How Does The Brain Cause Anxiety?

Anxiety is widely-known as the most common mental health condition in the world. It impacts people differently and ranges in severity. 

Most people who have anxiety are able to recognize what triggers them. Getting to the root cause of individual anxiety is also an important step in treatment. 

However, not many people know exactly how the brain causes anxiety. What is happening in your mind to make you feel so nervous, worried, or fearful? 

Let’s take a closer look at what happens in the brain to trigger feelings of anxiety, and why it’s important to understand the functions of your mind and what’s happening while you’re worried. 

What Part of the Brain Causes Anxiety? 

The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for “causing” anxiety. 

It works as a central hub for communication in the brain, connecting parts that process incoming sensory signals and parts that interpret them. You’ve likely heard of the “fight or flight” response. The amygdala is responsible for that. If a sensory signal is processed as something dangerous or something to be scared of, your amygdala will trigger a response, and your mind and body will react accordingly. 

The Amygdala in the Anxious Brain

When you’re dealing with anxiety, the amygdala is hypersensitive. Because of that, it doesn’t always work correctly. Rather, it tends to work “overtime” when it’s not necessary. 

When the amygdala is hypersensitive, it can send “false alarms,” triggering your fight or flight response even when there isn’t a real threat or danger. 

A Lack of Rationalization

If you’ve been dealing with anxiety for a while, it can weaken the connection between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that makes it possible to problem-solve and work through difficult situations. It allows you to think rationally, rather than relying on impulses. 

When that connection is weak, you’re less likely to process information correctly. Instead of coming up with a logical response to a perceived threat, you’re more likely to think irrationally, and even partake in impulsive and potentially dangerous behaviors. 

The Effects of Anxiety On Your Brain

While certain areas of the brain contribute to anxiety, it’s a vicious cycle. The longer you deal with worried, anxious thoughts, the more your brain will hold onto them. Anxiety causes a lot of stress, which can shrink your hippocampus – the part of your brain responsible for storing memories. 

As a result, you’ll be more likely to store anxious and negative memories, which can perpetuate the cycle and leave you in a pit of negativity. Your happier memories are still there, they’re just buried underneath everything else. 

What Can You Do If You Have Anxiety? 

Understanding how anxiety works in the brain is a good first step toward getting treatment. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of anxiety, now you know why. However, there’s a long way to go in essentially “rewiring” the way your brain works. 

It starts by uncovering the underlying cause of your fear. You don’t have to do that on your own. Therapy makes a big difference for people with anxiety. Not only will you get to the root of your issues, but you’ll learn skills to manage your anxious thoughts on a daily basis. 

The more you work on combatting your anxiety, the easier it will be to break free from that cycle. 

Anxiety rarely goes away on its own, largely because of how it impacts your brain. However, with anxiety treatment and management techniques, you can take control of your anxious thoughts and get them under control. If you’re struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Feel free to contact us today. 

I'm Always Anxious About My Health...What Is This?

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the world. However, it looks different for everyone. 

Maybe you’re anxious about something specific like you’re health. Does your well-being consume your thoughts? Are you always worried about getting sick, or wondering if you already are sick?

As we emerge from a global pandemic, more people are conscious of their health than ever. However, there’s a fine line between wanting to take care of your health, and constantly worrying about it. 

If you find that you’re always anxious about your health and wellness, it’s important to get to the bottom of it so you can take care of yourself without being fearful of the “what ifs”. 

Why Are You Anxious About Your Health? 

There are plenty of reasons why you might be anxious about your health. That’s why it’s so important to get to the “root” of the matter. 

You might have a family history of certain conditions. Maybe your mother had breast cancer or a handful of people have dealt with heart disease or Parkinson’s. 

While none of these things mean you’re destined to get sick, hereditary illnesses can trigger a lot of worry and fear. 

We’re also living in very uncertain times. 

Again, we’re just coming out of a global pandemic that lasted two years. During that time, everyone was given a lot of information – some of which may have been confusing at times. Regardless of where anyone stands on the pandemic, vaccines, or the “political” side of things, COVID-19 was a widespread illness that elicited fear in a lot of people. 

That’s caused many to become hypervigilant about their health. While that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can quickly turn into a fearful obsession if you’re not careful. 

What Is This Anxious Feeling Called?

Health anxiety or hypochondria are the names often used to describe the condition of someone spending too much time worrying about their health. 

When you spend so much time worrying about being sick or getting sick, it can quickly take over your life. 

Maybe you spend your days looking up symptoms you think you might have. Or, maybe you research certain conditions and worry you have the risk factors that make you more likely to contract it. Some of the more common symptoms of this condition include

• Worrying that minor symptoms mean you’ve got a major illness

• Not feeling any comfort or reassurance from your doctor after a visit

• Constant fear about the status of your health

Again, it’s perfectly fine to be vigilant about your health. However, when fear of being ill takes over your life, it’s important to accept that label of hypochondria. The sooner you realize you’re dealing with something more serious than a healthy worry about your wellness, the sooner you can do something about it. 

How to Manage Health Anxiety

If you know you’re overly anxious about your health, don’t be afraid to seek out help. 

Working with a therapist can help you get to the bottom of your hypochondria. 

Maybe it was triggered by something from your past. Maybe the pandemic itself caused something to “switch” in you that’s created so much fear and uncertainty. 

Whatever the case, getting to the underlying issue is the best place to start, and you don’t have to do it on your own. Not only can therapy help you get to the root cause of your health anxiety, but it can help you with different ways of managing it. 

If you’re anxious about your health and it’s starting to take over your life, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on how anxiety treatment can help you or to set up an appointment. 

5 Things You Should Know About High Functioning Anxiety And What It Is

Many people have heard of high-functioning depression before, but high-functioning anxiety isn’t talked about as often. However, it’s just as important to understand what it is.

The more you know about high-functioning anxiety, the easier it is to determine if you’re dealing with it, and how you can cope. 

If you do discover that you’re living with high-functioning anxiety, it doesn’t mean you have to keep dealing with it every day. You deserve relief and peace as much as those with more debilitating fear. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five things you should know about high-functioning anxiety and what it is.

1. You Might Be a People-Pleaser

One of the reasons it can be so hard to diagnose high-functioning anxiety is that people mistake it for different things. 

For example, you might consider yourself a people pleaser. Maybe you have a hard time saying no to requests. Or, maybe you go out of your way to make others happy, even at your own expense. 

While it isn’t always a sign of anxiety, constantly looking for approval from others can be an underlying worry you should address.

2. Insomnia and Fatigue

The average adult should get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 

When was the last time you got that much? 

Insomnia and fatigue can be common signs of many physical and mental health conditions. However, if you find yourself tossing and turning each night, unable to sleep because you’re worried about something, or dwelling on mistakes and/or fears, it could be a sign of anxiety. It may not be enough to impact your life. However, eventually, not getting enough sleep can lead to serious health issues.

3. You’re a Perfectionist

Most people look at perfectionism as a mostly positive thing. They’re seen as people with a lot of drive and motivation to succeed. 

However, perfectionism often comes with a price. 

It’s never a bad thing to do your best and strive for greatness. However, perfectionism is impossible. When you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, it’s easy to feel anxious, because deep down you know they’ll never be met. 

Unfortunately, perfectionism can create a vicious cycle in your mind, fueling your worrying thoughts and making you feel like a failure.

4. You Dwell On Past Mistakes

Do you find yourself thinking about things you’ve done wrong almost constantly? Maybe they’re not even major issues, but you can’t seem to stop dwelling on them. 

It’s not uncommon for people to think about their past, and even feel guilty or worried about things they’ve done. However, if those thoughts consume you or you find yourself thinking about them frequently, it could be a sign of high-functioning anxiety. These thoughts might not keep you from going about your day, but they can be distracting, lower your self-esteem, and make it hard to stay focused on the things you need to do.

5. You Always Expect The Worst

While it’s okay to weigh the risks of things, people with high-functioning anxiety often expect the worst in every situation. Unfortunately, that makes it nearly impossible to ever relax and enjoy the moment, no matter what you’re doing. 

Obviously, that takes away a lot of life’s simple joys and pleasures, and can even lead to feelings of depression. 

If any of these things sound familiar, you could be dealing with high-functioning anxiety without even realizing it. 

The good news? You don’t have to feel this way forever. 

Feel free to contact us to learn more about anxiety therapy. By taking action now, you can keep your fears from becoming all-consuming, you can get to the root cause of your anxiety, and start to take control of your life once again. 

What Exactly Is Social Anxiety, Anyways?

Most people have at least heard of social anxiety. You probably have a basic understanding of what it is – a fear of social situations. However, labeling it so broadly doesn’t exactly cover the huge impact this type of anxiety has on its sufferers. 

Social anxiety is so much more than a fear of social situations on a grand scale. You don’t have to be speaking in front of an audience of thousands to experience it. 

Rather, it could be an intense fear about giving a presentation at work, or going to a get-together with friends. You could even experience it when you miss out on a social event and you find yourself worrying about what people might be saying “behind your back.” 

Like most types of anxiety, it can impact everyone differently. 

However, there are a few common symptoms of social anxiety that can help you identify if you’re struggling with it. The sooner you recognize the signs and how to accept them, the sooner you can reach out to get the help you deserve. 

So, what is social anxiety, and what does it look like? 

What Triggers Social Anxiety? 

Social anxiety disorder can impact almost anyone. However, there are some people who may be more susceptible to it. 

As a child, if you were bullied, teased, or rejected by others (including friends and/or family), you may be more prone to experiencing extreme worry in social situations. Things like familial abuse or even relationship abuse can also contribute to social anxiety. 

Some people might not even know they’re dealing with the condition until they experience certain triggers. Again, those can be different for everyone. However, some of the most common include

• Performances

• Meeting new people

• Making small talk

• Dating

• Having to state your opinion

Again, you don’t have to be in a room with dozens of people to experience this type of anxiety. Even the idea of having to meet one new person or socialize at a small gathering can be enough to trigger your symptoms. 

Common Symptoms 

So, what are those symptoms? They can affect you both physically and mentally. When you’re in the throes of social anxiety, you might start to feel nauseous. You might tremble, feel dizzy, or have difficulty speaking. 

From an emotional standpoint, you’ll start to worry about being judged or embarrassed. You might even worry that something you say will offend someone. 

These symptoms can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, perpetuating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. 

How to Combat Social Anxiety

It’s not always easy to admit that you’re struggling with social anxiety. It can leave you feeling like some kind of outcast, or wondering why you just can’t “fit in” in social situations. 

However, it’s important to reach out for help if you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed here. Talking to a mental health professional is a great place to start. 

By seeking out treatment for social anxiety, you’ll accomplish a few things. 

First, your therapist will work with you to get to the “root cause” of your worry. That might require you to step back into situations that happened in childhood. While it’s not always pleasant, it’s necessary to understand where your worries stem from so you have a stronger way to fight back against them. 

As you work through those underlying issues, you’ll learn techniques and skills to build your confidence and let go of your fears. Your therapist will work with you to improve your ability to connect with other people without falling victim to worry. 

If the symptoms and triggers of social anxiety sound familiar, understand that you’re not alone. Feel free to contact us for more information or to set up an appointment. You don’t have to struggle with this fear forever. 

4 Small Steps To Help You Overcome Social Anxiety

There’s a difference between being introverted or a “homebody” and having a strong, unhealthy fear of being in social situations. Maybe you don’t like to be in large groups of people, or you’re worried about speaking in public. Maybe you start to panic long before you know a social event is coming up, and your negative thoughts threaten to take over everything. 

If that sounds familiar, you could be struggling with social anxiety. 

Social anxiety occurs when social interactions cause irrational fears. Sometimes, even just the thought of being in a group or having to speak can cause your anxiety to spike. 

Obviously, that can be crippling for your friendships, career, or even romantic relationships. 

Thankfully, social anxiety doesn’t have to consume your life forever. You can take steps to overcome it and start taking control of your thoughts again. Let’s cover a few ways you can get control over your social anxiety, and you might eventually enjoy the social interaction causing so much fear right now.

1. Prepare Yourself

Often, you’ll know ahead of time when you have to face a social situation. Maybe it’s a get-together with friends, a meeting for work, or even a big event. 

While it can be overwhelming to think about, you can calm your nerves and take more control by planning ahead. 

If you’re worried you won’t have anything to talk about, scroll through social media or check the news to come up with a few conversation points. If you’re nervous about fumbling over your words, practice a few things you might want to say. 

While you don’t want to seem stiff or rehearsed, a little extra preparedness can go a long way in making you feel better about social situations. 

2. Take Baby Steps

You probably won’t overcome social anxiety by determining you’re going to a major event one day. 

Instead, you can combat your fears by starting small and going at your own pace. 

Connect with a couple close friends over coffee. If that goes well, try riding the subway. If you’re still feeling calm, volunteer to lead a meeting at work. 

Don’t let anyone try to push you beyond what you’re ready for. When you decide to take baby steps, you’re giving yourself more control.

3. Stop Focusing On Yourself

One of the biggest issues people with social anxiety face is feeling like everyone is paying attention to them. 

In reality, that probably isn’t the case. You’re just hyper-focused on yourself and your fear. 

Work to take that focus off of yourself by putting it on other people. Take in the people around you and what they’re talking about. You’ll quickly find that no one is thinking about how anxious you are or judging you for it – they probably don’t even know. 

Once you realize that, it’s much easier to feel comfortable.

4. Distract Yourself With Your Senses

It can be overwhelming to be in a social setting and start to panic. When you feel like you can’t control your fears, they can keep getting bigger. One of the best things you can do when that happens is to distract yourself using your senses. 

Chew a piece of gum the next time you’re feeling fearful over a social situation. Or, carry one of your favorite scents with you. You can also scroll through comforting pictures on your phone. Utilizing your senses can serve as welcome distractions while offering you a sense of comfort. 

While these steps can all help you overcome social anxiety, the best thing you can do is get to the root of the issue. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help, and work with us to develop long-term solutions to combat social anxiety. 

Why Is Parenting So Hard Today?

Parenting has never been easy. In many aspects, it’s “cushier” today than in centuries – or even decades – past. We have a lot of modern conveniences, women are seen as equals and are able to work outside the home and balance motherhood. There are many different types of parents. Technology has even made it easier to get information in seconds. 

However, in many ways, parenting is also harder than ever. 

“Modern world” parenting comes with many challenges, and one of the biggest ones for parents is exhaustion. 

Parents being tired is nothing new, but with so many things to balance and juggle nowadays, the burnout from parenting can be more impactful (and potentially harmful) than ever. 

Let’s take a closer look at why parenting is so hard today and what you can do to make it easier on yourself. 

A Lot of the Work Is Falling On One Person

The number of children living in single-parent households is greater than ever. If you’re raising your kids alone, the classic “it takes a village to raise a child” mentality doesn’t really apply. 

Many parents today feel overwhelmed by everything they have to do on their own. While they may not change their circumstance, it doesn’t make it easy. 

Raising your kids alone can lead to a lack of self-care, free time and can even impact your mental health. It also makes it difficult to share time with your kids evenly, especially when they’re involved in activities. After all, you can’t be in two places at once. 

Technology Has Its Drawbacks

Again, one of the advantages of parenting today is that we can get information in seconds by quickly looking something up on a phone or computer. 

Unfortunately, there are some “cons” to that. 

While so much information can build confidence and empower parents, it can also lead to more rigidity and even boost anxiety. We’re all aware that not everything you read online is true. Any information you take in needs to be double-checked, and even then it’s important to make sure you’re taking in accurate advice. Finding that “balance” isn’t always easy. 

As your kids get older, technology can bring about different challenges. It’s not uncommon for children to be attached to phones and tablets from a very early age, and we’re starting to learn about some of the negative effects of so much screen time. 

Changes in Work and School

In decades past, school and work have been largely out of the home. Kids attended classes for several hours each day, and parents went to their jobs, making it easy to find a work-life balance and improve socialization skills for kids. 

Today that isn’t the case. 

Remote work and virtual schooling have been on the rise for several years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed their popularity quickly. Now, more people are working from home than ever. While many kids are back to in-person learning, some are still being homeschooled or going for a virtual education option. 

That can create a lot of excess stress and pressure for parents and children alike. Working remotely isn’t as easy as some people think, and it requires a lot of discipline. Some children struggle more with learning from home than they do in a school setting. Finding a balance and a routine that works for both of you often takes time. 

On the surface, so many things can make parenting easier today. However, if you’re a parent, you already know the struggles that things like modern technology and a “lack of a village” can bring. Don’t lose heart or hope, and continue to make your well-being a priority. The more you take care of yourself and your mental well-being, the better you’ll be able to care for your children. 

If you are facing parenting issues, reach out to us for support.

Why Is Art Therapy Helpful For Processing Emotions?

Most people understand and agree that therapy is beneficial for working through difficult emotions and mental health issues. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress, talking about it can help. 

However, some people can’t open up as freely as others. 

Some people aren’t able to express themselves through words alone, and talk therapy isn’t a great option. 

That’s why art therapy can be such a fantastic alternative when it comes to processing emotions. 

But, what is art therapy, and why is it so useful? 

What Is Art Therapy? 

If you don’t consider yourself an artist or even a “creative” person, don’t let the title of “art therapy” turn you away. You don’t have to be skilled with a paintbrush to both enjoy and benefit from this type of therapy. 

Art therapy utilizes different creative processes to help individuals express themselves openly. It uses different art materials to explore different emotions through various avenues. In most cases, you’ll paint, sculpt, and draw, but different therapists may have different approaches to the tools you use. 

How Does it Help? 

If you’re not able to sit down and freely talk about your emotions, art therapy can be very beneficial. You’ll use different artforms to express your emotions without words. A therapist might offer you a prompt or ask a question before you get started. But, most of the time, you’ll work on free-form art that gives you the ability to express whatever happens to be on your mind. 

Your art therapist will help to guide you through self-expression. You’ll learn more about yourself through your art. You’ll explore, and become more self-aware. 

The more self-aware you are, the easier it is to process your emotions. You’ll begin to see the meaning and insight of your art, and eventually be able to talk about it. 

That’s an important thing to keep in mind – art therapy does involve some talking. However, combined with the art itself, you might find it’s much easier to open up. 

Re-Experiencing Emotions

Sometimes, it’s difficult to process emotions because they feel “jumbled.” You might be willing to talk about them, but you can’t express your feelings the way you truly want to. 

Working through those emotions by painting, drawing, coloring, or even photography can help to organize them in your mind. They’ll start to become clearer and less cluttered. After a while, processing them won’t feel as impossible or overwhelming.  

Additional Benefits

Another reason art therapy helps with processing emotions is that it can boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Depending on what you’re struggling with, you could be dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment. You might even be struggling with fear. 

As you work through different aspects of art, you’ll start to see yourself for who you really are. You’ll start to break down what your trauma, anxiety, or depression want you to be, or how they want you to view yourself. That kind of self-awareness and esteem can make a big difference in processing your emotions, and eventually talking through them. 

Again, you don’t have to be artistic or overly-creative to benefit from art therapy. If you’re having trouble working through your emotions, however, it could be an effective solution. 

You might even have fun expressing a side of yourself that you’ve never explored before. Art could become a stress-relieving passion that helps you manage your mental health every day. That can give you the ability to truly tap into your mind and heart while working through your emotions in a healthy and effective way. 

Interested in learning more about art therapy? Feel free to contact us for information, or to set up an appointment. 

3 Signs Your Child May Benefit From Art Therapy

It’s not always easy for adults to open up and express their emotions. Think about how much more difficult it can be for children. Sometimes, children can’t even fully understand what they’re feeling enough to express it properly. 

As a result, traditional forms of talk therapy aren’t always the best solution for every child. 

If you’re worried that your child might be struggling with anxiety, trauma, grief, or something else that has made them seem less like themselves lately, help is available. It might be time to consider art therapy. 

Not sure whether your little one would benefit from this unique approach? Let’s look at three signs indicating they could be a perfect candidate.

1. They Can’t Express Their Emotions

Whether your child is too young to express what they’re feeling or they’ve always had a hard time opening up, art therapy could be a perfect solution. 

Rather than focusing on talking and answering questions directly, art therapy uses different tools to let your child express themselves creatively. They might be “prompted” to draw something specific regarding their feelings or a situation, but they’re given a lot of freedom to express their thoughts and feelings however they want. 

Art therapy is also helpful for children with ADHD or on the autism spectrum. They might not be able to adequately express themselves through words, but they don’t deserve to be “punished” or to stay silent because of it.

2. They Can’t Focus

It’s not uncommon for kids with a creative streak to have trouble focusing. Children, in general, tend to have shorter attention spans. 

It’s not as easy for them to sit and talk to a therapist for an hour without getting distracted or feeling burnt out by the end of each session. 

Art therapy is different in that it mimics play. It allows your child to do something they would enjoy doing in their free time.

If your child is having trouble focusing in other areas of their life, including at school, art therapy can be beneficial. The activities will be tailored to their needs and interests, making it easier to get to the underlying cause of what they’re experiencing.

3. They Have Low Self-Esteem

Depending on your child’s age, it’s not uncommon for kids to struggle with confidence and self-esteem. Growing up is hard, and throughout different stages of life, kids often have to deal with things like self-doubt, bullying, or not doing well in school. 

If your child is struggling with low self-esteem, it could negatively impact other areas of their life. They might struggle in the classroom. Or, they might have a hard time making friends or holding on to the ones they have. 

Art therapy can help to bring out any “root” issues that your child might be dealing with. It also can help them discover their natural gifts and further explore their strengths. Children who struggle with self-esteem often crave positive feedback, and this type of therapy is a great way for them to achieve it. 

Is Art Therapy Right for Your Child? 

Most kids love drawing, coloring, and using creativity to express themselves every day. Art therapy harnesses that natural mentality and makes it easier for children to work through their emotions. It’s especially effective for younger kids but can benefit children at almost any age. 

This isn’t an exclusive list. Many children can benefit from art therapy, no matter what they’re dealing with. 

Interested in learning more about this process and how it might help your child?  Feel free to contact us.  Together, we can talk more about what you both can expect and how it can benefit your little one. 

Hey, Men, Listen Up: Your Mental Health Is Important Too

People are becoming more aware of their mental well-being than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic may have been a traumatic experience for many, but if there was one good thing to come out of it, it was that more people started to take charge of their mental health and seek out help when needed. 

That includes men, of course. 

However, there is still a stigma surrounding men and mental health that has created a sort of “block” for centuries. 

As a result, many men still aren’t taking proper care of their mental health or getting the professional help they need. 

Does it really matter? Absolutely. 

Why Is Men's Mental Health So Important?

Everyone’s mental health is important. However, statistically, men are less likely to seek out help for conditions like depression, anxiety, and even something as “simple” as stress. 

While that might not seem like a big deal at first, it’s important to consider what those conditions can lead to. They are all fairly common and there are a variety of different treatment solutions. 

But, they are conditions that rarely go away on their own. When a man tries to ignore a mental health implication, he might be successful for a while. Eventually, though, your emotions will demand to be felt. You might start to feel like you no longer have control over your anxious or depressed thoughts, and they’ll continue to become worse. 

Mental health conditions can take over your entire life. They’ll impact your relationships, your career, and even your family life. 

Men might want to appear strong, but no one should have to bear the weight of a mental health condition on their own. 

Why Are Men At Risk? 

There are plenty of factors that can tip the scales one way or another when it comes to who is at risk of developing certain mental health conditions. 

However, that scale heavily bends toward men when it comes to those who seek out help. 

Men are at a greater risk of serious mental health complications because of the stigmas holding them back. 

It’s not uncommon for men to think that things like therapy make them weak. Some even feel like talking about their emotions is a sign of weakness. 

However, it can be argued that it takes a tremendous amount of strength to admit you need help. It takes even more strength to prioritize your mental well-being. 

No one considers it a sign of weakness when you eat a salad or go to the gym to take care of your body. You shouldn’t consider it weak when you talk to a therapist or express your emotions to take care of your mind, either. 

What Should You Do? 

If you’re ready to take charge of your mental health, start with self-care. Do something every day that brings relaxation and helps to alleviate stress. Meditate. Exercise. Practice mindfulness. Or, take things one step further and write in a journal or talk to a close friend about your feelings. 

If you’re struggling with anxious thoughts or you’re concerned you might be depressed, the next step is to seek out the help you deserve. Again, these are common conditions, but they won’t go away on their own. While it’s okay to “shop around” for a therapist, don’t be afraid to start looking until you find someone to fit your needs. 

Finally, be open. Be willing to be vulnerable, because it takes a lot of strength. When you start recognizing that your mental health is important, you’ll be able to focus on whole-body wellness, and play a positive role in breaking the stigma against men’s mental health. 

If you are ready to take the next step, connect with us so you can begin the work on your mental health for issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or anything else you may be going through.

Is Therapy With Friends Really A Thing?

You’ve probably heard of group therapy and couples therapy – both effective treatment options for a variety of issues. However, you may not have heard of “friends therapy” before. Or, if you have, you might be asking yourself if it’s really a thing. 

The answer is yes – and, it can be more effective than you might think. 

Friendships are crucial in so many people’s lives. In some cases, your friendships will be the longest-lasting relationships you’ll ever have. 

So, it only makes sense to foster those relationships and make sure they stay healthy. That includes working through any issues and improving your communication with each other. 

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at therapy with friends, and why you might want to consider it. 

The Benefits of Therapy With Friends

If you’ve been on the fence about therapy with your friends, consider the benefits. You don’t necessarily have to be struggling within your friendships to reap the rewards. This type of therapy can help to improve your communication skills and encourage growth within your inner circle. 

In many cases, you can view therapy with friends as a sort of “maintenance” technique. Friendships tend to weaken over time, and like anything you care about and love, they require extra attention to stay strong and well-maintained. 

You’ll also develop better listening skills and learn how to communicate more effectively with your friends. Not only can that help with any conflicts that might arise, but it will give you a better understanding of your friends’ needs. 

In return, they’ll understand your needs and wants on a deeper level, too. When that happens, your friendship will grow and become stronger. 

Finally, it can improve your sense of connection. 

Let’s face it, we live in a digital world. You might see your friends regularly, but it’s likely that most of your contact is done via phone calls, texts, FaceTime, etc. Therapy with friends allows you to feel closer and foster a more real-world connection that can easily get lost in today’s tech-savvy society. 

Working Through Issues

It’s not uncommon for couples to attend marriage counseling when their relationship is struggling. 

The same idea applies to therapy with friends. 

You might have unresolved conflict in your relationship that has created tension between you and a specific individual or your entire circle of friends. Therapy gives you all a safe space to address any underlying issues so you can work through them. 

It can also give you the opportunity to address life changes that you feel have put a gap between you and your friends. It could be a romantic relationship/marriage, physical distance, or even a new job. You might not have the same ideals and views you once did, which can drive a wedge between you and your friends. 

Therapy can help you to work through those differences and address them in an open space. 

Dealing With Concerns

Sometimes, therapy with friends can be used to safely address concerns you might have about an individual in your inner circle. 

Maybe your friend is in a toxic or abusive relationship. Maybe their views have become so extreme that you don’t recognize them. Or, you might be concerned about their mental health and how it’s affecting them. 

While therapy for friends isn’t a substitute for an intervention, it can be used to openly discuss concerns and bring them to everyone’s attention. At the same time, once those concerns are revealed, you’ll have the opportunity to work through them together. 

Whether you’re just hearing about this type of therapy or it’s been on your radar for a while, consider giving it a try. Your friendships deserve it. 

Reach out to us to see how we can help you work on your friendships.

Is Art Therapy Effective In Helping With Anxiety?

Millions of people across the globe deal with anxiety. While symptoms can vary, there is one “silver lining” to the condition’s popularity – it has many treatment options. 

Because anxiety impacts everyone differently, different types of therapies and methods of treatment have come to the forefront over the years. What helps one person with their worries and anxious thoughts might not help another. 

Some people, for example, might not enjoy a typical talk therapy treatment option. Maybe you’re more of a creative individual and used to expressing yourself in that way. 

If that’s the case, you might want to consider art therapy to help with your anxiety. 

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is the use of the artistic expression to alleviate your symptoms and feelings of anxiety. 

There’s no denying that art, in general, has therapeutic benefits. Simply looking at a piece of artwork can help you feel more relaxed and let your mind wander into more positive places. 

Art therapy takes things one step further. 

Instead of simply appreciating the artwork of others, you create your own art to express your thoughts and feelings. Things like painting, drawing, or even sculpting can help you become more in tune with your innermost feelings and express them in ways that might otherwise be hard to talk about. 

What Are the Benefits?

You don’t have to be a perfect artist to reap the rewards of art therapy. If you’re willing to tap into your creative side, you will stop ruminating on the root cause of your anxiety. You also won’t feel the pressure of having to talk about your feelings. 

Instead, you can sit in a comfortable, stress-free environment and express yourself through your art. Some of the benefits of art therapy for anxiety include

• It serves as a distraction

• It regulates your nervous system

• Your focus will be on one thing

• Reduced stress

You can also boost your self-esteem, improve your concentration, and have an easier time solving problems with art therapy. You’ll gain more insight into yourself than ever before, and when you have a fuller understanding of who you are, where your anxiety is coming from, and who you want to be, your anxiety will have less power. 

Is Art Therapy Right for You?

Art therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatment options for anxiety. Many people already involved in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or even group therapy use it as a supplement to make it easier to tap into their emotions. 

If you’re having a hard time connecting with your inner thoughts and struggles, art therapy can help. If you’re not great at expressing yourself through words alone, it can also make a big difference. 

How to Get Started

Again, you don’t have to be an accomplished artist to reap the benefits of this type of therapy. There’s nothing stopping you from picking up a pencil or paint right now and engaging your creative side. Even on your own, you can use art to reduce stress and serve as a distraction.

However, if you want to get the most from art therapy, consider working with a qualified professional.

A therapist can guide you through various artistic exercises. You’ll still be able to let your creativity shine, but in a way that can help you better understand your emotions and eventually release the negative ones. 

Interested in learning more about art therapy? Feel free to contact us for information. Art therapy might not be for everyone. But, whether you’re a creative person or you’ve just always appreciated the artwork of others, it could be a great solution for managing your anxiety. 

My Child Is So Anxious, What Can I Do?

No parent wants to see their child struggle in any way. So, if you’ve noticed that your child is more anxious than normal, or that their anxiety has completely taken over, you might feel both helpless and hopeless.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to help your child work through their anxiety at just about any age. 

That doesn’t mean “fixing” everything for them. Rather, it’s important to teach them how to manage their anxiety so they can take those skills with them into adulthood. 

So, what can you do if you have an anxious child? How can you help your child fight back against those worrying thoughts?

Recognize the Goal

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the world. Thankfully, it’s also very manageable with the right skills and techniques. 

With that in mind, your goal shouldn’t be to “eliminate” anxiety from your child’s life. Rather, you should help them learn how to manage it. If they tend to be naturally worried about certain things, teaching them skills to combat those feelings will help them on a long-term basis, not just in the moment. 

While you might want to completely take away their fear, it’s more important to teach them how to handle it. 

Understand Their Triggers

Chances are, there’s something specific triggering your child’s anxious thoughts. 

Maybe they’re nervous about a bully at school. Maybe the uncertainty of the world has them fearful, especially if they don’t fully understand it. 

Understanding your child’s trigger(s) is a great way to help them work through their thoughts and feelings. It might be tempting to help them avoid all of those triggers. However, that isn’t a long-term solution. 

While you don’t have to force your child to face all their fears at once, don’t shield them from everything either. Work with them to slowly and effectively face what they’re scared of, and ensure them that they’re safe. Teach them coping mechanisms along the way, and they’ll eventually see that their fears are unwarranted. 

Help Them Manage Their Symptoms

There are many effective ways to help your child manage their symptoms. It’s about finding ways to cope that work for them. That could include things like

• Physical activity

• Stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation

• Journaling/drawing what they’re feeling

If your child is old enough, you can also guide them through things like mindfulness, or the practice of staying in the present. It requires a bit of focus, so it might not be the best technique for a very young child. However, it’s extremely effective for adults, and can help with older children and teens. 

You should let your child know that you understand their feelings. They need to feel validated and not be “dismissed.” While their fears might seem irrational to you, they are very real to your little one. Rather than telling them to “get over it,” use one of the techniques listed above. 

Don’t Do It On Your Own

One of the best things you can do for your anxious child is to reach out to a professional. 

Anxiety hardly ever goes away on its own. But, working through it with a mental health professional can make it easier to manage now, and in the future. 

A therapist, for example, will help your child by getting to the “root” of the anxiety itself. Once your child has a better understanding of where their anxiety stems from, they’ll also be able to manage it more effectively. 

If your child is anxious, you don’t have to wait to get them the help they deserve – you don’t have to feel helpless. You can also view more information about our group for children who have anxiety, Calm Crusaders. Feel free to contact us for more information.