Practical insights and advice regarding anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting and more.
I’ve worked with many patients who had grown so accustomed to being anxious that they assumed this state of mind was fixed… forever. Part of the permanent furniture of their life. One of the most difficult parts of helping them was having them realize that this was not true. They could become much less anxious and enjoy much more of life. Without medication! One way of doing this that works with many people is
People who commit or attempt suicide often report feeling hopeless. Struggling with emotional turmoil, feeling helpless to bring about a solution, the suicidal person most often simply wants to escape the pain that unceasingly presses in on them from all sides. Contrary to popular opinion, they are not looking to obtain heaven. Their primary wish is to escape the hell of their current experience.
The very shy child holds back from taking chances. Fearful of dropping their guard, or being assertive, they play it safe. As a result these children miss out on experiences that would otherwise build their confidence, expand their understanding, and increase their happiness. What’s more, extremely shy children are at higher risk for anxiety, depression and other forms of distress. Parents hold the key to reversing these trends and unlocking the more carefree side of their shy child. Doing so can be life changing.
Many parents struggle to find ways to help when their teen is anxious. This is especially true when the teen is beset by chronic or severe anxiety. Victoria Chialy Smith is a psychologist who has helped many parents and teens resolve these difficult moments. In this article she spells out five ways that parents can effectively help their teens break free from anxiety.
The odds are you’ve wrestled with relationship anxiety at some time in your life. This is true of most people. And that’s OK. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. For most people, this anxiety arises briefly and then recedes. A bump in the road. But for some folks, it is much more than that and instead becomes a huge stumbling block with life-changing consequences. Fortunately, you can change all of that by following some simple steps.
I’ve listened to hundreds of men and women talk about their biggest fears and their most exciting triumphs. They have spoken about what brings them the most joy, and that which creates clouds of discontent.
Through these privileged conversations, I have detected a common thread. A set of core beliefs that lead to frustration and self-doubt. Once these false assumptions are jettisoned, greater happiness follows.
People who are controlled by their fears are destined to live unhappy lives: tepid reflections of what they might have experienced had they pushed aside their anxieties and focused on living up to their potential. In today’s article we look at the reasons ten therapists from across the United States give for fighting back against your fears.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ruins lives by filling people with worry, and prodding them to respond with time consuming rituals and behaviors. It is nearly impossible to live up to your full potential when burdened by OCD. The intensity of anxiety it creates can make you feel as though you are living in an alternate universe - one that is saturated with danger. Fortunately there is a way to break free of OCD, to find greater peace of mind, more happiness, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Anxiety is a part of life. Usually a fleeting state. Nothing that takes over your life, but just passes through like a brief rain shower. Sometimes, however, fears may begin to multiply. Instead of passing through quickly they hang out like house guests who overstayed their welcome. Then these fears start to nag and demand more and more of your time. It’s challenging enough when this happens with an adult, but when it happens to a teen it can be life altering. Fortunately, a little help from a well informed parent can do wonders to kick these anxieties to the curb and get the teens life back on track.
Small, seemingly trivial and common place every day decisions have an enormous impact on the destinations one reaches in life. When we find ourselves feeling perpetually stuck, or repeatedly getting into relationships and situations that are distressing and all too familiar, its time to adjust the type of decisions one is making on a daily basis. Chances are they have had a major influence in creating unproductive or even destructive patterns in your life. The good news is these decisions can be easily shifted toward more positive outcomes. It’s just a matter of making a few adjustments to put yourself back on a positive life course.
Taking medication to address a mental health issue is a decision that weighs heavily on some folks. They might feel there is a social stigma attached to medication, or they may feel that they should be able to solve their problems without taking any medications. There is a way of viewing the role of medication that avoids getting caught up in these mental Escape Rooms, and makes forming a decision about their use much easier.
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