Biofeedback: Training Your Brain to Relax
Have you ever noticed what happens to your body when you get scared or stressed? Your hands might get sweaty, your heart starts pounding against your ribs, and your muscles tighten up like a coiled spring. Most of the time, these things happen automatically. You don’t tell your heart to speed up; it just does. […]
Conversion Disorder: When Stress Causes Paralysis
Imagine waking up one morning and realizing your legs just won’t move. You try to tell them to swing out of bed, but the signal seems lost in translation. Or perhaps you are in the middle of a grocery store, and suddenly, your arm starts shaking uncontrollably. You rush to the emergency room, terrified that […]
Mental Health for LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Welcome to a conversation that is very close to my heart. As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have had the privilege of sitting across from many incredible parents who are navigating the unique, beautiful, and sometimes complex journey of raising a family within the LGBTQ+ community. Family is defined by love, commitment, and the shared values […]
Understanding Schizophrenia: Hope for Families
When families first walk into my office, the air is often thick with worry. There is a sense of confusion and, quite honestly, fear. Hearing the word “schizophrenia” can feel like the ground is shifting beneath your feet. As a psychiatrist, I have sat with countless parents, siblings, and spouses who feel like they are […]
The Impact of Chronic Pain on Mental Health
As a medical professional, I have sat across from countless patients who describe their pain not just as a physical sensation, but as a heavy emotional burden. When you hurt physically, it is impossible to separate that sensation from your thoughts and feelings. For a long time, the medical community treated the body and the […]
Choosing the Right Therapist for Your Child
As a parent, witnessing your child struggle with their emotions or behavior can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences you face. We all want our children to be happy, resilient, and confident. However, growing up is complex, and sometimes, love and support at home aren’t quite enough to navigate the hurdles. As Dr. Peyman […]
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) in Children
Understanding the Bonds of Connection As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have spent years working with families navigating the complex waters of child development and mental health. There is nothing quite as profound as the bond between a parent and a child. It is the invisible thread that helps a young person feel safe, understood, and […]
Gaming Disorder: When Video Games Take Over
As a mental health professional, I often see patients walk through my door carrying a heavy burden of guilt and confusion. They love video games. They love the stories, the competition, and the friends they make online. But somewhere along the way, the controller started controlling them. If you or someone you love is feeling […]
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): It’s Not Just PMS
As a mental health professional, I hear stories like this far too often: You feel completely in control of your life for three weeks out of the month. You are productive, happy, and energetic. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a dark cloud descends. You might feel irritable, hopeless, or so anxious that you can’t concentrate. […]
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Living with Uncertainty
Imagine waking up in the morning, and before your feet even touch the floor, your mind is already racing. You aren’t just thinking about your to-do list; you are obsessing over everything that could possibly go wrong. This isn’t just a bad day or a stressful week. For millions of people, this is the daily […]