Stress

Anxiety: Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Chronic Worry

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Anxiety: Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Chronic Worry

By: Michelle Cocone

Do you ever find yourself worrying about everything all the time? You find that you can’t seem to find a way to let go, the worries always get in the way. If you are experiencing the following symptoms then you may have generalized anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder is when you have immense worry and anxiety which affects your everyday life. Not to be confused with worrying because everyone worries about things or events occurring in their life. The difference is that one knows how to let it go or even worry about it for a bit and move on. For those experiencing generalized anxiety disorders, they don’t have a way of letting it go; it’s all they are constantly thinking about.

It may sound like:

What if I can’t get my laundry done? What if I can’t find a job? Will I be able to pay the bills on time? What if I fail in school? What if I get rejected? What if people don’t like me?

Notice how many of these worrisome are “what if” questions. It could be that you are worrying about situations/problems that haven’t yet occurred. This is one of the symptoms of this anxiety disorder- you fear the unknown which makes you worry constantly. You’ll find that you won’t be able to relax. For example, many students worry about picking and starting college. People with this disorder can also find themselves to be indecisive because they are scared to make the wrong choice.

What if I pick the wrong university? What if I fail out of my classes? What if I don’t like the people there? What if it’s too hard for me to manage?

At the end of the day we are human, we all make mistakes. We can’t be perfect all the time. In order to continue growing and be healthy, we have to sometimes make the wrong choices and learn from them. Our mistakes are what help us progress. If we are constantly worrying, then we can’t go anywhere, we’re stuck. Other symptoms you might be experiencing are: constant fatigue, muscle aches, overthinking, unable to relax, and irritability.

Generalized anxiety disorders in children are expressed differently than in adults. Children worry about being accepted, having good grades, being good at sports, making friends, being included in social outings, trying to make everything perfect, and seeking approval from their parents. This affects their mental health and everyday life routine.

Generalized anxiety disorder in adults, is more severe. Adults tend to worry about being financially stable, buying a house, not having credit card debt, having good credit, finding a good job, finding a romantic partner, and starting a family. Anxiety can be overwhelming, however. We have to remember that it’s not normal to chronically worry all the time. It’s really unhealthy and leads to poor mental health. Worrying about everything won’t make the situation better. It might actually worsen your health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with generalized anxiety disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) – 368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024a, April 16). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-anxiety-disorder

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Generalized anxiety disorder: When worry gets out of Control. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad


Relationships and Money: Money problems could be affecting your relationship

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Relationships and Money: Money problems could be affecting your relationship

By: Michelle Cocone

Money doesn’t usually get discussed in relationships until it becomes a hardship. When it does occur, you and your partner might find yourselves in a repetitive argument, leading to stress. According to Psychology Today, about 70% of the population in the U.S. is married; they might face money problems throughout their marriage. It’s not uncommon to have differences in handling money as people are raised differently. It’s never too late to discuss finances with your partner to improve your relationship moving forward. As well as it’s never too early to establish financial goals to promote a healthy relationship. There are three key questions to discuss with your partner about money problems.

  • What did your parents teach you about money?
  • What are your financial goals?
  • What are your fears about money?

Typically the information we have about managing money we learn from our parents. If your parents taught you how to keep track of bills, save money, and credit card management, then you have a good understanding of how to deal with money. Whereas some people had parents who were always late on bills, lost track, didn’t save money, and probably didn’t manage money well. Talk to your partner about financial goals and how you can combine them to fit both your needs. Remember you are a team with your partner and you are working together to improve your financial situation. Discuss the fears you have about money, which is where the money problems could be coming from. Set up a time to sit down and discuss creating a spending plan that works for both of you. Discuss how to divide the finances to help establish a baseline. Additionally, use any money left over to spend quality time as this will help relieve stress about money. Good communication about money problems will improve relationships and help avoid any anxiety/stress. When a couple suffers from anxiety or stress about financial hardship in their relationship, they may benefit from therapy to address the underlying psychological issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or stress about financial hardship, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) – 368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References

Klontz, B., & Gresham, M. (2015). Happy couples: How to avoid money arguments. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/money/conflict

Langabeer, J. (2022, December 7). The psychological impact of money on relationships. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-make-better-choices/202212/the-psychological-impact-money-relationships

Mindfulness: Living in the Present

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Mindfulness: Living in the Present

By: Maria Koutsothanasis

Oftentimes it is easy to feel disconnected or distracted by living in the present. With work, school, or other obligations, it is easy to lose sight of the present time. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future causes increased feelings of stress and depression. Mindfulness can help refocus on the present events to create a calmer and more focused life.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully focused on the present moment. By observing your thoughts and emotions, and removing judgment, mindfulness allows you to stay present and create a deeper connection and understanding of yourself.

Mindfulness decreases stress and promotes overall emotional well-being and balance.

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety:

    Mindfulness calms the mind and body by shifting attention away from thoughts that increase stress. Mindfulness interventions such as meditation can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and help people manage anxiety better.

    2. Boosts mental health:

      Mindfulness reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It promotes a greater sense of resilience and breaks a cycle of negativity. Through mindfulness, you can manage stress and have control over your mental well-being.

      3. Improves physical health:

      Mindfulness is not only good for the mind but also the body. Regular mindfulness practices have been linked to lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and an overall stronger immune system.

      How to Practice Mindfulness

      1. Mindful Breathing:

          Spending a few minutes a day focusing on your breath calms your mind and helps reduce mental clutter. If you begin to feel anxious, focusing on breathing can reduce these feelings.

          2. Engage in Gratitude:

          Reflecting on things in your life that you are grateful for is a way to shift the perspective of your life in a positive way.

          3. Being present:

          Training your mind to stay present on the tasks that you currently engage in is a way to increase focus, reduce stress, and improve overall satisfaction in life.

          Mindfulness does not require major life changes. It is about being fully present in the moments that make up your day. Incorporating these small changes in your life can lead to reduced stress, improved emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. The small shifts can transform how you experience the world around you and how you feel internally.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, June 18). Mindfulness for your health. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health

          Matthews, K. (2023, June 29). Health benefits of mindfulness: 1stCallHEALTH: Primary care providers. 1stCallHEALTH. https://1stcallhealth.com/health-benefits-of-mindfulness/


          Stress: Does Job Stress Contribute to Mental Illness

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Stress: Does Job Stress Contribute to Mental Illness

          By Josette DeFranco

          Work stress is not often addressed. We tend to take on many tasks, leading to feeling overwhelmed physically and mentally. For some, work is a routine and many find working under stress helps them concentrate. On the other hand, some people don’t work as much and try to maintain a slower pace. In either circumstance, work can cause severe stress. Stress in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and burnout. It is important to note how our body feels so we can find signs earlier that our mental and physical health needs a break.

          Some negative effects of stress in the workplace manifest in various ways such as a lack of motivation, reduced job satisfaction, physical and mental health problems, and interpersonal conflicts. If you notice you are feeling more fatigue, irritability, or apathy it may be best to give yourself a break. Job stress can lead to some mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Stress prepares your body for a defensive action, like an alarm for the brain. It impacts your nervous system releasing hormones that help sharpen your senses and tense your muscles. You may have heard of something called the “flight or fight response.” This is important because it helps you defend against situations your body finds threatening. If stressful situations go without being addressed it will keep your body in a state of activation. Some ways to help alleviate job stress are to ensure that the workload is in line with workers’ capabilities and resources, allow yourself to take a break, create boundaries, provide opportunities for social interactions among workers, and establish work schedules that accommodate your responsibilities outside the job.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

          Resources:

          https://business.talkspace.com/articles/the-negative-effects-of-stress-in-the-workplace#:~:text=The%20effects%20of%20work%20stress,%2C%20interpersonal%20conflicts%2C%20and%20more.

          https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/default.html#Job%20Stress%20and%20Health

          Work-Life Balance

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Work-Life Balance

          By: Josette DeFranco

          Are you feeling overwhelmed due to the lack of balance in your work and personal life?

          Work-life balance is important because it affects you, your family, and others. You need the time and energy to participate in your own personal interests, family, and community activities. A workplace that supports employees’ well-being and allows their employees to focus on their mental health is an excellent way for them to avoid burnout.

          Here are some healthy work-life balance tips:

          • Take breaks
          • Set boundaries
          • Learn to say no
          • Prioritize your mental health
          • Set goals
          • Practice Mindfulness
          • Create a flexible work schedule
          • Seek support

          It is important to acknowledge how this balance can benefit you. It’s easy to get caught up in your job and neglect your wants and needs. These are just a couple ways having a work-life balance can help you; create healthier workplace relationships, improve your mental health, enhance your physical health, and have better productivity at work.

          If you, your child, or someone you know is experiencing back-to-school anxiety, social anxiety, or other anxiety disorders or mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan offices respectively, at 201-368-3700 or 212-722-1920 to set up an appointment. Please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ for more information.

          Sources:

          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/presence-of-mind/201509/hows-your-work-life-balance

          https://www.timedoctor.com/blog/work-life-balance-tips

          Freshman Year of College: Life Transitions & Mental Wellness

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Freshman Year of College: Life Transitions & Mental Wellness

          By: Kristen Thauer

          Everyone who has attended college or university knows that the first year can be daunting. For many American teenagers, the transition to college has become increasingly fraught with anxiety. Some are excited to meet new people, attend interesting classes and move away from home. Others may worry about the financial hardships and potential isolation that comes with moving away from friends and family. Tuition costs have skyrocketed over the past few decades. The college experience our parents or even grandparents had seems like a distant memory.

          While college is an incredible opportunity for growth, not only academically but socially and emotionally, many do struggle with the transition. Transferring colleges has become increasingly common as many students end up feeling as though their first choice was not the right fit. These experiences can sometimes make it more difficult to foster new friendships and a sense of community on campus. Unfortunately, many colleges have seen a dip in student engagement since COVID-19, meaning less and less students are going to club meetings, sporting events and even class.

           Many of these hardships students are facing today are caused by an uptick in mental health concerns. According to the American College Health Association’s database, 36% of college students have been diagnosed with depression and 26% of students have been diagnosed with anxiety. Regardless of the many factors that may be at play, students need mental health support both on and off campus. Reaching out for therapy in your college years can be a helpful and transformative experience as you navigate this life transition. There is no reason to suffer alone!

          https://www.acha.org/ACHA/Resources/Topics/MentalHealth.aspx

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

          OCD & Obsessions

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          OCD & Obsessions by Nicole Sanchez

          Obsessive compulsive disorder is comprised of a pattern of unwanted thoughts and or fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead one to do repetitive behaviors, also called obsessions. These obsessions and compulsions interfere with much of one’s daily activities and can cause a lot of distress. Ultimately, one feels driven to carry out compulsive acts to reduce their stress. Examples of common content of obsessional thoughts include the fear of contamination, disturbing sexual thoughts or images, religious and blasphemous thoughts, or ritualized hand washing. Ordering things in a particular way, repeated cleaning of objects or repeatedly checking locks, appliances etc. Compulsions can even include the need to constantly seek approval or reassurance. Often there are peole with OCD that recognize or suspect their obsessional thoughts are not realistic though some may think they could be true.  Even if they are aware of their intrusive thoughts are not realistic, people struggling with OCS have difficulty disengaging from the obsessive thoughts or stopping the compulsive behaviors.

          Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is effective for many of those that struggle with OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a part of CBT therapy which involves exposing a person over time to the feared object or obsession, such as dirt. Then one learns ways not to do their compulsive rituals. ERP takes time and practice, but it has been proven to help those struggling with OCD improve their life quality once they learn to manage their symptoms. Patients with mild to moderate OCD symptoms are usually treated with either CBT or medication depending on their preference. It also depends on their cognitive abilities, level of insight and the presence or absence of associated psychiatric conditions, as well as treatment availability. Hypnosis has often also been used to successfully eliminate OCD symptoms. Hypnosis is a relatively short treatment of several sessions which helps the person rid themselves of harmful, repetitive behaviors.

          If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of OCD, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

          https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

          https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

          Stress: How your financial situation could be affecting your life

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Stress: How your financial situation could be affecting your life

          By: Diane Ulloa
          In the past two decades alone, student debt and loans have reached approximately $1.6 trillion which slightly surpassed credit card debt in America which stands at $1.03 trillion in the second quarter of 2023 according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. “In addition to poverty, financial debt and loans are significantly associated with increased psychological distress and poor mental health status.” (From: Ryu S, fan L. The Relationship Between Financial Worries and Psychological Distress Among U.S. Adults) As financial debt accumulates, a person may find themselves withdrawing from hanging out with friends or family and becoming avoidant of places, people, and even their financial struggles. If someone continuously avoids their bills they continue to accumulate and seeing the amount of the accumulated bills can take a serious toll on a person’s mental health.

          Other problems may also emerge when someone is experiencing anxiety due to financial stress, these could include poor sleeping habits, overspending, avoidance, and poor eating habits. Someone that has a spending problem or someone who is in financial worry would benefit from speaking to a therapist who would help them cope with their unhealthy habits in better ways. A therapist can help in creating a patient budget and manage their money in better ways including a personalized budgeting plan or setting up financial goals. A therapist can also help individuals identify the underlying causes of their financial stress and develop strategies for managing it. Along with anxiety and stress, financial worry can cause feelings of shame and guilt and a therapist is able to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these feelings and how to develop strategies to overcome them. A person may also experience difficulty in communicating their financial struggles and/or negative beliefs and behaviors related to money with their loved ones. A therapist can aid in more effective communication with loved ones about financial struggles and challenge negative beliefs related to money by developing more positive patterns of thought and behavior related to finances. Additionally, an individual who suffered financial trauma such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, or identity theft may benefit from therapy in order to address the emotional and psychological impact of these experiences.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or has anxiety/stress please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          Sources

          https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/credit-card-debt-statistics/

          Ryu S, Fan L. The Relationship Between Financial Worries and Psychological Distress Among U.S. Adults. J Fam Econ Issues. 2023;44(1):16-33. doi: 10.1007/s10834-022-09820-9. Epub 2022 Feb 1. PMID: 35125855; PMCID: PMC8806009.

          Types Of Therapy For Financial Stress And Money Issues

          mantracare.org

          Post-Grad Depression

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Depression/Post-College

          By: Ingrid Guevara

          Everyone knows and acknowledges that depression during college occurs. Statistics show that twenty-seven percent of college students had been diagnosed with depression and twenty-three percent said that depression impacted their academic performance negatively.  When it comes to post-grad students research shows that around twenty percent of student graduating experience depression. Post-grad depression is seen as situational depression. Situational depression is depression caused by a stressful or traumatic event. Post-Grad depression is caused by; pressure of finding a job, moving back in with parents, feeling a failure to launch, changes in friendships (friends scattering, not seeing them), student debt, comparison with friends and being overwhelmed by next steps and changes. Signs of post-grad depression are; lack of motivation, feeling worthless or guilty, loneliness, overwhelm (especially related to the next steps), feeling sad or down, isolation or wanting to isolate oneself, not enjoying activities that were previously enjoyed, poor sleep, appetite change, lower than usual frustration tolerance, feeling sluggish or super jittery and intense fear or expectation things will not go well in the future. Post-grad depression like any depression can really hinder your life so seeking help is suggested in order to properly cope with it. It is also suggested; avoiding comparing yourself with others, practice self-kindness and self-love, reach out to friends,  get some exercise/movement, don’t be too hard on yourself, recognize that transitions are difficult, find a support group/networking group, take care of yourself and confide in trusted family and friends. Depression is common when life is stressful and one feels pressure therefore, it is okay because always remember you are not alone.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

          References

          Post-Graduation Depression: Causes & How to Cope
          College Student Mental Health Statistics

          https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9091131/

          Single Parenting Stress

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Single Parenting Stress

          By: Mercedes Renter

          Raising children on your own can result in an overwhelming amount of stress and pressure into parenting. Aside from the financial obligations of raising a family and maintaining a roof over your head with food on the table, single parenting comes with more obstacles than one may think. Emotionally, a single parent must take on the role of both parents at once which leaves them to be both “bad” and “good” cop all at once. This can allow one to feel lonely and isolated when it comes to decision making because they often feel lost without another opinion. Guilt will arise from these situations but your own well-being it is better to focus on any accomplishments.

          There are many ways to reduce the stress and attempt to live in a calmer environment. One thing that can be done is to set up a support system. All parents need a little help here and there so do not feel ashamed to ask for it. Maintaining a daily routine can allow you to find yourself with more time to relax. For example, set up a schedule for meals, chores, bedtimes and anything else that is included in your day to day routine. Treat your children like children; although the other parent is absent you should not rely too heavily on the child. A way to notice if you are relying on them too much is if your frustration is being shown more on them than in any other aspect of your life. Lastly, stay positive and take time for yourself.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with single parenting stress contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatric, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY, or Paramus,NJ offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

          References: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/types-of-families/Pages/Stresses-of-Single-Parenting.aspx

          https://www.parents.com/parenting/dynamics/single-parenting/10-ways-to-reduce-single-parent-stress/