Understanding Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Professionals in mental health are divided on the precise definition of compulsive sexual activity. Determining the point at which sexual conduct becomes problematic is not always simple. It can occasionally take problematic sexual behavior, and could lead do sexual abuse and be identified as a component of another mental illness, including behavioral addiction or impulse control disorder.

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What Is Compulsive Sexual Behavior?

Hypersexuality or sexual addiction are other terms used to describe compulsive sexual activity. There is a strong emphasis in sexual addiction, on uncontrollable sexual imaginations, impulses, or acts. Your relationships, career, health, and other areas of your life suffer as a result repetitive sexual impulses, and you experience stress and anxiety, that could often lead to impulse control disorders.

Various types of sexual experiences that are generally gratifying can be associated with compulsive sexual behavior, which is also known as hypersexual disorder. Masturbation, using a computer to interact and become sexually aroused, having many sexual partners, utilizing pornography, and paying for sex are a few examples of compulsive sexual behaviour. However, it’s probably compulsive sexual behavior when these activities take up a significant portion of your time, are hard for you to resist, create issues for you or others, or become a substantial source of stress.

Is a sex addiction similar to other addictions?

Indeed. The similarity lies in the “addiction feeling.” For those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the urge for sex is comparable to the craving for these drugs or alcohol. It’s an intense want or temptation so powerful that you feel compelled to give in to it.

It’s an uncontrollable, unsatisfied emotion or an ongoing struggle to take charge of a situation that operates automatically. Even though there are bad effects, you keep engaging in the sexual act or behavior.

Untreated compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, regardless of the name or specifics of the habit, can harm your personal life, professional health, and the relationships of others. However, you may acquire the skills to control obsessive sexual behavior with therapy and self-help.

Causes

Though the precise reasons for obsessive sexual activity are unknown, potential causes could be anything from:

Alterations To Brain Circuits 

Over time, obsessive sexual activity may lead to abnormalities in the neuronal circuits that make up the brain’s networks. This could occur, particularly in reinforcement-related brain regions. As time goes on, higher levels of sexual stimulation and feelings of satisfaction are typically required to feel relieved or fulfilled.

Abuse, especially of alcohol, cocaine, and amphetamines, can occasionally change the way the brain functions, leading to the development of new neural pathways that trigger this particular addictive behavior.

A Chemical Imbalance In The Brain

Your mood is regulated by multiple chemical substances in the nervous system called neurotransmitters, which include norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Your sexual cravings and habits may change if these factors are out of balance.

Problems with addictive disorders that impact the brain. Certain medical diseases, such as dementia, may damage parts of the central nervous system that influence sexual behavior. Compulsive sexual behavior can also result from using some medications to treat Parkinson’s disease.

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Symptoms

Here are a few indicators that you might engage in obsessive sexual behavior:

You experience frequent, strong, and seemingly uncontrollable sexual desires and cravings, and you practice sexual actions that occupy a significant amount of your time. You have a sexual obsession. You’re thinking about and acting on your sexual desires and impulses a lot of the time.

You get relief from tension after engaging in specific sexual practices, yet you also experience significant remorse or guilt over certain sexual behaviors. These behaviors could consist of paying for sexual contact, going to clubs for strippers, making friends through online chat rooms, having several sexual partners, or frequently going on one-night stands.

You’ve made unsuccessful attempts to lessen or manage your sexual impulses or, ill-conceived ideas, or behavior related to sex. You start engaging in risky sexual behavior. You combine substance abuse or addiction with sexual activity, as well as harmful sexual behaviors such as autoerotic asphyxiation or sexual aggressiveness.

You turn to compulsive sexual behavior as a way to cope with anxiety, stress, sadness, or loneliness. You participate in sexual activities that are not in line with your moral principles, religious convictions, or social norms.

Even though your sexual activity is seriously problematic, you somehow indulge in them. The risk of contracting an STD or passing one to another, the breakup of significant relationships, difficulties at work, mental disorders, money troubles, or legal troubles are a few examples.

You struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even when having sex has a severe impact on your connections with others, romantic relationships, finances, your mental health condition, and emotions, you are unable to quit.

When To Visit A Physician

Because compulsive sexual behavior is such a highly private and intensely personal issue, getting assistance can be challenging. Make an effort to:

  1. Remind yourself that a lot of individuals have obsessive sexual behavior problems, so you’re not alone. Therapists and mental health professionals in mental health care are taught to have empathy and refrain from passing judgment on others. However, not all behavioral healthcare professionals are trained to handle this illness. Seek a healthcare professional with expertise in identifying and managing compulsive sexual behavior.
  2. Remember that anything you say to a psychologist, counselor, or medical professional is confidential. However, suppose you inform a therapist that you intend to harm yourself or someone else. In that case, you must seek a proper diagnosis for some mental illness that might be associated with your current compulsive sexual disorder.
  3. Put any guilt or humiliation aside and concentrate on the advantages of receiving treatment.

Treatment

The standard course of treatment for compulsive sexual behavior includes medication, self-help groups, and talk therapy, commonly known as psychotherapy. Helping you control cravings and cut back on problematic sexual behaviors so you may continue to engage in healthy relationships and sexual engagement is the major objective of treatment for untreated compulsive sexual behavior.

In addition to the management of compulsive sexual behavior, you might require assistance for additional mental health issues. Individuals who engage in obsessive sexual behavior frequently struggle with drug or alcohol abuse as well as other forms of mental illness like depression or anxiety that require medical attention.

Individuals who may be dangerous to others, have serious mental health issues, or have other addictions can reap advantages from treatment that begins with staying in the hospital. Treatment may be rigorous initially, whether it is inpatient or outpatient. Treatment that is continued over time may help avoid relapses.

Talk Therapy Treatment

Psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can assist you in learning how to control your obsessive sexual behavior. Talk therapy comes in various forms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

It assists in recognizing maladaptive, unfavorable attitudes and actions and substituting them with more positive and constructive ones. You can learn techniques that will enable you to control your cravings and, when necessary, adapt to various circumstances. To reduce your likelihood of accessing pornographic materials, you learn how to make these actions less confidential.

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy

One type of CBT that stresses accepting thoughts and impulses and making the commitment to a strategy for overcoming them is called acceptance and commitment therapy. You can develop the ability to make decisions consistent with your core beliefs.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Therapies based on mindfulness support you in managing unpleasant feelings and unfavorable ideas while living in the present. These can enhance your general well-being and lessen your symptoms of anxiety and despair.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

The goal of psychodynamic psychotherapy is to increase awareness of unconscious beliefs and actions. This treatment lets you gain fresh perspectives on your motivations and pick up conflict resolution techniques.

Medicines

Certain medications may be helpful in addition to counseling therapy. These medications affect brain chemistry associated with compulsive sexual thoughts and actions. The hormonal “rewards” that these actions provide when engaged are decreased, and they also help reduce the need for sex. The ideal treatment or medications for you will depend on your circumstances and any additional or other mental health conditions or issues you may be experiencing.

Some addiction medicine intended to address different illnesses are frequently prescribed in addition to obsessive sexual behavioral addictions, including antidepressants, Mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and Naltrexone (Vivitrol).

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Coping And Support

If you’re dealing with s compulsive sexual disorder, your life can significantly change for the worse. You can take the following actions to look after yourself while receiving medical care:

Observe Your Prescribed Course Of Treatment

Participate in therapy appointments on time and take medications as prescribed. Remember that it’s an uphill task with the potential for periodic setbacks.

Learn For Yourself

To gain a greater understanding of the origins of a compulsive sexual behavior disorder and how to address it, educate yourself on the subject.

Learn What Motivates You

Recognize the circumstances, ideas, and emotions that can arouse your sexual cravings so you can take action to control them.

Avoid Dangerous Actions

Establish limits to stay out of dangerous situations, and sexual offenses. Avoid places where it can be tempting to hunt for a fresh partner to sexually interact with or partake in dangerous sexual acts, such as pubs and strip clubs.

Alternatively, install software that prevents pornographic websites or avoid using computers and smartphones. Reducing privacy and increasing the difficulty of these actions can aid in ending the addictive cycle.

Seek Help For Issues Related To Alcohol Or Drugs, As Well As Other Mental Health Issues

Addictions, anxiety, stress, and depressive disorders can reinforce one another and create an unhealthy cycle of behavior.

Seek Healthy Outlets

If you turn to sexual activity as a coping mechanism for your bad feelings, look into constructive alternatives instead. Take up exercise or engage in leisure pursuits, for instance.

Practice Stress Reduction And Relaxation

Try practicing stress-reduction techniques like yoga, tai chi, or meditation.

Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

It may take some time to recover from obsessive sexual activity. Remain inspired by remembering your healing objectives. Affirm that you can mend broken friendships, teen early relationship, relationships, and financial issues.

 

FAQs

How Do You Control Hypersexual Behaviour?

What Is Excessive Sexual Desire In Males Called?

What Does Hypersexuality Leel like?

How Does Hypersexuality Affect Relationships?

How Do You Stop Hypersexuality From Trauma?

Why Do I Use Hypersexuality As A Coping Mechanism?

What Is Compulsive Sexual Behavior?

Why Do I Have Excessive Sexual Desire?

What Is Abnormal Sexual Behavior?

Is Hypersexual A Mental Disorder?

What Is The Main Feature Of Sexual Arousal Disorders?

What Are The Dangers Of Hypersexuality?

How Do You Know If Your Partner Is Hypersexual?

Can Hypersexuality Cause Unwanted Thoughts?

Does Hypersexuality Come And Go?

Can stress cause hypersexuality?

Teen Early Relationship Issues

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Dating is an exciting and scary experience, much like beginning any new chapter in life. Teens will have to take risks, learn how to be a dating partner and how to act accordingly in a relationship, and put themselves out there by showing romantic devotion to someone else and risking rejection. Developing sexuality, insufficient control over one’s emotions, and the desire to test limits combine with newfound abilities in the areas of interpersonal interaction, caring, thinking, intimacy, and independence.

However, what does modern teen dating actually mean? Though the basic concept remains the same, teen early relationship and dating have evolved significantly in the last ten or so years.

Teenage Dating Is Not Necessarily A Bad Thing

Romantic needs are natural and healthy during the teenage years, even though certain adolescents begin to date earlier than others. While some young people express their enthusiasm for dating more overtly or vocally than others, the majority enjoy paying attention and finding the idea of romantic relationships intriguing. But the majority of teenagers will eventually be intrigued by dating and even sexual attraction, regardless of when it begins, especially as they progress throughout high school and college. This is why it’s so common to have the first relationship in this period – mid to late teens.

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Social Media Plays a Role

It’s interesting to note that teenagers don’t “date” as much as they used to. This could be partially attributed to the advancement of cell phones, online social media, and the evolving manner in which teenagers identify their relationships, keeping communication open.

A typical teenager will invest a lot of time on social media, messaging and sending texts to possible romantic interests and partners. Because they can check things out and get to know each other online first, this method may help some people date more easily. When it comes to meeting in person, interacting and trying to spend time together in reality can be more awkward for shy kids than communicating online face-to-face.

Teenagers use social media to talk and interact with like-minded individuals and friends they might not have otherwise met. Social media, for example, can make long-distance or frequently traveling partners in love relationships believe they are still engaged in each other’s daily lives even when they are away.

The Downside of Social Media in Teen Relationships

Even while social media offers a lot of advantages, relationships can suffer greatly from it. Reduced time spent with a teen’s partner or significant other, missed interaction, jealousy, tension resulting from arguments or wounded sentiments, and unfavorable comparisons are some of the social media’s detrimental consequences on teenage relationship.

Common Teenage Relationship Problems

Teen romance is frequently difficult and confusing. The young adults could get saddened, have low self-esteem, and struggle with commitment. There is a lack of experience, and things are unclear.

Moreover, the adults surrounding them criticize or don’t care about their problems rather than offer guidance. The teenagers eventually struggle with their shortcomings and break contact with all of their loved ones.

This is why at least one parent or guardian must always be there. Talking can help teenagers, even someone young like a child who’s beginning to learn about relationships. Trusted family members can help teenagers using open lines of communication, helping them learn about emotional maturity, sexual orientation, and even safe sex. They can also help a child navigate the type of content appropriate for their age.

Everybody behaves differently in teenage relationships. While some people pursue it full-time, some merely want to give it a shot because they find it interesting. All of them, nevertheless, face some similar issues and battle to find solutions. These are a few typical love-related issues that teens experience.

Insecurities

A joyful and contented relationship is greatly enhanced by having mutual trust and understanding. However, the majority of teenagers are caught up in the notion that their relationship is solely theirs. Adolescents frequently exhibit possessiveness toward their partners and dislike when they socialize with other people.

They could dispute about their companions or the other way around with their closest buddies. It is easy to become conflicted about right and wrong at such a young age since Teenagers are prone to feeling insecure, angry, and disappointed when things don’t go as planned. They behave out of anger, which prevents them from appreciating their own and their significant others’ positive qualities.

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Jealousy

When they see somebody they believe to be superior to them, they frequently lose trust in themselves. They experience insecurity and fear. These days, a teenager’s identity could be determined by the intellectual ability or appearance of another person.

Because of this, it is typical for them to feel envious of their partners in a relationship, either because they think someone is better or because they think their lovers are already taken and shouldn’t interact with anyone else or be let engage in time together with anybody else without their consent.

Immaturity

Teenagers always struggle with relationships since they need to be mature and sincere in order to handle all kinds of situations. It’s difficult for them to handle arguments and avoid misunderstandings. They don’t know enough about providing adequate privacy for their partners. This can happen often.

Sometimes, teens take things excessively seriously or excessively lightly because they don’t even fully comprehend their own emotions. They lack the knowledge of what is appropriate to do or how to express themselves. They fail to see the seriousness of the problem, refuse to listen to their lover, and show little interest in hearing them out.

Boredom

Young people grow bored. It’s well-known that this is frequently the case with frightening minor crimes. But in a partnership, boredom can strike anyone. Perhaps the spark has faded, or teenagers have come to the realization that they don’t really share all that much with their present relationships.

As things shift, boredom sets in. This illustrates the reason why teenagers in today’s generation frequently keep a list of relationships they are in, believing they can break up a romantic connection quickly merely because they are bored.

Peer pressure

Adolescents frequently experience peer pressure to act in a particular way. They might promote the idea, for instance, that having a partner intimately from a young age makes one an attractive individual or that dating just one person is uninteresting.

Young adults who experience this kind of indoctrination run the risk of making poor decisions and forming undesirable behaviors. This is where teenagers can sometimes lose sight of maintaining a balance between the fine line of living in the moment and planning for the future. Sometimes, their fear of being left out leads them to imitate others or to appear to be somebody they are not. They can also be pressured to engage in sexual activity right away even if they are not ready yet.

Priorities

Teenagers deal with a multitude of ideas and feelings as they are caught between their teenage years and their adulthood. Because there are so many concerns in today’s society, love and relationships may feel unattainable. Teens frequently lack an understanding of their life’s priorities. Teenagers should seize this opportunity to grow, but they should limit their potential and development to their existing relationships. Once they sign on for a teen romance, they don’t grow up. They start to need help with accountability.

Unrequited Love

Teens find it difficult to fall in love with someone who doesn’t reciprocate. It meant a great deal to them. It ached to consider liking someone who doesn’t feel the same way about you. That explains why, because of the psychological and emotional damage, most teenagers fear rejection so much. They grow to fear love, which occasionally causes them to treat their adult counterparts with indifference. Teenagers can occasionally grow entitled and aggressive, which is when it becomes problematic. They’ll insist on telling people how they feel. And they either hide or take revenge when they are rejected.

Lack of support

Love is not easy for everyone. When it comes to resolving romantic issues, teens may find it exceedingly challenging to ask for advice and approval from those who are older in their immediate environment. This is due to the fact that, rather than offering a solution, individuals frequently minimize the teens’ worries and advise them not to take things extremely seriously, which is just insufficient.

There is a connotation where people treat these young adults unfairly, don’t give them time, and prevent them from expressing the pain they are experiencing. Teens frequently don’t receive the necessary emotional support, which eventually contributes to their mental health problems.

Cheating

Cheating is a major relationship issue among teenagers. Regardless of their age, this occurs. Although it’s common for young individuals to be unsure of their desires and compulsive sexual behavior, this does not justify harming a partner.

Someone should end the relationship if they cheat. Teens can be so entitled to make mistakes in their relationships because they believe it is a necessary part of maturing and life. Nonetheless, cheating tends to be a decision rather than a mistake.

Boundaries

It’s true that teens aren’t ready for the obligations of a love relationship. They sometimes act older than they actually are, judging by their actions. They tend to act impulsively or based on intense feelings they are experiencing, particularly when they are in a relationship that they don’t think is right for them.

They require boundaries as a result, even from parents. They start to believe that they are in charge of everything and that others shouldn’t get involved in their adolescent romantic relationships.

Rules And Restrictions

Parents typically impose a variety of limitations on their teenagers. They may even be prohibited from dating until they reach a specific age. They are under pressure to nurture themselves enough in faith and trust, and when they don’t get to the point where adults or those close to them understand what they need, they start to hide things. They believe that their rebelliousness stems from these restrictions. They seem unable to adhere to a strict schedule and a lot of regulations, resulting in dating a nearly hard endeavor and ultimately leading to further problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do people get into relationships?
Is it normal to have problems early in a relationship?
What makes a good relationship?
Why do people want a relationship?
How do you build a good relationship with your partner?
How do you deal with the early stages of a relationship?
Is it too early to start a new relationship?
Why do some people get into relationships so fast?
What role do relationships play in people’s well-being?
Why do people jump into new relationships so quickly?
At what age do people get into serious relationships?
Why do teenagers fall in love so fast?
How fast do relationships develop?
What are the benefits of early dating?
What are the negative effects of early relationships?

What You Need To Know About Child Counseling

 

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Child counseling is a form of therapy that centers on children, young adolescents, and teenagers with one or more mental health conditions. It offers help to the youth who have gone through trauma or experienced a stressful or dysfunctional home environment. Numerous concerns that children face are similar to those that adults are confronted with in their daily lives. Some of these typical concerns include depression, grief, and anxiety. The objective of child counseling, though, is to disintegrate issues and problems into smaller, more manageable portions so that children can better comprehend and deal with them and prevent them from taking anxiety supplements at such an early age.

The Child Counselor

A child counselor is a mental health expert who provides vital insight into your child’s emotional, social, and mental health. It is crucial to understand that many times, errors in these aspects may not be noticeable to those who are close to the child. This is where the child counselor comes in.

The child counselor is equipped with the experience and the knowledge to identify, determine, evaluate, diagnose, and manage various mental health disorders, bullying, grief, adjustment matters, and psychological distress. More particularly, the child counselor, who is known as a child psychologist or child therapist, has been trained to handle children in a way that can assist them in finding meaning to what is going on in their bodies, minds, and in general their lives.

The Functions Of A Child Counselor

A child counselor performs several services to the precious youth. Significantly, this competent mental health professional knows to assist your child in getting the help she needs to solve her issues and get back to her productive, healthy life. It is significant to note that children who have mental health problems might not open up their feelings to their parents. This is not because your child does not care for you. Instead, it happens because he does not want to frustrate you.

Thus, the objective of the child counselor is to aid children so that they can better decipher the concerns that they are going through or the trauma that happened – in a way that they digest. When a child’s emotional and social problems and psychological distress are neglected, it can harmfully affect his educational dreams and development. Additionally, it can result in disruptions that progress throughout adulthood. Remember, however, that kids – ranging from toddlers, preschoolers, teenagers to adolescents, can take advantage of child counseling.

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When You Should Seek Counseling

When a toddler or young adolescent has social, emotional, or mental distress or trauma, it can be difficult to deal with, particularly when it seems like no other technique or method can resolve the situation. Here, the child counselor is truly beneficial.

This mental health specialist can determine the primary concerns that impact your child’s general health and wellness to get the child’s treatment quickly. The fact is that a lot of children are incapable of completely process the complications that go along with the psychological or emotional concerns they are going through, so counseling is most probably what your child needs to achieve optimal mental wellness.

As parents, we want our children to be happy and healthy. Still, oftentimes circumstances happen that we merely can’t resolve by ourselves – particularly when we have exerted our efforts in almost all situations since we are parents. These are situations when we will need the help and guidance of an expert in the field.

Hence, it would help if you found a child counselor for your child when you notice that he is behaving abnormally or is struggling. A child counselor will educate him about useful strategies that would help him become better.

Problems That Child Counselors Deal With

Child counselors deal with a range of problems. For example, they treat a child who has gone through trauma or unpleasant events such as the death of a parent, pet, sibling, etc. They also manage those who have experienced bullying or abuse. Fundamentally, child counselors can deal with any problem that causes emotional or social distress or certain mental health disorders in children. The objective of these professionals is to support and guide your child in recognizing and coping with any problem that he is going through positively.

Some typical problems that child counselors manage include:

  • The death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, etc.
  • Witnessing a traumatic event
  • Divorce of parents
  • Bullying
  • Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse
  • Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
  • Moving into a new home, school, or state
  • Alcohol or drug abuse in the family

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How To Tell If Your Child Requires Counseling

There are several indications that your kid may require child or teen counseling. For example, a child who is starting to behave rather abnormally or out of his usual behavior will benefit from a visit to a child counselor. Additionally, if your child has gone through a traumatic event currently or previously but has not gotten any treatment for it, that child will have a higher likelihood of consulting with a child counselor.

 

 

How Counseling Can Help Manage Alcoholism

 

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People who are suffering from alcohol dependence believe that they will be unable to function normally without alcohol. Drinking becomes one of the top priorities in their life.

Here are some of the most typical symptoms that may suggest that you have an alcohol problem.

  • Inability to control your drinking habit. You desire to drink daily, and when you begin, you can’t stop.
  • You feel a strong craving for alcohol that disrupts your daily activities.
  • You often want to stay in bars and pubs.
  • Your breakfast always includes alcohol (or perhaps you take it alone without breakfast).
  • You develop a tolerance to alcohol, so you need more of it to feel the effects.
  • You don’t acknowledge that you have a drinking problem. You frequently downplay the harmful effects or complain that family and friends are overthinking about your issues.
  • You start neglecting the other parts of your life, like your family, work, sports, and other hobbies.
  • You get anxious about when you are going to drink again, and the social events you plan are often around alcohol.
  • If you try to quit, you have withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, irritability, and fatigue.

How Alcohol Develops

Alcoholism is a kind of addiction. The two typical kids of addiction include psychological and physical addiction.

Psychological. In some situations, individuals become dependent on alcohol as a means to cope with certain psychological problems. Drinking alcohol somehow fills a void and helps them block unpleasant experiences and alleviate the stress from these problems. Psychological addiction is not caused by chemical alterations found in the brain. Most people drink excessively so that they won’t feel their painful emotions.

This variation of alcohol abuse may result in additional problems. Others might begin to feel severe emotions of despair, guilt, and shame. Consequently, a harmful cycle of alcohol reliance develops.

Physical. Individuals who crave casual drinking belong to this variation. When they see, smell, or think about alcohol, it produces some pleasure. Because of the chemical alterations in the brain, chronic drinkers begin to want the pleasure and emotional relief that alcohol produces.

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Yielding to this craving will increase the desire to drink alcohol again. An alcoholic’s body gradually becomes familiar with alcohol so that it doesn’t produce the same effect anymore. This tolerance only elicits further desire to drink, and if a person attempts to stop, they develop withdrawal symptoms, trapping them in a hazardous cycle of alcohol reliance.

How Counseling Can Help With Alcoholism

The initial step towards managing and eventually overcoming alcohol dependence is to acknowledge that there is a problem. People who struggle with alcohol abuse can conveniently persuade themselves that there is no problem or trying their best to fight it. But these thought patterns are negative and unhealthy and might make some people increase their likelihood of harming themselves.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is among the most successful types of alcohol treatment. This type of counseling deals with behavioral and thought patterns to destroy certain psychological or emotional connections to habits. By understanding the primary thought processes and emotions that lead to addiction, alcoholics can eventually learn to take control of their desire to drink.

In the long term, they will unravel new methods and strategies that help tackle their issues and uncertainties without turning to alcohol. Counselors can provide professional guidance and support that alcoholics need to change their lives for the better.

Helping People With Alcoholism

Alcohol addiction – or any form of addiction, for that matter – can overshadow a person’s thoughts and control his actions. It dominates his thoughts and alters the direction of his life. Logically, this is extremely hard for parents, children, workers, friends, and others to manage.

It isn’t easy to know how to support a person who has become alcohol-dependent. If you have a loved one who is a problem drinker, getting help can be frustrating. He would often deny his addiction and make it more difficult to encourage him to get help. Excessive alcohol consumption is tremendously harmful to one’s physical and mental well-being and can ultimately produce deleterious and irreversible effects.

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Almost always, humiliation is associated with alcoholism and can be a challenge to surpass when seeking help. A great initial step is to urge alcoholics to consult with their primary care physician. They will be able to talk about the treatments and services accessible to them, like counseling or psychotherapy, to help them recover from the addiction. Remember that addiction can control your loved one’s life, so strive to support him the best way that you can.

When Looking For An Alcohol Abuse Counselor

There are apparently no rules requiring a specific level of training for counselors who work in alcohol addiction. Still, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence or NICE has gathered some clinical regulations that outline suggestions about treatments with medications and therapy and what type of services can help people with alcohol addiction. Key suggestions include medications and psychological treatments that can help individuals avoid alcohol or decrease their level of drinking to a less hazardous degree and planned withdrawal from an alcoholic beverage, which helps individuals quit drinking safely.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Difference Between Online And Traditional Therapy

With the quarantine in place, many individuals who need urgent mental and emotional help have shifted from traditional therapy sessions to newer online methods. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, at least 70 percent of countries today are embracing teletherapy services. And with more and more people trusting digital media nowadays, online therapy is slowly becoming a good mental health option along with Traditional Type.

While both types of therapy aim to address mental health issues adequately, they are very different in many ways.

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One obvious difference between traditional and online therapy is the methodology or material being used to communicate.

In traditional therapy, you get to see your therapist inside his clinic or hospital room often. You may address your issues and matters face to face. Through that, you hear your therapist’s responses right away. In this method, you also have to book an appointment and be physically present yourself, which can be a hassle for many people with busy schedules.

In online therapy, many digital mediums are in use. Today, teletherapy expands its service via texts, email, phone calls, chats, or video conferencing. The variety of methods allow people to have more flexibility and control over their time. Meanwhile, there are online therapies conducted through real-time phone or video calls. Sometimes, this particular type may result in limited responses and untimely delays due to connectivity issues. 

Generally, both in-person and online therapy costs the same, especially if acquiring services from the same medical institution or private clinic. Although sometimes, online therapists charge their clients not by the number of sessions held but through the subscription method. It means you have to pay them weekly or monthly, depending on your plan. If opting for this scheme, you might incur higher fees than per-session charges in traditional therapy.

Additionally, you must also consider the amount of money you would use before acquiring the service. An in-person therapy requires physical attendance, which entails costs for driving or transportation. Teletherapy may charge you greater internet fees or network costs for using digital mediums such as phone calls and video conferencing. 

In this time, where a need for mental health therapy is booming, one must not fall short in taking note of their privacy. In-person therapy sessions ensure privacy through the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Online therapy can be risky and daunting for your confidentiality. What makes teletherapy sessions prone to these risks is the medium of communication used. Make sure that when acquiring service from an online provider, they use a video platform that is HIPAA-compliant.

If you want to know how to differentiate online and traditional therapy and discover which type suits your needs, the following set of FAQs can surely help.

Is there a difference between counseling and therapy?

Generally speaking, there is no difference between counseling and therapy. Both treatment approaches can help those who have psychological disorders. However, counseling is usually short-term. Meanwhile, therapy requires more skills and qualifications for its provider.

What are some possible advantages and disadvantages to online therapy?

Online therapy has been a significant help with the ongoing pandemic. Some sites and applications offer free and affordable mental health services. However, some people see factors of privacy concerns as a disadvantage to online therapy. There is also an issue with unreliable technology or internet service providers.

What is traditional therapy?

Traditional therapy is in-person consultations with a licensed mental health provider. Traditional therapies usually take place in the therapist’s office.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

There is not enough evidence of online therapy’s effectiveness. However, individuals who underwent teletherapy have shown significant improvement and progress in their conditions. This evidence renders the treatment approach convenient and functional.

What type of doctor is a therapist?

Practicing therapists are not medical doctors. Instead, they have a doctoral degree in psychology. They also have supplementary and extensive training in providing therapy. Some possess a different degree but also have secondary skills in therapy and certification. These qualifications allow them to work as a therapist.

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How do I choose a counseling theory?

Therapists will recommend the right treatment approach for you. There are various counseling theories to choose from. However, they are often dependent on the kind of situation or condition a patient has.

Is online therapy cheaper?

Many find online therapy cost-effective. Some online therapy applications and sites even provide their services for free. Others have a subscription plan. Not to mention that individuals do not have to worry about gas or transportation money. These factors usually contribute to the expenses.

What is online therapy called?

Online therapy is also sometimes called e-therapy, teletherapy, or cyber-therapy. All of these terms mean the same. It means getting mental health services through the internet.

What are the benefits of online therapy?

One of the benefits of online therapy that many people like is its convenience and accessibility. With it, anyone has access to psychological services in the comforts of their home. It is also cheap, as some online therapies are available at no cost. Patients can also schedule each session at their own time and convenience.

Is online therapy any good?

Yes. Recent studies show that online therapy can be as equally effective as traditional therapy. Many patients had seen progress with their condition when they started receiving treatment through the internet.

Which is better, BetterHelp, or TalkSpace?

Depending on your needs, both applications offer quality mental health services. However, if you are more into video conferencing, you might find BetterHelp more helpful. On the other hand, if you prefer chatting or messaging, Talkspace may be the right option for you.

Does Blue Cross cover online therapy?

The majority of Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance does cover teletherapy. However, it is still best to ask your mental health service provider if they have a partnership with Blue Chapters. You can also find a list of BCBS-covered online therapy sites on the internet.

What are the 3 types of counseling?

First, you have directive counseling, wherein the counselor or therapist plays an important role. The therapist has authority over counseling sessions. There is also non-directive counseling, which offers freedom of expression for the client. The third one is eclectic counseling. It is a combination of the two types mentioned earlier.

What is the best counseling approach?

The best counseling approach depends on an individual’s condition. Research finds that a behavioral system is more suited for mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

What are the three theories of Counseling?

The three main counseling theories include:

  1. Psychodynamic, which focuses on an individual’s conscious and unconscious minds
  2. Behavioral, which aims to understand how cognition affects a person’s behavior
  3. Humanistic, this approach emphasizes one’s unique characteristics and abilities.

Conclusion

You don’t have to worry about the effectiveness of either therapy method. According to a recent study, online therapies are just as helpful and beneficial as in-person therapies. Moreover, a 2014 research revealed that cognitive behavior therapies held through an online mode are as effective as traditional therapies in combating anxiety disorders. 

In choosing between traditional or online therapies, what you must consider instead is the therapist. If you see that a therapist fits your preferences, you can be more motivated to follow up and continue your progress. A good therapist can take care of your condition, especially if you have a more comprehensive treatment plan.  Considering your therapist’s health institution or clinic is the first step in finding the best healthcare service you deserve.

Source: pexels.com

In choosing online therapy, pick a platform that employs qualified therapists. Most online therapy providers let you choose who you would want as a therapist based on your preferences, such as your present mental or emotional needs.

In this way, you can be sure that your journey to wellness, even remotely,  is still achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Depression And Divorce And Their Impacts – Renee Calhoun Therapy

At the beginning of my marriage with Rob, he gave me the option of becoming a stay-at-home mother. I would only tend to my husband’s and children’s needs, which was the whole point of living my life according to my terms. I wouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table because I am exempted from trying to exert an effort to financially support our family. I never even knew the existence and meaning of divorce, depression, or any symptoms associated with it. It is a dream new life because I genuinely do not want to go out and stick with company rules and spend most of my time in a toxic working environment. Support and understanding from my family make this choice even more fulfilling.

My husband’s multimedia business had already taken off, and money was practically working for him, so we wouldn’t need to worry about it. I agreed readily, as I wanted to be available during my daughter’s formative years. Hence, for seven years, I rarely had time for myself and spent most of it taking care of my family. However, during this time, I began to experience symptoms of depression, which I now realize were linked to the post-divorce period and the neglect of my own mental health.

happy family
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Truthfully, I don’t complain about it because I got all the time I need to be always there for my family. I get to spend with my daughter and see her every growth and development. I wouldn’t exchange that for anything because I was there, and I knew everything that was happening in our family. I get to have a first-hand experience as a stay-at-home wife and mom.

Things Suddenly Changed

When Nina (my daughter) entered first grade, I suddenly found myself with nothing to do at home. Rob would be out in the morning and come back around dinnertime, so I was alone most of the time. Honestly, I got bored because the whole idea of taking care of our home became too easy for me. I eventually got to the point where I desired to do something else aside from keeping the house clean and tidy.

Then, as if the opportunity decided to give me another chance, my former boss called me and asked if I wanted to partner with her with the new clothing business she had in mind. Honestly, I was hesitant to accept it because I was used to staying at home and caring for the house and my family. I was also having second thoughts due to my lack of confidence since it has been years since I put myself out there in action. However, I tried to think outside the box and asked myself, “What if I give it a try?”. Then that’s it. I called my former boss and scheduled a meeting to discuss the new business venture further.

After confirming the process and business requirements, I told my former boss that I would discuss it with my husband. I asked him to wait for a decision, and if all goes well, we will soon start. Fortunately, I got my husband’s blessing to work again, so I grabbed it. I felt so lucky that my husband was very supportive and open about my desire for a career.

Balancing Work And Family (Miserably)

Getting back into the business game made me realize how much I missed it. I loved working with people and support groups; I had so many ideas for making this clothing business successful. I was motivated and determined to make this work, so I exerted a lot of effort in building something out of this business. However, I also experienced depression after divorce. I felt so glad that Rob understood enough to take on the pickup duty for our kid a few times a week since I was busy working. This post-divorce depression has been a long-term challenge for me.

After the launch, I unexpectedly became busier as we had photoshoots, finance meetings, and branding deals to handle. There would be times when I would come home around midnight, and my husband and my daughter were already fast asleep. Even on weekends, I also had to work more often than not.

On a rare occasion to join my family members for dinner, Nina raised her concern that she never saw me anymore. Rob seconded that, and I promised that I would make more time for them.

“Just give me a few more months, and then I’ll be home more often,” I said.

But promises were perhaps always meant to be broken, considering those months turned into two years. I missed a lot of milestones in my loved ones’ lives. I felt a bit of guilt every time, but I made sure to shower them with gifts. I thought everything would turn out fine after that, until my husband told me one night that he had filed for divorce, triggering a wave of post divorce depression that has lingered long-term.

“Why? Is there someone else?” I demanded.

“No, there isn’t. Do you even know what day it was yesterday?” Rob countered.

It took me a while to realize that it was our anniversary, and I totally forgot about it. I tried to explain my side, but Rob did not have it. He left the house on the same night and told me that he would return in the morning to collect the papers I needed to sign.

I cried for hours that night. I had to sign the papers because it would be selfish to keep Rob in a relationship where he no longer felt wanted and loved. Of course, I loved him so much, but it was undoubtedly my fault for being too ambitious with my work. When I heard that the divorce was finalized months later, I fell into extreme sadness. I struggled with depression after the divorce.

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How Do I Get Through The Emotional Pain Of Separation?

From the get-go, you need to understand that having intense negative feelings sometimes is acceptable, especially if you have just come from an unhealthy relationship. Allow yourself to deal with all these feelings so that you can stop holding resentment towards your ex and move forward. Still, you need not do it alone. You undoubtedly have friends and family who offer you a shoulder to cry on, so let them do that. Talking to them can help with the emotional burden and improve your mood when you’re feeling down. Their constant presence in your life may even distract you from your heartaches and feelings of hopelessness, and they can provide valuable support for your mental health struggles. If you ever find yourself dealing with more serious issues like medical advice, suicidal thoughts, or feeling depressed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Similarly, use this time to prioritize yourself. Are there activities you have always wanted to do but have not tried because your partner has been holding you back? What is the most relaxing thing for you? And even when your ex tests your patience all the time, you need to act like the bigger person and remain as calm as possible.

How Does Divorce Affect Your Emotional Stages?

According to a mental health professional, post-divorce can either make it challenging for you to trust another person or open the floodgates to all your pent-up emotions. It can lead to a series of mental health issues.

How Do You Deal With Divorce Anxiety?

  • Learn about the divorce process. What are you expected to say during the hearing? How long will you be battling it out in court? How much will you need to spend? When you know all the little details about it, your anxiety may go down. You won’t even need to take anxiety supplements or medications to keep your cool about the situation. 
  • Try not to turn your back on any situation, no matter how stressful it may be. The quicker you face it, the fewer problems you will have in the future. Thus, seek professional help.
  • Remember that you need not hide your grief from others and pretend to be okay. People will be weirded out more if you keep on insisting that everything’s cool when they all know that you are going through a divorce.
  • Look for a new hobby that you find seriously interesting. Friends’Friends’ recommendations may not work at this time because they should be something that you love.
  • Be optimistic and believe that splitting up is the best decision for you and your partner. That is especially true if you can no longer stand each other.
  • Get marriage counseling treatment or in-person therapy if you need emotional support. 

How Do You Cope When Your Marriage Ends?

  • When your marriage ends, the primary coping mechanism is creating a list of agendas that need to be completed daily. Realistically, breaking up is not a hi-and-bye thing, especially if you have kids to explain the situation. Prioritize everything you must take care of so that you won’t go down the symptoms of depression immediately.
  • The end of a marriage may be easier to accept when you no longer see any object that will make you remember your ex. In that case, get a big box and start stuffing it with items you used to share (e.g., photographs, a couple of shirts, etc.).
  • Keep in mind that your marriage’s end does not mean that you are a loser or someone who does not deserve love. You should start thinking the opposite so that you can move on and hopefully find new love.
  • Allow others to help you overcome your issues. It may be challenging to open up about the reason(s) behind the breakup at first, but it is one of the few ways to deal with it.

What Can You Not Do During The Divorce?

  • You cannot start the divorce proceedings with the thought that you can represent yourself in court. That is especially true if you want to make specific demands and do not know how to do that.
  • You cannot let your ex get ahold of your financial documents or credible evidence of why you filed for divorce. Keep them somewhere safe instead.
  • You cannot use your kids to blackmail your soon-to-be ex. That is not fair for the children. In truth, it may make them hate you.
  • Though it is not a requirement, you should avoid looking for a rebound romance. It may complicate the divorce process and put you on the losing end.
  • Before anything else, getting angry is good for mental health. But, you cannot rant about your soon-to-be ex in front of your mutual friends and family, no matter how angry you feel. Since nothing is still final during the process, you may end up reconciling.

What Should You Not Do During Separation?

During separation, you should not do the following:

  • Leave your spouse behind unless they threaten your life
  • Commit violence
  • Fight with each other where the kids can see or hear you
  • Max out debit and credit cards out of anger
  • Go on a social media rant
  • Sign written agreements without letting a trustworthy lawyer analyze them first
Woman crying
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Does It Change Your Personality?

Yes, it changes your personality in the sense that you become bolder than ever. Divorce depression also occurs in some individuals.

What Are The Five Stages?

  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance 

Is It Considered A Trauma?

Divorce is technically not a traumatic experience, primarily if you and your ex agree that it’s the best way to end your relationship. However, since one must coax the judge that the law should be more generous to them, they may resort to using every tactic to make the other person look bad. That’s when the divorce becomes traumatic.

How Stressful Is It?

A divorce is a severely stressful experience. That is specifically true if you have kids and joint investments.

Does It Cause Anxiety?

Yes, divorce causes anxiety. The reason is that it is a life-changing event that can make you feel powerless and unsure of your next move.

Which Is More Stressful: Death Or Separation?

Death will always be more stressful than divorce. 

What Are The Signs Of An Unhappy Marriage?

You are in an unhappy marriage if:

  • You and your spouse no longer communicate healthily. Whenever you are in the same room, you either fight or make snide remarks about each other.
  • You do not sleep together anymore, or you both have difficulty sleeping.
  • You prefer to be with your friends instead of going home to your spouse.
  • You start to think that finding love elsewhere is fine, even though you know that cheating is wrong.

How Do You Know If Your Marriage Is Worth Saving?

It is easy to know if your marriage is worth saving if:

  • Neither you nor your significant other wants to leave the house, no matter how many things you fight about.
  • You never resort to violence to hash things out.
  • You have only drifted apart because you are both working hard for the kids.
  • You continue to respect and care for one another.
  • You are willing to try everything to bring the spark back into your marriage.

How Do You Know Your Marriage Is Over?

You know that your marriage is over if:

  • You see each other on opposite sides all the time, and no one wants to give in or at least compromise.
  • You no longer view marriage as a great union between two destined individuals. Instead, it is nothing but a burden or prison in your eyes.
  • You love to blame problems at home on each other. Even if you are at fault, you may find a way to make it theirs.
  • You fail to remember what made you fall in love in the first place or what incredible memories you share.

Is Separation A Cause Of Depression?


How Long Does Sadness Last After Divorce?
Which Spouse Is More Likely To Be Depressed Following A Divorce?
How Do I Stop Feeling Sad About Divorce?
Who Is Usually Happier After Divorce?

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Final Thoughts

The divorce made me reevaluate my priorities, but it was already too late to save my marriage. Rob went on to marry a wonderful woman, while I focused more on Nina and took on a less demanding role in the clothing company. I would always regret being the cause of our divorce, but I had to move on – that’s the only way to overcome depression.

 

Vitamins And Supplements To Reduce Anxiety: Frequently Asked Questions

Ever since I got diagnosed with anxiety disorder, things in my life have changed. I no longer feel confident about myself, I sometimes cry a lot in my room, I often feel worried about unnecessary things, and I become emotionally unstable. My anxiety symptoms brought up a whole new struggling experience to my already damaged and out-of-control life.

Fortunately, with the help of therapy, I somehow managed to get through my mental health condition symptoms. So far, things are getting better as I paved myself to the process of talk therapy and medication. But I firmly believe that those two are not enough. That is why I also take the recovery process to the next step. Right now, I am focused on self-care. I always make sure to become physically active, and I work on my meditation hours five times a week. I discipline myself, and I take my health seriously, so I also take vitamins and supplements.

Of course, not because popping pills work fine for me does not mean it can work for you. Be mindful to ask your doctor about it before taking medication.

Vitamins and supplement capsules in a bowl.
Source: pixabay.com

What Vitamins Help With Anxiety And Panic Attacks?

There are many supplements marketed toward alleviating the symptoms of anxiety disorder. The most recommended evidence-based supplements are Valerian root, Multivitamins, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex, L-theanine, and Omega-3.

These are effective natural ingredients of many supplements that you should consider. But then again, always consult a doctor for recommendations and prescriptions.

Is There A Natural Supplement For Anxiety?

The most common supplement for treating anxiety is Valerian. Scientific evidence suggests that this herbal medicine is a natural sleep aid. For most healthy adults, taking this Valerian for up to 28 days does not cause any problems. Though it is widely used as a specific relief for insomnia, it works best with mental health conditions. That is because sleep issues are often caused by anxiety.  Valerian root works well with the GABA receptor (an amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter that minimizes the symptoms of anxiety and depression). Thus, the valerian root becomes excellent in providing a restful night’s sleep.

Valerian root appears to be harmless and non-habit-forming when taken internally at the recommended dosage. Its effectiveness in sleep and relaxation improvement is superb, making it a suitable treatment for anxiety reduction. Though many claim the efficacy of Valerian for anxiety, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is a need for more research to conclude its effectiveness. Further, it is still best to consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements or herbal medicines to make sure that they won’t interact with prescription medications or other certain depression and anxiety medications and dietary supplements you are taking.

What Deficiency Causes Anxiety?

Nutrient deficiency can play a major factor in someone’s mental health. The known nutrient deficiency can affect brain function and may cause mental health issues. A vitamin D deficiency could also be linked with anxiety disorders. People with symptoms had lower levels of a by-product of vitamin D called calcidiol. Thus, it reveals that low levels of vitamin D trigger the brain’s chemical changes responsible for increased anxiety levels.

Some research suggests that taking vitamin D can decrease levels of anxiety disorders. Another study reveals that vitamin D supplementation can decrease the symptoms of anxiety but has no effect on depression symptoms. A deficiency of B vitamins is also linked to anxiety and depression.

How Can I Stop Panic Attacks Naturally And Fast?

Stop panic attacks naturally by using these strategies: deep breathing, yoga meditation, and muscle relaxation techniques. You can start by closing your eyes and finding an object to focus your attention on. From there, picture your happy place. It is vital to recognize that you have a panic attack to make your way through mindfulness.

Remember not to force yourself to work on these methods if you think you can’t manage them instantly. Be kind to yourself and take things slowly. Always be mindful to focus on your overall health.

How Can I Calm My Anxiety Fast?

You can calm your anxiety fast if you consider taking a time-out. Understand your mind and body’s needs. These include enough sleep, proper hydration, regular exercise, and a balanced meal. It is essential to spend time caring for yourself as much as possible. Take breaks every once in a while and do hobbies that can make you happy. Do your best to avoid consuming damaging products such as alcohol, cigarettes, and junk foods.

It would be an excellent option if you can supply yourself with enough vitamins and minerals, too. But before taking supplements, please ask your doctor for recommendations. That way, you will know the dosage and effects of the supplements you are about to take.

What Helps Anxiety Naturally?

Things that naturally help eliminate anxious thoughts are regular exercise, meditation, enough sleep, a healthy diet, and deep breathing. You can also include nature viewing, gardening, journaling, drinking tea, and painting since they too can naturally help reduce certain levels of stress and worries.

Honestly, there are many ways you can reduce your manifestations naturally. You have to find the right one that will fit your needs. Always be attentive to your power to change your mindset, so the first thing you should do is focus on self-care.

Which Vitamin Is Best For Anxiety?

Managing the symptoms and manifestations of this mental health condition (anxiety) is essential to achieve a healthy and productive life. Lifestyle change and diet are vital, but additional support can make a great difference.  Research suggests that a lack of some vitamins can manifest an increase in the symptoms. The best vitamins that play an important role in several bodily functions and help deal with this mental health condition include Vitamin D, B-complex, Vitamin E, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), vitamin C, and 5-Hydroxytyptophan (5-HTP).

Before trying to take any vitamins, one must know that they should never be used as a replacement for medication or therapy.

How Do I Stop Severe Anxiety?

You can naturally reduce stress and stop your symptoms with the help of exercise. It does not have to be an intense workout. You have to move your body more frequently. You can also try meditation and other forms of relaxation techniques, such as yoga. You can start by focusing on your breathing and learning your inner balance. Some research emphasizes the benefits of yoga and meditation in handling and reducing symptoms of this mental health disorder.

You can also try writing or journaling. Input your thoughts and feelings in your writing so you can reflect on them from time to time. There is also time management where you spend time with loved ones and with pets. You can also use cannabidiol and aromatherapy for added relaxation. You can also drink herbal tea or take herbal supplements. However, if the symptoms seem overwhelming and difficult to handle on your own, help from mental health professionals can provide many benefits.

A woman wearing a long-sleeved shirt blows her herbal tea before drinking it.
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 What To Drink To Calm Nerves?

When stress seems overwhelming, it can cause physical and emotional reactions in a person’s body. You can try some of these favorite calming drinks to help yourself relax and calm down. There’s peppermint tea, valerian root tea, kava tea, and of course, warm milk. Aside from supplements, you can also try chamomile tea, ginger, green tea, coconut water, and vegetable and fruit juice.

Which Fruit Is Good For Alleviating The Symptoms?

Some studies indicate the importance of consuming fruits. The benefits of fruit intake are more than the good taste that it offers to our palate. Eating fruits is also linked to a decrease in symptoms of stress and worries. Further, some articles also indicate that it is linked to increasing happiness levels.  Research has already proven that a diet rich in vitamin C helps calm your mood and place your overall well-being in a good state of mind. With that particular vitamin, you think of citrus fruits ranging from oranges, grapefruits, sweet limes, lemons, and tangerines.

Is Magnesium Good For This Mental Health Condition?

Research shows that magnesium helps with brain functions by reducing stress and anxiety levels. Medical research indicates that there is a link between magnesium and reducing the symptoms. This health mineral helps the body in producing melatonin and serotonin. These two enzymes boost the person’s mood and help in achieving good sleep. Magnesium supplements play a significant role in keeping the nervous system healthy and active. It supports the activation of chemical mechanisms that promote calmness. In particular, magnesium glycinate is more useful for chronic stress, insomnia, inflammatory health conditions, and anxiety.

Does CBD Help In Treating Anxiety?

Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobia are forms of anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 6.8 million adults are experiencing GAD.  Some research backs up the claim that CBD products help treat social anxiety, panic disorder, GAD, and other certain anxiety disorders.

 How Do You Calm Yourself During A Panic Attack?

There are better ways to calm yourself during a panic attack. One is the utilization of deep breathing. That particular process can help you recognize that you have a panic attack. From there, you can work on your focus. Shift your thoughts into something that can take your attention off of your situation. Focus on an object or a person. Picture yourself in a happy place and relax your muscles. Do not get too overwhelmed with your emotions and concentrate on mindfulness. But from time to time, getting angry is good for mental health.

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What’s The Difference Between Panic Attacks And Anxiety Attacks?

Panic attacks usually take place even without a trigger. It can be dangerous since symptoms of a panic attack are intense and often disruptive. Certain factors have significant roles in it, including genetics, major stress from life events, or predisposition to trauma. Meanwhile, anxiety responds to a perceived stressor or threat that often makes you feel like losing control. It also associates with physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or chest pain.

 Does Drinking Water Help A Panic Attack?

Drinking enough water is a significant measure of controlling anxiety. Water can create feelings of relaxation. Panic attacks can sometimes result from dehydration. Naturally, water contains calming properties that can soothe the effects of dehydration on the body and brain of a person experiencing panic attacks. If it helps, you can also consider drinking Valerian root tea, green tea, oat straw Drink, tart cherry juice, fresh fruit, and vegetable juice smoothie.

What Are Some Natural Supplements For Anxiety?

Natural supplements for anxiety include magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha (Ayurvedic herb), chamomile, and passionflower. These supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and promoting relaxation. However, it’s important to remember that natural supplements should not be used as a replacement for traditional treatments, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. Further, anxiety symptoms or manifestations may present differently between two persons. Hence, it is worth noting that supplements reduce anxiety symptoms of one person but might not be effective for another person.

What Are Some Herbal Supplements To Calm The Nerves?

Herbal supplements have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and provide anxiety and stress relief. Some of the natural anxiety and stress herbal supplements include kava, valerian root, and St. John’s wort. Kava has been shown to have calming effects and may help reduce anxiety symptoms, but it can also cause liver damage in some people. Valerian root is commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which can be beneficial for those with anxiety. St. John’s wort has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression and may also help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

However, like all supplements, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new herbal supplement, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication. For instance, if St. John’s wort is combined with SSRI, serotonin syndrome can happen. This is a life-threatening condition causing high blood pressure, arrhythmia, fever, etc.

How To Choose The Right Supplements?

Choosing the right anxiety supplements can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one for you:

  1. Consult with a healthcare provider: It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can advise you on whether a particular supplement is safe for you to take and recommend a suitable dosage. Note that research is needed.
  2. Consider dosage and potential side effects: Before choosing, it’s crucial to understand the recommended dosage and potential side effects. While most supplements are generally safe, taking too much can be harmful, and some may interact with other medications you’re taking. It’s essential to do your research and read the labels carefully to understand the recommended dosage and potential side effects.
  3. Consider your lifestyle: When choosing a supplement, consider your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you prefer to take one in capsule form, choose a supplement that’s available in a capsule rather than a powder. If you have a busy lifestyle and often forget to take supplements, consider choosing a supplement that requires fewer doses per day.

By following these tips, you can choose the right supplement for you and ensure that you’re taking it safely and effectively. Remember that supplements are meant to supplement a healthy lifestyle, and it’s important to practice good self-care habits to manage the symptoms you are experiencing effectively.

Supplements For Anxiety Conclusion

In conclusion, anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and managing it can be challenging. While traditional treatments such as therapy and medication can be effective, many people are turning to supplements to help alleviate their symptoms. From natural supplements to herbal supplements, vitamins, and other supplements, there are many options available to choose from. However, it’s important to remember that supplements should be used as part of a holistic approach to managing anxiety and not as a replacement for traditional treatments.

Consulting with a healthcare provider, understanding the recommended dosage and potential side effects, choosing a reputable brand, and considering your lifestyle are all essential factors to consider when choosing an anxiety supplement. By taking these steps, you can find the right supplement for you and manage your anxiety effectively. Remember that self-care, including exercise, healthy eating, and stress-management techniques, is crucial in managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Pertinent Questions To Ask When Considering Taking Supplements For Anxiety?

What Are The Most Common Coping Strategies That Can Help Decrease Stress And Anxiety?

People are facing challenges every day. The stressful emotions that we feel may cause physical and emotional symptoms. To cope with stress and worries, it is important that we take care of ourselves. Exercise, enough sleep, and a healthy diet can contribute much to decreasing stress. Besides avoiding drugs and alcohol, a social media detox is also very helpful. Many research also emphasized the benefits of meditation and yoga. It is also a good idea to do things and hobbies that you enjoy and don’t forget to take a break every now and then. If you feel overwhelmed by the stress, you can talk to a person you trust. If the symptoms continue, talking to the best mental health professional can be a good option to consider.

How Do Supplements Decrease Anxiety?

Most of them work similarly with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). They assist the human body in neurotransmitter reabsorption. This process can alleviate the symptoms of this mental health disorder. Though they can help the body manage the symptoms, it is important to always seek the medical advice of the doctors before taking one. It is also worth mentioning that the effects may not work the same for everyone. Further, they are not FDA-approved and some can cause harmful interactions with the medications you are presently taking.

What Most Credible Supplements For Anxiety Are Available Today?

Research indicates that vitamins and herbs are helpful in alleviating the symptoms. Popular choices are vitamin D, vitamin B-complex, magnesium, L- theanine, omega-3 fatty acids, Valerian root, chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. It is vital to remember that before taking any of the mentioned natural options, it is recommended to seek the advice of your doctor since they may interact with the medications you are presently taking. Further, it is also not recommended to stop taking your prescribed medications without a review or approval from your doctor.

What Are The Statistics On Anxiety In The United States?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that 40 million adults in the United States between the ages of 18 to 54 are experiencing this form of mental health disorder. However, there is an estimate that a higher value of approximately 30 percent of US adults are experiencing anxiety since many are not aware that they are experiencing this mental health issue and did not seek professional help.

Getting Angry Is Good For Mental Wellness Sometimes

Are you always getting angry? Getting angry is good for mental health sometimes.

woman meditating on her bed for mental wellness
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When you are a child of Pilates and yoga instructors like me, all you learn in life is how to be zen. From the young age of five, I could already copy advanced yoga poses and control my breathing. At 11 years old, I would come along with Dad at the Pilates studio and strengthen my body while filling myself with calmness. When I turned 16, Mom allowed me to lead her meditation class, knowing that I already knew what to do.

Every time I mentioned this timeline to other people, they assumed that each family member forced me to do all that. Well, they honestly influenced me, but there was no force that took place. I wanted to learn how to do yoga and Pilates and meditate on my own because I saw how happy and peaceful Mom and Dad were all the time. They were always aware of each other’s feelings and would not do anything to undermine one another. I seldom see them anxious and never once witnessed them taking anxiety supplements or other medications for mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Hence, a girl could only pray to be like them.

Talking About Anger As A Healthy Emotion

Since my environment had always been zen, and my parents homeschooled me until high school, I got saved from all the isolation, discrimination, and drama that most teenagers probably experienced. And to be honest, anger was an unfamiliar emotion to me since I didn’t have to deal with it before. I didn’t have classmates scheming behind my back or teachers trying to make my school days a living hell. As for proms and similar occasions, the public institution nearby invited me, but I graciously declined. Some people said I would be missing a significant part of my life by saying no to those, but how could I miss anything that I never tried?

Nevertheless, when I graduated from high school, a lot of things changed. I could continue homeschooling, but Mom and Dad encouraged me to leave the nest, claiming I was already prepared to do so. I applied to different universities and chose to enroll at NYU. It was closest to home, although I would need to stay in a dorm with other young people because commuting for two hours daily would be a hassle.

sad lady on her bed
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The thing is, I experienced many instances that challenged my ability to remain peaceful in any situation and deal with the emotion of anger. For one, I ended up with three roommates who were also young people but couldn’t pick up after themselves. There were always books, bottles of water, and bras all over the room, and asking them nicely to clean up wasn’t working.

Then, many of my classmates seemingly did not know that group projects were activities done by the group. We ended up passing individual projects, or I had to take one for the team and do it for everyone. What genuinely made me lose my marbles and feel angry, though, was when my first boyfriend cheated. The anger emotion was almost consuming, especially since I didn’t really express anger much before, and this can make many people feel afraid. After all, it’s not easy to express your anger for the first big time.

His name was Matt, a dreamy Fine Arts sophomore who I happened to share a café table with one day. We hit it off correctly, especially since we both loved meditating and doing yoga. I thought I would finally have someone to do couples yoga with, and it did happen for a couple of months. However, when I tried to surprise Matt and went to his apartment without calling him first, I got surprised when another woman answered the door. Naked, no less.

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To this day, I didn’t know where I got the energy to charge past the naked woman and look for Matt (who was also naked in the kitchen, by the way) and slap him hard to express anger (and other emotions, honestly). The angry feelings were overflowing. That lying person tried to explain despite all the evidence of his infidelity, and I slapped him one more time. I didn’t even know I could feel angry even more. Aggression isn’t really normal to me, but it came out when I felt uncontrolled anger. Although, I am proud I was able to express my emotions when I had to express them, especially when I’m experiencing sadness or another mental health.

Before I left the apartment, I said, “Don’t bother coming anywhere near me. If I cross paths with you or your slut ever again, there would be hell to pay.”

Benefits Of Feeling Angry (Express Your Anger!)

I was brave to do and say those parting words to my ex, wasn’t I?

I went back to the dorm, still shaking from anger, but my head was much clearer than when I was meditating. I could remember all the telltale signs that Matt wasn’t always honest with me; I just chose to ignore them and avoid being angry or confrontational.

you better watch out
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However, thanks to my ex’s infidelity, I became a fool no more. It pushed me to confront Matt immediately and break things off with him before he could do it. No, I refused to give him that satisfaction. And violence and aggression was not natural to me, but I knew that he deserved the two hard slaps he got from me.

Furthermore, feeling angry helped me see that I didn’t need a man like Matt. Although it would have been easy to forgive him and believe that he would never repeat his mistake, I still knew deep down that he might do it again. After all, he already got a taste for it and broke my trust in the process. That’s a problem that I didn’t want looming over our heads.

two friends hanging out after being angry at each other
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Final Thoughts On My Anger And Mental Health

I came home that same weekend and told my parents about my first heartbreak. I initially thought that they would say, “Oh no, you should’ve dealt with the matter more calmly, honey.” Thus, I was shocked and happy when Dad said, “That guy’s lucky that I wasn’t in New York. Otherwise, he’d get more than a slap from me.” Mom even added, “You did great, baby girl. Never let anyone step all over you.”

While I don’t think I’d enjoy it if my inside felt angry regularly, I figured that it would sometimes be good for my mental health. So, to you, express your anger as it will do good for your mental health. I understand that anger is best and is a positive and useful emotion, as anger helps us to survive. Anger is a completely normal human emotion and often when used correctly, it is usually healthy.

Of course, anger problems are different, and so is passive aggression. You need to learn your anger to avoid having trouble controlling it and resorting to unhelpful ways. Self harm, ignoring people, and throwing things are just a few prominent examples of unhelpful ways. You need to find healthy ways to channel your anger. For example, try to avoid ignoring people, especially if the company of your loved ones can help you deal with your emotions and mental health.

FAQs

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When Is Counseling Right For My Family?

 

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There is no doubt that when all members of the family are well and happy, it seems like nothing is going to be wrong. It is the joy of fathers when their relationships with their families are smooth, loving, and strong. However, families don’t experience this all the time. The anxiety and stress caused by the challenges of the modern world, including debts, illness, and mental health problems can take a toll on a family at any time. Despite getting frustrated and angry with these challenges, getting angry is good for mental health.

Background

Having issues with money, when children go into puberty or if they have disabilities, or behavioral problems do require some assistance to be resolved. A lot of families have an inherent resilience to different kinds of problems, but even the strongest families often feel that they can’t do it on their own and may need someone outside of the circle to help them smoothen the rough patches. And when it comes to family or teen counseling, deciding if when the right time is for the family to go into it is most definitely a big decision to make. Some families may think that giving in to therapy means that they have given up on the thought that they can do it, but the truth is, being open to family counseling can be essential in learning better ways to communicate and to work through the challenges and being able to connect and understand each other better.

When Is The Right Time

If your family is going through one or more of these warning signs, it might be the right time to think about going to a certified professional family counselor and taking advantage of the benefits of family counseling.

  • The family members are showing intense emotional responses. Perhaps the eldest is expressing his annoyance through rage, or mom is exhibiting extreme anxiety, depression, or sadness.

 

  • The family is having trouble living their daily activities in a normal and smooth fashion. You may feel that one or more members looked drained, irritated, or burdened over something that is sometimes relatively insignificant.

 

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  • There is a remarkable interruption in the way the family communicates with one another. Have you noticed that you are having more trouble making conversations with some family members? Are they giving you the silent treatment for some time now?

 

  • Some or all of the family members seem to step away from family life. They each have probably noticed the change in the dynamics, they slowly withdraw from the circle, not going to get-togethers and most often going out with others instead of wanting to be with family.

 

  • Behavioral changes are seen particularly the way kids act in school or at home. Their grades might be failing, or they may have attendance issues because the parents are unable to do their duties to their children. In severe cases, parents have difficulty controlling their own kids.

 

  • Some family members are engaged in illicit drugs or too much alcohol. Others may also be diagnosed with eating disorders or a bad case of anxiety.

 

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The Family Counselor

Finding the right family counselor may not be that easy and convenient. Here are some recommendations so you can begin your search for the right counselor that the family needs.

Consult your primary doctor. The doctor can usually provide a referral for his patient to a certified and professional family counselor. Through their years of education and clinical experience, family counselors, more or less, have an insight into which therapist or counselor might provide your family with the best care. So it is best to ask your doctor about it. He may know great counselors in your area.

Consider online recommendations. If you search the web, you will find lists of hundreds of therapists in your area and their specializations. Try looking into the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for starters. They have an online locator service that allows you to find a counselor in your specific geographic area.

Personal recommendations also matter. Referrals from people who have tried going to counseling are among the best sources. Families who recommend their own counselors are something to consider, as they have experienced therapy with this counselor and have taken advantage of his care and services. In case someone does give you name, inquire more about him – his style of counseling, his personality, etc.

Ask questions. When you have found a marriage counseling expert to interview for a possible working relationship with your family, it is only wise to ask these questions:

  • Did you finish the specific course of family therapy or a related area of medicine?
  • Where did you finish your degree?
  • Were you under strict clinical supervision during your internship?
  • How many years have you been practicing?
  • What is your style of family counseling? There are various schools of thought in the context of family therapy, and as a concerned family member who wants what’s best for her family, you want to know how the counselor views the family and what kind of techniques does he use in his treatment?

 

Conclusion

 

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Agreeing to consult a family counselor in managing your family problems is certainly a big move that needs careful consideration and discussion among family members. However, there have been many testimonials from families who have shared stories of how counseling has become a vital part in bridging the gaps and breaking down barriers in their family relationships. Why not give it a try? Going into counseling does not mean you accept failure – it only means that you believe the family requires a channel for reconciliation and healing.

 

 

Lockdown Confession: Are You With The Right Person?

It is not always safe to say that you believe in having found the one when you are in a relationship. You get those butterflies in your stomach, and you can’t stop yourself from smiling. Therefore, you conclude that your partner is the one for you. However, in a more realistic nature of the relationship, the commitment is different. That is especially when both of you are dealing with an uncontrollable situation. Take this pandemic as an example. There are stress and anxiety everywhere. Thus, both of you encounter things that are often too much to handle. So putting your confidence aside, how sure are you that you are with the right person?

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You Suddenly Become Unhappy

Understandably, this global health situation can trigger a lot of emotions. Sometimes, it contributes to mental and emotional stress that often affects your ability to deal with people. Most times, it can cut your patience short. But with all the realizations you get from being lockdown, would you be able to tell yourself that your fading feelings cause your unhappiness? Or perhaps you are only frustrated because you can’t seem to accept the situation? Whatever your reasons are when you are always unhappy with your partner, maybe you are with the wrong person.

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You Feel A Lot Of Stress

Aside from the stress, you get from this whole health crisis, when your relationship becomes too much to bear, then perhaps you are not in the right commitment. While it is natural to worry about relationships or teen early relationship from time to time, there comes a moment that your stress level sets the alarm. . So you better ask yourself whether your relationship is worthy of keeping, especially if it’s not giving you all the mental and emotional relaxation you deserve.

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Too Many Expectations

Everyone envisions a perfect relationship and a partner. That’s why you have preferences. However, when you find yourself modifying those expectations only to fit the type of partner you want, then perhaps it’s time for you to consider asking yourself how much you are willing to compromise. Because admittedly, you will never end up with a person who has all the qualities you desire. If you can’t come to terms with your partner’s character, maybe you shouldn’t be with him or her. If you put too many expectations, you will not only lose your partner but yourself as well.

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You Feel There’s Something Wrong

In a relationship, there is often a time when your gut tells you that something is wrong. However, the problem is you can’t pinpoint it. That is where it becomes beneficial to sometimes listen to your instinct. If you have this feeling or hearing a constant voice that tells you are with the wrong person, you might want to consider that thought. Though our subconscious always doesn’t form coherent signs, it is essential that we sometimes listen to it. Perhaps when you start questioning yourself why you are still in the relationship, you might figure out what’s wrong.

Takeaway

It is usual for couples to have their doubts from time to time. It is only natural to question yourself whether you want to stick with the relationship or not. But if there is nothing entirely wrong with the relationship, there is no need to let go. Remember, leaving a relationship because you are not happy anymore will not contribute to the betterment of the next relationship. Because sometimes, the only way to convince yourself that you are with the right person is when you truly accept that there is no such thing as a “right person.”