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29 MarGuides for Personal Growth

Am I People Pleaser? Why This Matters

by Christelle0 Comments

People-pleasing is a common trait among adults, but have you ever asked yourself if this behavior is serving you in your relationships and professional life? Understandably, there can be a desire to receive approval from those around us; however, maintaining harmony with others often involves making compromises that can disrupt our own mental peace. In this blog post, we will take a look at what it means to be an extreme people pleaser, the potential consequences of managing conflict in such a manner, and suggest ways for recognizing and addressing these tendencies. Get ready to reassess how you think about self-sacrifice vs. assertiveness!

What is People Pleasing and Why It Matters

People pleasing is a behavioral tendency wherein an individual places the comfort and approval of others above their own. It is driven by a need to avoid belief as well as an intense fear of being deprived of social acceptance or love. Though it may appear to be advantageous in the short run, it can often have detrimental effects in the long run, resulting in loss of self-esteem and a compromised sense of autonomy. Furthermore, people pleasing sufferers are more vulnerable to feelings of low self-worth which can prompt unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse. Thus, recognizing and addressing this behavior becomes essential for one’s mental health and well-being.

What are the Factors That Cause Someone to be a People Pleaser?

People-pleasing is often a product of learned behavior that has been acquired over the years. Some potential causes include an unstable family, parental approval seeking, low self-esteem, or even peer pressure. It is important to note that these factors themselves are not necessarily indicative of people pleasing tendencies; instead, they can lead to such behaviors as a means of seeking validation or attention. Moreover, those who have experienced trauma may often utilize people pleasing to cope with their experiences in an effort to regain control over their lives.

What are the Signs that You May Be a People Pleaser?

Many people struggle with the desire to please others, acquiescing in hopes of avoiding discomfort or seeking approval. If you can relate to this dynamic, recognizing the signs that point toward a greater need for external acceptance may prove beneficial. Typically, people pleasers will experience feelings of obligated loyalty and passivity when conflicts arise; they may also display behaviors such as avoidance or a lack of assertiveness, which could potentially lead to long-lasting ramifications. Additionally, if you often find yourself changing your direction of thought in order to cater to those around you, adopting values or beliefs that do not necessarily align with your own – this could be a sign that you’re too focused on pleasing. Ultimately, recognizing any tendencies that are commonly associated with people pleasing is key in taking control back over your life and understanding how to navigate interpersonal struggles without opting for appeasement.

How Can You Address Being a People Pleaser?

When attempting to break the cycle of people pleasing, self-awareness is paramount. Taking the time to identify and reflect on instances wherein you have placed others’ needs above your own can help in recognizing the behavior. Additionally, building up an understanding of how your actions may be interpreted by those around you is essential. Furthermore, being able to recognize the boundaries of healthy compromise can assist in avoiding situations wherein you may be compromising your integrity or sense of autonomy. With practice, it is possible to learn how to assert yourself and stand up for your own feelings without fear of disapproval or exclusion.

What are Some Self-Care Practices to Avoid Becoming a People Pleaser?

Self-care can be an excellent tool to utilize when attempting to address people pleasing tendencies. Practices such as mindfulness, journaling, or talking with a therapist Burlington can help in understanding the root cause of your behavior and recognizing triggers that may lead to discomfort. Additionally, setting boundaries is essential for avoiding situations wherein you may find yourself compromising too much in order to please those around you. It is also important to remember that it is okay to take time for yourself, as this can help in avoiding feeling overwhelmed or making decisions based on appeasing others instead of your own needs. Taking the time to identify what works best and creating a plan of action that aligns with your goals and values can be helpful when attempting to break the cycle of people pleasing.

How to Develop Healthy Boundaries for Saying No?

When attempting to break the cycle of people pleasing, setting healthy boundaries is paramount. Saying “no” can be difficult, however it is essential in ensuring that your needs are also being taken into consideration. In order to create an environment wherein asserting yourself feels comfortable, developing a system of criteria for saying “yes” or “no” can be beneficial. Taking the time to assess your own values or priorities is essential in determining what it is that you are willing and not willing to do. When a situation arises, taking a moment to decide if the request aligns with your values and goals can help in making an informed decision based on your needs instead of appeasing others. Additionally, being aware of the body language that you are displaying and understanding how to adjust it accordingly can be beneficial when having conversations wherein you may need to use your voice assertively. Lastly, setting clear boundaries with those around you can also help in creating an environment wherein your needs are respected and taken into consideration. Doing so can help in avoiding situations wherein you may find yourself feeling obligated to please those around you at the expense of your own needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, people pleasing can be a difficult habit to break. However, with self-awareness and the utilization of healthy self-care practices, it is possible to recognize the behavior and take steps towards addressing it in a constructive manner. Setting boundaries and understanding how to assert yourself without fear of disapproval or exclusion is essential in taking control back over your life and avoiding situations wherein your own needs may be compromised in order to please those around you. Through practice, it is possible to create an environment wherein your own needs are respected and taken into consideration.

If you are looking for a professional therapist to work with you to help you deal with your people pleasing tendencies, at Cedarway Therapy we can help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We would be more than happy to assist you! All the best!

Thank you for reading! Have a great day.

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29 MarGuides for Personal Growth

Top 10 Habits to Improve Your Mental Health

by Christelle0 Comments

The average person’s mental health is essential for achieving a healthy, balanced lifestyle. While having good mental health can be difficult to achieve when life gets hectic and stressful, developing healthy habits can help you maintain your wellbeing and increase your happiness overall. If you’re looking for more ways to look after yourself mentally, this blog post will discuss the top 10 habits that encourage improved mental health. From engaging in daily exercise to setting boundaries with people in order to avoid burnout and stress, each of these practices are important components of maintaining balance as well as increasing resilience towards adversity. Read on to learn how incorporating these simple tips into your routine can help improve your mental health! Let’s get started.

Why Is it Important to Take Care of Your Mental Health?

Mental health is an important component of overall well-being. When you neglect your mental health, it can have a negative impact on both your physical and emotional states, leading to poor sleep, bad eating habits, and a decrease in motivation and productivity. Additionally, when left unchecked, mental health issues can worsen over time, potentially resulting in more serious psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Taking the time to prioritize your mental health on a regular basis is essential for both your current and future well-being, so it’s important to develop habits that help you maintain good mental health.

What are the Best Habits to Improve Your Mental Health?

Now that you know the importance of maintaining and preserving your mental health, here are our top 10 habits to implement into your life to improve your mental state:

Habit #1:  Exercise Regularly

A key part of maintaining your mental health is daily exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that make us feel good and help improve our sense of wellbeing. A regular exercise regimen can also help to reduce stress, as it improves the flow of oxygen to the brain and increases the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and relaxation. To ensure that you are getting the most benefit from exercise, try to aim for 30 minutes of activity each day.

Habit #2: Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating nutrient-rich foods is an important part of keeping your mental health in check. Consuming a balanced diet can help reduce depression, anxiety, and fatigue, as well as improve your mood. Make sure you’re getting plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats and adequate hydration from water throughout the day. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks whenever possible.

Habit #3: Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a meditative practice that encourages us to be aware of the present moment and our own thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. Not only does mindfulness help to reduce stress, it can also boost creativity and improve focus. Taking a few minutes each day for mindful practice can go a long way toward improving your mental health.

Habit #4: Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to increased stress levels, depression and fatigue. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night in order to maintain balance and keep your mental health in check.

Habit #5: Take Time For Yourself

Self-care is an important part of keeping your mental health in check. Whether it’s taking a relaxing walk outdoors, practicing yoga or spending time with friends and family, taking time for yourself is essential for reducing stress levels and improving your overall wellbeing.

Habit #6: Connect With Others

Humans are social creatures and connecting with people can help reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness and stress. Make sure that you are taking the time to build relationships with others and spending quality time with those who make your heart happy.

Habit #7: Set Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries in order to avoid burnout and ensure that you take care of yourself first. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you don’t have the time or energy for something. By setting boundaries you can ensure  that you are able to maintain your own wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of those around you.

Habit #8: Express Yourself

Expressing yourself through creative activities such as writing, painting and drawing can help to reduce stress levels and give you an outlet for your emotions. Whether it’s journaling or creating art, taking time to express yourself can be a great way to improve your mental health. Overall these creative outlets can  be incredibly beneficial for both your mental and physical health.

Habit #9: Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks throughout the day will help you to recharge and maintain focus. Whether it’s going for a walk or simply sitting in the sun for 10 minutes, stepping away from your tasks can help reduce stress and give you the clarity and motivation to tackle them with renewed energy. Some great techniques that encourage taking breaks include strategies like the Pomodoro technique or the 52/17 rule. Consider applying these to your work life to better maintain a solid work-life balance.

Habit #10: Consider Regular Therapy Sessions with a Mental Health Professional

Regular therapy sessions with a mental health professional can be an invaluable way to manage your mental health. A therapist Burlington can provide you with tools and strategies to effectively manage stress, anxiety and depression, as well as provide vital support during difficult times. It’s important to remember that seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of – it’s an important part of taking care of your mental health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can help improve your mental health and increase your resilience towards adversity. Taking care of your mental health is essential for wellbeing and productivity, so don’t be afraid to take time for yourself when it’s needed. You’re worth it!

If you are looking for a professional therapist to work with you, at Cedarway Therapy we can help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

We would be more than happy to assist you! All the best!

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17 FebGuides for Personal Growth

How EMDR Can Help – 10 Benefits of EMDR Therapy

by ali0 Comments

If you haven’t heard of EMDR therapy, you’re not alone. This type of therapy is still relatively unknown, but its benefits are vast. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that can help treat psychological trauma. In this blog post we will be going over what EMDR therapy is as well as discuss the top 10 benefits of how EMDR can help improve your mental health. Let’s get started!

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a type of talk therapy that involves activating both sides of the brain in order to process and heal traumatic memories. Through guided eye movements, EMDR helps to rewire neural pathways in your brain to help you better cope with emotional trauma. This type of therapy has been proven effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health conditions.

How EMDR Can Help?

EMDR Therapy can be highly beneficial in a multitude of ways. With that being said, here are the top 10 benefits of EMDR treatment:

Benefit #1 – Reduce Anxiety and Panic Attacks

There is no doubt that chronic anxiety and panic attacks can be debilitating, but with EMDR there is hope. EMDR helps to reduce anxiety by processing the negative emotions associated with the traumatic experience. This is done through a series of eye movements which helps to reprocess the traumatic memory, allowing you to gain better control over your emotions overtime. This in turn, can help to reduce the severity and frequency of panic attacks correlated with your anxiety.

Benefit #2 – Reduce Negative Emotions

Traumatic experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions such as guilt, shame, feelings of abandonment, fear and sadness. EMDR helps to reduce these overwhelming emotions by processing the painful memories associated with them. This helps contribute to a more positive outlook on life, while simultaneously reducing negative emotions.

Benefit #3 – Increase Self-Confidence

EMDR can help increase self-confidence by boosting a person’s sense of self-efficacy. Through the therapy, individuals can learn to trust their own ability to make decisions and take action without feeling overwhelmed or helpless. This increased confidence in oneself can help individuals become more assertive as well as better able to handle stress. Additionally, it can be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety and depression since it can help them to gain a more positive outlook on life. As a result, individuals feel more in control of their lives and have the confidence to reach for their goals.

Benefit #4 – Improve Sleep Quality

Traumatic events can cause us to experience poor quality of sleep due to nightmares or general restlessness. However, by engaging in EMDR therapy we can address the underlying traumatic memories and reprocess them. This in turn can help to improve our sleep quality by reducing the intensity of the nightmares or restlessness experienced.

Benefit #5 – Improved Concentration

Traumatic experiences can cloud our ability to concentrate on tasks and impair our ability to work at maximum efficiency. Fortunately, EMDR therapy can help reduce this fog and improve concentration. By addressing the root causes of trauma, EMDR can help us focus on our goals, duties, and being more productive allowing us to put less emphasis on our past trauma, and allowing us to better focus on the present moment to make clearer decisions and think critically. Overall, with EMDR we are able to clear our heads of distracting thoughts, allowing us to concentrate better and get more work done.

Benefit #6 – Improved Relationship Dynamics

Traumatic experiences can result in difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships. EMDR helps to reprocess these memories, allowing us to gain a better understanding of our emotions and how they affect our relationships. This in turn can help to improve relationship dynamics by providing the tools needed for better communication and closeness.

Benefit #7 – Improved Quality of Life

When it comes to improving your quality of life, EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool. By helping to reduce and manage symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression, EMDR can help you feel more in control of your life. Additionally, it can help you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. As a result, people often report feeling better equipped to handle difficult situations and improved overall well being after going through EMDR therapy.

Benefit #8 – Improved Emotional Regulation

When it comes to managing our emotions, EMDR treatment can be highly beneficial in improving emotional regulation. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps us to process and integrate traumatic memories that can lead to improved emotional regulation. This means that we are better able to manage our emotions in a healthy way and respond appropriately to stressful situations. It also helps us let go of negative patterns of behavior and think more positively about ourselves and our lives. With increased emotional regulation, we are better able to cope with difficult emotions and create healthier relationships with others.

Benefit #9 – Improved Coping Skills

When an individual has strong emotional intelligence and has addressed their past trauma, they become more capable of coping with difficult situations in the present moment. Not only do they have an easier time understanding and managing their own emotions, but they also are better at recognizing the emotions of others in order to better navigate challenging scenarios. This improved coping ability gives them the tools to manage stress, respond appropriately in social settings, and develop resilience when faced with adversity.

Benefit #10 – Reduced Stress

Last but not least, the effects of traumatic experiences can lead to long-term stress. Luckily, EMDR therapy helps to reduce stress levels by allowing the client to work through and process past experiences with a trained therapist. By using eye movements, tapping on certain pressure points, and/or listening to audio tones, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a more positive manner. This helps the client gain insight into how past events have shaped their current emotions and behaviors, and they are better equipped to cope with future stressors.

Conclusion – How EMDR Can Help

In conclusion, in regards to the question about how EMDR can help, we see that EMDR therapy is a powerful tool for addressing the effects of traumatic experiences. By reprocessing the memories associated with the event, EMDR helps to reduce the intensity of the negative emotions associated with it. This in turn can lead to numerous benefits such as improved self-confidence, better sleep quality, improved concentration, improved relationship dynamics, and improved quality of life.

Ultimately, If you need professional help or trauma counselling, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team at Cedarway Therapy today! We would be more than happy to assist you! You can also check out our Google Business Profile here to visit our in-person location.

Good luck!

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23 DecGuides for Personal Growth

7 Reasons Why Self-Compassion is so important

by ali0 Comments

7 Reasons Why Self-Compassion is so important

Self-compassion is one of the most important skills we can learn in life. When we are kind and understanding towards ourselves, it allows us to forgive our mistakes and move on from them. It also enables us to have a more positive outlook on life, and reduces stress levels. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 reasons why self-compassion is so important. We hope that after reading this post, you will be motivated to start showing yourself some love! With that said, let’s get started!

What is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion is defined as “extending compassion to one’s self in instances of perceived inadequacy, failure, or general suffering.” In other words, it is being kind and understanding towards yourself when you make a mistake or are going through a tough time.

Why is self-compassion important?

Why is Self Compassion Important?

Self-compassion is extremely important for a number of reasons. Among these primary reasons include the following:

Reason #1 – Self-Compassion Helps Us Forgive Ourselves

One of the biggest benefits of self-compassion is that it helps us forgive ourselves. When we are able to be understanding and kind towards ourselves, it becomes easier to let go of our mistakes. We all make them – nobody is perfect! – and dwelling on them only makes us feel worse. With self-compassion, we can acknowledge our errors, learn from them, and move on.

Reason #2 – Self-Compassion Reduces Stress Levels

Another important reason to practice self-compassion is that it can help reduce stress levels. When we are constantly berating ourselves, it takes a toll on our mental and emotional health. However, when we are able to show ourselves some compassion, it helps to alleviate stress and tension. At the end of the day, stress is a form of destructive behavior that can severely impact our physical and mental health. By accepting the things we can’t change while making an effort to change the things we can, it becomes a lot easier to stop stressing about things which are out of our control.

Reason #3 – Self-Compassion Increases Our Resilience

In addition to reducing stress levels, self-compassion also increases our resilience. This means that we are better able to bounce back from difficult situations. When we have compassion for ourselves, we are more likely to see the positive side of things and have hope in tough times. When looking at the greatest people in history who have overcome trials and tribulations they were able to do this through their inner strength and will to move forward. Inner strength itself comes from giving hope to yourself and from having the ability to be your own best friend in the darkest times of your life through self-compassion and understanding.

Reason #4 – Self-Compassion leads to Greater Happiness

Not only does self-compassion increase our resilience, but it also leads to greater happiness overall. This is because when we are kinder to ourselves, we tend to have a more positive outlook on life. It also allows us to be more accepting of ourselves – warts and all. Whether you may struggle with the perception of your physical body image, or addictive tendencies, self-compassion can offer a new way to cope with emotional situations in your life and offer you a fresh perspective on how to better accept yourself. Ultimately, when we are able to accept ourselves, it leads to greater self-esteem and self confidence which can lead to an undeniable increase in positive feelings and long-term happiness.

Reason #5 – Self-Compassion Motivates Us to Make Changes

If we are constantly putting ourselves down, it can be difficult to motivate ourselves to make positive changes. However, when we have self-compassion, we are more likely to see the need for change and be motivated to make it happen. Even taking goals one step at a time becomes easier when we’re not putting constant negative pressure on ourselves. As a result, learn to reward yourself for making small changes and progress. This can be anything from giving yourself a break after completing a task to buying yourself a small treat. The key is to focus on the positive and not dwell on any setbacks.

Reason #6 – Self-Compassion Leads to Improved Sleep

If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep issues, self-compassion can help. This is because when we are kinder to ourselves, we tend to have less anxiety and worry. This can lead to improved sleep patterns and overall better sleep quality. If you find yourself having consistent sleeping issues, consider checking out our insomnia disorder therapy services.

Reason #7 – Self-Compassion Helps Us Live in the Moment

Last but not least, self-compassion helps us live in the moment. When we are able to be kind and understanding towards ourselves, it is easier to be present. We are also more likely to appreciate the good things in our lives and find peace in the present as opposed to the typical pattern of feeling depressed from looking at the past or feeling stressed for looking into the future. Essentially, living a peaceful happy life is all about learning to make the most of today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you found our 7 reasons about why self-compassion is so important, informative. All in all, self-compassion can help in reducing stress levels, increasing our resilience, and having a profound impact on our lives. If you are struggling with self-acceptance or self-love, consider practicing self-compassion. It could be the key to a happier and healthier life. If you need further assistance, consider reaching out to one of our professional therapists today and we would be happy to help!

Thanks For Reading!

We hope this article was helpful. For more info, feel free to check out some of our other blog posts down below!

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23 DecGuides for Personal Growth

10 ways to find calmness in your day

by ali0 Comments

10 ways to find calmness in your day

It can be tough to find calmness in our hectic lives. Between work, family commitments, and social obligations, it seems like there’s never enough time to just relax and take a breath. But it is possible! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 ways to find calmness in your day. Whether you’re looking for a few minutes of peace in the morning or a way to de-stress after work, we have you covered. So read on and find out how you can start living a more peaceful life today!

10 ways to find calmness in your day

Way #1 – Get enough sleep

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to get enough sleep if you want to be calm during the day. When we’re tired, we’re more likely to be irritable and stressed out. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and you’ll notice a big difference in how you feel during the day.

Way #2 – Set aside some time each day for yourself

It’s important to take some time each day to do something that you enjoy, without stress or obligations. Whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or just sitting in silence, taking some time for yourself will help you to relax and de-stress which is key in helping you have a calm and more focused mind.

Way #3 – Practice meditation or mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great way to focus your mind on the present and let go of stressors from the past or future. Mindfulness is all about being in the moment and accepting things as they are, without judgment. If you’re new to mindfulness, there are many great resources available to help you get started. Once you get the hang of it, you can start incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life. You can also check out our blog post covering the 10 ways of bringing mindfulness to your day.

Way #4 – Take some deep breaths

Whenever you start to feel stressed or anxious, take a few deep breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling up your lungs. Hold the breath for a few seconds and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this about 10 times and you should start to feel more relaxed.

Way #5 – Exercise

Exercise is a great way to release tension and stress. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous, even a short walk around the block can help. If you have more time, try something more vigorous like swimming or running. You’ll feel better afterwards and the endorphins will help to improve your mood. Overall, exercise can be a game changer in helping you achieve calmness in your day.

Way #6 – Connect with nature

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. If you can, take a few minutes to step outside and get some fresh air. Take in the sights and sounds around you and appreciate the beauty of nature. This is a great way to center yourself and find calmness.

Way #7 – Disconnect from technology

In today’s world, it’s easy to get sucked into our phones and social media. But all of that screen time can be really draining and stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from your devices and disconnect from the virtual world for a bit. Instead, choose to spend some time talking to a friend or family member, reading a book, or doing something else that you enjoy. You’ll be surprised how refreshed and relaxed you feel after some time away from your screens.

Way #8 – Practice yoga or stretching

Yoga and stretching are both great ways to calm the body and mind. Yoga can help to improve flexibility and strength, while also promoting mindfulness. If you’re new to yoga, there are plenty of beginner-friendly classes and videos available. And even if you’re not interested in yoga, simply spending a few minutes stretching your muscles can help you to feel more relaxed and calm.

Way #9 – Listen to calming music

Listening to calm, relaxing music can help to soothe and de-stress the mind. There are many different genres of calm music, so find something that you enjoy and put it on when you need to relax. You can also try using some white noise or nature sounds to help you focus and block out distractions or stay focused during work.

Way #10 – Color or draw

Sometimes, the best way to calm down is to simply let your mind wander. Coloring or drawing can be a great way to do this. There are many adult coloring books available, or you can just use some blank paper and some crayons or markers. Experiment with different colors and patterns and see where your creativity takes you. You may be surprised at how calming and therapeutic this activity can be.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you found these 10 ways to find calmness in your day helpful. If you’re looking for a professional psychologist Oakville’s help to start reducing anxiety and obtaining the sense of calmness you are looking for, contact us today and we would be happy to help!!

Thanks For Reading!

We hope this article was helpful. For more info, feel free to check out some of our other blog posts down below!

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23 DecGuides for Personal Growth

How to Support Men’s Mental Health

by ali0 Comments

How to support men’s mental health

Mental health is an important issue that deserves to be talked about more. According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders are one of the leading causes of ill-health and disability in the world.  In this blog post, we will discuss how to support men’s mental health. We will cover why it is important, and provide some tips on how you can help out a man who is struggling. With that said, let’s get started!

How to Support Men's Mental Health

What is Men’s Mental Health?

Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make a contribution to his or her community. Taking care of one’s mental health is critical as  it can impact every aspect of life. Unfortunately, mental health is often stigmatized, and men are particularly reluctant to talk about it. This is likely due to the fact that society has traditionally viewed men as strong and invulnerable. As a result, men may feel like they have to bottle up their emotions and deal with them on their own. This  can lead to serious problems down the line.

Why is Men’s Mental Health Important?

Mental health is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for men. This is because men are more likely to experience certain mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety and deal with them in solitude.  Additionally, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 (Source). In fact, in 2020, it was reported that men died by suicide 3.88x more than women, with an average of nearly 130 suicides per day (Source). Consequently, it is important to learn how to support men’s mental health.

How to Support Men’s Mental Health?

Here are some tips on how you can support a man in your life who is struggling with his mental health:

Tip #1 – Actively Listen

The first step is to simply listen. It can be difficult for men  to open up about their feelings, so let him know that you are there for him and ready to listen. Show that you care by giving him your full attention and refrain from interrupting. Just let him speak and share whatever he feels comfortable sharing. At the end of the day, you want to focus on listening for the sake of understanding as opposed to listening for the sake of trying to come up with a response.

Tip #2 – Stay Objective & Don’t Judge

It is important to be supportive, not judgmental. Avoid making assumptions or passing judgment on what a man is saying. Remember, you are not in his shoes and you do not know exactly what he is going through. The best thing you can do is to be understanding and accepting of whatever he chooses to share. Simply observe their points and  feelings without adding your own interpretation to the situation.

Tip #3 – Be Optimistic and Encouraging

When men are going through a tough time, it is easy for them to become negative and lose hope. As somebody who is supporting him, it is important to remain positive and upbeat. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore the seriousness of the situation. Rather, you should try to find a way to focus on the silver lining and encourage him to do the same. At the end of the day, what you choose to focus on can heavily impact your perception on all the events around you. If you seek an optimistic opportunity, you will see all the opportunities  that life has to offer. Comparatively, if  you focus on the negative, that is all you will see.

Tip #4 – Take care of Your Mental and Physical Well-Being and Lead By Example

You cannot pour from an empty cup. In order to be there for somebody else, you need to take care of yourself first. This means maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing your own stress levels. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Furthermore, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress. This could involve things like journaling, yoga, or spending time outdoors. At the end of the day, sometimes leading by example is the best approach to inspire others.

Tip 5 – Seek Professional Help

If you feel like you are in over your head, do not hesitate to seek professional help. This is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes a lot of courage to admit that you need help and to reach out for assistance. If you are struggling to find help, consider contacting us today. We offer several virtual therapy services in Ontario and across Canada. We also offer psychological services all across Canada including but not limited too:

Conclusion

In conclusion,  it is important to learn how to support men’s mental health. This includes things like actively listening, staying objective, being encouraging, and leading by example. If you are struggling to support a man in your life, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.

 

Thank you for reading! We hope this article was helpful. For more info, feel free to check out some of our other blog posts down below!

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07 JulGuides for Personal Growth

10 Tips to Recover From Being Emotionally Drained: How to Bounce Back

by ali0 Comments

We’ve all been there. We’ve had one too many emotional blows in a short period of time and we feel completely drained. We don’t have the energy to do anything, let alone take care of ourselves. This is when it’s important to know how to bounce back. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips that will help you recover from being emotionally drained and get your life back on track!

What is emotional drain and why does it happen?

Emotional drain is a state of being in which you feel completely depleted of all emotional energy. This can happen for a variety of reasons, some include:

  • Experiencing a traumatic event
  • Going through a difficult life transition
  • Dealing with chronic stress or anxiety
  • Engaging in toxic relationships
  • Suffering from a mental illness
  • Putting everyone’s needs before your own 
  • Lack of work life balance 

When we are emotionally drained, it can feel like we have nothing left to give. We may be so overwhelmed by our emotions that taking care of ourselves may seem like an impossible goal leading to mental exhaustion. The result is a downward spiral where we become increasingly isolated and disconnected from the people and things that bring us joy, thus, negatively impacting our person’s personal and professional lives. 

How to recover from emotional drain

The first step to recovering from emotional drain is to recognize that you are in a state of depletion. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to be aware of how you’re feeling and the factors that contribute to these feelings. Make a practice of pausing in your day do a self check. Certain cues you are looking for are feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, un explained sadness, lack of energy, lack of joy with things or people you once enjoyed, sleep disturbances.  Once you’ve identified one or many of these symptoms it’s time to start taking care of yourself. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Tip# 1: See your Doctor

Your first self care action item may require seeing your doctor. Sometimes the symptoms of emotional or mental drain can overlap with an underlying medical condition. It’s important to speak to your health care provider if you identified the symptoms discussed above, so they can help rule out any medical condition.  

Tip #2:  Get enough sleep

Sleep is crucial for emotional and physical recovery. When we’re tired, our bodies and minds are not able to function at their best. This can make it difficult to cope with stressors and can lead to further emotional distress. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, there are a few things you can try:

  • Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a bath or reading a book.
  • Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
  • Do not use the bed for anything accept intimacy and sleep

Tip #3: Create a support system

It’s important to have people you can rely on when you’re going through a tough time. These people can provide emotional support by listening and comforting you as well as practical assistance by providing advice and tips. There is research that shows the importance of social connections for our wellbeing. If you don’t have a support system in place, there are a few ways to create one:

  • Reach out to family and friends. Let them know what you’re going through and how they can help.
  • Join a support group for people who are dealing with similar issues.
  • See a therapist or counselor who can provide professional support.

Tip #4:  Don’t try to do everything yourself

When we’re overwhelmed,  it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do everything ourselves. This is not only impossible, but it’s also not necessary. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to other people whenever possible. This will help lighten your load and give you more time to focus on taking care of yourself.

Tip #5:  Make time for activities that make you happy

It’s important to find time for activities that bring you joy. This can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and give you a much-needed break from whatever is causing you emotional distress. Start small by doing fun things that are easy to achieve. These can include a walk in the neighborhood, a bike ride, getting some ice cream, talking to a trusted friend. If you find this task tough, ask a friend to do something with you.

Tip #6:  Give yourself permission to take a break

It’s okay to take a break from work, school, or any other obligations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or just need some time to yourself, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a step back. This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or drop out of school. It just means taking a temporary hiatus until you’re able to cope with your obligations.

Tip #7:  Find healthy coping mechanisms

There are many healthy ways to cope with stress and emotional distress. Some coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, and spending time in nature. Experiment until you find what works best for you.

Tip #8:  Practice self-compassion

It’s important to be gentle with yourself when you’re going through a tough time. This means accepting your feelings and giving yourself the grace to make mistakes. Remember that you are human and that it’s okay to not be perfect.

Tip #9: Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms

There are some coping mechanisms that can do more harm than good. These include drinking alcohol, using drugs, and engaging in self-destructive behaviors. If you find yourself relying on these coping mechanisms, it’s important to reach out for help.

Tip #10:  Seek Psychotherapy 

If you’re struggling to cope with emotional distress, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work through your feelings. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your doctor for a referral or look for a therapist online.

All in all, if you’re feeling emotionally drained, it’s important to take care of yourself. These tips can help you recover and bounce back. Remember to reach out for help if you’re struggling to cope. You don’t have to go through this alone. Help is available when you look for it.

With that said if you reside within Ontario and are looking for a psychotherapist mississauga provider feel free to contact us today and we would be happy to help.

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