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At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent. Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even […]
At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, and becoming a new parent.
Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even excessive, even without obvious stressors, interfering with daily life. In these cases, the person is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 31% of adults in this country will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. In fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States.
Anxiety disorders include:
Anxiety can trigger symptoms such as:
If you are suffering with an anxiety disorder, life may feel overwhelming most of the time. But know that there is help out there for you. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can reduce or eliminate your uncomfortable symptoms. Your therapist can also assess you to see if you are a good candidate for an anti-anxiety medication, at least to start. Of course, I have found there are plenty of alternative options, such as deep breathing, acupuncture, and other relaxation techniques, that have helped my clients find calm and peace.
If you’d like to explore therapy options, please reach out to me. Life can get better.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-cube/202204/4-types-anxiety
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), Anorexia Nervosa affects roughly one percent of the adult population in the United States. Although the condition is treatable, it is very serious and can potentially be fatal. The NIMH suggests that up to 10% of those with the disorder may die from complications. But according […]
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), Anorexia Nervosa affects roughly one percent of the adult population in the United States. Although the condition is treatable, it is very serious and can potentially be fatal.
The NIMH suggests that up to 10% of those with the disorder may die from complications. But according to the Renfew Center Foundation for Eating Disorders, up to 20% of anorexics will die from the condition.
Because of the serious nature of Anorexia, it is incredibly important to recognize the warning signs. The following are some of the physical, behavioral, and emotional warning signs associated with Anorexia Nervosa:
Anorexia is an eating disorder whereby a person does not eat enough calories or nutrients to sustain proper health. Some of the following physical signs of anorexia may only be present in serious cases of the disease. It is also important to mention that some of these signs are also symptoms of other medical conditions, so be sure your loved one is assessed by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis:
In hindsight by many loved ones, behavioral signs of Anorexia manifest before the physical signs:
If, after reading these warning signs, you are concerned your friend or loved one may be developing Anorexia, it is important they seek treatment before the condition becomes serious and deadly. Seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare professional is the first step to physical recovery.
Once proper nutrition has been established, it is important that you or your loved one seek guidance from a mental health professional to get to the root cause of the disorder.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please give me a call. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
SOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/understanding-anorexia-symptoms
https://www.verywellmind.com/symptoms-warning-signs-of-anorexia-nervosa-1138239
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/anorexia/warning-signs-symptoms
Research has shown that roughly 80% of long-term care in this country is provided by family members. Many of these caregivers have their own families to look after and may also be holding down at least one job. In addition, family caregivers have been shown to ignore their own health and wellness needs. This often […]
Research has shown that roughly 80% of long-term care in this country is provided by family members. Many of these caregivers have their own families to look after and may also be holding down at least one job.
In addition, family caregivers have been shown to ignore their own health and wellness needs. This often leads to caregiver burnout, which is typically defined as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Caregivers who reach this burnout stage often experience stress, fatigue, sadness, grief, isolation guilt, anxiety, and depression.
Some other symptoms of caregiver burnout include:
Caregivers become easily lost in the person they are caring for and forget that they themselves have needs and wants. Being so busy, they, often without thought, neglect their own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and wellbeing.
They also deal with huge challenges and emotions each day, and often without help from anyone else. They push their feelings down so they may remain strong for their loved one who is usually battling a significant health crisis of their own.
Struggling on your own won’t help you or your loved one. It’s important that you get the help you need and deserve.
Talking with someone who will listen compassionately and give you advice and coping tools can take a huge burden off your shoulders.
But perhaps most importantly, a therapist will validate what you are experiencing. This is helpful because you yourself are denying your own existence and your own pain. This is how you have been managing.
A therapist is in your corner. He or she is your champion and will say the things you won’t allow yourself to say. They will point out your own humanity and the need for you to take care of yourself. Hearing this from a neutral third party can often be very helpful.
If you would like to speak with someone, please reach out to me. I want to help you not feel so powerless or isolated.
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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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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News of pregnancy always comes with mixed emotions. For most couples, there is immediate joy, but that joy is also usually mixed with a bit of worry. And this worry isn’t for nothing as, sadly, one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage. While miscarriages are all-too-common, it doesn’t make dealing with grief and sadness […]
News of pregnancy always comes with mixed emotions. For most couples, there is immediate joy, but that joy is also usually mixed with a bit of worry. And this worry isn’t for nothing as, sadly, one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage.
While miscarriages are all-too-common, it doesn’t make dealing with grief and sadness any easier for anyone involved. It can be very difficult for us to know how to respond to a friend or loved one who has recently experienced a miscarriage.
As a therapist, I have worked with many couples who have experienced a pregnancy loss and I have learned appropriate ways to interact with them during their time of grief.
The majority of miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the baby is referred to as, medically speaking, an “embryo.” To the grieving parents, this is much more than an end to an embryo, it is the death of a son or daughter who they have perhaps been trying so hard to have for many years. There are far too many emotions involved in miscarriage and it’s important to always keep a fuller picture in mind.
Many women feel guilty after a miscarriage. They assume they have done something wrong. Science doesn’t really understand why miscarriages happen. A woman may take excellent care of her health and still experience a miscarriage. It’s important to reassure her that she has done nothing wrong. It’s equally important to let her know that it is okay to grieve.
Mothers-to-be, for obvious reasons, get all of the attention after a miscarriage. But both male and female partners of these women are hurting as well. Not only have they been hit with the initial loss, but they must also summon extra strength and keep things together while their partner grieves.
If you or a loved one has suffered a miscarriage and would like to speak to someone about your loss and to work through the grieving process, please reach out to me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may help.
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August 1st is International Overdose Awareness Day; a day to raise awareness and commemorate loved ones who have died from a drug overdose. According to the CDC, over 70,000 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose in 2019 alone. That number reflects the fact our nation is currently suffering from a serious opioid epidemic. Losing a […]
August 1st is International Overdose Awareness Day; a day to raise awareness and commemorate loved ones who have died from a drug overdose. According to the CDC, over 70,000 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose in 2019 alone. That number reflects the fact our nation is currently suffering from a serious opioid epidemic.
Losing a loved one to a drug overdose is a terrible burden to carry. The loss changes you forever, and most people simply aren’t equipped to deal with the emotional turmoil that follows.
After years of counseling people grieving the loss of a loved one due to a drug overdose, I have learned they carry a lot of guilt. Guilt because they feel they should have seen the signs; should have done something more; should have somehow known their loved one was in trouble.
My clients also deal with the stigma that surrounds death from an overdose. People often judge others harshly. For instance, people immediately think the parents must have done something wrong or there was something “not right” with the addict in the first place to abuse drugs.
And finally, there is a real sense of isolation that can follow the death of a loved one from a drug overdose. Oftentimes, people have no idea what to say to the grieving, and so they choose to remain silent and keep their distance. As one client told me, “No one brings cake or a casserole when your son dies from a heroin overdose.”
When a loved one suddenly and tragically dies, part of us dies, too. We spend our days going through the motions of life, but we’re not really in the land of the living. A sudden death strips us of our sense of security, and we’re left trying to pick up the pieces while dealing with anxiety and depression.
Sometimes, when things are so dark, you need a guiding hand to show you the way back to the light. While your life will never be the same after such a tragic and sudden loss, but you can heal from what feels like insurmountable grief. Many of my clients found by working with me through their stages of grief, they were able to accept their new reality. Many have told me they believe creating a happy life is the best way to honor their loved ones.
If you are struggling after the loss of your loved one, please know you are not alone. I can help you process and, more importantly perhaps, honor your grief, so that you may find light on the other side of darkness.
SOURCES:
Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless. Typically people suffer from long-term or short-term […]
Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless.
Typically people suffer from long-term or short-term emotional abuse, and depending on the length of time, there can be varying mental health effects.
Long-term emotional abuse happens over many years. Examples are a child growing up in a home with an alcoholic parent or a sibling with anger issues. Someone may find themselves in a marriage with a narcissistic partner.
Short-term emotional abuse can result from a nasty exchange with a stranger or micro-interactions with colleagues or neighbors.
The following are some short-term and long-term effects of emotional abuse:
Short-Term Effects
Long-term Effects
You Can Heal from Emotional Abuse
With time, patience and plenty of self-compassion, it is very possible to heal from the trauma of emotional abuse. Working with a mental health professional who has been trained specifically to help people who have been the victim of emotional abuse is a great starting point.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.
SOURCES:
https://psychcentral.com/health/effects-of-emotional-abuse
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327080
Eating disorders are often associated with teenagers and adolescents. But many adults struggle with this same issue. What are Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are mental health issues that involve unhealthy or obsessive eating habits. Some of the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. Anyone can develop an eating disorder at […]
Eating disorders are often associated with teenagers and adolescents. But many adults struggle with this same issue.
Eating disorders are mental health issues that involve unhealthy or obsessive eating habits. Some of the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.
Anyone can develop an eating disorder at any point in their life, though a disproportionate number of those diagnosed are young females. Researchers have found there are often biological factors involved in developing an eating disorder, as well as social and interpersonal pressures. Many men and women develop eating disorders as a response to culturally mediated body image concerns.
If not treated, eating disorders can and do often lead to poor physical health. Here are just some of the physical symptoms that commonly occur in people with eating disorders:
It’s important to mention that while these symptoms are common, not everyone will present with them. Eating disorders and their physical and emotional effects will look different for each individual.
Eating disorders can be very stressful for the person and their loved ones. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening.
There are a few different treatment options for those suffering from an eating disorder:
Speaking with a Trained Therapist
A therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help a patient uncover the emotional reasons beneath the affliction and help them to adapt their behavior.
Medications
Medications may be needed to help treat any anxiety and depression that often coexists with an eating disorder.
Work with a Nutritionist
It is often advised that people with eating disorders work with a nutritionist to relearn proper eating habits and the importance of getting the right amount of nutrients each day.
If you or someone you love is living with an eating disorder, it is important that you get some help. With the right treatment plan, life can become healthy once again.
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When we first fall in love with that special someone, we want to spend all of our time together. In fact, we seem to feel better when we are with our significant other. This is the infatuation stage, and admittedly, it feels really good. But enduring relationships move past this stage and into a place […]
When we first fall in love with that special someone, we want to spend all of our time together. In fact, we seem to feel better when we are with our significant other.
This is the infatuation stage, and admittedly, it feels really good. But enduring relationships move past this stage and into a place of mutual respect and care. This will require each partner to give the other space to be their own individuals.
First, what does it really mean to be an independent individual? It means you know how to be your own person, whether you are single or in a relationship. It means while you make the effort to make your partner happy, you also ensure that you continue to do the things you enjoy that bring you happiness.
The following are just some of the reasons why there should always be independence in a relationship:
When you lack independence and don’t have a solid sense of yourself, you can come across as “clingy” or needy. If you want to be around your partner 24/7 and they are wanting space, your neediness can drain their energy.
When the two of you stay independent, you give each other the opportunity to grow as individuals, which then can lead to growth as a couple.
Independent people are strong people, and strong people can be counted on when it matters most. When you are both strong individuals, you can lend that support when the other needs it.
Most of us demanded our independence when we were in our teens and early 20s. But life happens, and we can often lose that independent spirit and lose our own identities. If you need some help reconnecting with yourself so that you may one day enjoy a beneficial partnership, please get in touch with me. I’m more than happy to discuss how therapy can help.
SOURCES:
Infertility is a condition that refers to an inability to become pregnant or to take a baby to term after one year of trying. This is a heartbreaking reality for many women across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States alone, roughly 6 million women suffer from infertility, according to […]
Infertility is a condition that refers to an inability to become pregnant or to take a baby to term after one year of trying. This is a heartbreaking reality for many women across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States alone, roughly 6 million women suffer from infertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infertility can be caused by a variety of health issues. The most common is Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that negatively impacts ovulation.
Other disorders that cause infertility in women are:
And finally, one of the primary reasons for infertility is a woman’s age. Nearly one-third of all women over the age of 35 experience fertility issues.
Infertility and a Woman’s Mental Health
Infertility is a very stressful issue to deal with and it can greatly impact a woman’s mental health. Research published by the North Carolina Medical Journal found that common mental health concerns of fertility patients are symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Patients frequently report that each month’s cycle becomes a tumultuous storm of emotions ranging from anger, sadness, fear, and guilt. And the more demanding and intrusive the fertility treatment protocols become, the greater the emotions felt.
Much focus is given to the physical aspects of not being able to conceive. But it is important for women to recognize that their mental health may be impacted and to get help.
If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression because of infertility issues, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.
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