Using Opposite Action for Overwhelming Emotions

Are you ever overwhelmed by your emotions? Do you feel helpless when it comes to acting on them? All feelings come with action urges that tell us to act in certain ways. Sometimes, we use negative coping skills to escape painful emotions, because it feels like it’s the easiest way or the only way to cope. Have you ever considered doing the opposite of your usual response to your emotions? In DBT, the opposite action skill is a deliberate attempt to act OPPOSITE of your emotion urge. If your emotions are doing more harm than good, try acting opposite. Find the opposite action to our common emotion urges here…

Three Ways to Help your Child Manage Anxiety

All kids get stressed from time to time. Most kids will complain, perhaps get upset, and ultimately move on. But for the one in five children in the United States who suffer from an anxiety disorder, it can be a major challenge to manage their worries. If you are a parent or caregiver to a child who tends to worry or exhibit anxiety, your first instinct is to try to quell his or her fears. Although it will be comforting to your child in the moment, it may not necessarily make the fears or worries disappear. Here are some tips to help your child address his or her anxiety.

Back-to-School Stress Reduction in 4 Easy Steps

As summer comes to an end, many families are gearing up for a brand new school year. This transition often comes with a wide variety of feelings—excitement, anxiety, and anticipation are just a few. Here are a few tips to help the family stay calm and grounded as the new school year starts....

Anxiety, Family, Helpful tipsDana Koonce, LMFTSeptember 3, 2017starting school, school, reduce anxiety, family, stress

3 Tips for Avoiding Burn Out

If you are not intentional about taking care of yourself, you may end up feeling burned out. Burnout can be defined as “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation, usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration” (Merriam Webster).

Some of the signs of burn out include: poor concentration, exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, and lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Read on for some helpful tips for avoiding burn out...

Three Ways that Spring can Worsen Symptoms of Depression

If you or someone you know is struggling with Depression, you might assume that the first day of spring would bring a sense of relief. Yes, the days are lighter, and in certain parts of the country, warmer; however, this may not positively impact people with Depression. Read on for three ways that spring might worsen symptoms of Depression...

3 Tips to Improve Your Sleep

Did you know it’s estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, or sleep deprivation? Sleep deprivation puts you at risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes. It can also affect your energy, athletic performance, cognitive health and promote hunger cravings. Additionally, chronic sleep issues have been correlated with anxiety and depression.

Keep reading for 3 tips to ensure you get your Zzz’s…

Six Quick Tips for Managing “News Anxiety”

In our current political environment, many people are noticing that they are experiencing anxiety or more intense symptoms of anxiety, depression and anger. Is there a way to stay connected to current events, while protecting yourself from news overload and continue to practice self care? Read on for six tips to help you cope with “news anxiety”...

Helpful Tips