Coping Skills, Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics What is the bargaining stage of grief? How to understand and work through the bargaining process after experiencing loss by Theresa Lupcho, LPC on Mar 22, 2023 The bargaining stage of grief is a process in which an individual who has suffered a loss might seek to regain control of their inner narrative, as they slowly process what has happened to them or someone they care about. Bargaining involves psychological negotiating with oneself, other people, or even…
Anger Management, Anxiety, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Anger and anxiety: Understanding the connection, and how to process what you’re feeling by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Mar 22, 2023 Anxiety and anger are common emotional states that many of us experience—sometimes daily. But when we’re unable to manage the intensity of these emotions, they might transform into chronic issues. This means that it’s important to think through the causes of anxiety and anger, as well as how to prevent…
Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement How to learn to like yourself by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Mar 20, 2023 Are you in a funk where you’re struggling to like yourself? Or, maybe you’re dealing with symptoms of depression or another mental health condition that’s tearing down your happiness and self-esteem. In any case, it’s important to address these feelings of not liking yourself – while keeping in mind that…
Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Self-worth vs. self-esteem: What’s the difference? by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Mar 17, 2023 There are many closely related “self-” words including self-worth, self-esteem, self-respect, self-value, and so on. But two appear to mean virtually the same exact thing: self-worth and self-esteem. If you have self-worth, this means that you value yourself – you believe that you’re a good person who is worthy of…
Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics How to start therapy: Tips on where to start, what you need, and how to find the right therapist for you by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Mar 17, 2023 The decision to go to therapy can be a difficult one, but starting therapy with the right mental health professional is one of the best ways to improve your mental health. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, borderline personality disorder, feeling overwhelmed, or are unsure of what…
Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Self-esteem vs. self-confidence: What’s the difference, and can you have one without the other? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC on Mar 17, 2023 Self-esteem and self-confidence can be hard to develop, but both are key to loving yourself and living a fulfilled and happy life. Even so, that can be easier said than done. Low self-esteem can result from a variety of factors, including past relationships, negative coping strategies, and overthinking to name…
Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics How to get out of a funk: Helpful tips & suggestions by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Mar 6, 2023 Most of us have experienced a stretch of time that we might call a “funk.” We may feel anxious, downtrodden, frustrated, or even just plain tired. Sometimes, we might not even know why—but for whatever reason, we’re off our game. Getting out of a funk may not seem easy, and…
Mental Health Topics, Sexuality, Trauma Sexual trauma: What are the effects? And what treatment options are available? by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Mar 6, 2023 Sexual trauma can occur in many forms and for survivors often results in short- or long-term psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. In the days and weeks following occurrences of sexual trauma, survivors may grapple with confusion, guilt, social withdrawal, and anger. Despite its potential to cause psychological…
Depression, Mental Health Topics, Parenting, Women's Issues Stay-at-home mom depression: Why motherhood may cause depressive disorders, how to cope, and more by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Mar 3, 2023 For those of us who aren’t stay-at-home moms, we may marvel at how they’re able to run an entire household. And for some, especially those on the cusp of motherhood or who are contemplating life after pregnancy, being a stay-at-home mom may sound unfamiliar, or even scary. Besides the struggles…
Depression, Mental Health Topics, Sleep Morning depression: What are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options? by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP on Mar 3, 2023 Depression is characterized by intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Those who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) often experience a loss of interest in once-beloved activities, significant impairment in day-to-day functioning, and a range of other symptoms, such as changes to sleep and appetite. These factors, most notably sleep…
Disorders, Eating Disorders, Mental Health Topics What is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder? Common symptoms and causes of ARFID by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC on Feb 27, 2023 Children are often picky with their food choices, but sometimes, those eating habits can go beyond pickiness and start affecting a child’s physical health. If a child’s eating patterns become increasingly restrictive and they begin to have symptoms like a lack of energy, failing to hit growth milestones, and refusing…
Depression, Mental Health Topics How long does depression last? The average time frame for depression, plus effective coping strategies by Christine Ridley, LCSW on Feb 27, 2023 Depression is an extremely prevalent issue around the world. However, despite there being common symptoms, it often looks different to everyone that struggles with it. There are differing types of depression, as well as symptoms, intensity, duration, and more. Depression is pervasive, and an episode can last anywhere from a…