Let’s be honest- regardless of where you stand on how people are reacting to this- it has been a very stressful experience so far. From overall anxiety about health issues to childcare to financial insecurity to possibly running out of toilet paper- we have seen some extreme behaviors in the last several weeks. Accept it- … Continue reading Surviving COVID-19: The Mental Health Edition
Relationships change. Boundaries change. One of the “problems” with setting boundaries is that sometimes we end up losing relationships that were part of our support system. Our sanctuary changes and it feels uncomfortable -- because it’s hard to understand or accept the shifts in those relationships. It is a very painful experience, but a necessary … Continue reading Safety planning to stay sane
Ever have those dreams where you still feel like you are part of it even after you wake up? What about those nightmares or night terrors? You wake up suddenly only to notice that you can’t move or scream for help. The fear of being stuck like that sets in and you don’t know what … Continue reading Sleep Paralysis
Initially, I was a skeptic. I am not really about joining something unless I actually see some value in it. So when my supervisor came to me and “suggested” Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training, her push for it really made me uncomfortable. I went in and needless to say, questioned everything- and truth … Continue reading Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
High-functioning depression is one of the most difficult forms of depression to recognize. Societal expectations of depression tend to be stereotypical and not meeting those standards but still having depression can be complicated to understand. Generally, when we discuss depressive symptoms, crying, withdrawing, difficulty getting out of bed, poor hygiene- to name a few, are … Continue reading High-Functioning Depression
How do you define anger? When I ask my clients “what is anger”, most talk about the violent aspect they have witnessed. According to the American Psychological Association, “Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.” So basically, it’s resentment or hostility you have toward … Continue reading Coping with Anger
We talked about why therapy is important and thoughts and behavior cycles that may prevent us from going to therapy, but financial responsibilities may prevent us from getting the mental health services that we need. Let’s discuss some of the options that may be available to you to help you get the mental health treatment … Continue reading How to afford therapy
You have a great life. You love your career. Your relationship with your parents has improved tremendously. You are in a good place romantically. But you still struggle with anxiety. You repeat the mantra you grew up with: “there are so many others who have it much worse than you; be thankful for what you … Continue reading Are you even allowed to have a mental illness?
We have often heard that the meaning gets lost in translation. The intensity of an experience can definitely get diluted in the balancing act of living a bi-cultural life. In honor of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to offer some culture-specific examples that may help with understanding the importance/impact of these experiences. … Continue reading Understanding the unhealthy norms
In the list of unknown reasons for someone experiencing mental health disorders, Munchausen Syndrome or Factitious Disorder listed in DSM 5 peaks curiosity. What is Factitious Disorder? In simple terms, it is presenting self or someone else (by proxy) as sick or impaired in some way. It includes signs and symptoms that may not have … Continue reading Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
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