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
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
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
During my years working with ‘victims’ of domestic violence, I noticed a common theme- most did not recognize that emotional abuse was a form of abuse. The best way I could describe emotional abuse was by comparing it to an accident. It’s easy to treat the physical cuts or bruises because you can see it … Continue reading Recognizing Emotional Abuse
Does anyone else think that it is extremely unfair that naptime is not built into our day as adults? What if I told you that we would perform our duties better if we allow ourselves that standard 20-minute power nap sometime during the mid-day… would you believe me? Just when I start to underplay the … Continue reading Need for Sleep
How do you tie your shoelace? Who taught you? Do you know who taught them? Chances are that it was a parent or a family member who taught you just like they were taught by the generation before them. When we talk about family “inheritance,” we mostly assume money, traditions, or even genes but it … Continue reading Generational Trauma
Talking about your mental health struggles is difficult; you don’t know how others will react to your needs. But how do you talk to someone else about possibly seeking help when they are in complete denial? It is probably one of the most difficult problems out there. As a therapist working with adults, I run … Continue reading Talking about Mental Health
Let’s start today with a pop quiz. What is Mental Health? a) Understanding what mental issues we struggle with. b) Understanding our overall well-being. c) A diagnosis so we can get help from insurance. d) Everyone is just crazy! If you answered B, you are correct! Mental health is so much more than just understanding … Continue reading What is Mental Health?
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