Finding Your Zen: Counseling Services for Stress Management
“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” Dan Millman
Stress
“It’s amazing how much better you feel when there’s someone you can talk to.” Bob Ross
So, you’re thinking about going to therapy? That’s great! Therapy is a valuable resource for everyone. In fact, therapy can be a great way to invest in your mental health and well-being.
Why? Because theray provides a safe and supportive space to talk about your feelings, develop coping mechanisms for stress, and build self-esteem. It can also help you improve communication skills and foster self-awareness. Let’s face it, life can be challenging, and everyone experiences stress. There are times when everything seems to go wrong.
Calling an “insta-therapist” or a “subscription counselor” from the commercialized mental health companies might help in a pinch, but like all big companies, the turnover rate is part of the human equation. Consider finding a therapist you can build a rapport with. A strong therapeutic relationship allows for deeper exploration and growth. Make a decision that is right for you!
Stress can manifest in various ways, both physically and emotionally. It can cause headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. You might also experience anxiety, irritability, anger, sadness, and hopelessness. Socially, stress can lead to withdrawal, avoidance of activities, and even self-destructive behavior. Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, racing thoughts, self-doubt, and negative thoughts are all signs that stress may be impacting your life.
At times, stress can increase as you are adjusting to changes or multiple changes, such as; a career change, relationship change, onset of injury or new illness, financial uncertainty, ect. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and situation to situation. But one thing seems to be common among those dealing with high stress: they tend to have more bad days than good ones. It is time to consider therapy if you find that the stress/stressors that you are faced with is lasting more than 3 months. Reach out for support. I am looking forward to hearing from you. InfinitePsychology101@gmail.com
Types of Stressors
First Responders: Stress, Fatigue, & Secondary Trauma
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” Arthur Ashe
First responders are a unique and remarkable group of individuals. They face danger head-on, day in and day out. Medical professionals, law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, military, mental health professionals, and veterinarians; First responders are the ones who step up in emergencies, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. For that, we owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude. Before I write anything else, I want to say Thank You!
Now, let’s delve into your world. You’re a different breed, always the first to respond when an emergency call comes in. But let’s be clear, these aren’t ordinary calls; they often involve life-threatening situations. Their job is twofold: ensuring our safety while also returning home safely yourselves.
The demands of this profession are immense. First responders endure long hours and cope with emotional strain on a regular basis. You’ve witness violence, the aftermath of crimes, hurt, and death at close range.
While everyone expects you to return home unharmed, it’s important to remember that first responders are human too. Constant exposure to stress, suffering, and potentially life-threatening situations can take a toll.
Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is the emotional distress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. Individuals may find themselves re-experiencing personal trauma related to the indirect trauma exposure.
Compassion fatigue on the other hand is frequent exposure to stress resulting from helping or wanting to help people who are experiencing trauma or suffering.
Vicarious Trauma is slightly different. This is the ongoing process of change over time that results from witnessing or hearing about other people’s suffering and need. People carry the stories and emotions of trauma which changes their worldview, impacting their daily life and deepest sense of meaning and hope.
We hold first responders in the highest esteem, and rightfully so. It’s essential to acknowledge the sacrifices you make and ensure you receive the mental health support you deserve. As a society and community, we have a duty to do right by all First responders.
I can play a part in that by offering my unwavering support to first responders. If you are a first responder struggling with the emotional weight of your job, please know you are not alone. Please, feel free to reach out for support. I can be reached by email at InfiniftePsychology101@gmail.com
Living with Someone Else's Addiction
“Life was unmanageable until I took responsibility” Anonymous
Are you feeling the impact of someone else’s substance or alcohol use on your life? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the challenges of loving someone who is addicted.
Consider these questions:
- Are you witnessing a loved one spiral out of control due to drugs or alcohol, causing harm to themselves and others, including you?
- Have your efforts to help them failed, leaving you feeling helpless and sacrificing your peace?
- Do you feel trapped with no way out?
- Have you ever thought, “If only I loved more, prayed more, did more?”
Living with a loved one’s addiction is incredibly stressful. You may fear the unknown, coming home to find them incoherent or receiving distressing calls from hospitals or police. Unpredictably, you face emotional outbursts, arguments, or even violence.
Growing up or living in such an environment can shake your self-esteem and trust, affecting your relationships and possibly leading to your own substance use issues. This is a natural coping mechanism, but it only worsens your mental health in the long run.
The stress takes a toll, leaving you exhausted and isolated. You may feel unable to talk to anyone or blame yourself for the situation. But remember, you are strong for enduring this challenge. There is help available, and you don’t have to suffer silently.
If sober friends or family aren’t available, consider therapy. Therapy is a safe and confidential space (with some legal exceptions) to talk about your experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms. You can also educate yourself on recovery options for your loved one and for yourself.
Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is crucial. While you can’t control others’ substance use, you can reclaim your life. Establish clear boundaries, prioritize self-kindness, and focus on activities that bring you joy and peace. Eating well, resting, and exercising can help you regain control and resilience.
Remember, your mental wellness is just as important as your loved one’s recovery. There is always a way forward. Take an act of kindness towards yourself and reach out for support today. My email is InfiniftePsychology101@gmail.com
Tackling Work Stress & Burnout
“I prefer physical exhaustion over mental fatigue any day.” Clotide Hesme
In today’s professional world, success seems to require juggling multiple responsibilities, tight deadlines, and high-stakes decisions. This constant pressure can lead to work-life imbalance and burnout. Burnout is a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling overwhelemed. It’s a result of excessive and prolonged emotional, physicial, and mental stress.
According to the 2023 ‘Work in America Survey’ by the American Psychological Association, many workplaces contribute to employee stress. Shockingly, only 30% of employers actively promote mental health care for their employees.
While changing workplace culture can take time, there are steps you can take right now. Remember to prioritize your well-being by scheduling activities you enjoy, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, savoring BBQ at the rodeo, strolling the Riverwalk, or volunteering at the Texas Wildlife Center.
Fellow Texans, let’s acknowledge reality: work stress and burnout have become the norm. We all need to earn a living, but neglecting well-being may make retirement an unattainable dream. If work consumes most of your waking hours and NatGeo is your only window to the world’s beauty, you are living a stressful life. Sometimes having someone to talk to can make a difference in returning to balance. Therapy is always an option. Don’t wait until you’re burned out – take action today! I am looking forward to hearing from you.
College Uncertainty and Major Changes
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain
Choosing a college major can be a bit overwhelming like being trapped in a never-ending, outrageously expensive episode of “The Twilight Zone.” But here’s the thing: you’re not alone! Many students change their majors, sometimes multiple times, especially in the first year. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and embrace the fact the majority of your freshman class have very little idea of what they want their future self to be let alone a future professional life.
This is an exciting time in your life because you get to discover your talents and interests. While it may seem daunting, it’s all part of finding your path to success. The pressures can be intense. You may have entered college and suddenly realized there are a multitude of options you have not considered. The pressure to choose a major can be intense, especially with external expectations from family, peers, or cultural society.
Focusing solely on prestige or financial potential can overshadow your own interests and abilities. The fear of making a wrong decision is valid, but it shouldn’t paralyze you. Imagine having a mentor like Yoda to guide you through the maze of academic and career choices, helping you avoid investing years and money in the wrong degree. Yeah, Skywalker had it easy. Okay, here’s the full disclosure: I’m not a Yoda. Not even close! I do have about 2o something years of experience working with incredible college students who faced numerous challenges, emotional experiences, questioning every decision, just like you’re going through now. Addressing your struggles one step at a time will be a major confidence boost.
Okay, therapy maybe not Jedi training, although that would be awesome. If you need a little support to cope with the uncertainty that comes with making life-altering decisions, whether it’s gentle hand-holding or a nudge out of your comfort zone, send an email. I really would like to be a support for you.
Someone to Talk to Confidentially
“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” Murphy’s General Law
Ah, the phenomenon of everything going wrong at once! It’s as if the universe conspires to test our patience and resilience. While it may feel like an unjust cosmic joke or simply bad luck, it’s enough to make anyone question everything.
Even when positive events happening simultaneously it can create a domino effect, triggering or exacerbating other stressors we’re already dealing with. Our taxed cognitive overload can making us more susceptible to feeling stressed. The strain from one challenge can leave us exhausted and less equipped to handle the next.
Maybe you’re experiencing a moment of uncertainty – even 24 hours before a big decision like a wedding, jitters are normal! These “I do or don’t” moments can be about anything: a new job, a move, a relationship change, starting a family, retirement, or even navigating assisted living options for your parents or yourself.
Finding someone to talk to can be tricky. That’s the benefits of therapy. Your privacy is a big deal. I take your privacy seriously. So, when you decide the therapy option, you’re not only focusing on your mental well-being but also putting your trust that what you say is not going to be posted on social media. The therapeutic alliance is unique because of the impartiality. My only goal is to focus on you. You can freely express yourself without fear of judgment and safely navigating life’s challenges with support tailored to your unique needs.
In the maze of day-to-day stress, don’t underestimate the power of talking it out. Therapy offers you a unique opportunity to be heard, validated, and understood. It’s only about you, a time to refresh perspectives, rediscover hidden strengths, and explore choices of whatever life presents.
Remember, you deserve unbiased support. I am here to be supportive.
Confiding in someone who honors your trust can be the first step towards finding clarity and peace of mind.
If you think you or a loved one is experiencing Stress, reach out to out Infinite Psychology at our Houston Texas based locations, at InfiniftePsychology101@gmail.com
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