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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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Exploring the Benefits of Different Types of Therapy
Today, many individuals are turning to therapy as a way to cope with the challenges and stressors of everyday life. Therapy comes in many forms, each offering unique benefits and approaches to healing. Let’s explore the benefits of different types of therapy and how they can help individuals navigate their mental health journey. 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Therapists widely use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. The main benefit of CBT is its practical approach, offering clients tangible tools to manage symptoms. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. 2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):…
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How to be Childlike (but not Childish) to Improve Mental Health:
In today’s fast-paced and hectic world, it’s easy to get caught up in the stresses and responsibilities of adulthood. We often forget the carefree and imaginative mindset of childhood that can bring joy and lightness to our lives. However, embracing a childlike mentality while still maintaining maturity and responsibility can have significant benefits for our mental health. Being childlike means tapping into the curiosity, wonder, and creativity that children naturally possess. It means approaching life with a sense of playfulness and openness, rather than being weighed down by worries and fears. Embracing this mindset can help us to see the world in a new light, sparking our creativity and inspiring…
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder vs. OCD–Which is it?
Hey there! Today we’re diving into the world of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to break down the differences between the two. So, grab a cup of tea and let’s get started! Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) First up, we have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Imagine this: you wake up in the morning and your brain is already racing with thoughts about all the things that could go wrong today. Whether it’s worrying about work, relationships, or just life in general, that sense of dread and unease doesn’t seem to go away. That’s GAD for you! People with GAD experience constant, excessive worry about a variety of everyday things. It’s like…
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Crisis Recovery For Military or First Responders
Recovery from a crisis can be especially challenging for military personnel and first responders, who often face the dual burden of managing their own emotional responses while providing support to others. This guide offers practical steps to help you navigate the recovery process effectively, integrating key practices such as maintaining personal connections and establishing healthy routines. Avoiding Over-Identifying with Survivors’ Grief One of the critical aspects of recovery for military or first responders is Avoiding over-identifying with survivors’ grief. It’s natural to empathize with those you’re helping; however, maintaining a professional distance is crucial to preserve your mental health. Techniques such as mindfulness and reflection can help you acknowledge your…
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Silencing Your Inner Critic
The words we tell ourselves are powerful. They shape how we show up in the world and what we believe we are capable of. After thousands of conversations I’ve had over the years, along with my own lived experience, I have come to realize we all have an internal world unseen by the people around us. One recurring theme that emerges is the undeniable power of the words we tell ourselves, and the profound impact it has on our mental well-being. Our inner dialogue, that constant stream of thoughts buzzing in our minds, plays a crucial role in shaping our emotions and behaviors. It’s like having a personal narrator, commenting…
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Conflict–The Way Out is (Talking) Through
I have met very few people in my lifetime who actually enjoy conflict. For many, conflict is something they avoid at all costs. This is because conflict often brings emotional discomfort, as it involves facing different opinions, or tensions that can be hard to navigate. Sometimes we fear consequences that may result from conflict, such as hurt in relationships, rejection, or even professional repercussions. Conflict, even on a good day, can cause stress and anxiety–especially if you avoid important issues in the name of “keeping the peace” or not “rocking the boat.” Before I dive into how to address and resolve conflict in a healthy, productive way, let’s first talk…
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Effective Strategies for Managing School Anxiety
Managing anxiety while in college can be a tremendous struggle for many students. Whether it’s all the expectations, worrying about not making the grade or feeling swamped. Stress and worry can take its toll on any student’s personal life as well as their academic performance. There are strategies that can help manage your anxiety in school! Being mindful, practicing deep breathing, and seeking professional help are way to help manage anxiety. There is hope out there if you want help conquering these uneasy emotions while in school! Understanding and Recognizing Anxiety in College Many college students are well-acquainted with the feeling of anxiety. Not everyone knows what anxiety is, though.…
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5 Strategies to Take Care of Your Mental Health This Summer
When summer arrives, there’s often time for fun and freedom. The season also brings a break from our usual routines. However, it’s important to remember that taking care of our mental health is still important. By using some simple strategies, we can make sure to take care of our minds and make the most of this sunny (and hot) season. Embrace Nature and Sunshine Summer is full of opportunities to get out in nature. You can enjoy it by getting on the water at one of the many lakes around CENLA, on the Cane River in Natchitoches, or hiking in the Kisatchie National Forest. Spending time in nature has been…
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Mental Health Tips for People Living in Small Towns
People living in small towns can find it difficult to find ways to stay mentally healthy. This can be due to lack of activities or even counseling services in small town areas. It can feel defeating sometimes when you want to feel healthier, both physically and mentally, but don’t know where to start. As someone who grew up in a rural town in Natchitoches Parish and grew up in Natchitoches, mental health was not something that was really discussed or explored. Since our counseling practice recently opened, it has become more apparent that people who have lived their entire lives in this small town may not know all that there…
