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02

Mental Health Myths

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
How to Know When You Need Therapy or Counseling?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often stigmatized and misunderstood. There are many myths about mental health that can prevent people from seeking help when they need it. Here are some of the most common mental health myths:

Myth #1: Only weak people have mental health problems.

This is simply not true. Mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of their strength or weakness. In fact, some of the strongest and most successful people in the world have spoken openly about their struggles with mental health.

Myth #2: Mental health problems are not real.

Mental health problems are very real and can have a significant impact on a person’s life. They are caused by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Just like physical health problems, mental health problems can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Myth #3: You can just “snap out of it” if you try hard enough.

Mental health problems are not something that you can just “snap out of.” They require professional help and treatment. Trying to “tough it out” or “wishing it away” will not make the problem go away.

Myth #4: People with mental health problems are dangerous.

This is a dangerous myth that can lead to people with mental health problems being discriminated against and avoided. In reality, people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. In fact, they are more likely to be the victims of violence.

Myth #5: Children don’t have mental health problems.

Children can and do experience mental health problems. In fact, one in five children will have a mental health problem by the time they reach adulthood. It is important to get help for children with mental health problems early on, as untreated problems can have a lasting impact on their development.

Myth #6: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness.

Having a mental health problem does not mean that you are weak. It means that you are struggling with something that is out of your control. There is no shame in seeking help for a mental health problem. In fact, it is a sign of strength to ask for help when you need it.

Myth #7: You can’t have both mental and physical health problems.

This is simply not true. In fact, many people with mental health problems also have physical health problems. The two are often interconnected. For example, stress can contribute to both physical and mental health problems.

Myth #8: Mental health problems are only treatable with medication.

While medication can be an effective treatment for some mental health problems, it is not the only treatment option. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and other complementary therapies can also be helpful.

Myth #9: Once you have a mental health problem, you will always have it.

This is not always the case. Many people with mental health problems recover and go on to live healthy and productive lives. With the right treatment, it is possible to manage your mental health and live a full and meaningful life.

Myth #10: Mental health problems are not a disability.

This is also not true. Mental health problems can qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that people with mental health problems are protected from discrimination in employment, education, and other areas.

These are just a few of the many myths about mental health. It is important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are struggling with a mental health problem, please know that you are not alone and that there is help available. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help, and it could make a big difference in your life.

Here are some additional resources for mental health information and support:

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27

How to Maintain a Long-Lasting Relationship With Your Partner

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Maintaining a long-lasting relationship is not always easy, but it is definitely possible with effort and commitment. Here are some tips to help you keep your relationship strong and healthy for years to come:

1. Communicate openly and honestly.

Communication is key to any successful relationship. Make sure you are always open and honest with your partner, even when it is difficult. This means sharing your thoughts, feelings, and needs, as well as listening to your partner’s thoughts, feelings, and needs. It is also important to be respectful of your partner’s opinions, even if you disagree with them.

2. Show your love and appreciation.

It is important to let your partner know how much you love and appreciate them on a regular basis. This can be done through words, actions, or gifts. Some examples of ways to show your love and appreciation include:

  • Saying “I love you”
  • Giving your partner a hug or kiss
  • Doing something nice for your partner, such as cooking dinner, running errands, or giving them a massage
  • Buying your partner a gift, such as flowers, jewelry, or a new book

3. Spend time together.

It is important to make time for your partner, even when you are busy. This means setting aside time for date nights, weekend getaways, or just spending time together at home. It is also important to be present when you are with your partner and to avoid distractions such as your phone or computer.

4. Be supportive.

Being supportive of your partner means being there for them when they need you. This means listening to them when they are going through a tough time, offering advice or help when they need it, and celebrating their successes.

5. Be willing to compromise.

No two people are exactly alike, so it is important to be willing to compromise in a relationship. This means being willing to give up something that you want in order to make your partner happy, and vice versa. It is also important to be willing to work through disagreements and find solutions that work for both of you.

6. Forgive each other.

Everyone makes mistakes, so it is important to be willing to forgive your partner when they do something to hurt you. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting what happened, but it does mean letting go of anger and resentment.

7. Continue to grow and learn.

As people, we are constantly growing and learning. This means that our relationships are also constantly evolving. It is important to be willing to grow and learn together as a couple. This can be done by talking about your hopes and dreams, taking classes together, or traveling to new places.

8. Seek help if needed.

If you are struggling in your relationship, do not be afraid to seek help. There are many resources available to help couples improve their relationships, such as counseling, therapy, or support groups.

Maintaining a long-lasting relationship takes effort and commitment. However, it is definitely possible with the right tools and strategies. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of having a happy and fulfilling relationship for years to come.

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25

Procrastination can be a challenge, but it is not impossible to overcome!

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
New thinking

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing a task or set of tasks. It is a common human behavior that can have a negative impact on our productivity, our personal and professional relationships, and our overall well-being.

There are many reasons why we procrastinate. Sometimes, we procrastinate because we are afraid of failure. We may worry that we won’t be able to do the task well, or that we will make a mistake. Other times, we procrastinate because we are not motivated. We may not see the value in the task, or we may be overwhelmed by it. And sometimes, we procrastinate simply because it is easier than doing the task.

Whatever the reason, procrastination can be a major obstacle to our success. It can prevent us from achieving our goals, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling our potential.

If you are struggling with procrastination, there are a number of things you can do to overcome it. Here are a few tips:

  1. Set concrete goals. When you have a clear goal in mind, it is much easier to stay motivated and avoid procrastination. So take some time to think about what you want to achieve, and then break it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
  2. Break down tasks into smaller chunks. Large tasks can seem daunting and overwhelming, which can lead to procrastination. To avoid this, break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks that you can complete in a shorter amount of time.
  3. Start with a tiny step. Even if you’re not feeling motivated, you can still make progress by starting with a tiny step. Just commit to doing something, no matter how small, and then build on that momentum.
  4. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Just focus on taking action and learning from your mistakes along the way.
  5. Focus on just doing, rather than doing well. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to focus on just doing the task, rather than trying to do it perfectly. Just get started and worry about the quality later.
  6. Switch things up. If you’re getting bored or stuck, try switching things up. Change your environment, take a break, or try a different approach. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to get motivated.
  7. Figure out what you’re afraid of, and address your fears. Sometimes, procrastination is rooted in fear. We may be afraid of failure, of success, or of something else entirely. Once you identify your fear, you can start to address it and overcome it.

Procrastination can be a tough habit to break, but it is possible. By following these tips, you can learn to overcome procrastination and achieve your goals.

Here are some additional tips that may help you stop procrastinating:

  • Set aside specific times for work and play. This will help you avoid distractions and stay focused on your work.
  • Reward yourself for completing tasks. This will help you stay motivated and make procrastination less appealing.
  • Find a partner or accountability group. This can help you stay on track and avoid giving in to procrastination.
  • Delegate tasks. If you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • Take breaks. Don’t try to work for hours on end without taking a break. Get up and move around, or take a few minutes to relax and clear your head.
  • Get organized. Having a system for keeping track of your tasks and deadlines can help you avoid procrastination.
  • Avoid distractions. Turn off your phone, close your email, and find a quiet place to work.
  • Believe in yourself. You can do it! Just take it one step at a time.

Procrastination can be a challenge, but it is not impossible to overcome. By following these tips, you can learn to stop procrastinating and achieve your goals.

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19

The Back-to-School Blues: How Parents Can Cope With Separation from Their Children

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
Therapist and client

The first day of school is a joyous occasion for many children, but it can be a bittersweet time for parents. After all, it means saying goodbye to their little ones for several hours each day. For some parents, the separation can be difficult to cope with. They may feel sad, lonely, or even anxious.

If you’re a parent who is struggling with separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to cope. First, it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. Everyone feels a little bit sad when their child goes back to school. The important thing is to not let these feelings overwhelm you.

Here are a few tips for coping with separation anxiety:

  1. Acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad or anxious about your child’s return to school. These are normal emotions. Don’t try to bottle them up or pretend that you’re not feeling anything.
  2. Talk to your child about your feelings. Let your child know that you’re going to miss them, but that you’re also excited for them to start school. Talk about what they’re looking forward to about the new school year.
  3. Make a special goodbye routine. This could involve giving them a hug, reading them a story, or making them breakfast.
  4. Make a plan for staying connected. Set up a regular time each day or week to talk to your child on the phone or video chat. You can also send them texts, emails or letters.
  5. Reach out to other parents who are also feeling separation anxiety. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be helpful.
  6. Get involved in your child’s school. Volunteering at your child’s school is a great way to stay connected and support their education. You can also attend parent-teacher conferences and school events.
  7. Take some time for yourself each day. This could involve reading, going for a walk or spending time with friends.

If you’re still struggling to cope with separation anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your feelings and develop coping mechanisms.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many parents go through the same thing when their child starts school. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to cope with separation anxiety and enjoy this new chapter in your child’s life.

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11

Remembering 9/11: The Courage, Strength, and Resilience of the Human Spirit

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Twenty-two years ago today, the world changed forever. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and carried out a series of coordinated attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more.

The attacks were a horrific act of violence, but they also brought out the best in humanity. In the days and weeks that followed, people from all over the world came together to show their support for the victims and their families.

We saw acts of courage and compassion from firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens. We saw people donate blood, volunteer their time, and open their hearts to those in need.

The courage, strength, and resilience of the human spirit was on full display in the aftermath of 9/11. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Here are some specific examples of the courage, strength, and resilience of the people in the aftermath of 9/11:

  • Firefighters and police officers risked their lives to save others.
  • Ordinary citizens volunteered their time and money to help the victims and their families.
  • People from all over the world donated blood and other supplies.
  • Businesses and organizations offered free or discounted services to help those in need.
  • Children wrote letters of support to the victims and their families.
  • Survivors of the attacks found the strength to rebuild their lives.

The attacks of 9/11 were a terrible tragedy, but they also showed us the best of humanity. We saw people come together to help each other in a time of need. We saw the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

How Can We Celebrate the Courage, Strength, and Resilience of the People?

  1. Honor the past. Learn about the history of your community or country and the challenges that people have faced. This can help you to appreciate the courage and strength of those who came before you.
  2. Recognize the present. Be aware of the challenges that people are facing today, both locally and globally. This could include things like poverty, war, or natural disasters. Find ways to support those who are struggling.
  3. Celebrate the good. There are many stories of courage, strength, and resilience happening all around us. Take the time to read about or watch these stories to be inspired.
  4. Get involved. There are many ways to get involved in your community and make a difference. You could volunteer your time, donate to a cause, or start your own project.
  5. Be kind. One of the simplest ways to celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of others is to be kind to them. This could mean something as small as holding the door open for someone or as big as donating blood or volunteering at a soup kitchen.

We can also celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of the people by living our lives to the fullest. Let us never take our freedom for granted and let us always be willing to help others in need.

Conclusion

September 11, 2001 was a dark day in our history, but it also showed us the best of humanity. The courage, strength, and resilience of the people in the aftermath of the attacks is an inspiration to us all.

Let us never forget the victims and their families, and let us always strive to live our lives to the fullest. We can honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11 by being courageous, strong, and resilient in the face of adversity.

Here are some resources for those who are struggling with grief or trauma:

  • National Center for PTSD: This website provides information and resources on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including coping strategies, treatment options, and support groups. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/.
  • American Psychological Association: This website provides information on grief and loss, trauma, and coping strategies, as well as a directory of psychologists who specialize in these areas.  https://www.apa.org/topics/grief/.
  • The Dougy Center: The Dougy Center is a national organization that provides grief support to children, teens, and their families. You can find their website here: https://www.dougy.org/.
  • The Compassionate Friends: This organization provides support to bereaved parents and families. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/.
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: This website provides information and resources on childhood traumatic stress, including treatment options and support groups. https://www.nctsn.org/.
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05

Separation Anxiety and School

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
Mother and Child Walking Counting Their Blessings

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a normal fear that children have about leaving their parents and/or caregivers. Typically, it peaks in toddlers around 14-18 months. It can continue into early childhood, especially in new or unfamiliar environments.

Tips to Ease Separation Anxiety at School

Starting school can be exciting and scary for kids at the same time. They’re ready to assert their independence and be a “big kid” while still valuing their parents attention and companionship. There are a few things you can do to help your child make the transition into being a student.

  • Spend time with your child at their school and/or classroom before their first day. If you can, spend time with your child’s teacher so that they are familiar with them and their new environment on the first day.
  • Have your child bring a comfort item, such as a blanket, stuffed animal or anything else that helps them feel safe. Over time, you can work on phasing the item out of their routine.
  • Keep your goodbye brief, dragging it out can make leaving worse.
  • Let your child know that you’re leaving and when you will be back and avoid “sneaking out”.
  • Keep a relaxed, happy look on your face. A worried or sad expression can signal to the child that the place you are leaving them is not safe and could cause them to become upset too.

Working on Separation Anxiety at Home

If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, there are some things you can do at home to help. Reading a book or telling a story about separation can be helpful for children to not feel alone in their fear. Work on building your child’s self-esteem with praise and positive attention. Although separation anxiety can be stressful, try to avoid being negative about your child’s issues with separation. This can create guilt and shame around the child’s feelings of fear.

Remember that this is a common experience for many children. With patience and encouragement, you can help your child work through their fears and become happy, confident school-goers.

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04

Labor Day: A Celebration of Hard Work

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
How to combat stress during the holiday season

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is a day to commemorate the contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. Labor Day, A Celebration of Hard Work.

Today, Labor Day is a day for people to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is also a day to reflect on the progress that we have made as a nation, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for a better future for all workers.

The Importance of Hard Work

Hard work is essential to the success of any society. It is through hard work that we create the goods and services that we need to live and thrive. It is also through hard work that we build strong communities and a better future for ourselves and our children.

Hard work is not always easy. It can be physically and mentally demanding. It can also be frustrating and discouraging. But when we persevere through hard times and continue to work hard, we are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction.

We should all be proud of the hard work that we do. Whether we are working in a traditional job, running our own business, or raising a family, we are all making a contribution to society. We should never take our hard work for granted.

Celebrating the Hard Work That You Do

This Labor Day, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the hard work that you do. Be grateful for the opportunities that you have. Be proud of your accomplishments and the contributions that you make to your community. And remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people who work hard every day, just like you.

And don’t forget to celebrate the hard work of others. Thank the people who make your life possible, from the farmers who grow our food to the teachers who educate our children.

Thank you for your hard work and have a happy and safe Labor Day!

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01

10 Tips for Smoother Mornings

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

10 Tips for Smoother Mornings

Not all of us are morning and getting yourself and your kids ready and out the door can be down right stressful. Here are a few helpful tips to make mornings go smoothly.

1. Pack lunches the night before

Instead of rushing around in the morning to pack lunches for yourself and your kids do it the night before.  You can even include your kids in this and have them help pack their own lunch.

2. Gets backpacks and outfits laid out

Having everything packed the night before eliminates the morning stress have rushing around to find library books that are due or show and tell items that are needed for that day.

3. Create a visual schedule for the morning routine

Visual reminders will help kids remember what is included in their morning routine. It will also help to keep them on task.

4. No screen time until everyone is completely ready

Not having screen time until everyone is ready can help with motivating everyone to stick to the routine so that

5. Give everyone a responsibility

Give everyone a job to help get ready in the morning. Whether it is putting out the dishes for breakfast, helping put away today, or helping a younger sibling get ready. Everyone will play a part in getting ready.

6. Be consistent

Being consistent will help your morning routine become habit for your family.

7. Make sure everyone gets enough sleep

Both you and your kids need sleep. Mornings will go better when everyone wakes up feeling well rested.

8. Don’t leave breakfast until last

Everyone has a hard time concentrating and getting things done when they are hungry. Have breakfast earlier in the morning to avoid cranky kids and cranky adults.

9. Remember to check the calendar

Set notifications if there is something special going on that day. No one wants to forget a fun dress up day for the kids or forget to get a treat ready for the class.

10. Stay calm

The more you can organize the easier it will be to get things ready in the morning without getting frustrated or flustered.

How your morning goes can really set the tone for your entire day. Use these tips to help form a morning routine and have less stressful mornings.

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28

How to help your child get back into a school routine

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for both kids and parents. After a long summer of freedom, it can be tough to get back into the swing of things. But with a little planning and preparation, you can help your child get back into a school routine with ease.

Here are some tips:

  1. Start establishing a routine a few weeks before school starts. This will give your child time to adjust to the new schedule and make it less of a shock when the first day of school arrives. Start by gradually shifting bedtimes and wake-up times earlier. You can also start incorporating some school-like activities into your child’s day, such as reading, writing, and doing math problems.
  2. Create a visual schedule. A visual schedule can be a helpful tool for children who are visual learners. It can help them see what activities they need to do each day and in what order. You can create a simple schedule on a piece of paper or use a more elaborate planner.
  3. Be consistent. Once you’ve established a routine, it’s important to be consistent with it. This means sticking to the same bedtimes, wake-up times, and activities each day. If you’re inconsistent, your child will be more likely to get confused and frustrated.
  4. Be patient. It may take some time for your child to adjust to a new routine. Be patient with them and don’t get discouraged if they have setbacks. Just keep providing them with support and encouragement, and they’ll eventually get the hang of it.
  5. Make it fun. Try to make the school routine as fun and enjoyable as possible for your child. This could mean incorporating some of their favorite activities into the schedule, such as listening to music, playing games, or reading books.
  6. Celebrate successes. When your child does a good job of following the routine, be sure to celebrate their successes. This will help them stay motivated and on track.

Here are some additional tips for helping your child get back into a school routine:

  • Talk to your child about their fears and concerns. Many children are apprehensive about the start of a new school year. They may be worried about making new friends, doing well in their classes, or being bullied. Talk to your child about their fears and concerns and help them develop strategies for coping with them.
  • Help your child get organized. Make sure your child has a place for everything they need for school, such as their backpack, books, and school supplies. You can also help them create a homework space that is quiet and free from distractions.
  • Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can help your child make new friends, learn new skills, and stay active. They can also provide a welcome break from the stress of school.
  • Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental health. It also helps them stay alert and focused in school.
  • Eat healthy meals and snacks. Eating healthy foods gives children the energy they need to learn and grow. It also helps them stay focused and alert in school.
  • Limit screen time. Too much screen time can interfere with sleep, school performance, and overall health. Limit your child’s screen time to two hours or less per day.

Following these tips can help your child get back into a school routine with ease. With a little planning and preparation, you can help them have a successful and enjoyable school year.

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24

10 ways to honor a loved one that has passed away

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging

Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural human emotion that occurs when someone we love dies. It is a complex process that can involve a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone experiences it differently.

Some people find it helpful to talk about their grief with friends and family, while others prefer to grieve in private. There are also many support groups available for people who are grieving.

It is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and to take care of yourself during this time. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. It may also be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor.

Here are 10 ways to honor a loved one that has passed away:

  1. Create a memorial. A memorial can be a physical object, such as a bench or tree, or it can be something more abstract, such as a song or poem. The memorial should be something that reminds you of your loved one and their life.
  2. Donate to a charity in their name. This is a great way to honor your loved one’s memory and help others at the same time. Choose a charity that was important to your loved one, or one that supports a cause they were passionate about.
  3. Volunteer your time. Volunteering is another way to give back to the community and honor your loved one’s memory. Find a cause that was important to them and get involved.
  4. Plant a tree. Trees are a symbol of life, and planting one in your loved one’s name is a beautiful way to honor their memory. Choose a tree that is native to your area and that will thrive in your climate.
  5. Write a letter. Sometimes the best way to honor a loved one is to simply write them a letter. Tell them how much you loved them and how much they meant to you. You can also share your memories of them and how they’ve impacted your life.
  6. Create a scrapbook. A scrapbook is a great way to preserve memories of your loved one. Collect photos, letters, and other mementos, and arrange them in a creative way. You can also add captions and write about your memories of your loved one.
  7. Share their story. Tell others about your loved one and their life. Share stories about their childhood, their accomplishments, and their unique personality. This is a great way to keep their memory alive and to help others learn about them.
  8. Live your life to the fullest. One of the best ways to honor a loved one is to live your life to the fullest. Do the things that they loved to do and that made them happy. This is a way of keeping their spirit alive and of showing them how much they meant to you.
  9. Never forget them. The most important way to honor a loved one is to never forget them. Keep their memory alive in your heart and in your mind. Talk about them often and share stories about them with others.
  10. Be kind to others. Another way to honor a loved one is to be kind to others. This is something that your loved one would have wanted you to do, and it’s a way of spreading their love and compassion to the world.

Resources to Help

If you are struggling with grief, there are many resources available to help you. Here are a few:

Losing a loved one is never easy, but there are many ways to honor their memory and keep their spirit alive.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who understand what you are going through and who want to help.

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