Everybody worries from time to time. Sometimes these worries become overwhelming. Frequently, we first attempt to avoid our feelings of fear, worry or anxiety. This only succeeds in making the worry stronger. If you are feeling anxious and not sure what to do, talking with a professional who is skilled and knowledgeable can make a […]
Samantha is a 34-year-old teacher who, like many people, struggles with anxiety and depression. She has a hard time motivating herself to get out of bed in the mornings knowing her day will be full of worry and fear. Her self-talk tells her she is worthless. She is embarrassed about her struggles and hates mostly […]
Unemployment is a painful time. This transition can also be a time for growth. Families can use stress relieving techniques to regain control of their anxieties while facing their reduced circumstances and seeking new employment. While job uncertainty creates stress, taking steps to incorporate life balancing practices alleviates anxiety. Self-nurturing adds balance to one’s life […]
The world would be quite a dangerous place without pain. It may seem odd but imagine the potential damage if a person did not have an instinctive, natural response when something was causing them harm. When someone accidentally places a hand on a hot stove their brain receives a near instantaneous response that this is […]
Not only does January mean the beginning of a new year, it also means the end of the holiday season. While for a blessed few the holidays is a time of peace, joy, and happiness, for many it means stress, reignited family disputes, heartache and heartburn. For eleven months one can easily go without meaningful […]
We think anxiety is “bad” in our culture, and that it needs to be alleviated. We may think something is wrong with us if we experience anxiety. Fortunately, about a hundred years ago, two Harvard physicians found that anxiety served an important place in our ability to function well. (Yerkes & Dodson, 1908). They found […]
Difficult Times As our nation and world around us is surrounded by news of the COVID 19 epidemic, it can be very easy to neglect self-care due to the different struggles that can arise from this unique situation. It is not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, confusion, and even anger during this […]
Being on the front line in times of crisis can be difficult and draining. For those in helping fields, these kinds of crises can be an everyday experience. When does it become too much to carry? How do we know when the stress goes from what’s expected from the work we do to something that […]