Do You Suffer From Panic Attacks & Need Help Stopping Them?

If you suffer from panic attacks, then you’ll know just how debilitating, frightening and upsetting they can be. Often coming on without warning, and sometimes preventing you from being able to function normally at work, socially or at home, it’s important that you try and understand your attacks and learn ways of interrupting them. If you need help stopping such attacks, or are unsure whether you are suffering from a true panic attack, the following information should prove helpful:

What is a panic attack and what does it feel like?

A panic attack is the sudden occurrence of an intense feeling of discomfort or fear and can last for several minutes before dissipating. Often mistaken for high-level anxiety or heart attack, a panic attack is usually associated with a set of much stronger, uncontrollable symptoms, such as heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, dizziness and even chills or overheating. Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to, a choking sensation, shortness of breath or feeling lightheaded. While they are commonly experienced when a person feels anxious, nervous or stressed, they can also occur when someone is feeling calm, relaxed and in control, and may appear alongside other psychological disorders.

What kind of treatment is available to help stop panic attacks?

As with any kind of disorder or illness, be it mental or physical, a trip to see a physician or mental health professional should be the first step. A physician will examine you to determine whether there may be an underlying health concern or medical issue that might be causing your symptoms, before diagnosing you. If you are already fairly confident this is a panic attack, or your physician diagnoses you with this, then visit a mental health professional and they will talk you through a range of treatment options that might help you cope with them better, and ultimately, stop them from occurring altogether. While some medical professionals may want you to take some medication, the best treatments are usually some form of therapy,Find a therapist or counselor that you feel comfortable with, and who can help you overcome the symptoms of your panic attacks and the fear associated with them.

Today, there are many therapists available all over the state or country, by practicing online, and you can chat with you via a video call, right from the comfort of your own home.

Panic attacks and panic disorders are no laughing matter, and if you’re finding that frequent attacks are preventing you from living your life as you want to, then you should seek help as soon as possible. Nobody should have to live with fear, and once you seek therapeutic help, you’ll learn how to banish your attacks and embrace a calmer, much happier way of life.

Learn More Here: https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/

The post Do You Suffer From Panic Attacks & Need Help Stopping Them? appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/do-you-suffer-from-panic-attacks-need-help-stopping-them/

Does Being An Introvert Mean That You’re Unwell?

Being uninterested in social gatherings and preferring to spend time alone does not have to mean that you are unwell. While some who are suffering from a mental illness may display such tendencies, for most, it simply means that they’re of an introverted disposition, for which no therapy or medication is necessary.

Are you an introvert?

If the thought of being around lots of people and/or spending time in a busy social setting fills you with dread, and if when you do so you’re left feeling mentally exhausted or upset afterwards, then you may be an introvert.

While this may have some negative connotations or leave you with a reputation among others as being an anti-social individual, it is not necessarily a negative trait and shouldn’t be thought of as such.

However, if you get to a point where you never want to leave the confines of your home, even for a short time, or refuse to interact with anybody other than your immediate family or perhaps a close friend, then you may be suffering from depression.

Introverts and depression

Research has shown that depression is more prevalent in introverts and is due in part to the isolated lifestyle that they tend to live. This doesn’t mean that if you’re an introvert, you must be depressed, but it’s important to look out for some of the signs that you may be struggling with your mental health.

Wanting to be alone most of the time can develop into an unhealthy desire to self-isolate, and without anyone to talk to about how you might be feeling, or to discuss some of the worries that you may have with, there is always the chance that your thoughts and feelings might spiral out of control and leave you in a dark and lonely place.

If you’re beginning to feel too lonely and isolated as an introvert and are struggling to cope with your mental health alone, then professional help might just help get you back to a happier, healthier way of life. The process (or even the thought) of seeking such help might be daunting, but it’s important to remember that good counselors will understand how you’re feeling and will know exactly how to put you at ease.

Some introverts may have better mental health

Some introverts find that while they don’t actively seek to be social, or prefer to be alone, they don’t turn their backs on the rest of the world entirely and may even be more in tune with their emotions as an individual. As introverts tend to be more observant and aware of what’s going on around them, their mental health and coping mechanisms may be more powerful, and they may find themselves to be far more self-aware than their extroverted counterparts.

Being an introvert can affect people in different ways, and while it’s true to say that some mental illnesses such as depression are found more often in such people, if you’re an introvert, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are mentally unwell. If you’re at all worried about your state of mind as an introvert, do seek advice from a mental health specialist.

Learn More Here

The post Does Being An Introvert Mean That You’re Unwell? appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/does-being-an-introvert-mean-that-youre-unwell/

Are You Suffering With A Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

It’s not always easy to know if your levels of anxiety are above what are considered to be normal. As most people get anxious from time to time, you may not consider yourself as having a problem that you should seek help for. The following information should help you to get a better understanding of generalized anxiety disorder, and whether it might be something that you should seek help for:

What is ‘generalized anxiety disorder’, or GAD?

When your worries and fears take over your mind and prevent you from functioning in everyday life, then you may have something a little more serious than anxiety alone. A common disorder, GAD causes the sufferer to worry incessantly, and be in a state of hyper nervousness and tension, most of the time.

While this is often confused with a phobia, the anxiety is GAD is unconnected to a specific thing and gives the individual an intense and general feeling of dread that taints everything they do. Making it hard for the sufferer to relax and unwind, they are continually worn out and often find themselves unable to cope with the demands of life.

Someone suffering with GAD will have identical worries to the average person, but the intensity of their anxiety is heightened, exaggerated and often relentless. The emotional symptoms of GAD may not be the same for every individual, but some of them include constant worrying, uncontrollable anxiety, thoughts about anxiety inducing things that you can’t shake, an inability to tolerate uncertainty and/or an intense and pervasive feeling of apprehension or dread. 

There may also be some behavioral symptoms of GAD which can include an inability to relax or unwind, difficulty concentrating or focusing on things, procrastinating due to feeling overwhelmed and/or avoiding situations that induce anxiety.

Physical symptoms of GAD may also be present and can range from feeling tense, edgy or restless all the time to insomnia and/or stomach problems such as nausea.

If you know someone who is in a constant state of anxiety, then you’ll doubtless know that there is precious little you can say or do to help relieve their fears, and if you’re the one who feels like this, then you may feel uncertain as to whether anyone can help you. However, you don’t need to feel helpless anymore. While it is true to say that you may not be able to help your friend or family member with their uncontrollable anxiety, a professional counselor can, and if you’re the one suffering from GAD, talking to a professional counselor could be the first step towards not only learning how to manage your fears and worries, but discovering how to take back control of your life.

Get the help you need at: heartcenteredcounselors.com/

The post Are You Suffering With A Generalized Anxiety Disorder? appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/are-you-suffering-with-a-generalized-anxiety-disorder/

5 Of The Most Common Mental Health Misconceptions

There have always been certain misconceptions surrounding mental health, and while these may never disappear completely, in talking about them and shedding some light on the truth, we might help more people to realize when they should seek help, and enable others to be more understanding of those suffering with a mental health condition.

Here are 5 of the most common mental health misconceptions:

1. If you don’t feel mentally unwell today, you won’t have a problem tomorrow

While you may never have experienced a problem with your mental health before, life events and stresses can trigger a variety of emotional responses, and these can alter with time and age. Just because you can carry on with your life as normal today doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t have an issue with your mental health at some time in the future. In fact, in any given year, 25% of the population has a diagnosable mental health condition.

2. Some people will never be affected by mental illness

Nobody is immune to mental illness, and even if you’re able to shape many aspects of your life, there is nothing you can do to control unpredictable stressors that may occur at any period in your life.

3. If you’re mentally strong, then you’ll remain mentally healthy

In fact, the two are worlds apart. In much the same way as a physically strong weightlifter is not immune to suffering with their physical health, someone who considers themselves to be mentally strong can just as easily suffer from a mental health condition. It is true that having mental strength can help prevent some mental illnesses, but it does not give you immunity. 

4. Medication is the only solution

While medication is sometimes prescribed by health professionals, it is often paired  with (or secondary to) other forms of therapy, such as counseling, to give patients a more rounded experience that is likely to help them feel better quicker, and for longer.

5. Treatment isn’t always successful

The data on mental health treatment shows just how effective it can be. There have been hundreds of studies and meta studies that show the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Of course, nothing works all the time, and there are factors affecting the outcome that are beyond the reach of health professionals, such as if a patient returns to an addictive behavior that inhibits their recovery. However, if you commit to getting better, and find a counselor that you trust and can work with, then there is no reason why your treatment shouldn’t work.

If any of the above common misconceptions are the reason why you haven’t sought help for a problem with your mental health, then hopefully you are now in a better position to assess your situation and take the necessary steps towards finding a treatment plan that will be most effective for you.

Learn more at: www.heartcenteredcounselors.com

The post 5 Of The Most Common Mental Health Misconceptions appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/5-of-the-most-common-mental-health-misconceptions/

Are You Trapped In An Unhealthy Relationship?

Even when a relationship has begun to turn toxic (or was always toxic), ending things can be a big decision to make and a hard thing to do. You may still love your partner, despite knowing that being with them isn’t healthy for you.

If you’re feeling trapped in a relationship that no longer feels healthy, or have recently ended a toxic partnership, these tips may prove helpful:

Be aware that there is a problem

If you know that something isn’t right, but you’re searching for confirmation that your relationship is truly unhealthy, you could talk to a counselor to air your thoughts and get a professional perspective. Recognizing that there might be a problem, is the first, and perhaps most important, step.

Honor your grief

Ending a relationship, even if it was unhealthy, can be painful and upsetting, but it’s important that you embrace the way you’re feeling, rather than suppressing your emotions.

Think about what you may have learnt

Even if your relationship was toxic, the time you spent with your partner would have taught you many things, and most of these can be beneficial in helping you grow and pursue new relationships with new partners.

Distance yourself while you heal

You may be able to have a healthy, plutonic relationship with your ex-partner in the future, but be sure to allow ample time for you to be apart from each other before you move toward this.

Shift the focus back to you

Much of your time with your partner may have been devoted to pursuits that didn’t make you happy, or which shifted the focus to the toxicity between you both. Refocus on yourself and spend time pursuing things that make you feel good.

Be willing to forgive

You may be experiencing feelings of guilt about your unhealthy relationship, but if you’re going to move on with your life, practice being kind, understanding and forgiving with yourself.

Be truthful about the relationship

It’s not uncommon for one person to want to remain in a toxic relationship in the hope of being able to change the other person, but ask yourself if you can honestly do this, and whether this is how you should be spending your time?

Don’t shy away from seeking help

The challenges associated with ending a toxic relationship can be myriad, and most would benefit from some emotional support during this time. Talking to a qualified counselor can help you to process your thoughts and acknowledge your feelings, while giving you the tools with which to move on with your life in a positive, healthy way. 

Find help here: https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/couples-marriage-counseling/

The post Are You Trapped In An Unhealthy Relationship? appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/are-you-trapped-in-an-unhealthy-relationship/

Signs That Your Child May Be Mentally Unwell

While it might be more common to associate mental illnesses with older children, such as teenagers, the reality is that children of all ages can struggle with their mental health, and spotting the signs is not always straightforward. Below are a few clues that could show if your child is mentally unwell:

Frequent mood changes or mood swings

It’s arguable that all kids can be moody, and this may well be understandable given the challenges they face both mentally and physically, but if your child’s mood changes rapidly or their attitude alters dramatically, then it could be a sign that something more significant is going on.

Eating disorders

Pickiness or fussiness with food might be something that we expect to see in children, but if your child is suddenly refusing to eat, or is binging or overeating, then these could all be signs that your child is anxious, stressed about or something or suffering from depression.

If talking to your child about what you’ve noticed doesn’t satisfy your concerns, then make an appointment for them to see your local doctor or counselor and get professionally support.

Misuse of drugs or alcohol

While usually associated with older children, drug or alcohol misuse can occur at any age, and although in many cases it can be attested to an experimental phase of the growing up process, sometimes it can be caused by an issue with their mental health.  

Abnormal anxiety or paranoia

It’s perfectly normal, even expected, that kids may display some symptoms of anxiety, just as adults do, but if your child seems to be increasingly fearful of things without reason, then they may be grappling with generalized anxiety. This is a common indicator in adults and children of a mental health issue, and it’s best to seek professional help for your child if you spot any signs of this.

Poor grades at school or college

Your child may not always be top of the class, but if you notice that their grades are falling, then it could suggest that something is wrong, especially if the fall happens swiftly instead of gradually. Be alert and monitor things, and as with any potential issue with your child’s mental health, get them the support of a professional if you’re worried.

Physical or verbal abuse

A child may shout and scream or lash out at others from time to time, but if your child is becoming physically or verbally violent on a more frequent basis, then they may be struggling to deal with their emotions and suffering mentally as a result.

If your child conducts this behavior in response to a teacher, parent or other caregiver, then this could be a red flag that means your child needs professional help. Any increase in violent episodes or verbally abusive arguments should be closely monitored and never ignored or taken lightly.

Children can be complicated, that much is true, but writing any strange or upsetting behavior off as being just a phase, or a normal part of growing up, can mean that they don’t get the help they need, and that they go on to carry these issues into adulthood. If you’re seeing a sudden change in behavior, or a gradual downturn that worsens over time, talking to a professional counselor can be the key to a turnaround.

The post Signs That Your Child May Be Mentally Unwell appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/signs-that-your-child-may-be-mentally-unwell/

Do You Find It Difficult To Open Up?

Would you like to be more open than you are now? Do you internalize many of your thoughts, feelings and emotions, and shy away from sharing anything with anyone, no matter how close you are to them? Perhaps the thought of being more open makes you feel vulnerable, frightened and anxious? If you never challenge this perception, you could be missing out on the wonderful way in which being more open can help to relieve the burden of an emotional load or give you an alternative viewpoint of a situation that was causing you mental anguish.

Why is it so hard to be more open?

Oftentimes, when we choose not to be open with someone, it’s because we’re worried about how they might respond to what we want to say, and what they might think of us, so we choose to be silent instead.

Why should you try to be more open with people you trust?

All that we’re doing in remaining silent, though, is denying the people that we’re closest to, the opportunity to know us better, and for who we really are. We’re telling ourselves and showing them, that we don’t fully accept ourselves, and this is a real loss.

Who should you try to be more open with?

There is often an element of risk when we share our inner thoughts and feelings with others, but you can usually make a reasoned judgement as to who you can and cannot trust. If you talk to a close friend or family member for example, the risk is greatly reduced, and if you talk to a professional counselor, confidentiality is part of the agreement that you enter into (and sign), so you can be certain that what you say to the counselor, will never leave the confines of those four walls.

Is there a wrong and a right time to be open?

Definitely! That said, we may get it wrong from time to time, and that’s just part of life, but usually it’s possible to judge when being open might have negative consequences for us. If you’re not used to being open and want to try it out, find a calm, safe environment to be in with your chosen recipient, and depending upon the nature of what you want to say, try to express yourself freely and allow the other person to react without stifling them.

You might want to try it out with a counselor first, and you can even talk to your counselor about the difficulties you’re experiencing with being more open.

Being more open is all about trying to make what you’re feeling on the inside match with what you’re showing on the outside. Internalizing your emotions can alienate you from others, while learning how to express them openly can have the opposite effect. To learn more about being open and begin developing more meaningful relationships with others, talk to a qualified, professional counselor today.

Learn more at: www.heartcenteredcounselors.com/

The post Do You Find It Difficult To Open Up? appeared first on Heart-Centered Counselors.

source https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/do-you-find-it-difficult-to-open-up/