The Meaning Behind Self-Harm

It is important to understand the meaning behind what drives people to self-harm. Without understanding it is easy to unfairly judge these individuals which can make them feel ashamed and can cause the self-harm to worsen. An article on nami.org explains what self-harm is, why people self-harm, and treatment options for people who self-harm. The article states that self-harm is used as a coping mechanism for intense emotional pain. 

Your Level of Happiness is an Ever Changing Process

Happiness is something that can come and go. Some people are happy more often than others, but everyone experiences sadness at certain times in their lives. During those sad times, it helps to know that your feelings are never permanent. Katherine Nelson-Coffey PH.D wrote an article on psychologytoday.com about happiness and how it comes in and out of our lives. Dr. Nelson-Coffey continues to explain that happiness is not a genetic trait, therefore there is hope for when you are in times of sadness that you will one day be happy again. 

The Importance of Teaching Your Children Empathy

When teaching your children to say sorry for inappropriate actions, it is important to make sure that they know why they are saying it and that they mean it! The best way for children to be able to understand the meaning behind an apology is to teach them empathy. By doing so, your kids will learn to understand how their actions affect the other people around them. In addition teaching them how to put themselves in another persons shoes will benefit not only their personal, but their professional relationships as well. 

Why We All Need Mental Health Support

Many people are averse to getting mental health treatment, whether that’s therapy, attending a support group, or going to a psychiatrist. They are afraid that others might judge them or somehow think less of them. Many people are afraid of having a diagnosis or a label that says something is wrong with them. Others are afraid that a mental health provider might be able to see into them a little too deeply.  And for this reason alone, many men and women will stay away from therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

The Benefits That Therapy Provides for Even Happy People

Many people think of therapy as a treatment for mental illness or depression. While therapy is very beneficial for people who suffer from these issues, it can also benefit people who are generally happy. No matter how happy you are, there are always going to be underlying problems that are easy to ignore. Therapy helps bring these underlying issues to the surface so that they will not build up and later cause bigger mental problems. 

How to Deal With Social Anxiety

People can get social anxiety from various things such as public speaking, being in large groups of people, eating in front of other people, or making small talk. Margarita Tartakovsky's M.S article on psychcentral.com discusses various ways to help you deal with these anxietys. For example if you have severe social anxiety that keeps you from going to school or from going out in public, than therapy would be a great option for you. If you experience slight anxietys from certain social situations, Margarita suggests trying deep breathing. 

How to Deal With PTSD Without Using Pharmaceuticals

PTSD can feel nearly impossible to deal with sometimes. That is why it is important to know of ways to calm yourself down when you find yourself in a stressful situation that is making your PTSD worse. Sezin Koehler wrote an article  on huffingtonpost.com that discusses her experience with PTSD, and the different tools that she uses to keep her stress levels down. Sezin's first suggestion is to try and avoid stressful situations. She further explains that if a stressful situation is unavoidable, it can help to have something with you at all times that can help keep you calm. One thing she keeps with her are essential oils.

Trauma, Triggers, and Self-Care

If you're overcoming an addiction or a mental illness, there's a good chance that you might also be overcoming trauma as well. The majority of adults have experienced one form of trauma in their lifetime. According to the Sidran Institute (an advocacy and educational organization on trauma), about 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event. And of those 70% roughly 20% go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

The Effect That Bad Stigma Has on Mental Health Care

Many people struggle with mental illness, yet many of them never get treatment. An article on psychologicalscience.org discusses the reasons as to why people do not get treatment for their mental illnesses. The article explains that there is a negative stigma towards people who suffer from mental illness which effects the motivation to seek treatment. In addition the article also states that "The prejudice and discrimination of mental illness is as disabling as the illness itself." This discrimination hinders people who suffer from mental illness to achieve their future goals.