KEEPING BOREDOM FROM BECOMING DEPRESSION
You have the power to take charge of the monotony of having to stay home. The underpinnings of fending off depression (even if you have a chemical imbalance for which you are prescribed medication) are getting enough sleep and rest, eating nutritiously (and some things you really like), and getting some sort of exercise. The exercise can be a few … [Read more...]
GET OUTSIDE IF YOU CAN TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS AND/OR BRING YOU SOME CALMNESS
Staying home doesn’t have to mean staying inside your home or apartment. It means, as we’re constantly reminded, not to be closer than 6 feet from another person. But it doesn’t mean you have to be indoors. And being outdoors has MANY advantages. So, yes, if you’re a runner or a bike-rider and you can do those things in a lightly populated … [Read more...]
DON’T WAIT UNTIL EMOTIONS SEEM OUT-OF-CONTROL
Feel them coming on and do something about it: 1. Take a few deep breaths. 2. Lie down and rest. 3. Take a hot bath. 4. Put on some peaceful music. 5. Call a friend. 6. Schedule with one of our caring therapists 312-280-1166 - Hefter.com … [Read more...]
THOUGHTS AND HOPES FOR THIS MOMENT IN TIME
Everything is at a standstill but we are still moving forward in time. Make every day count even though it’s nothing as usual and nothing as planned. Give thanks daily for all that you have. This WILL end. It’s just a matter of when and how. Our thoughts are with you and your families. Stay home, stay safe and stay far away from … [Read more...]
A MENTALLY HEALTHY THANKSGIVING
What does the above title mean? What does one thing have to do with the other? Well, here are a few Mentally Unhealthy Thanksgiving situations: 1. You exhaust yourself preparing a big dinner because you think "This big feast is necessary." or "If I don't do it, no one will so I'll do it even though I'm exhausted and can't figure out how to … [Read more...]
ON PROCRASTINATION
Go ahead and put off the work (schoolwork? housework?) that you haven’t done. Put off making those phone calls or other obligations. But, try your doggonedest to take advantage of this summer day even if it’s just standing in front of where you live or work for a couple of minutes paying attention to the warmth. These kinds of days are important … [Read more...]
May Is Mental Health Month – A Suggestion For Your Mental Health
As a therapist I’ve found that using assertive techniques make clients more mentally healthy. Being assertive does not mean being aggressive. It means speaking in a normal tone and asking for what you feel you need and want. It means not shouting, demanding, and arguing nor passively accepting. It shows respect for the other while feeling … [Read more...]
WHEN A RELATIONSHIP ENDS
It REALLY hurts! But what can a person do to handle it emotionally? If the couple has been living together, whether married or not, it’s a very sticky situation all readers of this can agree, because there are so many, many details to deal with (practical ones added on top of the emotional upheaval).. But, even if it hasn’t been a “live … [Read more...]
REDUCE YOUR LONELINESS
Theresa May, the British Prime Minister, is having her government address what is called a "modern health scourge." She states that her country is not the only one whose health and welfare are being affected by loneliness. Yes, loneliness doesn't only affect your mental health but may affect your physical health and longevity as well. But, … [Read more...]
“JUST DO IT” IN 2019
Each New Year makes us think about ways to improve our future. What would help you to be happier in 2019 and beyond? Start with one way in which you would like to see your life different and try to figure out how to make it happen. Plan the steps and be sure to include a time frame. IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE A … [Read more...]