310-601-9999

Moving Towards Self-Compassion in 2023

by
self-compassion

By Ashley Barnes   What is self-compassion? In understanding compassion, it is first important to understand what compassion means. “Compassion involves feeling another person’s pain and wanting to take steps to help relieve their suffering” (Verywell Mind, 2021). The word ‘compassion’ is derived from Latin and means “to suffer together.” It is markedly different from empathy in that it takes a step further by taking action on the shared understanding of a person’s pain and suffering. Put simply, “Self-compassion is…the process of turning compassion inward.” (Neff, 2022). This practice is often easier said than done, as many of us have learned through experience or observing others that treating ourselves harshly is the only way to move forward.  From a self-compassion lens, we instead would provide ourselves kindness and understanding when we “fail, make mistakes or feel inadequate. We give ourselves support and encouragement rather than being cold and judgmental when …

Read more

January Mental Wellness Month (Let’s Celebrate!)

by
January mental wellness month (Let's Celebrate!)

It’s that time of year when everyone is thinking about New Year’s resolutions. The most common is to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, get organized, and learn a new skill or hobby. Other common resolutions focus on family, travel, and having more fun. But what about resolutions for mental health conditions? To kick off the year, celebrate January Mental Wellness Month for better mental health and well-being for all of 2023. Focusing on Mental Wellness This Year All resolutions are worthy and can be accomplished. So, why do up to 80% fail within the first few months of the year? One reason may be that no one resolved to focus on mental wellness, which is needed to accomplish any goal. To make lasting changes, you need to prepare for them mentally. Plus, when you abandon your goals, it can be mentally exhausting. Too often, guilt and negative self-talk about not …

Read more

Mental Health Reflection: What Have You Accomplished in 2022?

by
Mental health reflection: What have you accomplished in 2022?

Now that we are at the end of the year, it’s time to look back on what you’ve achieved with a mental health reflection for all your mental health accomplishments throughout 2022 – no matter if you made strides through self-care, mental health treatment (ex., individual therapy), or with psychiatry and therapy. What Is Your Mental Health Reflection? You’ve likely heard the statistics on thoughts that humans have around 50,000 daily. Yet many people have trouble remembering their thoughts and don’t realize that most are negative. The reason is that we don’t take the time to reflect. The key to good mental health is to reflect more on the positive things in your life, like your accomplishments in 2022 regarding your mental health. Having good mental health is a process that is constantly evolving. According to the World Health Organization, positive mental health is a state of well-being in which you realize your potential, …

Read more

Helping Children’s Mental Health

by
self-compassion

By Ashley Barnes   The Current State of Children’s Mental Health. So many of us understand the deep emotional and mental toll that the pandemic and current events have created. Perhaps one of the hardest hit populations are children. Imagine moving through one of the most important periods of life where one’s social and emotional skills are critically important, where the brain is particularly malleable, only to be robbed of this crucial, enriching experience. We are merely starting to uncover the ways in which the pandemic (amongst other world events) have impacted children’s mental health. Even before the pandemic, children’s mental health struggled: According to state data, Suicide rates among Black youth doubled between 2014 and 2020. Incidents of youth deliberately causing self-harm increased 50 percent in California between 2009 and 2018, the state auditor reported.  According to a CalMatters analysis of state data, between 2019 and 2020, opioid-related overdoses …

Read more

Seeking Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

by
Seeking treatment for generalized anxiety disorder

Seeking treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) isn’t always easy. People who struggle with this condition may experience the following thoughts or statements from friends and family: “You worry too much.”  “You worry over the smallest things.” “Just relax.” “You are so testy and irritable lately.” Everyone has moments of worry, which can motivate them to complete something. For example, your boss will give you a bonus if you complete the project by a specific date. You don’t want to miss out on the bonus. You feel nervous and worried, which motivates you to complete the project. For some, worry plays a much more significant role in their daily lives. They don’t necessarily worry over one specific thing but about everything, or so it seems. They likely have a generalized anxiety disorder. What is GAD? Generalized anxiety disorder is a constant feeling of dread, doom, or nervousness about things that …

Read more

Verify Approval for www.mentalhealthctr.com