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Marathons and Mental Health Part 2: Check the Terrain
In Part 1 of this series, we took a look at the transient nature of life’s challenges–that’s a fancy way of saying that if things feel rough and you want to quit, just hang on, because it will likely get better. We found some tips and tricks to help us navigate those challenges when they’re happening, such as remembering our self-care strategies, taking moments to stop and breathe, keeping the bigger perspective that challenges do pass, and perhaps more importantly, that they create fertile ground for personal growth. I felt as though the last trick up our sleeve deserved a little more attention, though, and that is this: Look down…
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Marathons and Mental Health Part 1: What Running has Taught Me About Life and All Its Breakdowns
It NEVER fails. Whether I’m running a 5k, a marathon, a half or full IronMan, I always feel the worst–and ready to quit–when I’m only a third of the way in. It doesn’t make sense really. Logically, mile 3 would be harder than mile 1. Rationally, mile 80 should feel a lot worse than mile 20. But it’s actually not true. And for me, here’s why: That awful, insidious, toxic, poisonous thought takes root in my psyche and slowly spreads its tendrils throughout my body: “This is hard. It’s going to keep getting harder. I’ll never be able to do this.” This thought miraculously turns my blood to lead and…
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5 Tips to Reduce Summer Stress
Summer can be a fun time for children and families, but it can also be stressful when kids are out of school. Summers are supposed to be about vacation, water sports, ice cream, and other fun outdoor activities with your children and family. However, when routines are disrupted, and kids become bored it can lead to a more stressful experience. Parents must find their children activities to engage in or find somewhere for their children to go. Summer activities can be hard to find and very expensive. This can all lead to an increase in stress for the entire family. Here are some ways to deal with summer stress when…
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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…
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Getting Mentally Prepared for College
Preparing for college can be an exciting and challenging time. The months between high school graduation and starting college can often be filled with highs and lows emotionally and mentally. It can be scary to prepare for possibly moving away from home for the first time. There are so many things to think about, such as decorating a dorm or apartment, worry about finances, and fears about meeting new people. It can be overwhelming even with a lot of support from family and friends. Here are some steps to get mentally prepared for college: Develop a positive mindset College can be an intimidating experience, but it is important to approach…
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Mental Health and First Responders
First responders work hard to protect our communities and maintain our safety. Their work often involves engaging in very stressful and traumatic situations. They often encounter difficult situations many times a day. Frequent encounters with those struggling with mental health issues can cause compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is a mental response to helping others in stress. These encounters can also create misconceptions about individuals with mental health challenges. Misconceptions can create a stigma surrounding seeking mental health support for first responders. Even though a stigma exists, many first responders struggle with mental health difficulties. Reports show 85% of first responders have experienced symptoms of mental health disorders. Depression and PTSD…
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How to Live a Regret Free Life
I am going to assume most of us want to leave this world with no regrets. Yet, regret is a common emotion we all experience. Regret leaves you feeling disappointment over a missed opportunity or sadness over something you said, did, or didn’t do. But what would it be like to get to the end of your life with no regrets? To spend your final moments feeling at peace about the life you lived and the choices you made. The truth is none of us are getting out of here alive. Which begs the question, “How can we live a regret free life?” Living a Regret Free Life One way…
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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…
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Depression Lies
Have you ever been lied to? How did you feel after you found out someone wasn’t telling the truth? Did you feel hurt? Betrayed? Did you wonder why you trusted the person to begin with? Well, depression is often like that. It lies. It deceives. And it leaves you feeling uncertain of whether you can trust yourself. Every year millions of Americans suffer from depression. In fact, the CDC reports 1 in 10 over 18 years of age feel depressed at even given time. And no one is immune. Depression, with its deceptive nature, is not straightforward. There are many factors that contribute to its cause that are specific to an individual’s unique…
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5 Key Points for Reduced Conflict in Communication:
PICASWhether we are communicating to a partner, friend, or family member, we are going to have moments where we are triggered. When those triggers turn into anger, they can cause serious problems in our relationships. Sometimes people shut down when they are angry, in fear that they will say the wrong thing and push their partner or loved one away. Sometimes they act out in anger. This can look obvious like yelling, blaming, and belittling. Or it can be subtle, such as closing doors a little harder than usual, stomping rather than walking, or just showing slightly more aggression in body language. Unfortunately, anger in some relationships can result in…
