Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates, LLC

03/13/2026

Trouble sleeping? 😴 People with insomnia are 10x more likely to develop clinical depression and 17x more likely to have an anxiety disorder. Chronic sleep loss disrupts emotional regulation by amplifying negative responses to stress and dampening positive emotions. Even short-term sleep deprivation is harmful—it can spike anxiety symptoms like rapid heart rate and excessive worry. Worse yet, insomnia often coexists with mental health conditions, creating a vicious cycle. If insomnia is affecting your daily life, cognitive behavioral or other evidence-based therapy with a mental health professional may help break the pattern. 💤💤💤

03/09/2026

Did you just lose an hour? ⏰ Welcome to Daylight Saving Time! As the clocks spring forward, many of us feel the effects of a sudden shift to our sleep and circadian rhythms leading to grogginess, irritability, and even foul moods—impacting about 55% of Americans. It may also worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety or increase substance abuse for some due to heightened stress and poorer focus. The vulnerable include teens, shift workers, and those with existing mental health conditions.
If you're noticing persistent fatigue or other symptoms in the coming days, you're NOT alone—studies show a temporary spike in these challenges post-time change. Reach out if things become unmanageable, and sweet dreams ahead...💤😴

03/08/2026

🍓🍑🍌🍊🍍🍒🍉🍋🍎🍇 Did you know that diets high in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and minimally processed foods are linked to reduced depression symptoms and lower psychological distress? Recent research highlights that consuming ultra-processed foods correlates with poorer mental health outcomes.
It's wise to take a holistic approach to your mental health. If this resonates, consider how you can make small changes to your nutritional habits over time. 🍅🥑🍏🍐🥒🥝🍈🍆🥕🌽

03/05/2026

March is Self-Injury Awareness Month.
Self-injury—also called non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)—is the deliberate damage to one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent. Common forms include cutting, burning, or hitting. It's an unhealthy coping response often linked to trauma, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or other conditions. NSSI occurs most frequently in adolescents and young adults and carries an elevated risk for future suicidal behavior if left unaddressed. Clinicians help clients replace self-injury with sustainable emotion-regulation skills to reduce recurrence. 🖤
For more information on self-injury, why it occurs, associated risks, and treatment options, peruse this resource from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

People often keep it a secret, but the urge to self-harm isn’t uncommon, especially in adolescents and young adults. Many overcome it with treatment.

03/01/2026

Happy World Compliment Day!
Compliments boost the recipient’s emotions & performance while also benefitting the giver through increased happiness, reduced stress, & stronger relationships.
Literal win-win! 🙌

02/27/2026

Ever feel like the world is pushing your buttons—traffic jams, unfair news, or unexpected setbacks triggering instant rage or anxiety? What if accepting reality (without liking it) could free you from that emotional spiral?
Dive in for tips on responding to life's curveballs! 📖👇

Radical acceptance can improve distress tolerance and reduce destructive responses. Learn how to practice radical acceptance and its benefits for well-being.

02/24/2026

🌟 If you've ever wondered about therapy or counseling but felt unsure where to start, you're not alone. Here are some common questions we receive:
1. What's the difference between therapy and counseling?
2. How do I know if I need therapy/counseling?
3. What happens in a typical session?
4. How do I choose the right type of therapy/counseling?
Answers to these questions and more can be found in this HelpGuide article. You know where to find us if you need us! 💙

Learn about all of the different therapy types in our guide. Struggling to decide on which therapy is best for you? Read more to help.

02/20/2026

Could “dabbling” help cure your perfectionism? 🤔

An expert says that dabbling, or trying new things just for fun, is good for us because it can invite a host of mental health benefits.

02/17/2026

👑 We’re CLOSED today 👑

02/16/2026

🇺🇸 Today is Presidents’ Day 🇺🇸
Did you know that mental health issues have touched the Oval Office? Nearly half of early U.S. presidents may have experienced depression or anxiety (e.g., Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Calvin Coolidge). Focus on building the same degree of emotional strength as some of our historical leaders. Don’t be afraid to seek help if needed. Wishing you resilience and a great week ahead! 💙

02/14/2026

❤️ This Valentine’s Day, remember that love isn’t only something we give to others—

Whether you’re celebrating with someone special or spending the day on your own, take a moment to appreciate your resilience and the small ways you show up for yourself every day.

Healthy relationships start with a healthy YOU 💗

02/09/2026

🏈 Just watched the Super Bowl. ❄️ Right now the Winter Olympics are delivering heartbreak and glory in equal measures. The difference between “I did it!” and “I’ll never recover from this!” do not boil down to talent and training alone. Mental toughness is crucial.

Winning results in dopamine flooding and confidence that “the grind” mattered. In contrast, losing can crush self-worth and motivation in seconds if the athlete hasn’t developed resilience via –
• Visualization and Mental Preparation
• Mindfulness and Positive Self-Talk
• Growth Mindset for Long-Term Success
• Support Systems and Professional Help
• Linking Mental Toughness to Motivation
This isn’t just sports psychology, it’s life psychology. Many clients who walk through our door are running their own versions of the Super Bowl or the Olympics…a career pivot? a relationship ending? anxiety that won’t abate? goals that seem impossible to achieve? Everyday people benefit from seeking to build the same mental muscle the champions use. 🧠💪
Source: https://tinyurl.com/PsychologyofWinningLosing