With extreme emotional issues, we often have no problem deciding whether we need to see a counselor or not; however, with a slight discomfort, a few bad days, we can’t always make that decision. Ask yourself the following questions and truthfully answer yes or no. Do you get honest satisfaction from simple pleasures? Do you have respect for yourself? Can you laugh at your own errors? Do you feel capable of dealing with situations as they come your way? Can you accept displays of your own emotions […]

Therapy is a collaborative process, so finding the right match is critical. After you find someone, keep in mind that therapy is work and sometimes can be painful. However, it also can be rewarding and life changing. What are the steps for choosing a therapist? 1. See your primary care physician to rule out a medical cause of your problems. Many physical disorders can mimic psychological ones. 2. After you know your problems are not caused by a medical condition, find out what the mental health coverage […]

There is a difficulty that presents itself to all parents when their child reaches the age of 13 or so; are those mood swings natural teenage, hormone-driven angst – or are they something more? Mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders or depressive illnesses, tend to begin to manifest around puberty – clouding the issue all the more. There is also puberty itself to contend with, meaning that many teenagers may be experiencing the beginnings of a mental health issue, but do not want to confide in […]

Despite all appearances to the contrary, the world is still somewhat old fashioned. An excellent example of a continuation of long-held views is no more apparent than with the general perception of mental health problems. It is understandable that, in years gone by, there was a general distrust for those who did not appear to be as mentally healthy as one could hope. Yet as time has passed, we as a species have been able to learn more and more about mental health issues. We should know […]