A WORD FROM Dr Veronica…
You’ve read “We’re in a mental health crisis!” in just about every news article, school newsletter, social media post, TV show… But what is mental health? Think first about physical health. Generally that means
an absence of disease and being physically able to do what we need to do. Mental health is being able on the inside to think, feel, and relate. When we’re mentally healthy we can make sense of things in a way that’s helpful, we can feel positive and negative emotions, and we can have close, stable relationships all while staying attached to reality. In short, mental health is the ability to handle the hard in life. So when folks talk about a mental health crisis, I hear: “We can’t handle it!” When hard hits, we slide into depression, or amp up into anxiety, or numb out with a substance. I also hear: “Tell us another way!” Each newsletter we send includes tips to help build (or rebuild) your ability to face the pain you need to face. Sounds fun right? I know – surgery without anesthesia. Therapy can be a hard sell. The benefit, though, can be moving through the pain instead of being controlled by it. If that interests you… give us a call!
Feeling Anxious??
Peace is possible.
Here are some tips to help you on your path.
Avoid caffeine and recreational drugs
- This is a FREE method that can reduce up to 70%of your anxiety symptoms. Did we mention that it’s free??
Calm your body
- Slow your breathing to four counts in, four counts out. Slowly tense and then relax different muscle groups (for example, hands, biceps, chest, abs, toes etc.). This tricks your brain into thinking you’re less anxious.
Approach whatever you are avoiding
- Avoiding situations, people, emotions, or memories may be a relief in the moment, but ultimately it increases your anxiety. Allow negative experiences to happen. Learn that you can handle difficulties.
Catch anxious thoughts
- Notice them. Label the thoughts as anxiety, not reality. Here are some examples of anxious thoughts:
- Thinking about the what ifs, assuming the worst.
- Taking one worry and attaching other worries into a huge worry snowball.
- Making excuses for why you can’t do or feel something.
- Fair warning, these excuses seem REALLY reasonable.
Hold onto eternal truths
- Meditate on Scripture that is not dependent on circumstances.
- The Lord will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)
- God is love (1 John 4:16)
- Christ accepted me (Romans 15:7)
To discover and resolve the anxiety’s root causes, make an appointment.
We are here for you – call today to get on the schedule!
