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Runaway Thoughts? Strategies to Rein in Unproductive Worry & Rumination
It’s not uncommon to have thoughts that can seem to “get away” from you. Everyone daydreams from time to time. Everyone gets distracted. But, when your runaway thoughts are rooted in worry and rumination, it’s a different story. Worrying thoughts often stem from a seed of truth or reality but can veer so far off base that they become preoccupations or irrational. Unfortunately, it is hard to rein them in the longer you let them go. People who do get off track due to worrying thoughts are at a greater risk of developing anxiety or...
read moreKeys Signs You’re Self-Medicating & How to Self-Soothe Instead
The world is an uncertain and sometimes scary place. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is believed that the long-term mental health issues may be too much for professionals in the country to even handle. Of course, that is on top of the “normal” causes of anxiety, depression, and stress. When people feel overwhelmed by life or a specific situation, it’s not uncommon for them to want to feel better. But, far too many people don’t seek out the help they need. Instead, they turn toward self-medicating. Self-medicating typically involves...
read moreOnline Therapy Myths that May Be Holding Back Your Healing
Online therapy has become more popular (and necessary) than ever. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have suggested that mental health issues throughout the country could quickly become a huge problem. But, this pandemic isn’t over yet. Many people are still being encouraged to stay home, wear masks, and practice social distancing. Unfortunately, the effects of loneliness and isolation are what is causing many of these mental health issues. That’s where online therapy can make a big difference. It gives you the opportunity to connect...
read moreTrauma Recovery Happens in the Here and Now: 8 Strategies for Staying Present
By definition, a traumatic event is something that happened to you in the past. It could have been last week, last year, or a few decades ago. However, such episodes can wound deeply and therefore keep the emotions feeling fresh and new. This happens on both a psychological and physiological level. As a result, you may feel trapped in the past even as you strive to heal and create a better future. The key to trauma recovery can be found in a word that does not appear in the above sentences: present. Trauma recovery happens in the here and...
read moreWhat Not To Do: 7 Habits that Can Make Your Anxiety Worse
When you’re struggling with anxiety, it can sometimes feel like it takes over your whole life. While there are things you can do to manage your symptoms of anxiety, there are also things that can make it worse. Everyday habits could be triggering your anxiety symptoms more than you realize. So, what are some of the things you could be doing that make your anxiety flare-up? How can you put a stop to those habits? 1. Constantly Checking Social Media Social media is a part of almost everyone’s daily lives. But, if you find yourself constantly...
read more6 Tips for Transforming the Self-Talk that May Be Driving Your Depression
Self-talk can fuel what you think and what you do more than you might realize. While it can be positive and encouraging at times, it can also be negative. Unfortunately, that can drive feelings that lead to anxiety and even depression. Negative self-talk is very powerful and can be difficult to ignore. But, it isn’t impossible. You’ve probably heard the saying that you “are your own worst enemy”. In many cases, that’s true! No one can hurt or hold you back quite like yourself. Thankfully, there are key ways you can transform your self-talk...
read moreWhy You Might Respond Best to Online Treatment
Though things may slowly be starting to return to normal (or a “new normal”), there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many lives in different ways. For months, terms like “social distancing” and quarantine were the norm. Even now, not every establishment is fully open. Unfortunately, that left a big gap in mental health treatment options. What’s worse is that it’s predicted that the mental health community will be in greater demand in the aftermath of COVID-19. People have been experiencing more fear, loneliness,...
read moreChronic Anxiety Often Has Its Roots in Childhood Trauma – How?
Trauma isn’t easy for anyone, no matter your age. But, for a child who is learning about the world and their place in it, any type of trauma can be especially jarring. So much so, that it can impact the way they see themselves and the world around them. Unfortunately, many children who go through a traumatic experience still see signs and symptoms of that situation years later. As a result, some adults deal with anxiety issues that stem from childhood trauma without even really realizing it. Children often don’t have any control over...
read more5 Ways Going Outside Can Help Manage Your Depression
Have you been “sheltering-in-place” indoors? Are you withdrawing from loved ones? Do you feel too low to face the outside world? You’re not alone. But it may feel like it. Depression loves to have you all to itself. The effort of trying to manage your symptoms can keep you hunkered down and under the covers. Unfortunately, you may also be keeping yourself far away from the mood-boosting power of nature and sunlight too. Did you know that 2 hours a week or 20-30 minutes a day can do wonders for your mental health? Current...
read moreWhen Terror Disturbs Your Sleep—How to Manage Anxiety Attacks at Night
Each day, we can encounter situations that upset us. Sometimes, those situations have serious potential to cause panic. You might feel like you went from 0 to 60 in a heartbeat. Especially if you’re someone who is already struggling with anxiety. But what about when that kind of panic and/or fear occurs at night? Anxiety attacks, if left unchecked, it can disturb your sleep on a regular basis. The resulting impact may involve worsening anxiety and physical issues stemming from a lack of sleep. Clearly, this is not something to be taken...
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