Mental Health Topics
Grief
Grief
Grief refers to the response to any type of loss. Bereavement may include grief but typically refers to recovering from the death of a loved one. Both grief and bereavement cause an array of feelings from sadness to anger.
The grieving process is simply a natural response to a significant loss. Any type of loss can result in feelings of grief. It is not uncommon for feelings of grief from a past loss to be triggered by current events.
Grief is commonly associated with feelings such as sadness, guilt, anger and regret. During the process of grieving, it is not uncommon to experience a feeling of meaninglessness. The feelings experienced in the grieving process can range from mild to quite strong.
If a person anticipates a loss, they may begin experiencing grief. This is known as anticipatory grief and could occur when a loved one is terminally ill. The process of anticipatory grief is one way that we prepare for an impending loss.
Grief can be very overwhelming — even making it difficult to function. Grief is often a rollercoaster of confusing and exhausting emotions. Going to therapy can help normalize and validate your feelings. Grief is not something that most people ever recover from completely, but you can learn how to manage and process the feelings in a healthy and productive way. My therapy sessions can be a safe place to feel your feelings and talk about them without judgment.
Anxiety
Anxiety
Anxiety can be frightening. Your mind gets hijacked — taken over — by overwhelming thoughts of worry and fear. It races with negative thoughts. Anxiety can be mistaken for a heart attack because the symptoms manifest in the body as well as the mind. Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person.
Anxiety can have both physical and emotional symptoms such as:
- Anticipation of the Worst Case Scenario
- Looking for Danger
- Feeling of Dread
- Tense Feeling
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Fast Heart Rate
- Stomach Issues
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
- Trembling
- Insomnia
In your therapy sessions, I’ll teach you how to calm your brain and body. You’ll learn how to restructure your thought patterns to prevent negative thoughts and overwhelming emotions. Anxiety disorders I can help treat include:
- Panic Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Separation Anxiety
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Specific Phobias
Depression
Depression
While everyone feels sad from time to time, depression is far more severe. This form of extreme sadness tends to last for at least several days and interferes with normal daily activities. In some cases, depression can even result in physical pain.
Depression symptoms can be both physical and emotional and can vary from person to person. Possible depression symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Prolonged Feelings of Emptiness or Sadness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Chronic Pain
- Appetite Changes
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Loss of Interest in Activities
- Thoughts of Suicide or Death
- Withdrawal from Family and Friends
The symptoms of depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness. In the most extreme cases, depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Depression is believed to be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, social, psychological and environmental factors. Major life changes, stress and trauma can result in depressive episodes. Family history of the condition can increase a person’s risk for developing depression.
Depression can make it hard to find anything meaningful through the fog. If you open up about your struggles in therapy, I can help you process your thoughts, feelings and behaviors while teaching you life-changing coping skills.
Trauma
Trauma
Trauma refers to a distressing event in which you feel emotionally, physically or psychologically threatened. At some point in life, most people experience a traumatic event. This could be neglect, abuse, an accident, a violent crime, natural disaster, war or the sudden death of a loved one.
Many people gradually recover from their trauma with the support of family and friends. But for others, the effects of trauma can be long-lasting and result in deep emotional pain, confusion and fear. This psychological reaction is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
People with PTSD may continue to experience anxiety or fear even when there is no real danger present. PTSD results in flashbacks, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, dread, hypervigilance, mental health concerns and possibly suicidal thoughts.
Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person. Possible symptoms can include:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Prolonged Feelings of Emptiness or Sadness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Chronic Pain
- Appetite Changes
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Loss of Interest in Activities
- Thoughts of Suicide or Death
- Withdrawal from Family and Friends
- Anticipation of the Worst Case Scenario
- Looking for Danger
- Feeling of Dread
- Tense Feeling
- Fast Heart Rate
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
- Trembling
If you haven’t processed a traumatic experience, your feelings about it, both conscious and unconscious, can easily be overwhelming, even debilitating. In a therapy session, I will validate your feelings and encourage you to discuss the difficult and confusing feelings you are facing. In therapy, you can learn healthy coping techniques to manage your thoughts and overcome what you have endured.