Consider the source of information. In a society where we are inundated with information from the media, including all the advice from anyone with an opinion to share, it can be hard to know what to do. Google search has become a best friend, although it can quickly lead one down a “rabbit hole.” (Especially when already is experiencing anxiety, fear, or doubt!)
National Eating Disorders awareness week aims to educate about the realities of eating disorders. #SeeTheChange
Self-esteem, self-worth, self-love, and self-confidence—these are all areas that are impacted by the messages that we receive from others [and ourselves]. These are also common areas that individuals seek to work on in therapy.
Minnesota’s school counselor to student ratio was one of the worst in the nation at 1 counselor per 734 students.
You realize that you are struggling with the Sunday Scaries as you just can’t shake the feelings of anticipatory anxiety and dread that keep popping up Sunday evening. Perhaps you’ve tried some strategies that haven’t worked too well such as having a drink or taking a smoke break before getting back into your old routines. Your body continues to feel anxious, and you just want to avoid facing the thought of starting an entire week filled with responsibilities, decision-making, and deadlines. Here are some strategies to help cope with the Sunday-scaries:
Friday is here and the work or school week is wrapping up. TGIF. Many people, especially those who have a typical 9-5 schedule look forward to having two days off. It can bring an immediate sense of relief, and opportunity to “be off” and relax from feelings of pressure and responsibility.. Saturday is over before you know it, Sunday is here. As they day progresses, you notice feelings of anxiety that become more intense throughout the day accompanied by an overwhelming sense of dread. “I don’t want to go back to work or school already!” It can be described like an anticipatory anxiety, focused on the negative which can send the body into a fight-or-flight-response. The thought along of returning to work or school can feel terrifying.
If you are considering therapy for the first time, good for you! I am excited that you are contemplating therapy as your next step for the New Year. Seeking therapy for the first time is an important decision and there are some important things to take into consideration. Consider what you are seeking from a mental health provider. When it comes to mental health, you do not need to go through difficult times alone. Therapists comes from a variety of educational backgrounds, range in clinical experience and licensure, vary in theoretical orientations, approaches, and specialty.
Most people come to therapy with identified presenting concerns; however, they may not be sure what their specific goals are. That is OK! Your therapist can help summarize that main theme of things that you share and then offer a framework for specific, measurable goals. A process goal and a coping goal is a great place to start if you are struggling with where to begin.
Social media rumors, including “challenges” that encourage acts of defiance or violence, and the fear of school shootings recently had children, parents, and law enforcement supports on high-alert in response to a tiktok-school-threat warning. This warning was dismissed as not credible; however, many still feeling emotionally unsettled. Depression, anxiety, and responses such as fear impact can result from school violence and impact mental health. In 2021 alone, it was estimated that there were 149 incidents of gunfire-on-school-grounds, 32 deaths, and 94 injuries nationwide.
