The start of the second decade of the new millennium has pushed many to new places — physically and emotionally. As a result, we are all developing coping mechanisms and learning new life skills. One of the most valuable tools you can acquire is self-compassion. Why? Self-compassion can carry you through tough times. It is…

It’s not uncommon for children to be scared about things from time to time. The world is a new, big, and often exciting place. And the unknown can be scary for anyone. Kids often look to their parents for comfort and security. While it’s important to assure them of their safety and reduce anxiety, you…

Practicing strong mental health can be tough for many people, but it can be especially tough for men. The societal stigma that men should seem invincible and completely level-headed when it comes to their emotions and self-esteem is part of the reason it’s so difficult for men take care of themselves mentally. It can be…

Anxiety is not always straightforward. You may, for a while, even ignore the symptoms or deny that they need your full attention. Persistent anxiety can also tell you unproductive stories. For example, your internal monologue may spin your thoughts and behaviors as logical and necessary. It can’t be dysfunctional if it’s keeping you safe, right?…

Stress is a normal part of life. At times, however, events put our stress levels on high alert for an extended period of time. The responses to stress are as numerous as are the approaches to dealing with and reducing stress. We can respond to stress in a self-harmful way or a resilient way. For…

In the past century, some incredible advances have been made within the realm of mental health care. This explosion of knowledge has resulted in countless useful discoveries about psychology and the human mind. Subsequently, new healing approaches are constantly being developed. One of the most successful and enduring mental health treatments for almost six decades…

The world we’ve known has changed. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to our daily life and that can come with many types of loss. Whether these losses include the missing out on many traditions, such as graduations or weddings, or losses of closeness in relationships, or the very real threat of losing a…

Effects of Stress on the Body Stress exists in many forms. Any situation you are not in control of is stressful. The effects of stress are commonly known. Yet you may not be aware of the way it impacts you physically. Stress takes its toll in countless ways. It is commonly found to be at…

The swift change in the way we live our daily lives because of the COVID-19 pandemic has many of us feeling lost and confused. Mix in the practice of social distancing and the disconnect from our family and friends and many people are experiencing a collective trauma. Join me as I talk with trauma specialist,…

In times of stress, we can feel overwhelmed and experience strong emotional reactions. Managing your stress and mental health is very important. It can help you cope with overwhelming thoughts and feelings. If you have noticed any of the following symptoms increase, it may be time to reach out for support: Fear or worry that…

Effective communication means, “Just say what you mean!” Sounds simple, right? But effective communication is far from simple. All too often, we try to communicate one thing, but the other person hears a completely different thing. It can be frustrating and counterproductive. Effective communication is a learned skill. It takes time and effort, but it’s…

We live in a worrisome time. COVID-19 and all its related concerns — from health to finances to social isolation — has created fertile ground for stress, anxiety and excessive worry. The concerns of life pre-virus have likely not faded away. There are some new trending behaviors, e.g. hand-washing, social distancing, and sheltering-in-place. Daily COVID-related…

You probably won’t be surprised that research has shown that people who have a sense of meaning and purpose in their life are happier than those without that sense of meaning. However, more than that, people who have a sense of meaning and purpose seem to live longer, cope better with the losses and difficulties…