So many people have experienced a loss because of this pandemic. Maybe you had to deal with the death of someone you loved. Maybe your loss resulted from being let go from your job or watching your children miss out on things like sports and extracurricular activities. 

You might even be struggling with the loss of normalcy. 

Whatever the case, any kind of loss can make you feel alone and trigger symptoms of depression. That can be made worse when you feel as though you don’t have an outlet to find help. 

Thankfully, online therapy is one of the best ways to ease the pain of loss and depression. 

How Does Online Therapy Work? 

Online therapy or “teletherapy” isn’t necessarily new. It’s been growing in popularity over the last several years. But, it has certainly seen a surge in light of the pandemic. 

Online therapy works by making a virtual appointment with your therapist. It’s typically done via video chat over your computer or phone, but it can also be a regular telephone conversation, as well. 

In some cases, you can email your therapist or use a specific platform to bring up discussion points or questions before your session. It can even be easier to contact them for “little things” when you need some extra help because everything is done virtually. 

What Are the Benefits? 

There are countless benefits to working with a therapist online. The biggest one, however, is accessibility. 

Whether you’re social distancing, you don’t feel comfortable leaving the house, or you live in an area where there isn’t a therapist nearby, online therapy allows you to work with a licensed therapist from anywhere. You can find the right match for you, and it doesn’t matter where they’re located. 

Another benefit is that you can schedule your sessions on your own time. You’ll be going through them from the comfort of your own home. If you’re struggling with depression, that can be an important factor. When you’re more comfortable with your surroundings, you might be more likely to open up and show your vulnerability. The more open you are with your therapist, the better. 

How Can it Help? 

Feelings of loss can make you feel alone. Combined with everything else surrounding this pandemic, that loneliness can be debilitating. 

Online therapy helps you realize that you’re not alone, no matter where you are. Being able to actually see a licensed therapist on a screen and interact with them can make a big difference in how connected you feel. You’ll know you have someone to talk to, no matter what. 

Additionally, online therapy can help you get to the root of the problem(s). 

You might recognize some of the signs of depression, but do you really know why you’re struggling? It’s not always easy to admit the truth to yourself, even if the loss you have experienced is an obvious trigger. 

A therapist can help you get to those underlying issues and bring them forward. The more you’re willing to open up and talk about them, the more you can start to heal from them. Online therapy can help give you the tools and skills you need to manage your symptoms on your own so you can move forward with your life. 

If you’re struggling with loss and depression, you don’t have to keep living with the pain. 

Consider online therapy to help you work through that loss. Feel free to contact me for more information or if you’re interested in setting up an appointment. Doing so could be the first step on a journey toward healing. 

The post Loss & Depression: How Online Therapy Can Ease the Pain appeared first on .

Maybe you’ve been staying late at the office most days or juggling multiple jobs. Perhaps your schedule has been packed the past few weekends, and all you want is one moment to relax alone. Or maybe you can’t figure out which direction your life is headed and thoughts of your future leave you tossing and turning at night.

If you want to manage your stress and anxiety, you’ll need to work out some effective strategies. The following habits will help you get your stress and anxiety under control.

1. Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Sometimes, your stress or anxiety can become so intense that you feel overwhelmed. At times like this, you need coping mechanisms to turn to. You don’t need to go through any time-consuming rituals or do anything drastic. You simply need to turn inwards and learn to self-soothe.

For instance, the next time you feel like your anxiety is all-consuming, take a moment to pause. Once you’ve stopped what you were doing, take a few slow, deep breaths. You may even want to close your eyes. While you won’t feel “cured” within a minute or two, you’ll likely feel much calmer.

You may also want to develop a short meditation practice. If you’re at home or somewhere by yourself, and you feel like your anxiety is overpowering, close your eyes to meditate for a couple of minutes. You may want to try repeating a mantra in your head. Even something as simple as “I am safe” can help.

Alternatively, you could even try a brief yoga sequence! 

2. Take Care of Your Health

Your physical health and your mental health are intrinsically connected. If you feel like your mental health is suffering, ask yourself a few questions about your physical health.

Have you been getting enough sleep? Do you cook healthy meals? Are you reaching for water when you’re thirsty? And do you exercise when you have time? If you answer “No” to a couple of these questions, it’s time to make some changes!

Aim to exercise a few times a week when you have the opportunity. Even if you only have fifteen minutes on a given day to get moving, take advantage of it! Exercise releases endorphins, which help to boost your mood and relieve stress.

Also, avoid drinking caffeine when you need an energy boost in the afternoon. Your morning coffee or green tea is probably fine, but too much caffeine can exacerbate anxiety. And finally, make sure that you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep per night. Exhaustion can definitely increase your stress levels.

3. Write in a Journal

Need to vent without worrying about what others will think? Journaling can be a powerful way to release your stress and work through anxiety.

You can write down whatever you want on the blank pages of your journal. And you can rest assured that your thoughts will stay totally private. The important thing is that you get your anxious thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or onto an electronic device if you prefer).

Moreover, writing down your thoughts can help you analyze them later and recognize patterns that you can learn to change in time.

4. Talk About Your Feelings

As isolating your situation may feel at times, you don’t have to deal with your stress and anxiety all alone. One of the best ways to manage anxiety and stress is simply talking about it. Getting it all off your chest will make you feel lighter!

You can call up a trusted friend to talk it out, of course. But if you feel like you need more guidance, you might want to consider reaching out to a professional and scheduling regular therapy sessions.

—

Are you having trouble managing your stress and anxiety? Working with a therapist can help. Feel free to reach out to us to find out more about how anxiety therapy can help you manage. 

The post The Challenge of Managing Stress and Anxiety – 4 Effective Strategies appeared first on .

Traditionally, it is defined as an ongoing pain that continues for at least six months. Of course, definitions like this are very much subject to individual interpretation. A common understanding of this kind of discomfort is that chronic pain exists solely as a medical condition. Thus, we think of it as a condition to be treated solely by a physician.

On the contrary, it is of great benefit to grasp the major psychological components at play. Understanding chronic pain in terms of the mind-body connection involved increases the likelihood of successful treatment, coping skills, and your ability to beat depression and thrive.

Examples of Chronic Pain

With chronic pain, there are countless factors and variations of those factors. That said, some common chronic pain examples are:

• Headaches and migraines
• Low back problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Nerve damage
• Arthritis

Left untreated, chronic pain can reduce your daily ability to function. Your quality of life will decrease — not only from the pain but also from associated symptoms like muscle tension, mobility limitations, and low energy.

The Psychology of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain also exacts a hefty emotional price. It reduces your ability to participate in your usual social interactions and events. This trend increases the likelihood of isolation and loneliness while reducing your happiness and satisfaction. The limits pain imposes on you can result in many other forms of mental distress, e.g.

• If your earning ability is impaired, you may experience guilt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy.
• Having no clear path to recovery often results in uncertainty and instability.
• You may chafe at being so dependent on others. You feel like you have become a burden.
• Relationships — at home and work — suffer.
• Even well-meaning people may question if the pain is “all in your head.”

It’s no surprise that up to 50 percent of patients with chronic pain regularly report high levels of anxiety and/or depression.

4 Tips on How to Thrive With Chronic Pain

1. Self-Education

The growing field of “pain management” has its own protocols and practices to offer. It can feel empowering to follow such advice while simultaneously exploring the many unique ways chronic pain is playing out in your life. Do your research and track your experiences.

2. Self-Care

Not everything you do has to aim solely at ending the chronic pain. It can be immensely helpful to take daily steps to subtly improve your quality of life. Areas to consider include:

• Sleep patterns
• Activity and exercise
• Eating habits
• Relaxation techniques

3. Acceptance

Chronic pain may always be there but yet, it’s not easy to accept. You can better thrive by working with it as a temporary reality than struggling against it (or denying it). Acceptance is not the same as surrender. Rather, it is a mindful perspective on your current situation. Instead of asking “why me?” try pondering: “What steps can I take now?

4. Coping Skills

Talk with both your physician and your therapist to create a toolbox of coping skills. The possibilities are endless, for example, distraction, journaling, biofeedback, creating a social support system, visualization, and mindfulness.

Where to Get More Help

You may have already seen a physician. You may already be taking some kind of pain medicine. The parallel track to this type of treatment is to seek out a mental health professional.

The self-education and acceptance discussed above help you understand the full scope of your condition. The pain is not in your head and its impact is not only physical. The physician will focus on the physical changes and managing the bodily pain. Your counselor will guide you in matters related to the following and more:

• Any underlying issues that might exacerbate pain or bodily tension
• The emotional damage caused by chronic pain
• The relational adjustments related to chronic pain

Committing to regular therapy sessions is an ideal complement to any medical approach. Please read more about depression treatment and contact me soon for a consultation.

The post Dealing with Chronic Pain? 4 Tips on How to Beat Depression and Thrive appeared first on .

It isn’t unusual to feel hurt and angry if you have a traumatic past. Understandably, the memories of your ordeal may give rise to a sense of injustice and violation.

However, if you notice that the anger you’re experiencing feels in someway beyond your control, or difficult to rein in, trauma may be inspiring your anger in unproductive or harmful ways. 

The reality, for many people, is that anger is a complicated part of life after trauma. It has a very real and painful impact on their self-image, relationships, and careers. Untreated, it can even lead to violence and legal trouble.

If you’re in this position or fear you’ll find face this situation soon, you aren’t alone. Now is not the time to become mired in shame, you can recover. However, you’ll need support to improve your mental health and move forward. Learning to process your anger is crucial. 

First, Understand How Your Anger is Functioning

Is Anger Your Current Survival Mechanism?

Trauma overwhelms your mind. As you try to make sense of what’s happened you react from a fight, flight, or freeze perspective. And you may still be stuck there. This state of perpetual arousal keeps you alert and waiting for the next threat. Essentially, you may be a person for whom anger, rather than fear, becomes a self-protective norm.

Are These Post-Trauma Anger Symptoms Are Recurring and Disruptive?

Unaddressed anger can become chronic and takes a significant toll on you. You may be experiencing the following:

• flashbacks
• avoidance and anxiety
• aggressive or controlling behavior
• situational reactivity or overreaction
• relationship conflict
• overstimulation
• feelings of isolation
• a tendency toward risky behavior
• body aches or chronic pain
• heart, blood pressure, or digestive issues

It’s important to address these symptoms and stop the damage anger is doing to you, your connections, and your life goals.

Is Anger Reaction to Your Trouble with Personal Boundaries?

After trauma, personal boundaries may feel tenuous and violated. Perhaps abuse or violence occurred or some other aspect of your personal safety was disrespected. As a result, anger seems the best way to force a measure of respect and safety when you feel triggered. Unfortunately, angry outbursts are rarely directed at the primary violator or original trauma. Thus, your sense of respect and security don’t last long and the cycle of triggers and angry reactivity continues.

Pay Attention to Your Anger

Your anger is trying to tell you something. Rather than indulge it or stuff it, acknowledge that anger is arising for a reason. Try to take a step back and listen to your emotions.

Meditation and journaling can help with this approach. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What triggered my anger?
• Which of my needs are unmet? How?
• Is my anger linked to something current, or the result of past events/memories?

Uncovering the roots of your anger is the key to relief and resolution. Trauma changes your brain, thought patterns, and ability to accurately perceive and react appropriately. Sometimes, managing your anger is beyond your own best efforts. To retrain your brain, the help of a qualified therapist is often invaluable. 

Healing is Possible: Make Time for Therapy 

If you want to move away from anger, get to the heart of it, and express your emotions more effectively, don’t go it alone. Trauma therapy can help you determine what your anger is telling you and how to grow through it.

Please read more about trauma treatment and reach out today. Let’s discuss your options for scheduling a consultation. You deserve a happier, healthier life.

The post Is Trauma Making You Irritated and Angry? appeared first on .

The trick, however, is getting started and keeping it going. For more people than we might imagine, tight abs and sculpted arms aren’t the be-all, end-all. So, what if you found out that exercise can truly enhance your mental health? More specifically, exercise can reduce the impact of the most common emotional health condition in the nation: anxiety.

Exercise and Your Brain

Exercise increases the presence of specific neurotransmitters and proteins in your body. This happens because your heart rate becomes elevated during exercise (especially cardio). Your higher heart rate subsequently increases blood flow everywhere — including your brain! The positive outcomes of these interactions include:

• Increased brain volume
• Improved cognitive health
• Enhanced memory and thinking
• Better defenses against dementia
• Enhanced mood

How Exercise Can Reduce Anxiety

Let’s begin by accepting that exercise is often avoided by anxious people. The reasons for this are numerous by some common themes exist:

• Sensations caused by exertion can mimic anxiety
• Social anxiety hampers one’s ability to work out in public settings
• Fear of injuries

These anxiety sufferers need specific guidelines from a personal trainer or psychotherapist. But, regardless of how and where you choose to exercise, if you do it consistently, your brain will thank you.

You know those soothing benefits you hear about connected to relaxation techniques like meditation? Well, exercise supplies the same kind of perks.

• The act of exercising serves as a diversion from what is making you anxious.
• As described above, exercise changes brain chemistry is a super beneficial way.
• As you begin to move more often, you will notice muscle tension and stiffness decreases. Since those two sensations often contribute to anxiety, this has a doubly positive effect.
• Exercise makes your body and mind more resilient.
• Certain parts of your brain serve as a reaction system to threats (real or imagined). Exercise activates these regions to keep them in control and properly functioning.

How to Get Started With Exercise

You don’t have to do it all at once. You also don’t have to do things you dread in places that upset you. Exercise is a journey, not a destination. It can be performed in many ways and places — including non-gym settings. Some basics:

• Start slowly
• Take time to discover what you like to do so you’re more likely to maintain a routine
• If possible, exercising outdoors in nature enhances the anxiety-lowering properties of your workout
• Recruit a friend to be your training partner

Most of all, appreciate the nuanced aspects of exercise. When you can, consult a professional to ensure that your exercise regimen is safe and effective. Incorrect form or inappropriate equipment can increase the chance of injury.  Uninformed or ill-advised workout routines will not give you the results you seek. This is also an anxiety maker. Ask for help.

How to Directly Address Your Anxiety

Speaking of asking for help, you may wish to talk with a therapist about the anxiety at the heart of this entire venture. Exercise is a wonderful choice for many reasons. If you’re dedicated and informed, you’ll reap physical and emotional rewards. That said, if reducing anxiety is the reason you start exercising, it makes sense to approach the problem from a few angles.

Complementing your exercise routine with counseling is an effective, two-pronged approach to anxiety relief. You’ll keep anxiety at bay in the short-term. In the long-term, you’ll dig deeper to discover and address the root causes of your stress and worry.

For now, take some time to read more about anxiety treatment and call me soon for a consultation.

The post Understanding How Exercise Can Reduce Anxiety appeared first on .

The result, then, is that when it comes to men and depression, too many go untreated for far too long, if at all. These men experience all kinds of problems which only exacerbate the pain and struggle that they feel.

Still, it is possible to get help for men that serves their unique needs and perspectives.

A Reluctance to Talk

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one reason why men don’t get treated for depression is that they just don’t want to talk about it. When questioned, they are not willing to discuss the issue. But why?

There are some key reasons. Generally, such thinking is rooted both in personal experience and societal expectations. For example:

When suffering men were children, many learned from adult men that talking about your feelings was “bad.” They might not have been told this directly. Still, they learned, by example, that emotional displays and lessened masculinity were linked in the following ways:

1. Society tells these boys that they need to be “strong.” However, that is often connected to being silent too. Hence, the “strong and silent type.”
2. Depressed men also learn that talking about their feelings makes them less powerful. If you are weak, then others can take advantage of you.
3. These boys grow up believing that discussion of mental health is something that men just don’t do.

Misinterpreting the Signs

Even though men don’t often talk about their emotions, that doesn’t mean they don’t occur. Men with depression just express them differently. For instance, instead of appearing to be sad, men might lash out in anger instead.

This sounds confusing. After all, if someone is sad, shouldn’t they just feel sad? Yes! However, we often don’t permit men to do this.

If they believe that feeling sad, depressed, etc. is wrong, they will beat themselves up for it. Essentially, they feel bad because they feel bad. This festers and grows into anger. That, in turn, is the emotion that gets released. Often at the wrong time.

Watch Out for Grumpiness

Have you ever known someone who identified as a male who is always grumpy, prickly, or just plain irritable? These men always seem to have a “chip on their shoulder.” They seem to hold continual resentment against something or someone. Nothing makes them happy.

Often there’s a reason for that. Keep in mind that irritability is really a low-grade form of anger. It’s not the destructive anger that we are used to seeing. Yet, it is anger nonetheless. Without help, these men can struggle for a very long time.

The Connection Between Substance Abuse, Men, and Depression

One very important aspect to note is the connection between substance abuse, men, and depression. Because men struggle with talking about their emotions, they manage them in other ways. They often cope unproductively and unhelpfully. Many manage by drinking or via drug use.

This actually makes sense, unfortunately. If sadness and depression make you feel bad but you can’t resolve them, you might numb yourself to those feelings. It’s a way to self-medicate. Still, as we know, that’s not a healthy long-term solution. In the end, this can exacerbate personal trouble.

Men and Depression Treatment

Men with depression don’t have to live lives filled with anger, bitterness, or substance use.

The best option when it comes to men and depression? Professional help through depression counseling. Although men are often wary of therapy, it is crucial for recovery. Thankfully, there is more awareness of these issues today than in previous generations.

What helps most is a therapist who understands the dynamics preventing men from the help they need. If you are struggling with depression, please read more about depression treatment and contact me today about how counseling can help.

The post Men and Depression: Why So Many Men Don’t Get Treatment appeared first on .

But, even as there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the pandemic, it’s likely that virtual therapy will remain popular.  It’s opened up many windows for people struggling that simply weren’t there before. 

That’s especially true for people who have experienced trauma at some point in their lives and are looking for ongoing help. 

If you went through a traumatic experience, whether it was in childhood or more recently, online therapy can help you to find peace and control in your life again. Let’s look at a few of the lasting benefits. 

It Can Give You Hope

Trauma is long-lasting. People who experience conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can struggle with it for years after a traumatic event occurs. 

Unfortunately, far too many people suffer in silence.  Some don’t get properly diagnosed. Others think they can work through it themselves. Some people are even embarrassed or ashamed by their trauma. 

Online therapy can give trauma survivors hope, especially if you have continued to experience ongoing damage. It lets you know that even when things seem dark and bleak, you can find a place online to connect with a mental health professional. 

Even before an appointment is made, the idea of being able to find help so easily and discreetly can provide a spark of excitement and hope in those impacted by trauma. 

It Offers a Sense of Comfort

Some people with PTSD, or other issues due to trauma, don’t seek out help because of the shame they might feel. Again, there isn’t any reason to feel guilt or shame over a traumatic event. But, it can happen, depending on the type of trauma. 

As a result, far too many people go undiagnosed. Or, they aren’t willing to make an in-person appointment with a therapist. 

Online therapy allows anyone to get the help they need from the comfort of their own home. You can be anywhere in the world and talk to a therapist from anywhere else in the world. You don’t have to worry about running to friends or coworkers, going to an unfamiliar office, etc. 

As a result, online therapy has opened up accessibility for those with issues from trauma. You may simply not live in an area with any therapists close by or want to make a long commute for each session. 

Most people feel comfortable in their homes and in familiar surroundings. That level of comfort can not only help you seek out treatment for the first time but actually open up during that treatment, as well. 

It Is On Your Schedule

The symptoms of a traumatic experience can strike at any time. You may need to speak with your therapist more than once a week. Or, you might need to simply send them a quick message or email letting them know how you feel about your next session. 

Online therapy gives you a better opportunity to do that. The feeling of connectedness with your therapist is important. It can help you to feel less alone when you’re dealing with challenging symptoms like flashbacks or other negative symptoms. 

While your therapist may not be able to respond immediately all the time, it can help to feel as though they’re more readily available. That is a huge positive that you don’t always get with in-person therapy. 

Do you struggle with ongoing damage due to trauma? If you’re tired of the way it is taking over your life, online therapy can help. Feel free to contact me for more information about online sessions, and what you can expect. 

The post How Online Therapy Helps Prevent On-going Damage Due to Trauma appeared first on .

Racial trauma can come directly from someone else (or a group of people), from an experience, or even from watching the news. Experiencing or seeing a racial bias displayed can be disturbing or distressing. 

Unfortunately, experiencing any kind of racial trauma can have an impact on your relationships, your career, and your everyday quality of life. If you’ve been through a racially-traumatic experience, it isn’t difficult to become triggered. Anything from an offhanded comment to seeing something like police violence against a person of color on the news is enough. 

In this year, when it seems the topic of race and equality has jumped into the national again, it’s important to understand that racial trauma is real. If you’ve experienced it, you’re not alone. You’re a survivor.

Thankfully, there are ways for you to find peace and comfort. 

Find the Support You Need

One of the best things you can do to combat the personal impact of racial trauma is to do what you can to feel supported. 

You can find that support from family or friends, of course. But, it may be more beneficial to get involved in a community that understands and validates racial trauma. That might include a support group specifically meant for survivors. Or, just opening communication with someone in your life who might understand what you’re going through could be helpful. 

Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid relationships or interactions with people who create or promote triggering experiences for you. Conversely, avoid contact with people who don’t take racial trauma seriously. That could even include members of your own loved ones or certain circles of friends.

Even if you can’t evade those situations completely, restrict your interaction with those individuals if they cause you distress. 

Limiting Your Triggers

People in your life can certainly be triggering due to their thoughts on racial trauma. However, other aspects can trigger your trauma symptoms, too. Therefore, it’s important to understand your triggers well.

What makes your symptoms worse? What causes you to flashback to that time of initial trauma? It’s not always easy to think about, and you may want to avoid figuring out your triggers. But, it’s an important step to take. 

The more you understand your triggers, the easier it is to work on avoiding and resolving them. For example, for some victims of racial trauma, going on a media “diet” to avoid images of racial abuse or mistreatment is an important emotional guardrail. 

Take Part in Activism

If you’ve been through a traumatic experience because of race, one way to find some peace is to try to challenge racism. 

Join different groups or organizations that promote racial equality. Become an activist or an advocate. Share your voice. Share your story. You’re not the only one who has endured racial trauma. You’re not the only one who longs for change.

By speaking up and standing out, you never know who you might encourage or empower along the way. 

Also, when you’re part of a group that speaks out against racism and promotes equality, you empower yourself. You allow yourself to grow stronger, despite your trauma, which can further aid your road to recovery. 

Seeking Help When You Needed It

As with any other type of trauma, you don’t have to suffer the effects of racial trauma on your own. In many cases, work with a mental health professional is the best option. 

A therapist or counselor can help you to identify the root of your trauma and its impacts on your thoughts and behaviors. You’ll receive resources on how to work through traumatic events and process them productively. You will see that your trauma doesn’t have to define you.  From there, you can develop the coping skills needed to best manage the realities of life in a racialized society. 

If you’ve experienced any type of racial trauma, please feel free to contact me for more information on trauma treatment. Together, we can work on even more ways to help you find peace, so you can encourage others to do the same.

The post How Racial Trauma Survivors Can Start Finding Peace appeared first on .

Unfortunately, many people have financial worries that plague them consistently. As a result, the power of money means something completely different to them. 

If you find yourself stressing or feeling anxious over your finances, you’re not alone. There are millions of people in debt across the country. Others are living paycheck-to-paycheck or wondering how they’re going to afford the basics. 

Now, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial anxiety has grown even more prevalent as thousands have lost their jobs and savings. 

But, financial worries don’t have to take over your life. By learning how to cope with financial anxiety, you can take effective action steps toward getting control of your finances and finding peace. Let’s look at a few healthy ways to cope. 

1. Focus on the Bright Spots

Many times, things aren’t as bleak as they may seem. While you shouldn’t ignore struggles with your finances, try focusing on the positive aspects of them, too. Writing those things down can help to calm your nerves and fears. 

For example, maybe you have a great job, or you’ve paid off one debt. Maybe you’re building up a 401k or you’re able to save money on your own for the first time. It doesn’t matter how small the positives are, they can make a difference. 

2. Review Your Budget

One way to ease some of your anxieties is to take a fresh look at your budget. If you haven’t reviewed it for a while, there may be things you can adjust and “re-tool” to save you money. Are there things you’ve already paid off? Expenses you don’t need? 

Your budget shouldn’t be something you’re afraid to look at. It can be a very helpful tool when it comes to managing your money because you’re in complete control over it. 

3. Start an Emergency Fund

Sometimes, financial anxiety gets stirred up due to fear of the unknown. For some people, those fears came to life when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.  So, if your financial worries stem from the fact that you’re not sure what you’ll do in an emergency situation, start saving now. 

Set up an “emergency fund” for yourself and your family so you’ll always have enough to get by if disaster strikes. Even having a small “cushion” can help to alleviate some of your worries. 

4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Financial anxiety can actually stem from the things we think we should have. Even if you’re in a secure, stable spot, you might worry that you’re not doing “well enough” due to other people. 

Social media has made this a growing problem. 

You might see pictures of your friends and family members posting new cars, houses, or other expensive items. Though you’re getting by and saving, you might start to worry that you’re doing something wrong or that you don’t have enough because you can’t afford those things. 

Keep in mind that what people post on social media is nothing more than a highlight reel of their lives. Additionally, even if someone seems to have a financially-abundant life, you don’t know the whole story. They could be struggling with debt or living beyond their means. 

You can immediately eliminate a lot of stress and worry when you stop comparing yourself to others. 

5. Acknowledge Your Fears

Have you ever considered what the worst possible situation would be if your financial fears came true? Many anxieties stem from the idea of something terrible happening, but have you ever stopped to think about what that would look like? 

What would you do in that situation? How would you handle it? What steps would you take to get things under control? 

Thinking about the worst-case scenario can help you to “face your fears” without them actually happening. Often, you can then see that the worst possible situation may not be all that scary. 

If you struggle with financial anxiety, you can take control of your thoughts and your life again. Keep these coping tips in mind read and more about how to manage your anxious thoughts.  When you’re ready let’s meet for a consultation. Together, we can define your goals, find relief, and move forward without fear.

The post 5 Key Ways to Cope with Financial Anxiety appeared first on .

While you can’t take away their feelings of sadness or hopelessness, one of the best things you can do is to support them. Still, you may be at a loss as to how to do that effectively. 

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help them manage their depression. In doing so, you can be a source of comfort for them while also helping your relationship. 

So, what are the best ways to support your depressed partner? 

Learn More About Depression

Keep in mind that everyone deals with depression differently. Understanding your partner’s depression as best you can is incredibly important. So, don’t be afraid to talk to them about it whenever they’re willing to open up, but don’t push. 

You can also do as much research as possible about depression, in general. Learn how it impacts people, what the common symptoms are, and how people who struggle with it can get through it and manage those symptoms. 

The more you understand about depression, the more you’ll be able to help your partner. That doesn’t mean that you will ever be able to “fix” everything for them. But, when you have a better idea of what they’re going through, you can provide the support they need rather than feeling as though you’re at a loss as to how you should help. 

Create the Right Environment

If you live with your partner, one of the best things you can do to support them is to create the right environment at home. They should know that you will be there for them, no matter what. Asking things like “how can I help?” or simply saying “I’m here for you” can go a long way. 

Your home environment should also encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle. It’s very easy for depressed individuals to have symptoms that have a negative impact on their sleeping and/or eating habits. Others may try to avoid social situations or stop doing things they typically enjoy. 

So, focus on creating healthy meals and exercising regularly with your partner. Make plans to do things together, and make every situation as low-stress as possible. That doesn’t mean you need to walk on eggshells to make sure they’re always comfortable. But, recognizing their symptoms and thinking of ways to combat them can be a big help. 

Encourage Treatment

Depression won’t often go away on its own. Once someone is in the throes of it, it can be very difficult for them to get out without some kind of help. 

If you truly want to support them, you should encourage them to get treatment. Talking to a mental health professional can make a huge difference in the life of someone struggling with depression. They can start taking medication that may make things more balanced, or learn the skills needed to manage their symptoms and take control of their lives once again. 

It can be difficult to see the person you love struggling with something like depression. But, the situation is never hopeless. Keep these ideas in mind to be their support system, and feel free to contact me for more information or to learn more about how depression can impact a person. 

While you’re supporting your partner, it’s also a good idea to take care of your own needs. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, don’t exhaust yourself or stress yourself out by doing too much for them. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and practicing self-care. When you do focus on your own needs, you’ll be able to better care for your partner without burning out. 

The post How to Best Support Your Depressed Partner appeared first on .