Many people suffer from depression this time of year. Mental Health Professionals call this “Seasonal Affect Disorder” or “Winter Blues”. Many of my clients with depression ask me if they should be on medication. In fact, many suffer so badly that they think about trying sun lamps and even electric shock therapy. Depression takes time to over come and it is treatable. With the onset of winter, and lack of sun light along with limited activity and consistent cold weather, our levels of serotonin get depleted which brings on feelings of sadness, depression and lethargy. We may experience weight gain which makes many of us feel worse. Medications can help for some forms of depression and anxiety. Medication helps with physiological symptoms for severe sufferers. However, with the new generation of antidepressant drugs-we have seen that they work no better than a placebo (substance containing no medication)for the majority of patients with mild depression comprehensive research of clinical trials has found. Many of my counselees come to me tired of being on medication, tired of feeling tired, and tired of the psychological run around from some dispensers of meds, psychology or psychiatry. Number one reason they tell me: MEDS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY DESIRE. I have found that through Talk Therapy-(which simply means: client talks, I listen) our counselees report reduction in depressive moods by about 50 perecent in only three sessions. Persons struggling with depression seek to be healthy, heard and helped. My perspective has been, that in time, many forms of depression can be alleviated by simply talking it out -This works especially well for Panic Disorders, Grief and Loss and other anxiety related issues. Many times just small changes in routine eating, sleeping and exercise patterns also significantly curb depression and anxiety. I have also seen this same reduction in depressive moods while counseling adolescents. The one thing that surprises me is how many times they tell me that their physicians prescribe medication – which keeps them dependent on taking a substance. In defense of medication, let me encourage you that we have it because we need it. Many physical and psychological disorders have been alleviated by proper medication. However, I believe that with time, patience and short term goal oriented counseling, depressed persons can eventually get back to a healthy quality of life.NOTE: If you feel depressed and feel a need for medication, please talk with an experienced mental health professional. If you are on medication and want to decrease dosage, call your physician. If you are suffering from mild winter depression, remember that it is very common. It is also TEMPORARY in most cases. Do not self medicate or self prescribe or self assess. It can be dangerous to you or your teen. If you feel the need for an assessment, please call Glen Mills Counseling Center for an affordable, private assessment. 610-656-1424.
Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year; but not for everyone…….Remember that holidays can be hard on adolescents. Depression is very common for this time of year. The sun is setting earlier and lack of sunlight can lower serotonin levels. Also the holidays are approaching and mid terms are coming up. Teens may experience significant depression especially if they have social issues like losing a boyfriend/girlfriend, bullying or a fractured social life. Adults have a hard time as well but remember teens are limited on processing abilities. Take time to talk to your teen if they seem distant, anxious, or overly sad. Check for prescription mis use, illegal drugs or alcohol use . Don’t be judge and jury with your teen. Listening is the key. If you need help with your depressed teen or suspect your teen is using and abusing substances, Glen Mills Counseling Center can help. Sometimes professional help is needed and worth the time for your adolescent. We can help. 610-656-1424
We have all heard this saying. “I think, therefore I am”. Many of us laugh at what seems like a nonsensical statement. However, if we look closely at this statement we find it is pregnant with truth- Whether you believe it or not, what we think about self, life, others and even God is a clear indication of who we really are. Whether you believe it or not-it is obvious to others what you spend your time thinking and/or worrying about.
Perhaps this is most noticeable in depression. For instance, if you are given to depression, that does not mean that simply thinking positive or even taking medication is going to make it go away. You may have to fight depressive thoughts for the rest of your life -and its hard work. Sometimes depression cannot be reasoned with and you may feel that there is no end in sight to your constant sobbing, sick feeling or despondency. You begin to believe that you will never be yourself again. You feel that your life might as well be over. The gloom seems thicker and thicker and happy days are never going to be “here again”. Remember you cannot avoid these feelings, but you can fight them. How? You must talk to yourself about truth. Truth that unhappy feelings will pass. Each day is a new beginning. Take , for instance, those thoughts that come into your head the moment you wake up -are they good thoughts? Build on that. Are they bad thoughts? Be ready to battle. Do you begin the day by remembering the failures and exhaustion of the day before? Who is reminding you of yesterday? YOU.
It is important to remind yourself that you can succeed. You can deal with the bad parts of your day because it is your business to defy yourself, defy the enemy of your soul, defy the world and say “I shall succeed” . You may be depressed, feeling sick, low on funds, heartbroken, despondent but remember what you think about your self today will determine who you will be tomorrow.
You may even need to rid yourself of the negative people, places and things in your life right now. (not your job or your spouse) LOL
Here are three things to help you get started:
1)CHOOSE GOOD CLOSE FRIENDS; don’t confide in everyone about your personal struggles. Look for a few close friends who are positive, joyful, stable.
2)KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE; remember that negativity is all around us all day long, but remember that there is an end in sight and joyful, upbeat thoughts will allow you to receive what you have been waiting for.
3)FAILURE TO FIGHT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS IS DEADLY: You can be consumed by negative thoughts . Life is hard and trials come. We have enough to worry about; bills, sickness, wayward children, the economy, our future but if you can counter those thoughts with facts about blessings, wonderful people, good health, you will find that things will get easier.
Be an enemy of all unbelief in your mind.
May you find peace in the storm!
Criticism can be very subtle in the way it creeps into our thoughts and simply become a bad habit. Here are some examples of criticism to help you become aware of its existence in your life or in the life of someone we know. The weather is awful today. The traffic is terrible. The service is really bad. Oh no, look at the line. He/she is always late. How many times do I have to repeat myself to them? My husband is a slob. My wife is a nag. My kids are bad. God hates me. It’s so hot in here. I’ve been on hold for so long!. These are some of the thoughts in my own head and some of the statements from many people I meet throughout my day. We all have the ability to appreciate something in every single circumstance. There is always something to be grateful for.
Today- try to count the many negative thoughts you hear in your head . Try to count the negative things you hear out of the mouths of those around you.
Here are some ways to turn criticism into creative prayers: Lord, please use the rain to care for your creation. Lord, while I wait for this traffic, who can I pray for? Lord, the service is not good but please bless the person at the counter. Lord, thank you for my husband. Lord, thank you for my wife. Lord, bless my children and thank you for them. Thank you for the warm hot weather that keeps the flowers blooming. (The list goes on).
Remember, that complaining is so easy. But, creative prayers and thoughts can turn your day into a wonderful experience.
Science has proven that endorphins are released and serotonin levels rise when we do good deeds for others. Dopamine gets released as we calmly think good thoughts and bring cheer to others.
HAPPY FRIDAY and remember – No eye has seen and no ear has heard and no mind can conceive what God has for us ! Keep the faith ! GOD IS FOR YOU !
ANXIETY DISORDER: significant and continual negative thoughts, feelings, sensations and urges that disrupt quality of life.
Grieving individuals/couples/families know that grief hurts. Not just mentally. In fact, many people are finding that they are even more sensitive to physical pain when they suffer from anxiety and stress during bereavement. Our bodies begin to feel pain from stress and trauma just as our mind and emotions do. It is not wrong or “crazy” to be feeling extreme fatigue, painful joints, sore muscles or frequent head aches and stomach aches. You may find yourself feeling pain in response to suffering from grief and loss which can lead to panic attacks and anxiety disorders. So, what should you do when your quality of life begins to suffer from anxiety during bereavement?
Here are three things to consider when you begin experiencing symptoms after the death of a loved one.
1. Grief and loss issues are hard on the body as well as the mind. Grief counseling can be more effective than medication in the long term by learning proper responses to anxiety during bereavement. Behavioral changes that can reduce anxiety, like breathing techniques , self talk , meditation, have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety even more than medication. Some of my clients discontinued medication eventually, and reported a lower rate of pain, depression and fatigue.
2. Prescription meds may be recommended during the grief process, but may have many negative side effects. Some prescription meds can be addictive and can become an unhealthy way of coping with grief. Many of my clients report nightmares, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, nausea, sexual dysfunctions as well as heart palpitations, paranoia and severe insomnia from self medicating, over medicating or wrong medication. Grief is a natural part of life. Some times medications are not needed. Check with your doctor or therapist. Remember, if you decide on medication for grief issues, it will be temporary and is usually helpful for 6-12 months.
3. Many medications have not been fully studied, and for adolescents or pregnant women, this can be very harmful. If you are on medication it is important to check with your doctor or therapist as often as possible to check dosage, frequency and talk about side effects. If you have current or past substance abuse issues, you may need to find alternative counseling for anxiety and grief.
GRIEF COUNSELING CAN BE A BIG HELP TO ALLEVIATE ANXIETY/DEPRESSION, PAIN and FATIGUE.
Glen Mills Counseling specializes in holistic counseling. Call now for a confidential/private screening or assessment.
610.656.1424
Many people suffer from depression this time of year. Mental Health Professionals call this “Seasonal Affect Disorder” or “Winter Blues”. Many of my clients with depression ask me if they should be on medication. In fact, many suffer so badly that they think about trying sun lamps and even electric shock therapy. Sometimes these things are helpful and sometimes they are not. With the onset of winter, and lack of sun light along with limited activity and consistent cold weather, our levels of serotonin get depleted which brings on feelings of sadness, depression and lethargy. However, with the new generation of antidepressant drugs-we have seen that they work no better than a placebo (substance containing no medication)for the majority of patients with mild or even severe depression, comprehensive research of clinical trials has found. Many of my counselees come to me tired of being on medication, tired of feeling tired, and tired of the psychological run around from some dispensers of psychology or psychiatry. Number one reason they tell me: MEDS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY DESIRE. I have found that through Talk Therapy-(which simply means: client talks, I listen) our counselees report reduction in depressive moods by about 50 perecent in only three sessions. Persons struggling with depression seek to be healthy, heard and helped. My perspective has been, that in time, many forms of depression can be alleviated by simply talking it out -This works especially well for Panic Disorders, Grief and Loss and other anxiety related issues. I have also seen this same reduction in depressive moods while counseling substance dependent men/women/teens. The one thing that surprises me is how many times they tell me that their physicians prescribes medication – which keeps them dependent on taking a substance. In defense of medication, let me encourage you that we have it because we need it. Many physical and psychological disorders have been alleviated by proper medication. However, I believe that with time, patience and short term goal oriented counseling, depressed persons can eventually get back to a healthy quality of life.NOTE: If you feel depressed and feel a need for medication, please talk with an experienced mental health professional. If you are on medication and want to decrease dosage, call your physician. If you are suffering from mild winter depression, remember that it is very normal with many, many people. It is also TEMPORARY in most cases. If you feel the need for an assessment, please call Glen Mills Counseling Center for an affordable, private assessment. 610-656-1424. Let me know what has worked for you and how you are doing if any of this describes you.
“The anxiety was definitely worse at night, and panic attacks would strike without warning. Heart palpitations, trouble breathing, cold sweats, dizziness and tingling fingers. Add to that mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and irrational fears. I was miserable”.
Sound familiar? Perhaps this is you or someone you know! YOU ARE NOT CRAZY- read on:
Many clients are coming to my office for counseling regarding fear, depression, anxiety. These are normal reactions to stress, bereavement and worry- But what happens when quality of life suffers and your symptoms become unbearable? I wanted to offer you some information that can be helpful if you or a loved one is suffering from Panic Attacks due to grief, depression, anxiety. REMEMBER;there is a reason for these symptoms and they are treatable.
Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of grief, depression, or hormonal imbalance.But when anxiety begins to produce panic attacks that hit you more than once a week for several weeks, this can be known as PANIC DISORDER. The grief, depression or stress may take the form of anxiety attacks (also called panic attacks), nervousness, or unnatural fear. These can be the same symptoms as a heart attack or stroke, so it it is important to see your doctor and rule out any other physical abnormality. But let me assure you that for the most part -these symptoms are consistent with hormone imbalance, grief issues or stress.( There is a significant correlation with my clients experiencing panic disorder and the age group and gender.)
I see many women at my counseling office who ask, “Why is this happening to me?” because they never experienced such horrific and intense symptoms. They’re also concerned about taking medication. Medications can be helpful- short term - for women with sub-clinical anxiety or mild anxiety disorders, and there are gentle alternative approaches that can provide relief. It’s especially important to deal with the physical first. Many clients are “freaked out” and the panic attacks begin to overshadow every other area of life. It is important to get these physiological symptoms under control first. There are also many less recognizable forms of grief, depression and anxiety that have a cumulative effect on the body. The list is long — worry, skipping meals and replacing them with stimulants such as alcohol or caffeine…not sleeping, crying all the time, living at a frantic pace to get everything done — all of these are very hard on your body and can trigger panic attacks. The natural approach is to give your body more support while trying to reduce the demands you place on it. Below are some real symptoms and these are physiological. These physiological symptoms wreak havoc on your mental, physical and spiritual well being. Find a qualified individual to offer you help and care.
Symptoms — panic attacks
- heart / pulse racing
- tightness in chest
- dizzy feeling or disoriented
- tingling in hands or feet
- nausea or the need to vomit
- severe hot flash
- surge of energy/adrenaline that is unprovoked
- choking feeling and lack of breath
NOTE: these are just some symptoms that come on quickly and with no warning and they last only 10 or 20 minutes. The anxiety they produce and the post fatigue may last three to four hours. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR THERAPIST.
Glen Mills Counseling Center can help. Call for an assessment. Call now:610.656.1424 . www.glenmillscounseling.org.
Teen suicide is at an alarming rate and even mental health professionals are baffled.Teens are very vulnerable to feelings of depression this time of the year. With the onset of the holidays, along with limited sun exposure and the mid terms, just to name a few, I thought it would be a timely reason to offer some care for those who are struggling personally with this area of life. We never seem to really know what our children are really going through. Our children don’t come with manuals, and we don’t always know what to say when they are hurting. As a grief therapist I have walked with families struggling with suicide. We call this type of counseling: Survivors of Suicide Counseling. As a trained counselor, I have the privilege of helping many families walk through the time of raising teens. This is hard work for all involved. Parenting is the hardest and most noble job on earth, especially being a mother. Raising children can be the most rewarding and sometimes the most discouraging. When a child commits suicide, or any loved one for that matter, we are tempted to say “why didn’t I see it coming” or “how could I have helped”? As a psychotherapist and a woman who has experienced the death of a brother by suicide, I can tell you that it is devastating to a family and community and when it does come, we cannot and will not ever make sense of such untimely death.
It hurts so much- but please remember that you are not alone. Many of your friends, neighbors and co workers are going through the same struggles- but they are too afraid to share their story.
There are three important thoughts I would like to share as you consider teens, depression and suicide.
1_Teens who are depressed usually give off signals. Often, children who fear punishment may become anxious or depressed and become introverted or begin acting out when not around parents. For instance, they may begin staying way from home more often, or staying home and being alone most of the day in their room, crying, not eating , not sleeping. Many resort to lying to parents, teachers, friends, etc. Grades may drop although some depressed teens can keep up grades.
2_Teens who are depressed feel very lonely and are vulnerable. They may have broken off a relationship which hurts a great deal to them. If teens feel that parents don’t understand they will flock to those who feel the same way they do. Remember the old saying “misery loves company”. Negative people are not healthy for your child to be around especially when they are feeling depressed. Please check out your child’s friends and always ask questions about loneliness or frustration in your child’s life.
3-Teens who are depressed do often try to drink alcohol or smoke pot to deaden the pain. They may steal, buy or even be given hard drugs-prescription and illegal- to relieve the feelings of loneliness and sadness
FACT:Teens who have contemplated suicide will tell others. It should never be a shock to us- as most studies prove that at least 8 out of 10 teens have talked about suicide. Half of that number attempt it. It is never something to over look. If your teen or teens friends seem depressed, they probably are. Engage them, get them the help they need. As parents we are often at a loss to help our depressed teens, but remember the most IMPORTANT thing we can do for our teens who are depressed is BE THERE- Also learn to just LISTEN. Do not judge. They are hurting somewhere, somehow, and it is our job as a parent, teacher, mentor to help them find the root of the issue and get help. If you are concerned about your teen child or a teen you suspect is not him or herself lately, please consider professional help.
Glen Mills Counseling Center can help-call for an appointment:610.656.1424- or www.glenmillscounseling.org for more info
GLEN MILLS COUNSELING CENTER IS LICENSED and STATE BOARD APPROVED
When we experience the death of a loved one , it is important to remember that what we believed before the death will come out WHEN death arrives at our door. Notice I did not say “if” because death is inevitable- we are promised one thing in this life and that is that we will certainly face death-obviously our own death and yes, our loved ones too.
The rewards of holding on to what we believe about life and death are immense. If we experience the joy of knowing that there is a God in heaven who has promised to be with us in life and with us in death and that we, too,will be a part of the most glorious afterlife then we are sustained fully during our most intense suffering.
Trust me, this truth is the ONLY thing that will sustain you in grief, loss, suffering and pain. Why? Because these are the times that we are full of doubt and stress. We question why our loved one had to die, especially when it seems that the death was senseless, untimely, brutal. Utter chaos may break out in our mind and bombard us with confusion, fear and anger. We ask if we are deluding ourselves by believing any thing after this life can be attainable. Maybe you are terminally ill, you feel that this “heavenly” kind of thinking is of no value to you and certainly not a comfort. It is during these times many people seek out counseling and therapy. This certainly helps, however, this only helps you manage the issue, when the real need is transformation of the mind and the heart.
For thousands of years scientists, philosophers, theologians and just regular folks like you and I have wrestled with these issues. They have doubted, raised questions, looked for answers that never came. But for those of us who believe that there is a life after death with a glorious future with the Lord of Lords discover that even in death there is a way to be sustained-by relying on the truth, the same enduring truth. The glorious truth of the Gospel is the most comforting story ever told.
For the bereaved, most days are hard. Life is hard. We live in a harsh world. Everybody goes through times of suffering, sadness, stress, pain and bereavement. None of us are exempt from suffering.
During our most intense pain during bereavement or terminal illness, we cannot rely on our own creative efforts or just pull up our boot straps and carry on. We need to rely on the enduring truth that there is a home in heaven waiting for each of us through the glorious death and resurrection of the Man of Sorrows, the Son of God the Eternal God, SAVIOR, Jesus.
If you feel the need for counseling in your suffering, look for someone who will offer you hope, truth and comfort. Glen Mills Counseling Can help. www.glenmillscounseling.org
As an experienced, licensed bereavement counselor, I have had the privilege of walking many clients through the season of the death of loved ones. May I say that grief is no respecter of persons. In fact, I have had many well to do, influential clients as well as those less fortunate, living modest means, who have faced the death of a loved one and there is no amount of money, no fame, nor political affiliation that can stop death from knocking on your door. Perhaps that is why I love what I do. It is a privilege to walk with folks at one of the most difficult times in a persons life: the task of mourning the death of a loved one. Just last week as I sat in the hair salon chatting with the lady next to me, I rememberd again how blessed I was to do what I do, as we discussed my choice of vocation. She had tears in her eyes as I spoke of women losing babies, parents losing adult children, spouse losing spouse, and the many losses I have experienced myself. Then she asked me this question: “Do you counsel those who have lost a pet?” You might find this amusing even horrific as if one can ever compare the loss of a loved one to a pet! However, it was a question I am asked many times. My answer was and will always be: ABSOLUTELY! For those who are not pet lovers, you may be tempted to do a “blog check out”. However, if you know someone who just lost a pet, or if you are in the helping profession, you may want to read on. You’d be surprised at the many lives affected by the loss of a pet. For instance, many of my clients have had multiple losses. As the counseling relationship moves on over time, it is interesting to note that sometimes when I ask if there was ever a pet in their childhood that had died or ran away, there is usually a yes to the question. This is where the break through begins. Why? Because we never forget our first love and for many of us, it was a childhood pet! If one has not grieved that loss as a child it becomes evident that over time as children grow into adults, and inevitable deaths take place, hurt upon hurt begins to build up and coping mechanisms become counter active. As a therapist, I am trained to ask the right questions and even with my own life experiences and clinical experience, I have learned to hone in on where the grief is most acute. For many clients, pets are family members, even surrogate children. (For those who LOVE pets, you are nodding your head YES, YES, YES , I am sure) So, doesnt it make sense that mourning the death of a pet whether young or old is possible? It is not unheard of that many clients feel lonely when a pet dies. Especially if a client lived alone with a pet as a companion, or if a child had no siblings and bonded with pets early on in life.
In conclusion, let me encourage you that it is very normal to grieve the loss of a pet. It is very normal to need closure when your pet dies, needs to be put down,or needs to be given away. May I also give you some advice? Talk to your children about death early on, especially with the loss of a pet. It can teach them a healthy respect for life and death. Use the sad situation of losing a pet to talk openly and freely about death with your family members. Death is a natural part of life and must be talked about as often as possible.
Glen Mills Counseling specializes in grief counseling. If you know of someone needing counseling or would like to have someone speak for your organization, call 610-656-1424
