Are you suddenly feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and worried when you had been responding to the "new pandemic normal" just fine? Many people felt kind of energized and easily able to "keep calm and carry on" during the early months of this crisis, but recently, for quite a few people, this ability has waned. Six months into these "unprecedented times", there is...[ read more ]
A new client contacted me last week because he just had the first panic attack of his life. He did not have any previous history of anxiety or depression and didn't know what was happening to him. He went to his doctor and she told him to pursue therapy. He lives by himself and works remotely. Covid-19 has him isolated...[ read more ]
Today I am posting an article by Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D., ABPP who is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Ottawa in the School of Psychology, where she is the Canada Research Chair for Mental Health Disparities. Dr. Williams has published over 100 book chapters and peer-reviewed articles focused on anxiety-related disorders and cultural differences....[ read more ]
I have been having vivid, sometimes unsettling, dreams since the pandemic started, and I am not the only one. Psychologists are noticing that many people's dreams have changed since Covid-19. They are not exactly nightmares, but they are definitely pandemic-informed. What are our minds up to? Why such strange dreams now? The current theory about why we dream is that dreams function...[ read more ]
We are all stressed during COVID-19 lockdown. In many families, tension and anger are becoming a problem. Couples and siblings are fighting because they are stuck together 24-7 and isolated from their usual routines and support systems. They are also struggling with an unpredictable future. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a great counseling modality that helps people manage emotions and decrease conflict...[ read more ]
Today's blog post is an article by fellow therapist, Dr. Jamie Long. If you are feeling overwhelming panic and fear during the COVID-19 crisis you might be caught up in a cognitive distortion called Catastrophic Thinking. Read on to see how to identify and manage this destructive thought pattern How to Cope with Catastrophic Thinking During the Coronavirus Pandemic For many...[ read more ]
During these many weeks of Covid-19 physical distancing, we are missing out on a lot of our usual coping mechanisms and useful distractions. There is also a lot of pressure on social media and elsewhere to be productive and do all the things you have been putting off or procrastinating about right now! For some this proposition is inspiring but...[ read more ]
If you are feeling anxious these days (aren't we all?) don't forget about the mind-body connection. What you eat can actually affect your mental state. Here are some nutrition hacks that can help your body create a sense of mental calm. Stay Hydrated: I am guilty of drinking coffee and Diet Coke all day, but I am trying to drink more...[ read more ]
So many of my clients are having trouble sleeping during these unnerving times. Many of them are worried about themselves,, family, friends, and co-workers contracting the Coronavirus. Some of my clients are essential workers who have to go out in public masked and gloved hoping they are protected. I think this widespread problem of insomnia is rampant because the pandemic...[ read more ]
A therapist friend condensed all the advice mental health professionals are giving to those who are unsettled by the shelter-in-place and physical distancing policies. A good read! MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS TIPS FOR QUARANTINE 1. Stick to a routine. Go to sleep and wake up at a reasonable time, write a schedule that is varied and includes time for work as well...[ read more ]
