You may have heard of seasonal depression in the context of the winter blues. However, according to the professional counseling department at South University, spring can lead to showers of depression. It is possible that the longer days send people’s bodies and emotions into turmoil. And let’s not forget about seasonal allergies! Spring-based depression can... Continue Reading →
In a previous blog, I promised to further unpack a proposed metaphor: problems are pregnant with intrusive parents. I suggested that when we become aware of a problem, if we look further there will most likely be other little problems on the inside, and likely bigger ones on the outside. In this visit, I want... Continue Reading →
The idea that you can only love another person until you love yourself is expressed frequently. And while loving yourself is truly valuable, the language used around it is often limiting. The fact of the matter is that self-love is not an easy deed. A person may even wonder, what is self-love? What does it... Continue Reading →
Eating food is an experience most individuals collectively share in each day. For many, eating is part of a routine and something they need to survive. For some, it is an enjoyable part of work, school, or home life. Food can be a source of tradition, comfort, joy, and socialization. However, for many individuals (of... Continue Reading →
Over 20 years ago when Zahrain and I were receiving marriage guidance from Bishop Brown of Bronzeville, Chicago who officiated our wedding, he schooled us on three critical issues of focus for sustained happiness in our marriage. In this brief blog, I will focus on the second (sex), and may discuss the other two in... Continue Reading →
Mindfulness can be defined in many ways, but a simple way to define it might be intentionally leaning into the present moment and engaging your senses in a way that grounds you. Leaning into this moment creates awareness, connection, and acceptance. The practice of mindfulness is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and many other challenges... Continue Reading →
Many of us are hyper-focused on what others think. It often dictates how we behave, how we respond, and how we feel. With all this focus on external factors, are you making room for the possibility that people are not judging, critiquing, or thinking about you as much as you think they are? Are you... Continue Reading →
A 2019 interdisciplinary research study looked at baking as a potential form of art therapy and measured its impacts on stress and anxiety in adults. Anxiety was measured via the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the study showed that self-reported anxiety levels substantially reduced after baking. Baking allows a person to connect with both creativity... Continue Reading →
As mental health care becomes more accepted and accessible, discussions about topics such as abuse, mental illness, or anger management seem to increase as well. This is a good sign culturally, as it shows stigma is breaking down. However, we need to be clear on some terminology used in everyday life. Otherwise, we may label... Continue Reading →
CounselingMatters.live 