Sometimes you need to see Don’t Panic in big friendly letters to help with staying sane during the pandemic.

COVID-19 has caught us all by surprise and has changed our lives drastically over the last few months. Here are some suggestions for ways to stay sane during the pandemic.

1. 1. Practice mindfulness– Spend some time every day trying to stay in the present moment. If you need some help doing this lookup guided meditations online.
2. Get outside– Going outside and getting a breath of fresh air can do wonders for your sanity and mental health. Go for a walk or just sit in the sun soaking in the rays.
3. Stay fit– This is not the time to get lax with your exercise regimen. Try to get some physical activity every day.
4. Stay connected– This can be a time that feels quite isolating but it doesn’t have to be that way. Reach out to friends and family via Skype, Zoom, Facetime so that you feel less alone.
5. Laugh– Make sure you watch funny movies, videos, or content every day. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

If you or a loved one find yourself  experiencing difficulty staying sane during the pandemic, please feel free to contact out intact department at (201) 488-6678 or visit Specializedtherapy.com in order to make an appointment.

The post Staying Sane During the Pandemic first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Staying Sane During the Pandemic appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Here are some simple reasons why you should consider seeing a therapist.

1. They provide a judgment-free zone where you can discuss anything your heart desires.

2. You may discover a new perspective on your life by attending therapy.

3. You will learn concrete tools to help you better cope with life stressors.

4.  You will learn healthier ways of thinking and adapting to life’s problems.

5.  If you have experienced a trauma or major life change you should consider seeing a therapist.

6.  If you have started to feel like you can no longer talk to your friends and family about your problems then talking to a licensed professional may be right for you.

7. Therapy is a way to practice self-care.

8. A therapist can offer you the tools to have a wider perspective on your problems.

If you or a  loved one could benefit from seeing a therapist, please feel free to reach out to Specialized Therapy Associates at (201) 488-6678 to be connected with our intake department.

The post Eight Reasons Why You Should Go To Therapy first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Eight Reasons Why You Should Go To Therapy appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

The range of depression symptoms that occur with the changing of the seasons was formerly called Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition was renamed in the DSM V as Recurrent Major Depression Disorder with seasonal patterns.  Symptoms must last for two full weeks in order to receive this diagnosis. People experiencing this disorder will have symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day.

Winter Blues’ Signs and Symptoms:

-Loss of interest or pleasure in most daily activities

-Oversleeping

-Weight gain

– Difficulty concentrating

-Fatigue

-Low Energy

-Feeling worthless, helpless, or guilty

-Recurrent thoughts of death and/or dying

If you or someone you love find themselves experiencing these symptoms then this could be a sign that you are experiencing the clinically significant condition known as ‘winter blues.’ There is a difference between feeling sad during the winter months and feeling depressed during this time of year.  When your sleep, appetite, and mood begin to change then it might be time to consult with a therapist.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above please feel free to reach out to Specialized Therapy Associates at (201) 488-6678 to be connected with our intake department.

The post Winter Blues first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Winter Blues appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Self-care is not selfish. Being a good person does not mean that you have to say “Yes” to everyone and everything in your life. Being a healthy person means that you put your health and overall wellbeing first. The best gift you can give to your loved ones in making your wellbeing a top priority. You will be better able to celebrate your loved one’s successes and be of assistance during their time of need if you are doing well.

When you practice good self-care, you are saying that you deserve to take care of yourself. Practicing good self-care is an excellent way to practice self-love. Making an effort to do things that make you feel good reinforces the fact that you MATTER and you are VALUABLE.

If you cannot remember the last time you did something kind for yourself, it has been too long! Make a conscious effort every day to find the things that make you smile and laugh. This seems like a simple idea but, if you are making any effort to do things that make you feel good of course you will be in a better mood. Practicing self-care and self-love really is the gift that keeps on giving. If you feel good then you are more likely to be kinder and gentler to those around you. When you interact with people in this way, they are more likely to treat you in a similar fashion.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can improve your self-care and self-love, please reach out to our intake department at 201-488-6678 or visit specializedtherapy.com

The post Self-Care is Not Selfish first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Self-Care is Not Selfish appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Humor offers us a way to control and reduce stress. It can be cathartic to laugh. The release of tension resulting from laughter is something that is free and accessible to us at any moment. When we laugh with other people oxytocin is released which helps create and build strong bonds between people. If you cannot recall the last time you really laughed, this can be a sign of stress, depression, or just overall dissatisfaction with life.

If you are interested in learning more about how to capitalize on humor to make your life feel better, call us today! With our expert guidance we can together find out more about your mental health by using the services STA and o partners Fx Med Centers offers please reach out to us at (201) 488-6678.

The post Laughter is the Key to Feeling Better first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Laughter is the Key to Feeling Better appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

If you are unsure if you are struggling with the Unmanageability of a drug and/or alcohol addiction ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you neglected important responsibilities in order to drink or use drugs?
2. Have you continued to drink or use despite your job, finances, health and/or relationships being negatively affected?
3. Have you begun to use increasingly larger amounts of a substance or use more frequently?
4. Have you experienced negative physical symptoms when you stop drinking or using?

If you have answered Yes to any of these questions consider the possibility that your substance use has become unmanageable.

Recovery offers people tools that they can use to make their lives more manageable. Seeking professional help can you identify your triggers and learn healthy coping skills.  If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction please feel free to inquire about our Early Recovery Group. If you need support to help you cope with the addiction of a loved one please contact our intake department. The intake department at Specialized Therapy Associates can be reached at (201) 488-6678.

The post Unmanageability in drug and alcohol addiction first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Unmanageability in drug and alcohol addiction appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Here are a few suggestions on things one can do to combat addiction and the holidays.

1. Always have a plan B. If possible take your own transportation to the event or gathering so, you can leave when you start to feel uncomfortable.
2. Let your network know beforehand that you may need to call them for support during this time.
3. Remember to take care of yourself. Don’t forget the important Acronym HALT which stands for Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness. These often-overlooked feelings can lead a person to relapse because they are not taking care of themselves.
4. When possible avoid risky situations where the desire to drink or use may be too great
5. Prepare your own drinks.
6. Be mindful of what you are eating and drinking because you do not know how these items were prepared.
7. Avoid isolation.
8. Start your own holiday traditions and rituals.
9. Limit the amount of time you spend with family and friends who really get under your skin.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction please feel free to inquire about our Early Recovery Group. If you need support to help you cope with the addiction of a loved one please contact our intake department. The intake department at Specialized Therapy Associates can be reached at (201) 488-6678.

The post Addiction and the holidays: How to Prevent Relapse first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Addiction and the holidays: How to Prevent Relapse appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Taking prescription medication to treat mental health issues can be a crucial part of treatment similar to how vital insulin can be to a diabetic. When clients are resistant to psychotropic medications it is important to calm their fears that medication will not turn them into a “zombie” or a shell of the person that they used to be. The psychotropic medication works to addresses chemical imbalances that are causing the individual distress due to distortions in their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions.

It is important to note that medication in conjunction with therapy is most often the most successful course of treatment.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for medication management, the stigma of medication,  or talk therapy with Specialized Therapy Associates, give our intake department a call at (201) 488-6678.

The post The Stigma of Medication: Don’t Feel Bad about it first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post The Stigma of Medication: Don’t Feel Bad about it appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

If you are interested in finding out more information about the therapy services we offer and how to deal with emergencies  please feel free to contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678.

The post Emergencies: How to Tell Real from Perceived first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Emergencies: How to Tell Real from Perceived appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Children and adolescents often times can be distracted and forgetful because they are not paying attention. It would be difficult to count on one hand how many children and adolescents have their minds wander throughout the day even when they are supposed to be focused and attentive. Most children, especially young children, are able to stay in the present moment and focus on their five senses. Teaching children and adolescents how to use mindfulness skills is not something that is all that foreign to them.

It is essential that prior to teaching any client mindfulness skills the therapist address any questions clients might have. Since the attention span for many children is shorter than that of an adult a therapist would start by doing an exercise that was 5 minutes or less. It should be noted that clients that are very anxious might not always be appropriate for these exercises because it could increase their anxiety.

Teaching simple mindfulness techniques to children and adolescents it can help them with their attention and focus. This could also improve the memory of children and adolescents who practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can also be useful in teaching children and adolescents to be more self-aware and practice self-control. This can help children have a better understating of how they experience the world around them. There is still a lot for us to learn about mindfulness but, it is evident that it can be a helpful tool in counseling children and adolescents.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please call Specialized Therapy Associates at 201.488.6678 for details.

The post Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents appeared first on Specialized Therapy.