People deal with mental health issues in many different ways. But one of the most troubling is self-harm. Self-harm refers to the act of deliberately harming oneself. It's usually a response to emotional pain or a byproduct of mental health conditions.
Self-harm takes many forms, taking extreme steps to hide the behavior from those around them. Counseling for self harm can make a difference, identifying the root cause of the behavior and helping people find other ways to cope with their mental health struggles. Here are a few common treatments for self-harm. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy One of the most common approaches to addressing self-harm is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is about identifying negative and unhealthy thought patterns and replacing them with more positive emotions. It's about changing a person's perspective and empowering them with new techniques to manage their mental health. CBT takes time, and there are many unique approaches to this form of therapy. Working with a professional and getting counseling for self harm is the first step in recovery. Therapists can teach people how to redirect their negative emotions into healthier behaviors. Counseling also teaches new skills to improve self-esteem, strengthen relationships and find ways to cope with stress that don't cause harm to oneself or others. Medications Some mental health care providers may recommend medications. This approach is common if self-harm is a byproduct of underlying or coexisting mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In many cases, taking prescribed drugs can dramatically improve one’s mood. They help address the root cause of the behavior, eliminating or addressing the need to self-harm. Typically, a pharmaceutical approach coincides with cognitive behavior therapy and other treatments. Mindfulness Therapy In addition to CBT, care providers often teach people who self-harm to practice mindfulness in their everyday lives. Mindfullness-based therapies are about self-reflection and de-stressing. There are many ways to practice mindfulness. You can journal, do breathing exercises or channel negative emotions into a creative outlet. Whatever the case, the goal is to use mindfulness therapies to find peace and avoid the urge to self-harm. Read a similar article about counseling for low motivation here at this page.
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Bullying is a major issue that schools have tried to quell for many decades. While we've seen great strides as more people become aware of the effects bullying can have on victims, it still exists today. Some argue that bullying is more widespread than ever, thanks to the prevalence of social media.
If you or someone you know is the victim of bullying, it's important to seek bullying therapy. Bullying can have long-lasting effects that haunt victims for years to come. Here are just a few ways that bullying impacts its victims. Increased Risk of Self-Harm People who experience bullying are at a significantly higher risk of self-harm and suicide ideation. This risk exists throughout adolescence, and many people can carry the issue well into adulthood. Bullying can create low self-esteem and negative thought patterns that are difficult to shake. If not addressed, victims develop low self-worth that can drive them to dangerous behavior. Poor Academic Performance Bullying most often occurs in school settings. Unfortunately, victims often experience declining academic performance due to their experience. Instead of being a place of safety and education, school becomes a climate of fear. As a result, many students focus less on their academics and may take steps to avoid going to school as much as possible. Psychosomatic Health Problems Victims of bullying have a higher risk of experiencing psychosomatic health problems, such as frequent headaches, difficulty sleeping, backaches, etc. Some even suffer from extreme issues like night terrors. These psychosomatic issues can follow victims into adulthood if they don't get the bullying therapy they need. Depression and Internalization Bullying is not easy for victims to talk about. Many fear retaliation from their perpetrators. Some try to get help only to receive adequate care and attention. The constant cycle of bullying can lead to an unhealthy habit of internalization. Victims internalize their issues, resulting in ongoing depression and anxiety. Victims of bullying have a significantly higher risk of depression, and those issues often follow them for many years after adolescence. Some also develop anti-social behaviors or personality disorders. Read a similar article about free online therapy here at this page. Many people use the terms "gender" and "sex" interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings. Individuals who work with a gender dysphoria therapist work to understand the differences, explore the relationship between sex and gender, and learn to integrate with their gender identity.
What is Sex? The easiest way to differentiate sex and gender is to consider sex as a set of biological attributes. Humans and animals have different attributes based on many factors. These include their number of chromosomes, gene expression, reproductive anatomy, hormone production and function and more. Typically, sex is categorized as either male or female. But it's more complex than that male/female binary. Several factors determine sex and living beings express attributes in many ways. For example, intersex people are born with characteristics that don't fall purely under the umbrella of male or female. What is Gender? We live in a time when people are more comfortable living their true selves than ever. However, many people still don't understand how gender differs from sex. Gender refers to the social constructs surrounding behaviors, expressions and identities. Think of it as the defined norms of what a woman or man should be. For example, the idea that all females should like the color pink and traditionally feminine activities over the idea that men should be tough and rugged. Gender constructs influence how people look at themselves, affecting how they believe they should act. It also reflects the distribution of power and resources in modern society. Outdated gender norms still plague the contemporary world, but people can explore new gender identities. Contrary to what some might think, gender identity is not confirmed to be binary. It's not static, either. It lives in a continuum, and people can change over their lifetimes. If you're struggling with your gender identity, it's important to seek help from a gender dysphoria therapist. Understanding the difference between sex and gender is the first step in living your authentic self. With the right care, you can learn to express your gender identity however you choose, living life to the fullest. Read a similar article about counseling for postpartum depression here at this page. Family therapy is a type of treatment designed to help with issues that specifically affect families' mental health and functioning. It can help individual family members build stronger relationships, improve communication, and manage conflicts within the family system. By improving how family members interact and relate to one another, family therapy can foster change in close relationships read more
When people hear "Schizophrenia," many think of over-the-top symptoms. Thanks to television and media, this brain disorder isn't well understood by the masses.
Schizophrenia affects less than one percent of Americans, but there are more people with the disorder than most realize. Furthermore, it doesn't cause split personalities or other harmful stereotypes that many imagine. It's a complex condition that can come and go. When it's active, people can experience various alarming symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. However, it also impacts everyday tasks. Schizophrenia is more than odd visions. It can also change how a person speaks, create difficulties in thinking and remove all motivation to do anything. Schizophrenia is complex, and there is no known cure. While no cure exists, experts continue to develop new therapies that make schizophrenia more manageable. How is Schizophrenia Treated? After a diagnosis, most patients will work with professionals who specialize in schizophrenia counseling. Counselors can provide cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. The exact treatment plan will vary based on an individual's needs. Schizophrenia affects people differently, and healthcare providers will assess the condition to determine the best course of action. Typically, counselors work with patients to learn how to manage symptoms. The goal is to enhance function and find ways to live as normally as possible. In some cases, schizophrenia counseling may involve stress reduction or improving social skills. Many people with this disorder end up homeless because of how much it impacts employability. As a result, counseling helps patients get back into the workforce and manage the many symptoms that could affect employability. Health care providers may also prescribe antipsychotic medications. They can drastically reduce psychotic symptoms, making managing hallucinations and delusions easier. Medications can also reduce the risks of future episodes. People with schizophrenia have a lot to overcome, but plenty of services are available. A mix of therapy and prescription medications is game-changing for individuals with this disorder. They allow them to reintegrate into society and get better control over their lives. Treatment continues to evolve, but we're already at a point where people with schizophrenia can live happy and productive lives. Read a similar article about counseling for post traumatic stress disorder here at this page. Stress can be a severe problem for college students. For many young adults, it's their first time being away from home and family. Pair that with the pressures of succeeding, managing a tough course load and all the social anxieties of being a young adult, and it's a recipe for disaster.
Elevated stress levels can harm students in many ways, and it's often a cited source for poor performance or mental health decline. Whether you're a student or a concerned parent looking to help, here are some tips on handling college stress. Get Plenty of Rest A lack of sleep can cause countless problems for students. While many young people think they can get by on a few hours of sleep, it doesn't take long for those unhealthy sleep patterns to catch up. Not getting a full night of rest can exacerbate mental health problems while impacting one's overall physical health. Don't let the allure of college nightlife prevent you from getting the sleep you need. Aim for at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Focus on Health and Fitness We've all heard about the "freshman 15." Gaining weight and declining physical health can pile more stress on an already anxiety-ridden college life. Unfortunately, many students use eating as a way to cope with the existing pressures of being in college. Many experts in student therapy recommend investing in health and fitness. Be mindful of your diet and make a conscious effort to exercise regularly. Prioritizing your physical health can manifest in better mental health management moving forward. Practice Good Time Management Time management is crucial for college students. There's nothing worse than juggling too many classes and extracurriculars simultaneously. The best way to avoid stress is to become a meticulous scheduler. Be realistic about what you can achieve. Set aside time for every class and give yourself ample time to complete your course load. Don't attempt to take on more than you can. Being an over-achiever is only beneficial if you succeed in all your endeavors. Get Help Finally, don't be afraid to get student therapy. Many colleges offer mental health services to help students manage their stress and live their most successful college lives. Read a similar article about counseling for forgiveness here at this page. Are you starting to feel a wave of complacency take over your life? Maybe you have the aching pains of unfulfillment, running on autopilot as you struggle to feel a spark of joy. Life is about experiencing peaks and valleys, and feelings of indifference are not something you should ignore.
If you fall into that boat, it's wise to get help. Therapy for getting unstuck can help you tackle those confusing emotions. Failing to address the problem can lead to anxiety, putting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being at risk. Here's how. A Lack of Purpose One major issue that comes with feeling complacent is that you start to lose purpose in life. Everyone needs a reason to keep going. Life isn't easy, but your core purpose pushes you to make positive changes and reach your full potential. When you're stuck in one place, that reason for being can fade into the background. You may suffer an existential crisis, pushing you deeper into a hole of anxiety and depression. Mental Overload Being overloaded with responsibility can create a gnawing sense of panic that never goes away. While you have plenty to do, you might not feel the joy of accomplishment you once did. Instead, the only thing you have left to deal with is unprecedented panic and burnout. That quickly makes you lose a sense of direction. Instead of working towards that end goal, you have nothing to look forward to but more responsibility. It's a never-ending cycle that can severely harm your mental well-being. Self-Sabotage Self-sabotage is a common theme in therapy for getting unstuck. People often have a negative mindset because they're frantically searching for a way out of their situation. You feel stuck, but you don't know how to take action and get out. Instead, you constantly doubt yourself and your capabilities. That voice inside your head kicks you down, resulting in anxious feelings about everything you try to do. Resistance to Move Forward Complacency can create a false sense of comfort that tricks you into thinking that you don't need to move forward. It's like getting trapped between a rock and a hard place. You're stuck and unable to find joy in your life, but you ultimately develop a fear of moving outside your comfort zone. Therapy works to help you get out of that cycle. It gets to the root of the problem, addressing your stuck feelings and motivating you to grab life by the horns and find joy. Read a similar article about social anxiety therapist here at this page. Read on to learn more about the vulnerability stress model, some criticism it has received, the impact stress can have on us, and ways to boost protective factors to fight against stress read more
Struggling to get a good night of rest? A lack of sleep is more than a minor nuisance. You need sleep to reset your body and mind. Failing to get seven to nine hours can result in declining mental health, weight gain, and many other problems.
It's always a good idea to seek counseling for sleeping well if these troubles are ongoing. You can also try the following tips to promote a restful night of uninterrupted sleep. Cut Back on the Blue Light In our ever-connected world, browsing social media or watching videos is tempting as you lay in bed. But doing so could make your sleep troubles even worse! The blue light from your phones, tablets, and TVs are tricking your body into thinking it's still daytime. It can throw off your circadian rhythm, keeping you up hours later than necessary. Stop Eating and Drinking Who doesn't love a late-night snack? Unfortunately, those before-bed cookies and treats could be ruining your sleep cycle. Eating before could negatively impact your sleep quality. It may also reduce the production of melatonin. Resist the urge to eat anything four hours before bed. Drinks can also be problematic. Caffeine and sugar are a big no-no. Avoid drinking any liquids two hours before bed. Take Melatonin Melatonin is a natural hormone your body releases when it gets dark. It triggers your body to relax and can promote better sleep. Many factors can reduce natural melatonin. But supplements can restore it. Melatonin products are widely available. Consider taking some before bed to get your body into a state of sleepiness. Improve Your Sleep Environment Finally, you can do what you can to make your bedroom as cozy as possible. Invest in plush pillows, a better mattress, and black-out curtains. Noise machines and other relaxation items can make a big difference. Getting Help If these tips don't work, seek professional help. Counseling for sleeping well can help you overcome whatever issues you're experiencing, letting you get a good night of rest once and for all. Read a similar article about counseling for eating disorders here at this page. Pregnancy can do many things to the mind and body. It's a significant transformation, and you'll notice many changes.
However, the signs are more subtle in the early stages of pregnancy. Next to a pregnancy test, here are a few signs that you might be expecting! Mood Swings Hormonal issues are common throughout your pregnancy. But during early pregnancy, the sudden flood of hormones often results in noticeable moodiness. You might go from extreme happiness to suddenly bawling your eyes out. Some women also lash out and get somewhat angry at the littlest inconveniences. Therapy for mood swings can help address this issue. Knowing that you are pregnant makes a difference, too. Missed Periods Whether or not this symptom occurs depends on your normal menstrual cycle. If you have a regular cycle, a missed period is a telltale sign of pregnancy. Menstrual cycles are complex, so there's no need to panic if you're late by a day. But if your period hasn't come after a week, it might be time for a pregnancy test. More Frequent Urination During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases. That results in more processing by the kidneys. Many women end up with more fluids in their bladder, causing them to urinate more often than usual. Bloating Hormones do more than force you to seek therapy for mood swings. The changes in your body also result in bloating. Certain hormones will be more prevalent, leading to bloating similar to the start of your menstrual cycle. The bloating is not extreme, but it's enough to make most women take notice. Changes in Taste and Smell Once again, your hormones cause trouble to how you live your life! The hormonal changes of pregnancy often cause women to become more sensitive to certain smells and tastes. What's usually not a big deal can become nauseating. You may also develop strange cravings for foods you usually don't eat. Either way, these are possible signs of pregnancy. These symptoms alone aren't always a red flag for pregnancy. But if you're experiencing several of them, taking a pregnancy test might be a good idea. Read a similar article about therapy for schizophrenia here at this page. |
AuthorAlester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. ArchivesCategories |