Depression
The world unrelentingly asks us to overextend ourselves. Self-care is praised in name, yet too often, we feel selfish or guilty putting ourself first. In a sea of never-ending external demands, it seems paradoxical to focus on one’s self. However, if we are depleted, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, our ability to manage life’s complex demands also becomes depleted. Learning to identify basic physical and emotional cues related to hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness is a practical…
Read MoreAndrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC, Symmetry Counseling Chicago Putting faces to statistics on mental health and substance use can help increase understanding and compassion for people struggling with addiction, mental illness, or dual diagnosis conditions. It can, however, be a difficult proposition to ask those in recovery to step into the spotlight of public attention. It is one thing for a mental health or addictions professional to be open about personal experiences in recovery, but many individuals in…
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Often, the media, TV shows, movies, and the occasional friends “therapy gone wrong” story can paint the image of what many think when hearing the word therapy. This paves the way for misconceptions and false ideas of what the therapy process is and can deter people from turning to a therapist for support. As a culture, we are not informed of the purpose and power of therapy. It is my hope that this reflection can help reduce…
Read More“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop Kindness is an essential and transformative aspect of human relationships. By intentionally practicing kindness in our lives, we can transform our experience of loving and being loved. Choosing to be kind to our friends and family members enriches these relationships, making them more rewarding for all while fostering an environment where true closeness can occur. But what does it mean to be kind? Merriam-Webster defines kindness…
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Take a minute to think back to when you were growing up. What did your relationship with your parents look like? Do you have memories of your parents being there for you? Did they take care of you when you fell off your bike, or comfort you when you were being picked on at school? Or do you find yourself having memories of the reverse? Do you remember having to take your sibling to school because your…
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The New Year is under way and for many, it is time to think of a New Year’s resolution. This might consist of changing a behavior that we wish to improve, or attempting to accomplish a goal. If you find yourself unsure of a resolution to try this year, making yourself a priority in your own life. I often use the metaphor of a cup to explain how important it is for us to prioritize ourselves. Some…
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Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Do certain types of alcohol stimulate certain emotions, positive or negative, more so than others? A recently published study by the British Medical Journal attempts to answer this question by identifying how different types of alcoholic beverages—specifically red wine, white wine, beer, and liquor—impact the emotions of drinkers, whether they be positive (elated, relaxed, or aroused) or negative (anxious, aggressive, and depressed). The short answer, according to the researchers, is that they might,…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC Audio Version Do you feel stressed at work and need to calm down quickly? Is the stress you experience at work carrying over into your personal life? Some of us wait until after work to cope because we don’t have access to our coping strategies. You can’t go to the gym, soak in a hot tub, or watch TV while at work. Also, it might feel as if you don’t have the time to…
Read MoreAs we head into the new year, we may have thoughts that are preventing us from moving into 2018 with an open mind. These thoughts could be telling us that we aren’t good enough. These thoughts could be telling us we need to hold onto the guilt from our decisions in 2017. These thoughts can make it extremely difficult to transition into the new year. To be in the present moment, we need to learn to let…
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Workplace stress is one of the most common reasons that lead people to seek therapy. As much as we may want to separate our work and our personal lives, it is difficult to avoid the stress of the former bleeding into the latter. An important conversation that often emerges is an evaluation of when, if at all, it is right to leave an employer. The most common grievances revolve around feeling underappreciated or undervalued. Often individuals feel…
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