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Showing posts from October, 2025

Stress, Coping and Resiliency

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  Muscle tension, sleep disturbance, headaches, fatigue… sound familiar? These physiological sensations can indicate stress. We have all been there- everyone has dealt with stress. However, there are different types of stress, including differences in what is tolerable to each  individual   and variations in coping mechanisms. Let’s start by discussing different kinds of stress, and eventually get into benefits of smaller scale, more manageable stress, and building resilience, so we can cope to the best of our ability. Lastly, we will discuss what coping tools research tells us actually help! Acute stress is brief but intense. Short-term stressors, such as being behind on a looming deadline, cause acute stress. Episodic acute stress can be experienced as regular mini-crises where we live in a state of tension (7). This would include taking on too much responsibility. Chronic stress is long-lasting and has significant effects on the body, including financial difficulties o...

AI & Mental Health Care: What It Means for You

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  Artificial intelligence  (AI) is becoming a bigger part of health care, including mental health. You may have seen headlines about chatbots or apps that promise quick fixes for  stress,   depression , or anxiety. While some of these tools show real promise, others can be misleading or even unsafe if not used responsibly. Recently, experts from the American Psychological Association (APA) spoke before Congress about both the benefits and the risks of using AI in mental health care. Here’s what that means for you and your loved ones: How AI Can Help More time with your therapist.  Imagine your therapist spending less time typing notes and more time talking with you. AI can assist with behind-the-scenes “paperwork” tasks, so your provider can focus more on what really matters-your care. Expanded access.  Digital programs and therapeutic apps, when developed and overseen responsibly, can offer evidence-based care to people who might not otherwise be able...

Is Less Screen Time the New Therapy? How Digital Detox Helps Your Mind

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  As a therapist, I often hear the same frustration from clients: “I feel anxious all the time, but I can’t stop scrolling.” “I wake up feeling exhausted, even when I get enough sleep.” “I just wish I could turn my brain off for a while.” In 2025, one of the biggest wellness shifts I’ve noticed is that more people are connecting the dots between their mental health and their screen time. Many are trying something called a digital detox-taking planned breaks from smartphones, social media, and other screens. And it’s not just a quick fad or a niche self-care trick anymore. It’s becoming a mainstream wellness choice. What does that mean? Simply put, digital detox is no longer viewed only as a “quick fix” or something to try here-and-there. It’s becoming more and more important to some as a lifestyle change. Not to say these changes happen overnight! People are taking steps away from screens by camping in areas with no Wi-Fi, blocking social media apps for weeks, and even swapping the...

A Discussion on Burnout

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  Burnout has been the topic of discussion across much of the social media hemisphere in the past few months. There appears to be a sharp uptick in cases in the past few years, especially with the uncertainty of various outside stressors like the job market or tariffs. The definition of burnout, as per Oxford Languages, highlights “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress”.  Counseling  and other mental health professions are no different and can have amongst the highest rates of burnout, depending on location and other factors. Being aware of burnout is important, but being present to identify signs as they crop up is integral to prevention and symptom management. Some of the most common signs include persistent fatigue, irritability, poor job performance, lack of sleep, lack of concentration, reduced immune system, headaches, etc. One or two symptoms could be a variety of different ailments, but the more that stack on one another, the more likely it is t...