Many of us struggle financially from time to time, as the cost of day to day living expenses continue to rise. As these bills continue to pile up, the stress of financial burden weighs heavy on the family, from the parents to the kids. Fortunately, your financial stress doesn’t have…
stress
While the two often blur together, there is a difference between grief and depression. Technically speaking, bereavement (loss and grief) can last for up to 6 months before it turns into a diagnoseable depression. That being said, the grieving process does oftentimes last longer than 6 months—still, you should watch…
Daily routines can reduce stress, help us break bad habits (and create better ones), and introduce structure to our lives. However, it’s also beneficial to open ourselves to change and new opportunities as they arise—doing so reduces rigidity and increases happiness. The key is finding a healthy middle ground between…
Work is a common cause of stress, for a number of reasons, including: fear of losing one’s job, gossip, and a long commute. You can take control of these stressors and ultimately improve your mental health by working for yourself. It’s important to note that self-employment doesn’t come without stress—the…
It’s important you make time for your hobbies, as partaking in your favorite activities is vital to stress management, social connection, and your overall happiness. When you engage in an activity you enjoy, you release a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which makes you feel good! Additionally, your hobbies provide you with…
There’s an underrated, simple solution for relieving ourselves of stress and anxiety: engaging in a little humor. Appeal to your funny bone by accessing some quick humor or thinking back on a funny moment. Share your favorite humor or a funny moment with a friend—socializing will get you some added…
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a crippling disease that can have negative effects on one’s relationships. Triggers may cause the affected individual to lash out at loved ones. Avoidance symptoms may cause one to dissociate and neglect relationships. Hypervigilance can lead to sleep and concentration problems, which then can negatively affect…
Those who develop posttraumatic stress disorder as a result of experiencing trauma often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, and/or depressed mood. They may also go through periods of heightened irritability, hostility, and self-destructive behavior. But the question is when? Jessica Tappana, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in…