Therapy Archives - Page 6 of 13 - Flourish Psychology

Stress and Infertility in NYC – How Stress About Infertility May Affect the Ability to Get Pregnant

by Micaha | Nov 1, 2022 | Therapy

There are many factors that affect a person’s fertility – from age, to biology, to diet, exercise, health, and even luck. Couples that are having issues with infertility may also find themselves struggling in silence, concerned about whether they are going to be able to conceive, and feeling as though they are under immense pressure to get pregnant soon.

We are here to talk to you about infertility in NYC, and help you process your struggles and figure out how to best move forward as an individual and as a couple. But today, we want to talk about the effects of stress on fertility – and how, in some cases, your own stress over the process may be impacting your ability to conceive.

The Effects of Stress On Pregnancy

We all experience stress. It’s also not uncommon to feel stress and anxiety if you and your partner have had difficulty conceiving. Problems can arise, however, when a person is feeling intense pressure to conceive – where their stress and anxiety about the process is overwhelming, and they’re having difficulty coping with it.

The relationship between stress and fertility is a complicated one. But studies have shown that patients that are under a significant amount of stress do tend to have a more difficult time conceiving:

Stress affects the menstrual cycle, affecting ovulation date.
Stress affects the ability of the egg to stick in the uterine wall.
Stress affects sleep quality, which can affect fertility.
Stress affects libido, which can cause couples to not be as intimate during ovulation.

This does not mean that stress itself is to blame for infertility, as stress is unlikely to be the only cause. But severe stress does have the potential to affect a person’s ability to get pregnant in different ways. If you’re struggling with severe stress caused by infertility, it is possible that your stress levels could also be leading to further infertility issues.

Therapy for Infertility – What the Science Says

While the science is mixed on how much stress creates infertility, research has shown that reducing stress levels through psychotherapy has the potential to improve fertility. Fertility is complicated, and therapy alone may not be enough to create the change that you and your body needs. But research has shown that it can help and, if you still struggle to conceive, therapy for infertility can help you move forward with the next step in the process.

If you’ve been struggling with infertility in Brooklyn, NYC, or anywhere in New York State, contact Flourish Psychology today and let’s talk about the therapy and support we can provide.

Getting Started – How to Find a NYC Therapist You Connect With

by Micaha | Oct 19, 2022 | Therapy

Your mental health is important. Psychotherapy, when provided by experienced therapists, is one of the best available techniques for improving your mental health. Using evidence-based practices that have been extensively researched by universities all over the world, therapy is the most effective tool we have for addressing a person’s psychological challenges.

But while studies have shown that therapy modalities – like CBT – offer outstanding results, similar studies have also shown that a significant part of the success of therapy comes from finding a therapist in NYC that you are comfortable with – one that you trust to address your needs, and that feels like they connect with you on a deeper level.

Finding Your Therapist

Before we talk about how to find a therapist that fits your needs, let’s first examine the most common reasons that someone quits therapy. These are:

They do not get along with their therapist.
They do not trust their therapist.
They are unwilling to open up to the therapist.
They do not feel they are improving enough.
They disagree with the therapist about the problem and how to address it.

In addition, what we’ve noticed is that many people that felt they didn’t “get anything from therapy” contacted only one therapist, didn’t feel like it helped, and then gave up on the field altogether.

Your relationship with your therapist is just that: a relationship. If you don’t feel that “spark” with your therapist, then not only will it be harder to receive the help you need – you’ll also find that the therapy will be less likely to work. Therapy’s success relies on finding a therapist that is right for you.

What You SHOULD Do to Find A Therapist

The first thing to note is that you’re never stuck with a therapist. You can try one out for a few sessions, see if there is a connection, and find a new one. While no one likes change – especially not when it comes to mental health – you get to choose when to commit, and only when you’ve found someone that you truly feel is right for you should you commit to the process.

You should also consider asking them important questions that affect how comfortable you’ll be with their services:

What approaches to therapy do you use?
Are you comfortable working with someone of my background?
What process will you use to help me reach my goals?
How long do you expect therapy to last?
What are your typical clients like?

While this list of questions can serve as a guide, you should also ask any questions that concern you, or curiosities you have. Therapy is more effective the more you feel comfortable with the person providing the therapy, and – if you have an intake appointment, like we offer here at Flourish Psychology in Brooklyn – you should ask any questions that you need to feel comfortable.

Therapy Will Challenge You – Find Your Therapist First

Once you’ve found a therapist you feel connected to, that’s when you will want to commit to giving the process a chance. Therapy will occasionally challenge you. It is effective, but it requires vulnerability, honestly, and openness. There might be situations where your therapist says something to you that you do not want to hear, and the last thing you want to do is try to find a new therapist that tells you only what you want them to say.

That’s why the best thing you can do for yourself is to find a NYC therapist that you connect with first, so that when you are ready to commit to them, you know that you’ve chosen them for a reason. You’ll know that they have your interests in mind, and that they are giving you an evidence based treatment that they believe will help you the most.

If you’d like to learn more about our therapists, contact Flourish Psychology today for your intake appointment, and let’s see if we’re a good fit for you.

Therapy for Celebrities, High-Achievers, and CEOs is Important

by | Jul 26, 2022 | Therapy, Work Success

Sometimes when we think of therapy, we only think of diagnoses related to mental health concerns. We forget that people’s careers and lifestyles that have been afforded to them can also take a toll on mental health. The high stress related to “keeping up” can cause burnout, stress, exhaustion, and failed attempts to self-medicate.

Here are 5 reasons celebrities, high-achievers, and CEOs should seek therapy:

1. COPING WITH IMMENSE PRESSURE

Whether you are a celebrity or running a business or country, there is immense pressure for you to perform. Expectations are high and the spotlight is bright. You may be attempting to balance work, a social life, family obligations, and a never-ending flow of tasks to complete. From the outside, it may appear that you perform like you are “at the top of your game” but internally you may feel overwhelmed. Isolation and stress might also take its toll on your mental health.

You may hold your feelings of stress in because those around you are the ones applying the pressure. Therapy can help due to the discrete nature of the work. It can be a confidential and non-judgmental space to help you manage this pressure. After working with a therapist you will notice a decrease in stress and anxiety. You will also notice an improvement in feeling more “free” and relieved of pressures.

2. CRITICS’ JUDGMENTs are hurtful

If you are a celebrity, business leader, athlete, or politician you may not be viewed as a holistic person with real struggles. Less empathy might be afforded to you as a wealthy or successful person as well. People in your life or outside critics might wrongly believe that money solves all problems. Additionally, the judgment and scrutiny from social media, people who don’t agree with your opinions, or competitors may lead you to feel off. Anxiety, a lack of self-esteem, and burnout are common experiences if you are constantly trying to fend off negative feedback.

Therapy can help you cope with the distress of these negative influences. Therapy is a space to process these struggles and overcome them so they don’t block success or happiness. You will learn tools that go beyond people’s advice to just “block out the noise.” You will feel more confident and equipped to overcome the negative voices.

3. self-medicating doesn’t work

You might find yourself attempting to solve your high-pressure demands through self-medicating. Alcohol, uppers, sedatives, and other substances might be abused to keep you afloat. The use of these substances in a constant cycle may seem like the only way to cope. Moreover, the environment you are in might normalize the never-ending use of substances to help you “take the edge off,” perform when tired, sleep when anxious, or have fun when out.

You might notice most people in your life cope with the use of substances. Or, you might feel alone in this struggle because all of the pressure tends to fall on you. Either way, therapy can help you escape this cycle and can help you feel a sense of freedom from the adverse consequences of substance use.

4. perfectionistic tendencies

As a high performer in your area, you are likely grateful for the skills, intelligence, and unique gifts that equipped you to achieve this level of success. You might also notice that your perfectionism sometimes acts as your biggest critic and it might now allow you to have fun and enjoy breaks. You may need more balance through decreasing self-judgment around your appearance, your performance, or your leadership abilities.

You may also feel like an imposter at times and question how you made it to this level of celebrity or status. Being too hard on yourself in all areas of your life can hold you back from enjoying your talents and career. Therapy can help you catch your negative inner critic and allow you to feel free from self-induced judgment while still supporting you to meet your goals and continue to achieve them.

5. relationships are suffering

Those who are closest to you might feel the effects of what you are going through. Relationships are hard to maintain when you are under constant pressure or scrutiny. You may feel misunderstood by others or you may feel you can’t open up and trust others easily. You may notice you are easily irritated or you have a “short fuse” with those closest to you. Perhaps those you love have tried to help or perhaps they contribute to a toxic cycle that is holding you back. The therapy relationship can help normalize these experiences and help you connect better with others so you can enjoy the people again who matter most to you.

the importance of discreet confidential therapy for celebrities and high-powered individuals.

It is likely you have experienced situations in which your privacy isn’t consistently maintained even when promised. Others might have broken trust or privacy agreements for their own gain and it could be hard to imagine there is a space where true confidentially is possible. Therapy is that space.

Therapy is one of the only spaces where confidentiality is legally and ethically maintained. You can use your therapy sessions to enjoy time for your wellness where you are not judged or placed on a pedestal. Your therapy relationship can be a space to divulge stressors and fears. It can also be a place to feel human and safe where there are no pressures or expectations to perform. Your therapy would consider your unique story that brought you to this place in life, but it won’t overshadow your needs as a person with struggles.

At Flourish Psychology we are skilled in therapy for celebrities, leaders, and other high-profile individuals. We ensure you feel safe and that your mental health is taken care of. We offer flexible scheduling and specialize in the various concerns that might hold you back from happiness, peace, or more success. We understand that your identity consists of multitudes; you are not just your career or position/title. We also offer a concierge service should this level of help be needed. Please feel free to reach out to us and schedule an appointment. We offer consultations as well to ensure we are the best fit for your goals and needs.

Why Mental Health Is Important for men

by | Apr 14, 2022 | Anxiety/Depression, Therapy

According to Mental Health America, 6 million men suffer from depression every year. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s findings on mental health in 2017 also indicates that men die by suicide at a higher rate than women every year. In fact, suicide and depression rank as the leading causes of death for men.

When a man is mentally ill, the effects can be devastating. Besides the threat of taking his life, he might also try harmful coping strategies like drugs and alcohol, which may cause physical health diseases like liver problems, brain damage, and premature death. Every year, 62,000 men die due to alcohol-related causes, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Because most men who are mentally ill don’t look for help, many cases of mental illnesses in men remain undiagnosed. For the family members and loved ones of such a man, relating with him can be emotionally draining, exhausting, and painful.

However, this doesn’t mean that a mental illness diagnosis provides soothing relief. Many times, it also attracts stress and anxiety for his loved ones. They must learn to communicate in a supportive way while dedicating time to getting him adequate support. Despite this, a diagnosis is still the start of the journey towards healing.

What is Mental health?

When a man’s emotional, psychological, or social life hits bottom and begins to spiral out of his control, it’s appropriate to assume that he needs support with his mental health.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),” Mental health includes 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.”

Seeking support for mental health challenges doesn’t indicate a lack of will or laziness. In many ways, mental illnesses are just like physical illnesses. Just as more exposure to bacteria doesn’t cure a cold, listening to more adrenaline-pumping speeches won’t heal a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Common Types of Mental Health Challenges Men Face

1. Depression. This condition keeps men feeling low and drained, emotionally and psychologically. When undiagnosed and untreated, depression might trigger worse outcomes like feelings of suicide.

2. Anxiety Disorder. This condition is synonymous with uncontrollable feelings of fear, an emotion that society teaches men to conceal or bury. Yet, many still struggle with different variations of anxiety – social anxiety disorder (SAD) which causes intense fear in social situations, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition characterized by the desire to repeat a series of habits to feel safe.

3. Substance Abuse or Dependence. Sometimes, substance abuse is portrayed in culture and media as “a normal way for men to deal with pain and frustration.” But using drugs or any substance unhealthily is a symptom of deeper mental health issues.

4. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD is “a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma… Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.”

Warning Signs that a Man Is Mentally Ill

An obsessive desire to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with trauma.
A persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or self-hate.
Having high levels of irritability and anger.
Inability to recover from trauma.
Constantly thinking about suicide.
High levels of social anxiety.

What Men With Mental Health Challenges Should Do

Consult a mental health therapist. A professional will tell if the symptoms you’re facing indicate a mental illness and what steps you should take afterward.
Join a support group consisting of members who have experienced mental illness. Depending on your schedule, location and preference, these groups can be in-person or virtual. Your group members can help you stand firm in a society where mental illness is stigmatized.
Open up to friends who are knowledgeable about mental health and want the best for you.
Build a network of friends and acquaintances whose expectations of masculinity don’t match toxic masculine norms and patriarchal standards.
Start living a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, avoid unhealthy food and get the recommended amount of sleep. Avoid the company of toxic people and trolls, both online and in person.

helping others

When a loved one’s illness is diagnosed as a mental condition, it’s normal to feel worried. But there’s a bright light – recovery is possible if there’s adequate support. Here’s how to help:

Learn more about mental health. After a few minutes of studying, from blogs like this or through a therapist, you’ll be able to impact their lives more positively.
Be observant. Watch out for mood changes.
If possible, offer to help them find a therapist and support groups.
Be positive at all times. Many who struggle with mental illnesses already have feelings of anxiety and sadness. Avoid saying or doing anything that can dampen their mood.
Stay healthy. You can’t offer much help if you’re not emotionally or psychologically healthy.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it may be time to reach out for help. Contact us to schedule your first session.

How To Cope With The Suicide Of A Loved One

by | Apr 7, 2022 | Anxiety/Depression, Therapy

Few things are worse than a suicide loss. Many survivors face long bouts of compounded grief, anxiety, and shame that can last for many years.

If the deceased is a child, they may worry about their parental abilities or the perceived lack of it; and if it contributed to their child’s suicide.

As an example, let’s consider Dale’s story (which we found in the comment section of this article).

Dale’s only son took his life when he was 16. The boy had been the center of a parental rights battle when he was only a few months old. His father won the case but celebrations were short-lived.

When the boy was five, he started showing signs of emotional distress. And at 10, he became depressed.

“We went (sic) to many hospitals across the state and saw (sic) so many counselors and psychiatrists, and (sic) tried all kinds of family counseling. I loved my boy.” Dale wrote in the comment section.

Eventually, the boy took his life.

“When the Nurses asked if I had friends to call, I broke down. I realized there was no one. He was my best friend… I am struggling every day… Please help me.” Dale added.

Although there was no indication that the custody battle contributed to the tragedy, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Dale making the connection.

Indeed, many survivors blame themselves for their child’s suicide. If they’re religious, they might accuse themselves of leading the child to eternal damnation. It could happen to anyone, including you.

Can Time Heal this Hurt?

Some families think that keeping mum about a loved one’s suicide is the way forward. This idea is the leftover of an era where mental health and suicide were stigmatized in the media and among health professionals. But as time has shown, tactics like this are unhelpful and dangerous.

Mariel is the granddaughter of famed novelist Ernest Hemingway who killed himself in 1961. It wasn’t the first suicide in the Hemingway family, and it wouldn’t be the last. Thirty-three years earlier, the elder Hemingway had also died of suicide. There was a problem but little information on how to solve it.

As Mariel notes, her family concealed their struggles with mental health problems and suicides from her while she was a child. When one of her sisters was institutionalized due to schizophrenia, they told Mariel that she was in college.

Eventually, Mariel’s older sister died of a suicidal drug overdose in 1996. Concealing the issue hadn’t solved the problem. Instead, it handicapped Mariel and her siblings, making them unable to deal with the overwhelming pain that a loved one’s suicide can leave behind.

Mariel says she eventually found some peace when she visited the Dalai Lama at 45. Today, she’s a mental health advocate.

Those who take a divergent route from Mariel’s by bottling their emotions and expecting time to heal their wounds are at risk of the following:

Depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compounded grief.
Inability to pursue meaningful work.
Blinding anger and confusion.
Destruction of family relationships.
Loss of desire to keep living.

8 Ways To Heal the PAIN Caused By A Loved One’s Suicide

1. Don’t use negative coping strategies like drugs or alcohol to deal with the pain. You can only get a temporary or false sense of relief. Instead, prioritize self-care.

2. Consult a psychologist specializing in depression, addiction, and mental health. While some family members and friends may want to support you, most won’t know how to. Even family members who have survived a suicide loss aren’t equipped to help you through this. You need a licensed psychologist.

3. Grieve without feeling shame. Don’t be boxed into societal and cultural expectations of how you’re supposed to mourn. No one truly understands your relationship with your loved one so they can’t tell you how to mourn.

4. Choose your support system wisely. Distance yourself from any family member, friend, or religious colleague who says, “There are so many other people who have it worse.” or “That was a selfish act.” While some may bear no ill intent when using such words, the impact will remain the same: reopening of emotional scars. That’s why you’ll need support from people who’re not just willing to help but are also knowledgeable on suicide loss.

5. Join a support group. Ideally, this group should comprise others who’ve also lost a loved one to suicide. Meeting and sharing experiences with others can help you find the strength and wisdom you need to navigate the pain.

6. Reduce your time on social media. Not everyone on social media understands what you’re facing. Some may condemn you for being a bad parent while others may condemn your loved one for taking his life. You should regulate your use of social media and limit participation to closed groups.

7. Express your pain through art. You can write a journal about your feelings, fears, and thoughts or a poem celebrating your loved one’s life. You can find healing by channeling your pain and frustrations into something positive. Learn about art therapy here.

8. Volunteer to help others. By sharing your experiences and knowledge with others, you can rekindle the motivation to live and impact the world positively.

Surviving the suicide of a loved one may feel like an impossible hill to climb but it’s doable. With support from the right people, you can still live your best life yet. Contact us to get help from licensed psychologists who can help you through this period.

Is It Possible To Get Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Spring?

by | Mar 21, 2022 | Anxiety/Depression, Therapy

Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly (and humorously) abbreviated as SAD, is a mood disorder characterized by spikes in sadness occurring around the same time every year. The disorder is titled as such due to the sadness typically coming around with the changing of the seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder is often brushed off as “the winter blues” or “being a bit more tired when it’s cold”. However, this condition can worsen over time and symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

The phenomenon of sadness that occurs with the changing of the seasons is incredibly common in both population and frequency. Hundreds of thousands of people across the world deal with the fluctuation of emotions in accordance with the seasons every year. Upon realizing the issue was seasonal and recurring, doctors termed it Seasonal Affective Disorder a few decades ago. Most often, this disorder affects people in climates that bear four distinct seasons. People living in temperate climates that experience sharp drops in temperature and light during winter identify lingering feelings of sadness, fatigue and social withdrawal. These feelings tend to persist until the spring when the cold breaks for the year or until the person seeks treatment for these symptoms.

Seasonal affective disorder manifests as depression during winter most often, with these symptoms being alleviated with the blooming of spring in the person’s environment. Since this disorder is dependent on the changing of the seasons, the symptoms tend to ebb and flow mirroring the natural elapsing of the seasons. With the depressed mood and actions typically affecting people in the winter, the beginning of spring brings more energy as well as improvements in mood. Most people affected by winter depression often spend the coldest months waiting for the warmth and sunlight of spring to return. Even without treatment, the absence of the extreme cold and darkness of winter typically helps to alleviate symptoms.

However, Seasonal Affective Disorder does not always follow this pattern of sadness in winter with joy returning in the spring. While most people suffering from this illness recognise depressive symptoms in the colder parts of the year, there are also people who are seasonally afflicted with marked declines in mood and energy during warmer months. While winter depression offers a clear correlation between oppressive weather conditions and downwards trends in mood and energy, Seasonal Affective Disorder in warmer months is often a bit harder for people to understand. Symptoms of depression in the winter can often look like listlessness, increasing fatigue and sluggish behaviour in patterns similar to those observed in animals that hibernate. Conversely, symptoms of depression during spring and summer can look like insomnia, irritability, a lack of appetite and restlessness.

Doctors are still unsure about what causes symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in the warmer seasons of the year but the foremost theories give precedence to the longer days and the constant light and warmth negatively affecting people that are sensitive to these weather conditions because of pre-existing health issues or other comorbid mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. As it exists, however, there are ways that people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder in warmer months can alleviate the worst of their symptoms. This often looks like altering their routine to get things done when they have more energy (for example, following a nocturnal pattern); it may also look like people setting reminders to eat and taking sleep aids (melatonin or a prescribed sedative) to ensure they get enough rest.

Tips for coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder are often similar regardless of the afflicted season. These can include:

● Seeing a mental health professional – People often neglect to take their symptoms of SAD to a doctor since they are used to simply waiting for the sadness and fatigue to pass. However, trained professionals see this disorder frequently and are equipped to help.

● Setting alarms and reminders to help maintain routine – Having reminders to eat, drink water and rest can help immensely towards coping with SAD. The maintenance of a routine even in the face of an unfriendly season is essential for coping through undesirable symptoms.

● Opening up about suffering to loved ones – Much like any other mood disorder or mental health crisis, SAD can often feel like a burden to bear alone. Talking to someone, whether it be a loved one or someone afflicted with the same condition, can offer insights as to the frequency of this disorder and remind the person suffering that SAD is not only common, but very treatable.

Whether healing looks like getting a sun lamp in the winter or sleeping through the hottest hours of the day during the summer, Seasonal Affective Disorder is fixable with the right coping skills. Contact us to discuss the best strategy for your ongoing mental wellbeing.

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