What Are Symptoms Of Depression That Men Commonly Feel?

Depression doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t necessarily “target” one gender over another, and the symptoms people commonly feel are usually fairly similar. 

However, one of the big differences between men and women is how they handle depression. 

Men are often reluctant to talk about mental health struggles. There’s an underlying stigma that, unfortunately, keeps so many men from getting the help they need. You might try to “ignore” your symptoms or convince yourself they don’t mean anything. 

However, depression is nearly impossible to ignore for long. The sooner you recognize and accept your symptoms for what they are, the sooner you can reach out for help. 

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the symptoms of depression that men commonly feel. 

Common Symptoms of Depression in Men

Keep in mind that everyone experiences depression differently. Some men can be highly-functioning with depression, while others might find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. No matter the severity level of your symptoms, it’s important to know that you don’t have to live with them forever. Some of the most common signs of depression in men include: 

• Difficulty concentrating

• Racing thoughts

• Memory issues

• Sleep problems

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

It’s also not uncommon for men to experience physical symptoms of depression, including digestive issues, chest tightness, and headaches. Depression can even lead to hormonal problems and contribute to erectile dysfunction. 

Emotional symptoms include agitation, anger, and hopelessness. You might find that you feel withdrawn and want to be alone, rather than spend your time with friends and family. Your work life might start to suffer, romantic relationships can start to crumble, and those closest to you might start to worry about your well-being. 

Why Is Depression Different for Men? 

One of the biggest areas of concern is that depression can often be harder to detect and diagnose in men. A lot of that is due to men trying to “hide” their symptoms or make them seem less severe than they really are. Men often feel like they have to fit into social norms and not show any signs of weakness, so they fight back against their feelings. 

Additionally, because of those social norms, many men aren’t ever taught what the common symptoms of depression are. They don’t know what to look for, so it’s easier for them to try to ignore those feelings or distract themselves with other things. 

Unfortunately, the longer symptoms of depression go ignored and unresolved, the worse they’re likely to become. 

What Can You Do?

If you’re a man and these signs and symptoms sound familiar, admitting there’s something wrong is the first step in the right direction. If you’re willing to open up about how you’re feeling to someone else, you can start to lean on your support system for help and guidance. 

You might be surprised by how much the people in your life can help you manage your symptoms once they know what you need. 

However, the best thing you can do is to seek out professional help. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world, but it’s highly manageable and treatable with the right help. By working with a therapist, you can get to the root cause of your depression. While that can sometimes be difficult, it’s what’s necessary to eventually overcome your struggles. 

Don’t let social norms or pride keep you from getting the help and peace you deserve. Admitting you’re struggling doesn’t make you weak. In fact, getting help to overcome those issues shows incredible strength. If you think you might be struggling with depression, feel free to contact us today to set up an appointment for depression treatment.

Symptoms Of An Anxiety Attack In Men

Anxiety doesn’t discriminate between men and women. It can affect anyone at any time. However, extreme anxiety – including attacks – can impact men and women differently. 

Unfortunately, men often face a greater challenge when it comes to dealing with anxiety attacks thanks to the stigma associated with men’s mental health. Far too many men choose to ignore their symptoms or try to convince themselves nothing is wrong. 

If you go that route, you’ll undoubtedly end up making those anxious thoughts and feelings worse. Emotions demand to be felt, and trying to push them down will cause your anxiety to come back stronger. 

The first step in dealing with an anxiety attack is understanding the symptoms. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms of an anxiety attack in men, so you can better understand how to handle your emotions openly and in healthy ways. 

Physical Signs of an Anxiety Attack

Anxiety on its own can often be managed. You might even find it “easy” to ignore more often than not. 

However, an anxiety attack is nearly impossible to ignore because of the physical symptoms that typically go along with it. Some of the most common physical signs of an anxiety attack include: 

• Sudden and intense anxiety

• Trembling

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Dizziness

• Rapid heartbeat

You might experience these symptoms in “small” doses when you’re dealing with everyday anxiety. But, you’ll know when you’re dealing with an anxiety attack, and the symptoms will be much harder to manage. While they’re not inherently dangerous, they’re often very scary, and can make you even more anxious as you’re going through it. 

Most anxiety attacks last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. However, you can experience lasting physical and emotional effects depending on the symptoms. 

How to Calm an Anxiety Attack

If you recognize that you’re going through an anxiety attack, the best thing to do is to close your eyes and try to be mindful of the situation. Find a focus object that brings you back to the present, and take slow, deep breaths. Often, anxiety attacks are triggered by the unknown or feelings that stem from “what if” questions. 

By choosing to stay in the present and focusing on your breathing, you’re more likely to get through the attack faster and with fewer serious symptoms. 

What Is Different About Anxiety Attacks in Men?

Men and women experience many of the same symptoms when it comes to anxiety attacks. However, men are often more likely to show anger and irritability when dealing with anxiety. You might also feel restless, and start to lose faith in your abilities to control and “hide” your emotions. 

A lot of that anger comes from the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. When you aren’t completely sure how to process or express your feelings – including fear – you can act out in unhealthy ways. 

That’s one reason why men are often prone to dangerous coping mechanisms when it comes to anxiety. They’re more likely to abuse alcohol or other substances to handle their feelings, rather than get the help they need. 

Sound familiar?

If you’ve struggled with the symptoms of a panic attack before or those symptoms have become more frequent, don’t hesitate to fight back against the stigma associated with men’s mental health. You deserve to get to the root of your anxiety, so you can stop dealing with these attacks. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to do it on your own. Feel free to contact us for more information or set up an appointment at your convenience for anxiety treatment. Anxiety doesn’t make you weak and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Getting the help you deserve now can make it easier to deal with those symptoms in the future. 

What Are The Benefits Of Therapy For Therapists?

Therapists have become widely known as individuals who can help others work through a variety of mental health conditions. They have the training and education to often get to the root cause of someone’s anxiety or depression, and the knowledge and expertise to help them through it. 

However, at the end of the day, therapists are only human. 

They deal with the same issues as everyone else. Sometimes, that means they need help just as much as everyone else. 

Just as a medical doctor isn’t immune to illness or injury, a therapist can easily be impacted by anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Or, they might just want to maintain their mental well-being, and can’t effectively “treat” themselves. 

Thankfully, there are many benefits of therapy for therapists. If you’re in the mental health industry and you’ve been on the fence about seeking out the help of another therapist, let these benefits be your guide. 

You’ll Learn More About Yourself

By attending therapy, you’ll dig deeper into your triggers and any blind spots you might have. Not only can that improve your own mental health, but it can help you to address any opinions or biases you might hold against your clients without realizing it. 

Unconscious biases are a part of life, and they don’t make you a bad therapist – or a bad person. They have a lot to do with environment, the way you were raised, and opinions you’ve formed over many years. 

As you learn more about yourself and some of those blind areas, you’ll end up being able to better serve your clients with no biases attached. 

You’ll Improve Your Mental Health

Again, therapists are just people. There might be things in your life that have contributed to intrusive thoughts. Maybe you struggle with depression, stress, or loneliness. Or, perhaps you just want to establish a firm foundation for your mental health. 

As the old saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not uncommon for therapists to develop compassion fatigue, and if you’re struggling with your mental well-being in any way, you’re not going to be able to give your patients the care they need/deserve. 

Talking to a therapist about your own struggles will help you be more present for your own clients. You’ll have a clearer head as you help others, and you won’t be distracted by your own mental health issues. 

It Can Be an Educational Tool

Therapists should never stop trying to learn and grow. No one has the exact same method or style. As a result, you can end up learning a lot from other professionals if you’re willing to be open. 

If you’re attending therapy, you might pick up on some techniques or a personal style that you think is really effective. Additionally, your therapist might say something that makes a lot of sense to you, and you want to use it for your own clients. 

If you’ve been feeling burnt out or fatigued by your work, experiencing another therapist in action can help to inspire you while working with you to fight back against that fatigue. 

You’ll Find a Better Balance

Chances are, you got into the mental health industry because you wanted to help people. Some therapists are described as having a “bleeding heart”. They want to do whatever they can to make life better for their patients. 

Unfortunately, that can lead to long hours at work, and struggling to find a healthy work-life balance. 

Going to therapy can help you strike that balance. It shows you’re willing to practice self-care. Your therapist can guide you on how to be more mindful and present, so you can enjoy your life while still giving your all at work. 

Don’t let pride keep you from getting the mental health help you deserve. Anxiety treatment or individual counseling can be a wonderful tool for therapists. If you want to set up an appointment, feel free to contact us. 

Therapy For HSP: What Is This?

Has anyone ever told you that you’re too sensitive? Maybe you recognize it, yourself. Things affect you more deeply than those around you. You have a hard time dealing with emotional situations. Or, maybe you struggle with overstimulation when it comes to your senses. 

If those things sound familiar, you could be considered a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). HSPs tend to have extremely strong emotions – from overwhelming joy to deep sadness. 

While that might not seem like a problem, on the surface, it can lead to extremes very quickly, and make you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster more often than not. 

Highly Sensitive People can also be perfectionists, and often worry about disappointing others. While some of these feelings can be good, it’s easy for someone with HSP to feel constantly overwhelmed and pressured. It’s difficult for them to find peace. 

If you’re ready to let go of that frustration, therapy for HSP can help. 

What Causes High Sensitivity? 

On the surface, sensitivity isn’t a bad thing. It’s a sought-after personality trait, and many people even view it as a “soft skill” that can be used in their personal and professional lives. 

However, there’s a difference between being sensitive and highly sensitive. When your emotions start to take over and even minor situations feel overwhelming, they can end up having a negative impact on your life. 

So, what causes someone to be highly sensitive? 

Some of it could be genetic. If you tend to have highly sensitive people in your family, you could pick up the trait from them. However, it’s more likely that your sensitivity developed throughout your childhood due to your environment. 

What’s the Problem With Being Highly Sensitive? 

Again, sensitivity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, when it starts to negatively impact your life, it’s time to seek out help. HSPs are often more prone to stress. They also tend to have overactive minds, which can lead to anxious feelings and make small situations feel bigger than they really are. 

Because of their overactive minds, it’s not uncommon for HSPs to experience emotional burnout. 

What Can You Do? 

If the issues here sound familiar and you think you’re a highly sensitive person, you don’t have to deal with overwhelming feelings and emotional stress for the rest of your life. 

Therapy can help you understand who you really are. You’ll end up feeling more relaxed and enjoying life while establishing closer relationships with your family and friends. You’ll learn to be more mindful and calm, and how to reach for and achieve your goals without getting frustrated. 

Most importantly, therapy for HSP will show you how to be self-compassionate. If you struggle with guilt or anxiety due to your sensitivity, working with a therapist will make that easier to manage. You’ll recognize that someone is in your corner, and having that professional support can make a big difference in your ability to “fight back” against your overly-sensitive thoughts. 

The main goal of therapy for HSP is to help you feel more like yourself and to remind you that you are whole. We’ll use techniques and tools that will help you overcome some of your extremely sensitive feelings, so you’ll feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions. You’ll also learn how to manage those emotions on your own, long after you’ve completed your therapy sessions. 

If you consider yourself an HSP or think you might be, don’t hesitate to reach out and set up an appointment. Together, in anxiety treatment, we’ll work on managing your emotions and developing the skills needed to keep your sensitive thoughts and feelings at bay so they don’t control your life. 

What Is The Connection Between Anxiety And Highly Sensitive People?

Anxiety can impact anyone. It doesn’t discriminate and doesn’t target one group of people over another. 

However, if you have other underlying conditions or personal traits, anxiety might impact you more severely than others. If you’re someone who is highly sensitive, you might find that anxiety affects you even more. 

But, why is that the case? What’s the connection between anxiety and highly sensitive people (HSPs)? Let’s take a closer look. The more aware you are of the connection, the easier it is to take steps to combat your anxious thoughts and fears. 

Let’s take a closer look at why HSPs tend to struggle with anxiety more than others, and what you can do about it. 

Why Are Highly Sensitive People More Prone to Anxiety? 

Anxiety is often worse for highly sensitive people, but they’re also more susceptible to it, in the first place. 

That’s because they process thoughts and feelings more deeply than other people. Something that might not seem like a “big deal” to a non-sensitive person could have a deep impact on an HSP. 

When someone is highly-sensitive, they process everything on a much deeper, stronger level. They reflect on it and tend to associate it with other things, which makes it easy for fearful thoughts to take over. Think about how much the average person takes in on a daily basis, as well as the experiences they go through. While non-sensitive people might not think twice about certain things people say or situations they’re in, HSPs dwell on them. 

How Being Highly Sensitive Causes Anxiety to Linger

What’s the problem with being sensitive to certain situations? Unfortunately, after a while, your mind and body will be in a perpetual “fight-or-flight” mode. This is normal when you’re in dangerous situations. It’s your body’s best form of self-defense. 

However, when there’s no real threat and you’re constantly “stuck” in that mode, it can wreak havoc on your mind and body. You might experience symptoms like: 

• Shaking

• Rapid heartbeat

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sweating

• Nausea

Obviously, dealing with these symptoms more often than not can fuel your anxiety even further, and can also lead to other mental health issues, like depression. 

Something as simple as having too much to do, struggling with perfectionism, or knowing that someone is watching your work performance can trigger anxiety if you’re a highly-sensitive person. It doesn’t take much for the symptoms above to start to feel out of control quickly, taking over nearly every aspect of your life. 

What Can You Do?

No one should have to live with anxiety every day. The first step is recognizing your HSP characteristics. When you accept that you’re a highly-sensitive person, you can stop fighting against your natural tendencies and learn how to overcome your anxious thoughts, instead. 

From there, you can practice techniques that will help to calm your anxiety every day. Start by keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, simply writing down your worries and seeing them on paper can bring you back to reality and help you calm down. You can also regularly try stress-reducing exercises, like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Start by leaning on your support system. That could be a romantic partner, family members, or a friend group. Be clear about your feelings and your needs, and you’ll find that you have plenty of people in your life willing to support and help you. 

If you’re really struggling, therapy is one of the best options. Working with a therapist can make it easier to overcome your anxious thoughts and learn the skills necessary to manage your symptoms. 

If you already know you’re an HSP or you think you might be, don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as possible for anxiety treatment. If your HSP status is causing anxiety in your life, you deserve to find peace and relaxation. 

Worried That Your Young Child Is Depressed? Signs & Symptoms To Look For

We don’t often associate depression with children, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. 

Take a look around and consider the state of the world, and it’s not difficult to see why today’s kids might be struggling with depression. There’s so much uncertainty, turmoil, and unrest, that it can be difficult for young children to process everything. 

Unfortunately, young kids can’t often express feelings of depression directly. They might know that they feel sad or “down,” but if they don’t know what depression is, they’re not going to be able to come to you with an explanation. 

So, as a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to understand some of the signs and symptoms of depression in children. 

Whether you’re worried your child might already be displaying some of those signs or you just want to be proactive, it never hurts to be as informed as possible. 

With that in mind, let’s cover some of the signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to childhood depression. 

What to Look For

First, it’s important to understand that children have ups and downs the same way adults do. Your child doesn’t have to be happy and energetic every day. If they are sad sometimes or have a day or two where they feel “off” or down, that’s okay. It doesn’t automatically mean they’re depressed or even at risk for depression. 

You know your child’s personality better than anyone. 

The best thing you can do as a parent is to pay close attention to any changes you notice in their personality or behaviors and whether those changes are happening on a long-term basis. 

With that, some of the most important signs that could indicate depression include: 

• Behavioral issues

• Struggling in school

• Withdrawing from friends

• Withdrawing from activities they enjoy

• Changes in eating habits

• Changes in sleeping habits

• Mood changes

If these symptoms seem to persist for several weeks, it’s important to take action and recognize that your child is struggling. If they start to talk about self-harm or even not wanting to “be here,” don’t hesitate to take action sooner. 

What Causes Depression in Young Children? 

Some children are going to display signs of depression more than others. Maybe your child is naturally quiet and keeps to themselves most of the time. In those cases, it can be hard to spot the symptoms of depression as easily. 

However, if you’re still concerned they might be dealing with it, take a look at what’s going on in their life. Some of the common causes of depression in kids include:

• Family problems

• A family history of depression

• Physical illness

• Stressful life events

If there have been some major (or difficult) changes to your family dynamic or your child’s life in the last few months, pay extra close attention to their behaviors and mood. Even if it’s hard to see sometimes, your child will give you signs if they’re struggling. 

What Can You Do?

So, what should you do if you notice some of these signs and symptoms? 

Most importantly, be a support system for your child. They need to know you’re there and that they aren’t alone no matter what they’re dealing with. Validate their feelings and let them know you’re always there if/when they want to talk. 

It’s also a good idea to connect with a therapist that can help your child manage and overcome their depression. A depressed child does not necessarily mean they’ll be a depressed adult. Therapy can help them get to the root cause of their depression while teaching them the skills they need to manage their symptoms. 

If you’re concerned your child is depressed, you don’t have to handle it on your own. Contact us soon to set your child up with an appointment for depression treatment.

What Is Anticipatory Grief And How Can You Deal With It?

Everyone experiences grief at some point in their life. While we usually think of grief when it comes to the loss of a person, it can also be triggered by the loss of a career, a pet, or even a sense of normality. 

That’s why so many people struggled with grief throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While dealing with some kind of loss in life is practically unavoidable, there’s a type of grief that fewer people are aware of – anticipatory grief. 

Grief can occur before a loss officially happens, especially when it comes to death or a slow-progressing illness that starts to cause limitations and losses. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the common symptoms of anticipatory grief and how you can deal with them in healthy, effective ways. 

What Are the Signs of Anticipatory Grief?

Anticipatory grief has many of the same signs and symptoms as “traditional” grief. It’s the timing that’s different. Some of the most common symptoms include: 

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Sadness

• Fear

• Guilt

• Loneliness

You might also start to think about what the future will hold once the loss is complete. If you’re already grieving the potential death of a loved one, your mind might race with wondering what your life will be like once they’re gone. 

Unfortunately, that often creates even more fear and uncertainty, promoting a vicious cycle of grief that can be difficult to break free from. 

You might also feel guilty about nearly every thought that comes to mind regarding that person. If you want them to live even though they’re suffering, you might feel guilt over that. If you want their suffering to end and for them to pass, it’s easy to feel ashamed about that, too. 

Those feelings of guilt can be incredibly damaging, leading to negative self-talk and an increased risk of depression. 

How Can Anticipatory Grief Be a Positive Thing?

It’s hard to believe that anything dealing with grief could be considered “good”. 

However, in some cases, anticipatory grief can provide a healthy first step in the healing process. 

For example, if you visit a dying loved one, it’s not going to be easy. It’s a struggle to see someone you care about in such a fragile state. However, those moments together can provide closure, and make the loss seem less sudden and overwhelming. Spending time with that person will make their death easier to accept, rather than dealing with denial for weeks. 

How Can You Cope With Anticipatory Grief? 

Anticipatory grief can give you the time you need to find healthy coping mechanisms. It’s a perfect time to develop a support system of people you can lean on – and those who know they can lean on you, in return. 

If your anticipatory grief stems from the pending loss of a loved one, spend as much time as possible connecting with them. Address any unresolved issues between you, share stories, and if they’re able, spend time doing things you both enjoy. 

Learn as much as you can about what to expect. It won’t necessarily make things less painful, but if someone you love has an illness, knowing more about it can help you recognize some of the more common symptoms, so it won’t feel as overwhelming while they happen. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional support. Anticipatory grief can be just as painful as the loss itself. If you’re trying to get through it but having a hard time accepting what’s about to happen, you’re not alone. Grief counseling can make a big difference in helping you manage your stress while sorting out your thoughts and feelings. 

4 Ways Grief Can Affect The Body

Everyone goes through the stages of grief at a different pace, and the experience can be unique from person to person. 

Still, most people recognize grief as a mental and emotional health issue. There’s no denying that grieving a loss of any kind can wreak havoc on your emotional well-being. It can add extra stress, and even trigger anxiety and/or depression. 

However, grief can also affect the body, manifesting itself in physical ways that often cause problems. 

Whether you’ve recently experienced a loss or you know you’re dealing with grief, it’s important to understand how it might affect the body. Let’s take a look at four common ways grief can take a toll on your physical health.

1. Digestive Issues

One of the most common physical problems people experience when grieving is stomach problems. There are a few reasons for that. 

First, when you’re experiencing a loss, it’s likely that your eating habits will change for a while. You might not be eating as much as you’re used to. Maybe you even forget to eat sometimes because you’re so overwhelmed. 

Other people turn to food as comfort, so you’re eating more than you should, and choosing foods that can cause digestive distress. 

The anxiety you might feel with grief can also contribute to digestive problems, making you feel “queasy” or nauseous more often than not.

2. Pain

Research has shown that grief can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to pain and discomfort. Some of the most common issues people face include: 

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

• Chest pain

• Back pain

• Neck pain

Some of this pain has to do with tension and stress. However, grief can take a toll on your immune system, making you feel weaker and more susceptible to feelings of pain. Your weakened immune system also makes it easier to get sick, so it’s crucial to take care of your well-being, especially in the days following an extreme loss.

3. Sleep Issues

Stress, sleep, and depression are all closely linked together. The more down you are, the harder it can be to get adequate sleep. 

Unfortunately, the less sleep you get, the easier it is to fall into depression. 

It’s normal to be sad and feel overwhelmed while you’re grieving. But, when that starts to affect your sleep habits, it could lead to a whole host of physical and mental health issues. You’re more likely to feel fatigued, you can get sick easily, and you might have difficulty focusing throughout the day. 

Try to maintain healthy sleep habits as you process your grief, and establish a routine that will make it easier for your mind and body to get the rest they need.

4. Cardiovascular Issues

Did you know that you’re more susceptible to having a heart attack or stroke in the days following an extreme loss? 

A “broken heart” isn’t necessarily a real thing, but experiencing a heavy loss can absolutely take a toll on your cardiovascular health. You might start experiencing chest pains or a dull ache in that area. If you do, it’s important to see a doctor right away, and maintain your health and well-being as much as possible. 

There’s no ideal timeline for getting through the stages of grief. Everyone goes at their own pace. 

What’s important is that you work through and process your grief in healthy, effective ways. If you’re grieving a loss and you’ve noticed any of the physical symptoms listed here, don’t hesitate to reach out for help quickly. Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment for grief counseling. Together, we’ll work on healthy ways of understanding your loss and coping with your grief so you can move forward and take charge of your physical and mental well-being. 

How To Deal With Anxiety When Your Child Is The Trigger

Anxiety is an incredibly common mental health condition, and it can impact everyone differently. However, one thing most people trying to manage their anxiety can agree on is that certain triggers can make symptoms worse. 

Often, avoiding those triggers is ideal. By keeping them out of your life, it’s easier to manage your symptoms and fight back against negative thoughts. 

But, what happens when your children are your triggers? 

How can you manage your anxiety when your kids are fueling it?

First, don’t let yourself feel too guilty. You’re not a bad parent because your kids are triggering your anxiety, and you’re certainly not alone in how you feel. 

Let’s dive a little deeper into how your children might be triggering your anxious thoughts, and how you can cope. 

How Can Kids Trigger Anxiety?

Raising children is one of the most incredible experiences a person can go through. However, it’s also one of the most overwhelming. 

If you’re already prone to anxiety or you’ve been struggling with it for a while, your kids can serve as triggers in a variety of ways. 

Parenting is unpredictable. Sometimes, no matter how much you plan for something, it throws you a curveball. That kind of uncertainty can be a huge trigger for some people. 

Raising children also means you lost some control. While you’re technically “in control” of your kids, things don’t always go the way you might want them to, making life feel chaotic. 

On top of it all, parenting is downright challenging at times. Kids make messes, they can disobey, make a lot of noise, and make you feel like you’ll never find any peace. No matter how much you love and care for your children, just about every parent experiences these feelings sometimes. 

So, what can you do? 

Get a Handle on the Triggers

Chances are, you won’t be able to make everything more predictable or get “full control” over every family situation. 

However, you can make things easier on yourself by putting strategies in place to take back some control and familiarity. 

Make lists. Stay organized. Keep a family calendar. Set boundaries for everyone, and when there are rules in place, make sure they’re enforced. 

Keeping these things in line will make it harder for you to feel like everything is spiraling out of control. It won’t make them go away completely, but it can make them easier to manage. 

Focus On What You Can Control

This is an especially important tip when you feel like your kids are causing things to be chaotic. Focusing on what you can’t control will only fuel your anxiety and cause you to panic. 

Instead of focusing on every small battle, think about the things you can control. You can set curfews for your older children. You decide who your kids can spend time with. It’s up to you to determine what’s for dinner tonight. 

Those might seem like small things. But, focusing on them can help to ease your anxiety and give you a greater sense of control over the larger things, too. 

Take Care of Yourself

As a parent, you’re likely putting everyone else first. That’s normal, and sometimes it might even feel necessary. 

However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Self-care isn’t selfish when you’re a parent. In fact, you should consider it a necessity. You can’t care for your family properly if you’re not taking care of yourself first. 

By practicing self-care, you’ll find ways to combat your anxiety that work for you. That might include exercising, journaling, meditating, or practicing mindfulness. All of those activities can help with symptoms of anxiety and allow you to feel more in control. 

Anxiety is often very manageable. However, it doesn’t go away on its own, especially when you’re around what’s triggering you every day. 

If you’re struggling with anxiety and your children are your triggers, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment or get more information on anxiety therapy.

What Are Symptoms Of Anxiety In Children?

No one wants to think about their child experiencing anxiety. Childhood is supposed to be carefree and worry-free. 

Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. We’re living in a world where kids are growing up more anxious than ever thanks to everything from global pandemics to rapidly-moving technology. 

While you might not be able to stop anxiety from occurring in your child, you can learn to recognize the signs and symptoms. The more aware you are of those symptoms, the easier it will be to get an official diagnosis and ensure your child gets the help they need and deserve. 

Anxiety can be a very manageable condition, but it doesn’t often go away on its own. Helping your child understand what they’re going through and how to handle their symptoms starts with knowing what those signs are. 

Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of anxiety in children, and what you should expect. 

Changes in Normal Habits

Children thrive on routine, and when that routine is disrupted by something like anxiety, it will be noticeable. It might also start to negatively impact other areas of their life. 

One of the first things you might notice if your child has anxiety is a change in their eating and/or sleeping routine. They might have trouble sleeping at night, or complain about having bad dreams. Those dreams can wake them up and make it difficult to get back to sleep.

Unfortunately, anxiety and a lack of sleep can often feel like a vicious cycle. The less sleep your child gets, the more anxious they can become. 

They also might stop eating properly, which can be dangerous to their health. You know what your child likes and doesn’t like. If those habits start to change drastically, or they aren’t eating as much as they should, it could be cause for concern. 

Difficulty Concentrating

Has your child been struggling in school, or having trouble staying focused even at home? If that’s unusual for them, it could be anxiety making it difficult for them to focus. 

It’s not uncommon for anxiety to completely take over your thoughts. Your little one could be struggling with constant worry. Or, they could be fighting back against negative thoughts trying to plague them all day. 

Not only is that exhausting, but it makes it hard to focus on just about anything else. That can result in difficulties at school, having trouble getting things done, or even being fully present while they listen.

Anger and Irritability

Depending on your child’s age, they might have a difficult time effectively expressing their emotions. 

But, if you’ve noticed that your child is having more “angry” outbursts lately, it could be a sign of something deeper going on. 

Getting irritable or expressing anger quickly is a common symptom of anxiety in children. Their outbursts might seem out of control, and you might have a hard time helping them calm down or get back to a more neutral state. 

If your child is typically easy-going or doesn’t get angry easily, this sign should be one of the most obvious in recognizing there’s a bigger problem. 

What Can You Do?

If you’re worried your child might be dealing with anxiety, the best thing you can do is support them, and seek out professional help. They deserve an official diagnosis so they can start on a treatment plan that fits their needs. 

It’s never too early or too late to reach out for help for your child. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to set up an appointment. Your child doesn’t have to live with the negative effects of anxiety forever. Getting them help now with anxiety treatment will set them up for a future that isn’t filled with fear and worry. 

4 Ways On How To Deal With Anxiety When You Are A POC

Despite living in the 21st century, racial anxiety is still very real. In many cases, it’s just as prominent as ever, especially for People of Color (POC) living in certain communities across the country. 

You might feel like you don’t fit in, to the point where you’re disregarded or even degraded. You might even be fearful of your community, or even the state of the country itself. 

Needless to say, it’s not uncommon to deal with anxiety when you’re a POC. 

While you might not be able to change the state of the world on your own, there are things you can do to manage your personal anxiety and find some peace of mind, no matter your situation. 

Let’s cover a few tips on how to deal with anxiety when you’re a POC, so you can take more control over your thoughts without letting your fears consume you.

1. Find a Support System

One of the best things you can do to manage your anxiety is to spend more time with like-minded individuals. Seek out other POC in your community who might be struggling with the same worries. 

You might even consider joining a support group, or an organization specifically meant to help POC deal with such things. 

Knowing you’re surrounded by people who understand you and want to lift you up can make a big difference. It will give you something to look forward to and can boost your comfort levels while reducing your anxiety.

2. Be More Mindful

Most anxiety stems from worrying about “what if?” 

For POC, those “what ifs” can include thinking about the past and wondering what life might be like if things were done differently. It also might include being fearful about what the future brings. 

Unfortunately, it’s easy for those “what if” thoughts to spiral out of control, fueling and feeding your fear to the point where it becomes overwhelming. 

A good way to manage those thoughts is to practice mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment and practicing deep breathing, you can let those worrying thoughts pass you by. It’s a great practice to understand and apply, and it can help you manage your symptoms every day.

3. Focus On What You Can Control

Again, because anxiety tends to stem from “what if” situations, it gets worse when you focus on everything out of your control. 

We all struggle with circumstances we can’t do anything about, but it’s often worse for POC who might be dealing with lingering effects of racism or discrimination. The world at large needs to continue to make changes and progress forward, but it’s not going to happen overnight, and it’s something you can be a part of but can’t control completely. 

Instead of focusing your fear on those major things, choose to focus instead on what you can control. 

What areas of your life are you confident in? What can you change? How can you make an impact right now? When you start to focus your attention on what you can do instead of what you can’t, your worries will feel smaller.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

There are still plenty of stigmas surrounding mental health, especially in many POC communities. People sometimes view anxiety as a weakness or evidence of having little self-control. 

That simply isn’t true. 

If you had a friend struggling with anxiety, think about how you would treat them. Chances are, you would be compassionate, understanding, and loving. 

Why not treat yourself the same way? 

The more you try to ignore your emotions or even criticize yourself for feeling them, the more intense they’re likely to become. It’s important to accept your feelings as real and valid and show yourself compassion and kindness as you navigate through them. 

If you’re a POC struggling with anxiety, these strategies can help. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to a mental health professional if you’re worried you can’t overcome your racing thoughts. Feel free to contact us for more information or to set up an appointment for anxiety counseling.

Tips For Finding Emotional Support As A POC

As a Person of Color (POC) in America, it can sometimes be hard to feel like you’re seen, heard, and supported. Depending on where you live, you might even feel like you’re discriminated against or treated differently because of your identity. 

Whether it’s at work, in a group, or even in a school setting, it’s important to have a circle of emotional support as a POC. 

Thankfully, no matter how frustrating and lonely things can feel at times, there are resources you can rely on to find the support you deserve. 

Let’s cover a few tips you can use to find emotional support as a POC, so you can surround yourself with the right people who build you up, rather than tear you down. 

Educate Your Circle of Friends

Sometimes, friend groups can seem unsupportive simply because they aren’t well-versed in the inequalities that can occur for people of color. 

Unfortunately, that can lead to ignorant comments or assumptions that end up hurting and making you feel worse. 

If you already have a strong friend group but need their support, start by educating them on your experiences. Share your pain and let them know your needs. Chances are, if they’re true friends, they’ll be willing to make the necessary changes to give you more support and stand by your side when things are especially difficult. 

Join POC Groups

There are many POC groups across the country advocating for better representation, equal rights, and no discrimination. No matter where you live, you’ll likely be able to find one of these groups nearby. 

Alternatively, you can look for advocacy groups online. While it might not be the same as meeting in person, hearing other people’s stories and joining in on conversations can be empowering. You’ll know that you’re not alone. That can help you feel inspired by what others across the country are doing to support POCs. You might even become motivated to start a local group of your own. Or, you might consider taking a trip to meet some of these newfound friends in person. 

Consider looking at national organizations that support POCs, too. There are many black mental health resources available that can help you work through any struggles you might be dealing with. They'll also offer you support from people who know exactly what you’re going through. Some of the most popular organizations include the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective and the Loveland Therapy Fund. 

It’s also worth it to donate your time and money to POC-backed organizations. 

With your time and money, you’ll help to educate others on equality and discrimination, while letting these organizations expand so they can support other POCs across the country. 

Seek Professional Help

If finding consistent emotional support isn’t easy in your area, or you’re struggling with loneliness or feeling misunderstood, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. 

Now, more than ever, people of color are standing up and demanding to be heard. But, there’s still a long way to go. You can do your part for your own mental well-being by talking to a mental health professional about your struggles. 

Studies have shown that people of color are often more at risk of mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. By taking charge of your mental health, you can help to change those statistics. In doing so, you'll help others in need who might not want to speak up about their struggles right away. 

Whether you’re not feeling supported or you’re dealing with discrimination, feel free to contact us and set up an appointment. Together, we’ll work through your needs. We can also discuss other outlets and resources you can use to find support on a daily basis.