Ann McMurray, Author at The Center • A Place of HOPE

Mental health insights, news, and stories of HOPE

Woman Anxious Anxiety 12 min read

Hangxiety: Why You Feel Anxious After Drinking Alcohol and What It Means

Hangxiety is the wave of dread, racing thoughts, or panic that hits hours after drinking — even when nothing is…

Ann McMurray · April 27, 2026
Man Thinking General Mental Health 14 min read

How to Lower Cortisol: Evidence-Based Ways to Reduce Stress Hormones

You can lower cortisol through consistent, evidence-based practices: regular physical activity, quality sleep, deep breathing, mindfulness, strong social connections, and…

Ann McMurray · April 20, 2026
Psych Evaluattion General Mental Health 16 min read

What Is a Psych Evaluation?

A psych evaluation is a thorough, structured assessment of your emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health — through interviews, observation, and…

Ann McMurray · March 24, 2026
Pani Attack Breathing Movement Mindfulness 9 min read

Panic Attack Hangover: What It Is and How to Recover Faster

A panic attack hangover is the lingering exhaustion and physical discomfort experienced after a panic episode ends. During an attack,…

Ann McMurray · January 29, 2026
Woman Relaxing Nature Whole Person Care 11 min read

What Makes Whole-Person Care Different

Whole-person care treats mental health by addressing every area of your life that affects how you feel — emotional, physical,…

Ann McMurray · January 15, 2026
Php Level Of Care General Mental Health 11 min read

Is a Partial Hospitalization Program Right for You?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is right when symptoms are too severe for weekly outpatient therapy but don’t require round-the-clock…

Ann McMurray · January 15, 2026
Best Daily Routine For Depression General Mental Health 10 min read

How Structured Daily Routines Improve Energy and Mood

Structured daily routines improve energy and stabilize mood by aligning your body’s natural circadian rhythms, reducing the mental drain of…

Ann McMurray · January 15, 2026
Edmonds Ferry Port Whole Person Care 12 min read

PHP vs IOP vs Outpatient Treatment

PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) delivers 30–40+ hours of treatment per week, typically 5–7 days. IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) requires a…

Ann McMurray · January 15, 2026
Self Control Reading Mindfulness 14 min read

How to Have Self-Control

Self-control is not the same as willpower. Willpower asks you to overpower an impulse through force of will. Self-control is…

Ann McMurray · January 15, 2026
Man Looking Sideways Whole Person Care 13 min read

PHP vs Residential Treatment

Residential treatment provides 24-hour supervised care in a live-in facility, typically for 30–90 days. PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) offers hospital-level…

Ann McMurray · January 15, 2026

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