The start of the new year provides us with an opportunity for reflection and introspection – allowing us to take a look back at the person we became over the last year and perhaps pinpoint some areas that could use improvement. New Year’s resolutions are something many people struggle with, or rather struggle to stick to once the new really gets going. Not being able to keep a resolution you set in January come March or April can be frustrating and even increase anxiety. However, it is important to remember that just because we’ve started yet another new year doesn’t mean we need to do a complete overhaul on ourselves. Give yourself a break and don’t put too much pressure to completely stop all your bad habits and become this ‘perfect’ idea of yourself. The new year should be more about reflecting on your behavior’s over the last year and set an intention to make positive lifestyle changes that really benefit you. Instead of looking at is as a resolution and something that must be kept or you’ve failed, try changing your perspective and looking at it as an intention or a commitment to make some positive changes. Don’t be…
It is completely normal to feel lonely from time to time, but if you are plagued by these feeling all the time, it may be a good idea to seek help. Feelings of loneliness can plague anyone at any time, including teenagers, the elderly, and those who suffer from depression. While symptoms range from person to person, people often experience sadness, isolation, and withdrawal from loved ones. Whether you live by yourself, with your family members, or with loved ones, loneliness can strike. Although not all cases of loneliness occur because of depression, there is a strong link between the two. In fact, feeling lonely is quite often a predictor of depression and sadness. It is important to note that loneliness is an extremely complex mental and emotional condition that can be extremely powerful. It is safe to say that every single person has experienced some degree of abandonment and isolation at one point or another, even if only for a short period of time. Remembering how you felt during this time can be both painful and scary, but it is important to learn different strategies and coping mechanisms for fighting depression and these other feelings. Persistent loneliness can be…
Being in a relationship certainly has its ups, but when that relationship ends it can be absolutely devastating. One of the most difficult things a given person will go through in their life is moving on from a relationship that had lasted for many years. In most cases, you and your partner have combined various aspects of your lives, including your home, friends, family, finances, and pets. Detaching yourself from a person who has been a constant in your life can be extremely difficult. Many people equate ending a long-term relationship to losing a limb or feeling like your body is paralyzed. Even though this other person is still alive, it can feel like they are gone forever and your life will never be the same. That being said, chances are your relationship ended for a specific reason and letting go is the only way you are going to be able to move forward. Regardless of why the relationship ended, it is important to seek out healthy coping mechanisms. Ending a long-term relationship can be very similar to losing a loved one, which means there is oftentimes a grieving period. Please know that grief is a very common aspect of…
Bipolar is a common disorder that affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While many people think bipolar disorder is relatively rare, this is not the case. Approximately 2.6% of the U.S. population 18 and older suffer from bipolar disorder, making it a very common condition. There is an unfortunate stigma surrounding bipolar disorder which has made it difficult for many to openly talk about. Here at Lifeworks, it is our goal to offer support and treatment options for individuals suffering from a wide range of conditions, including bipolar disorder. Thankfully, bipolar disorder can be treated with medication, therapy, and even lifestyle changes. Mental health experts note that the key to living a fulfilling life with bipolar disorder is to find a treatment that works for you, and stick to it. If bipolar disorder goes untreated, the condition can worsen and even cause longer, more frequent episodes. We encourage you to contact our Carrollton therapy center today to learn more about our approach to treating bipolar disorder. We understand every patient is different and believe in taking the time to find solutions and treatment options that will fit your needs. What is Bipolar…
The holidays are a stressful time of year for many, especially those who are susceptible to bouts of anxiety and depression. While the holidays are filled with family get-togethers, delicious food, and cheer, they can also be quite stressful. People often resort to bad habits when the holidays hit, something which many pay for once the merry season is over. There are numerous reasons for this, but for one, people tend to experience heightened emotions during the holidays. These emotions can be both good and bad – ranging from loneliness and angst to happiness and elation. This juxtaposition of emotions can wreak havoc on the mind and body, which is why it is important to learn how to manage your anxiety during this busy time of year. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of all women in the United States experience high levels of stress during the holidays. This doesn’t just impact how they are feeling day-to-day, but it can put their health at risk. Unfortunately, many people turn to food and alcohol when stress levels are high. While this may seem like a good way to “take the edge off”, it can actually do more harm…
Family dynamics can be difficult, no matter how close you are and how well you have raised your children. When families are happy, healthy, and in good spirits, it may seem like nothing could get them down. However, not all families are stable, and events happen in life that can create turmoil and issues amongst family members. This is especially true in today’s modern age, where we are constantly exposed to negativity, acts of violence, and other crises that can harm your family dynamics. So, how do you know when it is time for your family to seek therapy? First of all, there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help and guidance for your family. There is a stigma around therapy and counseling that we must fight every single day. Luckily, it seems more and more people are understanding – and embracing – the benefits of therapy and how it can help shape a healthier life and self. There are many reasons why a family may want to look into therapy, from raising children with disabilities, financial stresses, behavioral challenges, and the various stages of different children and family members that may need some outside assistance. While many families are…
Therapy has helped millions of people cope with a wide range of emotional and mental problems, including anxiety, stress, grief, and depression. This form of treatment can be incredibly effective, as long as you are working with the right therapist for you and your needs. Finding a good therapist may not happen right away, and that’s OK. It is important that you take your time and make sure you are working with someone you trust and who makes you feel cared for and understood. You may want to look for someone who specializes in the type of emotional problem you are experiencing, or perhaps take a recommendation from a doctor or other person in your life who knows what you have been going through. A good therapist will work closely with you, helping you address your problems and become a stronger, healthier, more self-aware individual. That being said, it is important to note that a therapist cannot ‘fix’ you or do everything for you. You must be willing to work on your concerns and approach each session with an open and honest attitude. One of the first steps to getting better and gaining more control over your emotions and your…
Social media is everywhere these days. Not only is it a way to stay connected with long lost college roommates and friends from another era, but it has become a marketing tool for businesses and brands. There is simply no escaping it in our society today. Many people find themselves aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter throughout the day and evening – this has become a common scene in our society that we just can’t seem to break away from. While this may seem harmless enough, social media can actually have a negative effect on us in many different ways. Social media is filled with birth announcements, engagements, beach vacations, job promotions, relationships, breakups, political viewpoints, and so on. All of this can be overwhelming and cause us to get sucked into a wide array of emotions, from jealousy and competitiveness to depression and anxiety. The fact that a large majority of our population (both young and old) choose to spend the few spare minutes they have a day mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds is a problem and leading to issues with our collective psychology. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, our kids and teenagers are at…
Gratitude is something we talk about often and a subject that is getting more and more attention from many different schools of thoughts in recent years. Thanksgiving is notoriously the time of year where the general public focuses on gratitude and what we are thankful for. However, gratitude is something we should practice every single day in order to live a happier, healthier life. The benefits of practicing gratitude and being truly grateful for the various aspects and people in your life are tenfold and can impact your quality of life in many different ways. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the power of gratitude. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude isn’t as difficult as you may think, and it will bring a lot of strength and positivity to your life. But you don’t have to take our word for it – there is actually scientific proof that gratitude makes healthier and enhances our quality of life. If you take the time to invest in yourself and change the way you see the world, chances are you will be better off. Sure, we understand it is unrealistic to think we can walk through life and every situation it throws at us with a…
A person’s teenage years are some of the most trying and difficult. It is no wonder that many teens experience mood swings and depression, especially in today’s society where social media and the internet play such an instrumental role. As hormones change and puberty hits, teens go through a roller coaster of emotions and upheaval within their own bodies. Unfortunately, many teens become depressed and feel as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. While some are able to get through this difficult time with the love and support of their family and friends, for others depression is just too much. This is where therapy comes in. It is becoming increasingly popular for parents and teens to seek counseling help to get through these difficult years. Teenage depression isn’t just a phase, it is a serious health concern that causes a wide range of emotions, including sadness, isolation, loss, and lack of hope. There is no exact formula for preventing teenage depression, but there are a handful of things you can do as parents and adults to help them get through this trying time. As kids get older, their problems become more complex and it becomes…
