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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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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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Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Mental health has long been a taboo topic in society, shrouded in stigma and misconceptions. Despite progress in recent years, many individuals still feel ashamed or afraid to seek help for their mental health challenges. This stigma can prevent people from getting the support they need and deserve, leading to feelings of isolation and exacerbating their struggles. It is crucial to break down these barriers and create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to openly discuss and address their mental health. Seeking Help is a Sign of Weakness One of the most pervasive myths surrounding mental health is the idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This harmful belief contributes to the stigma surrounding mental…
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How to Maintain Adequate Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a woman’s life, but it can also bring about a range of emotions and challenges that can impact mental health. It is essential for expecting mothers to prioritize their mental well-being during this period to ensure a healthy and positive pregnancy experience. Here are some tips on how to maintain adequate mental health during pregnancy: 1. Stay Connected Pregnancy can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you are experiencing mood swings or other emotional changes. It is crucial to stay connected with your partner, friends, family, and healthcare providers to share your feelings and seek support when needed. Joining a pregnancy support group…
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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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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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Make Therapy Work for You: Tips for a Successful Journey
Have you tried mental health therapy and felt like it didn’t work for you? You are not alone. I urge you to try again. Here are some tips that can help make the therapeutic process actually work for you: 1. Find the right therapist You might want to consider their experience and knowledge, as well as their credentials. Mostly, look for a therapist who is knowledgeable and skilled in the areas that you need. Keep in mind, you and that therapist may still not be a right fit for each other, and that’s okay. Don’t give up. Ask that therapist to refer you to someone who they think might have…
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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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A Reflection for Mental Health Awareness Month
As we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to shine a spotlight on the significance of taking care of our emotional well-being, no matter where we are in life. Did you know approximately 1 in 5 adults (20%) will experience a mental illness this year? And that doesn’t include statistics about our children and youth’s mental health. Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, only around 43% of adults with mental illness receive help, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for mental health. The Importance of Self-Care Life can get pretty hectic sometimes, right? Between work, family, and everything else on our plates, it’s easy to…
