We’re more than eight months into quarantine, and many are tiring and feeling anxious, depressed, unmotivated, and unclear about what comes next. We seem to have moved away from the early energy of quarantine (looking at you: bread bakers, language learners). Many are exhausted, lonely, hopeless, and helpless. We’re tired of being locked down, isolated,Continue reading Quarantine Fatigue: Coping Using DBT
5 Fitness Myths Debunked
(even this fortune is a fitness myth) Fitness Myths ABound The fitness industry is responsible for a great deal of harmful, often incorrect messaging about physical activity. This information – and in many cases misinformation – can result in individuals developing an unhealthy relationship with exercise and may actually contribute to folks avoiding exercise orContinue reading 5 Fitness Myths Debunked
Coping with Coronavirus
As coronavirus infiltrates our communities, it’s common to feel worry, sadness, or even panic. Uncertain times are a breeding ground for anxiety. However, it’s possible for us to be anxious and to continue to be effective, doing what needs to be done and operating according to our values. To cope with the emotional consequences ofContinue reading Coping with Coronavirus
Coping with Infertility
The Trauma of Infertility Coping with infertility can be one of the most trying experiences you face, with the process challenging you physically, emotionally, financially – and for many – spiritually. Often, folks struggling with infertility end up experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health outcomes. Relationships and responsibilities can suffer, self-esteem can plummet, andContinue reading Coping with Infertility
Redefining Lazy: A Problem-Solving Approach
Do You Think You’re Lazy? I have to admit, one of my least favorite descriptors I hear, particularly self-descriptors, is the word, “lazy.” “I’m so lazy.” “I can’t seem to get this project done because I’m being lazy.” “I skipped the gym again. Lazy.” All too often, I hear these comments from folks who I’dContinue reading Redefining Lazy: A Problem-Solving Approach
Radical Acceptance: Reducing Suffering on Your Own Terms
The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain. –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I have a confession. I dislike the phrase “It is what it is.” It seems reductive and invalidating. So, it might come as a surprise that I love the DBT skill, radical acceptance, which essentially embraces the “It isContinue reading Radical Acceptance: Reducing Suffering on Your Own Terms
Self-Care: Why This Recommendation Can Backfire
The Problem with Self-Care You don’t have to look online too long, whether it be scrolling through articles or social media posts, to come across suggestions and recommendations for self-care. Overwhelmed or stressed? Take a break. Struggling with psychiatric symptoms? Get a massage. Mental health professionals are especially keen on recommending self-care. The problem withContinue reading Self-Care: Why This Recommendation Can Backfire
Destination Addiction
What is Destination Addiction? Are you unhappy or unsettled but believe that happiness is just around the corner if you can only find the right home, the perfect partner, or a new job? Are you constantly looking to move, to upgrade, or to change something up with the hopes that things will suddenly improve? IsContinue reading Destination Addiction
Emotional Eating: Why We Won’t Negotiate
Gatewell providers often work with clients presenting with “compulsive” or emotional eating. These same clients typically have a history of dieting or somehow restricting their food. Restriction can take various forms, including limiting when we eat, what we eat, and how much. In fact, we rarely encounter self-identified overeaters who don’t skimp on their intakeContinue reading Emotional Eating: Why We Won’t Negotiate
Anger: Accepting and Decoding
Popular psychology and many therapists will tell you that anger is a cover-up or defense for other emotions, namely hurt, sadness, or fear. It is true that, in some cases, we might “lead” with anger, when underneath that, we’re struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, or vulnerability. But sometimes, anger is simply anger, and acceptingContinue reading Anger: Accepting and Decoding