<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>online counseling Archives - Mind Connections</title> <atom:link href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tag/online-counseling/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>Where Mind Connects, Progress Occurs</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2022 21:58:19 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-2D601606-AD8C-474D-9C8B-ACB67BA39C2C-2-32x32.jpg</url> <title>online counseling Archives - Mind Connections</title> <link></link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2021 12:34:11 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health Resources]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[depression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[goal setting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[in the new year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new year party]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new years eve]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NYC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NYE]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[thrive]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=20847</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year Can you believe that it is almost the new year already? Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? Does it include mental health? With COVID and the Omicron variant surging rapidly, many people have mixed feelings about the New Year. Understandably some people worry about change ... <a title="5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year/" aria-label="More on 5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year/">5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="20847" class="elementor elementor-20847" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-36ed516 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="36ed516" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-96e6072" data-id="96e6072" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-24794b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="24794b0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bf83e82 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="bf83e82" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2d3ac43" data-id="2d3ac43" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-be1eee5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="be1eee5" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Can you believe that it is almost the new year already? Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? Does it include mental health? With COVID and the Omicron variant surging rapidly, many people have mixed feelings about the New Year. Understandably some people worry about change and fear the unknown. They think:”What could the new year bring?” How will it affect my life?” </span></p><p>A recent <a href="http://APA_New-Year-s_ANALYSIS_update-12.21">poll</a> by American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that more than one in four Americans have already planned <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/one-in-four-americans-plans-a-mental-health-new-year-s-resolution-for-2022">a mental health resolution</a> in 2022. This study showed that people have good reasons to focus on their mental health. Nearly half (46%) of young adults ages 18-34 and mothers (42%) graded their mental health in 2021 as fair or poor.</p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You may be wondering: “How do I set smart goals for mental health in the new year? How can I thrive in 2022?” Without a doubt, there are many things you can before the new year starts. To help you to prepare for your new chapter in life, this article discusses ways to fulfill your new year’s wishes.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">How to Feel Prepared in the New Year</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Many things (if not all) involve some level of planning and organizing. You might want to do the same to help yourself be prepared for the new year. The end of 2021 can be a time for you to help yourself figure out your next steps and plan of action for the new year. Here are some tips for helping you do so in preparation of 2022:</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">First, Reflect on the Past Year</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Before we get to the new year, it is essential to reflect on the past year that we have been living. 2021 was a big year for many reasons. It may have brought much change and growth to your life. It could have shown you beautiful opportunities and experiences you have been waiting on in life. Unfortunately, it also might have brought along hard times and moments you are hoping to move past in 2022. Reflecting on the year is helpful for all of us to do. 2021 might have been challenging for you for many reasons. That is, there might be things that you would rather not think of and choose to push aside as you step into 2022. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The important (yet frustrating) thing about the past is that we cannot erase it no matter how hard we try. There are so many experiences in our lives that we wish didn’t happen because they hurt us so badly. For example, messy breakups can leave you scarred and sad. When you love someone so deeply, it can feel devastating when that relationship runs dry. It can be challenging to think about the moments you shared with your ex-partner, good and bad. There were moments where you thought, “how can I live without this person?” and you eventually had to pick up the pieces and do find answers to that question.</span></p><p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4321 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/content-pixie-aZJ7lVfvqo8-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="in the new year" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/content-pixie-aZJ7lVfvqo8-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/content-pixie-aZJ7lVfvqo8-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/content-pixie-aZJ7lVfvqo8-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/content-pixie-aZJ7lVfvqo8-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Looking back on the past is hard, but it teaches us so much. We have an opportunity to learn a lot from all of our mistakes, experiences, and opportunities. When we mess up, although it is embarrassing at first, we have a chance to take notes and learn from it all. This way, in the future, we will not have to make the same mistakes or travel down the paths we once did. Through breakups, you can examine the relationship and look for the takeaways. In what ways could the relationship have gone better? What can you learn? What did the relationship teach you about dating and dealing with people, in general?</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ways to Reflect on Your Life</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">One you can reflect on your life is by journaling. Journaling allows you to review your thoughts and explore your emotions on paper. Allow yourself to answer prompts and get to know your genuine opinions on things/people in your life. In each day, you may feel obligated to tell white lies or fake emotions to please other people. When journaling, none of these social expectations matter. You can be raw and honest – you don’t have to worry about what anyone but YOURSELF will think while reading these pages. Some questions/prompts you can write about are:</span></p><p><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-3869 size-medium aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-energepiccom-110473-300x225.jpg" alt="in the new year" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-energepiccom-110473-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-energepiccom-110473-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-energepiccom-110473-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-energepiccom-110473-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">How was this year, overall?</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What were some of the high moments of 2021, and were some lows?</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What people made me smile this year? Write about why you are grateful for them.</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Did anyone make you sad or feel unsafe? Are there any toxic people you wish to distance yourself from in 2022? Write about how they made you feel.</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Which experience are you most grateful for this year?</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Name reasons why you are proud of yourself after 2021.</span></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Look back on your answers to these questions when you are done writing. What lessons can you take from your year, and how can you use 2021 to make 2022 better?</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Second, Feel Your Emotions</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After you reflect on the past, think about how you feel. In these times, allow yourself to embrace your emotions, not run away from them. There may have been many things that upset you in 2021. For one thing, the pandemic is on everyone’s mind. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-state-covid-positivity-rate-surges-to-almost-20-percent-20211228-ydsk3jy5hnhw7ex3t2in3cc74m-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Almost 20%</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> of people have COVID currently in New York. The city has been surging with cases since the</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://khn.org/morning-breakout/two-weeks-after-thanksgiving-covid-cases-are-surging-across-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Thanksgiving holidays</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. As of November 2021, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">4.2%</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> of people are without jobs. Other than work, people have lost loved ones, broken up relationships, experienced mental health struggles, etc. Of course, we all want to be as optimistic as possible, but it is OK to admit that life is challenging in many ways right now.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-3965 alignleft" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/teen-mental-health-300x200.jpg" alt="in the new year" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/teen-mental-health-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/teen-mental-health-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/teen-mental-health-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/teen-mental-health-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">It is entirely normal if you need time to mourn or </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/suppressing-emotions-you-may-need-a-good-cry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">cry</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">! Allow yourself to face the emotions you might have been running away from. One way to do this, as mentioned before, is by exploring your feelings through journaling. You can find other ideas in our article </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/suppressing-emotions-you-may-need-a-good-cry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">here</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. This article first suggests finding a safe place to cry. You can find this space in your room or even in your car. If you need, listen to emotional music or watch a sad scene of a show or movie. When you feel the tears or emotions rushing in, let them out! Cry for as long as you need and listen to what your body needs. After, comfort yourself and do something that will make you smile. You can do this by changing the music to something that makes you want to dance or calling a friend that makes you laugh!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Third, Remember that Healing and Growing is a Process</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After reflecting and feeling your emotions, you may feel ready to move past this experience and move on. This is wonderful! You should be so proud of yourself for making these steps and deciding to move on with your life in new ways. Remember to be proud of yourself regardless of where you are in your journey. The processes. of healing and growing are not a linear, straight line. They are more like a rollercoaster – going up and down, fast and slow. There will be times when you feel like you keep moving forward and thriving. There will also be times when you feel like you are standing still, or even worse, moving backward. In these times, be kind to your body and mind. Treat yourself like you would comfort your best friend – be supportive, encourage yourself, and embrace yourself when you feel down.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can try writing a self-love/self-compassion letter to yourself in hard times. Read </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/a-letter-for-self-love-and-self-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">here</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> to learn more. First, sit down and find a safe place to be vulnerable with yourself. Write a letter to yourself full of phrases and lines that affirm your feelings, comfort you, and show you love through your worst times.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Throughout 2022, if you ever start feeling down or discouraged, you can reread the letter to yourself to feel comfortable and safe.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Fourth, Start Planning to Be Prepared in the New Year</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Planning for the new year can be really fun! Setting goals and looking forward to new experiences gets us excited for all good things to come! You can do this by:</span></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-3977 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/coaching2-300x169.jpg" alt="in the new year" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/coaching2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/coaching2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/coaching2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/coaching2.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Making a vision board</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">These boards would be great for you if you are a visual learner! Print out fun pictures, quotes, and phrases. Find inspiring things you want to put on your board- think of what you want to accomplish, who you’d like to meet, what you’d like to do, etc. Take all these images and words and print them out. Paste them on a board and decorate them any way you’d like. Hang this board on your wall and look at it each day. This will inspire you to keep going and follow your dreams!</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Plan to make a (realistic) to-do list each day in the new year: Achieving our goals takes work and effort! Start each day by making a doable to-do list!</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The more realistic it is, the more you will get done.</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The more you cross off your list, the better you will feel about yourself!</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Find a friend to team up with</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Sometimes, it can be hard to get started and stick to a plan. Finding a friend to do things with can help make it seem less scary and intimidating! Make goals with your friend to accomplish tasks (i.e., getting active, learning a new hobby, etc.)</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Fifth, Remember that a New Start Can Happen Any Time of the Year</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The month of January feels exciting and hopeful. Many people tell themselves that they will finally do ____ in January or start their life over once that month hits. There are a few things that you should remind yourself of as 2022 approaches:</span></p><ul><li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can choose to change your life at any moment of any day at any time!</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> You don’t have to wait for January or the beginning of the new year to do so! Even if you start doing many new things in January and feel discouraged by the end of March, you can always start again. You can choose to improve your year at any time, even if it’s in the last month of December. This is YOUR life – you can do whatever you want!</span></li><li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Appreciate who you are NOW:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Many people seem to glorify the “new year, new me” slogan. While it is fantastic to plan for the new year and set goals, don’t forget to be kind to who you are at this exact moment. You are not a project that needs work or redesign – you are a person who is worthy just for being you. It is excellent to want to improve your life, but at the end of the day, loving who you are and caring for that person is what matters most. </span></li><li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can do whatever you put your mind to: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Realize that no goal is too big or small for you to focus on! All your desires and dreams matter and have a purpose. Be proud of who you are and honor all of your passions and interests. </span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Consider Therapy in the New Year</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The new year brings about new opportunities for growth, change, development, and new beginnings. 2022 can be your time to try therapy out for the first time!</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Our therapists at Mind Connections want to support you through any mental health concerns. Therapy can help address any issue you are dealing with, like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/executive-coaching/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">career/goal coaching</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/self-esteem-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">self-esteem problems</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, accepting your </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/lgbtq-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">sexuality/gender identity</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, and more. Call now for a FREE 15-minute consolation to learn more!</span></p><p>The team at Mind Connections is wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year!</p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Content Creator, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Victoria Gallo; </span></strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Reviewed by </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Dr. June Cao</span></strong></a><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, </span></strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year/">5 Steps to Thrive in the New Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-steps-to-thrive-in-the-new-year/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress During COVID</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2021 07:35:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All Categories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health Resources]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2022]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[depression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[holiday season]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LGBTQ+]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress of the Holidays]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=20698</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress during COVID The holiday season is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year. The air gets colder, our hearts get warmer, and joy fills the air each day. This all sounds like a lovely plot to a Hallmark movie – but is it a reality for all people? ... <a title="Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress During COVID" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid/" aria-label="More on Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress During COVID">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid/">Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress During COVID</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="20698" class="elementor elementor-20698" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3ae84d1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="3ae84d1" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-36c07a7" data-id="36c07a7" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e88775c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="e88775c" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress during COVID</h2> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-bcd1fd0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="bcd1fd0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The holiday season is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year. The air gets colder, our hearts get warmer, and joy fills the air each day. This all sounds like a lovely plot to a Hallmark movie – but is it a reality for all people? Many people actually struggle greatly during this holiday season, especially during COVID. Holiday anxiety creeps up into the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Holiday stress can ruin people’s entire winter!</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Do you struggle while dealing with holiday stress? If so, this article can help! You are not alone and deserve to adapt to this stress. You should be having a wonderful holiday season – not one full of anxiety!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What Makes People Experience Holiday Stress?</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-20198 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-keira-burton-6624306-300x200.jpg" alt="Stress of the Holidays" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-keira-burton-6624306-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-keira-burton-6624306-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-keira-burton-6624306-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-keira-burton-6624306-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><strong>COVID-19 Stress </strong></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As mentioned before, the holidays are a time for joy and loved ones gathering together. This idea is lovely, but not all people feel this way. Especially since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the world back in late 2019/early 2020, the world seems like it lost some of its sparkle and shine. It can be hard to enjoy your time together with loved ones when you fear the pandemic sweeping the nation. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Especially with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Omicron</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, the new variant, the fear we all had last winter seems like it’s back in full force. If you deal with anxiety, living in the times of COVID-19 is tough. You may feel like you are never safe or that you always have t have your guard up around others. This constant feeling of COVID fear is exhausting!</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-19836 size-medium alignleft" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-rachel-claire-4846413-300x200.jpg" alt="seasonal affective disorder treatment" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-rachel-claire-4846413-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-rachel-claire-4846413-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-rachel-claire-4846413-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The pandemic causes many people to spend the holidays alone, fearing gathering in large groups. The most recent holiday that gained that seemed to cause a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://khn.org/morning-breakout/two-weeks-after-thanksgiving-covid-cases-are-surging-across-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">surge in cases was Thanksgiving</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. Many people spend the holidays feeling lonely and sad now – mourning what the past holiday seasons once were.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><h3><strong>Loss of Loved Ones</strong></h3></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The holidays can be challenging for people mourning the loss of a loved one. The holidays are a time for people to gather with their family and friends and celebrate their love for one another. If you are experiencing a loss in your family, it can be challenging to find joy in these times. You feel sadness as you look at the place setting or chair that the person used to occupy. People mourn not just people but for pets, as well. Any loss of someone or something you love holds weight and meaning.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-20701" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-shahid-sultan-6428025.jpg" alt="Stress of the Holidays" width="1" height="1" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Feeling sadness over the loss of a loved one can bring on new anxiety. People start fearing that they will lose other people or examine their own mortality and longevity. Many people feel anxious when speaking about death or loss – this is often referred to as </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/thanatophobia-2671879#:~:text=Thanatophobia%20is%20an%20intense%20fear,afraid%20of%20the%20actual%20act." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">thanatophobia</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. </span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><h3><strong>Family Judgement</strong></h3></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">It is lovely to have families that care deeply for you and have your best interest at heart. If you are lucky enough to have a family unit like that, cherish this gift. Unfortunately, there are so many people in the world who cannot say the same.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Many people feel anxious over the judgment they receive from their families during the holiday season. People have these fears for numerous reasons. Families can judge your life choices, your career, how much money you make, who you are dating, etc. Sitting around the dinner table can cause stress – it feels like you are sitting there waiting for someone to say an offensive comment or passive remark. No one should have to feel this way when around people who are supposed to love and support them.</span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><h3><strong>Financial Struggles</strong></h3></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The holiday season can stress people out due to their financial status. It can be challenging during this time of the year to experience struggles with money. Some people stress over shopping and buying gifts for others. They worry about not getting the right present or not affording toys for their kids. Other people fear if they can afford to pay their bills and keep the lights/heat on the cold nights. </span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Seeing Old and Familiar Faces</strong></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Going home for the holiday can be wonderful when surrounded by people who make you happy! Many times, when you return to your old streets and towns, you run into people who might not make you feel that joyous. There will be people you see that you might have a challenging past with, argued with, stopped being friends with, or had a messy breakup with!</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">These instances can lead to some pretty awkward moments. You may feel anxiety over running into someone you would rather not see again. You might be forced to see them at certain gatherings or holiday parties. </span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><h3><strong>Relationship Issues</strong></h3></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The term </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/cuffing-season-meaning-origin#:~:text=Cuffing%20season%20refers%20to%20a,until%20just%20after%20Valentines%20Day." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">cuffing season</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> has been coined when referring to the times in the colder months that people seek out relationships. These relationships are usually short-term and end soon after the new year. Besides cuffing season couples, you may know other teams who have been going strong for years. They send out cards with cute photos of them on them during the holidays or wear matching pajamas at the holiday party.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-20699 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-arina-krasnikova-6012087-300x200.jpg" alt="Stress of the Holidays" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-arina-krasnikova-6012087-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-arina-krasnikova-6012087-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-arina-krasnikova-6012087-768x513.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-arina-krasnikova-6012087-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-arina-krasnikova-6012087-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">These sweet actions and couples can make you feel sick! Loneliness can spring up around the holiday season. You may start feeling anxiety around this time about finding someone and settling down. Instead of enjoying the process of meeting someone new and dating, it feels like you are on an imaginary timeline that needs to be completed by the time you are a certain age!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress during COVID</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>1. Take Proper COVID-19 Precautions</strong></h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Even though news of a new variant is stressful and upsetting, you can still find overall peace in your days. One way to do so is by following the CDC guidelines for staying safe in the pandemic. The </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">CDC</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> urges people to get vaccinated, wear masks, and get tested. If you are stressed overseeing your family during the holiday seasons, try keeping the gatherings smaller and getting tested before seeing each other.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you feel anxious about seeing people, there is nothing wrong with having a quiet holiday at home. Certain perks come with being alone for the holidays. You get to decide what food you eat, what movie you will watch, the dress code (preferably sweats and pajamas), and what activities you will do. Make it fun! Do an activity or hobby that makes you happy, and blast your favorite holiday tunes! Honoring your comfort level and limits is essential always, don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to do!</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>2. Practice Gratitude and Acceptance for Stress of the Holidays</strong></h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Practicing gratitude and acceptance can be a great way to cope with the stress of the holidays. Gratitude also helps people feel more positive in life. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00584/full#h1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gratefulnes</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">s makes people feel more happiness and help lower depressive emotions. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/comfort-gratitude/202007/gratitude-helps-curb-anxiety#:~:text=Research%20shows%20gratitude%20is%20a,long%2Dlasting%20and%20especially%20positive." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Studies</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> also show that gratitude helps lower stress levels in anxious people.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gratitude journaling is a great way to practice gratefulness in your life. Simply find somewhere comfortable to write, get a piece of paper or journal, and jot down a list of people or things you are grateful for. You can practice this exercise </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">once or twice a week</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> during the holiday season. These practices will show you reasons to appreciate your life and help you feel grounded in all that you still have. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can’t go back in time and stop the pandemic from happening, but you can control your own reaction and emotions during these times. We must accept that this is our current reality. Many people have lost so much due to COVID-19 that it is essential to embrace sadness and disappointment. Once you process your feelings and start healing, it is nice to look at all we still have and focus on appreciating them and not taking anything for granted. Writing a gratitude letter and listing why you understand a loved one can show how valued the people in your life are.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Read our article here if you want to learn about more ways to practice gratitude.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>3. Turn to Mindfulness for Stress of the Holidays</strong></h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Mindfulness helps many people find peace when their anxiety is heightened. You can </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-mindfulness-practices-to-improve-your-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">practice mindfulness</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> by:</span></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Participating in a guided mediation</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Doing yoga or stretching </span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Completing a breathing exercise</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Taking part in a guided imagery exercise</span><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-20704" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-martin-lopez-1738964.jpg" alt="Stress of the Holidays" width="1" height="1" /></li></ul><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-9281 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mindful-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mindful-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mindful-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mindful-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mindful.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">When you feel stressed, you may want to run away from your feelings. Through guided imagery methods of relaxation, you can! In the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://europepmc.org/article/nbk/nbk513238" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Guided Imagery Exercise</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> by Norelli et al., people can use their imagination to calm down a de-stress. First, find a comfortable place to sit. Next, think of any location you would like! This can be your favorite childhood memory, your happy place, your dream travel spot, or anywhere else! </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This exercise uses your five senses to relax. While using your imagination, really try and put yourself in the scene. For example, </span></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Imagine you are at your best friend’s house.</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Pretend that you are looking at your friend as they tell a funny story or share a good memory</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Imagine that you hear the TV playing your favorite album as you sit together.</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can feel their soft carpet as you both sit on the floor and smell the food you ordered to eat while you watch a movie.</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Finally, you can taste the food and eat dinner next to your best friend.</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>4. Focusing Your Energy on Those Who Make You Happy</strong></h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don’t waste your energy if you have anxiety overseeing unsupportive family or old friends you’ve fallen out on! Read these truths right now along with me:</span></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There will always be people who are going to judge you. Focus more on what YOU think of yourself – that is most important.</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">People who choose not to accept you or understand you are not worth your time. Stop trying to convince people to care about you. The right people won’t need convincing!</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Have faith in yourself and confidence in who you are. You deserve all the self-love and care in the world!</span></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Always remember that there are people out there who want to love you and appreciate all you are! Chosen families are just as real as any other family! As mentioned in our past article </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/social-support-is-important-for-lgbtq-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">about LGBTQ+ social support</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, many queer people find support from people outside of the families they were born into. When rejected by their family, this support system was there to help lift them and heal.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>5. Find Peace Knowing the Holidays Will Pass</strong></h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">At the end of it all, remember that the holidays will pass like anything in life. If you are not enjoying these times, remind yourself that it will be the new year soon! The new year brings about new opportunities for growth, change, development, and new beginnings. </span></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">One goal for the new year can involve going to therapy! A therapist can help you deal with any </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/anxiety-therapist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">anxiety symptoms</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> you face! Our therapists at Mind Connections want to help you deal with daily stress and give you the tools needed to cope healthily. Therapy can also help address other issues you are dealing with like relationship issues, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/executive-coaching/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">career/goal coaching</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/self-esteem-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">self-esteem problems</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, accepting your </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/lgbtq-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">sexuality/gender identity</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, and more. Call now for a FREE 15-minute consolation to learn more!</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <strong><a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a>, </strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid/">Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress During COVID</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/tips-to-cope-with-holiday-stress-during-covid/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2021 11:25:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All Categories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Online Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[coping skills]]></category> <category><![CDATA[depression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[e counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[twenties]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[your twenties]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=20584</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties When we grow up, we imagine and daydream about our adult lives. As a kid, it seems like all you want to do is grow up! Doing childish things become boring, and we imagine a life where we are driving cool cars, owning our own houses, settling down with ... <a title="Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties/" aria-label="More on Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties/">Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="20584" class="elementor elementor-20584" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a3ae45b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="a3ae45b" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e06600d" data-id="e06600d" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-049233b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="049233b" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties</h2> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4918221 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="4918221" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">When we grow up, we imagine and daydream about our adult lives. As a kid, it seems like all you want to do is grow up! Doing childish things become boring, and we imagine a life where we are driving cool cars, owning our own houses, settling down with our partners, and ultimately living the life we want to live. As we get older and approach our early twenties, we start realizing that life is not as easy as we once thought it would be.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3866 size-medium alignright" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-brett-jordan-836913-300x225.jpg" alt="early twenties" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-brett-jordan-836913-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-brett-jordan-836913-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-brett-jordan-836913-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-brett-jordan-836913-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After the diplomas are received from college and our caps are thrown in the air, life falls into a weird period of time. Life after college can be challenging for many people. Their professional and social lives become increasingly challenging to deal with.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-20660" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-emily-ranquist-1205651.jpg" alt="early twenties" width="1" height="1" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Many times, people in their early twenties start feeling lost. They are thrown into a whole new world full of adult-like responsibilities and experiences. Being an adult can be intimidating! If you feel lost or scared in your 20s, know that you are not alone! This article will talk about the tricky years of your early twenties and how to cope during this time. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Why Are Our Early Twenties So Hard?</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In these early years of our adult lives, there are many things we must figure out. One of them is our career. It feels like our entire lives are centered around what we will do for employment. From the early ages of our lives, we are introduced to famous scientists and philosophers in science and history class. We enter high school and start preparing for SATS and college entrance exams. Then, at the young age of 18, we have to decide if we will enter the college scene or look for a job.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-20661 alignleft" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dmitry-schemelev-h5xANSOT2qY-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="early twenties" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dmitry-schemelev-h5xANSOT2qY-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dmitry-schemelev-h5xANSOT2qY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dmitry-schemelev-h5xANSOT2qY-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dmitry-schemelev-h5xANSOT2qY-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Some people can tell you their dream career from when they were little. These people grow up intending to become a singer or doctor. Their passions drive their actions and motivate them to achieve. But, what about those people who don’t know what they want to do with their lives? Know that you are not alone if you find it challenging to decide on what job you want. In recent surveys, only </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://goremotely.net/blog/career-change-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">14%</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> of people reported enjoying their job and having no desire to change it. In the same study, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://goremotely.net/blog/career-change-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">70%</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> of people reported switching their career paths to another field.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">These statistics show that so many people are experiencing job confusion like you are! It is a totally normal experience to have!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Friends Start Decreasing</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Making friends as an adult can be challenging. People start going to different places and branching off to new experiences. It doesn’t feel the same as when you would hang out in high school or college. People in their early twenties may struggle to keep in contact with and say close to the friends they once had. Social media plays a significant factor in this. When you feel upset over not socializing and being lonely, logging on to social media may make you feel worse. You see people hanging out and doing things you wish you were doing!</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If social media gets you down, check out our article about the <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/10-tips-to-use-social-media-in-a-healthier-way/">topic</a>. Social media has significant advantages but can also bring people stress and disappointment. Read our article to learn how to cope better with your internet usage.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Relationships are Difficult in Your Early Twenties</span></h2><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-9129 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asian-american-couples-therapy-in-new-york-city-at-mind-connections-nyc-1-300x200.jpeg" alt="early twenties" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asian-american-couples-therapy-in-new-york-city-at-mind-connections-nyc-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asian-american-couples-therapy-in-new-york-city-at-mind-connections-nyc-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asian-american-couples-therapy-in-new-york-city-at-mind-connections-nyc-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asian-american-couples-therapy-in-new-york-city-at-mind-connections-nyc-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/asian-american-couples-therapy-in-new-york-city-at-mind-connections-nyc-1.jpeg 1880w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">People in their 20s start feeling the pressure to settle down with someone and start a life together. The societal pressure starts making people nervous, and they feel obligated to find a partner fast! This makes dating less fun and more stressful. It’s also hard to meet people nowadays! Online dating seems to have taken over in this day and age. Especially with COVID hitting this world, it feels impossible to meet new people and find connections.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Living at home in Your Early Twenties</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Do you still live at home in your early twenties? You may feel embarrassed over living with your parents still in your 20s. Know that there is nothing to be ashamed of! Statistics from a <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/09/04/a-majority-of-young-adults-in-the-u-s-live-with-their-parents-for-the-first-time-since-the-great-depression/">recent study</a> show that 52% of young adults are living with their parents. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here is the reality: It’s hard to save money in this day and age, especially when getting a job is so challenging. Reports show that 6.9M people are unemployed. It feels like companies are constantly “urgently hiring” until you apply and never hear back! Living at home is something more and more people have to do in their 20s.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Figuring Out Who you Are</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Most coming-of-age movies focus on people finding themselves in their teenage years. Ironically, it feels like most people are still figuring out who they are well into their 20s and 30s. You are not the same person you were in high school, which is totally normal! Change can be challenging, but we grow and evolve in life! No plant can bloom without going through the development stages of turning into a flower. Have patience with yourself and your journey- you are just getting started!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Idea of Aging</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Many people fear aging. Society had made us think that women especially should fear getting older. Anti-aging and wrinkle creams are pushed on us from what seems like the time we are teens! Society has made people think that their late teens and 20s are the only golden years of their lives. This is not true! Getting older is a beautiful experience that we all should feel blessed to have! Many people don’t experience getting old and growing up – their lives are taken too soon.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">How to Cope with the Stress of Your 20s</span></h2><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-20374 size-medium aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-анастасия-триббиани-9385119-300x200.jpg" alt="Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-анастасия-триббиани-9385119-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-анастасия-триббиани-9385119-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-анастасия-триббиани-9385119-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Remind Yourself That Making Mistakes is Expected in Your 20s</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You need to reassure yourself of your capabilities and potential! Remember how young you truly are. You have so much time to mess up and learn and do it all over again! Mistakes make us learn and grow. Sure, it makes us sad when we fail, at first. But any expert started as a beginner and had their fair share of setbacks.</span></p><p>It is actually a good thing to make mistakes in your 20s – you are learning life lessons that will stick with you as you develop during the rest of your life.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Realize That Life Is Not a Race & Stop the Comparisons</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Remind yourself that you will find your way and figure out your path at your own pace and time. We all are unique and special individuals. There is no one “right way” to live your life or do something. Stop comparing yourself to others, in the meantime! If it makes you feel better, unfollow or mute people on social media who make you feel bad about yourself. You deserve to be surrounded by media and people who make you feel motivated, not sad.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Say positive affirmations to yourself – this will encourage kind words to be thought and said to yourself:</span></p><p>Try these now: I am…</p><ul><li>always enough</li><li>figuring out my path</li><li>in control of my life</li><li>strong and determined</li><li>growing and developing into the best version of myself</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don’t Rush the Dating Process.</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As mentioned before, life is not a race. Dating is also not a competition or contest. If you feel upset that your friend is getting married before you or having a baby first, realize that your own plan is still unfolding. Try your best to be happy for others. Recognize that the good you put in the world will come back to you. Practice being supportive to your friend even when you feel sad or disappointed. Life is not black and white – it is grey. You can have two emotions going on in your body at once. Allow yourself to feel any feelings you have of sadness or anger. Allow yourself to feel these feelings but ultimately let them go. Being happy for others makes you a better friend and loved one. Then one day when the times comes to be happy for your milestones, other people will jump for joy and return the favor!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Use Disappointment as Motivation</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">When you feel down on your life for not having your own house or spouse, use your feelings to motivate change in your life. If you feel disappointed, use these emotions as motivation to keep going and not feel this way anymore. As mentioned before, we all learn from our mistakes and grow. Use each experience in your life as a step in figuring out your path.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4945 alignright" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/aditya-saxena-_mIXHvl_wzA-unsplash-300x181.jpg" alt="early twenties" width="300" height="181" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/aditya-saxena-_mIXHvl_wzA-unsplash-300x181.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/aditya-saxena-_mIXHvl_wzA-unsplash-1024x618.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/aditya-saxena-_mIXHvl_wzA-unsplash-768x463.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/aditya-saxena-_mIXHvl_wzA-unsplash-1536x927.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> If you wanted to be a teacher and ended up not liking the profession, that is OK! Now you know that you were not meant to be a teacher. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you became a lawyer and decided it wasn’t meant for you, that helped you figure out more of what is calling for you in this life! </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">No matter how much schooling or dedication you put into a job, know that you should never be stuck. There will always be options out there waiting for you. This is YOUR LIFE and no one else’s! You deserve to live happy and healthy days. Encourage yourself to never stop believing in and chasing after your dreams.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Practice Gratitude in Your Life</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">While feeling sorry for ourselves, we can lose our appreciation for our current life. Even when it feels hard to do, practicing gratitude helps people find peace and comfort in the lives they are living. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As mentioned in our <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/how-to-practice-gratitude-in-daily-life/">article</a>, gratitude helps people deal with jealousy and envy. Envy makes us compare ourselves to others, look down on our attributes, and harbor ill-will towards the objects of our envy. A study by </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00139/full#h5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Xiang et al.</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> found that a person with higher levels of gratefulness would experience more benign envy and higher social support. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gratitude also helps people feel more positive in life. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gratefulness can encourage feelings of positivity in people’s lives. When people with high levels of gratitude reflect on the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-020-00221-z#Sec14" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">past</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, they experience greater satisfaction and fulfillment in life. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00584/full#h1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Studies</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> also show that gratitude can prompt feelings of happiness and help lower depressive emotions.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-14119 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-300x201.jpg" alt="early twenties" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-300x201.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-768x514.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ekaterina-shakharova-L4nwL3195U0-unsplash-1536x1028.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p>Gratitude can help you deal with 20s problems like fear of aging. It will make you appreciate getting older and living life each day. It will also show you more appreciation for your body and all it does for you – this will help you be kinder to it when wrinkles appear.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Put Yourself Out There</h2><p>Meeting people in your 20s can be hard, but it is not impossible! There are different groups you can join online or apps designed for making friends. If you want to meet people in person, try joining new workout classes or clubs that focus on hobbies you like – reading, gardening, etc. Know that if you feel lonely it will be OK! Use your alone time to find hobbies you enjoy and explore you interests. If you keep trying and putting yourself out there, good people and experiences will come your way.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Think of Therapy</h2><p>If you are really struggling in your early twenties, consider going to therapy. People with constant feelings of sadness or disappointment might be experiencing signs of depression or anxiety. A therapist can help you deal with any struggle you are facing! From relationship issues to job worries, our team at Mind Connections wants to support you. You deserve to live a happy and healthy life in your 20s. Call us now to learn more about how we can help you!</p><p>Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <strong><a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties/">Ways to Tackle Your Early Twenties</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/ways-to-tackle-your-early-twenties/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Workplace Burnout: Signs and Ways to Cope</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/workplace-burnout/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=workplace-burnout</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/workplace-burnout/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 14:06:05 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All Categories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[burnout]]></category> <category><![CDATA[job burnout]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teletherapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[work burnout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=20082</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Burnout at Work: Signs and Ways to Cope From the time we are born, the idea of careers and jobs is projected onto us. Our parents dream and say, “he will probably be a lawyer or doctor.” We dress up as firemen, astronauts, and various other occupations for Halloween. As we get older, the pressure ... <a title="Workplace Burnout: Signs and Ways to Cope" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/workplace-burnout/" aria-label="More on Workplace Burnout: Signs and Ways to Cope">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/workplace-burnout/">Workplace Burnout: Signs and Ways to Cope</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="20082" class="elementor elementor-20082" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-77008a8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="77008a8" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b20ab4d" data-id="b20ab4d" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-5feb2ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="5feb2ae" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Burnout at Work: Signs and Ways to Cope</h2> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-728ce36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="728ce36" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">From the time we are born, the idea of careers and jobs is projected onto us. Our parents dream and say, “he will probably be a lawyer or doctor.” We dress up as firemen, astronauts, and various other occupations for Halloween. As we get older, the pressure to pick a career gets even more drastic. In high school, teens prepare to take the SATs and enter college. Overall, it seems like our entire lives are based on what job we will eventually commit to and pursue. We spend all this time stressing over our future careers and then once we enter the workforce, we are met with a whole new world of pressures. These pressures can lead to workplace burnout.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You once loved your job (or at least were indifferent to it). Being new to a situation or experience, like work, inspires optimism for what lies ahead. Especially if you worked hard to get where you are, it feels like you’ve finally reached a huge milestone when you start your career. After working for a while, your beginner mindset changes. With all the work, you feel stressed, tired, disinterested, and anxious when you think about work. Going into the office each day feels suffocating and hard to handle. If you feel this way, you are probably reaching the point of job burnout. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What is Burnout at Work?</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642#:~:text=Job%20burnout%20is%20a%20special,isn't%20a%20medical%20diagnosis." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">MayoClinic</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> defines job burnout as work-related stress that exhausts people physically and emotionally. The stress of work becomes overbearing in the worker’s life. Notably, according to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911781/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">researchers</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, people with burnout face intense exhaustion, aversion to their job, and meaninglessness in their work. Job burnout takes the enjoyment someone once had for their career and squashes it in its tracks.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-20197 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-yan-krukov-4458411-300x200.jpg" alt="workplace burnout" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-yan-krukov-4458411-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-yan-krukov-4458411-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-yan-krukov-4458411-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Any career can lead to job burnout, especially helping careers. Research shows that people in </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911781/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">helping careers/people-orientated</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> jobs (like social workers, therapists, teachers etc.) and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139917/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">physicians</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> are vulnerable to this work stress. Ironically, these jobs focus on helping people but, many times, the person in the profession is letting their health and wellness fall to the side. These people spend so much time at work being selfless and supporting others that it strains their limits physically and mentally.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">For example, imagine a therapist has a heavy caseload and helps many clients throughout the day cope and deal with their problems. It is amazing to be able to assist a client live a healthier and happier life; but if the therapist themselves isn’t dealing with the work stress properly, they will start feeling burnout. These workers feel like they give so much to other people that and find it hard to save any energy to work on themselves.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What Causes Burnout at Work?</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Work burnout can be caused by many things. The main reason this burnout exists is from people being overworked. Humans are not machines; we all have limits and boundaries. We live in a society where “grind culture” is pushed on us. This is the idea that in order to be successful and content in life, we must always be working and hustling. It is, frankly, exhausting to live like this. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">During the workweek, it may feel like you are a hamster running on a wheel. It seems like you are trying to keep up with all the work you have to accomplish while being stuck in the same repetitive cycle. Your boss may give you so many deadlines that your ideas becomes hazy and the work piles up. As you struggle to finish your work, you find yourself grinding for long hours, staying late at the office, or working into the weekend.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Another reason people face job burnout is due to improper work-life balance. As mentioned before, many workers find themselves working on the weekends or for extended hours during each week. This doesn’t allow them time to relax or break from the constant work cycle. It also prevents them from seeing their social support or spending time with people who make them happy and calm. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Imagine you work so hard every day, continue working on the weekends, make little time for friends, and sacrifice your wellbeing only to be passed up for that promotion at work. Lack of recognition or appreciation from your workplace is another reason people face burnout. When their hard work goes unnoticed, it causes the workers to be discouraged and disinterested in their careers. This can lead to total detachment from their job.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Symptoms of Workplace Burnout</span></h2><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-20193 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/marvin-meyer-SYTO3xs06fU-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="workplace burnout" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/marvin-meyer-SYTO3xs06fU-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/marvin-meyer-SYTO3xs06fU-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/marvin-meyer-SYTO3xs06fU-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/marvin-meyer-SYTO3xs06fU-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Workplace burnout causes people to have:</span></p><ul><li><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/stress-management/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Stress</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> OVERLOAD</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Feelings of dread while going to/thinking about work</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The joy you once had for work is hard to get in touch with</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You procrastinate work because it isn’t enjoyable and stresses you out</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Co-workers begin to become unbearable to be around and you isolate yourself</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Detachment from your job</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You may find yourself staring off into space or finding it hard to focus when working</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There is no passion in your craft anymore</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">No work-life balance</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Your family and friends worry about you because your job consumes all of your time</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Your relationships are suffering: i.e. your partner isn’t getting enough attention or your friends never hear back from you</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You don’t know what a day-off is</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Decreasing health and wellness</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You aren’t </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/insomnia-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">sleeping</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, eating well, relaxing, or handling stress well</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Your immune system is weakened and you find yourself feeling run-down or sick often</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Mental health struggles</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You feel sad or </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/anxiety-therapist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">anxious</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> often</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You find yourself procrastinating a lot and stressing over your inability to just do the work</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Hopelessness and ideas of “will I ever feel better?” creep into your mind </span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ways to Cope With Burnout at Work</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Practice Mindfulness</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">One of the 9 Attitudes of Mindfulness, as mentioned in our most recent </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/manage-seasonal-affective-disorder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">article</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, is acceptance. Acceptance allows us to admit that we may not like where we are currently. or what we are doing, but we accept our situation, regardless. Acceptance allows us to find inner peace even in times of great stress and worry. Once you accept your situation, you will be able to focus more on ways to help yourself and cope rather than only focusing on the stress you feel.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1718 aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/yoga-300x200.jpg" alt="workplace burnout" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/yoga-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/yoga-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/yoga-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/yoga-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/yoga-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Implementing </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-mindfulness-practices-to-improve-your-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">mindfulness practices</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> can help you center yourself and find calm in the storm. Here are some ideas for you to try and reduce work stress:</span></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Doing yoga each morning for 10-15 minutes</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Taking a mindful walk before work</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Engage your senses as you walk: look at the leaves on the trees, smell the flowers, feel the grass, taste the water you bring with you, hear the birds singing in the trees</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Try a breathing technique when you start feeling anxious:</span></li></ul></li><li><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/breathing-techniques" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">4-7-8 Method</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">:</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Breathe out completely</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">4 seconds: Breath in through the nose</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">7 seconds: Hold this breath</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">8 seconds: exhale through mouth fully</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Repeat</span></li></ul></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Mindfully eat at breakfast or lunch</span><ul><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">When you eat, try and be mindful of the food you are consuming</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Focus on the textures, smells, colors of the food</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Listen to calm music or watch a show you enjoy on your laptop</span></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Exercise</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Channel all of the stress and anger you feel at your job into a killer workout! Exercise helps people de-stress and let go of their worries. Exercise also boosts feel-good hormones like serotonin in our bodies. Channeling this hormone can help you feel happier and more content after your workout. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Types of exercise to try:</span></p><ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Kickboxing or boxing to get your anger and stress out</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Stretching to release the tension you may be held in different body parts</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Dancing to your favorite music to have fun and let loose</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Running or walking in the park </span></li></ul><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can invite a friend to go with you and spend time with them as you exercise! Maybe try inviting a co-worker with you to increase your relationships in the office. You might end up making a really good friend and work-our partner!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Learn to Delegate</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Sometimes, when we work, we get so wrapped up in being our best and doing our best. It can be hard to relinquish any power we have. We feel like we are the only people who can get the job done right and make sure there are no errors.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The overwhelming need to supervise and take control can lead to work burnout and stress. Try working as a team and embracing help. You don’t have to do everything alone. Moreover, more people working on a project create an abundance of ideas, creativity, and productivity.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Lean on Social Support</span></h2><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-12632 size-medium aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/brooke-cagle-g1Kr4Ozfoac-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="workplace bunrout" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/brooke-cagle-g1Kr4Ozfoac-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/brooke-cagle-g1Kr4Ozfoac-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/brooke-cagle-g1Kr4Ozfoac-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Overworking yourself takes you away from the people who mean the most to you. It is important to remember that your social life is just as important as your work life (maybe even more important). Social support helps people feel safe and taken care of. These are the people you vent to, take advice from, and have fun with. Make time each day to check in with friends or family, even if it is just a text saying a quick hello. Try video chatting or calling people throughout the week to catch up, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes. Also, make time on the weekends to see at least one person who makes you smile and takes your mind off of work.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Get Back to Your Humanity</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Remember that even though you may work every day, it does not define who you are. When you take off your suit and tie or contraction hat, you are a person, at the end of the day. We are humans, not machines. Our sole purpose in life is not to work. Even if you have to work a lot for your own needs and to support your family, remember that you are worth so much more than your job that makes you miserable.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You bring love and light to people around you. You inspire others with your resilience and strength. Hobbies, passions, ideas, and dreams make you who you are. Of course, you can find pride in all that you do in your career, but don’t let the woes of work diminish your self-worth.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Dedicate Yourself to a Healthy Work-Life Balance</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you are someone who works a lot, you are probably familiar with a work/daily schedule. Here is an idea…try implementing or scheduling in time to relax and take breaks. Stick to this scheduled time and don’t deviate from it- you deserve to get time off of work to relax and do things you enjoy. Watch an episode of your favorite show every night, listen to music you enjoy on your way to work, or plan a dinner that makes you excited to go home and eat it!</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Be Your Own Cheerleader</span></h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Sometimes, your hard work and dedicated hours go unnoticed by co-workers or your boss. This makes you feel discouraged and unappreciated at your job. Remember to be proud of yourself always for the great job you are doing each day. Even if someone else doesn’t recognize your worth, you still can be your own cheerleader!</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Tell your support system and loved ones about the work you do. They hopefully will be just as proud and proud of your dedication and accomplishments as you are.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Consider Therapy</h2><p>A therapist can help you manage your stress better and live a happier/healthier life. You can vent to your therapist about all of your concerns and find support that will help you deal with whatever your job throws at you next.</p><p>Our team at Mind Connections would love to help you with any work struggle/general life struggle you are facing! We can give you the tools to handle work-stress better, implement mindfulness techniques, get rid of negative thoughts, and being hope to you once more. Call to learn more about how we can help you!</p><p>Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <strong><a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/workplace-burnout/">Workplace Burnout: Signs and Ways to Cope</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/workplace-burnout/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/school-bullying/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=school-bullying</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/school-bullying/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2021 02:06:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All Categories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health Resources]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Online Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[antibullying]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bullying]]></category> <category><![CDATA[highly sensitive teens]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teen bully]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teen bullying]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teen mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teenage bullying]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teenage stress management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teenager]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teenager mental helath]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teenager with anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teens]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=17501</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Mind Connections supports the efforts to stop bullying in this world. No teen should ever feel intimidated, scared, or embarrassed while going to school. Moreover, a school should be a safe place for students to explore who they ... <a title="School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/school-bullying/" aria-label="More on School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/school-bullying/">School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="17501" class="elementor elementor-17501" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3e311c5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="3e311c5" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f576788" data-id="f576788" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-3df4cf5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="3df4cf5" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h1 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It</h1> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d6f0f43 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="d6f0f43" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Mind Connections supports the efforts to stop bullying in this world. No teen should ever feel intimidated, scared, or embarrassed while going to school. Moreover, a school should be a safe place for students to explore who they are, make friends, and learn. School bullying needs to end!</p><p>If you or your teen experiences bullying, <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/">Mind Connections</a> sends our support! No one should ever have to go through the woes that bullying brings alone. In case you want to learn more about bullying and ways to deal with it, keep reading!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">What is Bullying?</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-17506 size-medium" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-keira-burton-6147132-300x200.jpg" alt="teenage bullying" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-keira-burton-6147132-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-keira-burton-6147132-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-keira-burton-6147132-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-keira-burton-6147132-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h2><div class="box1"><p>Bullying is not only a way to make someone feel ashamed or embarrassed, but also a device to prevent kids from being themselves. In addition, bullying causes the victim to have fear and intimidation. By the same token, bullying may bring the bully a sense of power and control. Whether you experience bullying or you know someone who does, you can see how challenging this situation is.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Bullying can look like:</h3><ul><li>Name calling (insults and slurs)</li><li>Intimidation </li><li>Physical harm coupled with violence</li><li>Rumor spreading</li><li>Laughing, whispering, and pointing</li><li>Excluding, uninviting, and isolating someone</li><li>Stealing someone’s belongings like clothes, money, food, and supples </li></ul><p>Bullying causes teens to resist going to school. This is a great disservice to a teens’s daily life. Not to mention, if a teen is afraid to attend school, how will this affect their education? With this in mind, many victims of bullying are often absent and miss class. <span class="s1" style="color: #ffffff;">correspondingly likewise</span></p><p>Bullying can manifest physically and <span style="color: #000000;">emotionally.</span> People can bully others by making fun of them, laughing at them, and degrading them with their words. Physically, bullying can lead to violence. For example, bullies can push, shove, hit, and more.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">CyberBullying</h2><p>Additionally, bullying has expanded from its in-person school setting to the internet. In light of the technological advances in the past years, bullying is very easy to come across online. Now bullying can be done behind a screen with a few taps of a bullies fingers.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-17508 size-medium" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-5474294-300x200.jpg" alt="teenage bullying" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-5474294-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-5474294-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-5474294-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Cyberbullying can look like:</h3><ul><li>Commenting mean messages on someone’s photo</li><li>Reposting someone’s post just to make fun of it on your page</li><li>Sharing someone’s post with a bunch of people to laugh at with</li><li>Spreading rumors online or information that is not true</li><li>Making fake accounts of someone and using it to bully them</li><li>Hatefully and constantly messaging someone (sending death threats)</li></ul><p>Additionally, online bullying also causes victims great stress because it feels like they cannot escape the intimidation. In the past, when a student got bullied at school, they found peace at home where their bullies cannot touch them. Since everything is digital nowadays, a bully or group of haters can reach victims easily through all social media platforms, text messages, or emails.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">How To Know if Your Child is Being Bullied</h2><p>You can tell your <a href="https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/signs.aspx">child is being bullied</a> when they:</p><ul><li>Become withdrawn or isolated</li><li>Lose sleep and seem tired often</li><li>Are irritable and have mood swings</li><li>Cry and feel sad often</li><li>Ask for extra money or food when they go to school</li><li>Look concerned as they scroll on their computer or phone</li><li>Skip class or act out when they usually don’t</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;">Why is Bullying Harmful?</h2><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Bullying is a huge problem in our society. Notably, many people have been affected by bullying at one point in their lives. As a matter of fact, over 20% of students reported being bullied. Furthermore, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/cyber-bullying-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">36.5%</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> of people feel like they have experienced cyberbullying in their lives. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In fact, bullying is very harmful to the victim’s life. Bullies give great stress, fear, intimidation to their victims. Moreover, the effects of bullying can extend for longer than just school years. Studies show that victims of bullying face long-term effects from these experiences. It is important to remember that teens who get bullied are at an age where they are still developing physically and mentally. Any harmful experience that youth face can manipulate and affect their vulnerable developmental process. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To emphasize this point, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/100/9/879.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">researchers</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> report that bullying can cause physiological responses and genes to develop in different ways. This disturbance can put someone at </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/100/9/879.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">higher risk of having mental health problems, weakened immunity, and chronic inflammation</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Mental Health Concerns Caused by School Bullying</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">Self-Concept and Confidence Affected by School Bullying</h3><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In recent studies by </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://news.umich.edu/teens-who-are-bullied-struggle-with-long-term-mental-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Janette Norrington</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, her results showed that 18-24 years olds faced long-term effects of bullying. Furthermore, Norrington found that their self-concept and image were negatively impacted by the teasing and taunting from bullies.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Additionally, recent surveys show that <a href="https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/cyber-bullying-statistics">61%</a> of people reported that they experienced cyberbullying for their appearance. In particular, it is hard for someone to feel good about themselves when other people are constantly making fun of them and pointing out their flaws. For example, when Sarah posts a photo on Instagram (which is the platform where </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/cyber-bullying-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">most cyberbullying</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> occurs) she feels nervous because of what happened when she posted her last picture. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Some classmates commented mean messages on Sarah’s post. Specifically, these messages made fun of her weight and body. Additionally, they shared it on their pages and more people joined in on the harassment. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Depression and Anxiety from School Bullying</h3><p><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/100/9/879.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Studies</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> show that children who went through bullying can develop <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/depression-therapy-nyc/">depression</a> or <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/anxiety-therapist-in-new-york/">anxiety</a> in their young and middle adulthood. Depression affects</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-depression.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> bullies and their victims</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> in serious ways. Depression causes people to lose happiness and joy in their lives. This is especially sad to see happen to teenagers. Teens are in the age of their lives where they are just trying to explore their interests, feel independent, and come into their own. Bullying and depression shouldn’t harmfully affect these special years for teens.</span></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-11854 size-medium" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nadine-shaabana-DRzYMtae-vA-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="teenage bullying " width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nadine-shaabana-DRzYMtae-vA-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nadine-shaabana-DRzYMtae-vA-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nadine-shaabana-DRzYMtae-vA-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nadine-shaabana-DRzYMtae-vA-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Equally important, students who experienced bullying face risks of developing anxiety. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627045/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Studies</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> show that peer victimization is associated with the presence of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). People with SAD fear social interactions and situations. SAD sufferers feel like they are under a microscope and that others are constantly judging them through that lens. These fears cause people to avoid social scenes and choose to be alone. To learn more about SAD, read our article </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/how-to-overcome-social-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">here</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">PTSD from from School Bullying</h3><p><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-019-0304-1#Sec13" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Research</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> shows that bullying can potentially lead to <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/trauma-therapy-in-new-york/">Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)</a>. In detail, PTSD occurs through a scarring event or series of events (CPTSD). Bullying can be an event that is traumatizing in someone’s life. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-019-0304-1#Sec13" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Symptoms</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> like avoidance and arousal were found to be present in victims of bullying and outpatients with PTSD.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">What do People Get Bullied for?</h2><p>People can get bullied for many reasons. In general, some major factors include:</p><ul><li>First, appearance<ul><li>People can get bullied for how they look, their weight, their height, and much more</li></ul></li><li>Second, disabilities<ul><li>bullying causes <a href="https://theconversation.com/disabled-teens-suffering-the-mental-health-effects-of-bullying-101186">46%</a> of the mental health issues that teens with disabilities face</li><li><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/09/04/teens-disabilities-bullying/16373/">Reports</a> find that students with intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disabilities, and speech/language impairments are all affected by bullying</li></ul></li><li>Third, sexuality and gender identity</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;">LGBTQ+ Teenage School Bullying</h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Many teens who are LGBTQ+, especially transgender or gender non-conforming, face bullying. As a matter of fact, <a href="https://www.hrc.org/news/new-cdc-data-shows-lgbtq-youth-are-more-likely-to-be-bullied-than-straight-cisgender-youth">43%</a> of transgender youth were bullied at school in 2019. The <a href="https://www.hrc.org/news/new-cdc-data-shows-lgbtq-youth-are-more-likely-to-be-bullied-than-straight-cisgender-youth">HCR</a> also reported that over 20% of transgender, gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth have attempted suicide. </span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">In like manner, the 2021 Trevor Project reports that </span><a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/">75%</a> of LGBTQ+ youth face discrimination at least once in their life. Notably, half of all LGBTQ+ youth of color faced discrimination for their race/ethnicity. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a rise in <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/how-to-deal-with-emotional-distress-caused-by-hate-crimes/">hate-crimes and discrimination against the AAPI community</a>. This discrimination affects LGBTQ+ AAPI youth in negative ways.</p><p><span class="s1">Moreover, bullies make LGBTQ+ youth feel bad about being who they are. Their pronouns and identity are not respected and they feel intimidated to express themselves in the ways they truly want.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Why Do Bullies Bully?</h2><p class="p1">In reality, any student who bullies probably has something going on in their lives that is causing them to act this way. Many times, bullies harm others because they are unhappy with their own situation. Things like divorce, family issues, and self-esteem problems can all cause bullying tendencies.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14528 size-medium alignright" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-cottonbro-7243785-300x200.jpg" alt="anxiety therapist" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-cottonbro-7243785-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-cottonbro-7243785-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-cottonbro-7243785-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p class="p1">Importantly, parents of bullies have a lot to do with their behavior. Research shows that <a href="https://youthcrisiscenter.org/the-connection-between-domestic-violence-and-bullying/">domestic violence</a> victims can turn into bullies. The violence that their parents or guardians show towards each other influence the child’s behavior. Parents should be teaching children about love, respect, and empathy. Unfortunately, not all children receive those lessons and care.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">How to Combat School Bullying</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">In the Home</h3><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-17507 size-medium" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-300x200.jpg" alt="teenage bullying" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-768x513.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>Lessons about bullying can take place in the home of students. Parents should make efforts to teach their children about empathy and understanding of others. Children and teens should be taught that:</p><ul><li>Being who they are is enough</li><li>The differences each person has makes them unique</li><li>Each person deserves to be treated with respect and care</li></ul><p>Parents can introduce these ideas through the media they have in their house. Read stories, watch movies, and tune in to TV shows that have diverse characters and storylines. It is never too early to have conversations with your kids about these topics. Characters like Julia on Sesame Street, a show made for young kids, teaches about the importance of representing people with autism. If all children had these positive influences growing up as kids, they might be more accepting with the peers they meet in school.</p><p>Equally important is having talks with your teen about the importance of treating others with kindness. Kindness never goes out of style. It is something that makes the world better place. Parents should also work to correct their teens behavior provided that it is harmful to others or themselves. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;">In School</h3><p>Administrators and teachers should be on top of bullying in their school. One way to promote an anti-bullying atmosphere is by, similarly to the parents’ advice, teaching empathy.Teens are in the classrooms for a huge part of their day. This is where they talk to peers, learn, and absorb.</p><p>Teachers should optimize their curriculum so that it is diverse and inclusive. This can be done in many simple ways. English teachers can read books with diverse storylines or math teachers can structure math problems to include inclusive language (for example, “Katie’s dads had three sweaters. If one sweater…”). Representation shows students that our differences should be celebrated and no one should be bullied for being who they are.</p><p>In light of this idea, <a href="https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/ways-to-prevent-bullying-in-schools">researchers</a> also suggest creating a positive school environment where students feel valued, open-communication is encouraged, and mental-health problems are taught about. </p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Advice for Those Who Witness School Bullying</h2><p>If you witness someone being bullied, try your best to help. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1403494820921666?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.1">Research</a> shows that social support from friends can help someone being bullied lessen their depression and anxiety symptoms. Peer support is so important in these situations. Teens just want to fit in and be accepted by their classmates. Sometimes, even having one good friend can make all the difference in someone’s life.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-11611 alignleft" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pexels-liza-summer-6382654-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pexels-liza-summer-6382654-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pexels-liza-summer-6382654-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pexels-liza-summer-6382654-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pexels-liza-summer-6382654-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>If you see someone getting bullied in school, do your part in helping them! Even if you don’t feel comfortable standing up to the bully, show support to the victim by being kind, letting them vent, and checking in on them. With this in mind, go to a teacher or adult if you feel worried about the person getting bullied and think an adult should help. If you witness bullying online, report the bullies account or posts for harassment.</p><p>Remember that your actions, even if they are small, can mean a lot. Think about yourself for a second; imagine you were the one being bullied. You would want someone to try and support you. In this case, be the change you wish to see in the world!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">How do I Cope with School Bullying?</h2></div><div class="box3"><h3 style="text-align: center;">First, Talk to an Adult</h3><p>If you are a teen getting bullied at school, know that you do not have to go through this alone! There is support out there that you can access. Don’t be afraid to talk to a teacher, parent, or counselor that you can trust. Tell them what is going on and how this bullying has been affecting you. You do not deserve to suffer in silence! </p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Second, Remember How Special You Are</h3><p>When you get bullied, you feel like there is something wrong with you. You start asking yourself questions like, “Why me?” “What is wrong with me?” “What can I do to stop this?”</p><p>Although it can be hard, always remember how amazing you are! In general, if someone is bullying you, it says more about them than it does about you. Most people who bully are unhappy with themselves and their lives. Don’t let them dull your shine!</p><p>Also know how strong you are. Despite all obstacles, you show resilience. Bullying is very hard to deal with and you deserve to have support in your life!</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Third, Lean on Social Support</h3><p>Instead of focusing on the people who are mean, focus on those who see how wonderful you are. Go to your friends, siblings, and loved ones who love and respect you. If you want to meet more friends, join different clubs, sports teams, or groups. Have faith that there are people out there who will see how amazing you truly are. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fourth, Work on Self-Esteem</h3><p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01691/full">High self-esteem</a> has been seen to help victims of bullying. Building self-esteem can help victims of bullying cope with the effects of their harassment. </p><p>A teen can build self-esteem by:</p><ul><li>Talking positively to themselves through positive affirmations<ul><li>I am strong, I am always enough, My bullies don’t see the true beauty I hold, I always deserve respect and care </li></ul></li><li>Surrounding themselves with people who uplift them and make them feel good</li><li>Seeking positive representation in the media<ul><li>A plus-size teen girl can find inspiration from people like Barbara Ferreira, Ashley Graham, or Lizzo</li><li>A bisexual teen can find inspiration from Lili Reinhart or Frank Ocean</li></ul></li><li>Being kind to others and spreading joy in the world</li><li>Celebrating their talents and exploring what makes them special<ul><li>in particular: art, writing, singing, dancing, etc.</li></ul></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fifth, Enhance Emotional Intelligence</h3><p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00367/full">Emotional Intelligence (EI)</a> is a protective factor against bullying. <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-10-0983-9_37">EI</a> is the ability to access and understand your emotions and the emotions of those around you. Enhancing this trait in your life can help you cope with bullying. This can be done through many different ways. </p><p>EI is all about understanding yourself and others. One way to understand yourself better is to journal. Journaling allows you to explore your emotions through writing. Ask yourself these prompts:</p><ul><li>How am I feeling?</li><li>Why. doI feel this way?</li><li>What can I do to improve my mood if I’m feeling down?</li></ul><p>Another way to explore your emotions is through accepting them. It is important to recognize your emotions as well as embrace and feel them. If you are journaling and notice you feel sad, do things that will help you accept your feelings and care for yourself. For example, listen to an emotional song, vent to a friend, or <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/suppressing-emotions-you-may-need-a-good-cry/">cry</a>.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-17510 alignleft" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-6188000-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-6188000-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-6188000-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-cottonbro-6188000-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>After you let your emotions out, try and do something that will positively affect your mood like saying<a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/how-positive-affirmations-can-improve-your-well-being/"> positive affirmations</a>, meditating, or watching your favorite show. For more tips, read our article <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-mindfulness-practices-to-improve-your-well-being/">here</a>.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sixth, Seek Therapy for School Bullying</h3><p>A therapists can help support you if you are being bullied. Therapy can assist you in venting your feelings, validating your emotions, building self-esteem, and helping you cope. Therapy can also help you deal with depression, anxiety, or PTSD if you face these disorders.</p><p><a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/">Our therapists</a> at <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/">Mind Connections</a> can help you deal with your bullying effectively. We also help teens with a <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/help-teens-to-manage-back-to-school-stress/">variety of other issues</a> that can be bothering them life school stress, relationships, friendships, and plans for the future. Our therapists at <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/">Mind Connections</a> want to support you! <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/contact/">Contact us</a> to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone calls to receive the help you deserve! School Bullying needs to end!</p><p>Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/school-bullying/">School Bullying: Ways to Help Teens to Cope and Fight It</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/school-bullying/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Friendship Breakups 101</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/friendship-break-up-101/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=friendship-break-up-101</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/friendship-break-up-101/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2021 22:26:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Online Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[best friend break up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[deppression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[depression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[friendship]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teletherapy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=16772</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Friendship Breakups 101 As sad as it can be, we’ve all had a friendship breakup or witnessed a split between two former besties. The media specifically seems to talk a lot about romantic breakups, but friendship breakups seem like they don’t get as much attention. Sometimes the pain of ending a friendship can hurt just ... <a title="Friendship Breakups 101" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/friendship-break-up-101/" aria-label="More on Friendship Breakups 101">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/friendship-break-up-101/">Friendship Breakups 101</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="16772" class="elementor elementor-16772" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6d4f8dd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="6d4f8dd" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-966a1d4" data-id="966a1d4" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-3048e16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="3048e16" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h1 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Friendship Breakups 101</h1> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-aac41ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="aac41ea" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>As sad as it can be, we’ve all had a friendship breakup or witnessed a split between two former besties. The media specifically seems to talk a lot about romantic breakups, but friendship breakups seem like they don’t get as much attention. Sometimes the pain of ending a friendship can hurt just as much or even more than losing a partner.</p><p>If you have recently experienced a friendship break-up, we hope you are doing well! This time of transition can be quite sad, lonely, and challenging to deal with. Comparatively to a romantic break up, it takes time to heal and move on from this pain! <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/">Mind Connections</a> offer support for you in this time and wants to help you through this rough period. Keep reading to learn more!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Why are Friends Important?</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">Early Development</h3><p>Making friends is an important part of our lives. Furthermore, humans are social beings and our social support is vital to our well-being. This idea stems from <a href="https://www.homeworkgain.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2019/10/20190718021556love_friendship_and_social_support.pdf">Durkheim, </a>a French sociologist. He believed that positive social connection is a major part of how we successfully navigate the world. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-16775 size-medium alignright" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/charlein-gracia-Ux5mdMJNEA-unsplash-300x201.jpg" alt="friendship break-up" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/charlein-gracia-Ux5mdMJNEA-unsplash-300x201.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/charlein-gracia-Ux5mdMJNEA-unsplash-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/charlein-gracia-Ux5mdMJNEA-unsplash-768x514.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/charlein-gracia-Ux5mdMJNEA-unsplash-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/charlein-gracia-Ux5mdMJNEA-unsplash-2048x1371.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>Moreover, it can lead to important developments and learning opportunities in our lives. Notably, according to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811006343">studies</a>, friendship helps us develop <a href="https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S1877042811006343?token=301DA07812E8969376969B9FF77670EDF0FC15BFD2A17BEFCC498E37019884962262890057E080B41CC1BFEBE3DEAD37&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20211005021947">skills, identify virtues, and even an image of what a good leader</a> looks like. A young child’s ability to make a maintain connections with other kids means a lot – <a href="https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S187704281505627X?token=125306DAF5CB20201BA383FFB7BB9A368F6ECEA42ECC5AEE42F5E7C1CF506E94626489C2C3BF6350BDA813A9B5CDDD57&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20211005023642">researchers</a> say that this is an important signifier of how they will relate to the world in their adult life.</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6587842/">Studies</a> show that children with a high amount of friends and positive relationships fostered better self-worth. This research also emphasized how important best friends can be to youth. When two participants both considered each other their best friend, reported enhanced quality of their friendships overall.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">Teenage Years </span></h3><p>Many teenagers seem attached to their friends by the hip. Having healthy and good friendships with other teens <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/behaviour/peers-friends-trends/teen-friendships">helps the teen with their confidence.</a> As most of us know, being a teen isn’t easy. There are many factors that cause stress for this age group like school stress, puberty, and relationships. The fact that positive teenage friendships improve <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/behaviour/peers-friends-trends/teen-friendships">confidence and belonging</a> in teens is wonderful.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-10130 size-medium" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/noorulabdeen-ahmad-MW_2Osq-yIE-unsplash-300x214.jpg" alt="friendship break-up" width="300" height="214" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/noorulabdeen-ahmad-MW_2Osq-yIE-unsplash-300x214.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/noorulabdeen-ahmad-MW_2Osq-yIE-unsplash-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/noorulabdeen-ahmad-MW_2Osq-yIE-unsplash-768x549.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/noorulabdeen-ahmad-MW_2Osq-yIE-unsplash-1536x1097.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>Teen best friends mean a lot to this age group. Think back to your best friend from your teenage years. This friendship was pivotal to your time in high-school, especially the positive peer pressure. Of course, these friendships had their highs and lows. As teenagers, we are learning more and more about communicating our feelings and conflict resolution. Together with the hormonal changes, most of the high-school drama stems from still being rusty at these practices.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Adult Life to Elderly</h3><p>It can feel hard to keep in contact as much with our friends as we get older. Work as well as marriages and kids start taking up every inch of people’s schedules. When you can get together, the time is usually relished and appreciated by all.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-16777 size-medium" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-oliver-li-6500538-300x200.jpg" alt="friendship break-up" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-oliver-li-6500538-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-oliver-li-6500538-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-oliver-li-6500538-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-oliver-li-6500538-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pexels-oliver-li-6500538-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>It is so special to grow old with a friend. You will get to experience each other’s amazing life milestones and grow as people together. Truthfully, I think we all long for a friend that we can rock alongside in our rocking chairs when we are old and grey while reminiscing about the past.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Why Does a Friendship Break-Up Hurt So Much?</h2><p>With all of this being said, having a close friend can be an amazing experience in life. If these close relationships ended in a best friend break-up, it can be devastating. You start to imagine all the memories, laughs, and special times you had together start to slip away. The person you always turned to becomes the person you turn away from and don’t run over to when you see them in public accidentally one day. Even after years and years that passed, your parents will still ask you, “Have you seen ___ lately? I wonder how they are doing!”</p><p>It all is, simply put, heartbreaking. The longer you’ve been friends with someone feels even more hurtful to end. When a friendship of 10 years suddenly comes crashing down, it feels like a decade of your life has been altered. If you are experiencing any of this pain, Mind Connections wants to offer our support and care. It is not easy, but you are strong and will make it through these tough times!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">How to Get Over a Friendship Break-up?</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">First, Feel Your Emotions and Reach Acceptance During your Friendship Break-up. </h3><p>Similarly to any breakup, one must go through the emotions they are feeling. As mentioned in our article about <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/grieving-stages-of-a-breakup-and-how-to-get-over-it-fast/">romantic breakups</a>, people who lose an important figure in their life, many times, go through the grieving process. </p><p><a href="https://dictionary.apa.org/stages-of-grief">Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross </a>coined 5 stages of grief:</p><ul><li>Denial</li><li>Anger</li><li>Bargaining</li><li>Depression</li><li>Acceptance</li></ul><p>To reach acceptance after a friendship break-up, you have to go through these stages. Be patient and show yourself self-compassion in these times. It can be hard to be honest with yourself and actually embrace what you are feeling. <strong>Journaling</strong> can be a great way to express your emotions in this time. You don’t have to speak them out loud so it might be easier to translate them through pen and paper.</p><p>Finally accepting the loss of your best friend can take some time. When you reach this stage, be proud of the growth and healing you went though. You are stronger from it all!</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Second, Use the Friendship Break-up as a Teaching Moment</h3><p>As much as you may have cared for your friendship, there was a reason it ended. Maybe it was due to bad communication, a huge argument, a betrayal, constant boundary crossing, or just fading from each other’s lives. In your next attempt at making a best friend, think back to this relationship. What was good about it and what was bad? Try to make note of these things and what to avoid/desire in your next close friendship.</p><p>Try and appreciate all that you have learned from your friend. Even though the relationship is over, you can still smile at the happy times and memories.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Third, Listen to Your Inner Child</h3><p>Think of yourself as a child for a second. What kind of friend were they? What kind of friend did they want to have?Think of yourself as a child for a second. When you were a kid, hanging out with your friends was probably one of the main things you looked forward to at school and during the week.</p><p>If you feel lost after losing your best friend and worry that things will never get better, remember your inner child! The excitement and happiness you felt seeing your friends at the lunch table will happen again.</p><p>Also, think of the simplicity of children’s friendships. All a kid really wants is a friend to have fun with, feel comfortable around, and play games with. This shows that a good friendship doesn’t need to be so complicated. You will be able open up to and be happy with another friend when the time is right in your life.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fourth, Try not to Gossip</h3><p><span class="JsGRdQ">As easy as it can be to fall into, try your best not to spread gossip about your ex-friend. In times when you feel like doing so, remember the happiness you once brought each other. If your friend told you something in private when you were still close, try and respect those secrets too. You wouldn’t want your ex-friend airing out all of your secrets either. Also, remember that you might one day reconcile with this person. Your friend breakup can turn out to only be a friend BREAK. Don’t do anything reckless!</span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fifth, Reach Out to Loved Ones</h3><p><span class="JsGRdQ">When you lose a friend you were very close to, it can be easy to isolate from others. Remember to appreciate the people you still have in your life. Reach out to them when you are ready and try socializing. Just because a friend isn’t your closest person, doesn’t mean their friendship has less value or meaning. We all have friends that we are close to for different reasons and relate to in varying ways.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sixth, Boost Self-Esteem </h3><p>As highlighted before, friends give kids and teens a sense of security and self-worth. <span class="JsGRdQ">When you lose a friend, you might </span><span class="JsGRdQ">blame yourself and lose confidence. Remember </span><span class="JsGRdQ">that no matter what happens in life, you are always enough! Practice self-care and remind yourself of how amazing you truly are.</span></p><p>Some ideas are:</p><ul><li>Having a spa night</li><li>Listing 3 things you like about yourself and 3 ways you make a good friend</li><li>Getting enough sleep, nutritious food, and water in your days</li><li>Exercising and getting your body moving to produce good-feeling chemicals</li><li>Laughing at a funny movie or comedy skit</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;">Seventh, Seek New Perspective, a Friendship Breakup or a Break?</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Sometimes a friendship breakup may be misinterpreted, that is, it actually may just be a friendship break. When friendship hits pause, it does not necessarily mean the end of a relationship. “A friendship break allows both friends to take a deep breath, reassess the situation and see if they even miss each other during the cooling off period,” says sociologist <a href="http://www.drjanyager.com/">Jan Yager.</a> In other words, the break is temporary. After friends separate for some time, it is still possible to reunite one day. </p><p>With that in mind, you want to take this hiatus as a time to focus on yourself before you may reconnect with your friend. Truth be told, it can be helpful to talk things out before you take a break. Let’s face it, there might be betrayal, hurt, or boundary crossing, but there might also be misunderstanding or miscommunication.</p><p>You never know when your paths could cross again. If you rekindle your relationship it can end up being even stronger – you two survived the many disappointments and crisis. Even if your friendship ends in a true break-up, at least you can feel relief that you have no regret. This makes it easier to accept the reality because you have done your best.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Eighth, Go to Therapy</h3><p>If you are really struggling with a best friend break up, therapy can help. A therapist can help you repair your <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/self-esteem-therapy-in-new-york/">self-worth</a>, work on any <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/depression-therapy-nyc/">depression</a>/<a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/anxiety-therapist-in-new-york/">anxiety</a> you are facing, and give you hope that good friends are out there.</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-3961 size-full" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/need-to-seek-therapy.png" alt="therapy NYC" width="205" height="102" /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Some therapy for Friendship Break-up</h3><p><strong>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):</strong> therapy that can help you reframe your negative thoughts and alter your thought patterns to be more positive.</p><p><strong>Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): </strong>therapy that helps people accept what is going on in their life and find peace with their situation. This therapy model helps clients practice mindfulness and tune into the present moment.</p><p>Mind Connections offer <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/online-therapy/">online therapy</a> for anyone grieving or looking for support. Call now for a FREE 15-minute consultation. </p><p>Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/friendship-break-up-101/">Friendship Breakups 101</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/friendship-break-up-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gallo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:52:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[All Categories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Online Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[depression]]></category> <category><![CDATA[e counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[highly sensitive person]]></category> <category><![CDATA[highly sensitive person test]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hsp]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[overwhelming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sensory sensitivity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trauma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[video therapy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=15848</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People Do you feel noise, light, and smell can easily overwhelm you?  You seem to feel stressed easily over things you have to do within a short period of time? Does the world seem like to affect you more than others?  You tend to have a rich ... <a title="7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person/" aria-label="More on 7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person/">7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="15848" class="elementor elementor-15848" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d615395 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="d615395" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cded2d5" data-id="cded2d5" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4de0d5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="4de0d5f" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h1 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People</h1> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-cffc47a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="cffc47a" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <ul><li>Do you feel noise, light, and smell can easily overwhelm you? </li><li>You seem to feel stressed easily over things you have to do within a short period of time?</li><li>Does the world seem like to affect you more than others? </li><li>You tend to have a rich inner world, or you think a lot and feel a lot?</li><li>You tend to feel your emotions more deeply and intensely than others? </li><li>Are you told by others “you are just too sensitive”? </li></ul><p>If you answer yes to these questions, you may be a highly sensitive person (<a href="https://hsperson.com/">HSP</a>). What is a highly sensitive person? A highly sensitive person refers to those who tend to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. In the first place, it is important to notice that the world is full of upsetting events and situations. HSPs are different than others in the way they are affected by these stressors. Many HSP have low tolerance for stress and feel overwhelmed way more than the people around them.</p><p>You may have been googling, “highly sensitive person test,” before stumbling upon this blog. If you relate to this article so far and want to learn more, keep reading!</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person</h2><div class="frame1"><div class="box1"><p>Have you been called “too sensitive” before? You may have not only been offended by this but also confused by what the person meant. What does it mean to be sensitive? Let’s use and example.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-16058" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-alexandr-podvalny-1008000.jpg" alt="highly sensitive person test" width="1" height="1" /></p><p>For example, Tara is a HSP. This means that she is more in tune with and affected by her surroundings. When someone is upset around her, Tara picks up on this easily and may even feel upset in the light of this. She dislikes any <a href="https://hsperson.com/">situation that is overwhelming in any way.</a> As a matter of fact, Tara tries to avoid <a href="https://hsperson.com/">tv shows or movies</a> that contain too much excitement for her liking. She searched “highly sensitive person test” and related to the questions.</p><p>In addition to this scenario, here are some other signs of being a HSP. Thanks to Dr. Elaine Aron’s work, researchers believe that a HSP will:</p><ul><li>Do anything they can to avoid stressful or complicated situations</li><li>Have high levels of empathy<ul><li>These people feel the emotions of others easily. They feel uncomforted when this happens</li></ul></li><li>Deeply affected by daily occurrences and experiences<ul><li><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2165222816660077">Loud noises, caffeine, pain, </a><a href="https://hsperson.com/"> intense TV or movie scenes, strong smells, loud noises</a></li></ul></li><li>Be more <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710689/">prone to depression</a> and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2165222816660077">health issues</a></li><li>Usually like being <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2165222816660077">alone</a> and feel safe when doing so</li><li>Feel emotions in an intense way</li><li>Get overstimulated by inner thoughts or outside factors</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;">What Causes Someone to be Highly Sensitive?</h2><p>Coupled with the signs of being an HSP comes the curiosity about its cause. Researchers <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086365/">Acevedo et al. </a>believe that people are highly sensitive for a reason. Their research goes along with the idea that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086365/">sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)</a> is the trait that influences HPS. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086365/">Acevedo et al. </a>believe that this trait causes people to have “enhanced awareness and behavioral readiness.” This causes a HSP to have increased sensitivity to their surroundings. They also believe that being an HSP can relate to the different parts of your brain and their varyings activations.</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Risk Factors for a Highly Sensitive Person</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">Depression</h3><p>According to research, Highly Sensitive People are more prone to poor<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710689/"> mental health</a> and elevated <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6710689/">psychological distress</a>. Depression may be common in people who are highly sensitive. One major reason HSP can have depression are non-stop stimulation from <a href="https://highlysensitive.org/highly-sensitive-people-and-depression-overstimulation-may-lead-to-depression/">environmental, internal bodily, and interpersonal stimuli.</a> These ideas are presented in Social Psychologist Elaine Aron’s <a href="https://highlysensitive.org/highly-sensitive-people-and-depression-overstimulation-may-lead-to-depression/">research. </a></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">First, Environmental factors:</h3><p>How the outside world affects someone who is a HSP</p><ul><li>A toxic work environment</li><li>Big and intimidating crowds</li><li>Uncomfortable social situations</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;">Second, Internal bodily/Inner Life factors:</h3><p>How inner thoughts and fears affect someone who is a HSP </p><ul><li>HSPs are very in tune with their body<ul><li>This can cause them to be neurotic over their health and worry about something happening to them</li></ul></li><li>HSPs have thoughts that are very critical over anxious existing in their head all day</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;">Third, Interpersonal factors</h3><p>How the relationship with other people affects someone who is HSP</p><ul><li>HSPs are like sponges. They absorb the feelings of the people around them. Other people’s stress becomes their own now.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;">Trauma</h2><p>Furthermore<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169872/">, research</a> has shown that people who have <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/trauma-therapy-in-new-york/">trauma</a> can have increased levels of empathy. Empathy is a crucial part of being a HSP. </p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14107 size-medium alignleft" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/trym-nilsen-eXV-LsWfCOo-unsplash-300x173.jpg" alt="inner child work" width="300" height="173" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/trym-nilsen-eXV-LsWfCOo-unsplash-300x173.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/trym-nilsen-eXV-LsWfCOo-unsplash-1024x589.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/trym-nilsen-eXV-LsWfCOo-unsplash-768x442.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/trym-nilsen-eXV-LsWfCOo-unsplash-1536x884.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/trym-nilsen-eXV-LsWfCOo-unsplash-2048x1179.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>Moreover, <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/trauma-therapy-in-new-york/">trauma</a> is an emotional response to very stressful events. Trauma can lead to shattered sense of security, nightmares, flashbacks, intense emotions, anxiety, and many other mental health issues. These issues can last for weeks, months, or even years.</p><p>People who are HSP might be affected more by traumatic events than other people. Someone who is HSP feels each experience in their life with intensity. <a href="https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/how-unhealed-trauma-affects-highly-sensitive-people/">Correspondingly, if they experience a traumatic event it may affect them deeper.</a></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Positive Things about a Highly Sensitive Person</h2><p>As much as being an HSP can cause difficulty in someone’s life, it is equally important to bring up the positive parts of it. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Empathy Makes the World Go Round</h3></div><div class="box3"><div class="box1"><p>Empathy is the ability to understand other people. This capacity allows someone to take a walk in another person’s shoes for the day. If we all focused more on this ability to understand people, the world would be a better place. The world is full of horrible things, not to mention <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/how-to-deal-with-emotional-distress-caused-by-hate-crimes/">prejudice and hate crimes</a>, that highlight the lack of empathy in our world. We need more empathy, ALWAYS!</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Imagination and Creativity</h3><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-16054 size-medium aligncenter" src="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-pixabay-279321-300x200.jpg" alt="highly sensitive person test" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-pixabay-279321-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-pixabay-279321-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-pixabay-279321-768x511.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-pixabay-279321-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-pixabay-279321-2048x1363.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p><p>Research holds that highly sensitive people are more <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2165222816660077">imaginative and creative. </a>Their ability to feel emotions deeply can produce amazing artistic results. The best art, movies, television scenes, or poems speak rawly and powerfully to the human experience. What better person to indulge in these ideas than an HSP?</p><h2 style="text-align: center;">How to Manage Stress when you are a Highly Sensitive Person</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">First, Accept yourself for who you are</h3><p>Your trait being a highly sensitive person is totally normal. It is not any disorder. In fact, about 15-20% of the people are highly sensitive. Research has found that it is better when you observe carefully before acting or entering a new situation. In this case, being highly sensitive is a total advantage and makes you special! Therefore, it is important to accept yourself and your feelings. There is no reason to blame yourself or feel shame about having high sensitivity. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Second, Take Care of Yourself</h3><p>Being a HSP feels like a full-time job. Likewise, it feels like you are constantly “on” every second of the day. Comparatively to off-time from work, HSP need downtime. Highly sensitive person test themselves and are constantly under pressure. Try to implement self-care practices into each day. Remember, these practices don’t need to be huge productions, they can be small and simple.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Some ideas are:</h4><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Taking a soothing bath</li><li>Wearing comfortable clothes</li><li>Napping when you feel overwhelmed</li><li>Eating right and drinking enough water</li><li>Watching shows and movies that calm you down and make you happy</li><li>Spending time with people who care</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">Third, Identify Triggers and Minimize Overstimulation </h3><p>It is totally understandable that you try to avoid overstimulation. Very often, what is natural for others to do, may be too much for you. For instance, a packed schedule without any break, a long commute of 2 hours, or a restaurant that is too crowded or too loud, you will likely have to wear out sooner. With this understanding of yourself and your needs, it is important to stay away from such situations. Meanwhile, if you have to set boundaries and say “No” to people to reduce such triggers, it is ok to do so too.</p><p>There will be times in life where you cannot control your circumstances. With this in mind, it is still important to identify your triggers to reduce overstimulation. In order to minimize your exposure, you must first ask yourself what situations affect or overstimulate you. </p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Consider these questions:</h4><ul><li>When do I feel most triggered and stressed?</li><li>Where am I?</li><li>Who am I with?</li><li>Why do I feel this way?</li></ul><p>For more, look up “highly sensitive person test.” These questions will help you understand yourself and your sensitivity level better. If there is someone in your life that stresses you out each time you see them or a show that gives you anxiety to watch, try your best to detach from these factors.</p><p>As mentioned before, there will be situations that you cannot control or easily walk away from. Try to accept the things you can control and focus on making those changes.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fourth, Create your Safe Space or Relaxing Zone </h3><p>In addition to the last point, it is also important to set up a safe space for yourself. Let’s face it, if you are an HSP you may need more time to yourself. <span class="JsGRdQ">HSPs can reach burnout quickly & process information deeply. Find a place where you can recharge and relax.</span> Knowing all of these reasons, you want to find some time in your home or your bedroom to recharge.</p><p>In order to reduce misunderstanding from your loved ones, you may want to explain the situation to them. For example, share with them that you need some alone time for about half an hour after work. If are feeling overwhelmed and need to be alone, let your loved ones know. Take a nap to rest, listen to some soothing music, meditate, or do whatever makes you feel safe and relaxed. Such compensation helps with the balance of your energy. </p></div></div><div class="box1"><h3 style="text-align: center;">Fifth, Practice Mindfulness Meditation</h3><p>Mindfulness practices are great for people who experience high-levels of stress. These activities allow the person to find peace in the present moment. <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/5-mindfulness-practices-to-improve-your-well-being/">Mindfulness practice</a>s could include breathing techniques, mindful walking, mindful showering, mindful eating, mindful cooking, or any meditation that you prefer.</p><p>When you practice mindfulness meditation, you actually learn to step back and observe your thoughts, feelings, and even physical reactions. By doing so, you are able to separate all these from your “self”. You are an objective observer instead of deeply involving yourself in the emotions and thoughts. That is, mindfulness meditation has a lot of <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/ways-to-cope-with-stress-when-highly-sensitive-4126398">advantages</a>:</p><ul id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-19" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"><li>Calm your body more quickly from stressors.</li><li>Detach yourself from things emotionally more easily. </li><li>Stay grounded and rational.</li><li>Build resilience to stress.</li></ul></div><div class="box3"><div class="box1"><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sixth, Lean on Support</h3><p>In times where being an HSP, gets to be too much, lean on your loved ones. If some people in your life find it hard to understand your situation, look for support groups to join. Statistically, there are <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/what-its-like-highly-sensitive-person-hsp#:~:text=Dr.,of%20the%20population%20are%20HSPs.">15 to 20</a> percent of the population who are HSPs. Specifically, this means that there are people out in the world who can relate to all of your experiences as a HSP.</p></div><div class="box1"><h3 style="text-align: center;">Seventh, Seek Therapy</h3><p>Therapy can help someone a highly sensitive person navigate the world better. A highly sensitive person test can help you in some ways but receiving actual therapeutic help is key. A therapist can help you<a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/stress-management-therapy-in-new-york/"> manage stress</a> and build <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/self-esteem-therapy-in-new-york/">self-esteem. </a>Since <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/depression-therapy-nyc/">depression</a> and <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services-ocd-depression-couples-therapy-online-therapies-free-online-therapist/trauma-therapy-in-new-york/">trauma</a> are relevant to HSPs, receiving therapy to deal with these underlying issues might help. The therapists at <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/">Mind Connections</a> want to help you! Call now for a free 15-minute phone consultation. </p><p>敏感型人,压力管理,焦虑,抑郁,正念冥想</p><p>Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></p></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person/">7 Tips to Manage Stress for Highly Sensitive People</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/7-tips-to-manage-stress-for-highly-sensitive-person/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Online Couples Therapy – An Answer to Your Relationship Problems</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[junecao]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:53:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Online Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[couples counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[couples therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[marriage counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online therapy for couples]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationship problems]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=2350</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Online Couples Therapy – An Answer To Your Relationship Problems Spending time together is essential but not easy for a romantic relationship. Approximately half of the first marriages end in a divorce or separation in the U.S. Yet spending time almost 24/7 during the COVID pandemic brings more strains and conflicts. Couples often struggle with ... <a title="Online Couples Therapy – An Answer to Your Relationship Problems" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems/" aria-label="More on Online Couples Therapy – An Answer to Your Relationship Problems">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems/">Online Couples Therapy – An Answer to Your Relationship Problems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="2350" class="elementor elementor-2350" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-22758f7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="22758f7" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-bb27807" data-id="bb27807" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-b39f522 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="b39f522" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h1 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Online Couples Therapy - An Answer To Your Relationship Problems</h1> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-a807af1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="a807af1" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>Spending time together is essential but not easy for a romantic relationship. Approximately half of the first marriages end in a divorce or separation in the U.S. Yet spending time almost 24/7 during the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/usmt20/current">COVID pandemic brings more strains and conflicts</a>. Couples often struggle with various issues, such as emotional disengagement, infidelity, financial issues, power struggles, jealousy, communication difficulties, and sexual dissatisfaction. Online couples therapy can be an answer to your relationship problems.</p><p>High-quality couples counseling can help you to resolve conflicts, cope with distress, prevent breakup or divorce, and improve your relationship while you grow together with your partner. However, many couples do not receive therapy even though their marriage is close to the breaking point. We will answer questions you may have about couples therapy or marriage counseling, particularly when it is all virtual during the pandemic.</p><h2><strong><b>1. What is couples therapy or marriage counseling?</b></strong></h2><figure id="attachment_3164" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3164" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3164 size-full" src="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy.jpg" alt="couples therapy" width="630" height="420" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy.jpg 630w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3164" class="wp-caption-text">Couples therapy can be online or in person</figcaption></figure><p>Couples therapy or marriage counseling is a type of psychotherapy. It helps couples of all types to gain insight in their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction, make thoughtful decisions. These decisions may be either about rebuilding and strengthening your relationship, or going your separate ways. In other words, couples therapist treats the relationship itself rather than each individual separately.</p><h2><strong><b>2. Is couples therapy effective? How about virtual marriage counseling?</b></strong></h2><p>Research results on couples counseling are positive and substantial across different cultural groups. Based on a survey by <a href="https://www.aamft.org/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx">American Association of Marriage and Family</a>, more than 97% of couples said they got the help they needed from couples therapy. Approximately 93% of couples said therapy gave them more effective tools for dealing with conflict. In addition, most couples are able to gain insight into their relational patterns, increase emotional expression, and improve communication and problem-solving skills with their partners more effectively.</p><p>Studies of online therapy, in general, show that it is as effective as in-person therapy in treating all sorts of issues. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30240874/">Another study</a> found the web-based programs for couples improved relationship satisfaction and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Overall, 97% of the couples said they would recommend the program to a friend. </p><h2><strong><b>3</b></strong><strong><b>. How does couples counseling work</b></strong><strong><b>?</b></strong></h2><p>Couples therapy usually starts with initial evaluation that includes standard interview questions to assess the history of the relationship, each partner’s backgrounds, values, and understanding of their relationship issues. </p><p>The couples therapist will assist the couple to identify the issues in their relationship, establish treatment goals, and plan a structure for intervention.</p><p>During the treatment phase, the therapist will help the couple to gain insight into the relational dynamics and help them to understand their roles in the dysfunctional interactions. With a different perception of the relationship and their roles, the couple can learn to change their behaviors and ways of interacting with each other. Couples therapists often give the couple homework assignments to practice the skills they have learned in therapy in their daily interactions.</p><h2><strong><b>4. Who can benefit from </b></strong><strong><b>online </b></strong><strong><b>couples therapy</b></strong><strong><b>?</b></strong></h2><figure id="attachment_2873" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2873" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2873 size-medium" src="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-300x200.jpg" alt="online therapy for couples" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2873" class="wp-caption-text">Online therapy can help couples and family</figcaption></figure><p>Teletherapy for couples, similar to in-person couples therapy, can benefit partners from diverse backgrounds, choices, and preferences. This could include,</p><ul><li>People with different sexual and gender identity, either straight or gay couples;</li><li>Couples of all ethnic groups and interracial relationships;</li><li>People at different age groups, teenage or college relationships, couples with a big age gap, and married couples for many years but still need to work on their relationship;</li><li>Couples who are at dating stage but need to learn how to be in a healthy relationship;</li><li>Premarital counseling for people who are engaged or ready to get married;</li><li>Couples who face breakup, separation, or divorce;</li><li>Couples who need to learn parenting or co-parenting after a separation or divorce;</li><li>A happy couple who may want to learn how to improve sex life, argue less, or have more productive communication;</li><li>People in alternative relationships, or outside of the monogamy “norm”, such as consensual nonmonagomy, polyamory, swinging, and couples in an open relationship</li></ul><h2><strong><b>5. What issues can </b></strong><strong><b>online </b></strong><strong><b>couples counseling </b></strong><strong><b>help you with?</b></strong></h2><p>Online couples therapy could help to address different areas of concerns. It includes communication problems, issues with money, intimacy or sexual issues, infidelity, parenting, in-laws, chronic health issues, infertility, gambling, substance use, emotional distance and frequent conflicts.</p><p>Take divorce as an example. You don’t need to wait until you are about to break up. If your <a href="https://www.talkspace.com/blog/category/relationships/">relationship</a> becomes shaky, divorce is not the only option. <a href="https://www.talkspace.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-couples-therapy-2/">Marriage counseling</a> can help you to figure out what is going on with your relationship. At the same time, it helps to restore the foundation of your marriage and figure out the appropriate decision. Marital counseling assists you to heal old wounds and start fresh again if you choose to stay in your marriage. Even if you decide to end it, understanding your past relationship dynamic could at least assist you to stop repeating your relationship patterns. This way, it serves as a great aid to improve yourself in future relationships.</p><h2><strong><b>6. Is online couples therapy as effective as therapy in office?</b></strong></h2><figure id="attachment_3165" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3165" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3165" src="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-copy-150x150.jpg" alt="online therapy for couples" width="300" height="180" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-copy-300x180.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-copy-1024x613.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-copy-768x460.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-copy-1536x920.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3165" class="wp-caption-text">Online therapy for couples is as effective as in person</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/vbqp48/is-in-person-therapy-better-than-online-therapy">Research</a> shows that online counseling can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Virtual counseling for couples is fairly simple to navigate. Therefore, it is very beneficial for couples in a long-distance relationship. Similarly, it is ideal for those couples when one or both partners frequently travel and are unable to coordinate a time to attend couples therapy sessions together.</p><p>When couples live in the same house, sitting together and communicating through a singular device can simulate an in-person therapy session. In fact, having to sit closer together for visibility on the camera may even make <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/relationship-body-language-cues/">the couple feel more connected during the session;</a> By the same token, teletherapy for couples in a long distance relationship may increase their understanding of each other and themselves. Couples can “<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271928279_The_Role_of_Tele-Mental_Health_in_Therapy_for_Couples_in_Long-Distance_Relationships">see not only their partner’s nonverbal behavior, but their own as well,” through the device’s screen</a>. In other words, couples are able to experience what they look like from their partner’s point of view. This may help the partners work on their own “<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271928279_The_Role_of_Tele-Mental_Health_in_Therapy_for_Couples_in_Long-Distance_Relationships">maladaptive behaviors” and better understand the other’s perspective</a>.</p><h2><strong><b>7</b></strong><strong><b>. What if my partner does not want to go to couples therapy with me?</b></strong></h2><ul><li><h3>Ask the reason</h3></li></ul><p>Ask the reason why your partner is ambivalent about couples therapy. It could be because of</p><ul><li>negative experience in the past?</li><li>reluctance of airing out the dirty laundry to a stranger?</li><li>concerns of therapy leading to divorce?</li><li>some stigma about therapy?</li></ul><p>By openly discussing this, you can better understand if there are any of their objections that you can address.</p><ul><li><h3>A phone call with a therapist</h3></li></ul><p>Invite your partner to have a brief phone call with a couples therapist for information gathering. This is to feel what it is like to talk to a therapist.</p><ul><li><h3>Ask your partner to see a therapist just once</h3></li></ul><p>Ask whether your partner is willing to try to see the therapist with you only once. This may be like a get-acquaintance session with the therapist to help your partner to stop perpetuating negative patterns and work as a team to address your issues.</p><ul><li><h3>Try something different</h3></li></ul><p>Ask your partner to try something different, such as read a blog post or a book with you, attend a relationship webinar or workshop together, or check out a therapist’s website with you. Doing this can help your partner to gain insight into relationship issues.</p><ul><li><h3>Learn skills together</h3></li></ul><p>Attend therapy alone to learn skills to improve your relationship. This may not be ideal, but both partners are responsible for creating a distressed relationship, therefore, by learning to be a better partner, hopefully you can cross the bridge into your partner’s world.</p><ul><li><h3>Know your boundaries</h3></li></ul><p>Know your needs and set boundaries with your partner. Tell them </p><ul><li>the issues you see in the relationship,</li><li>what you hope to get professional help with,</li><li>what it means to you to seek couples counseling,</li><li>how couples therapy can help,</li><li>what could happen to the relationship if you do not seek help, and</li><li>the worst case scenario if it is a deal breaker to the relationship.</li></ul><p>This last part may sound like an ultimatum and can only be used when it is true rather than a manipulation. However, it is important that you use assertiveness skills to voice your needs.</p><h2><b></b><strong><b>8. How to prepare for couples therapy</b></strong></h2><ul><li>Discuss shared goals both you and your partner want out of therapy.</li><li>Search and find the couples therapist that is a good fit. Check their profile, website, videos, and reviews. This way, you will have an impression of what they do and whether you may feel comfortable with them.</li><li>Prepare a list of questions and talk to the therapist on the phone. By doing so, you may get some ideas of the therapist’s approach, experiences, specialty, and whether they have handled similar issues as yours.</li><li>At your appointment time, find a private place, get rid of the distractions, and join on one screen to get the best out of couples therapy. </li></ul><p>Written by <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4bc58f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="4bc58f0" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>Receiving therapy from the expert of your choice at the comfort of your home is an upcoming trend and need. At Mind Connections, our <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/">relationship experts</a> will provide the best <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services/relationship-couples-therapy-in-new-york/">online therapy for couples</a>. Give us a free phone call to discuss your options. You deserve the high quality professional help and convenience for a better relationship or marriage.</p> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-8675609 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="8675609" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="button.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-button-wrapper"> <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm" href=""> <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper"> <span class="elementor-button-text">BOOK NOW</span> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems/">Online Couples Therapy – An Answer to Your Relationship Problems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-couples-therapy-an-answer-to-your-relationship-problems/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>27</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Your Common Questions about Online Therapy Answered!</title> <link>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered</link> <comments>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[junecao]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:11:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Online Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[e counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online counseling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online couples therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[online therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[questions about teletherapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[telehealth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[teletherapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[video therapy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/?p=2187</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Your Common Questions About Online Therapy Answered The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us as a society to reprogram how the world normally operates. When it comes to therapy, practitioners had to find ways to connect with patients safely. Online therapy has been the method most therapists have turned to during this time. With its sudden ... <a title="Your Common Questions about Online Therapy Answered!" class="read-more" href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered/" aria-label="More on Your Common Questions about Online Therapy Answered!">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered/">Your Common Questions about Online Therapy Answered!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="2187" class="elementor elementor-2187" data-elementor-post-type="post"> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f865dc8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="f865dc8" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b447977" data-id="b447977" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-12775b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="12775b8" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h1 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default">Your Common Questions About Online Therapy Answered</h1> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-86be524 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="86be524" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us as a society to reprogram how the world normally operates. When it comes to therapy, practitioners had to find ways to connect with patients safely. Online therapy has been the method most therapists have turned to during this time. With its sudden surge of usage, you may be interested in learning more about this medium of therapy. This article can provide some answers to common questions about <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/online-therapy/">online counseling</a>. </p><h2><strong><b>It is fantastic that you are looking to start therapy! </b></strong></h2><p>The past year alone has brought so many challenges to our world. People have to deal with the pandemic’s consequences on top of other mental obstacles they may be facing. You may be dealing with financial and employment struggles, missing loved ones, or have the grey cloud of the pandemic looming over your head. Talking to an online therapist can help you through these challenging times and improve your overall well-being. </p><h2><strong><b>Can </b></strong><strong><b>online </b></strong><strong><b>th</b></strong><strong><b>e</b></strong><strong><b>r</b></strong><strong><b>a</b></strong><strong><b>py even help me?</b></strong></h2><p>You may be skeptical about the effectiveness of therapy behind a screen or through a phone. <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/07/cover-telepsychology">Research has shown that compared to therapy in office, teletherapy can provide the same beneficial support to people with various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder</a>, and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/well/mind/teletherapy-mental-health-coronavirus.html">post-traumatic stress disorder</a>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2564">Researchers found CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) provides through video-conferencing to be just as helpful as in-person therapy to people with mood and anxiety disorders.</a> </p><h2><strong><b>How can I receive </b></strong><strong><b>online counseling</b></strong><strong><b>?</b></strong></h2><p>You can receive teletherapy through a few different options: text (apps), phone calls (audio-only), or video calls. teletherapy through video calls, or video therapy, may feel the most similar to in-person interaction with a therapist. Video calls simulate face-to-face interaction and, in a time where social isolation is prevalent, this may help to produce a feeling of normality to a client. </p><figure id="attachment_2871" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2871" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2871 size-medium" src="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/seek-therapy-300x140.jpg" alt="mental health issues" width="300" height="140" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/seek-therapy-300x140.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/seek-therapy-768x359.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/seek-therapy.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2871" class="wp-caption-text">What issues can online therapy help?</figcaption></figure><h2><strong><b>What issues can online therapy cover?</b></strong></h2><p>Teletherapy can cover almost all issues in-person therapy covers such as,</p><ul><li>anxiety in various forms</li><li>depression</li><li>stress</li><li>trauma</li><li>eating disorders</li><li>emotion regulation</li><li>relationship issues</li><li>loss and grief</li><li>ADHD</li><li>OCD</li><li>PTSD</li><li>anger issue</li></ul><h2><strong><b>How does online therapy ensure confidentiality? </b></strong></h2><p>You may be concerned with the confidentiality of your online therapy sessions. Remember that it is crucial to use HIPAA compliant platforms that will ensure your privacy. <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html">The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services </a>has compiled a list of platforms that are HIPAA compliant. The top 5 platforms are:</p><ul><li><strong>Zoom for Healthcare,</strong></li><li><strong>Doxy.me, </strong></li><li><strong>Simple Practice</strong></li><li><strong>Thera-LINK</strong></li><li><strong>VSee</strong></li></ul><p>At Mind Connections, we use Zoom for Healthcare to ensure it is HIPAA compliant and protect your confidentiality.</p><figure id="attachment_2873" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2873" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2873 size-medium" src="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-300x200.jpg" alt="online therapy for couples" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/couples-therapy-counseling-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2873" class="wp-caption-text">Online therapy can help couples and family</figcaption></figure><h2><strong><b>Does online therapy work for couples and families? </b></strong></h2><p>Yes, online therapy can benefit couples and families. <strong><b>Couples</b></strong> can receive <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/services/relationship-couples-therapy-in-new-york/">online couples therapy</a> in their own home or even from different places in the world if they are in a long-distance relationship (LDR). When couples live in the same house, sitting together and communicating through a singular device can simulate an in-person therapy session. <a href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2021/online-couples-therapy.html">This closeness can be important for experiencing “eye-contact and physical touch” during the session.</a> Having to sit closer together for visibility on the camera may even make <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/relationship-body-language-cues/">the couple feel more connected during the session; physical closeness can indicate how emotionally in touch partners feel with each other</a>.</p><p>Couples in LDR benefit significantly from online therapy. Teletherapy gives these couples a platform to receive therapy even though they are geographically separated. Although they cannot sit next to their partner and benefit from the physical closeness, online couples therapy may increase their understanding of each other and themselves. Clients can “<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271928279_The_Role_of_Tele-Mental_Health_in_Therapy_for_Couples_in_Long-Distance_Relationships">see not only their partner’s nonverbal behavior, but their own as well,” through the device’s screen</a>. Clients are able to experience what they look like from their partner’s point of view; this may help the partners work on their own “<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271928279_The_Role_of_Tele-Mental_Health_in_Therapy_for_Couples_in_Long-Distance_Relationships">maladaptive behaviors” and better understand the other’s perspective</a>.</p><p><strong><b>Families </b></strong>can also benefit from online therapy. Video therapy, due to its convenience, allows for many people to join a session at once. This is useful for family members who are separated, especially due to COVID-19 circumstances. Like in couples therapy, if the family members reside in the same house, it may be beneficial to have everyone together on one screen. Children may struggle to pay attention during the entire session. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/famp.12589">Therapists can find ways to combat this issue by creating games that promote focus/attention, allowing for breaks, utilizing “mindfulness exercise,” and more</a>. </p><h2><strong><b>How do I pay?</b></strong></h2><p>You can make payments online for Tele mental health. This can be accomplished using a credit card or other types of electronic payment transfer.</p><h2><strong><b>Are there any differences between in-person and online therapy?</b></strong></h2><p>Not being in the same room as your therapist during your session seems to be the most glaring difference between online and in-person therapy. This may not be an ideal experience for you or your therapist, but the video aspect of online therapy is a way to try and recreate that same face-to-face feeling. Some people may feel more comfortable sharing their emotions behind a screen, which might help them convey their deeper thoughts more readily. Although most therapists prefer being in-person to observe a client’s cues and body language more clearly, video conferencing still allows for the client’s face/ facial expressions to be visible. Although there may be differences in each mode of therapy, Teletherapy has still been seen to provide effective support to clients, and that is what is most important! </p><figure id="attachment_2880" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2880" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-2880 size-medium" src="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/headphone-300x199.jpg" alt="online therapy reduces noise" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/headphone-300x199.jpg 300w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/headphone-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/headphone-768x510.jpg 768w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/headphone-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/headphone-2048x1360.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2880" class="wp-caption-text">Headphones or white noise to protect your privacy</figcaption></figure><h2><strong><b>What if I have roommates or a partner in a small apartment? I do not want them to hear me in session.</b></strong></h2><p>Achieving privacy may be an obstacle during your sessions. Therapist <a href="https://mentalhealthmatch.com/articles/coronavirus/private-space-teletherapy"><u>Jessica Eiseman </u></a>gave some very useful ideas to combat this issue could be for example, communicating with the people you live with about your privacy concerns. Maybe your roommate can go on a walk during your 45-minute session, or your sister can put headphones on while you are talking to your therapist. If you live with people who may not respect your wishes, one tip to help you to achieve some privacy is to play a <strong><b>white noise machine or app</b></strong> to help mask the conversation from other people. Another great tip is to use<strong><b> headphones </b></strong>during the session; this will make your therapist’s voice only available to your ears.</p><h2><strong><b>How should I prepare for my online therapy session?</b></strong></h2><ul><li>Since the comfort and calm of a usual therapist’s office is out of reach, you may want to try and find a <strong><b>quiet, safe place to talk to your therapist.</b></strong> If this is not possible, refer to the tips above to establish some seclusion.</li><li><strong><b>Stable internet access and a charged device</b></strong> to speak to your therapist on will make your experience in your session run smoothly.</li><li><strong><b>Put</b></strong> <strong><b>devices in your house on silent or low volume</b></strong> to minimize distraction.</li><li><strong><b>D</b></strong><strong><b>o what makes you feel comfortable</b></strong> – since you are conducting your online therapy from your own device, you can decide where to do it. Whether it is to wear a T-shirt or a fancy shirt with sweatpants, sit in your favorite fluffy chair or even in your car, your goal is to benefit from talking to your therapist.</li></ul><p>At <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/">Mind Connections</a>, we aim to provide the best online therapy experience you are looking for. <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/contact/">Contact us</a> for 15-minute free consultation and book your session. Your <a href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/">online therapist</a> is hopefully bringing you one step closer to achieving your most successful and happy self. Be proud of yourself for looking to support. Good luck with your online therapy experience.</p> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-43a0b1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor" data-id="43a0b1a" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="text-editor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p>Content Creator, <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gallo-988652204/">Victoria Gallo; </a></strong>Reviewed by <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/about/june-cao/">Dr. June Cao</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-4318acb elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="4318acb" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="button.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-button-wrapper"> <a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm" href="http://mindconnectionsnyc.com/contact/"> <span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper"> <span class="elementor-button-text">BOOK NOW</span> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered/">Your Common Questions about Online Therapy Answered!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mindconnectionsnyc.com">Mind Connections</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mindconnectionsnyc.com/your-common-questions-about-online-therapy-answered/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>