Articles
Navigating Transitions: Protecting Your Mental Health Through Change
Life is full of numerous transitions. Some can be considered exciting, while others can be viewed as overwhelming, uncertain or painful. Change can be viewed differently from one person to another. While starting college or a new job can be exciting for one individual, it may be extremely overwhelming and stressful for another individual. Even positive transitions can create stress. Change often disrupts routines, challenges our sense of control, and pushes us into unfamiliar territory. During these moments, it’s easy…
Sport Psychology on Negative Thinking and Performance Pressure
• “I have missed my last three shots, I suck.” • “Coach might cut my playing time now.” • “I’m letting my teammates down.” • “I have to make the next shot, otherwise we could lose this game and not make playoffs” • “This ref hates me!” • “He calls everything on me and completely misses the same calls on the other end!” This is an example that demonstrates an athlete’s stream of consciousness whilestruggling with negative thinking and performance…
Managing Stress During a Child’s Hospital Stay
No matter what the age of your child, it can be challenging to manage the stress and uncertainty of their health during a hospital stay. Children can sense your emotions so it can be helpful to be mindful of your emotions and manage your stress to best take care of yourself and in turn your child. Below are some specific ways to manage stress during a child’s hospital stay. If you recognize that you are needing additional support due to…
How to Support a Loved One with Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21 million adults in the United States (about 8.3% of all U.S. adults) had at least one major depressive episode in 2021. For adolescents, about 5 million (20% of U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 17) had at least one major depressive episode in 2021. Depression can affect anyone, and watching a loved one struggle with it can be challenging, concerning and at times, maybe even scary. While you can’t…
Reducing Effects of Stress and Promoting Physical Health
We no longer would debate the Mind – Body connection. When we engage in positive thoughts and behaviors or encounter pleasant events, our brains release “happy hormones” such as serotonin, endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin or “natural pain killers” such as enkephalins. Conversely, when we engage in negative thoughts and behaviors or encounter stressful events, both good or bad, our bodies release “stress hormones” such as cortisol which overtime can weaken the body’s immune system, making one more likely to get…