Why Mood Changes in Winter Many adults notice changes in mood, energy, and motivation during the winter months. Shorter days, reduced sunlight, colder weather, and disrupted routines can all affect emotional well being. For some, this results in temporary low mood known as the winter blues. For others, it may signal Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD , a form of major depression with a seasonal pattern. Understanding the difference helps guide proper treatment. What Are the

What Is Insomnia Insomnia is more than an occasional bad night of sleep. It is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested upon waking. When sleep problems occur most nights and last for weeks or months, they can have a serious impact on mental and physical health. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , we treat adults with insomnia through evidence based medication management and behavioral sleep strategies in downtown Santa Cruz  and thr

Why Anxiety Increases During the Holidays The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and relaxing, but for many adults they bring intense stress, emotional pressure, and financial strain. Family dynamics, social expectations, work deadlines, travel, and disrupted routines all contribute to increased anxiety during this time of year. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , we frequently see an increase in anxiety symptoms from November through January among adults who otherwise fee

What Is Anxiety Anxiety is more than occasional worry. It is a condition that can cause persistent fear, tension, and physical discomfort that interferes with daily life. While everyone experiences stress, anxiety becomes a problem when it feels constant, overwhelming, or uncontrollable. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we treat adults struggling with anxiety using evidence based medication management and supportive care. Common Symptoms of Anxiety Anxiety can affect both the

Why Depression Awareness Month Matters October is nationally recognized as Depression Awareness Month. It is an important time to reduce stigma, promote education, and encourage people to seek help. Depression affects millions of adults each year, yet many suffer in silence due to shame, misunderstanding, or lack of access to care. Depression is not weakness. It is a medical condition that responds well to treatment. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we provide evidence based

What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is more than mood swings.  It is a mental health condition marked by alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. These mood shifts can disrupt work, relationships, and daily routines, but with proper treatment, stability and wellness are possible. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , we specialize in medication management and supportive care for bipolar disorder . Our providers serve patients in the Santa Cruz area and ac

What Is Insomnia? Insomnia is more than the occasional sleepless night.  It’s a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested. When poor sleep happens regularly, it can affect mood, focus, work performance, and overall health. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , we help adults struggling with insomnia through evidence-based treatments such as CBT-I and medication management . We serve patients in the Santa Cruz area and across Calif

What Is Anxiety? Everyone feels worried from time to time, but clinical anxiety is more than everyday stress . Anxiety disorders can interfere with work, school, sleep, and relationships, and often create a cycle of worry that’s hard to break. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , our psychiatric nurse practitioners provide personalized, evidence-based care for anxiety in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and across California through telehealth . Common Symptom

What Is Depression? Depression is more than feeling sad or “down.” It is a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life. Millions of people experience depression each year, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , our psychiatric nurse practitioners provide compassionate and evidence-based care for depression in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and across California through teleh

As students return to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) this September, the excitement of a new academic year often comes...

As the summer winds down in San Jose and the South Bay Area , August can feel like a transitional month—filled with back-to-school...

Looking for a TRICARE-accepted mental health provider near Monterey, CA? Coastal Breeze Mental Health offers compassionate, high-quality...

June marks the official start of summer on California’s Central Coast—a time of longer days, warmer weather, and increased opportunities...

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April on California's Central Coast brings renewal, sunshine, and fresh starts. With wildflowers in bloom and longer, brighter days, this...

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health , we believe that mental wellness is important at every stage of life. If you're a Medicare  recipient in...

As we welcome March on California’s Central Coast, we step into a season of renewal. With longer days, blooming landscapes, and a sense...

As February unfolds on California’s Central Coast, we find ourselves in a season of transition. The rush of the holidays has faded, and...

January brings a fresh start—but for many tech professionals in San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Santa Clara , the new...

As the new year begins, many people across the country, including in Santa Cruz, CA, find themselves feeling unusually down or fatigued....