Grace Behavioral Health Services

06/02/2023

A therapist can help you grow more aware of what triggers your stress, how to recognize it when it's getting out of hand, and how to respond effectively before it takes a toll on your health and well-being.
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05/26/2023

Chronic can cause physical changes in the brain, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders like depression. It can also interfere with decision-making processes by impairing judgment and our ability to think clearly and objectively about daily situations.
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05/18/2023

The most obvious effect of stress on the body is physical pain - from headaches to backaches to stomach aches. Still, there are other effects. High levels of stress hormones over time can depress the immune system, leaving you susceptible to illness or exacerbating existing conditions like asthma or allergies.
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05/10/2023

Stress is the perception of danger that sets off an automatic response system (the fight-or-flight response) activated through hormonal signals.
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04/21/2023

No matter what, there are ways for everyone and all personality types to boost productivity, including:

-Keeping a routine and daily or weekly to-do list to help you stay organized and on track.

-Minimizing technology use and working on tasks one at a time to maintain focus.

-Setting smaller goals rather than trying to accomplish everything at once.

-Maintain healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise habits to boost mental energy and efficiency.

Consider working with a therapist if you are looking for additional guidance and tools to enhance productivity. A therapist can help you explore the best techniques for your personality and find ways to overcome obstacles.

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04/21/2023

Internal & External Motivation: When we're motivated to achieve a goal, we're more likely to put in the effort required to reach that goal. Motivation can come from external factors, such as support from others or a desire to fulfill basic needs like meeting a deadline, or internal factors, such as emotions or a desire to be perceived a certain way.

Personality Traits: Certain personality traits are more likely to lead to productive behavior than others. For example, those who are higher in conscientiousness are often more organized and diligent; they tend to follow through on tasks better than those who are not as conscientious.

Even if you fall on the more laid-back end of the spectrum, you have advantageous characteristics, including flexibility, adaptability, and generally lower levels of stress and anxiety, that can also play a key role in productivity.

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04/21/2023

Simply put, productivity is the rate at which we produce output. It's often used in reference to work, but productivity can apply to any area of life. For example, we can be productive in our relationships, with our health and fitness goals, or in how we manage our time.

A few key factors influence our productivity levels, including our personality traits, motivation, and even our environment.

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03/28/2023

How Therapy Can Help



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention are two treatments that can help manage compulsive behaviors.



Exposure and Response Prevention involves gradually exposing the individual to the source of their anxiety or compulsive behavior. For example, a person with OCD who fears contamination may be gradually exposed to dirty objects in a controlled setting under the guidance of a therapist.



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing how an individual thinks and behaves to reduce negative thoughts and improve mood and behavior.



Here are some ways that CBT can help:



1. Identify triggers: CBT can help individuals identify what triggers their compulsive behavior. For example, a person with a shopping addiction may be triggered by stress or boredom.

2. Challenge negative thoughts: CBT can help individuals challenge negative thoughts contributing to compulsive behavior. For example, a person with a hoarding disorder may believe that they need to keep everything, even if it has no value. A therapist can help the individual challenge this thought by asking questions like, "What would happen if you got rid of this item?"

3. Develop coping strategies: CBT can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage compulsive behaviors. For example, a person with exercise addiction may be taught to replace compulsive exercise with another activity, like meditation or yoga.

4. Improve problem-solving skills: CBT can help individuals improve their problem-solving skills to manage compulsive behaviors more effectively. For example, a person with a gambling addiction may be taught how to avoid high-risk situations, like going to a casino.



Overall, both therapy types effectively manage compulsive behaviors by helping individuals identify their triggers and develop coping strategies. If you are caught in a pattern of repetitive actions, a mental health professional can help determine the right treatment approach for you.

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03/28/2023

For example, someone with OCD may develop compulsive behaviors to reduce distress. However, compulsive behaviors only offer relief in the short term; typically, they contribute to unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns that can worsen anxiety over time.

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03/28/2023

There are many compulsive behaviors, each with unique challenges and symptoms. From compulsive exercise and buying to gambling and hoarding disorders, common activities can lead to compulsions when underlying factors like stress, childhood trauma, and anxiety are present.

For example, someone with OCD may develop compulsive behaviors to reduce distress. However, compulsive behaviors only offer relief in the short term; typically, they contribute to unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns that can worsen anxiety over time.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

02/22/2023

One sign that you may be experiencing loneliness is if you find yourself inauthentically connecting with others.

This could look like having shallow relationships, where you and the other person(s) only ever talk about surface-level topics and never really get to know each other. Inauthentic relationships can leave you feeling isolated and alone, despite the number of relationships you have or the frequency of interactions.

When determining whether loneliness affects you, it's important to know the difference being loneliness and being alone. Loneliness is an emotion that arises when one feels a lack of companionship or social interaction.

Other common signs of loneliness include feeling isolated or disconnected from others, like no one understands you, and like you're always on the outside looking in.

If you're experiencing any of these feelings and thoughts, ask yourself if there is something you can do to change your situation. Sometimes, reaching out to others and connecting on a deeper level can make all the difference.

No matter what, many resources, like therapy, are available to help you if you are struggling with loneliness. Through therapy, a person can better understand their

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

02/14/2023

Feeling lonely can be distressing and harm your mental and physical health. So if you're struggling with loneliness, it's important to explore what's going on in your life to make you feel this way and how to resolve it.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

02/14/2023

We all have an innate need for companionship, and social interactions help us to feel our best.

While it's normal for everyone to feel lonely from time to time, loneliness is a frequent state of discomfort for some people. They may be surrounded by people all day or are in a long-term relationship, but they still feel empty inside.

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01/31/2023

So next time you're feeling down, instead of pushing those emotions away, try to sit with them and explore what they might be telling you. It's okay to maintain a positive attitude or set aside difficult emotions, such as during adverse times, as long as you don't repress or ignore them indefinitely.

If you're struggling to find healthy ways to validate and process your emotions, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help guide you through the process. Therapy can be incredibly powerful for exploring and resolving our emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

01/21/2023

And while it's important to have a positive outlook on life, denying our negative emotions can have serious consequences.

For one, it can lead to emotional invalidation. This is when we feel our emotions are not valid or worthy of being expressed. We might start to believe that we're "crazy" for feeling the way we do, which can lead to further isolation and feelings of shame.

It can also lead to emotional dysregulation or the inability to manage our emotions effectively. When we stuff down our negative emotions, they have a way of coming out in other ways, often in unhealthy or destructive behaviors.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

01/15/2023

Are you familiar with the term "toxic positivity?" It's becoming more and more popular in the mental health community, and for a good reason.

Toxic positivity is when we deny or suppress our emotions or experiences to maintain a positive persona. It can also take the form of someone else rejecting our emotions, insisting that we "just stay positive" during distressing times when what we need is for our emotions to be validated.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

12/30/2022

For children and adults, ADHD tends to affect executive functioning, meaning skills like planning, organization, and time management can be challenging. For example, an adult with ADHD may have trouble paying bills on time, or a child with ADHD may have trouble completing assignments.

As you can see, the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults and children are similar, but they can manifest differently according to one's genetics, experiences, development, and environment. For this reason, it's helpful to recognize the varying signs of ADHD because early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the quality of life for those affected by this disorder.

If your child exhibits symptoms of ADHD, consistency, structure, and care are essential ingredients in helping them manage it. This means setting routines such as homework and bedtime, as well as providing support and encouragement.

If you're an adult with ADHD, therapy can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and live a more productive, fulfilling life. In therapy, you'll learn how to set goals and create a plan to achieve them. You'll also learn coping skills for managing symptoms, as well as how to manage your time and create a more organized lifestyle.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

12/27/2022

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both children and adults.

You may understand ADHD as a problem with focus, but the reality of living with ADHD is much more impactful than that. ADHD can cause problems in all areas of life, from work and school to relationships.

If you think you or someone you know may have ADHD, look out for the following signs:

In children:

-Frequently fidgets or squirms

-Has difficulty remaining seated

-Is easily distracted

-Has difficulty following instructions

-Blurts out answers before hearing the whole question

-Has trouble waiting their turn

-Often interrupts others



In adults:

-Has trouble focusing and following through on tasks

-Is easily and frequently distracted

-Makes careless mistakes

-Feels like they are constantly in motion

-Has difficulty sitting still

-Talks excessively

-Interrupts others often

-Often behaves impulsively

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10/13/2022

PTSD is a whole-brain disorder that can severely affect brain functioning, resulting in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance behaviors.

One region of the brain called the amygdala, responsible for stress responses (fear and anxiety), becomes hyperactive, while activity in another region - the prefrontal cortex - slows down. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, planning, and executive function, not to mention calming down one's fear response. This can make it difficult for people with PTSD to make decisions, plan ahead, and control their emotions.



Furthermore, brain scans show that the hippocampus (verbal memory center) in those with PTSD is typically smaller, which may explain the connection between PTSD and difficulty processing traumatic memories.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

At Grace Behavioral Health Services we are experts in anxiety, depression, relationship issues and more. We have many years of experience with mental health counseling.

10/07/2022

In the past, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen as a disorder that affected only those who had been in combat. However, we now know that PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, and it's caused by brain changes that occur afterward.

Understanding how trauma affects the brain is critical to discovering more effective treatments for PTSD. It can also help to make sense of what's going on in your brain if you've ever encountered a traumatic event.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

09/30/2022

Mental health challenges: after 65, many seniors will experience mental decline. This can result from the physical changes mentioned above, or it might be caused by depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses.

It is important to remember that aging is a natural process that happens to everyone. There are many ways to cope with the physical and mental challenges that come with aging, and it is possible to live a happy and fulfilling life at any age.

Therapy is a valuable tool where aging adults and seniors can address any of these issues or others in a safe and supportive environment.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

09/23/2022

Physical challenges: as adults age, their bodies change and become less flexible, agile, or coordinated. This can make it harder to care for themselves or perform basic tasks such as walking upstairs, getting up from a chair, or reaching items on tall shelves.

Loneliness and isolation: as people age, they often lose touch with friends and loved ones who have passed away. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, many older adults live in retirement communities or assisted living facilities, further contributing to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

09/16/2022

Whether an aging adult approaches their "golden years" with excitement or trepidation, there are many common challenges that occur in one's later stages of life, including:

Medical issues and conditions: even healthy adults aged 65 and older are likely to experience a decline in their memory, bodily strength, energy level, visuospatial abilities, and hearing and vision.

In some cases, a more serious health condition such as Alzheimer's disease (the most common form of dementia) or Parkinson's.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

09/09/2022

For some adults, the transition into old age is an exciting time of exploration and self-discovery. They might look forward to leaving their careers behind and spending more time with loved ones or grandchildren, or they may feel excited at the prospect of retirement and having more free time to pursue their passions.

However, for others, the process of aging can be more difficult. Perhaps they are coping with health issues or losing loved ones, and they do not feel ready to let go of their previous lives.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

08/26/2022

A few strategies you can implement in your treatment alongside therapy include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, tracking your mood, and practicing mindfulness.

If you are experiencing mood swings, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional to determine the cause and get treatment. With the right care, you can manage and regulate your moods more effectively, leading to a happier and more stable emotional state.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

08/16/2022

It's important to note that mood swings can also be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as cardiovascular or thyroid problems. In these cases, it's important to seek medical help and psychological help.

Mood swings can be frustrating and debilitating, but therapy offers a way of getting control over them - no matter the cause.

A therapist can help you identify the root cause of your mood swings and develop healthy coping mechanisms, as the main goal of therapy is to help you manage your mood swings without the aid of medication. However, in some cases, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective treatment.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

08/11/2022

Mood swings are common, but they should not affect your daily life. If mood swings become too frequent or severe, it may indicate something deeper going on.

If you're experiencing extreme mood changes or behave differently from what is considered "normal," it could be due to a psychological condition, such as:

· Addiction

· Borderline Personality Disorder

· Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

· Bipolar disorder

· Major depressive disorder

· Cyclothymia (a milder form of bipolar disorder)

· Dysthymia (chronic low-grade depression)

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!

08/04/2022

Mood swings - or rapid changes in one's emotional state - are common in people of all ages. They can be caused by many different things, including stress, lifestyle factors, hormones, and genetics. If you are experiencing mood swings that impact your life negatively, it is important to seek help.

Recognizing the signs of mood swings is the first step in getting help. Some common signs include feeling irritable or grouchy more often than usual, having sudden outbursts of anger, crying more easily than usual, or feeling sad.

I want you to know I'm here to help! Visit www.gracebehavioralhealthservices.com/ to schedule an appointment today!