Stefan Lewis Counseling, LLC

05/11/2023

It’s been a while since I’ve posted things to this page. I’m seeing a trend in therapy sessions regarding social interactions after the Covid lockdown. Whether you agreed with the lockdown or not, there are still possible impacts. The below article is not kind but has a lot of good information about what you or people you know may be experiencing. If you are feeling any of these things, please reach out to someone for help. This article was published on Frontiers and I did not write anything in the article. Just wanted to pass along their work as it may be helpful.

Perceived social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly has had an extraordinary global impact, with significant psychological consequences. Changes in our daily lives, feeling of loneliness, job losses, financial difficulty, and grief over the death of loved ones have the potential to...

01/12/2021

Happy New Year! The past year has brought in many different challenges for everyone that were so unexpected. Life is different now then it was last year at this time (some things were good and needed while others presented challenges in different ways). Please talk with someone or encourage the people you know to get help and talk with someone.

There are openings with the following insurance plans:
BCBS (except BlueHome or BlueValue)
Aetna
Cigna
United Health

Specialities:
Anxiety
Depression
Substance Use
Divorce - getting through the tough times
Blended Family challenges

Happy 2021 and please reach out yourself or encourage others to find a counselor.

08/26/2020

The struggles are real....

Everyday I’m reminded of the challenges and joys life brings. Although we are in the middle of a tunnel with what appears to be no light in sight there are good things happening. I’m not trying to gloss over or ignore the realities of life and what is happening.... Covid, social injustice and having to make tough decisions that make sense to you and your family but may not to other people. This is a new (well not so new anymore) time in life and we are all trying to navigate things that make sense in our own personal worlds.

Anxieties are high with most people and now that school has started back there are additional stressors put on each individual. It is challenging and as adults we can lose our sense of peace, but how are we teaching our children, family, neighbors and loved ones how to maneuver through adversity. What lessons are we teaching our children? What outside help are we providing those we love who are struggling?

It is easier to complain and much harder to develop solutions. Solutions are not always easy and they take time. I encourage everyone to help find solutions and continue to cultivate relationships in a way that is safe for you and your family. I encourage you to reach out for additional resources and ask for help. Asking for help is NOT a weakness! It says you understand yourself enough to know what you can and can’t handle.

To all my friends going through tough times... please reach out and if I can’t help personally, I will help you find someone! If you know others who are struggling, please encourage them to reach out. One blessing for everyone is that most insurance companies have reduced or eliminated copays for all telehealth (zoom or phone therapy sessions) due to the added stressors in life. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

Here are a few strategies to help with anxiety:
- meditation
- understand what you can control and let go of the things you cannot control (easier said then done)
- self-care is important (go for a walk)
- develop action steps for your anxious thoughts so there is a plan in place for all of your “what if’s”
- change the words “what if” to “what is”

Please remember, we are all going through life together and even if our experiences are different we can continue to have empathy, educate and find ways to better our life and the lives around us.

05/27/2020

These past few months have been challenging to everyone in different ways. The single person who enjoyed going out, married couples without children, families, elderly, students and the list goes on... no matter which side of the “fence” you are on regarding things, the anxiety is real and possibly gotten worse over the past few months. Trying to create a “new normal” when the “future normal” is unknown. There are also many ways to celebrate this time and taking the time to try something new: learn how to cook, play and instrument, home improvements, read, binge watch different shows or plan new things to try when you feel comfortable going out.

If you’re feeling like your anxiety is growing during these times, here is an article that has some thoughts on helping anxiety.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm

Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, especially if you're already living with an anxiety disorder. But you're not powerless. These tips can help you get through this stressful time.

03/25/2020

A friend posted the article and as I read through it I started to think about my feeling regarding what is happening... we are all experiencing grief... please take time to read and if you need to talk or know anyone who does - I’m here offering video therapy sessions.

https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief?fbclid=IwAR0HutSa4hnd6I5CwcaPL3OuDGUo152Ts6rF24Nz6AdkTqSP82vr4IE-srY

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a collective loss of normalcy.

01/13/2020

Anxiety disorder affects more than 40 million people yet only about 36% receive any kind of treatment (counseling or medications). Anxiety can be debilitating and isn’t “just worrying”. If you struggle with anxiety, please reach out to your doctor or a counselor.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454.php

Anxiety is a normal emotion that causes increased alertness, fear, and physical signs, such as a rapid heart rate. However, when anxiety reactions become an on-going emotional state or out of proportion to the event that caused it, a person may have anxiety disorder. Read on to learn about the types...

08/11/2019

Love this article! Great read about how depression and anxiety may affect the brain.
http://relationshipsarticles.com/?p=10260

Torn between caring too much and not caring at all. I was diagnosed with depression and

05/07/2019

Kids ask for love in very different ways...

https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/115538/kids-need-love-ask-unloving-ways/

“The children who need love the most will always ask for it in the most unloving ways.” I couldn't agree more. Do you ever feel like your kids crave your a

04/11/2019

I’m sure most people have seen this video... but if you haven’t... this is a story about how lives can be changed. It doesn’t take millions of dollars (even thought D. Wade supported financially), it’s about taking time to understand someone’s story and being present in their lives. I’ve been able to see changes in so many people and couples through counseling when someone decides to think of other people first. Enjoy this story and please find a way to help others!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TjXKS6ONtLQ&feature=share

To celebrate his final season, Dwyane Wade has been swapping jerseys with NBA legends. Before he said goodbye, we surprised him with five more. ...

01/14/2019

Depression and anxiety come in all different forms. Have you ever been the person who constantly tries to fit the “round peg” into the “square hole”? Often times we try so hard to fit in, that we forget who we truly are in life.

Life comes at us fast and too often we aren’t prepared to handle what happens. Now with social media, we see so many of our “friends” doing things that seem so fun. We can sit around and wonder, “why are they having so much fun” and try to change ourselves to “fit in”. This could cause some depression as you are searching for “your group”. Anxiety starts to build because we truly want to be a part of the fun.

The reality is we all fit in somewhere it just may take time to find the right place or people. It may take time to realize your own self worth. There are choices....

1. Continue to change to fit in or
2. Find your own self worth and focus on your strengths and create your own fun

If you are ready for a change but need some help in working through your depression or anxiety all while building self confidence please call and let me know. I have openings and am ready to help you find your true potential and help you realize your true potential.

11/12/2018

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for some people they are anything but. Please let me know if I can help you or someone you love by calling to schedule a time to come in and talk. 919.607.2054.

Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety during the months of November and December may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment.

There are several reasons why you may develop depression during the holidays:

Social Isolation

Social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of depression, especially during the holidays.

Some people may have a small social circle or a lack opportunities for socialization. People who have feelings of disconnectedness often avoid social interactions at holiday time. Unfortunately, withdrawing often makes the feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression worse.

These individuals may see other people spending time with friends and family, and wonder why they are at home or why does it seem other people are so happy.

One of the best ways to deal with social isolation is to reach out to friends or family for support. You can also try talking to a therapist. They can help you figure out where your feelings come from and develop solutions to overcome them.

Grieving During the Holidays

Some people may be keenly aware of the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. Here are several ways to stave off the holiday blues that may descend at this time:

Begin a New Tradition

Try planning a family outing or vacation, instead of spending the holidays at home.

Don't Give In to Holiday Pressures

Feel free to leave an event if you aren't comfortable. Be willing to tell others that you need to leave and aren’t feeling well. Own your feelings!

Volunteer

Helping others can also be very helpful for you, too. For example, you might try:

- working at a soup kitchen
- organizing a gift drive
- helping your neighbor with a yard or house task
- Get Back to Nature

Going for a walk in the park or the woods helps many people relax and feel better when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern is a type of recurrent depression that is caused by the seasons changing. Many people with this disorder develop depression symptoms during the fall, and continue to feel sad throughout the winter. Most people stop having symptoms during the spring and summer. However, some people experience seasonal depression during the spring and summer.

This disorder is treated with light therapy, antidepressants, and talk therapy.

08/17/2018

Anxiety is high when school starts with everyone (parents and children). Here is an article with a few good tips to help. Remember... anxiety is about the future, help your child to find possible outcomes for their anxious situations.

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/choosing-starting-school/back-to-school/experts-weigh-in-how-can-i-get-my-young-child-less-anxious-about-starting-school

Starting school can be scary for young kids. Hear from experts on how to help your child feel less nervous and anxious as the new school year begins.