-
“I Said…You Heard”—How to Have Effective Communication
Ever had that moment where what you said was totally misunderstood? You’re not alone. Effective communication is key in all relationships, whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers. But the message you intend to send and what the other person actually hears can sometimes be miles apart. Let’s dive into how to make sure “I said” and “you heard” are on the same page. 1. Active Listening First up, active listening. This means really paying attention when someone’s talking to you. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and give nods or little verbal cues to show you’re engaged. It’s about making the other person feel heard and understood, which…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Apps That Can Support Your Mental Health
Do you know the 6 smartphone Apps that can support your mental health? We have all heard before that technology is a waste of time. I hear that phrase the most from my grandparents. Some of what they say is true, but smartphones can be helpful for your body, mindset, and life, when used in the right way. People use smartphones for their entertainment purposes such as Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, and others. Social media and entertainment apps are the most used on everyone’s smartphones. Instead of using technology to benefit the entertainment side of our lives, why not use it to better increase our mindset and mental health? Here are…
-
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…
-
What Exactly is Gaslighting and Are You a Victim?
Gaslighting is a term that has gained attention in recent years, especially in discussions surrounding toxic relationships and psychological manipulation. The term “gaslighting” originates from the play and film “Gaslight,” where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her own reality. The concept was further popularized by the 1944 film adaptation starring Ingrid Bergman. The term “gaslighting” was coined to describe a form of psychological manipulation where the perpetrator seeks to sow seeds of doubt in the victim, making them question their own perceptions and sanity. It is a tactic often used by abusive individuals to gain control and power over others by undermining their confidence and sense of reality.…
-
How to Test Prep to Stress Less
When the days get longer, it’s a sure sign that spring has arrived. This change of seasons also ushers in the time of year when teachers, parents, and students prepare for testing. Whether it’s a final exam, a standardized test, or even a pop quiz, tackling tests can be nerve-wracking. But fear not, because I want to share some strategies to help you prepare for a test while keeping your mental health in check. Starting Early and Staying Organized First things first, let’s talk about starting early and staying organized. Procrastination is the ultimate enemy when it comes to test prep, at least it was for me growing up. It…
-
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…
-
6 Holistic Tips to Help with Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects many individuals, both young and old. It can be frustrating to deal with but there are simple tips and tricks that can help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Here, we will explore six useful tips for managing insomnia, focusing on natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference in your sleep patterns. 1. Melatonin for Adults, Not Children and Teens Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. While children and teens typically have enough melatonin naturally, adults may benefit from supplementation. If you choose to take melatonin, it is recommended to start with a low dosage—between…
