New Hope Counseling, LLC

A wonderful message about being able to process feelings in the moment. It is possible to do so with practice and intention.

There’s a new trend called the #stupidwalkchallenge on TikTok where people are sharing what they’re doing for their stupid mental heath. They started when @ninalaevski shared a video, saying going on a stupid walk for my stupid mental health. The running joke behind these videos is that we’re more starting yet another year in a pandemic and we’re all struggling with our mental health. While these videos are poking fun, it is important to remember how even the smallest ...self-care practices can make a significant impact on our mental health. This is a reminder that it’s ok to be struggling or frustrated with the state of the world right now, but that we shouldn’t be skipping out on the stupid things we do for self-care. Let us know what you think after reading this article about mental health in the pandemic. https://www.usatoday.com//tiktok-stupid-menta/6608813001/ Photo credit from KnowYourMeme.com

I loved seeing Encanto!! As a counselor I noticed many ties to trauma, and the healing that can take place. After reading this article, I wonder if you’re noticing the family themes described too. WE DO TALK ABOUT BRUNO! https://www.cnn.com//encanto-therapy-immigrati/index.html

This week we’re talking about burnout. Burnout, according to Johns Hopkins, is a stress condition brought on by being involved in an intense situation for a long period of time without adequate rest and recreation (2021). Being in a pandemic could lead a person to becoming burnt out. Some signs of burnout are: -feeling tired and drained most of the time -loss of motivation... -taking your frustration out on others -chronic lateness -procrastination -and increasing negative outlook. There are practical steps you can take to combat burnout, though: relaxing during work times (taking breaks, taking a walk, stretching, breathing), giving yourself limits in both your personal and work life, and taking care of yourself with resting, relaxing, exercising, and eating healthy. Let’s all try to fight against becoming burnt out by listening to what our minds and bodies are telling us.

While this was posted last year, the information is very valid. With Covid lasting for so long, we have to adapt our ways of coping. What have you been doing? https://www.huffpost.com//coronavirus-pandemic-wall-mental

Have you ever been had a tough conversation with someone and you suddenly think I can’t take this anymore or I’m too overwhelmed to finish taking about this? Me too, and that’s ok! Sometimes we become too flooded with emotions or overwhelmed to finish a difficult conservation. When that happens, communicate with the other party and let them know. You can always return to the topic when you’re feeling calmer. Whitney Goodman, LMFT at sitwithwhit made this helpful graphic of ways to tell someone that you need a break in this type of situation. Let us know by commenting below if you found this helpful or not!

I (Madeline) really love this app! I have been lately recommending this smartphone application more often. Try and check this out yourself if you want some decent tools! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/covid-coach/id1504705038

I know that we had only a three day weekend, but sometimes there can be difficulty adjusting to the work day right after. This article has some great tips for getting back into the work week! https://thriveglobal.com//regaining-focus-after-time-awa/

On this Memorial Day, we give honor to those who have served, and those who are no longer with us. Thank you very much for your service. This article includes some valuable information about how to support veterans on this day who may have symptoms of PTSD. To quote Cynthia Ozick, "We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." Thank you. https://www.rtor.org//how-to-support-veterans-with-ptsd-o/

These are amazing! What if a counselor saw Disney princesses? Who would you want them to see? Credit by @guadascribbles https://instagram.com/guadascribbles?utm_medium=copy_link

Yes! Sometimes when we focus on a behavior it can just end up in another behavior. Going deeper helps prevent longer patterns from spreading. What are your thoughts on this quote? (Credit in photo)

https://youtu.be/jS5fTzMP_mg Just a little Tuesday boost!!

Another quote to read after the article posted earlier on our facebook page. Always try to love yourself back!

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection Sharon Salzberg Read this article in order to understand how hard times can create issues with self-acceptance, and how to challenge this negative cycle. Always know that change is possible! ... https://thriveglobal.com//self-acceptance-self-care-guilt/

It can be really hard to know how to help a child through a very emotional moment! This article demonstrates the science behind a tantrum, and research-backed ways of responding. What is something new you think you're going to try? https://www.nytimes.com//parent/kids-tantrums-advice.html

https://www.nytimes.com//covid-mental-health-languishing.h This article was very powerful to read. We are having more fragmented attention, and sometimes struggling to accomplish our daily obligations. If you are having struggles in your daily life, consider the strategies outlined in this wonderful article or talking with a counselor who can give you more specified tools. Change is possible!

You can also remind them of their strengths too! (Credit at bottom of photo)

This is such a helpful guide!! If you are having trouble with insomnia, this article can assist you. If your anxiety or stress is keeping you awake, use counseling and other methods to reduce your tension. Here’s to a good night’s sleep! https://www.helpguide.org//s/insomnia-causes-and-cures.htm

All of the violence recently in the news can worsen any lingering anxieties or trauma symptoms. This article does a great job showing different ways to cope wtih the distress. If you need other options for help, there are other types of resoruces available. https://motivationandchange.com/coping-with-trauma-in-the-/

I really love this article! While it is not the responsibility of others to educate an individual, it is wonderful when others take the time to provide insights for change. This list provides numerous ways to promote racial justice, and be great advocates. What is one item on the list you think you can do? https://medium.com//what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-ju

https://namimissouri.org/crisis-info/ PLEASE SAVE THIS LINK! Missouri has several crisis numbers that are good to have on hand. It can be helpful to make them as contacts on your phone. Take care of yourself this holiday season!

https://www.npr.org//throw-out-the-rulebook-to-get-through This article does a great job summarizing some important ways to help cope with the holiday season. To quote psychologist Andrea Bonior, "If you need help, then you are deserving of help," she says. "Period. Full stop."

Make sure to focus on your mental health! I notice I’m writing and reading more for myself. What are you doing to cope with this time of the year?

What is one thing you’ll do to show love to others today?

This article was so surprising! While there are many parents struggling to watch their children on technology so much, it does provide a valuable service while so many are going virtual for school. What are your thoughts after reading this article?

Do you notice a change in your physical health such as eating or exercise? You aren't alone! This article summarizes some aspects of physical health to pay attention to, especially as the weather gets colder. What is one thing you might change?