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How to Get Diagnosed with PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects an estimated eight million adults annually in the United States. It's a serious condition that can cause intense fear and strong emotional responses to specific triggers. PTSD typically affects people after they experience a terrifying or dangerous event.

For example, many combat veterans develop PTSD after coming home from duty. People can also get PTSD after going through traumatic events like car accidents, shootings, etc. Even those who know someone close who's experienced something traumatic can exhibit PTSD symptoms.

It's a debilitating condition that can make living life normally feel impossible. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat it. But before you can seek treatment, you need to get a diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Process

Health care providers consider many facets of your mental health and behavior to diagnose PTSD. Generally, an individual must exhibit PTSD symptoms for over a month to meet the criteria. Those symptoms must also be severe enough to interfere with work, relationships and daily life.

PTSD often develops about three months post-trauma. However, everyone is different. This condition can also pave the way to other issues like substance abuse, depression and more. Getting a proper diagnosis is critical to begin treatment.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

For a provider to diagnose an individual with PTSD, they must exhibit symptoms for at least a month. Qualifying symptoms fall into four distinct categories.

The first category includes re-experiencing symptoms. That can include having flashbacks, recurring nightmares, troubling thoughts and more.

The second category of symptoms revolves around avoidance. That means that PTSD forces you to avoid people, places and events that remind you of the trauma you experienced. You may also avoid any emotions related to it.

Next includes arousal or reactive symptoms. Examples include being easily startled, having trouble concentrating on your work, exhibiting angry outbursts, engaging in reckless behavior, etc.

Finally, the last category covers overall mood and cognition. Symptoms in this category include losing interest in things you used to love, feelings of social isolation, ongoing negative emotions, trouble remembering the trauma's key details and more.

Read a similar article about counseling for mental health recovery here at this page.

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The Importance of Forgiving Yourself

Mistakes are a part of life. Everyone makes them, and no one is perfect. However, many people have difficulty forgiving themselves for their past indiscretions.

There are many reasons why you may struggle to forgive yourself. Many believe that self-criticism is crucial for success. Some refuse to give themselves a break because they don't want to forget the lessons they learned from their mistakes. Whatever the case, a lack of self-forgiveness can harm your mental health, and those issues can follow you for years.

Forgiveness and Depression

One of the biggest reasons to consider forgiveness therapy is to preserve your mental well-being. Being too hard on yourself leads to a never-ending cycle of suffering. It doesn't matter how long ago you made your mistakes or how others forgave you for impacting their lives. Being a glutton for self-punishment only causes you harm in the long run.

Many people who lack self-forgiveness fall into depression; studies show it can also create more anxiety. It's the unwavering voice of self-criticism that never goes away. The longer you hold onto your mistakes, the worse your mental health can get.

Being highly critical of yourself and your past can lead to extreme pessimism, unbreakable negativity and unnecessary stress. Learning to forgive and move on frees you from those chains and helps you take steps toward happier living.

Forgiveness Allows You to Reach Your Full Potential

Self-forgiveness is crucial to moving forward and achieving your dreams. It's about silencing the inner saboteur and resisting the need to be "perfect."

Perfectionism breeds disappointment. No one can be perfect! The inability to forgive your own mistakes forces you into a swinging door of disappointment. It doesn't matter how much work you put into something. Lacking self-forgiveness blinds you to your progress and only highlights your shortcomings. Instead of reaching for the stars, you wallow in self-pity, stress and dissatisfaction.

The only way to flourish is to accept your mistakes and let go of the desperate attempt to avoid what you perceive as failure. You must recognize your accomplishments, learn from mistakes and focus on growth.

Learning how to forgive yourself isn't easy. But with forgiveness therapy, you can shift your perspective and learn how to be kinder to yourself while letting go of stress, anxiety and ideals of perfection.

Read a similar article about anxiety therapist here at this page.

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4 Signs You May Be Suffering From Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a debilitating condition that can negatively impact your life in many ways. Contrary to popular belief, social anxiety is not as simple as the fear of getting up in front of a crowd. In such situations, being apprehensive about getting all eyes on you is normal.

If you have social anxiety, your fears extend to everyday experiences like going out in public or meeting people. It's an ever-present fear of being humiliated and embarrassed. This anxiety can affect your relationships and lead to extreme loneliness, depression and other mental health struggles.

If you exhibit the following symptoms, seeking counseling for social anxiety may be a good idea.

Physical Symptoms

Many people think that social anxiety is all internal. However, those fears can manifest themselves in many ways.

One of the most common physical symptoms is an increased heartbeat. You may feel your heart rate suddenly rise. That may result in profuse sweating, dizziness, trembling and more.

Some people also experience flushed skin. You might turn red around other people or get so worked up that you must get away and calm down. In extreme cases, anxieties can turn into physical discomfort. Some individuals feel sick to their stomach or get diarrhea.

Communication Issues

Social anxiety also makes it difficult to communicate. Even in a one-on-one setting, you might find yourself stammering over your words. You could have trouble forming coherent sentences or freeze up entirely when trying to speak.

Low Self-Esteem

One way counseling for social anxiety helps people is by overcoming low self-esteem and self-conscious thinking. The biggest hurdle to overcome is not feeling like everyone is staring at you or laughing at your every move. If you feel anxious in a crowd, it could mean that you have self-esteem issues to overcome.

Post-Interaction Struggles

Anxiety doesn't stop after you get away from other people. Those who struggle with social anxiety often replay interactions in their mind. Simple conversations replay in a loop, and you may review those moments in a self-deprecating way.

If you have any of these symptoms, consider going to a therapist. Professional counselors can help you learn to cope in social situations, paving the way to healthier interactions and relationships.

Read a similar article about disabilities counseling here at this page.

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How to Tell if My Partner Is Toxic

Relationships are supposed to make you feel a wide range of positive emotions. While no pairing is perfect, a good relationship is one of open communication and confidence.

The term "toxic relationship" is one that people use to describe unions that negatively impact the mental health of one or both parties. Instead of bringing you joy and security, your pairing could be causing you trauma that takes years to overcome. So how do you know if your partner is toxic?

A Lack of Joy

The biggest red flag is how your partner makes you feel. Relationships can start in a good place. But once they devolve into a constant source of misery, anger and anxiety, you're looking at a toxic pairing. Your partner should make you feel loved, appreciated and accepted. If you're feeling more negative emotions than joy, there could be a problem.

Jealousy

Constant jealousy in your partner is not healthy. Both people should feel secure in the relationship. But things can get bad quickly when one constantly battles jealousy, especially when there's no reason to.

Jealous behaviors could result in controlling tendencies. For example, your partner may start forcing you to dress a specific way, prevent you from seeing certain people, etc. A jealousy counselor can help individuals overcome those tendencies, but it's important to address the issue for everyone's mental health.

Low Self-Esteem

Another telltale sign of toxicity in the relationship is low self-esteem. Partners can behave in ways that cause your self-worth to plummet. They might criticize everything you do, fail to show how much they care about you or put you down in front of others.

If you have low self-esteem caused by your partner, it's time to see a jealousy counselor or couples therapist.

Changes in Mental Health

Finally, noticeable changes in your mental state could point to toxicity from your partner. Depression, anxiety and other issues can arise at any point, even when you're in a healthy relationship. The main differentiator is the source of those problems. When a partner is the one causing mental pain and shifts in your personality, it may be time to reconsider your relationship.

Read a similar article about counselor for diabetes here at this page.

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Therapy for Narcissism: 7 Types & What to Expect

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be difficult to treat. However, there are several therapeutic approaches to help someone with a lack of empathy and other narcissistic traits understand and manage their emotions. The most important piece to the effectiveness of any therapeutic approach is the person with NPD feeling willing and ready to begin their inner-self work read more

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Tips on How to Heal from Abandonment Trauma

The fear of abandonment can have a debilitating effect on your life. It stems from past traumatic experiences and causes individuals to adopt unhealthy and sometimes self-deprecating thoughts. One of the most common ways abandonment trauma manifests is through intense fear of being left by family and loved ones, leading many to avoid forming relationships at all.

It can cause a lifetime of unhealthy relationships, eventually becoming a self-fulfilling issue. So how do you heal?

Focus on Your Needs

When you live with abandonment trauma, the go-to is to keep other people around you happy. Many become hyper-focused on the needs of the people in their life because they fear that not doing so will cause them to leave. Unfortunately, that often forces you to neglect your needs.

An abandonment counselor can help you turn the focus back on yourself. They work with you to reprioritize and spend time overcoming your negative thought patterns. A change in direction can be life-changing and help you form healthier relationships.

Soothe the Inner Saboteur

When you start to feel anxious about a relationship, it's usually your inner child screaming for comfort and attention. It's your past self confronting your current self. The issue is that your inner saboteur never truly healed from the traumas of the past.

An abandonment counselor can help you by teaching you ways to soothe that broken child. They can teach coping mechanisms that silence negative introspections and encourage you to find peace. It can be as simple as reminding yourself that you're safe or turning to talk therapy to express your thoughts.

Whatever the case, learning to cope with the inner saboteur encourages you to confront anxiety and see situations for what they are.

Flipping Your Perspective

This technique is sometimes called "integration." The concept is simple: Instead of viewing your traumas as damaging, you can learn to lean on the positive. While abandonment trauma can negatively impact your life in many ways, it's also helped shape who you are. Instead of viewing it as a bad experience, you can see it as a necessary one that helped you grow and get stronger.

Read a similar article about self harm counselor here at this page.

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4 Ways a Therapist Can Support You Through Your Mental Disorder Recovery

Therapists play an important role in treating, managing, and recovering mental disorders. While other mental healthcare providers are responsible for prescription medications and other helpful treatment options, therapists provide much-needed support. It doesn't matter whether you're recovering from depression, anger management, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therapists can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

Here are some ways that a mental disorder recovery therapist can help.

Understanding Your Emotions

One of the best things about working with a therapist is that you can better understand how you feel and what emotions you're going through. Therapists have a deep understanding of mental disorders and psychology.

They can help you discover what you feel and why. Therapists provide clarity and shed new light on what are usually confusing emotions.

Unbiased Support

A mental disorder recovery therapist is there to provide support without judgment or bias. It can be difficult talking about your conditions with people in your life. Even friends and family you love will have internal biases that can impact your road to recovery.

Therapists lend an ear and support you every step of the way. They also provide an outside perspective, helping you see your situation differently. Many people find it easier to open up with a trained professional. Not only are conversations private, but therapists have no personal connection with you. As a result, you can speak with raw honesty.

Finding Ways to Cope

Therapists can be a fantastic source of guidance and education. Many professionals spend years learning how to help others navigate their emotions. A big part of mental disorder treatment is learning new ways to cope.

Some conditions will follow you throughout your life. But with help from a therapist, you understand how to manage those issues while protecting your mental health and well-being.

Forging a Path Forward

Finally, therapists can work with you to move forward. Recovery isn't easy, but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. For many individuals, having a therapist by their side is crucial to seeing that light and taking steps to reach it.

These professionals will help you set goals, encourage you to achieve personal growth, and come out of your experience stronger than ever.

Read a similar article about low motivation treatment here at this page.

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How Psychotherapy Can Help Addiction

Addiction is a complex issue that involves more than simply stopping the abuse. It seems simple, but many underlying mental issues make treating addiction more challenging than people realize.

While there are many ways to get help, psychotherapy is one of the most powerful.

What is Psychotherapy?

This term is used to describe a form of addiction counseling that revolves around emotional and mental health issues. Some refer to it as "talk therapy" because it predominantly involves speaking to a counselor and working through problems.

There are many forms of psychotherapy. The most effective for treating addiction are usually cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Regardless of the methods used, counselors can make a difference in helping those struggling with substance abuse.

Psychotherapy taps into the emotional side of the equation, prioritizing why people abuse substances and how they can channel their needs elsewhere.

The Goals of Psychotherapy

Patients can participate in psychotherapy through one-on-one addiction counseling with a professional or group therapy. Many rehabilitation centers encourage the use of both for maximizing results.

Regardless of how people get it, psychotherapy has many goals. It aims to help patients find healthier ways to cope with stress. It's about being more mindful in life and realizing triggers as they come. When people understand what triggers their urge to abuse substances, they can learn how to beat them.

Overcoming addiction is like a never-ending uphill battle. But psychotherapy provides tools needed to get out the other end healthier and more mindful than ever.

Who Can Benefit from Psychotherapy?

Anyone struggling with substance abuse addiction has a lot to gain from psychotherapy. Many people find that sitting in a room with a counselor who's willing to listen makes a big difference. Some find that group counseling is ideal. In group settings, patients can speak their truth in a nonjudgmental environment, something that's not always possible in the real world.

Even families of those overcoming addiction can benefit. Substance abuse affects everyone. Loved ones can learn how to overcome the emotional trauma of witnessing someone going through a cycle of addiction, strengthen bonds, and help families move forward.

Read a similar article about online counselor here at this page.

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Thriveworks Counseling Review 2022: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For

Thriveworks is a franchise that offers online and in-person mental health services for teens, individuals, couples, and families that earned 4 out of 5 stars during our independent review. With Thriveworks, you can attend live 60-minute video sessions as needed with the option to send emails to your provider between sessions read more

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What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a hot-button topic that continues to dominate news cycles. Many high-profile individuals are bringing this issue to light, highlighting the plight of trans individuals across the world. But with greater attention comes more confusion and misinformation.

This blog aims to clarify what gender dysphoria is and its common signs.

The Basics of Gender Dysphoria

When someone goes to therapy for gender dysphoria, they work through intense feelings related to their biological sex and gender identity.

Gender identity refers to the sense of who you are and how you describe yourself. For most people, it's as easy as male or female. Others see themselves as non-binary, falling outside the typical male and female identities.

With gender dysphoria, individuals feel that their gender identity doesn't match their biological sex. For example, someone with breasts and female genitals might not identify as a woman. They might describe themselves as a male, creating many emotional and mental issues.

The Effects of Gender Dysphoria

In itself, gender dysphoria can lead to many mental health problems. Many people suffering from dysphoria have a strong need to live a life that's true to their gender identity. But their biological sex, as well as social constructs, prevent them from doing so.

As you can imagine, that often leads to potentially dangerous ramifications. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand with gender dysphoria. Many people also exhibit signs of low self-esteem.

That's a dangerous combination that can lead to social isolation, risky behaviors, and worse. Stigmas surrounding dysphoria still exist, perpetuating unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. But those thoughts are valid, and individuals suffering from gender dysphoria deserve to get the help they need.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know suffers from gender dysphoria, getting help is paramount. The effects of dysphoria can be long-lasting, leading to a life of unhappiness. But there are many ways to make a change and live life truthfully.

Therapy for gender dysphoria is the first step. Speaking to a professional can help individuals work through their emotions and figure out who they are.

Read a similar article about postpartum therapy here at this page.

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Tips for Recovering From an Eating Disorder

Recovering from an eating disorder is just as much psychological as it is physical. It takes time, and there may be lots of ups and downs throughout the process. However, there is always hope for a full recovery!

If you’re re-learning how to view food, fuel your body and connect with yourself, these tips for eating disorder recovery may help.

Eat a variety of foods

If you’re recovering from bulimia or anorexia, it may be tempting to restrict certain foods to avoid excessive weight gain. However, following extremely restrictive diets will only make it difficult for you to establish a new normal and develop a healthy mindset regarding your body and food. One of the best things you can do for yourself in recovery is to practice intuitive eating. That means you listen to your body and don’t ban certain foods or think of them as strictly “good” or “bad.” Instead, eat what feels right for you while focusing on a variety of healthy, whole foods.

Practice mindfulness

While you’re recovering, you’ll likely still have thoughts that are harmful to your mental health and physical recovery. Instead of just Googling things like, “how to keep myself from throwing up,” it’s important to look inward and practice mindfulness. Acknowledge your negative thoughts and feelings instead of trying to bury them. Most importantly, know that just because you recognize those feelings are there does not mean you have to attach to them. Instead, practice the feeling of letting them go and allowing them to flow away from your heart, your mind and your body. They do not have to control your behavior, and it’s up to you to determine how you respond to them.

Drink plenty of water

As you learn how to engage with your body and listen to hunger cues, hydration is crucial! It’s difficult to know when we are truly hungry if we are dehydrated, because this can send false signals that we need food. Instead, we often just need more water. Maintaining proper hydration throughout the day will help you learn how to be in tune with your body and accurately distinguish hunger and thirst cues to give your body what it needs to function at its best.

Engage with your body joyfully

Like we mentioned earlier, simply searching for solutions like “how to keep myself from throwing up” isn’t going to serve your ultimate purpose of establishing a new relationship with your body. That’s more of a bandage rather than a long-term solution. Instead, it’s critical that you learn to engage with your body joyfully and recognize how valuable your body is along with everything it can do for you. As you do things like practice yoga, get a massage or take a simple walk, it’s a good idea to try to remember that your body is a home for your soul and a vehicle for your health and your overall wellness.

Check out this website for contacting an online therapist.

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This Is Why We Associate Memories So Strongly With Specific Smells

It probably comes as no surprise that the sense of smell is closely linked with memory. “People often do say that the sense of smell conjures up memories so well that they feel as if they were experiencing the event again,” says Theresa L. White, PhD, professor and chair in the department of psychology at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York read more