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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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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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Understanding and Managing Child Anxiety
Anxiety among kids is becoming more and more widespread. It has serious consequences for their development and wellbeing. Thus, it’s essential to identify the signs of anxiety as well as comprehend its root causes. In this article we will focus on how child anxiety can influence children from early childhood up until adolescence. We will discuss the signs of anxiety in kids, what could be causing it and how to help them cope better. Understanding Child Anxiety and Its Triggers It’s completely normal for kids to have some fears during their childhood. However, when those anxieties become too intense, they can cause serious emotional problems and should be addressed right…
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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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Good Teachers Have Scary Thoughts
It was my first (and only) year teaching. Though my background was in mental health, I thought I would try my hand at education. Sure, it was an incredible learning curve to be a teacher, but, all things considered, I did pretty well. My classroom was one of clear and high expectations, kindness, creativity, mutual respect, and learning. I had great reviews from administration, fantastic results on evaluations, and my supervisors were encouraging me to continue the teaching path. But good teachers can have scary thoughts. What I would never let anyone know was that, while on the outside I seemed to have a pretty well-put together classroom, on the…
