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Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common approach to addressing a wide array of different therapeutic subjects. However, it is still important to understand what it is to make the most out of this approach and understand how it fits into an individual’s overall recovery goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help each person further understand their situation and inform how other practices help them overcome different obstacles like anxiety, depression and stress, and even addiction.

by Kristin Snowden, LMFT Originally published on Sexandrelationshiphealing.com, January 3, 2020

Look around and you’ll notice that social media is at every turn. Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest newsfeeds flood our screens and our minds as we move through each day. While social media can be a compelling tool for radical movements, self-actualization, community, and communication, it can also have negative impacts if it’s used too frequently.

Although commonly confused, mood disorders and personality disorders are inherently different. While some symptoms may overlap, each diagnosis has its unique characteristics, therefore requiring specific treatment. If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with one of these, it’s important to educate yourself. Having a solid understanding of the disorder is a crucial step towards recovery, as it allows you to seek out proper resources and support.

Mental illness has many stigmas attached to it that often cause people to hide their experience. Words like “crazy”, “psycho”, and “weird” can be offensive and create feelings of shame in those that are silently suffering from a mental health disorder. Unfortunately, society tends to perpetuate these stereotypes and overgeneralizations. Ignorant depictions and inconsiderate language in the media around mental illness can greatly, and often subconsciously, impact the public view and sensitivity on the issue. Consequently, people become quick to judge those suffering from mental health disorders without properly understanding the pain that lies beneath the surface.

Narcissism doesn’t have the best reputation. When people talk about this term, they tend to associate it with the idea of someone being completely self-absorbed or self-focused, displaying little regard for others. While one form of narcissism may present this way, people often don’t realize that there’s an entire spectrum related to narcissistic behavior. For example, there are healthy levels of narcissism. Believe it or not, we all have narcissistic tendencies. It’s these tendencies that compel us to dress nicely around others or to put our best foot forward when meeting other people. Those who have severely high levels of narcissism can classify as having a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) – but even in these cases, recovery is possible.

Note: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Your life matters. Each year, millions of people across the world die by suicide, and it’s tragic. While many people don’t realize it, what we see on the T.V. screen and how suicide is depicted in the movies plays a major role in how we view this issue and how it’s talked about in our society. Quite a few shows and movies have received negative attention over the years due to the seeming glamorization of suicide. Preventative measures were not shown in the media until people started speaking up against it.

Addiction impacts people of all ages. However, teenagers are at a higher risk due to their mental, physical and spiritual vulnerability. People who battle with addiction experience harsh consequences, sometimes for many years after working towards sobriety. Some of these consequences include significant anxiety, confusion, trouble sleeping, mood disturbances, violent behavior, issues with memory, learning deficiencies, and hallucinations. Avoiding these repercussions is of great interest. Many believe that the solution lies in education and proactive measures among teens and other high-risk populations. Numerous studies have taken place in an effort to better understand teens and their particular susceptibility to addiction, in hopes of improving rates of prevention. Researchers have gained significant insight into the issue as a result.

Many people experience a mental illness each year and, while a diagnosis may seem frightening or saddening, there are many ways to hold a light to mental illness to see what good it does for us. Conversations surrounding mental illness often involve challenging symptoms that affect daily life, but there are many wonderful qualities that mental illness can mean for us as well. In fact, history has shown that many creative and scientific geniuses have had mental illness – so there’s some good that comes from it!  For example, some of  those with bipolar disorder tend to experience colors more vividly which can be a beautiful quality in daily life.  In fact, those with this disorder may even consider it like holding a “magnifying glass” to certain aspects of life. For others with mental illness, it can propel them to take certain steps for their health and wellness that perhaps they wouldn’t have done before. With this, mental illness sometimes gives us an opportunity to dig deeper into something we may have not noticed as much before, and may also give us the perspective we need to push forward towards our dreams. Bipolar disorder isn’t the only mental illness with upsides; a clear example of this is that mental illness can help us to see life at a larger – or smaller scale – and this can benefit us in many ways depending on what we’re doing. Individuals with depression often develop a sincere ability to notice when others are feeling depressed. This gift of “noticing” could mean saying some nice or even giving someone a hug if they can tell it’s needed.  Having a mental illness does not mean that one is subjected to experiencing only painful or crippling circumstances. If you’re ready to look at mental illness in a more positive light, and begin working towards healing, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is experienced by many adults – and children – throughout the United States. OCD is considered a mental health disorder that includes obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repeated actions). Oftentimes, television shows try to depict OCD in certain ways – such as a character knocking on the door a certain number of times or needing to wash their hands a certain number of time before being able to move on. However, it’s important to note that obsessions of OCD can be much different from what tends to be depicted.

Before the ball drops, many people hold deep within themselves these wishes and goals that they’d like to achieve for the upcoming year – goals associated with career, personal growth, relationships and more. Some may reflect on their last year’s goals and feel disappointed because perhaps they didn’t meet the goals they initially set out for. Goals for the next year may include losing weight, drinking less, smoking less, traveling more, spending more time with family, and others – but no matter how much a person wishes to achieve these goals, that doesn’t always mean that they work out. As this new year begins to unfold, it’s time to think realistically. Truth be told, many people don’t achieve their resolutions because they make too many resolutions without focusing on their goals one step at a time. Habits are difficult to break because they have become conditioned behaviors – we have learned to act without thinking. When this happens, we automatically hold back from making any change because we continue to do what we have always done. It becomes so much easier to follow pattern than to create a change in our lives, and that’s why many goals fall by the wayside. Deep down inside, many of us fear failure. We are afraid that if we try to make the change, we may prove to ourselves that we truly aren’t “good enough” or “strong enough” or “dedicated enough” to make our goals happen. For many of us, these fears lie deep down within – and it’s incredibly hard to acknowledge or even recognize. These deep beliefs and fears withhold us from our true potential and cause inner conflict, which then seeps out into other areas of our lives. If you are going to make a New Year’s resolution, don’t commit yourself to an entire year right away. Focus on that week or that month. Slowly work your way into a healthier habit.

Many people with mental illness are limited in their ability to experience a meaningful life because the symptoms of their illness hold them back from pursuing new opportunities, making connections with others and more. When it comes to recovery, it’s important for people to open up their world to finding greater meaning in daily life. If you’re looking for a program that will help you strengthen your mind, body and spirit while exploring your passions and purpose in life, seek out Avalon Malibu. Previous studies have explored just how beneficial it can be to relax and do nothing. The main question is, what exactly is “doing nothing”? Of course, this can mean something different depending on the person, but most people describe relaxing as getting involved in recreational activities, running, quilting, volunteering, storytelling, and more. Studies have found that doing “nothing” and relaxing, along with pursuing hobbies here and there can actually help make life more enjoyable. A person who engages themselves in these things tends to find that they’re more easily able to socialize, enjoy traveling, and being around positive people who contribute to their daily lives. In addition to this, those who relax and partake in fun activities tend to be more calm and focused on their addiction recovery because they’ve identified healthy outlets that allow them to be themselves as they naturally are. For people who experience troubling emotions, hobbies can be a great form of relaxation because it still gives them something to do while also enhancing their mood. Lastly, relaxation builds friendships and fosters positive emotions because it helps a person focus more on the present moment, which is hard to do otherwise. If you’re ready to seek help for mental illness and/or addiction recovery, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today. It’s never too late to seek help.