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At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent. Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even […]
At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent.
Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even excessive, even without obvious stressors, interfering with daily life. In these cases, the person is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 31% of adults in this country will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. In fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States.
Anxiety disorders include:
Anxiety can trigger symptoms such as:
If you are suffering with an anxiety disorder, life may feel overwhelming most of the time. But know that there is help out there for you. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can reduce or eliminate your uncomfortable symptoms. Your therapist can also assess you to see if you are a good candidate for an anti-anxiety medication, at least to start. Of course, I have found there are plenty of alternative options, such as deep breathing, acupuncture, and other relaxation techniques, that have helped my clients find calm and peace.
If you’d like to explore therapy options, please reach out to me. Life can get better.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-cube/202204/4-types-anxiety
When our children are young, they come to us, it seems, innumerable times throughout the day wanting to share something with us. An idea they had, a discovery, questions about life. At times these visits aren’t so helpful or desired, like when we’re on an important conference call or having… private time with our spouse. […]
When our children are young, they come to us, it seems, innumerable times throughout the day wanting to share something with us. An idea they had, a discovery, questions about life. At times these visits aren’t so helpful or desired, like when we’re on an important conference call or having… private time with our spouse.
But we should savor each and every interaction we have with our kids, because eventually they grow up to be teenagers and want nothing to do with us!
Okay, not exactly. But kind of. Which is why it’s important we work hard to keep the bond and channels of communication open with our teens.
If you feel you’ve lost the connection with your teen, here are some ways to form a bond:
Listen
When your teen does speak with you, really pay attention. Teens are notorious for communicating things that don’t match up with the words they are using. Read between the lines and pay close attention to body language.
Create Rituals
Right now it’s about quality not quantity. You won’t be able to get all of their time and attention you want. So figure out little rituals and ways to connect. That may mean hitting the golf range on the weekend or going out for pizza night, just you and your kid, or having a spa day at home.
Support Their Hobbies
The teen years are when you child begins to recognize their own unique gifts and interests. So it’s important that you take an interest in what they love to do. Make time in your schedule to go to their game or band concert. If they like mountain biking, go biking with them. Support their hobbies as much as possible.
Ask Them to Teach You Something
Nothing will give your teen more pride and confidence than illustrating they know something that you don’t. It could be something as simple as showing you how to set up a Tik Tok account or how to order something off of Alexa, or something more complex like how to play the guitar or build a robot.
Your kids will be out of the house before you know it. Take the time and make the effort to bond with your teen now.
SOURCES:
https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/tips-bond-close-teen
https://www.parents.com/kids/teens/questions-for-teens-to-help-you-bond/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/surprising-tricks-to-help_n_6278070
Do you ever get up in the morning and wonder if it would be okay for you to take a mental health day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that today’s workforce is experiencing job burnout at alarming rates. What are Mental Health Days Exactly? The […]
Do you ever get up in the morning and wonder if it would be okay for you to take a mental health day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that today’s workforce is experiencing job burnout at alarming rates.
What are Mental Health Days Exactly?
The good news is that taking a mental health day every once in a while can absolutely help you cope with work-related stress. But mental health days should not be confused with sick days.
Mental health days are simply those times when you need to take a break from anything work related. These personal days are used to reset your mind by focusing on activities that rejuvenate and reenergize you.
The following are some red flags that are letting you know you need to put your mental health first:
You Feel Run Down
Being stressed and overworked can take a toll on your mind and body. If you’ve been feeling run down for a period of time, take a break.
You Feel Angry More Often
When we feel stressed and burned out, we become angry far more easily and far more often. If you find you have been getting easily irritated, this is a sign it may be time for a mental health day.
You’re Having a Hard Time Focusing
When we’re stressed, our mental faculties take a hit and we can’t focus as easily. This makes it incredibly hard to get any work done. Which of course just makes us feel more stressed.
If you notice your cognitive abilities have declined a bit, may be time to call off work for a day of destressing.
If you have been experiencing any of these signs, I encourage you to put your mental health first and take a mental health day. And if you would like to speak to someone about how you’re feeling, please reach out to me. I’m a great listener and have numerous tools for coping with stress that I can share with you.
SOURCES:
https://info.totalwellnesshealth.com/blog/mental-health-day-from-work
https://www.livestrong.com/article/13767705-how-to-take-mental-health-day/
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know firsthand the name is apropos. Within seconds you can go from feeling quite well and “ordinary” to experiencing absolute dread and fear. And often with no obvious trigger. It’s a horrible way to live. But you don’t have to live feeling like a helpless victim of […]
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know firsthand the name is apropos. Within seconds you can go from feeling quite well and “ordinary” to experiencing absolute dread and fear. And often with no obvious trigger. It’s a horrible way to live.
But you don’t have to live feeling like a helpless victim of these attacks. Here are some powerful ways you can stop panic attacks in their tracks:
1. Recognize What’s Happening
If, in the moment, you can recognize that you are having a panic attack and not a heart attack, you can begin to instantly calm yourself at the realization this is temporary. It will pass and you will be okay. And once you gain a little bit of calm, you can employ further techniques.
2. Deep Breathing
Hyperventilating is a common symptoms of a panic attack. Breathing in an erratic pattern tends to make the attack intensify.
Conversely, deep breathing can reduce the symptoms of a panic attack and bring you back to a state of calm. Breathing slowly and deeply signals to the rest of your body that the “threat” is gone and you can get out of “fight or flight” mode.
3. Close Your Eyes
Some people can become triggered by things in their environment. If this happens to you and you find yourself in a fast-paced environment with too much stimuli becoming overwhelmed, close your eyes while taking some deep, slow, full breaths.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Panic attacks tend to cause a feeling of detachment or separation from reality. Mindfulness meditation is powerful because it can help you stay fully present in the here and now. In addition, the practice of meditation has been shown to relieve stress and anxiety.
5. Get Help
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other mental health treatments have been shown to help people suffering with panic attacks. CBT sessions can happen in private, in groups, and even online.
If you are interested in exploring treatment options, please get in touch with me. I’m here to help and answer any questions you may have.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321510
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack-5202930
Every single human being has two voices battling it out inside their head. The one voice is our champion, encouraging us to feel confident and to reach our fullest potential. Then there’s that other voice. The one that is critical of every move we make. The one that looks at all of our perceived flaws […]
Every single human being has two voices battling it out inside their head. The one voice is our champion, encouraging us to feel confident and to reach our fullest potential.
Then there’s that other voice. The one that is critical of every move we make. The one that looks at all of our perceived flaws under a microscope and calls them out with a thunderous voice. The one who tells us we can’t do anything right and we’ll never amount to anything.
Now which voice is doing the most talking in your life? If you’re like most people, your inner critic is running the show. Ever wish you could tell it to just shut up?
Here are some powerful ways you can silence your inner critic once and for all:
Be More Mindful
In order to silence your inner critic, you must first become aware of it. You cannot change what you are not aware of, right? And this is where mindful meditation comes in.
When we practice being mindful, we tune into the here and now and become FULLY aware of the present. The more you practice mindfulness, the more aware you will be when that negative voice inside you begins to speak.
In addition, mindfulness teaches us that we are not our thoughts, we are the observer of them. Soon you will begin to choose which thoughts to focus on more carefully. This is a powerful shift that can change your life!
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
In a world where 24/7 social media would have us believe that everyone else is smarter, thinner, richer and generally better than we are, it’s hard not to compare ourselves to others. But doing so only gives your inner critic weapons to use against you.
Practice Self-Compassion
You would never treat others the way you treat yourself. Begin to treat yourself with the compassion you would a small child or a wounded kitten you find. No one is perfect. But all of us are worthy of love, kindness and respect. We must begin to show ourselves more love, kindness and respect and we can do that by practicing self-compassion.
Hopefully these tips help you to silence that inner critic once and for all. And if you’d like more help on building your confidence and self-esteem, please get in touch with me. I work with people to empower them so they can build the life they dream about.
SOURCES:
https://www.omaritani.com/blog/how-to-silence-your-inner-critic
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201903/silencing-your-inner-critic
Growing up is hard for just about every kid. But it can be particularly hard if you are LGBTQ+. School can be especially tricky to navigate, as these youths face unique challenges. Here are some of the most common issues LGBTQ+ students experience in school: Bullying LGBTQ+ youths are far more likely to be the […]
Growing up is hard for just about every kid. But it can be particularly hard if you are LGBTQ+. School can be especially tricky to navigate, as these youths face unique challenges.
Here are some of the most common issues LGBTQ+ students experience in school:
Bullying
LGBTQ+ youths are far more likely to be the targets of bullying, whether that bullying happens in school hallways or on social media. On any given day LGBTQ+ students may face name calling, threats, or even acts of physical violence. And perhaps the worst part is, these may come from other students as well as teachers and staff.
Harassment
Technically speaking, harassing someone for their sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal. That hardly keeps people from doing it. Harassment at school often causes a toxic and hostile environment, hardly one in which learning is easy.
Discrimination
There’s discipline, and then there’s discrimination. Often LGBTQ+ youth are disciplined for things their peers are not. For instance, two same-sex students showing affection in the hallway may be disciplined when heterosexual couples are not treated the same way.
Loneliness
It is common for LGBTQ+ students to feel lonely and isolated in school, depending on where they go to school. While there may be other LGBTQ+ students and staff in schools in bigger cities, those students who live in rural areas may feel absolutely alone.
Education is a very big part of the adolescent experience, and days spent in school are some of the most formative of our lives. If you or someone you know is an LGBTQ+ student and facing these types of issues and you’d like to speak to someone, please reach out to me. I work with members of the LGBTQ+ community to help them navigate the unique challenges they face in the word today.
SOURCES:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/inclusive-mental-health/lgbtq-youth-problems-faced-in-schools/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/communication-success/202102/10-challenges-lgbtq-students-face-in-schools
When most people commit to a fitness routine, they do so to improve their physical health. Perhaps they need to lose weight or find a natural way to lower their blood pressure or blood glucose. And while exercise definitely impacts a person’s physical health, it also significantly impacts their mental health as well! Here are […]
When most people commit to a fitness routine, they do so to improve their physical health. Perhaps they need to lose weight or find a natural way to lower their blood pressure or blood glucose. And while exercise definitely impacts a person’s physical health, it also significantly impacts their mental health as well!
Here are just some of the ways fitness positively impacts your mental health:
Helps to Relieve Stress
Have you heard that regular exercise is one of the best ways to beat the effects of stress? Physical activity is thought to reduce stress by reducing the levels of stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. And studies have found exercise can even make us resilient to stress.
Improves Self-Confidence
When we feel depressed, we don’t have the get-up-and-go to exercise. By not exercising, we put on weight, which can significantly decrease our confidence and self-worth. Committing to an exercise plan can help to rebuild our confidence and worth. In fact, studies have found regular exercise can contribute to improved body image.
Promotes a Better Night’s Sleep
We tend to overlook how important proper sleep is for our overall mental health and well-being. While a variety of factors can impact our quality of sleep, physical activity appears to be particularly influential. It seems exercise not only helps us fall asleep faster, but helps us stay asleep longer as well.
Improves Cognitive Functioning
And finally, exercise is also thought to boost our mental clarity and improve our memory. Those who have suffered from depression, anxiety or PTSD and CPTSD know that our cognitive function can take a hit when our mental health takes a hit.
These are just some of the ways regular exercise can improve your mental health. And of course, I also encourage you to speak to someone about the mental health challenges you are facing. Just as you often need a trainer to show you how to exercise properly, you may need a trainer to help you get into the best mental health of your life!
SOURCES:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2016/Exercise-for-Mental-Health-8-Keys-to-Get-and-Stay
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/exercise
They say there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. I would add a third: changes. Every person goes through changes in life. And some of those changes can be significant. Whether you are graduating, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you […]
They say there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. I would add a third: changes. Every person goes through changes in life. And some of those changes can be significant.
Whether you are graduating, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you may find dealing with change to be stressful. But there is good news. Counseling can absolutely help you navigate these big life changes so you can make the absolute best decision for you.
Here are some ways counseling can help with big life changes:
Managing Expectations
There’s the change itself, and then there’s what we expect life to be during and after the change. Often we can feel stress when reality does not align with our expectations of reality. Counseling can help you manage your expectations so that the transition is peaceful and realistic.
A Positive Framework
Change means one door closes as another one opens. But many people put all of their focus and attention on that closing door. Focusing on an ending can make us feel depressed and anxious.
A counselor can help you focus on the new opportunities ahead of you. This can improve your state of mind, which will ultimately help you make the most of the current situation.
Self-Care
For many of us, change means burning the candle at both ends and not taking care of ourselves. Counseling can remind us (as many times as needed) that we need to make our physical and mental health a priority during this transition.
Now that you see some of the ways counseling can help you through the biggest changes in your life, it’s time to find a counselor who can help you find insight and fresh perspective. If you’d like to explore counseling further, please reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
SOURCES:
https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/six-ways-counselors-can-help-clients-dealing-with-major-change/
http://creativeresolutionsinc.com/2021/07/20/how-counseling-can-help-you-through-life-changes/
These days, many people focus on their physical health. But few give much attention, if any, to their mental health. What does mental health refer to? Mental health describes a person’s overall psychological health and well-being. It has much to do with the way you feel about yourself, your ability to manage your emotions, how […]
These days, many people focus on their physical health. But few give much attention, if any, to their mental health.
What does mental health refer to? Mental health describes a person’s overall psychological health and well-being. It has much to do with the way you feel about yourself, your ability to manage your emotions, how you deal with challenges and the relationships you nurture.
While most people will experience mental health challenges at some point in their life, those who give no attention to their mental health could experience anxiety and depression. If focusing on mental health is a new topic for you, here are some tips to help you along:
Don’t Isolate
Nothing keeps our mood elevated like the feeling of being connected – truly connected – to other people. While texting and social media have their place, be sure to spend quality face-to-face time with friends and loved ones.
Make R&R a Priority
Are you someone that burns the candle at both ends? Most people are. Good mental health requires you to get enough leisure time so you can rest and contemplate. If you’re guilty of being “too busy,” start spending more time relaxing.
Eat Healthy
Have you ever noticed when you eat processed comfort foods, you tend to feel unwell physically and mentally? Sugary foods are bad for our mental health. That’s why it’s so important to eat wholesome, nutritious foods like grassfed meats and organic fruits and veggies!
Stay Active
Physical activity is as important for your mental health as it is for your physical health. Regular exercise can relieve stress, elevate mood, and even help you get a better night’s sleep.
These are just some of the ways you can ensure your mental health is optimized. You may also want to speak with a licensed mental health therapist who can provide tools and a safe space to work through what’s troubling you.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please give my office a call.
SOURCES:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/about/news-stories/stories/10-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health
https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health
https://www.verywellmind.com/things-you-can-do-to-improve-your-mental-focus-4115389
If we’re honest, most of us would admit we look at some form of digital screen more than we do the face of our friends and loved ones. From our phones to iPad, laptops and flatscreen TVs the size of an entire wall, screen time for most people is definitely on the rise. But what […]
If we’re honest, most of us would admit we look at some form of digital screen more than we do the face of our friends and loved ones. From our phones to iPad, laptops and flatscreen TVs the size of an entire wall, screen time for most people is definitely on the rise. But what exactly are the mental health effects of all of this screen time?
Sleep Deprivation
Without realizing it, many of us are hampering our natural sleep cycle with so much screen time. Our electronic devices emit a blue light that interferes with our production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Screen time before bed will make it very hard to fall asleep. And a lack of quality sleep can cause our mood to dip and make it hard for us to deal with everyday stressors.
Impaired Social Skills
There is a bit of irony when it comes to screen time. We’re on our devices more and more as a way to connect with others. And yet, in reality we are alone when socializing digitally. Fewer real-life social interactions can lead to social anxiety and loneliness.
Poorer Emotional Regulation
Too much time on our devices affects our ability to register and process our emotions. Exposure to aggressive or violent media, for example, can impair our emotional judgment of real life events. It can also trigger our own aggressive tendencies.
Lower Self-Esteem
Social media platforms are where we go to compare ourselves to others. Often when scrolling through our timelines, we perceive everyone else to have their act together, to be happier, healthier and more successful. Doing this day after day can take a real toll on our self-esteem.
If you think you’re spending too much time in front of your screens, there are some steps you can take. First, make a commitment to keep TVs and all other devices out of your bedroom so you can ensure a good night’s rest.
Make dinner time with the family a “screen-free zone.”
And finally, take up some new hobbies, connect with old friends and try to get outdoors more. Your mental health will thank you.
SOURCES:
https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/how-screen-time-affects-mental-health
https://www.opal.so/blog/screen-time-and-mental-health
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-03-16/is-screen-time-a-serious-threat-to-mental-health