More and more often, both as a licensed clinician and as a high school counselor, I see so many teenagers plagued with anxiety. Since I started counseling over 10 years ago, I feel that the numbers of teenagers having symptoms of anxiety has increased. What I see even more are teenagers who do not have strong coping skills. When you mix these two characteristics, lack of coping skills and heightened levels of anxiety, you can […]
Depression comes in many forms and there are many different levels of depression. To start, I will explain the most common forms of depression to help you get a better understanding. Adjustment Disorder, with depressive symptoms: The onset of this depression is triggered by an adjustment such as loss of job, an unwanted move, or a breakup. The DSM 5 lists the following symptoms for a depression specifier: low mood, tearfulness, or feelings of hopeless
Anxiety is a word that is known to many, possibly too many. A common question I get is “Why do I have anxiety?” Sometimes it is not always clear. Anxiety can come from genetics, life stressors, environment, and even facing a traumatic event. Anxiety can, at times, be very crippling. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety are struggling with sleep, struggling to concentrate, becoming irritable, and of course, constantly worrying. Many clients will
The end of an era. Graduating from high school is such a huge accomplishment and it is so exciting, but to many teens, absolutely petrifying. I have worked with high school students, specifically juniors and seniors since 2008 (a long time, I know). As the end of senior year approaches, I have seen so many mixed emotions from both my students and my clients. They are excited, happy, sad, shocked, and sometimes indifferent. They are about
The Big “C.” It is the terrifying word that we all dread to hear…. Cancer…. This word can send chills down someone’s spine, make them feel like they are going to pass out, or have an overwhelming fear of panic are just some of the many reactions we may have. Growing up, I was surrounded by cancer in my home, so the “C” word was sadly not a foreign one. I saw both my mother
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD is mental health condition that has two main components: Obsessions and Compulsions. – Obsessions are unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety. Some examples of obsessions are: o Worrying about germs and getting sick. o Worrying about eating something bad and throwing up. o Worrying about hurting someone you love despite having no intention of doing it. o Worrying that something bad will happen. o
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was 40 years old. I have a history of breast cancer in my family. My grandmother was diagnosed in her early 70’s and my mom was diagnosed in her late 50’s. I always had a fear I would get it, but I had assumed it would be when I was older, just like them. When I turned 40 last January, I promptly scheduled my mammogram and also
