How To Help Your Depressed Parent

 

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Seeing your mom or dad in a depressive state more often than not has a vast impact on the offspring’s perspective. Questions like “Is it because of something I did or didn’t do?” and “Am I not enough reason for them to be happy?” may start filling your head at one point. But understand from here on out that it may not even be because of you.

Parents tend to experience some depression when they go through a significant change. It can come right after retiring from work, getting a divorce, losing a beloved, or sending off the kids to college. The symptoms may disappear once they get accustomed to their new life. If the condition remains the same for weeks, though, it’s your job as the child to help your depressed parent in any way possible.

The aim is to learn to regulate your emotions – and note that regulating emotions is not the same as controlling. — SUSAN J. O’GRADY, PHD

Below are the three tips on how to be effective at that.

 

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  1. Recognize Their Pain

 

People, in general, avoid receiving assistance from others who belittle or can’t understand what caused them to feel down. Thus, you need to show your folks that you see where they’re coming from and that you want to help them get over it.

It’ll also be great if you recognize that their negative emotions won’t go away instantly. There’s a process for that. You just have to stay by their side without judgment at all times.

 The practice of gratitude journaling is an effective way to build resilience and optimism, which act as antidotes to that negative voice. Gratitude journaling is a practice of focusing on things in your life that are positive. — SAUNDRA JAIN, MA, LPC, PSYD

  1. Encourage Your Parent To Share Their Woes

 

It is quite common for parents to keep problems to themselves to prevent burdening their children. That can happen as well even when the kids are old enough to live independently. Rather than saying they aren’t OK, therefore, they always put on a happy face in front of the brood.

Despite that façade, you perhaps know your parent too well to realize if they’re truthful or not. In case you notice them going down the depression alley, get out of your way to reassure them that you’re there once they’re ready to talk. Sometimes, individuals need that kind of encouragement to be able to speak up about their issues.

 

  1. CallOr Visit Them Every Day

 

The ideal action when your parent is in a depressive state is to persuade him or her to live with you. Or, move back in with them so that you’ll be able to monitor their condition. However, if your job location doesn’t allow you to do the latter, or your old folks just won’t leave their place, you may resort to regular visits and daily calls instead.

What a depressed parent needs to feel is that they are still valuable to you and other members of the family. The fact that you probably have a life of your own and no longer asks for money from them may amplify their helplessness and hopelessness, which are a couple of depression signs. Hence, you should let them detect your love and care often.

Besides, doing so will give you the opportunity to look for signs of suicidal tendencies. Thoughts of death easily flood a depressed person’s brain, especially when they have nothing to do. You won’t then have regrets too once you stop them from making such a horrible – and irreversible – decision.

 

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We all needed the “good enough” mother, and we also need the “good enough therapist.” We are not perfect. — Sarah Jenkins, MC, LPC

If all else fails, you may coax your mom or dad to get therapy. They may not be amiable at first, but you have to try to help them get out of depression.

 

Teen Early Relationship – What Can You Expect?

 

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Our recent generation of teens is difficult to handle because it is the stage of their lives that they allow themselves to become more adaptive to change not only with their perspective of life but also with their contribution to their society as well.

In the recent list of counseling problems, most parents are experiencing tons of issues with their teens with regards to their relationship with the opposite sex. It somehow creates an impact on their overall development. As of now, most parents are starting to accept the fact that they no longer control this recent era. With that said, parents become fully aware of the things that might happen when their teens indulge in an early relationship.

Of course, necessary as it is for all of us to find and forge an enduring relationship with a loved one, the process of discovering and nurturing healthy intimacy is often a long, and sometimes harrowing, one, comprised of one or more relationships that do not appear to be quite as healthy and suitable as caring parents would like them to be for their offspring. — Brad E Sachs Ph.D.

Forced Maturity

When kids push themselves to become mature, they lose the balance of emotional growth. The harder they imply the needs for the changes, the sooner their perception becomes irrational. They will think that they’re entitled to give obnoxious opinions to those people who don’t seem to like their actions. They become empowered with the idea that they can handle the relationship as much as an adult can.

 

Early Sexual Encounter

The adolescent stage of initial introduction to sexual contact has its own positive and negative side. The teenage exposure to having an immature relationship can bring more curiosity in dealing with sexual intimacy. However, teens are becoming aggressive and liberated that they often forget the restrictions that come along with the action. Soon, it will be too late to realize that the early exposure to sex can bring a lot of health complications.

 

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Parents telling kids how lousy sex is for them has one major drawback – the kids are already having sex and can draw their own conclusions. — Stanton Peele Ph.D.

Multiple Sex Partners

As early as teenagers enter a relationship, they will develop the perception of having ‘too much experience’ where they try to feel free as much as they want. In regards to that, they will think about sex and relationship as something that can come and go. Eventually, they will end up having multiple sex partners because they think they are only allowing themselves to become well-experienced.

 

Teenage Pregnancy

Yes, the highlight of early teenage-relationship is adolescent pregnancy. People can expect it to happen. It creates complication because teenagers who underwent early pregnancy might encounter tons of emotional, psychological, and physical issues. Since they cannot handle the stress of early motherhood, it will cause a problem with maturity. Because of that, some of them might end up getting an abortion.

 

Stress

It is one of the significant things that teenagers can expect when engaging in an early relationship. Most of the times, they will not be able to comprehend the sudden changes that might happen when it comes to assessing their issues. As a result, they will end up complaining about a lot of things concerning their life and eventually get depressed. In severe cases, they might consider harming themselves or committing suicide.

 

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You might think that truly loving someone means caring about them with all of your being – but you can’t really give all of your being to the relationship. — LESLIE BECKER-PHELPS, PHD

Teenagers engaging in early relationships are somehow prone to have complicated lives. In fact, their emotional and psychological health is somehow not ready for the pressures these relationships can give. Consequently, there’ll be tons of issues that they will encounter that would affect their perception of life.

Is Your Marriage Falling Apart? Here’s What You Can Do

 

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Marital issues are inevitable, and couples should understand the importance of its process. There is always a time that both husband and wife will develop a complicated view of their relationship. Sometimes, the decision lies on whether they would end it or try to fix the issues. Here are some counseling tips that you can do when you feel that your marriage is falling apart.

Write down the consequences of your unhealthy habits, including both positives and negatives. The downsides might be so obvious to you that it’s easy to ignore their benefits. — SETH J. GILLIHAN, PHD

Talk About The Problem

Instead of avoiding or starting a conflict, you can as well sit down and talk about the issue that complicates your relationship. From there, both of you will be able to understand what each of you is undergoing emotionally. It will lessen the tension when you try to cooperate in resolving your marital issues instead of ignoring the source of the problem.

 

Listen To Your Partner

Communication is a two-way process. When you want to tell your partner about the things that stress you in a relationship, you should at least try to consider listening to them as well. Listening will help in resolving some misunderstanding and allow both of you to have a more comprehensive view of the situation. You’ll be able to understand each other’s thoughts and feelings and figure out both of your mistakes so you can work it out.

 

Show Affection

Showing affections doesn’t have to follow a script. In fact, it should be offered wholeheartedly. Once you master the art of appreciating your other half, you’ll soon realize the benefits of your actions. Both of you will have a clear thought of how you want the relationship to go. You’ll quickly apprehend giving an effort in return.

 

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Appreciate Your Significant Other

Try to look for things that can make you acknowledge even the little things that your partner is offering you. Instead of complaining about what they can’t do, be more appreciative enough in giving them compliments for trying their best. Since each of you has your imperfections, it is better to learn to value one another and lower down your standards.

According to relationship researcher John Gottman, in heterosexual relationships, women are the ones to bring up problems 80 percent of the time. — LESLIE BECKER-PHELPS, PHD

Resolve Your Issues Together

Marriage is a commitment that both of you should handle. When experiencing issues, both you and your partner should realize your roles in sustaining a healthy marriage. Both of you should seek resolution no matter how simple and complicated an issue is because you have equal responsibility for keeping the relationship.

 

Trust Your Partner

Trust is one crucial factor that keeps a marriage. Though you may feel entitled to have the benefit of the doubt, you have to make sure that you fully support your partner in all of his actions. Never initiate a doubtful attitude because it will definitely add negativity to an ongoing marital complication.

 

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Controlling implies suppression, which is unhealthy both physically and mentally. Regulation is about applying conscious thought to our feelings, giving you the power to reduce their intensity. — SUSAN J. O’GRADY, PHD

Contribute To Your Partners Development

Being married, you have the responsibility to help your significant other in attaining his or her overall development. You have to be there for your husband or wife’s emotional, psychological, and behavioral states. You have to contribute to your partner’s growth to allow them to become better versions of themselves.

Since you and your partner have decided to spend your lives together, you should at least try and understand the importance of each of your roles in the relationship. Your marriage will no doubt experience a lot of ups and downs, but your perception of the commitment can save it from falling apart.

 

 

 

 

Simple Ways To Improve Your Sex Life

 

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It’s quite common for a relationship to get or feel dull over time. In worst cases, you might consider having sex as a less important part of the relationship and won’t acknowledge doing it at all. But that doesn’t mean you have to prioritize it in your life. By following the tips on how to solve your sex life, you will be able to bring the passion back in no time.

By bringing up and addressing problems, a partner is much more likely to get to a resolution or find a positive way to live with unresolvable differences. By just talking about an issue (when done in a constructive way), partners come together as a team to work on it. — LESLIE BECKER-PHELPS, PHD

Have Frank Talks – When you and your partner can go directly into having sex and don’t talk about it, you’ll soon see the act as a requirement and not something that can connect the both of you. However, when you try to ask each other what both of you want in bed, it will allow you to get more comfortable in sharing what you like and what you don’t. Both of you can have the advantage of using sex as a means of understanding each other.

 

Have Time For Sex – You and your significant other probably have a lot of daily things to do, but that doesn’t mean that you should set aside the time for having sex. You can at least spare a moment and bond with your partner so you can feel each other’s connection. Setting time for sex is a necessity because it will allow you to satisfy the desire for intimate sexual intercourse.

 

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Turn Up Your Moods – You don’t have sex just because you need to do it. You have to make use of some methods that can turn up the heat between the two of you and boost the excitement. You can exchange sexy texts messages, you can use some sensual touch to some of your partner’s sensitive parts of the body, or you can spice up the eagerness of wanting to have sex by whispering erotic words.

Think about using music, scents such as candles or lotion, or sensual fabrics such as satin or leather. You can also use erotic stories or art to set the mood. — Rachel Keller, LCSW-C

Don’t Forget The ForeplayForeplay serves as the most significant factor of sex. Aside from helping in the increase of libido, it contributes a huge role in giving satisfaction to and consequently getting an orgasm. It allows increased sensitivity and intense excitement that is beneficial in providing you and your partner an improved and enjoyable sex life.

 

Throw Some Compliments – When you and your partner are having sex, there’s a need for compliments. Most people get embarrassed by their physical appearance, so as a partner you should make sure that your significant other is confident in her own body. It will help in boosting inner energy in performance and can affect endurance as well.

 

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Let Her Take The Lead – A man usually takes the lead in having sex. However, when you allow a woman to initiate sexual pleasure on several occasions, you’ll be amazed at how they can sensually handle the intercourse. In most cases, they tend to be more adventurous and explore different techniques in sexual positions.

In all honesty, complications may eventually arise when a couple loses interest in sex. Sexual intercourse is a vital part of a relationship so people should understand that its purpose is to make a connection.

A satisfying sexual relationship is often crucial to the success of a romantic relationship. — Stuart B. Fensterheim, LCSW

The Benefits Of Marriage Counseling

A legal union is a lifetime commitment bound to have mild and complicated issues.

Certificate of marriage that binds a couple
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The process of marriage therapy is to help relationships work on the things that both husband and wife should consider.

Let’s discuss the process here in this article so it can give you an idea of how this serves as a support to a married couple’s healthy relationship and marriage.

Marital Counseling

Contrary to what people think about misunderstandings in couples, it requires resolution amidst the imperfect relationship that married couples have to assume what their separate roles should be.

Both couples often have difficulties identifying the origin of their problems, such as an extramarital affair, infidelity, intimacy, serious issues, and differences. This is why they conclude to end their relationship permanently instead of resorting to going through relationship help or seeking personal or online therapy or any effective form of emotionally focused treatment.

It’s a good thing that couples therapy  can assist them with that.

Life and responsibilities distract or get in the way of sincere efforts to site work on the relationship. No matter the reason, the more distant or strained a relationship becomes, the harder it is to repair. — LESLIE BECKER-PHELPS, PHD

Couples fail to see the importance of therapy when complications arise.

Most do not understand how it can change one or both individuals’ perceptions of their life decisions, opinions, and beliefs.

However, both should pay attention to some triggering points in the relationship that can help them determine whether they need advice or not.

The Importance Of Matrimony Therapy

Professional Help With Arguments That Are Getting Out Of Hand

Matrimony is not perfect, and a small (even detailed) conflict is healthy in the relationship.

It is where both husband and wife identify the need for adjustments for decision-making in the relationship.

A calm couple during couple's therapy session
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However, if an argument tends to feel like it has no end and a whole daily couple experiences conflict is becoming conflict-oriented, that is the time that they should consider couples therapy administered by a health therapist.

The marriage and family therapy session can somehow address the continued risk of negativity that constantly complicates an issue.

Sometimes people explain that they wanted to “try to deal with it on our own first.” That’s like saying you broke your foot and you want to try to deal with that on your own. — Raffi Bilek, LCSW-C

Counseling Assists In A Sudden Routine Change

According to the American Association of Therapy Experts, both husband and wife tend to have their priorities in the relationship, and as far as work and family processes are concerned, there are things that both couples can do separately.

However, as experts or licensed family therapists or couples counseling experts say, when couples tend to feel stressed about doing the same routine you and your partner usually do together and find themselves chronically resentful of the things that used to matter for both of them, it is perhaps the time to find a therapist and seek couples therapy.

The sudden change in the dynamic of the relationship can become a sign of a relationship issue.

Thus, marriage and family therapy is required to resolve conflicts. So start therapy to take away your relationship troubles and make your relationship healthy.

But it is important to note that marital therapy will not work when only one person or one partner is participating.

When a partner refuses, this can be a struggle and might create more relationship problems.

husband and wife having an argument during therapy session at therapist's office
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When One Or Both Of You Don’t Want To Communicate

As the number one rule to make family therapy or marriage counseling work is to understand the value of communication skills in a relationship.

When a healthy relationship starts to deteriorate, it can increase complications from dishonesty, doubt, resentment, and unfaithfulness.

Both couples will feel disconnected from each other and may eventually lack affection.

It is one of the prominent signs of a relationship problem that requires  counseling due to the impact it can create on a relationship status.

But if the relationship isn’t just going through a rough patch – if it’s truly toxic – there’s little to gain and much to lose by staying in it. — SETH J. GILLIHAN, PHD

Marriage Problems Cause Damaging Psychological Effects

Union problems are common in a relationship; both husband and wife can have psychological defects if dilemmas are not well addressed.

The signs of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, lack of sleep, PTSD, and other mental health problems are possible if couples fail to assess the cause of their relationship issues.

A family therapist is necessary when both parties have difficulties dealing in a healthy way with some of the mental health disorders they are currently experiencing.

Therapy Is Essential For People In Matrimony

Research shows that most people may think that matrimony can somehow work miraculously on its own.

However, there are several issues and realistic expectations in the relationship that both parties will eventually fail to assess.

The need for therapy is a great way to determine the capacity of the matrimony of both husband and wife if they can continue their relationship. It caters to a significant benefit from its techniques.

Hence, seek therapy as it is entirely essential in promoting happy relationships and happy couples.

FAQs

What is the role of therapy?

Who needs therapy?

Is it better to divorce or stay unhappily married?

What Should I Not Tell A Licensed Family Therapist?

How Do I Know My Union Is Over?

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Why do therapists need to deal with matrimonial issues?

What type of treatment is best for married couples?

What is walk-away wife syndrome?

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Managing Addiction In Teenage Kids

How hard is it to resolve teenage addiction? In truth, managing a child’s addiction can be challenging. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both their physical and mental health while providing support for the entire family. Substance abuse treatment programs play a crucial role by offering specialized treatment services and programs designed to provide the necessary support, guidance, and resources for families navigating the challenges of addiction.

Let’s discuss and learn more about substance abuse treatment for children and adolescents in this article.

A child who abuse substances should take counseling.
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Most childhood and adolescent psychiatry experts say that these childhood years have become one of the most rebellious — read: abusive — moments in a person’s life. Substance abuse studies show almost 80% of children around the globe are prone to substance misuse and alcohol dependence. Some adolescents are trying to misuse cigarettes as early as 14 years old, while the start of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse ranges from ages 15 to 17.

Understanding The Teens

Since most adolescents feel the need for independence (regardless of their gender and age), the systematic method of controlling them has been an issue with parents. Adolescents’ sense of autonomy gives them a false sense of purpose to take control over unpredictable situations that life can bring, which gives their lives multiple complications (such as physical and emotional discomfort, numerous relationship issues, and mental illness or mental health problems).

Aside from that, parents should observe risk factors for psychiatric symptoms.

Therefore, as adult, you will be profoundly concerned about the aftermath that the problem can do to your adolescent child. But before engaging in substance abuse prevention treatment programs for children and adolescents, you need to understand more about alcohol and drug information.

Two common types of rebellion are against socially fitting in (rebellion of non-conformity) and against adult authority (rebellion of non-compliance). In both types, rebellion attracts adult attention by offending it. — Carl E Pickhardt Ph.D.

It Is Essential To Expect That Sometimes, Most Young Adults Require Autonomy

As an adolescent’s brain works in complicated progress, the counseling or treatment approach must create consistency regarding beneficial social involvement, especially with substance abuse treatments for children and adolescents. A study also supported that the parent’s lack of control affects a child’s rebelliousness.

However, since most substance abuse treatments for children and adolescents fail to identify the solution on how to influence teens to stay away from the negative habit manageably, it creates a stigmatized result for them. Since then, adolescents are expected to induce themselves into substance abuse automatically.

The guy with a hoodie is injecting something on his body.
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Understanding Addiction Among Teenagers

According to a psychiatric disorders expert, since the problem can come up with adolescent substance abuse, the rebellious adolescent often takes it to an endless mode and spends his whole adolescent years living in the harmful adverse effects of the substance abuse. It somehow enhances their perception and makes them think about their wrongfully imposed importance to society.

In the end, the need for control and autonomy has eventually become their central focus.

Though it may seem paradoxical, warmth and gentleness can be a source of great strength. Using this moral, you can try to persuade your friend to change by being warm and making a kind request. — LESLIE BECKER-PHELPS, PHD

There Should Be An Acknowledgement That Rebellion Is A Part Of Growing Up

Sometimes, people look at resistance as an adolescent’s impacting negative behavior, while most research suggests that it’s part of their adolescent development. Other experts also believe it to be part of genetic and environmental influences as well as family members’ history.

It is the reason why their perception and disruptive behavior disorders have become overthrown by their desire for independence. Parents and their families can utterly understand the progress of the adolescent stage.

However, the infusion of substance abuse is something that they know they can no longer handle, especially for high school students.

The philosophical way of dealing with the rules and policies of adolescent drug abuse has been one of the pressures that the younger ones can encounter. Thus the focus on reducing risk factors and insisting on psychotropic medications and functional family therapy is needed to ensure safety.

The Teens Needs Help Even If They Think They Do Not Need It

A kid talking to a grown man in the middle of sunset.
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The different engaging methods of discipline have been confusing most parents over the years. Since the models of approach vary from one adolescent to another, most of the parental strategies fail to eliminate the correlation between growing up and addiction.

Therefore, most parents fail to assess the needs before engaging with adolescent substance use treatments for children and adolescents or additional resources. Adolescent substance use problems and disorders make a parent powerless and frustrated at the same time.

When we understand the often subtle forces that drive our behavior, we can figure out the function of our habit—what need it’s trying to satisfy. — SETH J. GILLIHAN, PHD

Consider Professional Counseling Treatment For Better Mental And Emotional Health

Final Thoughts

In all areas of parenting, there is a tendency that parents will fail to supply an adolescent’s developmental needs. Not all parenting is perfect, and when an adolescent is at his rebellious stage, it is time that you should seek the assistance and service of a professional counselor and focus on prevention efforts for adolescent substance abuse interventions for children and adolescents. It can help both you and your adolescent be able to assess and mitigate drug problems and conduct disorder.

Furthermore, counselors can be instrumental in assisting parents in disciplining their teens against addiction by providing evidence-based guidance and support tailored to young adults. By emphasizing the importance of evidence-based substance abuse treatment programs and promoting drug-free environments, counselors can empower parents with effective strategies to address substance use disorders and drug abuse, fostering a healthier path for their teenagers.

Always consider seeking professional help from health care providers or support groups so you can have options for child and adolescent substance abuse treatment. Mental health services administration is a must for more precise treatment programs and treatment modalities.

 

FAQs

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How To Beat Alcohol Dependency And Stay Sober

 

 

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Are you tired of drinking, getting hung over, and not remembering your decisions and actions when you’re often in a state of drunkenness?

Good. That means you are finally aware that there is something off about your habit of being dependent on alcoholic beverages. From there, you can see its effect on your life, job, savings, and relationships.

This kind of realization is necessary because it can encourage you to beat alcohol dependency and stay sober forever. Continue reading if you want to know how.

Identify the habit you want to change. This step may seem obvious, but we’re often too vague about the changes we want to make. — SETH J. GILLIHAN, PHD

  1. Have Little Goals

As a first step, set realistic objectives. Take it as the key to the land of the clearheaded. It is easy to say you’ll change your ways plainly, but you might face disappointments once you claim a lot of things in the beginning and become unable to follow through with them.

 

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  1. Let People Know About It

Tell your family, friends and drinking buddies that you’ll quit being an alcoholic from this day forward. This act will not only bring happiness to your loved ones’ hearts. It will also make them think twice before carrying intoxicating beverages to any party you’ll attend.

 

  1. Keep Real Friends Close

You are most vulnerable to temptation during the first few weeks of staying away from alcohol. Instead of hanging out with just anyone, choose to be around people who truly want to see you sober. They can cheer you up and ensure that any form of liquor is never in your line of sight.

 

  1. Plan Your Day

Some individuals with addiction to intoxicants turn out like that since they have nothing better to do with their time. To avoid that, you should schedule your activities every day, and only rest when you’re ready for bed.

Eat healthy & regularly, exercise, & get a full 8-hours of sleep. Take alone-time when you need it & monitor your energy levels & moods, to stay healthy, active, & balanced. — John F. Kelly Ph.D., ABPP

  1. Never Put Yourself In A Tricky Situation

You want to be on the wagon, yet a colleague invites you to a gathering where you’re certain all guests have free access to alcoholic drinks. What’s the best thing to do? Well, you can politely decline the offer and be honest about your desire to quit drinking for good. In case they truly care about you, they’ll understand. If they don’t, then it isn’t your problem anymore.

 

  1. Appreciate The Advantages Of Being Sober

Drinking alcohol for days on end makes you a stinky person because the spirits can seep through your sweat glands. Your liver, kidneys, and other organs are at high risk of failing too. But when you abstain from the addictive substance and start living healthily, your past ailments may never come back.

For sure, being sober heals relationships as well. You’ll be able to mend the rift that binge-drinking caused to your connection with your spouse, siblings, or parents now that you can think clearly.

 

Source: bodyforwife.com

 

  1. OptFor Alcohol-Free Drinks

Nonetheless, a person who instantly stops drinking is more likely to return to old habits than someone who takes slow but sure steps. Considering your hand is itching to reach for a bottle of liquor, force your mind to look for non-alcoholic wine and beer. In this manner, you may still get a taste of the actual beverage without the real deal’s harsh after effects.

Expanding the opportunities for people to get together and enjoy themselves and each other’s company is a win-win for everyone. — Reid K Hester Ph.D.

Uncovering The Perks Of Being In A Support Group

 

 

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As a licensed therapist in the mental health field for years, various types of patients no longer surprise me. There are always the skeptics, who aren’t confident that another human being can pull them out of their desolation. The believers are the easiest to work with naturally since they absorb everything the health professional says and follows through. Among the most challenging folks, meanwhile, are the ones who are afraid of getting seen by their colleagues as they join a support group.

It baffled me the first few times I noticed such hesitance. Some would try it while looking very discreet; others would plainly say that they just want one-on-one therapy. But later I deduced that it’s because of the stigma that support groups are where people who lost hope seek refuge.

Being a single body, I can’t get rid of that kind of impression that a few individuals have toward these circles. What I can tell you about, however, are the perks of being in a support group that may still be unknown to you.

 

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  1. The Sessions Aren’t Costly

Interpersonal counseling can clock in from 100 to 200 dollars per session, depending on the therapist’s location and expertise. That rate goes down notably when you obtain help as a cluster. Hence, it is advisable for folks who may or may not have mental health insurance to cover the fees.

Group therapy is an ideal way to improve interpersonal skills, which can offset stigma associated with social isolation or shame. Fellow group members provide support, feedback, and positive modeling while also challenging you. Additionally, groups also promote excellent coping skills. — Sean Grover L.C.S.W.

  1. It’s Hard To Feel Singled Out

The ideal atmosphere inside a room for support group therapy is very light. The returnees greet the newbies warmly and offer them a chair and sometimes refreshments off the bat. You won’t feel as if they’re only playing nice since they mean every word they utter. These individuals may be strangers to you, yet they are glad nonetheless that you decided to get the psychological assistance you need.

 

  1. You Meet Patients With Similar Problems

A counselor typically places you in a group consisting of people who have the same issues. If you’re a drug dependent, for instance, you’ll go to that circle. In case you have depression, they’ll direct you to a location where all the ones who are – or were – in a depressive state commune. The objective behind it is for you to realize that you are not the only person in the world going through this dark phase.

 

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I acknowledge that counseling, therapy, and “treatment” can be a scary concept, let alone a reality. It’s important to remedy any archaic assumptions and to tread carefully with topics that elicit fear. —  Mandy Beth Rubin, LPC

  1. Practicing Your Freedom Of Expression Is Effortless

The most significant problem that mental disorder patients deal with is the fear that their family, friends, and acquaintances will shun them after knowing that they carry such a disease. Although we can’t guarantee 100% that it happens to each gal or pal who seeks to counsel, being in a support group may give them the confidence to finally speak up about their dilemma sans the anxiety of becoming judged by anyone.

 

  1. Your Fellow Members Will Motivate You

Like I said earlier, therapy groups not only have troubled individuals in them. There are also former patients who continue going to sessions even after feeling better. Their purpose is to encourage others to keep on working on improving their health mentally, emotionally, and physically. After all, they are living proof that it isn’t impossible to get out of the nightmare the others may be experiencing.

 

  1. You Can Be Optimistic Once More

A support group lets you share your knowledge about the problem to people too. Considering it isn’t a closed cluster, time will come that you will become a returnee as well, and the new patients will look up to you. The sensation of having your word valued by your colleagues may rebuild your confidence and fill your life with optimism.

You need to view life in a positive light. With that, BetterHelp can assist you and provide mental or emotional support. with BetterHelp, you might just get to a better place sooner than you think. With their pool of therapists and counselors who are ready to help you with just a single click. Get the help you deserve, better days will come.

Therapy is an investment of your time and financial resources. For those who have experienced good therapy, it is usually worth the investment. — Louis Hoffman, PhD

Marriage: How To Make It Work Like A Pro

Trying to make a marriage work is one of the challenging things that you may encounter in this lifetime. Take note that no matter how perfect the relationship is between you and your husband, there will always come a time when things will be a lot harder for you. Sometimes, both of you will end up feeling too much stress and pressure from work or business. When this happens, the problems may turn into marital issues or even infidelity. Aside from this, there is also a possibility that you will begin to discover that you have different personalities and principles.

 

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When there is already a marital conflict, it may seem that getting a divorce is the right thing to do. However, you have to be smart enough to consider the reality that you can still make things work if you both want to do it. In this article, we are going to share to you the top things that you must consider if you want to make the marriage to last a lifetime. Remember that when you married your partner, you vowed to stay with him for the rest of your lives. As such, it is only smart and prudent to fight for it. These are the tips to keep in mind:

…14 percent of couples started therapy to figure out whether they could save the relationship or whether they should part ways. — Sean Grover L.C.S.W.

Talk About The Issues

 

One of the things that you must never neglect in a marriage is the significance of communication. As much as possible, learn how to communicate well with the other person. Do not go to sleep without discussing the problems or issues that make you angry with your spouse. Otherwise, you will only become resentful to him to the point that your hate will become bigger than your love.

 

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The second part of the solution is what Gottman calls “nurturing your fondness and admiration”. After years of studying and treating couples, Gottman learned that in order to counteract negativity, there has to be positivity. — Amy Quinn, MA, MS, LMFT

Spend Quality Time Together

 

Another thing that you must start to prioritize is to make time for the marriage. Take note that no amount of money can ever buy back lost time or moments with your family. As such, it is imperative on your part to see to it that you go on date nights with your loved one. During the weekends, it is also suggested to go on family trips together. Do whatever it takes to stay close to one another.

 

Try Marriage Counseling

 

In case of bigger and more serious problems in the marriage, it is suggested to try to seek professional help. Make sure that you talk to your husband about your need to try marriage counseling. It is best to discuss this matter first before going to the office of a therapist or counselor. Keep in mind that the decision to talk to a marriage expert must be mutual. You cannot make this decision unilaterally as it can indicate a betrayal of your partner’s trust and confidence in you.

If the therapist talks about exploring issues, using the therapeutic relationship, and helping people understand themselves, they may be more likely to be life-changing therapists. — Louis Hoffman, PhD

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Saving a marriage can be terrifying, especially when you are not sure if it is the right thing to do. However, it is best to give your relationship a shot first before officially calling it quits. It is the right thing to do so that you will not have any regrets in the future.