Category: In the Loop

What You Can Do When a Loved One is Depressed

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With over 300 million people suffering from depression across the globe, it is the leading cause of disability on the planet, according to the World Health Organization. Depression can affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. The symptoms of depression can be so severe as to prevent the person from even being able to take care of their day to day activities. Unfortunately, despite depression being so common, people experiencing it often fail to get the support and treatment they need. If someone you care about seems to have been depressed for some time now, here are some ways in which you can support them on their journey to recovery. Listen with Empathy The first step is to understand what the person is experiencing. For this, you need to help them communicate, while you listen without judgement. Keeping things bottled up can actually make the person feel worse. You might not have the solution, but simply being there for them and listening empathetically can make them feel better. Identify Signs of Worsening Depression It is important that you observe the person to check whether the depression is worsening and learn what to do if it gets… Read more »

Getting Rid of the Stigma Surrounding Therapy

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With one in five individuals in the United States suffering from mental illness, there are an estimated 46.1 million people living with AMI (Any Mental Illness) in the country, according to information on The National Institute of Mental Health. Despite so many people being affected by mental health issues, there is unfortunately still a stigma associated with seeking psychotherapy and counseling. A lot of this has to do with myths and misconceptions that have historically plagued mental health. If you or a loved one is finding life difficult to cope with, seeking professional help could be the best choice to improve quality of life. However, research also shows that people often wait for long periods before seeking therapy, with couples waiting for seven years on average before seeking help, according to experts at the Institute for Personal Growth. If the fear of stigma is a hurdle in doing so, here are some things you should keep in mind. You are NOT “Weak” Mental health issues need to be viewed in the same way as we do physical illness, such as a fever or even high blood pressure. When dealing with any illness, it is recommended to seek professional help, rather… Read more »

The Difference Between Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy

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A survey conducted by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists revealed that almost 98% of the respondents were extremely satisfied with the results of couples therapy, says an article on GuideDoc. Seeking the right help is crucial for both your mental as well as sexual health. And, those who have sought any form of counseling or therapy do report benefits in terms of their relationships, as well as better performance in the workplace! Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy can be perceived as similar, yet are different in several ways. Is Sex Therapy the Same as Couples Therapy? Not exactly. Couples therapists help you address various challenges and issues you might be facing in terms of your emotional relationship with your partner. It could touch upon the sexual aspect too. However, the subject of intimacy might not come up at all, if it isn’t one of the issues that are affecting the relationship. On the other hand, sex therapy is focused on issues specifically related to your sex life, regardless of whether the sexual contact is with a long-term partner, one-night stands or any other form of sexual interaction. Certified sex therapists are highly qualified and experienced psychotherapists, who… Read more »

What to Look for in a Substance & Alcohol Abuse Therapist

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Around 19.7 million American adults battled substance abuse in 2017. In fact, 74% of them struggled with alcohol abuse, says a report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). While it is true that the first step to helping yourself is to accept that you need help, it is also necessary to find the right therapist for your treatment. This can be a major challenge when you are already feeling stressed by your existing problems. However, it is something that will deeply impact your recovery. So, here’s a look at how to make a choice. How to Find a Suitable Substance and Alcohol Abuse Therapist When you are looking for an opportunity for growth and positive change, it is best to approach a potential mentor, coach, teacher or therapist slowly, and do so in an investigative manner, says an article by the Institute for Personal Growth. There are several things you should look for in a potential therapist before making the final decision, such as: License and Expertise Firstly, check the therapist’s credentials to see if they have the qualifications and the required licenses to practice. Ensure that they have the certifications associated with the form of… Read more »

What to Remember If You Are Questioning Your Gender

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Our society considers gender as something that is assigned to us at birth. It considered to be determined by biology, without psychology or emotions having any role to play. The reality, however, is that gender identity isn’t as binary or fixed as we are told from day #1. While concepts like gender fluidity have received some recognition in recent years, the fight to establish someone’s choice in terms of the gender they are most comfortable identifying with still is a touchy subject in many parts of the world. A person who feels they do not relate to being either a man or woman at all times can often times face a hard time finding clarity in life. However, if you are going through a period of doubt regarding your gender, remember that you are not alone. The percentage of trans adults (people whose gender is not the same as their assigned gender from birth), has doubled in the past 10 years, from 0.3% to 0.6%, says an article on Houston Chronicle. This can be due to the rising awareness from the media and online communities. If you have been questioning your gender, you might be experiencing a plethora of emotions…. Read more »

6 Goals That Can Be Achieved Through Family Therapy

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Our family plays a huge role in determining our identity and what we become, both for the better and for the worse. We learn how to interact with the world around us, while forming our beliefs, values and overall personality. If we are born into a family that struggles to emotionally connect with each other, it can lead to a lack of confidence in ourselves and various other issues. One way that families can work on providing a supportive environment for individual family members is through family therapy. Family therapy is an effective way to address various issues within a family and even heal emotional wounds. There is evidence to support the effectiveness of family problem solving and multisystemic family therapy, says an article by the PACFA Research Committee. Here are some goals that can be achieved with family therapy. 1.   Better Adjustment If one or more of the family members is suffering from a mental disorder, it can lead to a lot of added stress within the family. Some members might show very low levels of acceptance. Here, the goal of family therapy is assist the family to understand the nature of the disorder. 2.   Improved Understanding Effective family… Read more »

4 Ways to Save Your Marriage after Separation

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Did you know that between 40% to 50% of marriages in the US end in divorce? An article published by the American Psychological Association highlighted this alarming fact. The article goes on to state that in subsequent marriages, the percentage is even higher. When things start to fall apart in a marriage, many couples choose a period of separation, rather than opting for divorce straightaway. This gives them time to reflect on their decision. If you are currently in such a situation and wish to save your marriage, here are some things that could help. 1. Don’t Force Anything When a married couple decides to separate, it is seen quite often that one partner wants a divorce while the other wants the marriage to continue. If you’re the one in a separation who doesn’t want to divorce, the first thing you need to understand is that becoming impatient and resorting to badgering or threats will do more harm than good. The best you can do is show constructiveness by respecting your partner’s choice. 2. Figure Out the Problems Separations happen because of issues that have been swept under the rug. In fact, many people are caught off-guard when the separation… Read more »

Individual Therapy vs. Group Therapy vs. Support Groups: Everything You Need to Know

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There has been a 33% increase in the cases of major depression in the US since 2013, says an article on Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, the increase in mental health awareness and the useful part played by mental health service providers has successfully helped millions of people overcome their mental and emotional issues. What is Individual Therapy? Individual therapy is explained as a therapeutic process in which an individual seeks help from a therapist, who can be a psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor or social worker. By communicating with a trained therapist people have found that they are better able to cope with mental, emotional or behavioral issues, such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, food eating disorders, addiction and anger issues. An experienced therapist can help you overcome emotional or relationship issues using a specific form of psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and effective meditation techniques, says an expert at the Institute for Personal Growth. What are the Advantages of Individual Therapy? One of the major reasons why people choose individual therapy is privacy. The confidentiality that therapists of all types are bound by gives people the confidence to disclose even the most intimidate moments and fears…. Read more »

5 Signs Your Child May Benefit from Psychotherapy

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Nearly 10%-20% of children and adolescents in the world experience mental disorders, reveals data published by the World Health Organization. And, half of these mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 years. Kids are known for their fluctuating feelings. However, any sign of persisting feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger, worry, anxiety, tendency to overreact to situations, sudden and unexplained poor performance in school, should never be taken lightly. Nearly 6 million children in the US, aged 2 to 17 years, are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These children face extreme difficulties in academics and classroom communication. Early diagnosis is the best way to ensure that such children learn skills that will benefit them as they grow up. Here are five signs that indicate that your child might benefit from psychotherapy. 1.     They Don’t Speak Children too can mental health issues, similar to adults. However, they do not have the emotional intelligence or language to tell their parents what they are experiencing or the skills to cope with such issues. Their unusual behavior can be an indication that they need to see a good therapist. 2.     Uncontrolled Crying If… Read more »

Holiday Blues are More Common Than You Think

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Did you know the holiday season is a time when most people spend more than they can actually afford? A study found that in 2017, holiday sales were highest in the electronics category, amounting to over $122.1 billion. And, over-spending during the holidays can lead to seasonal depression or holiday blues. What is Seasonal Depression or Holiday Blues? While for some people, festivals are all about fun, celebration, social gatherings and parties, others may feel lonely, sad, anxious and depressed. Sadness is a personal feeling, but several factors can affect how an individual feels. Various sources, such as stress, exhaustion, financial stress, lost family member or broken relationships, can lead to holiday blues, says an article on WebMD. And, this stress can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, over-eating and excessive drinking. Psychotherapy and counseling can help an individual learn effective means to cope with not just the symptoms, but also the root causes, says an expert at Institute for Personal Growth. Tips to Deal with the Holiday Blues Various factors contribute to seasonal depression or the holiday blues, such as excessive drinking, exhaustion, loneliness, overspending and more. In order to cope with the holiday blues, it is important… Read more »