Blog | Endeavour Counseling

Is Brainspotting the New Way to Heal Trauma?

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:19:03 GMT

Certain behaviors can detect when a person is lying. Thanks to the autonomic nervous system, the body naturally reacts when telling a lie. For example, if you're lying, your eyes move to the right instead of the left to recall something. Your heart rate and blood flow can change. The brain works harder when telling a lie, so a simple activity like raising your arms while another pushes down on them becomes more difficult. Just like you can physically detect a lie, you, too, can physically identify trauma in your body through your eyes. Brainspotting is a relatively new form of therapy that does just that, uses eye movement to help you heal.

Your autonomic nervous system regulates body functions that you don't do consciously. Likewise, your limbic system is responsible for physical and emotional responses. Both reside deep within your brain, in the same location where trauma can get stuck. Brainspotting works by accessing both your autonomic and limbic systems through your eyes. As a result, this can provide access to your body's natural ability to heal itself.

Brainspotting is proving to effectively treat trauma and a variety of other mental health conditions. Could brainspotting be a good fit for you?

Tell Me More About Brainspotting

Combining specific eye movements and therapy isn't a new idea. For example, EMDR is an evidence-based method that organizations like the WHO and Department of Veteran Affairs highly recommend for treating PTSD. Brainspotting is similar to EMDR, and research shows it, too, provides positive results. Research continues as it grows in popularity, and more therapists learn and certify in this unique technique.

Psychotherapist David Grand developed brainspotting in 2003. CNN, NBC, Nightline, Extra, O Magazine , and The New York Times have all featured or cited Dr. Grand's work. He is known for his tremendous success in helping clients with trauma heal. Likewise, brainspotting has helped athletes heal physical injuries due to psychological distress. He also discovered this technique can successfully treat a condition that golfers refer to as "Yips." (brainspotting.com)

Right now, brain-based therapy is increasing and seems to be out-pacing any field in psychological health. After all, research shows these techniques can provide immediate results. On the contrary, traditional talk therapy can take years to get to a place of healing. (brainspotting.com)

Brainspotting is a powerful technique that therapists use to target a variety of mental health conditions. GoodTherapy.org reports that in addition to trauma, it's also successful in treating:

ADHD
Anxiety
Phobias
Anger issues
Substance Abuse
Chronic fatigue
Chronic pain
Sports performance issues
Impulse control

Brainspotting Therapy to Heal Trauma

Some refer to brainspotting therapy as BSP. This groundbreaking technique is helping people around the world heal from a variety of issues.

BSP specifically aims to locate and target areas in your body where trauma is being stored. With the guidance of your therapist, your focus and specific eye movements allow your brain to process a traumatic incident. Being in a safe environment with a therapist you trust is conducive to the healing process and a successful outcome.

At EndeavorCounseling.com , we have therapists who are certified in Brainspotting. As such, we may be able to use this technique to help you find and release deeply rooted issues that your conscious mind may be hiding from you. We'd love to talk to you. Call us today.

The Startling Impact of Complex Trauma You'll Want to Know About

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:33:58 GMT

It is no surprise childhood abuse, and neglect can lead to long-term and even lifelong issues as an adult. It can disrupt areas of a child's development and interfere with an ability to form a secure attachment. When you combine re-occurring exposure to abuse with its long-term effects, you get complex trauma. ( nctsn.org )

Complex trauma can develop when abuse or neglect replace safety and security in the home. Children in these situations are forced into survival mode. As a result, as we get older, we often discover unique coping skills that work for us to help survive day-to-day. However, these skills don't turn on and off depending upon who they're with. Instead, they may impact relationships for years to come.

Let's talk about the difference between complex trauma versus single incident trauma in adults and what we can do to help.

What's the difference between complex trauma and single incident trauma?

Single incident trauma occurs when there is a traumatic event. Examples include situations such as seeing a traumatic car accident, living through a natural disaster, or fighting in a war. The impact of this trauma can lead to PTSD.

The difference with complex trauma is the frequency of exposure. Witnessing or experiencing trauma frequently can lead to a variety of symptoms unique to complex trauma.

Often, complex trauma occurs within a relationship of trust. As a result, this can leave you in a constant state of feeling trapped. In addition to cases of child abuse and neglect, it can also occur through civil unrest, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation. Often first responders and individuals who's vocation is in the medical field are at a greater risk of living with complex trauma.

Ongoing exposure to trauma can have a severe impact on critical areas of development. For example, you may have issues with trust, forming healthy relationships, self-esteem, and identity. Adults who learn to withhold their emotions as a means to survive often struggle with emotional dysregulation. As a result, later in life, a relationship of trust may present itself, but loving another or being loved yourself may be extremely difficult.

What are Common Issues People with Complex Trauma May Face

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network helps us understand more of the challenges that come with complex trauma.

Complex trauma heavily impacts attachment and relationships. For example, a childhood attachment to a parent, or caregiver, is critical to their development. It's this relationship that teaches us how to trust others and communicate as adults. Likewise, interactions with parents lead to emotional regulation skills. Childhood is when you learn and gain a sense of self-worth and identity. Often, when abuse and neglect replace love and safety, children grow up believing that the world is a dangerous place. As a result, they learn to rely on themselves instead of others to fulfill their needs.

As you might imagine, this can transpire into a variety of issues as you grow into adulthood. Complex trauma can make it difficult to manage stress and emotions. For example, you may see children who have uncontrollable outbursts or display emotions that do not match the situation. Without help, this can continue into the teen and adult years.

Complex trauma can also impact your physical and mental health. Being under constant extreme stress can impair the development of your brain and immune system. ( nctsn.org )

Treatment for Complex Trauma

Blueknot.org offers helpful insight into the treatment of complex trauma. Although the type of therapy may differ, there is a specific approach to healing complex trauma that seems to be most effective. Through this three-step process, you'll

Work on self-regulation, stabilization, and establishing safety.
Reprocess trauma. EMDR is a highly effective therapeutic approach for healing trauma.
Reflect and reassess. You'll review the skills you've learned and applied well. In addition, you'll reassess areas that still need improvement.

The process of healing can be slow and difficult. Yet you don't have to face this alone. Counselors throughout the country are ready to server individuals who would like to move out of struggling to survive into a place where they can begin to live again. Your past does not have to be your future, and finding support is a good place to start. Reach out today!

Can EFT Help Couples Who Seem to Argue About Everything?

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 03:19:46 GMT

Are you tired of the endless bickering that takes place within your home? Does it seem like no matter what you do or say, it leads to an argument of some sort? If so, you and your partner may be stuck in a cycle of negative interactions. However, before you tap out or lose hope, you may want to try EFT.

EFT is a therapeutic approach that is helping couples reconnect. Your counselor can help you and your partner address insecurities within the relationship. Then, you'll learn new ways to interact with one another. Ultimately, this can help you improve your connection and heal.

Let's talk about what EFT is and how it may help you and your partner break free from the cycle you're in.

What is EFT?

EFT is also known as emotionally focused therapy and is rising in popularity. Research continues to show high success rates with long-term effectiveness among couples.

EFT was developed specifically around the attachment theory. When the attachment within a relationship is not secure, distress moves in, and contention can take over. As a result, hurt can create distance within the relationship. Over time, this leads to an insecure attachment where patterns of negative interactions form. However, with EFT, both of you can learn how to add love, happiness, and security back into your relationship.

Why Is EFT Sought After?

According to VeryWellMind.com , studies show EFT to be highly effective. Research shows that 70-75% of couples who participate shift from distress to recovery over the course of eight to twenty sessions. Likewise, the article states that nearly 90% of couples report significant improvements. The studies also show the effects are long-lasting. In other words, if you fall into the 90%, you're not likely to revert to your old ways after sessions end. ( verywellmind.com )

The intent of EFT is for people to gain clarity into their own emotional responses and of those they have relationships with. Counselors can use this model for both couples and family counseling. In both settings, it can significantly improve connection and emotional attachment.

The idea is that conflicts arise between couples when there is insecurity. This often leads to contention and arguments, regardless of the topic. So, if you find yourself disagreeing over what feels like everything, it could be due to insecurities within your relationship.

Insecurities can lead to questions like, "Am I important to you?" "Can I trust you?" "Do you see me?" Underlying thoughts and fears can lead to emotionally charged responses. As a result, negative cycles of interaction form leading to the constant arguing you may be experiencing right now.

EFT may help both of you address and overcome any doubts and insecurities. Likewise, you can learn how to interact in a loving way. As a result, emotional connection and safety can increase as healing takes place.

If you're ready to restore peace within your relationship, EFT may be right for you. If you are interested in EFT reach out to Endeavour Counseling , by visiting the website to learn more, or call today.

If Trauma Has You Feeling Stuck, Could EMDR Set You Free?

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 15:38:01 GMT

Trauma can leave you feeling stuck or frozen in time. After a traumatic event, triggers and flashbacks can take you back to that moment as if it is happening for the first time. Likewise, symptoms can impact your ability to work, interact with others, or even relax when you are by yourself. However, what if EMDR might be able to help you reprocess your traumatic memories, so you feel like you're moving forward again.

Trauma can occur in a variety of ways. In fact, two people may be involved in the same situation, yet one may process the event and move forward while the other goes on to develop PTSD. There are many factors that contribute to how you might process a traumatic event or end up with life-changing symptoms. However, one thing that might be able to help is EMDR.

Let's talk about how EMDR might be the key to moving forward after experiencing trauma.

Trauma and the Power of EMDR

Research provides insight into the powerful connection between our eyes and our minds. After all, our eyes are responsible for gathering information about the world around us. It makes sense then that eye movement could help us reprocess such data. Morris Psychological Group helps us understand more about EMDR in the article, "Healing Emotional Wounds with Eye Movement."

First, they point out, many organizations around the world recognize EMDR as a best practice for treating PTSD. The list includes the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs, the WHO, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

When you experience trauma, the impact can be rather damaging. Intense feelings of fear, helplessness, or lack of control, can result in subconscious, negative beliefs. Over time, this can heavily impact your physical and emotional well-being. Left unprocessed, trauma can affect your relationships, behaviors, and ability to cope with life in general.

Without the ability to process the situation, your memories can get stuck in your short-term memory. As a result, you may be easily triggered, resulting in flashbacks, a flood of emotions, and distress. Such situations can lead to anxiety, depression, or a constant state of hyperarousal.

Through the process of EMDR, the goal is to target and decrease negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones.

The power of EMDR is evidence-based. Some individual have reported positive effects such as a reduction in symptoms after small number of sessions.

Finding Hope Through EMDR

The process of EMDR includes the stages of reprocessing and desensitization. Your counselor will guide you through a series of eye movements. Then, as thoughts come up, you will be facilitated in processing them with safety and support. Again, more eye movements will follow. This steps can help to transition the event from short-term to long-term memory.

Although you will not forget the situation, EMDR may help you become desensitized to triggers. For example, troubling thoughts, or familiar sounds, or smells, may no longer trigger a physical or emotional reaction like they do now. EMDR may be the key to unlock your trauma, and reprocess it.

At Endeavor Co unseling, it is understood how debilitating unprocessed trauma can be. Likewise, the powerful tool of EMDR is recognized an a valuable option for individuals who are struggling. You deserve to be moving forward in life. Call today or visit our website to learn more.

Does EFT Have High Success Rates in Helping Couples Reconnect and Heal?

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 00:02:39 GMT

With all the stress of 2020, mental health issues are on the rise. Likewise, the abundance of stress seems to be negatively impacting relationships. As a result, many couples seem to be drifting apart. So, if you're like many others, you may be wondering how you can begin to repair your relationship. Emotionally focused therapy, or EFT, may be the best approach to reconnection and healing, but what is it? What is it about EFT that is leading to high success rates?

EFT is a therapeutic approach that has been around since the 1980s and has proven high efficacy rates. As you work together to establish emotional safety, you, too, may discover the benefits of this therapeutic approach.

In this article, we will define and explore EFT.

What is EFT?

EFT is also known as emotionally focused therapy. It's a therapeutic approach that focuses on the attachment and bond within the relationship. Likewise, the intent is to shine a light on negative communication patterns that may exist. Then, as a couple, you can learn how to replace those ineffective patterns with effective ways to communicate. Likewise, this approach helps each of you learn how to voice your needs. As a result, you can learn how to create and maintain emotional safety within your relationship.

EFT is based on the attachment theory. As we think of attachment, we refer to the security and bond you develop with your caretaker as an infant. For example, you establish attachment at a very young age. You learn certain behaviors as you grow. Then, as you become an adult, you typically carry these beliefs and behaviors into your relationships. As a result, it can interfere with communication. However, through EFT, you can learn communication styles that may help both of you meet each other's needs. At the same time, gain fulfillment as your needs are also met.

According to VeryWellMind.com , 70-75% of couples who go through EFT successfully shift from distress to healing. Likewise, approximately 90% report significant improvements. This therapeutic approach is useful in a variety of situations that couples may be facing. Furthermore, it's proven to be effective across a variety of cultures. In addition, EFT can help partners facing a variety of issues as well. For example, where one or both has depression, PTSD, chronic illness, or addiction, this approach may lead to healing. ( verywellmind.com )

Why Is EFT So Encouraging in Helping Couples Overcome Their Issues?

Through EFT, couples begin to identify the emotions that lie beneath their patterns of interaction. Often, this can help to determine where the emotional disconnect is. Furthermore, as couples move through the various stages of growth, they can gain new emotional experiences. Eventually, feelings of fulfillment and emotional support within the relationship can return. Through the process, couples can reconnect and heal.

At Endeavor Counseling , we understand the distress many couples are facing. Likewise, we know how difficult it can be for couples to be vulnerable. On the contrary, we also see the emotional safety that can be established through EFT. If you would like to start the new year off by seeking help and healing within your relationship, Endeavour Counseling may be able to help. Visit the website to learn more or call today.

What Is Betrayal Trauma and How Can I Start the Healing Process?

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:59:03 GMT

Let's discuss betrayal trauma and answer common questions

It's unmistakable when you get a feeling that instantly floods you with anger, pain, grief, and uncertainty. It crashes into you, and as you scramble to get back on your feet, your thoughts begin racing again.

Betrayal trauma changes your way of life and can interfere with your ability to remain present. Likewise, it seems to torment you, sometimes even in your dreams. How can you move forward?

Betrayal trauma is disloyalty and broken trust within a relationship. Likewise, it comes through a violation of a commitment to keep you safe and secure. Examples of betrayal include deception, lies, hidden addictions, and emotional or physical affairs. As such, the event can leave you with symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Likewise, abuse and neglect from a caregiver violate safety and security. As a result, betrayal trauma can also develop in childhood.

In this article, we'll discuss betrayal trauma. We'll answer the questions, "What is it?" and "How can I heal?"

What Is Betrayal Trauma?

Growing up, many of us envision living happily ever after. Then when we mature, we understand that trust is required to love someone and let them reciprocate it. By doing so, we become vulnerable. However, the feelings of love and connection make it worth it. As we bond and unite with our partners, our trust grows stronger. At the end of the day, that deep human connection contributes to our overall happiness.

Betrayal trauma occurs when that deep connection you thought you had is ripped away. This happens as you discover infidelity or deceit within your relationship. Likewise, betrayal trauma develops in children who endure neglect and abuse by a caregiver. In other words, when someone you depend on for safety and security critically violates your trust, it can cause betrayal trauma. As a result, you're left in a life-shattering state of mind that can negatively affect your life in many ways if left untreated.

It's hard to explain what betrayal trauma feels like to someone who has never been through it. As a result, you may feel alone in your pain. Understanding the effects of betrayal trauma can be a step toward healing. Furthermore, it can help you gain insight into why you may be feeling or reacting to situations the way you are.

The ideas below may help you begin taking steps toward your healing process. However, if you continue to experience symptoms, you may need professional help. A counselor can help you identify the many areas of life your betrayal trauma is affecting. Then, you can work on rebuilding your inner strength, ultimately feeling whole again. The good news is, there is hope. Healing is possible, and you can learn to trust again.

How Can I Start to Heal From Betrayal Trauma?

Healing from betrayal trauma is possible. The process is often difficult, but the result of peace from within makes it worth it.

Here are some ideas that may help you begin to heal

Remove your expectations of how you should be handling things. One of the things that can weigh you down is the internal battle of expectations. "I should be feeling this." or "I should be doing that." can lead to more suffering.
Acknowledge your emotions rather than numbing or avoiding them. Negative emotions are your brain's way of telling you something needs your attention. Often, our feelings make themselves known in a physical way. As emotions come up, practice identifying where you feel them. Do you feel tension behind your neck, or sick to your stomach? This process helps you become in tune with your body, physically and emotionally.
Keep a journal. A great way to acknowledge your emotions is to write them down. Journaling can also help you monitor your progress.
Practice self-care. When life turns upside-down, you may want to retreat to your bed rather than face the day. However, that can be an emotional trap. Good hygiene, eating, and sleep habits improve your physical and mental health.
Reach out. Talk to a trusted friend about how you're feeling.
Recognize your successes. As you begin learning how to trust your instincts again, take note of your progress.

If healing your betrayal trauma on your own is not working you may want to seek professional help.

At Endeavour Counseling, we understand the real effects of betrayal trauma.

Why Do Trauma Triggers Seem to Increase During the Holidays?

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 21:51:32 GMT

Are you aware that extra holiday stress can lead to more frequent trauma triggers?

Holidays tend to add extra stress to our lives. This may be the reason why you might experience an increase in trauma triggers. Triggers can leave you feeling sad, angry, fearful, and vulnerable. Likewise, you may feel out of control, lonely, and misunderstood. Why is it that the holidays can add so much extra stress? After all, aren't they supposed to be full of joy? How can you alleviate some of the stress and avoid trauma triggers during the holidays? We may have an answer for you.

Like so many people, you may have some unsolved trauma in your life. In general, holidays add new stressors. These stressors may trigger unresolved trauma and the symptoms of PTSD. For example, losing a loved one can stir up unresolved emotions or trauma, especially around the holidays. Triggers can lead to anxiety, flashbacks, sleeplessness, and irritability.

If you are aware that extra stress can lead to more frequent triggers, it can help you prepare for them. By having an action plan in place, you may avoid the symptoms trauma triggers bring with them. Let's discuss trauma triggers and ways to reduce holiday stress in hopes of preventing them.

What are trauma triggers?

First, let's discuss trauma triggers. A trauma trigger is a psychological stimulation that induces a recall of a past traumatic event.

Triggers can fall into two categories:

Internal Triggers: Internal stimuli are things you feel or experience within your body. Internal stimuli include thoughts or memories, feelings, and body sensations (e.g., heart racing).

External Triggers: are circumstances, objects, or locations that you can experience all day long. In other words, things that happen outside your body, like smells or sounds.

Stress can intensify triggers and symptoms. Adding the stress of holidays can heavily impact both your physical and mental health.

How might the holidays affect trauma triggers?

The holidays usually evoke feelings of joy, love, and happiness. However, for many, they also bring feelings of loss, loneliness, and depression. As a result, the holidays may be a precursor of trauma triggers you may not see coming.

A poll conducted by verywellmind.com says more than 80 percent of us find the holiday season 'somewhat' or 'extremely' stressful. As a result, the holidays rank right up there with other top stressors.

We know high-stress can lead to trauma triggers. Some reasons why triggers may occur during the holidays include:

Overpacked schedules
Feeling grief and missing a loved one
Financial distress
Remembering past events, traditions, or moments of nostalgia
Lack of sleep

For those with trauma triggers, the impact of these holiday stressors can be even more debilitating.

Trauma triggers can affect every aspect of your life. Among many things, they can leave you feeling on guard, unsafe, and intensely anxious. You may be feeling fearful of experiencing triggers during the holidays. As a result, you may be irritable, thus leading to emotional outbursts you didn't see coming.

How can I alleviate emotional stress from trauma triggers during the holidays?

There are ways to help relieve some of these additional stressors that you're feeling.

Self-care. It sounds basic, but self-care offers substantial benefits. Personal hygiene, eating healthy food, and exercise can do much for your overall mental health. Likewise, adequate sleep plays a vital role in your ability to handle stress and triggers.

Hobbies. If you're stuck inside, you might try learning a new skill you've been thinking about trying. If you can go outside, fresh air and sunlight can be a perfect distraction and stress reducer.

Reach Out. Talk to a friend, family member, or religious leader about your feelings. If you're uncomfortable discussing your emotions, try writing them down. Letting your emotions out rather than shoving them down can help you avoid an eruption of emotions. Numbing or avoiding your feelings in the short term appears to make things worse in the long run. According to PsychologyToday.com , science shows talking about your feelings can help you feel better. Likewise, acknowledging your emotions can serve as a stress reducer.

Mindfulness. Practice stress-reducing exercises such as guided meditation, yoga, or deep breathing skills.

If you feel like you're spiraling out of control, it may be the ideal time to seek professional support. There are a variety of treatment options available that might help you work through your trauma. Likewise, a counselor can help you acquire tools to reduce stress and work through trauma triggers.

What Is the Prepare/Enrich Tool, and How Can It Help My Marriage?

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:12:42 GMT

Let's talk about the Prepare/Enrich program.

When you hear the term "Marital Counseling," do pictures of contentious couples come to mind? This idea is common, but it's also a misconception. You see, marriage counseling isn't just for couples on the brink of disaster. The Prepare/Enrich program is for couples who want to enhance their healthy relationship.

The Prepare/Enrich program includes an online assessment and then a follow-up session. Together, you and your partner can discover areas of strength and stress. You can also gain a better understanding of your communication styles.

In this article, we'll talk about the Prepare/Enrich program.

What Is a Prepare/Enrich Assessment, and How Can It Strengthen My Marriage?

According to prepare-enrich.com , the assessment is the #1 premarital and marital assessment tool. ( www.prepare-enrich.com ). It has been used for over 35 years. As a result, it can help you spot potential trouble areas within your relationship. Not only that, but it also highlights the relationship's beautiful qualities.

Discovering marital strengths and weaknesses can help you develop realistic expectations. As a result, this discovery can benefit both of you individually and as a whole.

How Does the Prepare/Enrich Program Work?

Each person will take an online Prepare/Enrich assessment. The questions address ten areas prone to marital distress.

These topics include:

Children and Parenting
Relationship Roles
Sexuality and Affection
Spiritual Beliefs
Family and Friends
Financial Management
Conflict Resolution
Communication
Leisure Activities
Partner Style and Habits

After both of you complete the assessment, you will receive a report. Then, you will have the opportunity to meet with a facilitator to discuss the results.

Each summary highlights individual strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, it provides clarity on topics that may require a more in-depth discussion. It also examines the relationship's flexibility, closeness, and how connected you feel.

After you review your test results, you'll be able to decide if you want further guidance to strengthen those areas of weakness.

Can the Prepare/Enrich Test Uncover a Deeper Issue?

The Prepare/Enrich test may uncover deeper issues. However, qualified therapists can help you work through any difficulties that arise. Furthermore, relationships that address problem areas in healthy ways are often the strongest.

Remember the adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." This doesn't mean to avoid talking about the hard stuff. In other words, there may be difficult issues to talk about, but the sooner you address them, the better. Likewise, this test could highlight areas that can help clarify particular perspectives.

The Prepare/Enrich test can help create an atmosphere for genuine connection. Then, with a better understanding of each other, you can learn how to communicate more effectively. Likewise, you can gain insight into why you, and your partner, act and react the way you do.

I'm Not Married Yet, Can Prepare/Enrich Help Us?

Suppose you are entertaining the idea of marriage or have been married for years. Regardless, the Prepare/Enrich program can be beneficial to your relationship. If you are seeking ways to bring more communication and understanding into your partnership, this may be your answer.

Because backgrounds differ, communication styles and abilities will likely vary. Over time, those differences can lead to tension and dysfunction. However, tools like this assessment may help you overcome many pitfalls of contention. Likewise, it can help lead to a deeper understanding of each other. .

Can Anxiety or Panic Disorder Lead to Depression if Untreated?

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 20:22:21 GMT

Let's talk about what commonly happens if anxiety and depression are left untreated.

Anxiety seems to be a feeling most people are experiencing these days. Between the pandemic, unemployment rates, and political divide in our country, it's no wonder anxiety keeps you awake at night.

Stress and panic attacks seem to be part of your daily life now. Likewise, you're beginning to notice symptoms of anxiety and stress in your children. So, what now? If you continue to try to adjust the best you can, will this all go away, or will it lead to something more?

Let's discuss the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder. We'll also talk about what commonly happens if left untreated.

What is anxiety and panic disorder?

Everyone experiences anxiety every now and then. In fact, it's a normal part of life and your body's way of being on high alert. However, if your worries become excessive, persistent, and intense, it may be an anxiety disorder. There are various forms of anxiety, including social, separation, and generalized.

Each type has different triggers, but the symptoms seem to remain the same:

persistent feeling of danger or panic
difficulty sleeping
excessive worry
nervous, tense
trembling
trouble thinking about anything other than fears
Gastrointestinal issues
low energy level

Panic disorder falls under anxiety. It causes instant feelings of terror or fear, even without a present impending danger.

As a result, you experience intense symptoms of panic, which can include:

racing heartbeat
difficulty breathing
dizziness
shaking or tingly hands
chest pain

Panic attacks seem to happen anytime, anywhere. Often they can occur without warning. As a result, people may begin isolating out of fear of another attack. Combined, panic attacks and anxieties can make life unmanageable. As a result, depressive symptoms may also start to set in.

Can untreated anxiety lead to depression?

Anxiety disorder can lead to clinical depression if left untreated. However, it's more common for anxiety and depression to accompany one another. Many confuse the disorders as the same, but they are different. Although they both have similar symptoms, each disorder has its own causes. Often constant worries can lead to depressive symptoms and vice versa.

Circumstances like divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can trigger feelings of sadness, loneliness, and fear. Together, symptoms can interrupt normal daily life. As a result, symptoms left untreated can lead to low energy and loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy. Furthermore, feelings of emptiness, helplessness, or guilt can become debilitating.

Where Can I Turn for Help With My Anxiety?

With professional help, you may be able to overcome the negative emotions you're feeling. Behavioral therapy can be an effective way to help you learn how to reduce stress. Furthermore, treatment may help you acquire tools to help you avoid debilitating anxiety. As a result, it may help alleviate the crippling symptoms you're experiencing.

You are not alone in your feelings, and there is reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow. Call us today.

How Can I Help My Children Avoid Pornography as Their World Goes Virtual?

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 01:57:43 GMT

We'll give you some ideas for talking to your kids about pornography.

COVID-19 is changing our lives in many ways. Many are working from home and using the internet more. The same is true for our kids. As schools go virtual, the way students interact with their teachers is going online. However, with increased internet access, what can you do to keep pornography out of the education plan?

Children, parents, and teachers alike are trying to adjust to online school. As such, students will need access to the internet for assignments and possible Zoom calls. As internet access rises, so does the need for pornography prevention conversations.

In this article, we'll give you some ideas for talking to your kids about pornography. We'll also provide you with some prevention tips.

What Can I Do to Prevent My Child From Seeing Pornography?

As internet use becomes a necessity, the risk of your child seeing pornography may increase. For many, it's no longer a matter of if but when their child will see porn.

So, what can you do to keep your child safe from its damaging effects?

Set up filters and restrictions. While these tools don't guarantee zero exposure, they can reduce the frequency and type of sexual content they might see.
Set expectations with your children. Providing clear boundaries and guidelines for your children ensures they know where you stand on the matter.
Talk to your kids about what pornography is. While this may not prevent them from exposure, it can deter them from looking for it. Likewise, it helps them quickly realize what it is if they do come across it.

How can I set boundaries about pornography without provoking curiosity?

Some worry that conversations about drugs, sex, alcohol, and porn provoke kid's curiosity. However, that isn't necessarily true. As you create an open dialogue and answer your kids' questions, you're removing their curiosity. The key to success is to open the door to communication and to answer their questions. Thus, it's also crucial to be approachable, safe, and open.

Here are some ideas you can include in your conversation.

As you begin, you can teach your children, even young children, that it's normal to be curious about their bodies. Normalizing their curiosity can prevent them from feeling shame or embarrassed. Then, teach them that the internet is not the best place to turn for answers about the body, without a parent. If they ask why help them understand that there are many images on the internet that can be harmful. Next, depending on your child's age, you can teach them about the effects of pornography on the brain.

Finally, focus on helping your children feel like they can approach you if they see pornography. Teach them the harm that can come with keeping secrets. By creating safety, they'll know they can come to you right away.

What Can I Teach My Child to Do If They See Pornography?

So, you've set up filters and blocked sites and feel you've done all you can to prevent pornography from entering your home. Yet, something happens, and your child is still exposed. What can you do?

First, have a plan in place. The Protect Young Minds organization, https://www.protectyoungminds.org , has a great method to follow. Using their CANDO acronym can equip your children with a useful tool to fight the urge to look.

Next, help your children understand they are not bad. Talk to them about what they're feeling and help remove any shame they may be experiencing.

Finally, follow up. Check their phones and screens often. The best way to hinder the effects of pornography is to intervene before an addiction forms.

If your child comes to you, or you discover a pornography addiction, you are not alone.

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