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When we speak about human behavior or ways of being in the world, we have traditionally described someone as having normal behavior or abnormal behavior. Recently, mental health experts have begun to look at things in a broader, more inclusive scope. What Does Neurodivergent Mean? Neurodivergent is a term used to describe someone who either […]
When we speak about human behavior or ways of being in the world, we have traditionally described someone as having normal behavior or abnormal behavior. Recently, mental health experts have begun to look at things in a broader, more inclusive scope.
What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
Neurodivergent is a term used to describe someone who either behaves in a specific way or processes information in a specific way that differs from cultural norms. It is an important shift in the mental health community because it allows clinicians to discuss diagnoses, such as autism, in a way that doesn’t portray the diagnoses as an illness or problem to be dealt with. In addition to autism, there are other diagnoses that may be considered a form of neurodivergence such as ADHD, any learning disability, dyslexia, and Tourette’s syndrome.
Benefits of Neurodiversity
Much of the world has embraced cultural diversity. We have been taught that diversity is our greatest strength. Well, people are finally starting to realize that this concept goes beyond just cultural diversity and should extend to the diversity of thought and being as well. Neurodiversity can actually be beneficial to society because different ways of thinking and looking at the world bring different perspectives and insights to the table.
Temple Grandin is a perfect example. Temple is autistic and it is her very unique perspective and way of thinking that allowed her to revolutionize the practices for the humane handling of livestock.
Instead of stigmatizing children who have been diagnosed with a “mental handicap,” we must encourage them to embrace their differences and share their unique insights and perspectives with the world.
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We’ve all seen those scenes in movies and TV shows where the mother is pressuring her daughter to have children. Usually, the mother character will guilt her daughter by saying something like, “You’re not getting any younger you know,” or, “All I want is to be a grandmother. Why are you keeping that from me!” […]
We’ve all seen those scenes in movies and TV shows where the mother is pressuring her daughter to have children. Usually, the mother character will guilt her daughter by saying something like, “You’re not getting any younger you know,” or, “All I want is to be a grandmother. Why are you keeping that from me!”
These scenes are always funny. Unless of course, you live these scenes in real life! And sadly, many women do live these scenes on a daily basis. If they’re not getting pressure from their mother about having kids they’re usually getting it from a sister or some of their female friends. But this pressure is far from helpful.
As a therapist, I have heard all kinds of stories about the relationship people have had with their mothers. Now granted, mothers are human beings, and even those that try their very best are going to make some mistakes.
But I have heard more stories than I can count of mothers who seemed to not like being a mother very much at all. I have one client who has shared many heartbreaking stories of his childhood; of his mother who always seemed sad and angry. She was never really “into” playing with him or his two other siblings or spending much time with them. She always made my client feel like she gave up a wonderful life to have children and she regretted it every day.
The truth is, not all women are cut out for motherhood. Some women have it in them and some don’t. There was a time when women didn’t really have a choice but to follow the traditional path and get married and have 2, 3, or more kids. But times have changed and women do have a say now about what kind of life they would like to live.
Pressuring women to fit a specific mold and have children, just because society deems that the “right” life path is simply wrong. All that does is create families who become broken.
Are you “of a certain age” and feeling pressured by friends and family to have children? Do you feel overwhelmed? It can really help to have someone in your corner that can help you decide what is right for you personally. A therapist can help you understand clearly what your needs are. He or she can then help you set up boundaries with others so that your needs are met.
If you’d like to speak with someone, please get in touch with me.
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Talk therapy can be incredibly beneficial for people who are experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, or for those who have experienced trauma. But children often feel uncomfortable talking about their feelings. And, depending on their age, children may not have developed enough of a vocabulary to fully share their experiences with […]
Talk therapy can be incredibly beneficial for people who are experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, or for those who have experienced trauma. But children often feel uncomfortable talking about their feelings. And, depending on their age, children may not have developed enough of a vocabulary to fully share their experiences with a therapist. This is where play therapy comes in.
Play therapy is a common therapeutic approach used with children aged 3 to 12 to help them explore their inner world and express their emotions. Play therapy imposes few, if any, rules and instead encourages the child to freely express themselves through interacting with a select group of toys. In addition to helping children share their feelings, play therapy can help children learn to become more empathic and discover positive ways to solve their problems.
Play therapy can be used in a variety of situations. It can help children living with social or emotional deficits learn to communicate better and/or change their behavior.
Play therapy is also very helpful for children who have experienced a traumatic event such as domestic violence, abuse, a serious illness, or some other family crisis.
In addition, play therapy has shown tremendous benefits for children with:
· Academic problems
· Learning disabilities
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Attention deficit disorders
· Autism
· And more
If you think your child may benefit from play therapy, then it is important that you find a well-trained and qualified therapist who has a background in child development. In addition to finding someone who has the right background and experience, it’s critical that you find someone you and your child will feel comfortable with. Make sure to get on the phone with a few therapists and ask as many questions as you need to get a sense of the person. A caring therapist will have no problem answering as many questions as you have.
If you’re looking for play therapy in our Manassas, VA office, please give us a call. We would be more than happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
“Dear Diary…” As kids, many of us told our deepest secrets and our hopes and dreams to our diaries. And then we got older and forgot all about visiting those pages each day. You may have heard about journaling, which some would say is the adult equivalent of keeping a diary. But journaling can also […]
“Dear Diary…”
As kids, many of us told our deepest secrets and our hopes and dreams to our diaries. And then we got older and forgot all about visiting those pages each day.
You may have heard about journaling, which some would say is the adult equivalent of keeping a diary. But journaling can also be a powerful form of therapy, as journaling exercises can bring about self-awareness and improve mental health.
Before the 1960s, when journal therapy began, people simply used a journal to record their experiences, much like they did as kids. This was a narrative form of writing and wasn’t really seen as a truly therapeutic process.
But when psychologist Dr. Ira Progoff introduced an intensive form of journaling, the therapeutic potential of the journaling process came into view. Today, journal therapy is a stand-alone therapy modality similar to art and music therapy.
Perhaps the biggest difference between journal therapy and simply keeping a journal is the way an individual’s internal thoughts, feelings and experiences are captured. Journal therapy allows a person to not only write down their issues and concerns, but to also be reflective and introspective about them. In this way, journal therapy can be a real agent for change.
Journal therapy can be very beneficial for those individuals who typically have difficulty processing their thoughts and emotions. Journal therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
While anyone can try journaling on their own, to truly benefit from the process, it’s best to work with a therapist who can guide you and offer prompts that can help you get your thoughts and feelings on the page.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, have a hard time talking about them, and would like to explore journaling therapy, please reach out to me.
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Infertility is a condition that refers to an inability to become pregnant or to take a baby to term after one year of trying. This is a heartbreaking reality for many women across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States alone, roughly 6 million women suffer from infertility, according to […]
Infertility is a condition that refers to an inability to become pregnant or to take a baby to term after one year of trying. This is a heartbreaking reality for many women across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States alone, roughly 6 million women suffer from infertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infertility can be caused by a variety of health issues. The most common is Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that negatively impacts ovulation.
Other disorders that cause infertility in women are:
And finally, one of the primary reasons for infertility is a woman’s age. Nearly one-third of all women over the age of 35 experience fertility issues.
Infertility and a Woman’s Mental Health
Infertility is a very stressful issue to deal with and it can greatly impact a woman’s mental health. Research published by the North Carolina Medical Journal found that common mental health concerns of fertility patients are symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Patients frequently report that each month’s cycle becomes a tumultuous storm of emotions ranging from anger, sadness, fear, and guilt. And the more demanding and intrusive the fertility treatment protocols become, the greater the emotions felt.
Much focus is given to the physical aspects of not being able to conceive. But it is important for women to recognize that their mental health may be impacted and to get help.
If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression because of infertility issues, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.
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Living with a disability brings with its daily challenges. Sometimes those challenges can feel overwhelming and even demoralizing. Because of this, it is common for people with disabilities to suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for children and teenagers who, according to researchers from the University of […]
Living with a disability brings with its daily challenges. Sometimes those challenges can feel overwhelming and even demoralizing.
Because of this, it is common for people with disabilities to suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for children and teenagers who, according to researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago, are five times more likely to suffer from mental health issues than young people without a disability.
The symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and teens with a disability or chronic health condition will look very similar to symptoms in other young people. The difficulty lies in spotting some of these signs because they may overlap with the physical symptoms of their condition.
Still, it is important to keep a close eye on your child or teen to see if they are showing any of the following signs:
Here are some ways you can help your child who is dealing with a disability and may also be dealing with a mental health issue:
Help Them Reframe
Help your child see themselves beyond their health. Help them begin to focus on the things they are good at and the areas of life they can succeed. Help them discover new talents, passions, and interests.
Help Them Form a Network
Your child will have an easier time with their mental health when they have access to those like themselves. Find peer network groups for kids and teens with disabilities or chronic conditions. These may be online groups or in-person groups in your local community.
Seek Professional Help
All kids and teens could use someone to talk to, other than their parents. This is equally true for teens and kids with disabilities. Look for a therapist that has experience helping young people suffering from depression as a result of a disability or chronic condition.
If travel poses an issue, you can also look for a therapist who offers online sessions.
If you would like to explore treatment options for your child or teen, please get in touch with me. I offer telehealth sessions so if need be, your child can get help right in the comfort of their own bedroom!
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The old saying goes, “Into every life a little rain must fall.” Stress is like rain. A little of it can be a good thing. But too much can cause havoc and devastation. Our bodies are designed to handle a little bit of acute or sudden stress. But when stress is prolonged or becomes chronic, […]
The old saying goes, “Into every life a little rain must fall.” Stress is like rain. A little of it can be a good thing. But too much can cause havoc and devastation.
Our bodies are designed to handle a little bit of acute or sudden stress. But when stress is prolonged or becomes chronic, it can have devastating consequences to our health.
Here are just some of the ways stress can negatively impact your body:
Respiratory Issues
Prolonged stress can lead to respiratory issues such as shortness of breath. Individuals who do not have an underlying respiratory disease may not be very impacted. But for those with pre-existing conditions such as COPD and asthma, stress can dangerously exacerbate the situation.
Heart Health
When we’re stressed we are in fight or flight mode. This causes our heart to beat faster and our blood vessels to dilate. In short-term scenarios, these physical manifestations help get us out of danger.
But for prolonged periods, this can put a lot of stress on our heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Gut Health
Did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? It’s incredibly important to ensure your gut is healthy!
But chronic stress can wreak havoc on your gut as it changes the beneficial gut bacteria. And a change in this bacteria can negatively impact your mood. And when you’re already feeling stressed, the last thing you need is to also feel depressed.
Sexual Health
Both the male and female reproductive systems are influenced by the nervous system. When we are stressed, our sexual hormones can get out of balance and we can lose sexual desire. Men may find it hard to achieve and maintain an erection. Stress can also make it hard to conceive and affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.
As you can see, stress can really impact your physical health in a negative way. While we can’t stop the rain from falling or stress from entering our lives, we can practice healthy stress management. That means eating right, getting enough exercise, and quality sleep each night.
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Every parent wants their child to grow up to be as healthy as possible. Sadly, rates of childhood obesity in this country have skyrocketed, increasing over 800% since 1982. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obese youths have a far more likely chance of developing heart disease and high cholesterol as they […]
Every parent wants their child to grow up to be as healthy as possible. Sadly, rates of childhood obesity in this country have skyrocketed, increasing over 800% since 1982.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obese youths have a far more likely chance of developing heart disease and high cholesterol as they age. They are also most likely to develop prediabetes, sleep apnea, joint issues, and poor self-esteem.
Parents can help their kids develop healthy habits by following some of the following tips:
Loading your kids’ plate or lunchbox with healthy foods may not be the best way to get them excited to try new flavors. Instead, give your kids the choice of what they want to try for lunch or dinner. Do they want beets or Brussel sprouts? Blueberries or bananas? Rice pilaf or sweet potatoes? Kids love having choices, and you’ll love that they’re eating healthy!
If you REALLY want to get kids excited about eating more fruits and veggies, then have them grow their own. Caring for a garden not only encourages your kids to eat what they help to grow, but it also teaches them environmental responsibility. If you don’t have enough outdoor space for a garden, check out your local community to see if you can get involved with a community garden.
So many of the foods on grocery store shelves would have you believe they are healthy, but if you read the label, you’ll see they have hidden sugars and trans fats. Even “healthy” foods like yogurt, granola bars, soups, and cereal may contain way too much sugar. Teach your kids to turn those cans and boxes around and read the labels to understand exactly what they are eating.
The bottom line is, the more fun you have and the more you involve your kids in decision making, the more apt they’ll be to try healthy foods and LIKE them, and grow up to be healthy and happy.
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Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night. But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that is […]
Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night.
But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that is a community and a sense of belonging. Human beings are wired for connection. When we feel connected to others, we feel loved and supported. Friends can often help alleviate the stress in our life because our friends are there for us to lean on.
If you have been feeling alone and isolated, here are some ways you can find your own community and begin to connect with others:
What activities and hobbies do you have? You may want to join a book club or take a painting lesson. If you’re athletic or used to playing a sport in school, maybe you could join a local team. You’ll no doubt find it easier to connect with others who enjoy doing the same things you do.
Being of service to others is highly rewarding, and volunteering is also a great way to connect with others who share similar values. What causes do you feel passionate about? What charities do you support? Check out their website or give them a call to see what volunteering opportunities they may have available.
Do you have a particular religion or spiritual practice you connect with? Maybe it’s time to get back to your church or try taking that meditation class you’ve been thinking about. Is there a political cause that speaks to your heart? Helping others reach a meaningful goal can be a great way to find purpose in your own life.
Humans are not meant to be alone. We need to socialize. If you have been feeling down, now’s the time to go out and make some new connections.
And if you’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety for some time and could use someone to talk to, please give me a call.
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If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a mental illness, you know firsthand how the diagnosis can impact your life. Mental illness is not only challenging for adults to understand but children as well. With so many myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, it’s easy for young people to feel anxious and […]
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a mental illness, you know firsthand how the diagnosis can impact your life. Mental illness is not only challenging for adults to understand but children as well. With so many myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, it’s easy for young people to feel anxious and confused.
With this in mind, here are some tips on how you can speak to your child about mental health.
Be Open
Your child is most likely noticing a change or difference in behavior from mom, dad, or another relative with mental illness. There is no point in keeping it a secret. Be open about the diagnosis and give the illness a name (depression, bipolar disorder…). Doing so will help alleviate some fear and insecurities as well as clear up any incorrect assumptions.
Alleviate Fault or Responsibility
Most kids naturally feel they want to help fix mommy or daddy, or they may feel something they did caused their loved one to not be well.
Reassure your child and explain that the illness is not their fault nor their responsibility.
Invite Their Honesty
While you may feel you need to keep a stiff upper lip for your spouse or loved one’s benefit, your kids should feel free to openly express their feelings, whether these feelings be fear, sadness, or anger. Listen to whatever they say without judging what they say.
Invite Questions
Your kids will have a lot of them, so invite them to ask. If they don’t feel comfortable asking questions face-to-face, use a journal. They can write down any questions they want, and you’ll write the answer and give it back to them. Knowing they can come to you and that you are still the parent will give them a much-needed sense of calm and security.
Communicate at a Level that is Age Appropriate
Preschool-age children will need different language than teenagers. They will need less details, whereas older children will want more details. School-age children will take the information shared and begin to worry what it means for them and the family. Be prepared to answer many questions concerning their safety and security.
And teenagers are a unique bunch – you will have to follow your teen’s lead. Some may speak openly, already aware to a certain extent about mental health issues. Some may seem withdrawn and not speak much at all. You will want to continue to check in with them to make sure they are doing okay.
Talking to your kids about mental health won’t be easy, but as long as you follow these tips, you will have an opportunity to share important information and offer love, support, and guidance.
If you feel you and your family could use some extra support in discussing a loved one’s mental illness, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to talk about counseling options with you.
