The Thing Within: An Exploration of Ben Grimm’s Mental Health Through a PMHNP Lens
Benjamin Jacob Grimm, the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing of Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four, is a character deeply etched in popular culture. Introduction While his physical transformation is iconic, his internal struggles often take a backseat. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC), I propose an examination of Ben Grimm’s mental health through a clinical […]
Understanding Grief: How Healing Really Works
By Andrew J. Hewitt, PMHNP-BCCaliper Wellness, Pasco County, Florida Grief Is the Price of Love When we lose someone—or something—we deeply love, it can feel like the world stops. The things that once made sense suddenly don’t. The plans we made, the routines we built, even our sense of who we are can feel shattered. […]
The Kryptonian Conundrum: Exploring Superman’s Potential Mental Health Diagnoses
Introduction Superman, the iconic figure of strength, hope, and unwavering morality, has captivated audiences for decades. His narrative, however, extends beyond simple heroics. Beneath the veneer of invulnerability lies a complex character, shaped by profound experiences of loss, displacement, and the immense burden of responsibility. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC), I […]
Executive Dysfunction in ADHD: Definition, Life Impact, and Treatment
By Haley McRaven, BSN AbstractExecutive dysfunction—difficulty in planning, organizing, initiating, sustaining, and regulating goal-directed behavior—is a core aspect of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for many people and contributes substantially to impairment across the lifespan. This paper reviews definitions and models of executive dysfunction in ADHD, summarizes how executive problems affect daily life (school, work, relationships, emotion, […]
Space Ghost: A Superhero’s Psyche Through a PMHNP-BC Lens
By Andrew J. Hewitt, APRN-BC Abstract Space Ghost—a classic superhero from Hanna-Barbera’s 1960s animated series, later reimagined in offbeat Adult Swim programming and modern comics—offers a rich case study in identity conflict, role adaptation, and existential dissonance. This blog explores the psychological dimensions behind his evolution—from galactic crime-fighter to surreal talk-show host—through DSM-5 constructs such as […]
Month 2: Getting Tactical With Your Emotions
By: Karen Schwartz Triana LMHC Because emotions don’t come with an instruction manual — but therapy does. Welcome back! Month 1 was about finding calm; Month 2 is about getting tactical — learning how to actively manage your feelings when life throws you curveballs disguised as toddlers, deadlines, and weirdly aggressive seagulls. Week 5: Coping Cards (Your […]
Could Insulin Resistance Be Driving Treatment-Resistant Depression? And How EXOMIND TMS Might Help
By Andrew J Hewitt, PMHNP-BC Abstract Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a formidable clinical challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation—particularly insulin resistance (IR)—may underlie or perpetuate depressive states unresponsive to standard therapies. This blog reviews recent evidence linking IR to antidepressant nonresponse, explores possible mechanistic pathways (neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, neurotransmitter dysregulation), and describes how EXOMIND […]
Existence Erased: A PMHNP-BC’s Clinical Analysis of Spider-Boy (Bailey Briggs)
By Andrew J. Hewitt, APRN-BC Abstract Bailey Briggs, known as Spider-Boy, is a young superhero whose existence was literally erased from reality—bringing unique psychological complexities surrounding identity, trauma, reality, and belonging. This article explores his mental health through a DSM-5 lens, addressing themes such as identity disruption, grief, existential insecurity, and resilience. His narrative offers […]
Finding Calm in Chaos: Regaining Emotional Control with ACT in New Port Richey
By: Yvette Triana LMHC Not long ago, a client in my New Port Richey office shared, “I feel like I’m drowning in stress. No matter what I do, my emotions run the show.” That sense of being pulled under by our own feelings is something many people know all too well. When stress builds—whether from work, family […]
Unraveling Wiccan: A PMHNP-BC’s Mental Health Perspective on Billy Kaplan
By: Andrew Hewitt, PMHNP-BC AbstractWilliam “Billy” Kaplan—codename Wiccan—is a powerful young superhero in the Marvel Universe. As a queer, Jewish teen grappling with trauma, identity, and extraordinary magical powers, his psychological landscape is rich for clinical exploration. This blog, authored by a PMHNP-BC, examines his character through the lens of the DSM-5, grounding the analysis […]