More Than Just a Mood Swing: What It Really Means to Be Bipolar

By: Mathew Kunnath John, MSW, MPhil More Than Just a Mood Swing: What It Really Means to Be Bipolar “Ugh, the weather is so bipolar today.” “My boss has been completely bipolar this week.” “I changed my mind again, I’m so bipolar.” We hear it all the time. In casual conversation, the word “bipolar” has […]
More Than Just a Bad Day: Are You Stressed or Clinically Depressed?

By: Mathew Kunnath John, MSW, MPhil More Than Just a Bad Day: Are You Stressed or Clinically Depressed? We’ve all said it or heard someone say it: “I had such a stressful day, I’m so depressed.” In our everyday language, we often use the word “depressed” to describe feelings of sadness, frustration, or being overwhelmed […]
From Tantrums to Disorders: A Parent’s Guide to Differentiating Childhood Behavior

By: Mathew Kunnath John, MSW, MPhil From Tantrums to Disorders: A Parent’s Guide to Differentiating Childhood Behavior As a parent, you’ve likely seen it all: the public toddler tantrum, the defiant preschooler, the moody teenager. These challenging moments are often a normal, healthy part of growing up as kids learn to test boundaries and find […]
The Effect is Magical, But It’s Pure Biology: How Exercise Rewires Your Brain for Happiness

By: Mathew Kunnath John, MSW, MPhil The Effect is Magical, But It’s Pure Biology: How Exercise Rewires Your Brain for Happiness We’ve all heard the advice: “Feeling stressed? Go for a run!” or “Anxious? Hit the gym.” For many, this sounds like a platitude, an oversimplified solution to a complex problem. How can […]
Yoga, Meditation, and Your Mental Health: A Powerful Ally, But Is It Enough?

By: Mathew Kunnath John MSW, MPhil In our quest for mental wellness, the ancient practices of Yoga, Meditation, and Tai Chi have surged in popularity. Walk into any wellness space, and you’ll hear talk of their profound benefits for calming the mind and soothing the soul. It leads to a critical question: Can […]
Welcome to Manan Mental Health
High-Functioning Anxiety: The Silent Struggle of Achievers
The Stress Hypertension Connection: How Your Mind Affects Your Arteries

By: Mathew Kunnath John, MSW, MPhil Psychological stress directly contributes to high blood pressure by activating the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. When stressed, the brain releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to a temporary spike in blood pressure. In the modern world, chronic stressors from work or finances […]
Anxiety or Stress? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do About It

By: Mathew Kunnath John MSW, MPhil Distinguishing between stress and anxiety gives you the power to choose the right tools. However, if these feelings become chronic, overwhelming, and interfere with your daily life—preventing you from working, sleeping, or maintaining relationships—it’s a sign that you may need more support. Reaching out to a therapist […]
“Stress Less: The Universal Basics & Your Personalized Plan for Peace.”

By: Mathew Kunnath John, MSW, MPhil Feeling overwhelmed? Like stress is a constant companion? You’re not alone. We often hear about countless ways to manage stress, from calming teas to intense workouts. But here’s the thing: one size doesn’t fit all. What works wonders for your friend might leave you feeling even more stressed. […]