Gentle parenting, also known as empathetic or respectful parenting, is about fostering a relationship with your children based on mutual respect, understanding, and unconditional love. It's about guiding rather than controlling, understanding rather than punishing, and connecting rather than distancing.
Read moreUnderstanding Mental Health Stigmas in Minority Communities
Embarking on a journey of profound importance, we turn our attention to the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health within various minority communities. These stigmas can act as barriers to seeking help and receiving adequate care, further exacerbating mental health disparities.
Read moreUnderstanding the Intersectionality of Race and Mental Health
Today, we delve into a topic that is both complex and crucial in our understanding of mental health - the intersectionality of race and mental health. This concept recognizes how different aspects of a person's identity, such as race and ethnicity, can influence their mental health experiences.
Read moreNational Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: An Opportunity for Greater Understanding and Support
As we usher in the month of July, we also welcome a crucial period in the realm of mental health awareness - the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (NMMHAM). It's a time to spotlight the unique mental health challenges faced by underrepresented groups in our society and to foster greater understanding, empathy, and support.
Read moreUnderstanding Gender Identity: A Guide for LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Allies
The world we live in is a vibrant mosaic of diverse identities, unique perspectives, and beautiful variations. Among these, one aspect that plays a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals is our gender identity. It's a deeply personal and integral part of us, influencing how we perceive ourselves and how we wish to be perceived by others.
Whether you're here because you’re navigating your own journey of self-discovery or you're an ally looking to learn and support, this guide is here to offer a warm, understanding hand. Let's journey together through the realm of gender identity.
Read moreCreating Safe Spaces: How Therapy Can Help Address Trauma in the LGBTQIA+ Community
The LGBTQIA+ community is incredibly diverse, resilient, and vibrant. However, members of this community often face unique challenges and traumas that can affect their mental health and well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of therapy in addressing trauma within the LGBTQIA+ community, share tips for creating safe spaces in therapeutic settings, and provide resources for individuals seeking support.
Read moreWhat it Means to be an Ally
Pride Month is a time of celebration, but it can also be a powerful reminder that we need allies to support and fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community year-round. Everyone has a responsibility to advocate for social justice and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels accepted regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Being an ally doesn’t have to involve taking up space at protests or attending rallies; there are simpler ways individuals can help ensure that all members of this vibrant, diverse community feel respected and supported day in and day out. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be an ally and offer tactics you can use to make sure your support isn’t just limited to June!
Read moreFostering Acceptance and Belonging
Within the LGBTQIA+ community, having access to supportive and non-judgmental resources is essential for managing mental health challenges in a healthy and productive way. Therapy can serve as an invaluable tool that helps foster acceptance, understanding, belonging, and resilience. With specialized guidance from a professional therapist who understands their unique experiences of being discriminated against or marginalized based on gender identity or sexual orientation, members of this community can receive compassionate support throughout their journey toward self-empowerment. In this blog post, we will dive into how therapy works to build confidence and strength within the LGBTQIA+ community!
Read moreCaring for a Loved One with Mental Health Issues
It can be complicated and overwhelming as a caregiver for a loved one with mental health issues. Not only do you experience feelings of guilt and responsibility, but also the duty of managing daily tasks. You must prioritize your own mental well-being and that of your family member or friend. To provide the best care possible, it is essential to develop an approach that allows you to meet their needs while maintaining your physical and emotional stability. Here I will discuss vital steps in effectively caring for someone living with mental illness and describe necessary self-care activities needed for sustainable support over an extended period.
Read moreManaging Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety can have a powerful impact on your daily life. From mental health to physical wellness, the effects of chronic stress and anxiety can be pervasive — making it difficult for you to handle everyday tasks or even enjoy simple pleasures. If you're struggling with managing your thoughts and feelings, know that you are not alone. Mental health experts have long recognized that avoiding stress isn't easy, but there are helpful strategies available for how to manage it in an effective way that works best for your individual needs. In this blog post, we'll discuss why it's important to take steps to manage stress and anxiety correctly, provide tips on identifying warning signs of impending distress, as well as explore specific coping skills in order to regain balance—all so that you can become more empowered in understanding how your body is responding to the demands of modern-day life.
Read moreBreaking the Stigma and Seeking Help
Many people face mental health challenges in today's world. Although it can be challenging to acknowledge our difficulties and sometimes intimidating to ask for assistance, we must recognize the value of doing so. Seeking support is among the most crucial steps we can take to enhance our well-being on our journey. The stigma around getting mental health care remains a major barrier for too many people – but by sharing information about access to resources and dispelling common myths about therapy, we can all do our part in breaking down those barriers and empowering ourselves and others to seek help without shame or judgment.
Read moreMental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of mental health and well-being for everyone. During this month, our goal is to provide education on why it's important to prioritize mental health and how taking steps toward better care can make a big difference in your life. We understand that managing stress, anxiety, and depression has been even more challenging during these tough times - and we're here for you. Our team of experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you foster lasting connections with yourself and those around you by creating individualized plans tailored specifically to each person’s needs. Even if it's hard to take the first step towards healing sometimes, investing in your emotional well-being is worth every effort!
Read moreUnderstanding the Principles of Gentle Parenting: A Beginner's Guide
Are you a parent wanting to learn how to practice gentle parenting? The concept may seem daunting at first—but don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be complicated! In this blog post, we’ll explore the various principles of gentle parenting and provide actionable guidance on how you can begin implementing them into your everyday life. Gentle parenting is an effective way to navigate through your child's development while staying attuned and connected; instead of relying solely on authoritarian models or punishments. So let's dive in, shall we?
Read moreBuilding Positive Communication With Your Child
Staying connected with your child and maintaining an open line of communication can be difficult. It may seem like your kid is from a different world, and that language barrier prevents you from understanding their perspective. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to build positive communication and strengthen the bond between you and your child! In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of fostering good communication with children, tips for improving everyday conversations, as well as helpful resources for developing healthy dialogue habits. By putting these strategies into practice in our lives, we can create more meaningful connections with our kids and make sure that they feel heard, respected, and valued- all important ingredients for nurturing any relationship.
Read moreApril Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
As a society, protecting our children from abuse should always be paramount. That’s why April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, strengthen protective factors, and commit to creating better future conditions for all vulnerable youth. Sadly, the statistics in child abuse cases can paint an alarming picture. But if we work together and recognize the signs of mistreatment early on, we can put a stop to this heartbreaking truth that plagues so many young lives across America and beyond. This movement begins not only with understanding but also with action—and throughout this month, we’re here to provide valuable information and resources in hopes of preventing any continued tragedies caused by child abuse.
Read moreBenefits of Independent Play for Children
We all want what's best for our children, and we often feel the need to constantly stimulate and entertain them. However, it's important to remember that kids also need time for independent play. When children engage in unstructured playtime, they learn to think creatively, problem-solve, and make decisions on their own.
Read moreWhat is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been a hot topic in the psychological community for years. But what exactly is MDD, and why does it matter? To answer this question, we must first look at the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). This manual is used by mental health professionals to diagnose a variety of disorders. It contains criteria that must be met in order for an individual to be diagnosed with a particular disorder. In this blog post, we'll explore the DSM V's criteria for major depressive disorder.
Read moreThe Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience from time to time, but when it starts becoming overwhelming and persistent it’s easy to feel lost in the whirlwind of emotions. It can be hard to recognize if what you're feeling is typical or rather a case of Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD). GAD affects an estimated 5.7% of the population, usually developing during early adulthood and gradually taking hold of your daily life. Knowing the symptoms of GAD is an important first step to getting help if needed. Let’s take a deeper look at what General Anxiety Disorder is and the DSM-V criteria for diagnosing it.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that presents itself as extreme and persistent worries or concerns. It's not uncommon to feel anxious at times, but some individuals suffer from severe levels of worry on a daily basis. GAD affects not only how an individual thinks but also how they behave in any given situation. The most common symptoms of GAD include feeling restless and tense, having difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and having an increased heart rate. At its worst, it can lead to frequent panic attacks, interfering with day-to-day life. Fortunately, numerous treatments are available for those suffering from GAD, including therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques. All in all, understanding what Generalized Anxiety Disorder is can be the first step to getting the help and support you need if you’re struggling with it.
DSM-V criteria for diagnosing GAD
The DSM-V criteria for diagnosing someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder includes six or more of the following symptoms, exhibited most days over at least six months:
Excessive worrying about a variety of topics, including work, school, finances, health, and relationships
Feeling overwhelmed or “on edge” for much of the day
Difficulty concentrating due to worry
Easily fatigued
Irritability
Muscle tension and difficulty sleeping
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
Experiencing panic attacks or stressful physical reactions such as increased heart rate when faced with stressful situations.
Tips for Managing GAD
Living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can certainly be challenging, but there are helpful tips to manage it and lead a happier life. Remember, it's essential to first seek professional guidance from mental health professionals who can help determine personalized strategies to effectively cope with GAD. In the meantime, practicing self-care by prioritizing a good night's sleep, nourishing your body with a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activities will help maintain overall well-being. Additionally, setting aside time for relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can work wonders to calm your thoughts and alleviate anxiety. Finally, don't hesitate to reach out to supportive friends, family members, or support groups, as having a strong and understanding network plays a crucial role in managing GAD. Stay positive and patient in your journey to a more balanced life.
It can be daunting to cope with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but thankfully there are a plethora of resources and advice available. Remember, you are never alone – it is important to not only seek professional help if needed but also to actively practice mindfulness and take advantage of the relaxation techniques that have proven to be effective in managing anxiety symptoms. Moreover, connecting with supportive friends, family members, and joining online support groups can be beneficial for sharing your experiences and being heard. Ultimately, you should never be ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help; many people live successful and fulfilling lives despite dealing with GAD. With the right guidance, treatment and patience, managing anxiety does not have to seem like an impossible feat. Embrace your vulnerability because when we embrace our mental wellness journey with self-care, we become whole again.
Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: causes, symptoms, and treatments
Many people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they may not know exactly what it is. PTSD is a mental health condition that can be triggered by exposure to a Traumatic event, such as war, natural disaster, sexual assault, or a car accident. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the event. They may also feel depressed, anxious, or angry. PTSD can lead to problems with work, relationships, and everyday activities. But there are treatments that can help.
What Causes PTSD?
PTSD can be caused by any type of Traumatic event. Some events that may cause PTSD are:
- War
- Natural disasters
- Car accidents
- Terrorist attacks
- Rape or other forms of sexual abuse/assault
- Child abuse or neglect
These are just some examples—any event that leads to intense fear, helplessness, or horror can cause PTSD.
Not everyone who experiences a Traumatic event will develop PTSD. And it's not always clear why some people develop the disorder while others don't. But there are some risk factors that may make it more likely for someone to develop PTSD after a Traumatic event, including:
- previous exposure to Trauma
- having another mental health condition
- being female
- having little social support after the Traumatic event
- experiencing ongoing stressors after the event
- having difficulty coping with the event soon after it happened.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD can start immediately after the Traumatic event or may not appear until months or even years later. The symptoms can also come and go over time, and they may get worse when something triggers memories of the Traumatic event. The main symptoms of PTSD fall into four categories: reliving the event (also called reexperiencing symptoms), avoiding situations that remind you of the event, negative changes in beliefs and feelings (also called negative alterations in cognitions and mood), and feeling more reactive than usual (also called hyperarousal). Let's take a closer look at each category.
Reliving the Event: People with PTSD often have flashbacks in which they relive the Traumatic experience as if it were happening again in the present. Flashbacks can be so real and intense that people lose touch with what's going on around them. They might feel like they're going crazy or dying. People also commonly have nightmares about the traumatic experience. These nightmares usually happen during REM sleep—the stage of sleep when we dream—and they tend to be very vivid and realistic. People with PTSD often have trouble sleeping because they're afraid of having nightmares about the trauma.
Avoiding Situations That Remind You Of The Event: After a traumatic experience, it's common for people to try to avoid anything that reminds them of what happened—including people, places, objects, or situations. For example, someone who was in a car accident might avoid driving or getting into cars. Or someone who was raped might avoid being alone with men. It's normal for people to want to avoid reminders of a traumatic experience at first. But for people with PTSD, avoidance becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with their daily lives.
Negative Changes In Beliefs And Feelings: One of the hallmarks of PTSD is feeling detached from other people—like you're an outsider looking in on your own life. You might feel numb, disconnected, or unable to trust anyone. You might also feel like there's no hope for the future. Other common changes in beliefs and feelings after a traumatic experience include feeling guilt, shame, or self-blame; feeling permanently damaged or changed; having trouble experiencing positive emotions; and losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Feeling More Reactive Than Usual: People with PTSD often find themselves on edge—startled easily, always on guard for danger, or feeling “keyed up”. This increased level of arousal is known as hyperarousal. Hyperarousal symptoms can make it hard to concentrate or sleep, and you might startle more easily. You might also become irritable or have outbursts of anger. Hyperarousal symptoms usually lessen over time but can persist long-term if not treated.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms—especially if they're interfering with daily life—it's important to seek professional help. A therapist who specializes in trauma can diagnose PTSD and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. With treatment, most people with PTSD are able to manage their symptoms and live full, productive lives.
Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Do you know someone who likes to be the center of attention? Or someone who brags and exaggerates their accomplishments? Chances are, you’ve heard these people referred to as “narcissists.” But is this simply a casual label or something more serious? If so, is it Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? The DSM-V has outlined nine traits that they identify as being diagnostic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's important to understand just what qualifies for a diagnosis of NPD in order to ensure accurate handling and management for those involved - both parties and those close by like family members, friends or colleagues. In this blog post we will explore what the DSM-V outlines about NPD; clarifying the distinction between everyday narcissistic behavior from an actual disorder.
Explaining the Difference Between Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It is not uncommon to hear people carelessly referring to someone as narcissistic, but actually diagnosing someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) requires more than just a few self-centered behaviors. Although people who suffer from NPD may be described as grandiose, attention-seeking, and vain, they are also likely to experience feelings of loneliness and emptiness. Symptoms related to NPD can significantly interfere with relationships, careers, and everyday life. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms like these, it may be worth consulting with a mental health professional for further evaluation.
DSM-V Criteria for Diagnosing NPD
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by 5 (or more) of the following:
1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g. - exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4. Requires excessive admiration
5. Has a sense of entitlement (i.e. - unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations)
6. Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e. - takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends)
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
Causes of NPD, Including Genetic and Environmental Factors
While it is easy to refer to someone as a narcissist in casual conversation, true Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is complex and involves multiple factors. The exact causes of NPD are not yet known conclusively, however, research suggests that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors can contribute to the disorder. It is believed that parenting styles that put too much importance on the child’s achievements or those with an inconsistent approach to discipline may lead to NPD. A person's genetics may also play a role; people who have family members diagnosed with a personality disorder are more likely to develop one themselves. Unfortunately, diagnosing NPD can be difficult due to its overlap with other mental health disorders such as Antisocial Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, making it essential for professionals in the field of mental health to use every resource available when they identify potential cases of NPD.
Although it is easy to use the term “narcissist” as an all-encompassing insult, it has much different meanings and implications in a professional setting versus casual usage. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a serious mental illness that often warrants clinical intervention, where casually calling someone a narcissist does not change their behavior or provide any type of treatment. By better understanding the symptoms and causes of NPD, it is easier to recognize the signs of this disorder in those around us and get help for them before things reach a critical point. Not only can the diagnosis lead to better interventions, but it can also help explain many behaviors that were previously unaddressed or misattributed to external influences. Learning more about NPD encourages greater understanding and compassion for those who struggle with this disorder on a daily basis – something we could all benefit from in our lives.
Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place