Emotions are not just in our minds. We carry emotions in our bodies. No-brainer, right? Before I continue, I want to address a question I got about the practices I write about here. Obviously, I will not claim that any of these will magically have anyone recover from mental health challenges. However, we also know […]
Tag: depression
The Power of Peer Support
If you wanted to learn anything wouldn’t you seek out someone with experience? When I was a competitive swimmer – a long time ago, I might add! – our team would watch videos of the greats like Mark Spitz. When I started my healing from lyme symptoms I sought out someone who had recovered. When […]
3 Ways to Calm Anxiety
When you’re feeling anxiety you know those symptoms…rapid breathing, sometimes even holding your breath, increased heart rate. Your autonomic nervous system kicked in. It’s natural and helpful at times. But what to do when you don’t need to be in fight/flight/freeze and all that cortisol and adrenaline pumping through your system? Try these 3 things: […]
Should You Believe Your Emotions?
Recently, I’ve been experiencing what I would label depression. It’s been really uncomfortable and I noticed other emotions like powerlessness, despair, and hopelessness. As experienced as I am with navigating my thoughts and emotions, this sense of depression had me entertaining thoughts such as, “what’s wrong with me, I should be doing better than this, […]
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
“What the heck is going on?!?”I said to myself this morning as within minutes of waking up I was already feeling angst, depression, and anger. It began when I was doing a process of my morning routine, which includes immersing myself in a positive memory and elevating my emotional state. What has been happening lately […]
Dialectical Behavior Therapy(DBT): A Path to Mental Health and Emotional Balance
One approach to mental health treatment that has gained significant recognition and acclaim for its effectiveness is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s, DBT has since become a cornerstone in addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, particularly those associated with emotional dysregulation. With […]
Riding the Wave: Managing Cycles of Depression
Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its cyclical nature often makes it challenging to manage. However, there are strategies that can help individuals navigate the waves of depression and find periods of hope and resilience. Let’s explore the journey of a person I’ll call Ben (not his real […]
The Healing Power of Humor
Laughter truly is the best medicine! I cherish a good laugh, don’t you? First, I must admit, I’m not funny at all. But, I am a good audience! My daughter is a riot and I try occasionally to convince her to go professional and make me rich. I’m grateful to live with someone who cracks […]
Nature Heals
If there’s one thing I love and thrive from it is being outdoors. If I’m cooped up inside for too long – and too long for me is half way through the day – I become edgy and have a lowered mood. As soon as I get out I feel refreshed and clear. I’m lucky […]
“This Too Shall Pass”: Staying Hopeful Even When Mental Health Symptoms Arise
I understand how daunting it can be when symptoms arise. The weight of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions can feel overwhelming and unrelenting. But through my journey, I’ve learned that even in the midst of these difficult moments, there is hope. I remind myself, “This too shall pass”. When symptoms arise, it’s easy […]