The following is inspired by a therapy client who recently left counseling. Permission was granted to share a portion of our last session together. I hope this helps you cope with uncertainty, too. Obvious and tragic reasons aside, 2020 has been devastating. When we’re overwhelmed with uncertainty, identifying themes can help us narrow the focus and […]
Category: calm
Coping with Anticipatory Anxiety and Uncertainty
Anticipatory anxiety occurs when you feel dread and fear about an upcoming event, and limited information is available to you. While not a stand-alone mental health diagnosis, anticipatory anxiety is a symptom of other conditions including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The good news is anxiety is highly treatable. Create a Calm Plan and […]
12 Resources to Get You Through a Mental Health Tsunami
March 16, 2020 marks the day the world as we knew it, changed. Nearly 7 months later, not much has changed. And everything has changed. No vaccine exists for COVID-19. Racial injustices, police brutality, politicking, protesting and divisiveness pervades society. The point is not to tell you what you already know, or don’t know. We […]
The Undisputed Truth About Human Behavior and COVID-19
“My coronavirus anxiety is off the charts! My family has fallen apart and no one agrees on conditions for gatherings.” “I fear I won’t see my in-laws because my mother won’t babysit anymore if I visit their home.” “What can I do when my aunt refuses to leave her house?” A snapshot of common concerns […]
19 Ways to Support Your Mental Health During COVID-19
1. Don’t allow COVID-19 to distract you from your mental health issues. We all have mental health, and 1 in 4 of us suffers from a mental health condition. Or as my grad school professor wisely said, “It’s not us (therapists) versus you (clients). We’re all in this together and we’re all on the spectrum […]
The Anxiety Angle Nobody Talks About (but Should)
Whether scrambling to meet a work deadline or cramming for the MCAT, how you interpret the anxiety-provoking event will determine its outcome. One thing is certain, anxiety is hard to ignore. When a stressful situation arises, the fight-or-flight response hijacks your body and within seconds, a succession of catastrophic thoughts invade your mind. The physical […]
Anxiety Relief: You Are Not Bound by Your Biology
“I’m wired this way. I’ve always been a worrier!” “My thoughts are constantly racing.” “Everyone in my family is anxious.” If these thoughts resonate with you, you are not alone. Nearly 20% of the adult population in the United States is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Not included are the undiagnosed and untreated members of […]
17 Things to Curb Your Anxiety That Don’t Involve Therapy
“I can’t think straight!” “I worry all the time.” “I’ll never feel calm.” Anxiety is omnipresent. One may argue that something is wrong if racing thoughts, sleepless nights and tightening in your chest aren’t a part of your identity. It’s almost as if feeling calm is a myth. Be that as it may, you can […]
The Main Reason Why Anxious Adults Raise Anxious Children
Homework angst. Sleepless nights. Stomachaches. Panic attacks. Parents of anxious kids dread the start of the academic year. Most classrooms haven’t even opened their doors, yet administrators and counselors are already bombarded with parental stress. Not your mama’s new school year. This is an article about how well-intentioned grown-ups reinforce kids’ fears, worries, and […]
Boundaries: A Guide to Making Essential Life Decisions
“If you want to live an authentic, meaningful life, you need to master the art of disappointing and upsetting others, hurting feelings, and living with the reality that some people just won’t like you.” —Cheryl Richardson Establishing boundaries is one of the best ways to preserve your emotional energy and define who […]