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with friends and peers has been limited because of the quarantine, causing many teenagers to feel isolated and withdrawn.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 [...]
Am I making progress in life or just trying to survive? This post is meant to bring your awareness to a type of anxiety that affects high achievers and people who push themselves beyond their limits. High-functioning anxiety is not considered a mental health diagnosis. This is because of those who experience it self-report being [...]
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 [...]
Throughout our lives, we naturally develop defenses to protect ourselves from thoughts, feelings, or experiences that seem uncomfortable. For example, we might deny that an uncomfortable situation is happening because we don't want to face that discomfort. You might think of defenses as rose-colored glasses that we put on so we can try to change [...]
When we think about addiction and recovery, it is vital to prepare for relapse prevention by minimizing daily stressors and following a solid plan to avoid relapse. Relapse prevention planning also typically includes strategies for avoiding triggers for relapse, including people whom you used to use substances with, places where you used to obtain or use [...]
Did you know there is a strong connection between eating and your mood? Your food choices can dramatically impact how you feel not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Your mind and emotions cannot be separated from your body. Your feelings, emotions, mood, and mental energy are all impacted by what is- and [...]
Many of us have a stereotype of what an addict or alcoholic is. Some people assume that drug and alcohol addiction is a problem that only certain kinds of people face; this could not be further from the truth. There are many misconceptions about drug and alcohol addiction that can affect not only the addict [...]
