Anxiety, Mental Health Topics How to reduce anxiety immediately: Helpful tips for calming anxious responses by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Feb 2, 2024 Though anxiety affects many individuals, there is no one way to manage it that works for everyone. There are many strategies you can use to neutralize or decrease anxiety symptoms, but some will be more effective for individuals than they are for others. If you are still finding out what…
Anxiety, Mental Health Topics How to stop shaking from anxiety: Why it happens and helpful calming tools by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Jan 26, 2024 Anxiety can become overwhelming, especially when its symptoms impact your day-to-day life. Shaking, racing pulse, sweating, and more can overtake someone when their anxiety is heightened, which can make it difficult to be around certain stimuli—even everyday situations. However, there are simple ways to help lower anxiety and thereby lessen…
Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics What is a guilt complex? by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Jan 25, 2024 Guilt can be a tool for growth, but it can also be erosive and paralyzing when it’s felt too much. Sometimes, people can experience guilt for situations or events that aren’t their fault, or even have nothing to do with them. In some cases, this can be due to something…
Communication, Mental Health Topics “I” statements: What they are, examples, and how to use them effectively by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Jan 24, 2024 Communication is a key part of any relationship, but when talking about conflict or charged topics, it can be difficult to get one’s point across without starting an argument. However, there is a helpful tool that can be used to diffuse situations and keep conversations civil and productive—“I” statements. Often…
Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships I hate people: Is that normal? Causes, treatments, and shifting our perspectives by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Dec 22, 2023 Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement How to Stay Motivated and Inspired to Achieve Your Goals: 6 Tips by Hannah DeWitt on Dec 21, 2023 As important as it is these days to be productive, staying motivated isn’t always an easy task. There are plenty of effective strategies and guidelines for staying organized and accomplishing your goals, but many of those are pretty ineffective if you aren’t motivated to put them to use and reap…
Disorders, Mental Health Topics Body dysmorphic disorder: Signs, triggers, treatment, and more by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on Dec 15, 2023 It’s the little things about our appearance that often get to us—some crooked teeth, a few extra pounds, or maybe more gray in our hair than we’d like to see. The idea of perfect, the one our imagination creates, is unrealistic. However, recognizing when our self-judgment transforms into an unhealthy…
Mental Health Topics, Stress 10 foolproof ways to relieve holiday stress by Hannah DeWitt on Dec 13, 2023 The holiday season is in full swing, and though it’s a time meant to be full of celebration, togetherness, and fulfillment, many people experience anything but. Whether it’s work stress, family tension, loneliness, or any number of other stressors, there’s often a lot on people’s minds, which can prevent one…
Family, Mental Health Topics, Stress How to manage dysfunctional family dynamics during the holidays by Jason Crosby on Dec 8, 2023 The holiday season is a time to make merry, reconnect with family and friends, and find something to be grateful for. But if you’re feeling like the holidays actually stress you out more than other parts of the year, you aren’t alone. With tight budgets that flex to handle dinners,…
Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Helping your loved ones embrace therapy: Effective strategies by Theresa Lupcho, LPC on Nov 16, 2023 Are you worried about a loved one? Maybe they show signs of depression, are having trouble coping with a recent loss, or simply appear to be stressed out of their mind. Whatever the case, you might be considering the benefits of talking with a mental health professional and want to…
Mental Health Topics, Psychology What is abstract thinking? How it works & more by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Nov 15, 2023 From completing calculus problems to enabling us to strategize to successfully navigating a busy highway, abstract thinking allows us to accomplish a lot. Abstract thinking is applied daily, no matter what your profession or daily routines and habits are. But what exactly is abstract thinking? And how can it be…
Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Megalophobia: Causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more by Evan Csir, LPC on Nov 15, 2023 Megalophobia is characterized by an irrational fear of large objects, which can encompass various entities such as skyscrapers, animals, landmarks such as mountains, and more. The manifestation of megalophobia varies among individuals, with some being comfortable around certain large objects but distressed by others. Learn more about megalophobia, including how…