Because conflict can feel so dysregulating and uncomfortable, many people try to avoid it altogether. This makes sense. Why make things harder than they need to be? But in an effort to keep peace, you may actually perpetuate more anxiety, tension, and disruption. Furthermore, you might be triggering the very disagreements you hope to avoid. Learning how to manage conflict...[ read more ]
Acute stress refers to how the body immediately responds to real or perceived threats. This type of stress response is situational and often has a defined beginning, middle, and end. Everyone experiences acute stress at times- it's a typical reaction to external stimuli, and it can strengthen our mental focus, provide much-needed adrenaline, and help us problem-solve effectively. But there's...[ read more ]
We often spend a great deal of time trying to build healthy relationships with our loved ones. You may care deeply for your partner, friends, coworkers, and children. You might try hard to consider their needs and attune to their emotional states. This is, after all, what it means to be a good friend or family members. But what about...[ read more ]
Emotional numbness is an act of self-protection. Sometimes, the body prepares for a threat by physically or emotionally shutting down- this is known as the freeze response, and it's a way to cope with immediate adversity. If you experience this stress response, it's important to understand its function and learn how to care for yourself. Let's get into some important takeaways....[ read more ]
Around 50-60% of all people experience trauma at some point during their lives. Trauma can unquestionably disrupt your life and affect your emotional well-being. In addition, it's a precursor for numerous mental health issues like substance use, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma denial refers to suppressing, rationalizing, or even disregarding that trauma occurred. It can...[ read more ]
Everyone experiences stress, but chronic stress or stress that persistently feels difficult to overcome may indicate unresolved trauma. It may also speak to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which isn't always obvious. Understanding and taking care of stress well is key to managing your mental health. Here are some emotional and physical symptoms that often go under the stress...[ read more ]
Even though everyone feels occasional shame, chronic or persistent shame can affect every part of your life. Shame coincides with feeling unworthy, which can deeply affect the quality of your relationships. Unfortunately, shame persists and shows up in insidious ways. It can erode even a healthy relationship, and it sometimes contributes to patterns of unhealthy interpersonal dynamics. Shame also often...[ read more ]
Knowing how to forgive yourself can be one of the greatest gifts you offer yourself in this lifetime. However, it's much easier said than done, especially if you struggle with your self-esteem or feel toxic shame over your past mistakes. The good news is that you can learn to strengthen your self-forgiveness skills. The more you commit to practicing kindness...[ read more ]
Traumatic events can fundamentally impact how safe you feel in the world. When you endure a trauma, both your body and mind store what happened. Even if you feel like you've moved on, your past may have more of a hold over you than you realize, and this can affect you in both insidious and profound ways. Here are some...[ read more ]
Secondary traumatic stress refers to the emotional distress and turmoil that occurs from indirect exposure to trauma. People with secondary trauma often exhibit similar symptoms to those who have experienced trauma directly. Caregivers and professionals working in trauma-exposed fields (first responders, therapists, clinical social workers, emergency nurses) are particularly susceptible to secondary traumatization. However, regardless of your profession, knowing the...[ read more ]