Clinician Insights
Bethany Morse
Anger
Anger is an emotion that all of us experience. However, the ways that we experience anger can vary greatly from person to person. Generally speaking, the difference between healthy anger and problem anger is what we choose to do with it. As we become aware of our thoughts and beliefs in an anger-producing situation, we can learn to reframe our response. This allows us to cope with anger in a healthier way. If you experience frequent anger, take heart in knowing that anger is not “bad.” Rather, anger is an emotion that can signal to us our deeper values and desires.
Bethany Morse
DEPRESSION
Depression is often experienced through the symptoms of low mood, lack of energy, loss of interest in regularly enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, sadness, and trouble sleeping (just to name a few). Depression is one of the most common mental health issues and it is often associated closely with anxiety. In fact, people who experience depression often experience anxiety, as well. Many people find relief from their depression through therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, and other coping strategies. If you, or a loved one, are struggling with depression, try speaking with a therapist for personalized help and care.
Bethany Morse
SOCIAL ANXIETY
Social anxiety is a form of anxiety that presents symptoms in social settings or interactions. In the case of someone with this type of anxiety, what might seem like a normal part of life can produce extreme distress. Oftentimes, social anxiety can manifest itself in significant time spent worrying about upcoming interactions and beating oneself up for past interactions. The good news is, it is possible to decrease social anxiety! Some helpful practices include: mindfulness/meditation, getting curious about the root of the anxiety, focusing on what you know to be true rather than on assumptions, and exposure to anxiety-producing situations.
Kellie Curb
Panic Attacks
The body has an internal alarm system known as the fight or flight system. This system exists to keep us safe—alerting us when it (specifically, the Amygdala) senses that we are in danger. This system, while helpful to keep us alert, faster, and stronger when we need to survive in a dangerous circumstance, can mistakenly label situations that are not a threat as a threat. During a panic attack—or “false alarm” in which the fight or flight system is engaged—unpleasant sensations occur as a result of adrenaline coursing through the body, and when we become afraid of these sensations, we can enter into a cycle of panic. This can often lead to an avoidance of situations in which we have previously felt these sensations, and an overall heightened state of anxiety.
Kellie Curb
Self-Esteem
Our feelings toward our own abilities, accomplishments, and bodies, as well our level of respect for ourselves make up our self-esteem. Additionally, we have a positive and a negative radio station we tune into daily. When we have listened to the negative radio station (or negative thoughts about ourselves—reinforced or unreinforced by others) for the majority of our lives, it is familiar, and can even be background noise that we do not realize is playing. However, with practice and the right guidance, we can learn to recognize when the bad radio station is prominent, and tune into the positive radio station and transform how we feel about ourselves into a positive light.