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    Signs you Need to Take a Mental Health Day

    January 27, 2023

    Do you ever get up in the morning and wonder if it would be okay for you to take a mental health day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that today’s workforce is experiencing job burnout at alarming rates. What are Mental Health Days Exactly? The […]

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    Signs you Need to Take a Mental Health Day

    January 27, 2023

    Do you ever get up in the morning and wonder if it would be okay for you to take a mental health day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that today’s workforce is experiencing job burnout at alarming rates.

    What are Mental Health Days Exactly?

    The good news is that taking a mental health day every once in a while can absolutely help you cope with work-related stress. But mental health days should not be confused with sick days.

    Mental health days are simply those times when you need to take a break from anything work related. These personal days are used to reset your mind by focusing on activities that rejuvenate and reenergize you.

    Signs it’s Time for a Mental Health Day

    The following are some red flags that are letting you know you need to put your mental health first:

    You Feel Run Down

    Being stressed and overworked can take a toll on your mind and body. If you’ve been feeling run down for a period of time, take a break.

    You Feel Angry More Often

    When we feel stressed and burned out, we become angry far more easily and far more often. If you find you have been getting easily irritated, this is a sign it may be time for a mental health day.

    You’re Having a Hard Time Focusing

    When we’re stressed, our mental faculties take a hit and we can’t focus as easily. This makes it incredibly hard to get any work done. Which of course just makes us feel more stressed.

    If you notice your cognitive abilities have declined a bit, may be time to call off work for a day of destressing.

    If you have been experiencing any of these signs, I encourage you to put your mental health first and take a mental health day. And if you would like to speak to someone about how you’re feeling, please reach out to me. I’m a great listener and have numerous tools for coping with stress that I can share with you.

    SOURCES:

    https://info.totalwellnesshealth.com/blog/mental-health-day-from-work

    10 Signs You Need a Mental Health Day

    https://www.livestrong.com/article/13767705-how-to-take-mental-health-day/

    Filed Under: mental health

    When is it Time to Ask for Help?

    December 30, 2022

    Depression is a complex mental health issue that varies widely between individuals. This is why it can be difficult for some people to recognize what may be a situational discomfort that may pass on its own, and what may be more serious and require professional help. The Difference Between Mild and Serious Mental Health Issues […]

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    When is it Time to Ask for Help?

    December 30, 2022

    Depression is a complex mental health issue that varies widely between individuals. This is why it can be difficult for some people to recognize what may be a situational discomfort that may pass on its own, and what may be more serious and require professional help.

    The Difference Between Mild and Serious Mental Health Issues

    In order to measure the seriousness of a mental health issue, most mental health professionals look at what impact it has on the person’s everyday life. They also take into account the events that led to the issue.

    Mild mental health issues are typically less persistent as well as less disruptive to an individual’s everyday life. Serious mental health issues, on the other hand, are often so severe that they negatively impact that person’s relationships and performance at school and work.

    As an example, feeling pressure at work about an upcoming deadline will make just about anyone feel stressed and anxious. But if your anxiety becomes so great that you begin calling in sick to work to avoid the project and responsibilities, that would be seen as a disruption in your everyday life. Severe anxiety can lead to panic attacks and that is definitely a reason to seek support.

    Something else to keep in mind is the context around the mental health issue. It is perfectly normal to grieve after losing a loved one or to feel anger and resentment after discovering your partner’s infidelity. While it can definitely be helpful to speak with someone during these times, you may not necessarily be experiencing a severe mental health crisis that would warrant help.

    It is important to mention that the events of one’s life need not be “serious” in order for you to reach out for help. Whatever it is that you are going through and whatever feelings you are experiencing, they are valid.

    Warning Signs of a Serious Mental Health Crisis

    The following are some red flags of a mental health crisis that warrant asking for help:

    • Feeling sad or “down” for long periods of time (particularly without an inciting incident)
    • Noticeable mood swings from very high, like euphoria, to very low, like deep sadness or depression
    • Excessive worry
    • Feeling empty or apathetic about life
    • Engaging in self-harming behaviors, like cutting
    • Withdrawing from friends and family
    • Changes in appetite, sleep or sex drive
    • Constant fatigue
    • Thoughts of suicide

    If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to reach out and ask for help. While the days seem dark right now, they can and will get brighter. I’d love to help you get there, so please get in touch with me so we can set up a time to speak.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.counseling.org/news/aca-blogs/aca-counseling-corner/aca-counseling-corner-blog/2018/03/01/knowing-when-to-ask-for-help#:~:text=If%20you’re%20facing%20a,to%20seek%20out%20professional%20help

    https://jedfoundation.org/resource/mental-health-warning-signs-and-when-to-ask-for-help/

    https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/sponsor-story/burrell-behavioral-health/2022/05/02/mental-health-matters-knowing-when-ask-help/9558636002/

    Filed Under: counseling, mental health

    4 Tips for Reducing Stress While Moving

    September 11, 2022

    Whether it’s across town or across country, moving is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Everything takes longer and weighs more than you initially thought, and the internet provider never seems to have any openings to come out to your new place and get you hooked up! It’s no wonder […]

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    4 Tips for Reducing Stress While Moving

    September 11, 2022

    Whether it’s across town or across country, moving is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Everything takes longer and weighs more than you initially thought, and the internet provider never seems to have any openings to come out to your new place and get you hooked up!

    It’s no wonder people absolutely dread moving.

    If you have a big move coming up, here are some tips to help you reduce the stress:

    Accept Reality

    No move in the history of mankind has ever gone off without a hitch. It is important to expect the unexpected and to go with the flow as best you can.

    Give Yourself Plenty of Time

    One of the biggest reasons people get stressed while they’re moving is because they didn’t give themselves enough time. While a small apartment may take two days to fully pack up, a three or four bedroom house you’ve lived in for over a decade may take closer to a week or two. It’s always best to give yourself more time and not less.

    Be sure to give yourself plenty of time with other aspects of moving as well. For instance, setting up the utilities in your new home, researching the right moving company, and giving your old home a thorough clean. These projects will all take time as well.

    Stay Organized

    Keeping stress at bay will require you to stay organized. From buying moving supplies to labeling boxes to packing, organization will help you stay in control when things could easily spin out of control. So make lists and use a day planner to stay on top of your tasks.

    Ask for Help

    Don’t feel you need to do everything by yourself. If you need help, ask for it. Sometimes even just having some company from a friend or family member while you pack can lift your spirits. And try and plan ahead. Give your loved ones a heads up a week out so there is more of a chance they can say “yes.”

    Is moving fun? Nope. But if you give yourself plenty of time, stay organized, ask for help and accept the fact that sh*t happens, your move will go much more smoothly.

    SOURCES:

    7 Tips on How to Make Moving Less Stressful

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-the-questions/201703/ten-simple-tips-manage-the-stress-moving

    https://www.bustle.com/p/13-ways-to-make-moving-less-stressful-10031771

    Filed Under: mental health, reducing stress

    Mental Health Effects of COVID on Teachers

    September 9, 2022

    The Covid pandemic disrupted the lives of everyone on the globe. But without question, certain professions got hit the hardest. Teachers definitely belong in this category. Numerous teachers were laid off without notice; the rest were forced to adapt quickly and begin teaching remotely. While the pandemic is behind us, the mental health affects on […]

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    Mental Health Effects of COVID on Teachers

    September 9, 2022

    The Covid pandemic disrupted the lives of everyone on the globe. But without question, certain professions got hit the hardest. Teachers definitely belong in this category. Numerous teachers were laid off without notice; the rest were forced to adapt quickly and begin teaching remotely.

    While the pandemic is behind us, the mental health affects on teachers are lingering. As these professionals head back to school this fall, it is important that they recognize they may be feeling stressed and mentally exhausted.

    If you are a teacher heading back to the classroom, here are some thing you can do to look out for your own mental health:

    Put Your Needs First

    Teachers tend to be the kinds of people who always put their students’ – and other people’s – needs first. But now is the time to put your needs first, so you have the energy and mental clarity to give to your students throughout the rest of the year. Ask yourself, “What do I need to feel my best so I can be an effective and supportive teacher?”

    Adjust Your Expectations

    Everyone has been changed by Covid. You can’t expect yourself or anyone else to be the person they were before lockdowns. When you feel yourself judging yourself too harshly, try and adjust your expectations.

    Talk to Someone

    If your feelings of anxiety, depression or burnout don’t subside, even with making some adjustments to your life, then it’s important that you speak to someone. A mental health professional can help you work through the stress and emotions you have dealt with and may be holding on to. They can also provide coping strategies so you may get back to living a joyful life.

    If you or someone you know is a teacher whose mental health has been affected by the Covid pandemic, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

    SOURCES:

    ​​https://www.edweek.org/leadership/teachers-mental-health-has-suffered-in-the-pandemic-heres-how-districts-can-help/2021

    https://www.kaplanco.com/ii/mental-health-effects-on-educators

    https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/ten-mental-health-and-well-being-tips-teachers

    Filed Under: COVID, mental health, teacher

    Mental Health Effects of Emotional Abuse

    August 10, 2022

    Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless. Typically people suffer from long-term or short-term […]

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    Mental Health Effects of Emotional Abuse

    August 10, 2022

    Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless.

    Typically people suffer from long-term or short-term emotional abuse, and depending on the length of time, there can be varying mental health effects.

    Long-term emotional abuse happens over many years. Examples are a child growing up in a home with an alcoholic parent or a sibling with anger issues. Someone may find themselves in a marriage with a narcissistic partner.

    Short-term emotional abuse can result from a nasty exchange with a stranger or micro-interactions with colleagues or neighbors.

    The following are some short-term and long-term effects of emotional abuse:

    Short-Term Effects

    • Isolation or a sense of deep loneliness 
    • Self-doubt
    • Shame
    • Confusion
    • Low self-esteem
    • Anxiety connected with social interactions
    • Feelings of powerlessness

    Long-term Effects

    • Neuroticism, or the tendency toward a depressed mood or negative emotions like anger
    • Chronic stress
    • Physical health issues like muscle tension and shortness of breath
    • Attachment issues
    • Apathy
    • Eating disorders
    • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or CPTSD (chronic post-traumatic stress disorder)

    You Can Heal from Emotional Abuse

    With time, patience and plenty of self-compassion, it is very possible to heal from the trauma of emotional abuse. Working with a mental health professional who has been trained specifically to help people who have been the victim of emotional abuse is a great starting point.

    If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.

    SOURCES:

    https://psychcentral.com/health/effects-of-emotional-abuse

    Emotional Abuse and its Impact on Mental Health

    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327080

    Filed Under: emotional abuse, mental health

    How Your Self-Esteem Affects Your Mental Health

    July 13, 2022

    Having a low self-esteem is something many people of all ages deal with. While a low self-esteem is not considered a mental health condition itself, the way we think about ourselves directly impacts our mental health and overall well-being. What is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem refers to the way people feel about themselves. Someone with a healthy […]

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    How Your Self-Esteem Affects Your Mental Health

    July 13, 2022

    Having a low self-esteem is something many people of all ages deal with. While a low self-esteem is not considered a mental health condition itself, the way we think about ourselves directly impacts our mental health and overall well-being.

    What is Self-Esteem?

    Self-esteem refers to the way people feel about themselves. Someone with a healthy or high self-esteem thinks positively about themselves and their abilities. They believe they are deserving of respect and have no problems setting healthy boundaries.

    Individuals with low self-esteems do not feel very good about themselves. They constantly measure themselves against others and always come up short. They may not think they are worthy of love and respect and will typically not set healthy boundaries, allowing others to take advantage of them.

    How Does a Low Self-Esteem Affect Mental Health?

    The following are some ways a low self-esteem can impact a person’s mental health:

    Poor Relationships 

    Human beings are wired for connections. But when we have low self-esteem, we tend to not put ourselves “out there” socially and even tend to isolate, which can lead to poor relationships and loneliness.

    Addiction

    Studies have indicated low self-esteem in childhood can lead to addictions later in life. Mandy addicts use alcohol and other substances as a way to cope with negative feelings about themselves.

    Depression and Anxiety

    Living with low self-esteem day after day, week after week, can very much take its toll and eventually lead to the development of depression and anxiety.

    How to Build Your Self-Esteem

    Building self-esteem is important for mental health and to live a happy life. But it’s not necessarily easy to do it. It’s not like losing weight where you can say I am going to eat less and move more.

    That is why I recommend working with a trained therapist who specializes in helping people build their self-esteem. A therapist can help you identify your core negative beliefs and determine where they came from. He or she can then help you develop a new, realistic self-esteem that reflects who you truly are.

    If you or someone you know is suffering with low self-esteem and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2016/Why-Self-Esteem-Is-Important-for-Mental-Health

    https://www.hormona.io/why-self-esteem-affects-your-mental-health/

    https://fherehab.com/learning/self-esteem-mental-health

    Filed Under: mental health, self esteem

    How Finances can Impact Your Mental Health

    July 6, 2022

    Not since the great depression have so many people collectively been dealing with financial hardship. The Covid pandemic locked down nations and caused people to lose their livelihoods. It is not surprising, then, that we are also seeing increases in the rates of depression. There have been other studies that also linked depression and anxiety […]

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    How Finances can Impact Your Mental Health

    July 6, 2022

    Not since the great depression have so many people collectively been dealing with financial hardship. The Covid pandemic locked down nations and caused people to lose their livelihoods. It is not surprising, then, that we are also seeing increases in the rates of depression.

    There have been other studies that also linked depression and anxiety with financial burdens. In fact, this study suggests that individuals with depression and anxiety are three times more likely to be in debt.

    It’s a Vicious Cycle

    Solving any problem requires clear thinking and an ability to take action. The problem is, when financial burdens cause a person to become anxious and depressed, they live in an emotional state that makes it almost impossible to solve their financial problems.

    For instance, when people feel depressed, it is common for them to also feel overwhelmed and out of control. They tend to want to avoid problems because they simply can’t bear the weight of it all. 

    Depression and anxiety can also make it hard for people to get proper sleep. This, in turn, creates mental fog, making it incredibly hard to figure out a solution to any problem.

    Talking to Someone Can Really Help

    No, I’m not talking about a financial planner, I’m talking about speaking with a therapist. A licensed therapist can help you find some calm in the storm. Working with a therapist often brings the kind of clarity that can help you heal from depression and anxiety and get your financial life back in order.

    There is nothing to be ashamed of. Most of us have, at one point (if not currently), experienced trouble with our finances and felt depressed and anxious. It is a common part of living in these modern times when the economy seems to be going against us most of the time.

    If you or a loved one has been having a hard time financially and you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to help you deal with your current situation.

    SOURCES:

    • https://psychcentral.com/blog/stressed-about-money-tips-to-cope-with-debt-depression
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201909/how-your-mental-health-affects-your-financial-health
    • https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/the-link-between-money-and-mental-health/

    Filed Under: finance, mental health



    26711 Woodward Ave. Suite 306
    Huntington Woods, MI 48070

    (248) 860-2024
    info@marshpsychologygroup.com

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    info@marshpsychologygroup.com
    (248) 860-2024

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