Birch Psychology mental health Blog
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Coping with a Family Member's Chronic Illness
One of the worst things we can imagine in life is that we will end up with a terminal or chronic illness. One of the most heartbreaking things is hearing about people suffering from diseases, especially children. One thing even worse is when that person becomes someone we love, such as our spouse, our parent, or our child.
A Grown Up Gifted Child
I began high school at 11, and then began taking part time college classes at 12. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree at 16, and then graduated from high school three weeks later. I believe I have a unique perspective on this topic, and my purpose in writing this is to help the parents of gifted children care for their mental health.
Worrying vs Anxiety
Up to one third of the American population can be diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Anxiety is a feeling of concern that we all get from time to time, but having an anxiety disorder involves feeling anxious almost everyday for a period of six months.
Learning New Languages!
Most of us at some point began learning a language other than the one used by our family or school. Some people are raised to speak multiple languages from birth, some learn other languages through education, and some begin learning them as adults through nothing but experience.
The Five Love Languages!!
Love languages are how we feel loved by others and express our love back. Each person is different, and it is important to identify both ours and those of our close relationships in order to strengthen our connections and be happier.
This Week's Weather Got You Down?
It can be very hard to remain positive and happy when the world is so dark and cold. Colorado winters often involve staying inside far more than usual, being unable to drive anywhere, and going days without seeing the sun.
An interesting phenomenon to consider if the weather seems to really get you down is whether or not you could have a seasonal illness relating to the temperature.
Let's Talk About Depression
Everyone either knows someone who has had depression or is going through it themselves. It’s unfortunately quite common and is only getting more frequent with current events. In the year 2017, 7.1% of the population in the United States was reported to be suffering from major depressive disorder.
Birth Order and Child Development
In some circles, birth orders are equivalent to zodiac signs. Someone will ask what you are, and then inform you of your traits, hobbies, lifestyle, etc. based on that one thing.
There are four main birth orders a person can be- oldest, middle, youngest, and only.
Couples Therapy!
Many couples engage in couples therapy- even and especially healthy ones! There are so many types and focuses of couples therapy, and it is a really important service.
Some people seek premarital counseling when they are engaged so they can determine if they will be well suited to marry. Some people seek couples therapy when they are newly together and want to build a solid foundation for their relationship
Sharing your Children on Social Media
Recently, there have been a lot of discussions around children being posted on social media accounts for anyone to see. Since this is a relatively unexplored area of child safety and mental health, I will use this article to discuss the situation and how to best approach the future.
Signs of Learning Disabilities in Children
As school has been back in session for two months now, some parents may begin learning that their child is having problems in school. These were perhaps not present at all last year and are newly developed, managed to fall under the radar, or were able to be covered by other strengths the child has. Whatever the case may be, learning that your child is having academic difficulties can be scary and disheartening.
Balance and the Whole Picture
It is no surprise that when our bodies are feeling their best, our brains are naturally at their happiest. When we are not in pain, or tired, or ill, we feel more up to doing things and are able to productively do the things we want and need to do.
A Child’s Life in the Midst of a Divorce
Many marriages end, many people are divorced, and many children have divorced parents. This is okay, this is not a crisis that needs solving- just a life transition that needs thoughtful understanding and a mindful approach.
Hope
I would like to start by stating that at any point in your life, if things feel too unbearable and too much, there is always the chance to start entirely over- a rebirth of your life without ending anything. The possibilities and options of this world are endless, no matter where you are or what you believe otherwise.
The Use of Technology in Helping Our Mental Health
I typically do not like being surrounded by technology, so I put off the idea as long as I could until my husband presented it to me as “necessary”. But, I thought it was time to try, and I thought it would benefit others to learn about the ways that technology can support your mental and physical health goals.
Friendship in Adulthood
But never did I imagine that my closest, best group of friends would be accumulated after I’d gone over the hill. After my kids were grown. After I had had time to mature and become who I was meant to become. Unlike childhood friends, this group of ladies accepts me as I am, not because of what I can do, or what I have, or how pretty I am.
Trauma and PTSD
Pregnancy announcements. Fireworks. Champagne toasts.
These three things are happy and celebratory symbols for many people, usually indicating a positive event, holiday, or milestone. However, for some people these things elicit feelings of trauma, or can trigger PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks or panic attacks.
Parenting with a Mental Illness
Mental illness can be common and most people can adapt theirs into their lives with some effort. Some can be overcome, some are chronic. Once you become a parent, however, these illnesses can become aggravated and more apparent- and there is an even bigger hill to climb when you are managing the lives of others.
Types of Therapy
This blog details five of the types of therapy most common in the field of psychology that our clinicians can offer. This is not a ranking of any of them nor a pro and con list, just basic information about what they look like for your knowledge.