Supporting Loved Ones Experiencing Mental Health Challenges
Supporting someone through their mental health difficulties is not about having all the answers—it’s about being present, compassionate, offering help where you can, and knowing when to refer to professionals.
The Hidden Toll of Shame on Mental Health
Instead of focusing on actions, shame targets the self- leading people to feel they are inherently flawed or unworthy. This is often without any particular actions to cause it. For example, rather than thinking, "I made a mistake," a person might think, "I am a failure." This internalized belief can be paralyzing, trapping individuals in a cycle of self-blame and self-criticism that damages self-esteem and increases vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
World Mental Health Day: Psychology is not just for the sick
You don’t need a major reason to seek out psychological support. Sometimes, checking in with a therapist can be a proactive step toward optimizing your mental health and improving your overall quality of life.
Understanding Suicide: Risk Factors, Indicators and Prevention
Suicide is very often a brief window when someone cannot not access the mental health resources or innate hope within themselves to see through this window of despair. A person may believe it is all bad and will forever remain bad when, in fact, this is not the case.
Understanding Shame: Its Psychological Effects
Shame is an emotion that arises from a perception of being fundamentally flawed or unworthy. It’s a feeling that can affect one's entire sense of self.
Understanding Abuse and the Psychological Effects
By raising awareness and providing support, we can help victims of abuse find the path to healing and reclaim their lives. This is sometimes as simple as starting with improving self-esteem, confidence and building a positive self-image. Never buy into the lies that you deserve this- you deserve happiness like everyone else.
The Difference between Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety, although sharing many overlapping symptoms, are different to one another. Stress is often short-term and triggered by an external stimulus whereas anxiety is a mental health condition that is long-term and more due to more internal precipitants.
Refacing my Trauma
Trauma disorders are psychological conditions that arise from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. These events can range from accidents and natural disasters to violence, abuse, and loss. In essence, any experiences where a person witnesses real or threatened death can trigger trauma disorders such as PTSD. The effects of trauma can linger long after the initial experience, impacting mental and emotional well-being.
Preparation prior to your first psychology session
It is helpful to consider your first psychology session with your new psychologist and do preparation prior to your session. Here are some ideas on what can be done before your first psychology session for those who may be anxious about it.
Anxiety: the ticking clock
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, often referred to as the body's "fight or flight" reaction. While it's normal to feel anxious before a big presentation or an important event, excessive and persistent anxiety can interfere with daily life. Understanding the line between healthy stress and unhealthy anxiety in mental health is crucial.
Finding the men in mental health
Men's mental health is a critical component of overall well-being as is true with all people. Just as physical health is crucial, emotional and mental well-being play an equally vital role in leading a fulfilling life. The pressures of modern society, ranging from career expectations to family responsibilities, can take a toll on mental health. Ignoring these challenges can lead to serious consequences such as depression and anxiety symptoms in men, affecting not only the individual but also their relationships and daily functioning. By addressing mental health proactively, men can cultivate resilience, manage stress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Dream Interpretation: Answering the phone
Dream interpretation is the art of deciphering the dream symbols, emotions, and narratives presented in your dreams. It involves translating the language of the unconscious into conscious understanding. Dream analysis, on the other hand, goes a step further by exploring the underlying meanings and connections between dream symbolism and waking life. Both practices provide a window into the depths of your mind, revealing insights and revelations that may not be readily apparent in your conscious awareness.
Depression: Minding the mind’s reminders for rest.
Depression is a complex mental health disorder that goes beyond fleeting sadness. It affects millions of people worldwide. Fast-paced modern society, while exciting, does not slow down for mental health and can contribute to the stressors that trigger depression. Understanding the symptoms of depression and seeking professional treatment is crucial for managing and overcoming this condition.