shows up in children versus adults.

If you or your child struggle with focus, impulsivity, emotional regulation, or organization, understanding the true symptoms of ADHD is the first step toward getting the right support and treatment.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

What ADHD really is
The core symptom categories
ADHD symptoms in children
ADHD symptoms in adults
When to seek professional help
How treatment can improve daily life

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, impulse control, activity level, memory, and emotional regulation. ADHD is not caused by laziness, poor parenting, or lack of willpower. It is a brain-based condition that often continues into adulthood.

ADHD is typically grouped into three presentations:

Predominantly Inattentive
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
Combined Type

Each person experiences ADHD differently, which is why symptoms can look very different across age groups.

The Three Core Symptom Categories of ADHD

1. Inattention

This refers to difficulty sustaining focus, organizing tasks, and completing responsibilities.

Common signs include:

Trouble following through on instructions
Frequent daydreaming
Losing important items
Difficulty prioritizing tasks
Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort

2. Hyperactivity

This reflects excess physical movement and restlessness.

Common signs include:

Constant fidgeting or tapping
Difficulty sitting still
Excessive talking
Feeling internally “driven” or restless

3. Impulsivity

This involves acting without thinking through consequences.

Common signs include:

Interrupting others
Difficulty waiting turns
Risk-taking behaviors
Emotional outbursts

Not every person with ADHD has all three categories equally.

ADHD Symptoms in Children

ADHD is often first noticed during early childhood, especially when school begins and structure increases.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Children Include:

Difficulty sitting still in class
Frequently interrupting teachers or peers
Trouble completing homework
Emotional outbursts or low frustration tolerance
Forgetting assignments or school materials
Being labeled as “disruptive,” “lazy,” or “not trying hard enough”

Children with ADHD may also struggle socially:

Difficulty reading social cues
Problems with peer relationships
Sensitivity to rejection or criticism

Without proper support, children with ADHD may develop:

Low self-esteem
Academic underperformance
Anxiety and depression
Behavioral issues

Early identification and treatment significantly improve long-term outcomes.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, especially those who were never evaluated as children. Adult ADHD often looks different than childhood ADHD.

Common Adult ADHD Symptoms Include:

Chronic disorganization
Trouble managing time and deadlines
Difficulty focusing during conversations
Forgetting appointments or obligations
Procrastination followed by last-minute panic
Emotional dysregulation
Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks

Adults with ADHD often struggle with:

Career instability
Relationship difficulties
Financial disorganization
Burnout
Chronic stress and anxiety

Many adults report feeling like they are constantly “behind,” despite putting in significant effort.

ADHD Is More Than Just Attention

One of the most overlooked parts of ADHD is emotional regulation. Many individuals experience:

Rapid mood shifts
Intense emotional reactions
Rejection sensitivity
Difficulty calming down after stress

ADHD also commonly overlaps with:

Anxiety disorders
Depression
Learning disorders
Autism spectrum traits
Sleep disturbances

This is why professional evaluation is essential—symptoms often overlap with other conditions.

When to Seek Help for ADHD

You should consider professional evaluation if you or your child experience:

Persistent academic or work difficulties
Chronic disorganization
Frequent emotional overwhelm
Relationship strain due to impulsivity or inattention
Ongoing frustration despite trying harder

ADHD is highly treatable, and proper care can be life-changing.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options for ADHD

Effective ADHD treatment often involves a multi-modal approach, which may include:

Medication Management

Medications can help improve:

Focus
Motivation
Task initiation
Emotional regulation
Impulse control

Medication does not change who you are—it helps your brain function more efficiently.

Therapy & Skills Training

Therapy helps individuals develop:

Time management skills
Emotional regulation strategies
Organization systems
Communication skills
Stress management tools

Lifestyle Support

Sleep optimization
Exercise
Nutrition
Routine building

Treatment is always individualized based on age, symptoms, medical history, and goals.

Getting Help and Treatment for ADHD

If you or your child may be struggling with ADHD, professional support can provide clarity, relief, and direction. A formal evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and guide an effective treatment plan.

At Valiant Mental Health, we provide compassionate, evidence-based ADHD assessment and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. If you’re ready to take the next step toward focus, stability, and improved quality of life, you can learn more about your treatment options here:

👉 https://valiant-health.com

Final Thoughts

ADHD is not a character flaw—it’s a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes attention, motivation, emotion, and organization. Whether symptoms appear in childhood or adulthood, proper diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve daily functioning, relationships, work performance, and self-esteem.

Understanding the symptoms is the first step. Getting support is the next.

Online Treatment of Medication Management/Diagnosis

Posted on December 3, 2025January 2, 2026 by randygoleman

Online Medication Management: How it Works and Why Valiant Makes Care Easy

Getting safe, effective psychiatric medication should be simple — even when you can’t make it into the office. At Valiant Mental Health, our online medication management program lets you get personalized psychiatric care from home through secure telehealth visits. We provide medication evaluations, follow-up medication management, and ongoing support for adults, adolescents, and children across Idaho and approved surrounding states. We currently offer telepsychiatry services in Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Alaska. valiant-health.com

What is online medication management?

Online medication management is a telehealth service where a qualified psychiatric provider performs psychiatric evaluations, prescribes or adjusts medications, and provides follow-up monitoring — all via secure video visits. This model combines clinical oversight with convenience: you get the same evidence-based medication care you’d receive in person, but without travel or long wait times.

Who benefits from online medication management?

Online medication management is ideal for:

Busy adults who need ongoing medication refills or adjustments.
People in rural areas with limited local psychiatric access.
Patients who prefer remote care for safety, convenience, or privacy.
Families coordinating care for adolescents or children who need psychiatric follow-up.

At Valiant, we combine medication management with clear care plans and easy follow-up. Our team tailors treatment for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and sleep-related concerns. (For details, see our Medication Management and Telepsychiatry pages.)

How the online process works (simple steps)

Book an appointment: choose an online visit in our scheduler.
Complete intake: a short online check-in helps us prepare.
Initial evaluation: a full psychiatric assessment via secure video.
Medication plan: we discuss options, risks/benefits, and monitoring.
Follow-up & monitoring: regular telehealth check-ins and messaging as needed.

Safety, privacy, and prescription policies

We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms for all telehealth visits and follow state prescribing regulations. Some medications require in-person visits or stricter monitoring depending on state rules and the medication class — we’ll always explain what’s required and coordinate care with your local providers when helpful.

What to expect in follow-ups and monitoring

Effective medication management online includes monitoring side effects, symptom tracking, and consistent follow-up intervals (determined by the medication and clinical need). We provide refills, dose adjustments, and coordination with therapists or primary care as needed. For controlled substances, state laws and best practice may require extra steps — we’ll review these at intake.

How Valiant supports you

Experienced PMHNP-led care focused on medication safety and patient education.
Flexible telehealth visits across Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Alaska. valiant-health.com
Insurance-friendly options — we accept many major plans (see our Insurance Info page).
Clear communication — secure messaging, appointment reminders, and step-by-step care plans.

Ready to get started?

If you’re searching for “online medication management” or “online mental health” in one of the states we serve, Valiant makes it easy. Book an appointment online or call our office at 208-444-9820 to see how telehealth medication management can work for you.

Short FAQ (add as FAQ schema)

What is online medication management?
A: Psychiatric evaluation, prescription, and follow-up conducted via secure telehealth visits.
Which states do you serve via telehealth?
A: Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Alaska. valiant-health.com
Can I get controlled medications through telehealth?
A: That depends on state law and the medication class; your provider will explain applicable rules during intake.
How often will I need follow-up visits?
A: Frequency depends on the medication and clinical status — often every 2–12 weeks initially.
Is telehealth secure and private?
A: Yes — we use HIPAA-compliant platforms and follow best practices for confidentiality.
Do you accept insurance for telehealth visits?
A: We accept most major plans in the states we serve; contact us or check our Insurance page for details.

Ready to Begin?

👉 Request an Appointment »
👉 Learn More About Medication Management »
👉 Explore How Telehealth Works »

Lets talk about OCD

Posted on November 25, 2025January 2, 2026 by randygoleman

Let’s Talk About OCD: What It Really Is, What to Watch For, and How You Can Get Better

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

ranks among conditions everyone claims to understand—until discovering the daily reality for those living with it. Spoiler: it’s not “liking things clean” or “being particular.” It’s a real, exhausting cycle of anxious thoughts and repetitive behaviors that feel impossible to stop.

If you’re reading this because you’re wondering, “Is this me?” — you’re already taking a brave step. Let’s break this down together.

So… What Actually Is OCD?

OCD is made up of two main parts:

-Obsessions

These are intrusive, unwanted thoughts or fears that pop up again and again. They can feel loud, overwhelming, or scary.

-Compulsions

These are the routines or behaviors you feel you have to do to calm the obsession. It’s not something you do because it’s fun or helpful—it’s something you feel pressured to do just to function.

OCD loves to trick your brain into thinking something terrible might happen unless you take action. And that cycle repeats… a lot.

Things to Watch For

OCD can show up in a lot of ways. Here’s a list you can use as a quick “check-in” for yourself or someone you care about:

Common Obsessions:

Intrusive thoughts about harm (to yourself or others)
Fear of contamination or germs
Needing things to be symmetrical or “just right”
Persistent doubts (Did I lock the door? Turn off the stove?)
Unwanted taboo thoughts (sexual, violent, or religious—yes, this is very common)

Common Compulsions:

Excessive handwashing or cleaning
Repeating routines until they “feel right”
Checking things over and over
Counting, tapping, or repeating actions
Mental rituals: reviewing events, praying, or mentally “neutralizing” a thought
Avoiding certain places, people, or objects

Other Signs People Often Miss:

Feeling ashamed or hiding your routines
Spending hours stuck in your head
Having your day disrupted by rituals
Feeling exhausted from the anxiety and the cycle

If you saw yourself in any of these, you’re not alone—and there’s help.

Things That Actually Help OCD

The good news? OCD is one of the most treatable anxiety disorders. People get better—often much better—with the right support.

Therapies That Work:

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention):
The gold standard. Helps retrain your brain to stop reacting to intrusive thoughts.
CBT:
Helps challenge unhelpful beliefs and patterns.
Mindfulness-based strategies:
Helps reduce the power and urgency of intrusive thoughts.

Medications That Help:

High-dose SSRIs (like sertraline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine)
Occasionally clomipramine (very effective but more side effects)
Sometimes augmentation with low-dose atypical antipsychotics
Treatment is individualized—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Lifestyle Support:

Regular sleep
Lower caffeine intake (helps reduce anxiety spikes)
Exercise to help your nervous system regulate
Connecting with supportive people
Journaling or thought-tracking

If You’re Struggling, Read This:

You aren’t “broken.”
You aren’t “crazy.”
nor are you “overreacting.”
You’re dealing with a brain pattern that millions of people experience—and you deserve support just as much as anyone else.

If intrusive thoughts or compulsions are taking over your day, affecting your relationships, or making you feel alone, please reach out.

At Valiant Mental Health, we’re here to help you find clarity, relief, and real tools to get your life back.
You don’t have to fight your thoughts by yourself.

Take action today:

👉 Request an Appointment »
👉 Learn More About Medication Management »
👉 Explore How Telehealth Works »

5 Ways to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) this Winter in Idaho

Posted on November 18, 2025January 2, 2026 by randygoleman

5 Ways to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) This Winter in Idaho

Shorter days, long nights, and gray skies are part of winter in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Boise, and the rest of Idaho. For many people, these changes do more than just make us reach for an extra blanket — they can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that arrives like clockwork every fall and winter.

The good news? You don’t have to tough it out alone. Here are five proven ways Idahoans are successfully managing SAD this year — many of which you can start today.

1. Get Ahead of It with Light Therapy (It Really Works)

Northern Idaho gets as little as 8 hours of daylight in December. That drastic drop in natural light disrupts your body’s internal clock and lowers serotonin and melatonin levels — the exact recipe for SAD.

A 10,000-lux light therapy box used for 20–30 minutes every morning mimics outdoor sunlight and is one of the most researched treatments for seasonal depression. Place it on your breakfast table or desk while you drink coffee or answer emails.

Pro tip for Idaho winters: Start using the light box in late October or early November — before symptoms hit full force. Most people notice improvement within 1–2 weeks.

2. Move Your Body — Even When It’s Cold Outside

Exercise is as effective as some antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression, and it works even better when you combine it with outdoor light.

Easy Idaho-friendly ideas:

20-minute brisk walk around Tubbs Hill or McEuen Park at lunchtime (bonus daylight!)
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Farragut State Park
Indoor options: local yoga studios in Coeur d’Alene or the Kroc Center in CDA

Can’t get outside? Even a 15-minute YouTube dance workout in your living room boosts endorphins and helps reset your circadian rhythm.

3. Prioritize Sleep (But Keep a Consistent Schedule)

Dark mornings make it tempting to sleep in, but irregular sleep actually worsens SAD. Aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time — even on weekends.

Quick Idaho bedtime hack: Use blackout curtains to keep summer-level darkness in the morning, then open them wide the moment your alarm goes off (or pair with your light box).

4. Lean on Telehealth for Therapy or Medication Support

When the weather keeps you home, you don’t have to drive through snow or ice to get help. Telehealth appointments let you talk to a psychiatric provider from your couch in Post Falls, Boise, Meridian, or anywhere else in Idaho.

At Valiant Mental Health, we commonly help patients with:

Starting or adjusting antidepressant medication that works well for SAD (often bupropion or an SSRI)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored for seasonal patterns
Quick insurance checks — most major Idaho plans (Regence, Blue Cross, SelectHealth, Medicare) cover winter telepsychiatry visits

→ Schedule a same-week telehealth appointment online

5. Build Small Daily Rituals That Bring Joy

Plan one thing every day that you genuinely look forward to. Idaho examples our patients love:

Saturday morning coffee at Calypsos in Coeur d’Alene
Reading by the fire with a cozy blanket and hot cocoa
Weekly game night with friends or family
Visiting the Winter Lights display at the Idaho Botanical Garden (Boise area)

These micro-moments of pleasure add up and protect your mood more than you might expect.

You’re Not Alone This Winter

Seasonal Affective Disorder is incredibly common in northern states like Idaho, but it’s also very treatable. Combining light therapy, movement, good sleep habits, professional support when needed, and small daily joys can make this winter feel completely different from the last.

If you’ve been feeling more tired, irritable, or hopeless than usual — especially since daylight saving time ended — reach out today. A quick telehealth visit can get you back on track faster than waiting for spring.

Ready to feel like yourself again this winter?
Book Your Telehealth Appointment Now

We accept most Idaho insurance plans and offer appointments in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Boise, Spokane, and throughout the state.

Valiant Mental Health – compassionate psychiatric care from the comfort of home.