The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an affect on the mental health of adults, children, and teenagers. Socialization with friends and peers has been limited because of the quarantine, causing many teenagers to feel isolated and withdrawn. Now that teenagers are returning to school, the affect of COVID-19 on their mental health is even more apparent. [...]
Loneliness During a Pandemic Over the past few months, we've heard the term 'social distancing' and the importance of keeping a 6-foot distance from others, to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Many of us have practiced social distancing to keep ourselves, our families, and others safe. Some have had to adhere to social [...]
Sobriety is an ongoing process that requires a daily commitment to recovery goals. Those in recovery know that it is essential to have a strong support system to maintain sobriety. This is especially true for those who are in early recovery. Other factors that help individuals in recovery include having daily structure and positive routines. [...]
Gender identity and expression are key elements to the way a child or teen perceives themselves and the world around them. For transgender children and teens, acceptance and support from family is essential. Research has shown that support from family can reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse in trans children and teens. [...]
Staying sober can be especially difficult around the holiday season when there are so many events and parties. These kinds of situations can cause stress, triggering thoughts or urges to use substances. Sobriety becomes even more challenging when drugs or alcohol are present at these events. Getting through the holiday season may seem daunting, but [...]
Procrastination is a common issue. A myth about procrastination is that the procrastinator is just being lazy. Procrastination typically results from avoiding discomfort in our lives or avoiding difficult emotions or stress. One important step towards addressing procrastination is asking yourself what you think and feel about a task or chore you are avoiding. Here [...]
Think about the term 'self-care' for a moment. What kinds of thoughts come to mind? Perhaps self-pampering like taking a warm bath, getting a manicure, or snuggling under a blanket. Maybe you're also thinking of self-care activities like taking a hike, going for a walk, or calling a friend. Self-care can include all of these [...]
Addiction can result from and bring forth emotions and thoughts that are difficult to deal with. These emotions can drive an addict to behave in ways they later regret. It can be challenging to figure out how to act in opposite ways that have more positive outcomes. A question I often ask my own clients [...]
When the weather gets warmer and pools open up, it can be a very enjoyable and relaxing time. Then you get your first BBQ invitation, one of perhaps many over the summer months. While exciting, this can become stressful if you are in recovery and sticking to sobriety. Here are some tips for success and [...]
Social media and social networking have benefits including connecting with loved ones and friends, and creating career connections. While these benefits are important, it is also important to look at the link between social networking and mood. A recent Forbes article reported about a study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology which found that "social [...]