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Have you ever forgotten your cell phone at home? Was it challenging to make it through the day without checking your social media accounts to keep up with friends, relatives and celebrities? Although social media appears to be the ideal way to stay connected with people in today’s busy world, there can be adverse effects. Researchers from the University of Missouri conducted a study in 2015 that found that regular Facebook use can impact mental health and lead to depression if the site triggers envy in the user. (Psychology Today, 2017). If you are already experiencing a low mood, it can be important to be aware of the media you are consuming which can add layers of intensity to the emotions you are already feeling.
“If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times!" How often does it feel like we've said the same things to our partner over and over again? After so long, we might wonder if our partner is even listening. I know I’ve felt that way. With as many barriers to communication as there are, it can be helpful to take a step back and evaluate the approach we take when we want to communicate our feelings and needs. After reflection, we might discover that we are not quite sharing what we really feel and need in that moment of conflict. I have had to ask myself, “Am I being clear about my feelings? Am I making a clear request?”
I’ve outlined some communication skills that might create positive changes in your relationships:
College, although often described as some of the best years of one’s life, can also be very challenging and stressful. Prevalent issues include depression, anxiety, suicide, eating disorders and addictions. Research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness regarding mental health on college campuses indicates that:
- One in four students have a diagnosable mental illness
- 40% do not seek help
- 80% feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities
- 50% have been so anxious they struggle in school
Although we all struggle at times, a cluster of these symptoms which present for a couple of weeks may require attention. Signs to watch out for include:
We all notice the weather changing as the dog days of summer fade away and the vibrant green leaves of the trees change colors. It's not uncommon to feel exhausted or down when the seasons change. The weather affects the human body not just physiologically but psychologically. Here are some relatively simple, yet important tips to beat the cold weather blues.
1) Go out for coffee (or tea) with friends.
Warm beverages are refreshing on a cold day. The empirical study Experiencing physical warmth promotes interpersonal warmth, found that a warm beverage activates insula in the body, which increases positive emotions like empathy and trust. This sense of physical and interpersonal warmth can aid in a positive social environment, or social contacts. (Williams & Bargh, 2008, p. 607)
The Behavior Wellness Group’s Intensive Outpatient Programs have been accredited by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). In their Summary, CARF indicated, “The Behavioral Wellness Group (BWG) has strengths in many areas:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and October 10th is World Mental Health Day every year. According to The World Health Organization, there are more than 350 Million people around the world who struggle with Depression alone. It has come to my attention by many of my patients individually as well as in my Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program that, “Others just don’t understand”. Although family, friends, loved ones and coworkers may mean well, they often may say things or engage in behaviors that are not very helpful for those struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
I have often been asked by family members in my 18 years of working with substance abusers, “How do I know if there is a problem?”, “What do I look for?”. I can appreciate why this is important, not just because people want to get their loved ones help, but because this is a deadly illness if it goes untreated. So, in an effort to help those who are concerned, here is the list of topics/questions that are asked to determine if there is a problem.
Full Article Index
- “I WAS TRYING TO ACT NORMAL…”
- Adjusting to Life During Coronavirus
- All or Nothing Thinking and Various Other Popular Cognitive Distortions
- Anger Iceberg - Erin Pawlak
- Appropriate Levels of Care in Mental Health
- Are Politics Affecting You Emotionally?
- Are You a Parent or a Friend to Your Child?
- Bipolar Disorder (Supporting Your Loved Ones)
- BWG Fall Newsletter
- Can Family Members Help Someone Get Off Drugs?
- CARF Accreditation 2018
- CARF Accreditation Fall 2015
- Choosing a University or College
- Chronic Pain
- Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Creating Positive Self Talk to Increase Healthy Habits
- Deep Breathing Through Tough Times (For Kids)
- Did PTSD Exist Before Viet Nam?
- Doing Your Part to Decrease the Mental Health Stigma
- Effective Communication
- Emotion Regulation Skills
- Fall 2020
- Fall is Upon Us…. And so is CampusTherapy.com!
- For Parents: How To Deal With The Financial Stressors of Kids and College
- Grief and Loss: Just what is “Normal” Anyway?
- Happy Spring!
- How Do I Know if I Have a Substance Abuse Problem?
- How Does Stress Affect My Physical Health
- How to "Reset" Ourselves
- How to Deal with Work Related Stress
- How to Survive the COVID Fatigue Holiday Season
- How to talk to your kids about drugs
- Hurry Up, Let's Slow Down
- Improving Sleep - Especially During COVID-19
- Is it acceptable to take a mental health day from work/school?
- Let’s Talk About Love
- Managing Relationships Through the Holidays
- Managing Stress
- Mental Health Patients and the Emergency Room
- Mindfulness For Stress Reduction
- Myths about Suicide
- New Year 2020
- New Year 2021
- New Year's Resolution: Evaluation Time
- Oh My God, I’m losing control!
- Options for College Related Stress
- Orthorexia: When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy
- Parents, Teens and Mental Health
- Poklar's Ponderings, Parents Hang in There
- Protecting Our Children
- Reprogramming Your Brain
- Social Media Detox
- Special Notice regarding COVID-19
- Spring 2020
- Summer 2020
- Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault
- Teens Who Struggle With Suicidal Thoughts
- Teens, Entitlement and Instant Gratification
- Ten DBT Techniques for Anxiety
- Ten Years of Health and Wellness
- The Benefits of Group Therapy
- The Heroin Epidemic
- The New Trend: Teens, Vaping and Juuls
- The Power of Positivity
- Therapeutic Benefits of Dogs
- Thirteen Things to Consider and Ways to Open Communication
- Thriving During Divorce
- Tips for Parents who have Pre-Teens and Teens who Struggle with Depression and Anxiety
- Tips On Preventing The Cold Weather Blues
- Understanding Grief
- Validating Kids as They Deal with Anxiety
- Ways to Learn New Life Skills
- What Really Matters?
- What To Do In Case COVID Never Ends by Michael Pollak
- What to Look for if Someone You Care About May Have a Problem with Alcohol
- What's Your Boundary
- When Seasonal Changes Affect Your Moods
- When Someone You Love Struggles with Depression and Anxiety
- When To Be Concerned About College Related Stress
- Who you voted for does not have to define you