Stress is more complex than just recognizing we’re overwhelmed and jumping into a warm bath to feel better. Maybe you feel like you’ve heard all there is to hear about stress and coping with it. Even still, let’s take just a little bit of time to talk about it and see if there’s anything you might be overlooking as potentially stress-related and maybe give you some coping skills you haven’t tried yet!
In honor of Counseling Awareness Month, let’s talk about the therapy process! Have you ever considered going to therapy, but wondered how that would appear in the eyes of others? If so, then you are certainly not alone. In fact, many people shy away from the idea of seeking therapy, out of the fear of being evaluated or being labeled as “crazy.” It is not uncommon for us to wonder about what this process looks like in real-time. After all, many people have only been exposed to therapy by viewing how the media wants to portray the process. Picture the typical movie version of an overwhelmed person lying on a couch, while a serious clinician takes notes and asks invasive questions. Yet, this is an over-exaggerated depiction of what therapy actually looks like. In fact, therapy is quite different than this overused stereotype.
Kids are supposed to be happy and excited during the holidays, right? Well, for many children, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season sparks unwanted feelings of anxiousness. As adults, we tend to overlook this truth and excuse the change in behavior as being a side effect of this magical season. Yet, the fact remains that children suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and other anxiety-related disorders may experience a heightened sense of nervousness during these busy months. So, how do parents support their child’s needs and still manage their own copious to-do lists? Well, here are a few therapeutic activities that may benefit your child.
Well, it is that time of year again, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season are now upon us! While the season can be a favorite for many, the reality is that many people do not see it as such. Whether it be the financial strain, pressure to be joyous, memories of loved ones who are no longer part of our lives, lack of sunlight, or the angst of reflecting upon another year of unfulfilled resolutions, joy often turns to sadness during these months. Whatever the reason, the holiday season can be a trigger to a mood disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in activities are often common symptoms for people experiencing this disorder. So, how can we cope with this difficult time? Here are a few tips on handling the stressful feelings associated with seasonal depression.
Ok, so it’s that time of year again- school is back in full swing and the calendar is starting to fill up very quickly! Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week to accomplish everything? Homework, routines, work, dinners, playdates, sports, afterschool clubs, holidays, and the list goes on. It is certainly a challenge to get through our checklists and still feel like we can breathe. Well, guess what? With a little organizing and some determination, you can make it work and still enjoy those moments!
