Childhood is a special time full of learning and wonder, but many adults find that certain moments in childhood only bring back memories of trauma and sorrow. While everyone can probably think of a traumatic incident or time in their early years, some events are more traumatic than others. When extreme trauma occurs in childhood, it can go on to cause long-term emotional distress that may continue late into adulthood.
Overcoming childhood trauma is a difficult task because everyone processes trauma differently. Additionally, the various twists and turns of life may compound certain traumatic events for one person while not affecting traumatic memories for another. If you’ve experienced childhood trauma and are having a hard time moving forward in life as a result, below are some tips: Work With a Therapist One of the best ways to overcome childhood trauma is to work with a therapist who specializes in assisting individuals with a traumatic stress response. Therapy for abandonment, abuse, communication issues, and more may help you to move forward with your life by providing coping skills that you can use to understand your trauma from a different perspective. Therapy for abandonment, abuse, and other forms of childhood trauma is available in most areas around the United States, and insurance will cover the cost of treatment in the majority of cases. You are, however, encouraged to contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage before scheduling an appointment. Take Care of Yourself It’s often said that the best way to get back at someone who harmed you is to live your best life. Instead of trying to rectify a situation that occurred many years ago, you’re encouraged to focus on the present and the future. One way to do this and have control over the situation is to take care of yourself. This means eating right, exercising, being patient and kind with yourself and others, and practicing affirmative thinking. Practice Mindfulness One of the most unfortunate byproducts of childhood trauma is the potential to become like the person who caused the trauma. This often happens when a parent speaks in an abusive manner or when a trusted family member lashes out when angry. When you practice mindfulness, you consciously pay attention to what you say and how you say it. You also monitor your actions to ensure that you are acting the way that you want to act and not how someone who hurt you acted. Read a similar article about therapy for men here at this page.
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Mental health issues and the related therapy services used to treat them were once considered taboo subjects. Thankfully, the stigma of mental health concerns has largely disappeared, and therapy is thought of as a normal, helpful endeavor undertaken by people from all walks of life.
In fact, therapy doesn’t even need to be something you seek out during a mental health crisis. Every day people can benefit from therapy sessions, and these days, online therapy means you don’t even have to visit a therapist’s office to reap the benefits. How Therapy Helps Everyone Whether you take part in online therapy sessions, in-person one-on-one counseling, or engage in focused group therapy sessions, you can see real positive changes in your life. Therapy allows people the chance to discuss their feelings, struggles, accomplishments, and more with others. This can improve your outlook by letting off some steam and gaining understanding and acceptance in the process. Additionally, trained therapists can often provide direction based on the unique needs of each individual seeking services. The field of psychology and counseling involves a lot of unique variables, so receiving expert advice from a caring professional can be very helpful in navigating tricky situations involving mental and emotional health. Paying It Forward While therapy can provide benefits for the individual, the real value in seeking therapy is that you can “pay it forward” using the lessons you learn during your sessions. When you discover ways to cope with stressful situations without losing your cool, you can serve as an example to others. When someone sees how you handle a difficult scenario with poise, they may be encouraged and inspired to re-evaluate their own outlook and make changes for the better. This can result in a domino effect whereby more and more people begin to take a breath and de-stress. In the end, this is beneficial to communities and society as a whole as it allows the world to take things down a notch. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up being the key to world peace! Read a similar article about therapy for self harm here at this page. Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but for some people, anxiety can become such a problem that it can affect everyday life. If you experience ongoing anxiety that keeps you from doing the things you love or hinders your ability to take part in daily tasks, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
There are a number of ways in which anxiety disorders are classified, and treatment usually involves therapy for anxiety. The only way to be sure you have an anxiety disorder is to work closely with your doctor, but the following are some common physical symptoms that may suggest an anxiety disorder is present in your life: Muscle Pain Muscle pain is often a symptom of anxiety disorders, and this pain occurs largely because of tension. People who suffer from anxiety disorders may unknowingly tighten muscles throughout the day, leading to additional stress on muscle tissue and nerves. Uneven Breathing During periods of high anxiety, breathing can become faster and more shallow. A person suffering from an anxiety disorder may begin to feel as if they can’t catch their breath. They may also begin to feel lightheaded from hyperventilating. Insomnia An inability to fall or stay asleep can also be a physical manifestation of anxiety. People who experience anxiety disorders often find their thoughts racing, particularly at night when trying to settle down. Even if sleep is achieved, the quality of sleep is often poor. Rapid Heart Rate A rapid heart rate can be another physical symptom of anxiety. When the nervous system becomes overactive and perceives a threat, blood gets pumped more rapidly throughout the body in an attempt to prepare the fight-of-flight response. This is the case even when no actual danger is presented. Talk to a Medical Professional As stated above, only a medical professional can diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. If you’re concerned that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder and you’d like more information about seeking therapy for anxiety, your doctor can evaluate your condition and provide medical solutions to help you feel better. Read a similar article about couples therapy here at this page. Even after the pandemic ends, telehealth appears poised to stay, according to APA’s 2021 COVID-19 Practitioner Survey of U.S. psychologists who are either APA members or prospective members read more
Body dysmorphic disorder is an issue that affects an estimated 2.4 percent of the general population. The unique disorder can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Because body dysmorphic disorder revolves around deeply rooted concerns regarding physical appearance, it's often intrinsically linked to eating disorders.
This blog will talk about the connection and distinctions between body dysmorphia and eating disorders. The Basics of Body Dysmorphia Those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder show signs of obsession over perceived flaws. They might focus on a specific body area, such as the nose, chest, or even hair. However, some might become preoccupied with a broader concern, such as weight or height. To diagnose body dysmorphia, therapists look for a few telltale signs. These include behaviors that disrupt a person's everyday life, repetitive actions in response to their concerns, and prioritizing physical defects that aren't noticeable to others. Body dysmorphic disorder counseling aims to help patients overcome those destructive thought patterns and behaviors. What are Eating Disorders? People who have eating disorders show intense concern about body shape, size, and weight. Typically, the obsession forces patients to go to extremes in order to create the change they want to see. There are many types of eating disorders, but the most common are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both are dangerous and can have lasting ramifications on one's mental and physical health. How They're Related Body dysmorphia and eating orders are distinct. But, they share many similarities. In many cases, people suffering from eating orders will exhibit the same kinds of obsessive behaviors. For example, they may spend considerable time in front of the mirror or weigh themselves multiple times a day. Both disorders can feed into one another as well. It's common for body dysmorphia to lead to eating disorders and vice versa. They're both related to perceived flaws in outward appearance, resulting in extreme behavior. Getting Help The best way to address these conditions is to seek treatment. Body dysmorphic disorder counseling can help men and women overcome their unhealthy patterns through cognitive behavioral therapy. With time, people can start to adopt a healthier mindset and look past their perceived flaws. Read a similar blog about online therapist here at this page. Almost everyone seems busy these days. Although digital connectivity has made people’s lives more efficient, it has also caused many people to face increasingly heavy workloads and full social schedules. In all of this running around, it can be difficult to find time for yourself.
Self care is something that usually leads to increased satisfaction with life, but finding the time to practice self care can be hard when you have a million things going on. If you’ve found yourself fighting to fit in just a little bit of “me time”, below are some self care tips for people with busy lives: Leverage the Power of Scheduling Busy people usually find that scheduling is a big part of organizing their day. Why not use your scheduling prowess to fit in time for self care? When you schedule time specifically for self care, you have the ability to not only get the care you need, but you also have the chance to get into a routine of caring for your own needs. It’s the Little Things Something else to consider when planning self care is the notion of engaging in small acts on a regular basis instead of big acts only occasionally. While you’re encouraged to still schedule that annual vacation or weekend getaway with friends, scheduling smaller events more frequently can add up. Frequent, small acts of self care help to even out a busy life and reduce stress from daily living. If you only focus on a few big acts of self care per year, you may be letting stress and pressure build for too long. Healthcare is Self Care Remember that, while self care often involves things meant to address overall wellness and satisfaction with life, your physical health plays a key role in all of this. Make sure that you are including healthcare into yourself care as a result. Regular visits with your doctor for checkups can help to address problems before they become big issues, and your doctor may be able to suggest other self care tips that are unique to your personal situation. Read a similar article about tips for dealing with loneliness here at this page. http://eggzack.com/article/2022-02-11-how-to-deal-with-loneliness-during-covid.html Addiction comes in many forms, and it can affect people of all ages from all walks of life. For many individuals, addiction is a gradual process that starts off slowly. Over time, psychological and physical changes take place that leave a person not only wanting more of something, but also needing something in order to feel normal.
Unfortunately, addiction can be an embarrassing problem for some people, leading those affected to refuse help until the problem has gotten out of hand. Many people who have developed an addiction will also rationalize their own behavior. In doing so, they often deny that a problem exists or believe that they have control over the situation. Signs of Addiction The signs of addiction can be difficult to spot from the outside, particularly in the early stages. It’s also important to note that everyone is different, and addiction can manifest itself in many ways. Over time, however, signs of addiction may include:
Treatment Options Thankfully, addiction treatment is available to assist those who are struggling with this personal problem. Addiction treatment specialists utilize various tools, including medications and therapy, to help addicted individuals regain a sense of control over their lives and happiness. In some cases, inpatient treatment at a rehabilitation facility will be the best course of action, but in other cases, intensive outpatient therapy may be the better choice. Lean on Your Support Resources People who are facing addiction are encouraged to lean on any and all support resources available. Aside from seeking professional treatment from an addiction specialist, talking with your doctor is a good idea. Additionally, trusted friends and family can provide support through the treatment and recovery processes. If you are concerned that you have developed an addiction or are worried about the potential for developing an addiction, now is a good time to begin looking at your options. Waiting longer can potentially make the problem worse and will only prolong your happiness and well-being. Read a similar blog about online therapist here at this page. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that was developed in the early 1960s, is primarily used for human and veterinary anesthesia. But in recent years, scientists have explored the possibility of using ketamine to treat mental illness, in particular treatment-resistant depression (TRD) read more
While the stigmas around mental health aren't as bleak as they used to be, there are still prejudices out there that prevent people from getting the help they need. Even within mental health circles, ignorance, political ideologies, and faith can get in the way.
For this reason, many queer individuals expressly turn to LGBTQ-friendly therapists. But how can you find an LGBT mental health expert? In this blog, we'll show you how. Why Seek an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist? Queer people have unique needs that not every counselor understands. Regardless of how much training a therapist has or how accepting they are, not everyone is mindful of those distinct needs. An LGBTQ-friendly professional is someone who doesn't have to spend time trying to understand sexualities and identities. Therapists don't have to be part of the queer community themselves. But they need to have some common ground to alleviate the anxiety that comes with the experience. Queer-identified people shouldn't have to spend time justifying who they are in a therapy setting. As a result, counselors must be inviting and affirming from the jump. A basic understanding of the queer experience goes a long way in making patients feel welcome and safe enough to discuss their issues. Finding an LGBT Mental Health Expert There are many ways to find a suitable counselor. Many cities have pride centers. There, you can find all kinds of LGBTQ-friendly services. If you live in a smaller town and don't have access to local resources, look online. Online therapy is a great way to get help from anywhere. You can find a therapist who understands your struggles and affirms your identity. You're not limited to a defined local area, ensuring that you have access to professionals from around the world. Online counseling is also a great place to join LGBTQ+ support groups, forums, and more. Help from Someone Who Understands In the LGBTQ community, mental health counseling is crucial. It can help you overcome a wide range of issues and encourage you to live your true self. Finding an LGBTQ-friendly therapist makes the process easier, creating a safe environment where you can be as open as you want. Read a similar article about online counseling here at this page. When feelings of anxiety start to creep up on you, breathing exercises can help you calm down. Simple breathing techniques can provide solace no matter where you are, serving as a valuable tool to control your mental well-being in any situation.
Here are some effective drills to try out next time you're feeling anxious. Belly Breathing Have you ever taken notice of how your chest moves when you inhale and exhale? The diaphragm, a muscle below the lungs, is responsible for respiration. Ask any participant in a mindfulness help message board, and they'll tell you that few use the diaphragm to its full potential. Now is the time to give it a shot! Try laying down on your bed with a hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose and focus on expanding your stomach rather than your chest. Purse your lips together as you exhale slowly. Belly breathing takes practice. You may feel tired the first few times you do it. But regular belly breathing can do wonders to help you focus your emotions and come down from anxious thoughts. Equal Breathing This technique comes from pranayama yoga. It involves counting your inhales and exhales. The goal is to breathe equally and fall into a rhythm as you accept and expel air. Get into a comfortable position and close your eyes. Then, inhale through your nose and slowly count to four. Exhale for the same four seconds, and repeat the exercise. As you breathe in time, be mindful of your feelings and the sensation of air filling your lungs. Long Exhales Here's a simple exercise that can provide quick results when you encounter trouble. It's not uncommon to take rapid breaths when faced with anxiety. Unfortunately, that often leads to hyperventilation, exacerbating the problem even more. Extended exhales prevent that issue. Plus, it triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which affects the body's natural ability to calm down. Start by pushing all of the air out of your lungs. Instead of taking a massive gulp of air, let your lungs inhale naturally. Repeat the process, but spend extra time exhaling. If you're timing yourself, try inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six. Finding Peace Breathing exercises offer a moment of peace in a chaotic world. Try these tips and turn to a mindfulness help message board to learn more techniques for staying calm. Read a similar article about depression message board here at this page. |
AuthorAlester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. ArchivesCategories |