Understanding Antidepressants, Part 4: What Are Mood Stabilizers and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 4: Mood Stabilizers
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿
Sometimes antidepressants alone aren’t enough. For people living with treatment-resistant depression or persistent anxiety, mood stabilizers can provide added balance and relief. Medications like lamotrigine (Lamictal®), lithium, or valproate may help ease symptoms, reduce mood instability, and support steadier emotions—especially when standard treatments haven’t worked well enough.
In this post, I explain how mood stabilizers work, who might benefit, what side effects to expect, and the monitoring that helps keep treatment safe and effective.
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 3: What Are Atypical Antidepressants and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 3: Atypical Antidepressants
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿
Not all antidepressants fit neatly into the SSRI or SNRI categories. Atypical antidepressants—like bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, and newer options such as vilazodone—work differently in the brain and may be a better match for certain symptoms like low energy, poor sleep, or appetite changes. In this post, I explain how these medications work, what side effects to expect, and how we decide when they may be the right option for you.
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 2: What Are SNRIs, and How Do They Work?
Thinking About Antidepressants? Start Here.
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and depression, but starting one can feel overwhelming. In this blog series, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, breaks down how these medications work, what to expect, and how to navigate side effects with support.
📍 Serving adults across Connecticut via telehealth
💚 Hablamos Español
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 1: What Are SSRIs and How Do They Work?
SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed types of antidepressants—but what do they actually do? In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN explains how SSRIs work, what side effects to expect and why they’re not about changing your personality—they’re about giving your brain the support it needs to heal.
What Makes a Telehealth Psychiatric Visit Different?
Curious how virtual psychiatric care compares to in-person visits? In this mini blog, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, explains what makes telehealth different—and why many adults find it more personal and flexible than expected.
What If We Don’t Agree on a Diagnosis? Navigating Differences with Your Psychiatric Provider
What if your provider doesn’t see things the same way you do?
Navigating differences in diagnosis can be unsettling—but it doesn’t mean your concerns aren’t valid. At Rooted in Serenity, we believe psychiatric care should be a conversation, not a verdict. In this post, we explore why diagnostic disagreements happen, what they don’t mean, and how to move forward feeling heard and empowered. 💚
Anxiety That Looks Like Anger, Overthinking, or Perfectionism
Anxiety isn’t always panic—it can look like anger, perfectionism, or constant overthinking. In this blog, Tannia Salazar, APRN and founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, breaks down the hidden ways anxiety shows up in high-functioning adults and why naming it matters.
What Is Emotional Regulation—And Why Is It So Hard Sometimes?
Emotional regulation isn’t about controlling your feelings—it’s about responding to them with care and intention. In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, explores why regulation can be so difficult (especially with anxiety, ADHD, or trauma) and how you can begin to build this essential skill with support, not shame.
When the Clinician Struggles: Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health in Healthcare Providers
Even mental health providers struggle. In this warm, educational post, Tannia Salazar, APRN reflects on the stigma clinicians face when disclosing their own mental health challenges—and why honesty and humanity belong in care, too.
Now In-Network with Anthem | Blue Cross Blue Shield
Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC is now accepting Anthem | BCBS insurance. Get in-network psychiatric medication management via secure telehealth—anywhere in Connecticut
Meet Your Provider: 15 Questions with Tannia Salazar, APRN
Ever wonder who you’re opening up to when you start psychiatric care? In this Q&A-style blog, Tannia Salazar, APRN—founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC—shares her story, her values, and what to expect when working with her. From gardening to high-functioning anxiety, this post is a candid glimpse into the person behind the practice.
Tannia Salazar, APRN – Official Update Practice Information 💚
Looking for updated info on Tannia Salazar, APRN, FNP? She now provides virtual psychiatric care for adults across Connecticut through Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health—a telehealth practice grounded in compassion, privacy, and evidence-based care.
💚 Now accepting new patients for anxiety, ADHD, depression, and more
🌿 Understanding Anxiety: When Worry Becomes Too Much
Many people think anxiety is just “overthinking” — but it can affect your body, sleep, and relationships in powerful ways.
In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN at Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, shares what anxiety really looks like and how evidence-based medication support can help you feel grounded again.
We're Now In-Network with Cigna & Aetna — And More Coming Soon!
Cigna is now in-network at Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC | Tannia Salazar APRN
As of 08/08/25, we will be in-network with Aetna. Learn more about our upcoming partnerships and how we’re making access to psychiatric care easier in Connecticut.
Grief, Healing, and When Medication Might Help
Grief can feel all-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. When sadness turns into numbness, anxiety, or depression, it may be time to seek extra support. Learn how psychiatric medication can gently help when grief becomes too heavy to carry alone. Tannia Salazar APRN is ready to help you find balance.
You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Start Medication
You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve help. Medication can support you even if you're holding it all together on the outside but struggling silently. Let’s talk about what starting meds really looks like—and why you’re worthy of support now. Tannia Salazar APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health is ready to help, whenever you’re ready.
Understanding Depression: It’s More Than Sadness
Depression isn’t weakness. It’s not all in your head. And it doesn’t have to define you. Tannia Salazar APRN breaks down how depression shows up—and how healing can begin.
Is Medication Right for Me? What to Expect When You’re Considering Psychiatric Support.
Thinking about starting medication but feeling unsure? This guide explains who might benefit from psychiatric support with Tannia Salazar APRN, what to expect during your first visit, and how medication can be one part of a thoughtful, compassionate care plan.
"PTSD Is More Common Than You Think—And Healing Is Possible"
PTSD isn’t always obvious—and it’s more common than you think. This gentle guide explains the signs, including complex PTSD, and how trauma-informed psychiatric care with Tannia Salazar APRN can support your healing.
🌱 Now Accepting UnitedHealthcare: Rooted in Serenity Is In-Network
Now Accepting UnitedHealthcare | Tannia Salazar | Rooted in Serenity |