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TikTok Says I’m Autistic — How Do I Know If It’s True?
The age of social media has changed the game when it comes to mental health. It’s amazing that so many people have been able to see that they are not alone, and it has greatly helped de-stigmatize certain mental health issues. With that said, there is still a lot of stigma and we have a long way to go. The downside of the mental health side of social media is a sharp increase of people diagnosing themselves with disorders they do not meet the criteria for. I have had quite a few clients tell me that they have figured out from TikTok that they are Autistic, but upon talking to…
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How to Support a Friend with Mental Health Challenges
In a world that often prioritizes productivity and external success, mental health challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming, not just for those experiencing them but also for their friends and loved ones. If you have a friend who is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to want to help, but knowing how to do so effectively can be daunting. The good news is that your support can make a significant difference in their journey to healing. So, let’s explore some practical ways to support a friend facing mental health challenges. 7 Meaningful Ways to Support a Friend Struggling with Mental Health 1. Listen Actively One of the most valuable…
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Seasonal Depression: Common Symptoms and How to Cope
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, many people start to feel a little down. This feeling isn’t just about not liking the cold; it’s a real condition called seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In this blog post, we’ll explore what seasonal depression is, how it affects people, and tips for managing it, especially in the fall and winter months. What is Seasonal Depression? Seasonal depression is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. People with seasonal depression might feel sad, tired, or unmotivated during this time. Some common symptoms include: While…
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Finding the Right Words: How to Comfort Someone You Love
Have you ever found yourself worrying about someone you care about, unsure of how to reach out or what to say to comfort them? It can be a difficult place to be, especially when so many people struggle in silence, hiding their challenges behind a brave face. Picture a close friend—someone with whom you’ve shared countless laughs and heartfelt moments—sitting across from you, seemingly weighed down by unspoken burdens. You sense a shift in their mood and notice changes in their behavior, making it clear that something isn’t quite right. In these moments, you may feel the urge to say something, yet the right words seem to be hard to…
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Everyday Monsters: Anxiety, Fear, and Phobias, OH MY!
During this time of year, fear is something we talk about more often. Scary movies. Scary costumes. Haunted houses. Fear, when expected and controlled, can be fun! Some of us enjoy the thrill of a jump scare in a scary movie or a haunted house. But for some of us, fear and anxiety is something we deal with in our day-to-day lives, and it can be debilitating. 3 Common Ways Anxiety and Fear Haunt Our Lives 1. Fear without cause All of us experience anxiety to a certain degree. Our hearts race before turning a corner in the Halloween corn maze. Our stomachs drop when an animatronic at Spirit Halloween…
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How to Help Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety
Practical strategies for parents separation anxiety can be a challenging emotional hurdle for children, especially in times of transition, such as a parent’s illness, changes in the environment, divorce, etc. Sometimes separation anxiety can appear like not wanting to go to school, wanting to stay close to the parent no matter where they go, not wanting to sleep in their bed alone, and many more. As parents, understanding how to support your child through these tough moments is crucial. Here are some practical strategies to help your child navigate separation anxiety effectively. 8 Steps to Support Your Child Through Separation Anxiety 1. Acknowledge Their Feelings One of the first steps…
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How to Better Handle Big Life Changes
I am one of the newest members of the Be Inspired family, and this has been an awesome change for me to make in my life. But with that said, I am one of those people who typically struggle with making big life changes. I can’t tell you how many times in my life I have said “I hate change!” Seriously—I have been using the same brand of Chapstick since the 7th grade: Burt’s Bees Mango Butter. Every other Chapstick is inferior, and you cannot convince me otherwise. There is not much we are guaranteed in this life—but change is one of them. Here are some ways I have found…
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Finding the Gift in Life: A Holiday Reminder of Gratitude
I’ll be honest. This time of year can be hard for many. Whether it’s navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one or feeling the pressure to do it all—buying the perfect gifts, hosting ideal gatherings, and decorating like the Griswolds—the season meant for connection can quickly turn into a pressure cooker of stress and emotions. Shifting Our Perspective Lately, I’ve been reminded that no matter what we’re facing, life itself is a gift. Yet, when the weight of expectations piles up, it’s easy to lose sight of that. In our world of instant gratification and constant distraction—where our phones are buzzing with notifications—it’s harder than ever to…
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3 Expert Tips for Handling Holiday Financial Stress
Holiday time can bring a lot of joy but also a lot of stress. Thousands of people are shopping for the holidays. Many people enjoy the season and shopping. However, over half of the holiday shoppers will begin to feel financial stress during the holidays. According to APA’s 2024 Stress in America Survey, only 16% of adults said they do not experience stress during the holiday season. It is common to feel anxiety, stress, and sadness when you have little or no money and are expected to provide gifts for family members. Here are a few ways to manage stress due to spending during the holiday time. 3 Tips to…
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The Powerful Benefits of Choosing Faith-Based Counseling
As a mental health professional, I understand the importance of addressing the holistic well-being of my clients – mind, body, and spirit. For many individuals, their faith and spirituality play a significant role in their lives, influencing their values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. Faith-based counseling can be a powerful step towards achieving emotional and spiritual healing. Faith-based counseling provides a unique approach to therapy that integrates psychological techniques with spiritual principles and beliefs. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are seeking to deepen their connection with their spiritual life and values, and who desires a therapist who understands and respects their faith traditions. Here are some benefits…
