Articles
Preventing Mental Exhaustion
Our society seems only to accept the “go-go-go” mentality. We rush to make ends meet, to make money, and to stay ahead of the game. But eventually, chronic stress takes a toll and causes physical issues. Mental exhaustion can also result from trying to do too much too fast, taking on more than you can handle. However, there are things you can do to prevent mental exhaustion and allow yourself time to recover. What are the symptoms of mental exhaustion? Mental exhaustion can appear as a red flag before you experience burnout. The symptoms can leave you feeling drained, not only [...]
Forgiveness: Why We Should Do It and How It Transforms Our Lives (Part 1)
Today I want to talk about a topic that is the cornerstone of the Christian faith: forgiveness. In my time as a mental health counselor, I’ve found the topic of forgiveness to often be either misunderstood, undervalued, or flat out triggering in some cases. In this article, I will share what forgiveness is and what it isn’t. I also want to discuss how forgiveness is transformative to our hearts, the wounds we carry, and our relationships. This is a complex topic, so stay tuned for a follow-up article delving into this more! Let’s begin by talking about what forgiveness is and [...]
Peers and Playmates: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Among Siblings GalleryPeers and Playmates: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Among Siblings
Abandonment and Neglect, Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues
Peers and Playmates: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Among Siblings
In many of our favorite scenes in blockbuster films and scripts in books, we cheer for the underdog. Wherever we encounter someone who is downtrodden or suffering abandonment, we find ourselves shouting from the sidelines of our seats and sofas, hoping for the win. The Bible outlines the blueprint for the narrative of champions. We rise and fall with each plot twist and page turn. We encounter them in the countless stories that convey hope and inspire resilience in the human spirit. Few, however, stir a sense of justice like Joseph who was thrown into a pit to die and later [...]
How to Cultivate Healthier Relationships Through Effective Listening
Therese and Steven are a young couple that’s been happily married for three and a half years, but the past six months have been quite difficult. Therese’s job has steadily required more from her, especially as her company had to downsize during the pandemic and they aren’t able to hire new people just yet. She’s often home quite late, and leaves early to get her day started. When she’s home, she feels tired and finds it hard to go out and have fun like she and Steven used to. Steven is in graduate school, and his studies consume much of his [...]
10 Bible Passages to Encourage Your Marriage
Marriage is one of God’s best gifts. Marriage can also be one of the most complicated relationships in which you will participate. Committing yourself to one person for a lifetime, for better or for worse, takes work. It requires daily, hourly, ongoing perseverance. Obviously, marriage needs love, and words and actions to fill the well of love you have for one another. It takes prayer, deep breaths and excessive patience, and communication skills that you’ll likely have to develop and practice. Marriage requires investments of time and fun, creativity and acts of service, planning, and spontaneity. Bible passages about marriage. When [...]
What Depression Feels Like and How to Cope
Depression comes in many forms. It can be caused by brain circuitry, an imbalance of brain chemicals, trauma, uncontrollable life events, genetics, or family history. What depression feels like is a persistent sadness that envelops you and alters your thoughts and emotions. It leaves you fatigued and often isolated. Depression is diagnosed by professionals using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), 5th Edition from the American Psychiatric Association. A licensed mental health care provider reviews assessments, symptoms, length, and quantity of depressive episodes to make a diagnosis and suggest treatment. Below is a list of several common depression [...]
Recognizing Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can feel like a vice, gripping you at the most inconvenient times. One moment, you are fine, and the next, you can barely catch your breath. Anxiety can cause long-term detrimental effects physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can affect your relationships and your work life. Recognizing the signs of anxiety and getting help when needed can make the difference between being stuck in an invisible prison of fear and stepping out into the life God created for you. Signs of anxiety. If you have ever felt the overwhelming sensation of anxiety, then you know it can be smothering. Anxiety not [...]
How Growing Closer to Christ Leads to Self-Improvement
Some Christians mistakenly believe that to pursue self-improvement is to glorify the self instead of God. However, this is not true, as chasing after Jesus will cause you to adopt His characteristics, becoming more like Him as you seek after Him.The only way to nurture a relationship with Jesus Christ is to draw closer to Him through studying the Bible, praise, worship, and prayer. The benefits of growing closer to Christ take self-improvement to a whole new level.What is a personal relationship with Christ?Do you have a best friend? Do you have someone closer to you than a brother? That is what [...]
How Body Insecurity Affects Mental Health
Body insecurity can have a powerful impact on mental health. We may be aware of the brain-body connection, but we may have a harder time grasping the concept that how we think about our bodies influences how we feel about ourselves, and our self-worth. Body insecurity erodes confidence. We take fewer chances for good opportunities. We can feel as if everyone is talking about us and pointing out our flaws. These intrusive thoughts can affect our mental health, but there are ways to overcome body insecurity. How body insecurity affects mental health. Our emotions are tightly wound around our thoughts. When [...]