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Changes to notice:

Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:Excessive worrying or fearFeeling excessively sad or lowConfused thinking or problems concentrating and learningExtreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoriaProlonged or strong feelings of irritability or angerAvoiding friends and social activitiesDifficulties understanding or relating to other peopleChanges in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energyChanges in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetiteChanges in sex driveDifficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality)Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugsMultiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”Thinking about suicideInability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stressAn intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance (mostly in adolescents)Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children. Because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms in children may include the following:Changes in school performanceExcessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or schoolHyperactive behaviorFrequent nightmaresFrequent disobedience or aggressionFrequent temper tantrumsIf you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

This May Be You

Did you know...

75% of all mental illness start by the age of 24.

The average amount of time young people wait before getting help is 6-8 years yet.

70-90% individuals report improved quality of life after receiving support or treatment.

Dealing with Trauma

As a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist I know we all experience some level of trauma over time.

Trauma can be defined as an event that falls outside the range of usual human experience that causes distress. Trauma can be grouped into two types:

1. Big T- is an event is one that most people would consider traumatic, such as a natural disaster or unexpected loss of a loved one.

2. Little T- is an event is one experienced as traumatic at a personal level, such as the loss of a pet or relationship breakup.

These are some common ways our body responds to trauma:

1. Freeze- your body stops to heighten awareness of whats going on around you.

2. Flight- Muscles tense up and body readies itself for fleeing because it senses a threat.

3. Fight- Wanting to confront the situation or perpetrator. Heart may increase as you attempt to counteract the danger.

If you are currently struggling through a traumatic experience or if you carry the hurt from a past traumatic experience please contact me as we can explore ways to heal from your past or present trauma.

Stressed?

According to American Psychological Association's 2012 Stress in America survey, stress keeps more than 40% of adults lying awake at night.

Learning to manage stress is a crucial life skill to develop. If you or someone you know needs help with this, please contact me and I would be glad to assist.

Love: Make it Matter

Showing love to those we care for is important.

Find ways to learn others love language so you can have a bigger impact in ways that make them really feel special.

What is your love language?