There are several factors that could potentially hinder mental health. Here are some common examples of what could negatively impact your mental health: Stress: Persistent or excessive stress can negatively impact mental well-being. High levels of stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and various other mental health conditions. Traumatic experiences: Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, Continue Reading »
If you’re experiencing the following, you may want to consider trying therapy! Deciding to begin therapy is a personal decision that can depend on various factors. Here are some situations in which you may want to consider starting therapy: Mental health concerns: If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, Continue Reading »
Before we delve into managing a panic attack, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms typically associated with a panic attack. Signs/Symptoms of a Panic Attack Sudden and intense fear or a sense of impending doom. Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) or heart pounding. Chest pain or discomfort. Shortness of breath or a feeling of being Continue Reading »
What Can Therapy Offer? Seeking out a therapist can be beneficial for various reasons, as therapy offers numerous advantages for mental health and overall well-being. Here are some common reasons why people seek out therapy: Emotional support: Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. A therapist Continue Reading »
How Can Summer Impact Your Mental Health? Summer can have a significant impact on mental health, both positively and negatively. Here are some ways in which summer can affect mental well-being: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Although SAD is commonly associated with the winter months, some individuals experience a form of it called “reverse SAD” during Continue Reading »
The Impact The Sun Has On Your Mental Health Exposure to sunlight has been shown to have several mental health benefits. One of the primary benefits is that sunlight exposure can boost our mood and help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sunlight exposure has also been linked to improved sleep quality, which can have Continue Reading »
The Impact of Boredom on Your Mental Health + Strategies Boredom can have negative impacts on mental health, leading to feelings of restlessness, apathy, and even depression. However, there are ways to combat boredom for better mental health. One approach is to create your own distractions, which can be productive. For example, you can try Continue Reading »
BUT HOW? What can you do over the summer to take care of your mental health? See below! Summer is coming up AND it’s a great time to focus on being the best you and having the best summer in the history of summers! Here are some ideas to get you started: Stay hydrated by Continue Reading »
What Is Summer Depression? Summer depression, also known as summer-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the summer months. Symptoms of summer depression can include irritability, agitation, anxiety, restlessness, weight loss, poor sleeping, and decreased appetite. Coping mechanisms for summer depression can include prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, getting Continue Reading »
Dr. Lena Pearlman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates. In between sessions, I asked her: What are some creative ways to take care of mental health? Build! Buy some wood and build something, like a birdhouse. It takes all of your thought process and brain power. Continue Reading »
At times, such as now, this world can feel like a lot. For the past few years, we’ve lived in a pandemic. Looking abroad, but still very much impactful worldwide, the Ukraine-Russia war has been dominating the headlines. Throughout all these stressors, it is important to take care of yourself. Dr. Lena Pearlman, Licensed Clinical Continue Reading »
“Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is essential. Your self-care is a necessity.” -HealthyPlace.com 5 Tips to Practice (MentalHealth.org.uk): Talk About Your Feelings Discussing how you feel with a loved one or therapist can be incredibly beneficial: “Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when Continue Reading »
Defining Exposure Therapy: A Psychological Treatment utilized to assist people in confronting their fears. Rationale: “When people are fearful of something, they tend to avoid the feared objects, activities or situations. Although this avoidance might help reduce feelings of fear in the short term, over the long term it can make the fear become even worse.” Continue Reading »
Defining Burnout (www.helpguide.org): “Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.” What Causes Burnout? (webmd.com & mayoclinic.org) Unmanageable workloads Work-life imbalance Unfair treatment at work Lack of social support Confusing work responsibilities Lack of Continue Reading »
I came across this photo the other day. Take a look at it. This is a representation of how the pandemic has impacted children of all ages. Undoubtedly, this has affected their social, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Looking at this photo, kindergartners, first graders, and second graders have never had a normal schooling experience. Continue Reading »
Therapy has effectively helped millions of people. What, specifically, can therapy do for you? Retrieved from Healthline.com & Coe College 1.) Help improve communication skills 2.) Help you feel empowered 3.) Empower you to develop fresh insights about your life 4.) Learn how to make healthier choices 5.) Develop coping strategies to manage distress 6.) Continue Reading »
Brief Overview: Anxiety can be thought of as, “A sense of uneasiness, nervousness, worry, fear, or dread of what’s about to happen or what might happen” (KidsHealth.org). Experiencing anxiety before and/or during a stressful event is normal – so many do. Symptoms (Mayo Clinic): Feeling nervous, restless or tense Having an increased heart rate Breathing Continue Reading »
To begin, it is important to know that anger is normal, and for the most part, healthy. The point of this article is to assist you when your anger may be getting to a point where it’s out of control, which can lead to a plethora of issues personally and professionally. Causes of Anger (Healthline.com): Continue Reading »
You may be asking… What does sleep have to do with mental health? Well, thank you for asking! Sleep and mental health are, in fact, intertwined. The Mental Health Foundation says, “We spend about a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is essential – It is as important to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing, Continue Reading »
The CDC describes mental health as, “Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood”. The World Health Organization says, Continue Reading »
“You are not alone,” says Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW, the clinical director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, a mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It is important to remind yourself of the message above: You are not alone. The Cleveland Clinic says, “As many as 50 to 75% of new mothers experience Continue Reading »
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who did special training in psychiatric diseases and medications. A psychiatrist will meet with a patient between every three weeks and three months to ensure the medications prescribed are working – as well as addressing any negative symptoms and/or side effects. How to talk with your psychiatrist… Go in Continue Reading »
Nora Roberts said, “Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in the living room”. Undoubtedly, when the tree lights up, so do the faces of those that stand around it. I don’t know about you, but my favorite part are the gifts that sit underneath! Looking Continue Reading »
Dr. Lena Pearlman holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) as well as a Doctorate degree in Holistic Natural Health. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri. Lena has been a practicing social worker for 20 years. In addition to working privately, Lena has worked with children and adults in Continue Reading »
Bradley.edu says, “Counseling has become such a common activity for couples that about 44 percent of couples who get married today go to marriage counseling before they even tie the knot”. In relationships, couples counseling has proven to be tremendously effective for many. Are you curious about couples counseling? Perhaps, even considering it? Keep on reading! Continue Reading »
