Mental Health

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 for many, setting these lofty goals is adding self-recrimination and guilt to their already frightening and destabilizing pandemic experience. A good alternative to all this pressure is learning to practice self-compassion.  “How can you be so stupid?”  “You are just … 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 H2O. The general recommendation is that we drink 64 ounces of water a day. Staying hydrated has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. Regulate your blood sugar.  Don’t skip meals,  A blood sugar drop really affects your mood negatively!  … 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 brought so many changes to our lives. The pandemic regulations came so quickly and escalated so fast that our heads are spinning. When we lay down to sleep it can feel like all of our worries and fears come out … 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 as self-care. 2. Dress for the social life you want, not the social life you have. Get showered and dressed in comfortable clothes, wash your face, brush your teeth. Take the time to do a bath or a facial. Put on … Read more…

Today I would like to share an article by a fellow mental health professional. She suggests that we create our own 2-minute affirmation to repeat while we are scrupulously washing our hands to avoid COVID-19. This would be a good self-care addition to your life during shelter-in-place. It doesn’t have to be the one she suggests. It is fully customizable. Make your own, using language that gives you comfort and hope. The other day I was standing in line at the pharmacy, waiting to pick up a prescription. It was a long line and it was moving slowly. People were … Read more…

I am so glad you are here! I created this blog to offer support to the many people who experience anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety or phobias.  I am a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional with 20 years in the field helping adolescents and adults manage and overcome their anxiety. I hope these posts feel helpful.