Blogs
Martha Lueck
Have you ever had a time when a negative thought made it difficult for you to focus on a task? If you only had the thought one time, it probably wasn't a huge deal. However, when a negative thought starts to occur more frequently, it can prevent you from doing your best work. Constant unwanted thoughts that disrupt your ability to do something are called intrusive thoughts. If you are struggling to deal with these thoughts, here are five coping strategies.
Mahevash Shaikh
Fact: depression is not always clinical. Sometimes, it occurs not due to some chemical imbalance in the brain, but because of a difficult life situation. I know this because I have experienced both clinical depression and situational depression over the years. And although their causes are different, they have similar effects, effects that make life harder than usual.
Natasha Tracy
I'm wondering if what I want matters with bipolar. It feels like it doesn't. This is because one of the main coping skills I use is called "act the opposite." This coping skill is pretty widely known. It simply means to do what you bipolar doesn't want you to do. This is a way of fighting against the detrimental effects bipolar can have on your life. But after years of "acting the opposite," I'm left wondering if what I want matters at all with bipolar.
Elizabeth Caudy
I wasn’t going to write another article about my seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but, compounded with my schizoaffective disorder, my generalized anxiety disorder, and with COVID, it’s been brutal this year.
Kim Berkley
Self-Injury Awareness Month 2021 is upon us. This month offers an excellent opportunity to educate ourselves and each other about self-harm—and if you're not sure what exactly you're supposed to do with this opportunity, here are a few ideas to spark your creativity.
Tanya J. Peterson, MS, NCC
Relationships of all types are important in our lives, but as positive as it is to have a connection with someone, relationships can also be incredibly anxiety-provoking. Choosing what we pay attention to can go a long way toward reducing anxiety in relationships.
TJ DeSalvo
Recently, we were hit with a period of deep cold that often made it dangerous to do anything outside. Ordinarily, I don’t mind the cold, but in these instances, where it is inadvisable to go outside for one’s safety, it can be difficult.
Sarah Sharp
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder tantrums -- they're loud, unnerving, embarrassing, and make me question myself as a parent. They come with the territory of raising a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and although they aren't the most fun part of my day, I've found ways to deal with them without sacrificing my sanity (for the most part). I've also learned to understand why my son throws tantrums and where his ADHD comes into play. This understanding has given me clues to how to handle the situation and move forward.
Tanya J. Peterson, MS, NCC
I'm Tanya J. Peterson, and I'm really excited to be one of the authors of the "Mental Health for the Digital Generation" blog. I've been writing here on HealthyPlace for seven years. I co-author the "Anxiety-Schmanxiety Blog," have written a bunch of articles on different topics around the website, and provide the newsletter articles. I love doing these things because mental health is so vital--mental health is life itself. Writing for "Mental Health for the Digital Generation" blog feels like coming home, like being where I want to settle in, get comfortable, and have meaningful conversations.
Megan Griffith
Polyvagal theory has become an integral part of my healing journey as I learn to accept and cope with my trauma. But what is polyvagal theory? Let's talk about it.
The idea of that inner voice is called “the super ego” going back to Freud’s tripartite model of the ego.
Sometimes my inner voice - or inner critic- is not only mean, but sadistic. I will allow the voice to say REALLY means things, it can be some pretty intense negative self talk.
I think it’s REALLY important to understand that this voice does NOT come from the outside, but from within. What ever stage we may be at in our personal development, we at least some control over that inner, critical voice.
A good strategy I have found is to just remind myself “Hey, I’m human.” As you know I love to cook, so I might make a mistake in the kitchen and get really mad at myself, and lately will literally say (and out loud if needed) “It’s okay. This olive oil spilled, or that salad I dropped can be cleaned up in just a couple of minutes.” It’s like reprogramming my own inner voice to be helpful, and it has worked!
I know winter is hard for you. Keep up the good work though Elizabeth. You’re walking a lot, and doing ballet which is so good for you. Spring is just around the corner.
I love you so much.
John
I say love, patience and trust are key.
Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer
"Surviving ED" Blogger