Coronavirus – it's all we see lately, understandably, but how is this traumatic event affecting our mental health?
Trauma is defined as an emotional response to an experience or event that is deeply distressing. Some symptoms include:
• Hopelessness
• Mood swings
• Anger
When we look at Coronavirus as an event that leads to trauma, it's easy to understand why so many people are at risk of mental health issues. With that being said, there are some demographics at a higher risk:
• Healthcare workers
• Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or a loved one who's tested positive
• Those who are immunocompromised or have a preexisting health condition
Through crisis intervention therapy and teletherapy, our team can provide immediate assistance for individuals experiencing trauma. Don't hesitate to reach out to us today!
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
Addiction is a psychological condition that activates dopamine in the brain, causing a need to feel the ""rush"" often. Are you concerned that a loved one is suffering from sex or pornography addiction? Here are some symptoms to look out for.
Sex Addiction:
Obsessive sexual thoughts
Engaging in sex with multiple partners
Participating in dangerous sexual behaviors
Pornography Addiction:
Neglecting work or personal relationships to view pornography
Spending large sums of money on porn at the expense of other necessities
Continuing to watch pornography despite wanting to stop
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/seeking-help-for-pornography-and-sex-addiction/
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝-𝟏𝟗 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥.
There are so many things during this time that may be causing you to feel down: loved ones getting sick, uncertainty regarding your job and the economy, loneliness from not seeing friends in person, etc. Thankfully, there are ways to relieve symptoms from home during this time:
💤 Get 8 hours of sleep every night and avoid using electronics one hour before.
🥗 Feed your body with nutritious foods. Stress eating junk food can make stress and anxiety worse.
👋 Stay connected with friends and family through virtual meet-ups!
Take charge of your life with the help of an experienced therapist. Together, we can overcome the challenges that are preventing you from living a happy, more fulfilling life!
Contact Dr. Blair today at 310-999-4996.
Meet Dr. Cassidy Blair, our Founder and Licensed Clinical Psychologist!
Dr. Blair is devoted to helping our clients overcome a multitude of issues and assist them in regaining control of their lives.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you all a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation!
Everyone is impacted differently by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stress can negatively affect your health in unexpected ways.
Combat the effects of stress or anxiety by setting yourself up for success:
⏰Set routines for you and your family
🗞️Limit news exposure, especially for children and those more triggered by current events
🤙Reach out and speak with those around you to share and receive support
👍Accept your emotions - even the negative ones - and realize that it's okay to feel what you feel.
Anger is a natural and normal emotion that gets a bad reputation due to its inherent connection to violence and unpredictable negative behaviors, and we're often taught to repress and ignore it.
Instead of ignoring or suppressing anger completely, it's important to recognize that there are two types of anger - constructive and destructive. Destructive anger negatively affects you and the people around you, while constructive anger can actually be a driving factor for positive change and actions.
When you utilize constructive anger you can experience many benefits:
>Drive & motivation to achieve goals
>A sense of control and strength
>Reduced fear and feelings of helplessness
>Inspiration for solutions to problems and bad situations.
Learn more about anger management and constructive channeling on our blog, or reach out to work with an experienced therapist today.
Another great chat with Dr. Gluss on Engaging Minds Radio! This time, Dr. Blair spoke with Dr. Gluss about love, relationships and their impact on addiction.
Listen below for this insightful psychological discussion!
Intimacy issues can take a toll on any relationship, even though popular culture would have us believe that love is easy and passionate at all times. However, the truth is that intimate relationships require compromise, grace, clear communication, and forgiveness.
If you and your loved one are experiencing issues getting on the same page with intimacy, the best place to start the healing process is with yourself - self reflection and examination can go a long way toward identifying your own intimacy needs and communication styles.
If stress, anxiety, relationship problems, or substance abuse is holding you back, Dr. Cassidy Blair can help. Explore treatment options and schedule an appointment on our website today to take the first step toward regaining control over your life.
Many of us have been cooped up inside and dealing with feelings of depression while experiencing the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking treatment is important to keeping yourself healthy and in control of your life.
Some symptoms to watch out for while quarantining or social distancing include:
🔎Inability to concentrate
🔎Decreased energy
🔎Irritability
🔎Difficulty sleeping
🔎Unexplained aches and pains
🔎Persistent feelings of sadness
Simple changes to daily habits like keeping a routine and getting adequate sleep can help, and if you think you need a little more help, reach out and schedule an appointment.
Get the help you need to continue your recovery journey by working with an experienced professional.
While gambling is often seen by most as a fun way to spend a trip to Vegas or a local casino, a gambling addiction can have a very real impact on a number of areas in your life, creating personal, marital, social, financial and even legal issues.
The symptoms of a gambling addiction include behaviors like excessive interest in any form of gambling, taking time away from work or other obligations to gamble, neglecting important financial interests superseded by gambling, and more.
Like with other addictions, though, a gambling addiction can respond to treatment from an experienced therapist to help reduce or eliminate the behavior.
While we all understand that COVID-19 has direct effects and side-effects on those with the illness, there are also many societal side effects caused by the safety measures and disruptions of normal life.
Some symptoms that can manifest in those coping with the prolonged stress, social isolation, and other hardships include depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues. Each of these issues has its own set of symptoms, challenges, and coping mechanisms, and while many side effects can be managed at home, it is also important to understand that seeking and receiving help through teletherapy or in-person treatment is healthy and normal. You deserve to feel the best you can feel, and we at Blair Wellness look forward to helping you.
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/addiction-depression-anxiety-mood-disorders-and-other-side-effects-of-covid-19/
It's safe to say that we're living in strange times that no one has been prepared for living in. The pandemic can cause many stress-related issues, so while taking care of yourself, keep an eye out for these symptoms of worsening stress:
>Worsening of mental or chronic health conditions
>Changes in eating & sleeping patterns
>Increased substance use
>Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
>Fear & worry over health of yourself or loved ones
>Increased irritability
If you're experiencing these symptoms we at Blair Wellness understand and suggest utilizing tools like self care, social support, and therapy to help combat the effects of stress on your daily life.
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/psychological-impacts-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-part-one/
Social Media Addiction has been proven as a real illness - defined as a social media disorder with the 9 symptoms of addiction, people suffering from this condition can experience many negative impacts on their life as a result.
Studies show that up to 10% of the US population may be addicted to social media, this is partly due to a common theme among those with SM addiction - a higher likelihood of cross-addiction. Cross-addiction is substituting one addiction for another, and while this can seem like a harmless coping mechanism, addicts suffering from cross-addiction are vulnerable to creating new addictions because the brain's wiring for addiction has not been treated in an effective manner.
When coping with addiction recovery and working to avoid cross-addiction, there are many mechanisms that can be effective when used properly and frequently, ranging from mindfulness, to community support, and beyond.
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/is-social-media-addiction-the-same-as-other-addictions/
Depression has many faces, and living with depression is a struggle unique to each person carrying that weight. One face of depression is High-Functioning Depression - often considered an invisible illness due to the subtle symptoms and nature of the condition.
While many living with this condition seem to not display typical symptoms of depression, some easier-to-spot symptoms include:
>Loneliness around others & avoidance of social activities
>Fatigue or difficulties concentrating
>Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt
>Irritability/anger Issues
>Obsessing over the past
While these feelings can be normal during stressful times, it's important to recognize when it becomes persistent or disruptive - it may be a sign you're living with High-functioning Depression. At Blair Wellness, we have many treatments and teletherapy options to help get you feeling like yourself again.
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/understanding-and-getting-help-for-high-functioning-depression/
Sobriety during the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic can be particularly difficult - not only is the stress of uncertainty weighing heavy, but lack of in-person support & other community activities can create feelings of isolation & stress.
Two strategies you can use to practice sobriety during this unprecedented season are:
💻Utilize technology to stay connected - utilize online communities, reach out to trusted friends & family members, or utilize telehealth services to receive counseling.
⏰Combat boredom - boredom can lead to substance use, but with a routine, you can designate time to do necessary things like chores, but also fun activities & hobbies to keep you entertained.
We at Blair Wellness understand that substance use is difficult and can cause many issues in addition to the ones you're already dealing with, so when you're in need, remember that you have tools and support at your fingertips.
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/staying-sober-during-covid-19-and-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
3 Signs Of Codependency In Relationships:
1. Little to no boundaries: Boundaries are important in any relationship. If there are none, this can be troubling.
2. Low self-esteem: Having these feelings may cause someone to feel like no one accepts them for who they are.
3. Trying to please everyone: Those who are codependent find it hard to tell people no, doing anything possible to make their partner happy.
Want to learn about all 8 signs of codependency? Head over to blairwellnessgroup.com today!
• Does your S/O have a superiority complex?
• Do they take over or interrupt most conversations?
• Are they a master manipulator?
• Do they think they're entitled to everything?
• Do they love negativity?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be dating a narcissist. Our advice? Leave them or encourage them to get professional help.
The last thing you want to do this close to Valentine's Day is ruin your relationship! But if you stonewall, that could be exactly what happens.
Stonewalling happens when one party puts up a "wall" between them and the other party. They will act disengaged and unresponsive, which leads to issues never getting resolved and causing a serious roadblock in the relationship.
Instead, focus on healthy communication during and after arguments. Tell your significant other how you feel and what you need so that you can quickly solve arguments and regain momentum in your relationship!
Love is in the air! 💞 Or are intimacy issues affecting your relationship?
Intimacy is an important part of any relationship, but for some, it may be scary to open up to others, which can negatively impact your relationship.
Intimacy issues may stem from past experiences. Exploring those things that have conditioned you to feel a fear of intimacy is an important step to improving the intimacy in your relationship. Blair Wellness Group is here to help.
https://www.blairwellnessgroup.com/are-intimacy-issues-putting-a-strain-on-your-relationship/
𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩.
Anxious Attached Partner: This type of partner approaches relationships with worry and preoccupation, waiting by the phone and jumping to conclusions.
Avoidant Attachment Relationship: One or both people in this relationship consider relationships to be a potential drain on independence and will typically retreat at the first sign of discomfort.
Secure Attachment Style: People with a secure attachment style are comfortable with intimacy, view relationships as a source of strength, and can manage relationship conflict without feeling threatened.
𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐞?
Have you ever felt like the world is closing in on you? Have you ever felt chills in the middle of a crowd, or even a wide open area – just you and the sky? Have you felt like people just can't relate to you?
Agoraphobia is an extreme fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one's own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult. If this sounds like you, know that you don't have to continue to suffer. Dr. Blair and Blair Wellness Group offers solutions to this anxiety disorder and others, all in a discrete and respectful manner. Reach out today for more info.
