Commonly Shared Issues That Cause Distress
TROUBLE SLEEPING?Insomnia can become a chronic problem or a once in a while event. Not getting enough sleep can have devastating effects on one's cognitive (thinking/ reasoning) abilities as well as emotional and physical well being.
Sleep problems, unable to quiet your mind, depression and physical upset can often be attributed to uncontrolled anxiety. To have a quiet mind means everything to the individual suffering from sleepless nights.
Focusing on one thing helps calm the mind, it does take practice to train your mind to focus.
Breathing can be a good focal point, for example.
www.ashleybretting.comANXIETY - It has far reaching effects The Anxiety Treadmill
One can be suffering with anxiety and not be fully aware of it.
HOW CAN THIS BE?
Do you or a loved one have a habit of counting, picking, checking and rechecking, always cleaning or struggle in social situations or driving, maybe leaving the house? What do your closets look like, extremely organized? Ever feel detached, like you're outside of yourself?
These can often be attributed to anxiety.
Have you ever been called a "worrier", struggle with insomnia or depression? There are also physical symptoms associated with anxiety.
Anxiety can reek havoc on our physical well being, weaken our immune systems, heart muscle and other vital organs.
It's not uncommon for individuals suffering from various forms of anxiety and even depression to turn to 'self medicating'. This may take the form of alcohol and or drugs, self destructive patterns of behavior and negative self talk.
To have a quiet mind, what might that be like and how can you achieve this - It is possible!
Focusing on one thing helps calm the mind, it does take practice to train your mind to focus. Breathing can be a good focal point.
For further help, support or guidance you may want to consider joining a support group, I facilitate several in the Ventura, CA area. Or you may contact your local social services agency.
Emotional Struggles: Depression, Anxiety, Anger & More Life's journey holds many ups and downs, if you are struggling with your emotions and tired of feeling like you are out of control or can no longer cope there is help. It's not uncommon to lack perspective in your own situation, this is where you may truly benefit from an unbiased point of view, support & guidance.
Our old coping skills and styles fade as we grow older, in many instances simply becoming obsolete (what worked at age 9 may be inappropriate at age 49). As adults it is important to learn new coping strategies and incorporate new skills to deal with difficult emotions ( anger, depression, anxiety, … ), situations and even difficult people ( a boss, aging parent, roommate or partner). It's no one's fault that coping skills often need updating, it is just how things tend to evolve as we grow up and have new experiences.
If there are issues you would like to 'clean up', past hurts to be resolved, disappointments left to linger or maybe you're fostering unrealistic expectations of yourself or others - you now have the opportunity to address and put to rest your emotional baggage so that you can live the kind of life you want and deserve.
Every wonder why you do self destructive things? There are reasons and answers, as well as solutions and a way out.
Does depression, anxiety or anger interfere with your life & have you feeling unsettled and possibly insecure - these and many other issues can diminish our self esteem, encourage isolation and leave us feeling helpless.
There is hope!
Seasonal Affective DisorderWhile Autumn (aka Fall) is my personally favorite time of year, it is often associated with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
What is SAD? It is a reaction to the onset of shorter days and less available sunlight. This can be associated with a biological reaction often resulting in low mood, lethargy, depression. Also, geographic areas that experience few sunny days and rainy regions ( Seattle, Washington for example ) can result in this same disorder.
SELF ESTEEMWe need self-esteem because it is as important element to your psychological well-being.
Your
level of self-esteem affects virtually everything you say, think and
do. It affects how we see the world and you our place in it. It affects
how others in the world see and treat us. It affects the choices you
make - choices about what you will do with your life and with whom you
will be involved. It affects your ability to both give and receive
love. And it affects your ability to take action to change things that
need to be changed.
If you have less than a sufficient amount of
self-esteem, you may not be able to act in your own best interest. And
if a person has no self-esteem at all, he will become overwhelmed,
immobile and eventually will give up.
Components that directly relate to your self esteem
Anger
Self Confidence
Goal Setting
Changes in attitudes
Fear of success
Co-dependency
Self Talk
Wanting to do some work in this area? I'm ready when you are!
Ashley Bretting, M.S.
Marriage & Family Therapist
Registered Intern #IMF51514
Supervised by Lynn M. Jones, Ph.D.
Lic # MFC021739
Morbrook Institute A non-profit agency
in collaboration with Camarillo Health Care District
(805) 204-7315 www.ashleybretting.comwww.squidoo.com/psychotherapistwww.805Therapy.com<a href="http://technorati.com/claim/uhmh2wmmbu" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a>