If the news is stressing you out, you’re not alone. Many are suffering from what is called “media saturation overload” “doomscrolling,” “headline anxiety,” or “headline stress disorder.” Media overload is increasing stress levels, depression, anxiety, fear, worry, and problems concentrating.
The News and Your Health Read More »
The Polyvagal Theory has been particularly helpful to the clinical community in understanding trauma, especially developmental and complex traumas. Breaking down the states of the polyvagal theory has been especially helpful in aiding discussions between patients and providers. Since 1994 when Porges introduced the theory, it has been widely used not only to understand trauma better,
The Hybrid States of the Polyvagal Theory Ensure Survival Through Safety and Connection Read More »
For many people, holidays are not all ‘Merry and Bright.’ Even if the world says so. For some, the holidays can be just plain hard and painful, lonely and disconnected, or even downright depressing. What should be joy, becomes pain.
While the holidays are supposed to foster love and joy, for many they worsen mental health struggles. The majority of people who struggle with mental health challenges say their mental health struggles increase during the holidays. Stresses, finances, family dynamics, loneliness are all pieces of life that can push the pain button.
Mental Health During the Holidays: When Joy Meets Pain Read More »
The polyvagal theory gives us a neurobiological framework that connects the mind, body, and emotions, helping us understand our behavior, particularly as it relates to trauma.
The Polyvagal Theory: The Three States Read More »
Expressive writing can help you process complicated or difficult emotions. Expressive writing creates a container to hold the big emotions. By mindfully placing your thoughts and feelings on paper, you allow big emotions to flow from the body and create space for new ideas, perspectives, and new thought patterns to emerge. Research shows expressive writing can help improve mood and help you heal from trauma. Here, you will find 15 tips to ignite your writing spirit.
Journaling: Tips for Expressive Writing Read More »
Trauma is a somatic experience felt and held in the body. When trauma is not fully processed, it can become stuck. It’s like moving through life with the parking brake on and pushing on the gas. Expressive writing is a practice that can help you express and process the trauma, lifting the brake and helping it flow from the body, opening space for new thought patterns. Through this process, you can find relief and healing.
Pen & Paper Are Your Best Friend: 3 Powerful Ways Journaling Helps Process Big Emotions Read More »
Nature nurtures our hearts and souls. It lowers blood pressure, opens the heart, and expands our mind. Spending time in nature is a valuable self-care practice and gives you a holistic approach to your health. You will walk away feeling renewed and uplifted. Whether a stroll in the park, a hike in the woods, or a picnic under a tree, we can all use a lift from nature these days.
Nature as Your Teacher: A Simple Walk In the Woods Can Teach You a Lot About Life Read More »
In learning to let go we can be part of a collective effort to release human suffering: both our own suffering and suffering we impose on others. Through letting go of things that do not help you, you will become regulated and have more space to grow. You will no longer have to live through past experiences, fears, imposed beliefs, or the need of always being right. You will have more space to think and choose. When you let go of what you no longer need you will find a new hope and a new future.
With the Change of Seasons, We Learn the Gentle Art of Letting Go Read More »
Living with trauma can create difficulty in managing the intensity of emotional responses.
Living with Trauma: What it Feels like to be Dysregulated Read More »
Simone Biles withdrew from the women’s team gymnastics competition to take care of her mental health. Her choice showed bravery in the midst of personal and social pressure but also showed us all how to prioritize our mental health. Her actions demonstrate how we might all manage our mental health in stressful or traumatic times.
What Simone Biles Can Teach Us About Mental Health Read More »
