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According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. One of the most common eating disorders is anorexia nervosa (often referred to as just “anorexia”). Below, we explain what anorexia is and who may be […]
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. One of the most common eating disorders is anorexia nervosa (often referred to as just “anorexia”). Below, we explain what anorexia is and who may be most vulnerable to it.
Before discussing who anorexia primarily affects, it may be helpful to explain exactly what it is. Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes someone to have a distorted perception of their weight as well as an extreme fear of gaining weight. Many people with this disorder severely restrict their caloric intake, exercise excessively, or purge after eating. As a result, individuals with anorexia often have a dangerously low body weight.
Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes anorexia, but studies suggest that it may involve a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Although anyone can develop anorexia, it’s especially common among females, adolescents, and teenagers. You may be particularly vulnerable to it if:
If you struggle with anorexia—or if you suspect that a loved one may be living with this condition—we can help. Our compassionate therapists are highly experienced in treating anorexia and other eating disorders, and we’ll provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule an initial consultation.
Many new mothers experience the “baby blues” for a couple of weeks after giving birth—this often includes anxiety, crying, difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings, reduced appetite, sadness, and trouble sleeping. But if your symptoms are especially severe or persist for longer than two weeks, you might have what’s known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression has […]
Many new mothers experience the “baby blues” for a couple of weeks after giving birth—this often includes anxiety, crying, difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings, reduced appetite, sadness, and trouble sleeping. But if your symptoms are especially severe or persist for longer than two weeks, you might have what’s known as postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression has numerous potential causes. With regard to physical causes, the sudden drop in estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones that occurs after giving birth can cause a new mother to feel depressed. Genetics also play a role, since having a family history of postpartum depression can increase a woman’s risk of experiencing the condition. With regard to emotional causes, feeling anxious or overwhelmed about caring for a newborn can lead to postpartum depression, as can struggling with self-esteem and sense of identity.
You may have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression if:
Keep in mind that having one or more of these risk factors simply increases your chances of experiencing postpartum depression—some women have multiple risk factors but don’t develop depression, while others become depressed without having any known risk factors.
If you think you might have postpartum depression, it’s important that you don’t delay seeking the help you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of the compassionate therapists on our team. We have extensive experience treating postpartum depression, and we’ll draw on this background to provide you with personalized care recommendations.
Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short, is a form of depression that typically impacts people during the winter months, when exposure to sunlight and temperature changes naturally occur. Research indicates that about six percent of the American population, primarily those people living in northern states, suffers from SAD. It is […]
Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short, is a form of depression that typically impacts people during the winter months, when exposure to sunlight and temperature changes naturally occur.
Research indicates that about six percent of the American population, primarily those people living in northern states, suffers from SAD. It is also believed that one in ten Americans experience subsyndromal SAD, a milder form of seasonal depression, also called the “winter blues.” And, though the disorder can affect both men and women, it is more common among women.
Symptoms of seasonal depression include:
Though some people confuse SAD as simply moodiness, it is a real form of depression that is dependent on an individual’s hormonal state, as well as seasonal characteristics like exposure to light and temperature.
If you or a loved one are affected by seasonal depression, here are three ways you can reduce the symptoms that impact the quality of life.
Get Outside
While the temperatures outside may be a bit harsher than you’d like, it’s still a great idea to bundle up and get some sunshine, as much as you can. Our bodies need sunlight to boost our levels of vitamin D. Among other things, a vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mood swings, headaches and fatigue.
Exercise is also one of the best ways to release the feel-good hormone, serotonin. But it is much better to walk for a half hour outside in the sunlight than to get on the treadmill inside. So, if you can bare the chill in the air, head outside and get that body moving.
Use a SAD Light
Of course, there will be those days when the sun refuses to show its face and the weather is too severe to spend much, if any, time outside. The use of a SAD light can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal depression.
SAD lights are also called light therapy boxes, and the light they produce mimics natural outdoor light. Light therapy is believed to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, like serotonin and melatonin, easing SAD symptoms.
Eat More Produce
Feelings of anxiety are common among those suffering with seasonal depression, but according to Dr. Uma Naidoo of Harvard Medical School, relief may be found at the end of your fork. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of essential nutrients like magnesium and zinc that ease anxiety and make people feel calmer. While you may be tempted to eat starchy comfort foods like bread and pasta, your best bet is to load up on as many whole foods as you can, with an emphasis on organic produce.
While the cold weather is likely to have most of us dreaming about spring, winter doesn’t have to be an emotional trial. By following these tips you may be able to lesson your SAD symptoms and get through winter unscathed.
If you or a loved one is currently feeling overwhelmed by SAD symptoms, and is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.
You may have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition that produces chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment after someone experiences a negative life event (for example, being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job). PTED may be more likely to occur if the person […]
You may have heard about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but what about post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED)? PTED is a condition that produces chronic feelings of bitterness and resentment after someone experiences a negative life event (for example, being bullied, assaulted, or fired from a job).
PTED may be more likely to occur if the person worked hard to achieve their goals before being let down. For example, if someone worked overtime or took on extra responsibilities to get a promotion but instead was let go, they may believe that their firing was particularly unjust, causing them to feel bitter and resentful.
Post-traumatic embitterment disorder symptoms can vary from one person to another. With that said, PTED often causes people to feel:
Individuals with PTED often blame others rather than taking accountability for their own problems. Symptoms like these can keep someone with PTED from moving on with their life, affecting their relationships and in some cases even leading to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Would you like to know more about post-traumatic embitterment disorder? If so, contact us today. The therapists on our team are highly experienced in treating PTED and can provide you with additional insight into potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you take the next step with moving on from a traumatic life event.
Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of […]
Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of developing health conditions like dementia, heart disease, obesity, and strokes.
So, what can you do to help ensure that you get a good night’s rest? Here are eight tips for how to improve the quality of your sleep:
If you’re ready to take the next step with improving the quality of your sleep, contact us today. Our therapists have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and other conditions that can interfere with sleep. When you call, we’ll tell you more about our practice, answer your questions, and schedule a consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation. 1. Meditation Has Been Around for Thousands of Years While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the […]
You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation.
While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the past few decades, it has a much longer history. In fact, according to an article published by Psychology Today, wall art from the Indus Valley indicates that meditation may have been used as early as 5,000 B.C.E.
It’s common for people to turn to meditation when they’re already feeling stressed. But studies suggest that meditation doesn’t just relieve stress in the moment—consistently practicing meditation over a long period of time can reduce the inflammatory response to psychological stressors, making someone less reactive to stress and better able to recover from it.
Many people think of meditation as being something that you do on your own, but therapists often use meditation to treat patients who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep problems, anger management, and various other issues. An experienced therapist can guide patients through meditation sessions and offer advice for how to practice mindfulness at home.
Fortunately, residents of this area won’t need to look far for professional help with meditation. Our therapists regularly incorporate meditation into their practice, and they can recommend the approach that’s most appropriate for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.
Words have power, and the way we talk to and about ourselves can have a significant impact on our thoughts and behaviors. That’s where affirmations come in—repeating certain phrases to yourself can boost your self-esteem, reduce your stress, create a more positive mindset, motivate you to take certain actions, and improve your overall well-being. So, […]
Words have power, and the way we talk to and about ourselves can have a significant impact on our thoughts and behaviors. That’s where affirmations come in—repeating certain phrases to yourself can boost your self-esteem, reduce your stress, create a more positive mindset, motivate you to take certain actions, and improve your overall well-being.
So, how can you start taking advantage of all the benefits that affirmations can offer? Begin by choosing the phrases that will best serve your needs. Here are 10 ideas:
Once you’ve selected the affirmations you want to use, decide how you want to incorporate them into your routine—maybe you can say them as you’re getting ready in the morning, commuting to work, or winding down before bed. Many people find it helpful to recite their affirmations out loud, but you can also say them to yourself, if preferred. No matter what, it’s important that you repeat them daily, since doing so makes it easier for your brain to adapt and create new thinking habits.
If you’d like to learn more about affirmations and the effect they can have on your well-being, contact us today and request an initial consultation. Our therapists believe in the power of affirmations and can recommend some options that will serve your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, you’ll want to consider incorporating exercise into your daily routine (with a doctor’s approval). Exercise is renowned for being an excellent stress reliever, but how exactly does it affect stress levels? Exercise can: Increase endorphin production – Your pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins, hormones that […]
If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, you’ll want to consider incorporating exercise into your daily routine (with a doctor’s approval). Exercise is renowned for being an excellent stress reliever, but how exactly does it affect stress levels? Exercise can:
If you’re not used to exercising, be sure to start off slow. After all, if you end up injuring yourself, you won’t be able to enjoy any of the stress relief benefits listed above. Also make sure to choose a workout that you’ll enjoy—remember that any physical activity can qualify as exercise, so if you’ll be more likely to stick with a routine that involves dancing rather than jogging, go for it.
If you’ve tried incorporating exercise into your daily routine but you’re still feeling stressed, you may want to consider speaking to a therapist. Luckily, you can rely on the experienced team at our practice. We understand the toll that stress can take on a person’s life, and once we’ve learned about your specific circumstances, we’ll be able to provide you with customized advice. Contact us today to get started.
You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, […]
You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall quality of life. Here are three tips to consider when starting a self-care routine:
The thought of tackling all areas of your life at once can feel overwhelming, so decide what you’d like to focus on first. Once you’ve identified your goals, consider what activities will help you achieve them and where you can turn for support.
You probably don’t hesitate to set aside time for school, work, and family obligations, but self-care is just as important. Block off a set amount of time—whether it be an hour or a full day—and commit to following through with your plans.
Many people think of self-care as something they do on their own, but speaking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and emotional health. Luckily, you won’t need to look far to find a qualified therapist near you. Our caring team is highly experienced and can provide you with personalized recommendations that are tailored to your specific goals. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Oftentimes, when we think about what could harm our mental health, our minds go to major life events—the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one. But small habits that often go unnoticed can also play a major role. Below are three common habits that could be […]
Oftentimes, when we think about what could harm our mental health, our minds go to major life events—the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one. But small habits that often go unnoticed can also play a major role. Below are three common habits that could be negatively affecting your mental health:
Sleep impacts your mental health in numerous ways—it can affect your cognitive skills, mood, and behavior. As such, failing to get enough sleep can increase your risk of anxiety and depression and make it more difficult for you to focus, solve problems, make decisions, remember things, and control your emotions and impulses. Try sticking to the same sleep schedule, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and performing a relaxing activity before bed (e.g., taking a warm bath or reading).
In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to find time to exercise, but it’s important to stay active. Not only can exercise improve your physical health, but it can also boost your mental health. In fact, studies have shown that regularly exercising could reduce your risk of depression.
Social media can be beneficial—it can help you stay connected to long-distance family and friends and keep up with current events—but research suggests that spending too much time on it can lead to anxiety and depression. To reduce your screen time, try setting a timer, turning off notifications, or deleting apps from your phone.
In addition to breaking the negative habits described above, one of the best things you can do to boost your mental health is speak to a therapist. Fortunately, you can entrust your care to the skilled team at our practice. Once we’ve learned more about you and any issues you may be experiencing, we’ll be able to provide you with customized advice for how to eliminate negative habits from your life and start implementing more positive ones. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
