By Candace Schoner Whenever I experience a significant bumpy patch in my life, I feel the need to write about it as a form of therapy. I have used writing as a way to express myself since I first learned how to read. This was the norm for me growing up in a household where…
Category: Anxiety
How to Help a Child Struggling with Anxiety
By Candace Schoner When kids are anxious, it’s natural to want to help them feel better. However, when trying to protect them, it can actually backfire and worsen the anxiety they are experiencing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), 7% of children in the US between the ages of three and…
Phobia Types and Treatment
By Candace Schoner An estimated 19 million Americans have a phobia that causes difficulty in some area of their lives. For me, it’s arachnophobia (fear of spiders) whether they’re itsy bitsy or full grown tarantulas. I know I’m bigger than a spider but when it comes to phobias, logic doesn’t make any difference. A phobia…
The Importance of Social Connection
Reposted from: Guttman, Max E. LCSW, “The Importance of Social Connections for People with SMI” NAMI, Greater Cleveland. Aug 24, 2022 https://namigreatercleveland.org/the-importance-of-social-connections-for-people-with-smi/ Socialization is particularly important for the emotional well-being of people with serious mental illness (SMI). This is true for several reasons. When people maintain their connections with others, they are more likely to…
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
By Candace Schoner Anxiety and depression are serious mental health conditions that affect the lives of millions of Americans. While they are uniquely different conditions, they can occur together. The main symptom of depression is generally a lingering low, sad, or hopeless feeling. On the other hand, anxiety mainly involves an overwhelming sense of worry,…
Identifying Anxiety Disorder
Most people experience anxiety on occasion. You know the feeling: Your chest tightens, your breathing shallows, and your mind starts racing with worst-case scenarios. No matter how hard you try, you can’t calm down. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting…
Conquering Anxiety, Fear of Failure, and Perfectionism Through My Art
By Anna Wwoyld From childhood till adulthood, the visual arts have always been my nemesis. I have a distinct memory of when I was five years old. I got so upset that I could not draw an evenly shaped heart into the shag rug of my parents’ bathroom that I had a temper tantrum complete with…
Emotional Support Animals
There’s no doubt that the current situation with COVID-19 has dramatically impacted mental health in America and more people than ever are struggling with depression, stress, and anxiety. While medication and talk therapy are the most commonly prescribed treatments, studies suggest that owning an emotional support animal can improve both mental and physical health. The…
Symptoms and Treatment for Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no apparent cause or immediate danger. You might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying…
Shining a Light on Anxiety Disorders
The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is stressful for many people but for 40 million Americans living with fear and anxiety, stress is a normal part of life. For some individuals, it can interfere with or limit their ability to carry out major life activities. The term “anxiety” pertains to feelings of apprehension and fear, characterized by…