In clinical psychology, microaggressions are defined as brief and relatively commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities and incidents, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color. Individuals may engage in acts such as avoiding eye contact on the street or making assumptions about someone’s…
race and mental health
Sending a supportive text has been shown to be of significant benefit for someone struggling to cope. What to say to a loved one: 8 Texts For Mental Health Support The specific offer of help text Hey, I’m going to the store shortly, what are some things I can pick up for you? I’m taking…
anxietydepressionGeneral
Ghosting hurts deeply. It activates a systemic experience of loss that stems from our amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. It’s actually a full brain experience. Prefrontal cortex (frontal lobes) * We are left wondering what went wrong, without the benefit of an explanation, the opportunity to ask questions, or clarify the sequence of events. This…
General
Resentment, in clinical psychology, is a painful combination of anger, sense of unfairness, regret, sadness, and disappointment. It is complex. Causes of resentment: feeling that your life was unfair in comparison to others within your peer or family group. pretending like everything‘s OK when it’s not. not being assertive about your needs. being there for…
General
What do psychologists personally use to manage stress and anxiety? Like any other strategy or tool, individual preference matters. Weighted Blanket I use one that is 20-25 lbs. It’s for grounding through weight and pressure. Pressure preferences are highly variable. Start low. Vibrating Foam Roller I use one that’s blue tooth enabled. Releases muscle tension…
anxietyGeneralstrategies for self-care
Anxiety and depression have a complicated relationship. The chances of acquiring depression is much higher when an anxiety disorder already exists. Nearly half of those with major depression also suffer from severe anxiety. A biological vulnerability for both of these conditions is often present. Depression and anxiety are caused by a combination of genetic, biological,…
anxietydepression
One of the greatest contributions of General Colin Powell was to show how couples can deal with clinical depression together. It was the way he said it — straightforward, unsecretive, unapologetic. “My wife has depression. She’s had it for many, many years and we have told many people about it. It is not a family…
General
Recently, I was asked by my colleague, fellow mental health professional and hospitality industry consultant, Laura Louise Green, to be the guest speaker on her seminar about Emotional Intelligence at the annual Tales of the Cocktail, the renowned international hospitality industry conference (9/22/2021). We discussed the importance of emotional intelligence in the hospitality industry, the…
General
EMOTIONAL Emotional well-being is the ability to regulate moods, thoughts, and feelings, and adapt when confronted with adversity or stressful situations. It is accepting the full range of emotions, in self and others. PHYSICAL Recognizing the importance of physical activity, sleep, nutrition, intimacy, and healthcare. Balancing these areas requires effort and persistence. SOCIAL Developing a…
General
Grief is not linear. A surge can take you by surprise; other days, you wake up lighter. Give space for both. Saying mean things about yourself starts eroding how much you like you. Tell yourself: ‘please don’t talk about him/her/them like that.’ Variability is life. Having a bad day happens. Learn to recognize quick sand.…
Generalstrategies for self-care
Combined with psychoeducational testing, it helps provide comprehensive information and recommendations to help children and teens six and up.
