A young adult participating in child therapy sessions has a lot on their plate. Not only are they dealing with the issues that landed them there, but they are allowing themselves to be completely vulnerable to a stranger. That’s a lot of pressure for a kid! It’s tempting to ask all about their session, but it’s best not to. Trust...[ read more ]
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...[ read more ]
At one time or another, all parents feel like their child is acting “out of control.” But eventually this feeling passes as the event passes. But for some parents, an out-of-control child is not a fleeting phenomena but a 24/7 reality. These children constantly push the limits and seem to care very little (if at all) about the consequences. If...[ read more ]
Can meditation help with depression? It sure does look like it. Meditation has been used for centuries to promote well-being … mental, emotional, and physical. More recently, meditation is being used as a tool to treat depression. Here are some ways in which meditation might help: Reduces Stress Reducing stress and inflammation helps absolutely everything. Meditation can lead to a...[ read more ]
The birth of a child can be one of the most wonderful, amazing, and joyous experiences of a woman’s life. It can also be incredibly emotional and challenging, particularly if the new mother is dealing with any mental health issues. These can make it difficult to bond with her baby and feel okay and competent as a mother. A woman...[ read more ]
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know firsthand the name is apropos. Within seconds you can go from feeling quite well and “ordinary” to experiencing absolute dread and fear. And often with no obvious trigger. It’s a horrible way to live. But you don’t have to live feeling like a helpless victim of these attacks. Here are some...[ read more ]
What exactly are the mental health effects of excessive screen time? If we’re honest, most of us would admit we look at some form of digital screen more than we do the face of our friends and loved ones. From our phones to iPad, laptops and flatscreen TVs the size of an entire wall, screen time for most people is...[ read more ]
In a previous post, we outlined a few signs of complex trauma and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The warning signs of complex trauma are as extensive as the events that can cause it. No one sign is an indication of having CPTSD, but if you relate with several, it may be worth taking a closer look at your past...[ read more ]
When you think of trauma, you might automatically think of a single event that is difficult to process. Events like natural disasters, car accidents, or a divorce are examples of what is sometimes called “Big T” trauma. This type of trauma can occasionally lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While these events and others like them can happen to anyone...[ read more ]
Sharing your life with someone means having open and honest conversations, even when those conversations are a bit difficult. But that’s easier said than done. During hard conversations, it’s common for many people to become triggered by something their partner has said. Calm one moment, but the next they’re thrown into “fight or flight” mode, their brain sensing danger. Before...[ read more ]
