​ A new government report found that about 41% of adults surveyed in late June "reported an adverse mental or behavioral health condition."  That is quite higher than 2019. The data shows that the number of Americans suffering from an anxiety disorder had tripled by late June compared to the same time last year, and the number of those with depression had jumped fourfold.
The findings are based on surveys conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from June 24-30, 

About 1 in every 10 survey respondents also said they'd started or increased their use of alcohol or illicit drugs during the pandemic, said a team led by Rashon Lane, of the CDC's COVID-19 Response Team.

Suicidal thoughts are on the rise, too: Compared to data from 2018, "approximately twice as many respondents reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days," the report stated.
"Mental health practitioners and organizations had predicted an increase in mental health problems associated with the pandemic, and this study provides important data to support the public health concerns that have been raised," said psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Sullivan.

He believes there's particular strain on Americans who've been entrusted with the care of others.
In the new report, "over 30% of caregivers reported suicidal thoughts, as did more than 21% of essential workers," said Sullivan, who directs psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City.

The study was based on confidential online surveys conducted among more than 5,400 Americans over the age of 17. Some had already participated in similar surveys conducted in April and May.
The strain on unpaid caregivers for adults -- people taking care of disabled loved ones at home -- seems particularly troublesome. According to the study, the rate of substance abuse and/or suicidal thoughts among unpaid caregivers more than tripled between May and the end of June, Lane's group reported.
​(Source:  Web MD)

Boundaries are physical, emotional and mental limits we establish to protect ourselves from being manipulated, used, or violated.  They are limits and conditions we establish.  Boundaries show others how we expect to be treated and guard us from being abused or disrespected. Read an interesting article on the topic here.

Are you growing together or growing apart?  If you had it to do over would you choose this person?  Read a good article on this topic here .

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs each year during fall and winter. A light therapy box mimics outdoor light. Researchers believe this type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD.It is best to talk with a professional when choosing a light therapy box. 
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Read the article here from Mayo Clinic about Light Therapy and how it helps.  It also provides information on  what to look for when choosing the best device for you.

Did you know that Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer in America? And did you know that in the last 39 years, the rate of new lung cancer cases has fallen 29 percent among men while *increasing* 102 percent among women. What is happening here? And 2/3 of lung cancer patients aren't smokers.  Read about it here.

I Got Flowers Today

I got flowers today.
It wasn't my birthday or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night
and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me.
I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said.
Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today
It wasn't my anniversary or any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn’t believe it was real.
I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.
I know he must be sorry.
Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today,
and it wasn't Mother’s Day or any other special day.
Last night, he beat me up again
and it was much worse than all the other times.
If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my kids?
What about money?
I’m afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry.
Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night, he finally killed me.
He beat me to death.

If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him,
I would not have gotten flowers today.

Click here for help and information.
 
 

​Social anxiety is fear or anxiety in social situations. People with social anxiety often worry about judgment or criticism. They believe others will view them in a negative light. Sometimes people just experience physical symptoms of anxiety or panic that can feel overwhelming or even paralyzing. Social anxiety can lead to avoidance of the situations that cause anxiety. Many people feel that their social anxiety greatly impacts their life, keeping them from doing the things they want to and feeling satisfied with their relationships or life. Depression and/or using alcohol or other substances to manage the anxiety are common. Social anxiety impacts your life in many ways and is often incredibly distressing.
 
​It might feel like social anxiety is part of your personality, but it is possible to feel less anxious and more confident. Treatment often includes learning tools to manage anxiety and feel more relaxed in your own skin; while also addressing the thoughts, feelings, and any underlying factors that contribute to your social anxiety.

 One in 10 adults in the United States struggles with depression, and antidepressant medications are a common way to treat it. However, medication isn't the only solution. Research shows that exercise is also an effective treatment. For some people it can work as well as antidepressants, Although exercise alone isn't enough for someone with severe depression.  Working out can ease symptoms of depression or anxiety and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep depression and anxiety from coming back once you're feeling better. Read an interesting article on the topic here.

​How do we identify toxic people in our lives? They are the people who intimidate, manipulate, lie and disrespect you. If you have people like this in your life it can take a toll on your health. So how do mentally strong people deal with toxic people? Read the article here for ideas on how to assist you in developing mental strength.  

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Anxiety left unchecked can be debilitating. Often it manifests as a constant worry about a specific issue, or thinking too much about the past or future. This type of thinking prevents us from focusing on the here and now.

Anxiety can be an all-consuming experience. Some common symptoms of anxiety: physical weakness, feeling like you can’t get a deep breath, or that you will pass out, feeling like you’re going crazy, excessive tearfulness.

A therapist can introduce you to skills focused on negative thinking patterns, mindfulness and distress tolerance. Your therapist can work with you to practice those skills in session to help you figure out how to apply them in the real world.

Maybe there’s something unresolved in your life that is causing the anxiety. Counseling can help you examine struggles you have faced in the past that would explain why you have anxiety now. A licensed therapist can work with you to find out what is bringing out your anxiety.

Sometimes people simply want to find a solution to resolve their symptoms. This can come from a therapist working with you to find good problem-solving techniques to help you when you’re in that fight-or-flight mode. A therapist can help determine whether a medication evaluation would be appropriate. 

People who come into counseling for stress will usually learn relaxation skills to use in their everyday life. These skills might include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or becoming aware of negative thinking patterns.