Depression

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Considerations for Growing in Gratitude & Grace

By | | Christian Counseling, Depression, Grief, Mental Health, Personal Growth

“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift.  It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.” – John Ortberg (2009)   Life is a tapestry.  A work of art which has been bestowed upon us by our loving creator with intricate design and eternal purpose.  What a joyful truth!  There is much to behold in this tapestry of life, and we are instructed in Colossians 3:14 “…be thankful” (NIV).  This can be easier said than done amid the trials and tribulations of life as undoubtedly life can be quite a mixed bag.  What can be supportive in favor […]

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You Are Not Alone: Using Faith and Mental Health to Draw Strength

By | | Christian Counseling, Depression, Grief, Mental Health

“Lonely” is defined as being without company or cut off from others. “Alone” means being separated from others—without aid or support. (Webster’s Dictionary) At different points in my life, I have felt both of these things deeply. I’ve sat in rooms filled with people—family, friends, coworkers—and still felt like no one truly saw me. I’ve walked through seasons where I was surrounded but still felt isolated, like I was in a fog that no one else could penetrate. If you’re feeling that way right now, I want you to know: you are not alone. I know what it’s like to be in

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Self- Harm Behavior and the Importance of Building Relationships as a Coping Skill

By | | Depression, Grief, Mental Health, Pre-Teen and Teen Counseling

“I just want the pain to stop.” This phrase has been said by those in not only physical pain, but mental and emotional pain as well. With physical pain, it can be easier to seek help from a medical professional, but what do people do when they are in mental and emotional pain? When those that are in this place feel hopeless and worthless, they may also feel another emotion such as numbness. When people get to this level of feelings, they may engage in self- harm or self-injurious behaviors. While engaging in these behaviors may relieve stress or anxiety

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Emotional Resilience by Carolyn

Emotional Resilience: Weathering the Seasons of Life

By | | Depression, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Stress

Life is a marvelous adventure.  It is chalk full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, lessons and laughter, opportunities, and challenges, gain and loss.  It is a journey to say the least.  Inherently, life unfolds with many unknowns and twists and turns that can inspire a myriad of emotions and an evolution that is sure to change you.  Change is inevitable; growth is optional.  What can be helpful along on this journey of life as one navigates all the facets of life’s unfolding?  Resilience!  More precisely, emotional resilience is a useful and valuable topic in the realm of mental

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Illuminating the Darkness: Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

By | | Depression, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Women's Issues

In the coming months, as the days grow shorter and the chill in the air deepens, many people find themselves grappling with a familiar foe: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of depression, often referred to as the winter blues, affects millions of individuals worldwide, casting a shadow over their lives during the darker months of the year. While SAD can be challenging to cope with, there are numerous strategies and coping mechanisms that can help individuals navigate through this difficult time and emerge stronger on the other side. Before diving into coping strategies, it’s essential to understand what Seasonal

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Reflections and Insights into the Realm of Loss and Grief

By | | Depression, Grief

“Death puts Life into perspective.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Loss and grief are close companions.  The former is an event or occurrence in which one’s world is altered by the removal of and subsequent absence of something or someone, and the latter is our experience of or reaction to it.  These words connect deeply with what it is to be human; to live, to be engaged, to be vulnerable, to connect meaningfully in life and to be open to life’s possibilities.  Existence invites us to explore these avenues as we grow and progress throughout a lifetime.  Opening of oneself to possibility and

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Teen Suicide: Tips for Parents on Starting the Conversation

By | | Depression, Mental Health, Pre-Teen and Teen Counseling

Introduction Talking to teens about suicide can be a daunting and uncomfortable conversation for many parents. However, it is an important discussion to have in order to ensure the well-being and safety of our teenagers. By understanding the signs of suicide, knowing how to start the conversation, and offering support to our teens, we can help prevent tragedies and provide the necessary help and resources they may need. Understanding the Importance of the Conversation Awareness of the critical role these discussions play in safeguarding our teenagers’ mental health is paramount for parents. The alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease

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