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    How Social Media Can Actually be Good for Our Mental Health

    March 3, 2021

    Whenever there is a discussion about social media and mental health, there is generally a negative association. Many studies now have pointed to individuals developing depression or anxiety as a result of time spent on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. But is this a full picture? There is actually another side to the […]

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    How Social Media Can Actually be Good for Our Mental Health

    March 3, 2021

    Whenever there is a discussion about social media and mental health, there is generally a negative association. Many studies now have pointed to individuals developing depression or anxiety as a result of time spent on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

    But is this a full picture?

    There is actually another side to the coin that suggests social media can actually be good for some people’s mental health.

    Social Media Keeps Us Connected to Those We Love

    Currently, most of the country is prepared to go into lockdown again because of Covid-19. This pandemic has caused a lot of grief and stress for many people. But thanks to social media, we have all been able to stay connected with loved ones, share important information with community members, and stay apprised of the latest health findings. In times of stress, social media can actually be something that brings people together so we don’t feel so alone.

    Social Media for Mental Health Support

    Global pandemic aside, there are times in a person’s life when they may develop depression or feelings of anxiety. And many people who suffer from mental health issues feel as if they have no one in their immediate circle to turn to for support.

    At these times, many people turn to the Internet to search for support and encouragement from the mental health community. In doing so, they receive the information as well as the comfort and guidance they need.

    A Michigan State University study published in the Journal of Computer Mediated-Communication supports the theory that social media use might actually be beneficial to our mental health. In the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 13,000 relationships from adult participants. The data suggested that social media users were 63% less likely to experience mental health crises, including anxiety and depression.

    Be a Mindful User

    The study found that those people who use social media, even on a daily basis, to connect and share information, had positive mental health outcomes. Those who had an emotionally unhealthy connection to social media – as an example, those people who check their pages excessively out of fear of missing out, tend to have negative mental health outcomes.

    In conclusion, it seems that the real key is to be a mindful social media user. Those that may have already developed an unhealthy social media habit that seems to have developed anxiety or depression may want to seek counseling to adjust their behavior.

    If you would like to speak to someone about your social media use and how it is negatively affecting your mental health, please get in touch with me.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/social-media-positive-mental-health/
    • https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/mentalhealthforthedigitalgeneration/2018/04/social-media-can-benefit-mental-health
    • https://psychcentral.com/news/2019/06/29/social-media-may-improve-mental-health-for-adults/148223.html

    Filed Under: General

    Mental Health Therapy for Frontline Workers

    November 15, 2020

    None of us were prepared for the global pandemic we find ourselves in. Not parents, teachers, and certainly not the healthcare workers around the country. Doctors and nurses suddenly found themselves working double shifts to care for sick people. As the rest of the world went into lockdown and people stayed home, safe and sound, […]

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    Mental Health Therapy for Frontline Workers

    November 15, 2020

    None of us were prepared for the global pandemic we find ourselves in. Not parents, teachers, and certainly not the healthcare workers around the country. Doctors and nurses suddenly found themselves working double shifts to care for sick people. As the rest of the world went into lockdown and people stayed home, safe and sound, these frontline workers showed up day after day, putting their health and life on the line.

    Many, in an effort to keep their families safe, found other living arrangements. The idea of possibly exposing their family to something they may have been exposed to at work was too much of a risk, and so many mothers and fathers also had to deal with the stress and sadness of being away from their family during the height of the pandemic.

    While many frontline workers appear stoic, all of this stress and fear took its toll, even on the bravest among us. As a result, many frontline workers have found themselves burnt out and experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

    Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

    It’s common for everyone to feel stressed or sad from time to time. But when certain symptoms linger, you are typically dealing with depression or anxiety. If you’ve never dealt with either before, you may not know the symptoms.

    Symptoms of depression include:

    • A persistent feeling of sadness
    • A lack of energy
    • Feelings of hopelessness
    • Sleep disruption (either sleeping too much or too little)
    • Appetite disruption (eating too much or too little)
    • Difficulty focusing
    • A loss of enjoyment of previous hobbies or activities
    • Thoughts of death or suicide

    Symptoms of anxiety can include:

    • Excessive worry
    • Agitation
    • Restlessness
    • Fatigue
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Tense muscles
    • Panic attacks
    • Trouble falling or staying asleep
    • Irrational fears

    Is it Time to Seek Therapy?

    For many healthcare workers, all of their time and focus is on how they can help others. The idea of self-care and asking others for help is not something on their radar.

    If you are a healthcare worker that is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression as a result of COVID, it’s really important that you let someone else help you right now. A therapist can offer strategies that will help you cope with your symptoms and deal with the underlying emotions.

    If you or someone you know would benefit from mental health therapy, please get in touch with me. I offer both in-person appointments as well as online support.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.dailycal.org/2020/06/24/free-therapy-available-to-covid-19-pandemic-front-line-workers/
    • https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/medical-providers-covid-stress.html
    • https://psychcentral.com/depression/

    Filed Under: General

    Fighting Loneliness During Quarantine

    November 10, 2020

    Not many of us have ever experienced the kind of isolation that this COVID-19 pandemic has brought about. While quarantine for some has been a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of life and a chance to spend more quality time with the family, for others it has been an incredibly lonely experience away […]

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    Fighting Loneliness During Quarantine

    November 10, 2020

    Not many of us have ever experienced the kind of isolation that this COVID-19 pandemic has brought about. While quarantine for some has been a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of life and a chance to spend more quality time with the family, for others it has been an incredibly lonely experience away from coworkers, friends, and those they love and need most.

    In addition, and to make matters worse, loneliness can make managing stress more difficult. And let’s be honest, we are all surrounded by stress these days from worrying about when the world will open up again, when we can start working and earning a living and when life will get back to normal.

    Fighting Loneliness in Healthy Ways

    Sadly, during times like these, many people turn to alcohol and other substances as a way to cope with stress and loneliness. But there are healthier ways you can fight it.

    Plan to Stay Connected

    During this time it’s important to create a plan to safely stay in regular contact with family and friends. If you are an older person, be sure to confirm who you can reach out to if you need help getting food, medications, and other supplies.

    Leverage Technology

    While many of us still cannot be in the same space as our loved ones, we are very lucky we live in a time when phones and digital technology can help us all stay connected. Be sure to schedule regular phone calls and online video chats using apps like Skype or FaceTime.

    Get in Touch with Old Friends

    Most of us, at some point in our life, lose touch with friends and acquaintances we once shared our lives with. Now is the perfect time to reconnect. And social media makes it very easy to find someone you may have lost contact with years ago.

    Seek Help

    During this pandemic, many counselors and therapists are helping clients via telehealth services. This means instead of going into a therapist’s office, you can speak to them on the phone or over a video conference. A therapist can help you navigate this forced isolation and offer coping strategies to get you through.

    If you or someone you love is having a difficult time dealing with loneliness right now, please reach out to me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://psychcentral.com/blog/heres-what-loneliness-can-do-to-you-during-covid-19/
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empowered-relief/202003/the-covid-19-wellness-and-coping-toolkit
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-resilience/202004/how-help-older-adults-fight-loneliness-during-covid-19
    • https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-social-isolation-loneliness.html

    Filed Under: General

    Can Long-Term Isolation Lead to an Addiction?

    November 4, 2020

    We are living through some of the most stressful times in recent history. With the global pandemic raging on, many of us are still worried about our own health and the health of our loved ones, especially our older friends and family members. Many of us have also been hit with financial burdens. Some have […]

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    Can Long-Term Isolation Lead to an Addiction?

    November 4, 2020

    We are living through some of the most stressful times in recent history. With the global pandemic raging on, many of us are still worried about our own health and the health of our loved ones, especially our older friends and family members.

    Many of us have also been hit with financial burdens. Some have lost jobs and others have had to close their businesses. How will the mortgage and bills get paid?

    To make an already bad situation worse, a lot of us are still experiencing lockdown and quarantine. Many are working from home for the first time and still, others are unable to travel and be with loved ones.

    This has left a majority of people feeling alone and isolated when they are already feeling they are most vulnerable.

    The Link between Isolation and Drug Use

    During stressful circumstances, it is a natural tendency for people to turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping. A study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology found there was a 25% increase in alcohol consumption in the weeks following 9/11.

    The stress and isolation of the current pandemic are putting those people who are prone to addiction at great risk. Virtual cocktail hours are now officially a thing. But how many of those cocktail hours end when the computer is shut off?

    Human beings are social creatures. When you take our ability to be social away, it can lead to depression and anxiety. Even people who have no history of addiction are at risk of developing a drinking or drug problem during the pandemic as a way of coping with social isolation.

    When coping with stress, it can be hard to self-monitor our behaviors, but it is incredibly important for our overall health and well-being. If you suspect you have been drinking or using any drug more than you should at this time, it’s important to be honest about that.

    Ask yourself a few questions:

    • Has cocktail hour started earlier or gone later than usual lately?
    • Does the bottle of wine that used to last 3 days barely last one night?
    • Do you ever feel like you SHOULD cut down on your drinking or other drug use?
    • Have you noticed you’re thinking about drinking or using drugs more and more?
    • Have loved ones commented on the amount you’ve been drinking?

    It’s important that you are honest with yourself at this time. And if you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s important that you get some help.

    Many treatment centers remain open during this time. You may also want to think about speaking with a mental health counselor. If in-person sessions are not available, find a provider who offers telehealth solutions. This means you can receive treatment online.

    Times are tough for everyone right now. You are not alone. If you are turning to drugs and alcohol to deal with the stress and isolation, please get the help you need.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-recovery/202004/impacts-social-isolation-and-stress-problem-drinking
    • https://oceanbreezerecovery.org/treatment/loneliness-and-drugs/
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuro-behavioral-betterment/202004/teletherapy-can-help-when-social-distancing-prevails

    Filed Under: Addiction, General

    The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on Families

    September 3, 2020

    If you asked any of us a year ago what would life be like in 2020, it’s doubtful anyone would have guessed we’d be going through a global pandemic, replete with lockdowns and self-quarantining. At the beginning of the year, some families might have thought of being forced to stay home from work and school […]

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    The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on Families

    September 3, 2020

    If you asked any of us a year ago what would life be like in 2020, it’s doubtful anyone would have guessed we’d be going through a global pandemic, replete with lockdowns and self-quarantining. At the beginning of the year, some families might have thought of being forced to stay home from work and school would be a fun little vacation. But as the weeks and months have passed, we’ve all learned this has been anything but fun.

    But how is COVID affecting families? Well, it affects parents and kids and spouses a little differently.

    How it Affects Kids

    Kids haven’t enjoyed the time off nearly as much as we all initially thought. Disruption to normal routines caused many teens and adolescents to feel anxiety. Add to this being away from their friends, and many young people are also feeling depressed.

    Summer vacation for many this year wasn’t as fun as normal as travel has been next to impossible for some families in certain states. Sports teams were canceled, and boredom has set in for many kids, which has led to a lot of acting out and showing mood swings.

    The pandemic has also negatively impacted those youths already suffering from a mental health issue, such as those on the autism spectrum. For many of these kids, a disruption of routine combined with cancellation of speech therapy sessions has stalled their progress and caused anxiety.

    With some schools opening and some only offering online classes, life is still not back to normal and many kids are simply not able to deal with this crisis any longer.

    How it Affects Parents

    Parents have, without question, been hit hard by the pandemic. With forced school closures, many parents have had to learn how to home school while also learn how to get used to the “new normal” of working from home.

    As if that wasn’t enough, parents have also had to become mental health therapists, helping their children navigate through the fear, anxiety, and depression they are experiencing.

    How it Affects Spouses

    Quarantining and self-isolation have definitely impacted our familial and romantic relationships. When you are locked in a house with your family, things can become chaotic and, well, everyone gets on each other’s nerves. Now forced to live on top of one another, and enduring financial hardships, worrying about health, and educating and organizing the children—just going grocery shopping can add a layer of stress.

    Those couples who may already have relationship issues under the surface may find the sudden and intense stress has brought these issues to the surface. This can be a turning point for many relationships: will this current crisis bring us closer or finally drive us apart?

     

    Without question, we are all living under an intense amount of stress and it is affecting us all in different ways. If you and your family aren’t able to handle the stress any longer, it’s important that you reach out and get some help from a family counselor. Most therapists are offering telehealth services, which means you can get the benefits of therapy right over the internet.

    If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-resilience/202005/covid-19-mental-health-effects-children-and-adolescents
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/202004/how-covid-19-affects-marriage-and-how-adapt
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/facing-trauma-together/202008/why-parents-need-time-play-during-covid-19

    Filed Under: Family Therapy, General

    The Benefits of Online Therapy

    June 1, 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in innumerable ways. But, as stressful as this lockdown has been for most of us, we have learned much about ourselves as individuals and as a nation. Another silver lining that has emerged from this crisis is a new awareness and embracing of treatment tools that have been […]

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    The Benefits of Online Therapy

    June 1, 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in innumerable ways. But, as stressful as this lockdown has been for most of us, we have learned much about ourselves as individuals and as a nation.

    Another silver lining that has emerged from this crisis is a new awareness and embracing of treatment tools that have been available for some time. Telehealth (or telemedicine) and online therapy have been around for decades but are now experiencing a surge in popularity because of the mandatory quarantine.

    Once life gets back to normal, will these virtual tools fall by the wayside? It’s doubtful because they simply offer too many benefits to patients and providers.

    Here are some benefits of online therapy and why you may want to start making the switch:

    Better Access to Care

    In some rural areas of the country, it’s not easy to find qualified mental health therapists. Online therapy would provide access to care to anyone that needs it, regardless of where they live.

    Better Integration

    Online therapy would allow for the integration of behavioral health care and primary care. This will ultimately lead to better outcomes for the patient.

    Privacy

    Despite the progress we’ve made over the last couple of decades, there is still a stigma attached to mental health treatments. This stops many people from seeking the help they need. Online therapy means an individual can receive help from the comfort of their home without anyone knowing.

    Convenience

    How often do patients cancel appointments or show up late because of other family and/or work responsibilities or traffic jams? Access to online therapy would reduce many of these scenarios.

    Safety

    We are currently seeing a situation where it isn’t safe to be around other people. And yet, should a person lose access to mental health care because of illness and disease? Certainly not.

    What about unsafe weather? In many parts of the country, there are snowstorms, icy roads, and hurricanes that make it impossible to travel safely.

    Online therapy allows people to receive the help they need, regardless of any unsafe conditions.

    Access for Disabled Populations

    Oftentimes the people who need therapy the most are the very people who find it difficult to leave their homes or navigate the outside world. Online therapy allows bedridden patients and those with debilitating chronic illnesses access to the help they need.

    I offer online therapy to patients because I want to help as many people as I can as safely as I can. If you’d like to explore this style of treatment, please get in touch with me.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/millennial-media/201901/14-benefits-teletherapy-clients
    • https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-telepsychiatry
    • https://psychcentral.com/blog/is-now-a-good-time-to-try-telehealth-or-online-therapy/

    Filed Under: General, Telehealth

    Coping with Working from Home During COVID-19

    May 25, 2020

    How many mornings have you shut off that alarm, wishing you could just work from home in your PJs? Well now many of us are getting our wish thanks to COVID-19. While in theory working from home may seem ideal, the reality for many of us is that it’s, well, kind of a pain. Particularly […]

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    Coping with Working from Home During COVID-19

    May 25, 2020

    How many mornings have you shut off that alarm, wishing you could just work from home in your PJs? Well now many of us are getting our wish thanks to COVID-19.

    While in theory working from home may seem ideal, the reality for many of us is that it’s, well, kind of a pain. Particularly if you have young children home from school that you now have to teach while still keeping productive at work.

    The fact is, this sudden and unexpected disruption to our daily lives has many of us feeling stressed!

    Here are some ways you can cope with working from home for the unforeseeable future.

    1. Get Your Space Right

    If you don’t have a dedicated home office, you’ll want to figure something out ASAP. Having the right space at home will help you focus on the tasks at hand. It will also automatically set boundaries with family.

    Do you have a spare room you can use? Is there an area in your finished basement that could work? If not, clear off the dining table and set up there.

    2. Keep Your Regular Schedule

    You may want to treat the next 2-3 weeks as a sort of family vacation, but it’s best if you and the kids stick to your regular routines. That means getting up and going to bed at the same time, showering, getting dressed and having breakfast as you normally would. Straying from routine will demotivate you to complete the work that needs to get done.

    3. Take Advantage of the Flexibility

    While it’s important to keep to your routines, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of having more time on your hands. Instead of spending an hour plus on a commute each day, you could use that time to catch up on home projects that have been on your to-do list for a while. You can also use the added time to reconnect with your family.

    4. Give Your Kids Structure

    Kids need structure, so give them some each day. This could mean giving them three options of how they will spend the afternoon: playing with Legos in the living room, watching a movie or quiet reading in their bedrooms. Be sure to take a break from work every couple of hours to check in with your kids to answer any questions they may have. Lord knows they ALWAYS have some!

    5. Get Some Virtual Babysitters

    On those days when you have to conduct many meetings and get much done, consider reaching out to family and friends to arrange virtual playdates with the kids. Thanks to Skype and FaceTime, your virtual babysitters can read, play games and interact with your kids online while you get some important work done.

    If you find you are getting a bit squirrelly, even after following these tips, you can always reach out to a mental healthcare provider who can give you some more ideas of how to manage the stress.

    If you’d like to speak to someone, please reach out to me. At this time, I am able to conduct sessions via phone or Skype, so you don’t even have to leave your home if your state is on lockdown.


    SOURCES:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/biofeedback-and-mindfulness-in-everyday-life/202003/77-strategies-working-home-during-covid-19

    https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/working-at-home-with-kids-during-covid-19-crisis-with-kids-underfoot.html

    Filed Under: General

    Resources: Staying Connected, and Prioritizing Self-Care

    March 16, 2020

    With some days at home in the near future for most of us, some of my amazing colleagues gathered a few useful resources and community/business good deeds. If you have any to add, just send it this way using the form at the bottom. Stay connected, stay mindful, and reach out if you need help. […]

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    Resources: Staying Connected, and Prioritizing Self-Care

    March 16, 2020

    With some days at home in the near future for most of us, some of my amazing colleagues gathered a few useful resources and community/business good deeds. If you have any to add, just send it this way using the form at the bottom.

    Stay connected, stay mindful, and reach out if you need help.

     

    AND start here if you haven’t seen this!

    Penguins Field Trip

    Self Care:

    • #selfcare app
    • CBT app
    • Coloring Pages
      • Trees Turkey Mandala
    • The Dr. Faith Gratitude Journal 12 Week Program
    • Color Our Collections : Free Coloring Books from over 100 museums
    • Sketch A Day app on Play and iTunes
    • Free Mindfulness Class
    • Run an Empire
      • a free location-based strategy game for runners and walkers.
    • Run Zombies Run (Running Game & Audio Adventure) app on Play and iTunes
    • Zwift
      • Immersive cycling and running
    •  SF MOMA
      • Text 572-51 with the words “send me” followed by a keyword, a color, or even an emoji and you’ll receive a related artwork image and caption via text message.
    • Online Worldwide Movement
      • Dance Classes, Movement and Livestream Recordings shared by the creators impacted by shutdowns
    • Yoga Nidra
    • Carrot App
      • Snarky short workouts with a side of sass
    • Planet Fitness
    • Blogilates 14-day Quarantine Workout Plan
    • Down Dog: all apps free until April 1
    • Yoga Heights DC is streaming
    • Bluebird Sky Yoga is doing classes by Zoom
    • Tone it Up App is free until April 13th
    • Revolution Studios livestream classes
    • Dfit Montclair live stream workouts
    • Architect Studios live virtual training through Zoom
    • The MAX Challenge of Montclair
    • YMCA Montclair Youtube channel
    • Guerrilla Fitness CrossFit Montclair daily workouts without equipment
    • Corefire  Instagram page
    • More here!
    • And here!

    Go Out at Home:

    • So Lucky 
      • So Lucky is an original Asian/Asian American play exploring themes of community, family, and mental health. – the Thursday show is a livestream opportunity- Don’t miss this one!
    • Social Distancing Festival
      • An online festival dedicated to art and artists impacted by social distancing
    • Google Arts and Culture
    • Juanes and Alejandro Sanz present
      • the next one is 3/21/2020, 6-10pm, and the livestream archive is up and awesome!
    • 3 For The Stream
      • “Sounds Australia’s inaugural live-streamed showcase, featuring 19 acts who were poised to showcase at SXSW 2020” – on March 19-20, 2020
    • Living Room Concerts from Broadway World
    • Dancers and Studios: CLI is offering free live streaming
    • NPR’s Collection of Concerts to Stream (a daily updated document)
    • Birth.Movies.Death.
      • Let’s All Watch Glenn Danzig’s Verotika Together: Thursday, March 19, 2019 @9pm CST
    • Patton Oswalt
    • Comedy Quarantine THURSDAY 3/19 6PM – 9PM PST
      • Stream on Instagram Live at @comedyquarantine
      • Donate at
    • Metropolitan Opera
      • Nightly Livestream
    • Lake Tahoe Cam
    • Monterey Bay Aquarium
    • Discover Hawaii webcams
    • Oakland Zoo
    • Billboard’s Updating List

    Food:

    • Meals provided if school is closed longer than spring break : Austin, Round Rock, Del Valle, Leander

    Information

    These publications are removing paywalls for updates on the pandemic

    • The New York Times
    • The Wall Street Journal
    • The Washington Post
    • The Los Angeles Times
    • The Guardian
    • AP News
    • The Athletic

    School at Home:

    • Adobe is Free until May 31st for any student who usually has access at school but not at home
    • NY Times Resources
    • Scholastic Learn at Home
    • KiwiCo Stay at Home Resources
    • Mo Willems Lunch Doodles

    Companies Caring for Their Employees:

    • The Soup Peddler
    • REI
    • Various Sportsball Team and Stadium Owners 
    • Patagonia
    • Apple
    • Eater’s Running List of Chains Providing Time Off

    Neighbors Caring For Each Other:

    • In Austin: Intellihelp
    • Duke Mutual Aid ( a terrific model for mutual aid groups)
    • If you know anyone in these areas: Mutual Aid and Isolation help groups
    • Community Mutual Aid Door/Window Cards

    Pass the Time Mindfully:

    • Make lists, keep a schedule, keep track of your goals.
    • Re-pot plants for spring, sit on the patio, open the windows a few minutes a day (if it is a possibility)
    • Take care of those regular chores that don’t get done:
      • Baking soda and vinegar bomb drains
      • Clean the baseboards
      • Finally fold all the laundry
    • Knock Knock via text, maybe with your dog?
    • Mad Libs
    • Set up Google Hangouts with friends and loved ones if you don’t feel like it’s a good idea to hang out in person or if they are far away
    • Listen to some Quarantunes

    Helpful:

    • Texas DPS extends expiration on DLs to 60 days after lifting of state of emergency
    • Companies offering Telehealth platforms and subscriptions for *FREE*
      • Doxy.Me
      • MimoNote : notetaking platform offering 60day trial free
      • VSee
        • VSee also has Telehealth Training: Thursday, March 19th
    • Austin Pets Alive needs help!

    *the links above are not endorsed by me – and I am not receiving any $ when you click.*

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    Filed Under: COVID-19, General

    How to Control Your Anger

    January 6, 2020

    Someone slides into the parking spot you had your eye on. A coworker takes credit for your work. Your spouse runs up $200 on the credit card without discussing it first. These are things that are apt to make you angry. And that’s okay. Anger is a natural response to many life events. Like other […]

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    How to Control Your Anger

    January 6, 2020

    Someone slides into the parking spot you had your eye on. A coworker takes credit for your work. Your spouse runs up $200 on the credit card without discussing it first. These are things that are apt to make you angry.

    And that’s okay.

    Anger is a natural response to many life events. Like other emotions, anger helps us understand our world and how we feel about it. When managed well, anger can provide a healthy release and be a motivator for transformation. But when we experience too much anger, to the point of becoming out of control, it can have lasting ramifications.

    Our Brain on Anger

    When anger reaches a very high level, our pre-frontal cortex, that is the part of the brain responsible for cognitive thought and reasoning, becomes hijacked. The amygdala, our primal emotional/instinctual part of the brain that induces the “fight or flight” response, takes over and we are no longer capable of rational thought.

    When aroused to anger, our brains can no longer take in new information. This means if our partner or loved one is trying to talk sense into us and explain something, we CANNOT hear them. All we are aware of is that we must defend ourselves as if our very life depends on it. We feel under extreme attack and are ready to fight back.

    How to Control Your Anger

    Now that you know how your brain responds, it’s time to learn some techniques to manage your extreme anger.

    Take a Breather

    You know that the hotter you get, the more your brain shuts down and becomes unable to process any information. There is no sense in you continuing to talk/argue with someone. Your best course of action is to put the fire out before it begins to rage by calling a time out and taking a breather.

    Exercise

    The body’s “fight or flight” response releases powerful hormones that are intended to help us fight or run. Without this physical release, they can linger in the body and cause health problems. Going for a walk, run or lifting weights can be a great way to burn through these hormones and release soothing endorphins.

    Seek Out Counseling

    Managing extreme anger can be very challenging, especially in the beginning. A mental health professional will be able to share coping strategies and techniques to control outbursts.

    If you or someone you love has anger management issues and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

    Filed Under: Anger, General

    How Chronic Illness Can Affect Your Mental Health

    August 25, 2019

    If you are suffering from a chronic illness, you are not alone. Almost half of the population in the United States is currently battling some form of chronic physical illness. In fact, chronic illness is the number one driver of healthcare costs in America. Some of the most prevalent examples of chronic illnesses are: Epilepsy […]

    Read More

    How Chronic Illness Can Affect Your Mental Health

    August 25, 2019

    If you are suffering from a chronic illness, you are not alone. Almost half of the population in the United States is currently battling some form of chronic physical illness. In fact, chronic illness is the number one driver of healthcare costs in America.

    Some of the most prevalent examples of chronic illnesses are:

    • Epilepsy
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Endometriosis
    • Lupus
    • Arthritis
    • Diabetes
    • Heart disease
    • Fibromyalgia

    Many people suffering from a chronic illness can become depressed. It is estimated that roughly one-third of chronic illness patients suffer from depression, a rate that is significantly higher than in the general population.

    Depression is often an immediate response to the diagnosis. It can be overwhelming to be told you will need to be treated for your illness for weeks, perhaps even a lifetime. Certain types of chronic illness can also, and quite suddenly, change how a person lives their day-to-day life. They may not be able to do the same things and, in some cases, completely lose their independence.

    There are physical illnesses which can cause depression by hampering the central nervous system or endocrine system. Some examples would include thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain.

    Symptoms of Depression

    If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with a chronic disease, it’s important to watch out for signs of depression. These can include:

    • Feeling sad and hopeless
    • Losing interest in once-loved hobbies and activities
    • Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
    • Trouble with sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
    • Lack of energy
    • Trouble focusing
    • Thoughts of suicide

    Becoming educated about the link between chronic illness and depression is extremely important. So is seeking help. Be sure to discuss any symptoms with your doctor. He or she may be able to refer you to a therapist.

    Many patients have found they can treat their depression right alongside their illness by using medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. It is also helpful to surround yourself with a loving support network of friends and family.

    If you or a loved one is experiencing depression as a result of living with a chronic illness and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

    Filed Under: Depression, General

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