Helpful Information and Resources
If you’re looking to stay informed about all the latest trends in the industry, then you’ve come to the right place. I provide a variety of psychology-related resources for your reading and learning pleasure, covering a broad range of subjects in the field. Browse through the resources below, and get in touch with any questions or requests you may have.
Coping With Stress: 7 Tips for Overcoming Life’s Obstacles
1. Take care of your body (what are you consuming)?
2. Get regular and deliberate sleep. What is your sleep schedule, and what is your sleep routine?
3. Get rid of unhealthy habits i.e: unhealthy eating habits, heavy alcohol consumption or drug use, engaging in tumultuous relationships.
4. Get routine check ups with primary care providers.
5. Find and engage in hobbies that bring you joy and excitement.
6. Recognize when you need help.
7. Connect with a local mental health therapist if you struggle navigating through stressful times in your life. Do not let any stigma stand in your way of reaching out for a better and more peaceful you!
Exploring Family Dynamics
If a friend or family member is showing signs of a mental health problem or reaching out to you for help, offer support by:
Finding out if the person is getting the care that he or she needs and wants—if not, connect him or her to help
Expressing your concern and support
Reminding your friend or family member that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated
Asking questions, listening to ideas, and being responsive when the topic of mental health problems come up
Reassuring your friend or family member that you care about him or her
Offering to help your friend or family member with everyday tasks
Including your friend or family member in your plans—continue to invite him or her without being overbearing, even if your friend or family member resists your invitations
Educating other people so they understand the facts about mental health problems and do not discriminate
Treating people with mental health problems with respect, compassion, and empathy
Offer to attend therapy sessions with them to explore and find solutions to potential family system dysfunctions.
Addictions and Tools For Recovery
The first step in the road to recovery is accepting that you have a problem, and deciding that you are ready to address that problem with help. Immediately you can begin helping yourself by:
2. Staying away and out of risky situations
3. Begin cutting ties to people, places, and activities that are associated with your usage.
4. Try to manage your urges by understanding that urges typically last for 15-30 minutes, and trying to replace these moments filled with urges with something positive and healthy for your life.
5. Reach out and build support networkings through mental health and substance abuse counseling, local N.A or A.A groups, or dialing the National SAMSHA help line at 1-800-662-4357 to seek local free services.
Suicide and Prevention
If you are contemplating suicide, please know that it will hurt more people than yourself. Please do not follow through. If you are close to deciding, PLEASE DIAL 9-1-1 immediately, or PLEASE DIAL the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255
If suicide is something that you routinely contemplate, you do not have to face these thoughts alone. Please reach out to us, or any therapist of your choice to talk about the struggles you face.
If someone you know is at risk, you can do the following to assist:
Ask them if they are okay or if they are thinking of hurting or killing themself. Don’t be afraid to ask directly: “Are you having thoughts of hurting or killing yourself?” Asking about suicide will not “put the idea in their head.” In fact, a lot of people thinking about suicide feel relieved when they can talk about their feelings.
Listen to them like a true friend. Someone thinking about suicide needs your support. So don’t say they’re being silly, dramatic, or overreacting. Don’t interrupt or try to say things are not as bad as they think; just let them talk about their thoughts and feelings, and be a good listener.
Tell them you are worried and concerned about them. “It seems like you’re really sad lately and that worries me.” Or, “What you said about wanting to hurt yourself really concerns me.”
Let them know they have been heard. Don’t be afraid to repeat back to them what you have heard to make sure you understand. “It sounds like you have been really sad and angry over arguments at home and with your girlfriend.” Don’t judge what they say; just let them know that you have been listening and understand why they are upset.
Tell them they are not alone. Having mental health concerns can be very lonely. People may feel like they are different from everyone else or that no one can understand. Let them know that they aren’t the only one. Other people have felt this way before—overwhelmed, depressed, scared, angry. Even more importantly, let them know that you and others care, and you’re there to support them.
If you are under the age of 18, talk to an adult you trust about your concerns. Don’t ever keep suicidal thoughts or plans a secret! Don’t worry that talking to an adult will betray their trust or “tattle” on them. Even if they get mad for a little while, at least they will be alive. Most of the time, suicidal adolescents and young adults are relieved when someone finally knows. Remember, being a good friend can save their life. And a trusted adult, like a parent, sibling, teacher, coach, or pastor, will help you know what to do.
Feeling suicidal usually means that someone is hopeless. They may feel like no one can help. They may be out of better options for escaping feelings or situations that are unbearable and painful. But they can feel better again someday, and a trusted adult will get them the help they need.
If you believe someone is going to hurt themself right now or has already hurt themself, call 911 immediately or get an adult to take them straight to the emergency room.