Anxiety is a common experience that affects millions of people, and it can manifest in various ways, from feelings of worry and fear to physical symptoms like increased heart rate and tension. While it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, chronic anxiety can interfere with daily life. Here are some effective strategies for managing anxiety and cultivating a sense of calm.
1. Understand Your Anxiety Before you can manage anxiety, it's essential to understand it. Take some time to identify what triggers your anxiety. Keeping a journal can help you track your thoughts and feelings, making it easier to recognize patterns. Understanding your specific triggers is the first step in developing coping strategies. 2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Meditation can be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety. Start with just a few minutes each day, focusing on your breath and letting go of distracting thoughts. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through the process. 3. Develop Healthy Routines Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting when anxiety strikes. Incorporate activities that promote well-being, such as: - Regular exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress. - Balanced nutrition: Eating a well-rounded diet can help regulate your mood and energy levels. - Adequate sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to improve your overall mental health. 4. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Both caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. If you find that your anxiety worsens after consuming these substances, consider reducing your intake or eliminating them altogether. Opt for herbal teas or other calming beverages instead. 5. Connect with Others Isolation can heighten feelings of anxiety. Make an effort to connect with friends or family, even if it’s just a quick chat or a walk together. Joining support groups, either in-person or online, can also provide a sense of community and shared understanding. 6. Seek Professional Help If anxiety becomes overwhelming, it may be time to consult a mental health professional. Therapy options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can provide valuable tools for managing anxiety. In some cases, medication may also be recommended. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Call Brave Choices, Inc. for an appointment at 612.889.7517. 7. Practice Breathing Exercises Simple breathing exercises can be a quick and effective way to calm your mind and body. Try the 4-7-8 technique: 1. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4. 2. Hold your breath for a count of 7. 3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8. Repeat this cycle a few times, and notice how your body begins to relax. 8. Engage in Hobbies Taking time to engage in activities you enjoy can distract your mind from anxious thoughts and provide a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's painting, gardening, reading, or playing a musical instrument, find what brings you joy and make it a regular part of your life. 9. Limit Exposure to Stressors In today’s digital age, constant exposure to news and social media can amplify anxiety. Consider limiting your consumption of these sources, especially if they trigger feelings of overwhelm. Curate your online environment to include positive and uplifting content. 10. Practice Self-Compassion Finally, be gentle with yourself. Understand that anxiety is a part of life for many people, and it’s okay to seek help or take a step back when needed. Practicing self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in a similar situation. Conclusion Managing anxiety is a journey that requires patience and practice. By understanding your triggers, developing healthy routines, and seeking support when needed, you can cultivate a sense of calm and resilience. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and taking small steps every day can lead to significant changes in your mental well-being.
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Position Title: Mental Health Therapist
Department: Clinical Status: Full-time Location: Hybrid Brave Choices, Inc. is ready to welcome 1099 contractors. Who is Brave Choices, Inc.? Brave Choices, Inc. is a growing mental health clinic based in the Twin Cities and serving multiple communities throughout Minnesota. Wonderful BIPOC & LGBTQ+ humans are encouraged to apply. Here’s what we expect from our clinicians: • Evaluate mental health diagnoses, create, and implement treatment plans, complete ongoing documentation (including further diagnoses), treatment plan reviews, and maintain case notes according to licensure standards. • Utilize creativity in your chosen interventions to help clients achieve and exceed their goals. • Prepare and submit individual documentation for each session per guidelines. • Coordinate services with case managers, families, work personnel, medical personnel, as needed to maximize client success. • Complete all training/requirements according to licensure standards. What you should be able to bring to the table: • A master’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences or related fields from an accredited college or university, and on track to obtain licensure in your designated field. • Have, or be pursuing, clinical licensure (LMFT, LPCC, LICSW, LP etc.). • Experience with completing DAs, treatment plans and clinical case notes. • Effective written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with clients. • Capability to complete and submit and all other required documents in a timely manner. • Comfort and familiarity working authentically with a diverse client base. • Proficient in the use of Electronic Medical Record systems. • Ability to pass a background check. What we have to offer you: • All the flexibility of an independent contractor position. • Flexible hours (you control your schedule – ya know, the way it should be!) • Flexible work location. • Consultation and training to expand your clinical caseload. Additional Information We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please email your resume and cover letter to Heather Holt at [email protected]. Text and information from VA News ([email protected])
Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban. You are not alone. Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services. Scroll down for a list common reactions and coping advice. Resources available right now
Common Reactions In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, Veterans may:
Veterans may feel like they need to expect and/or prepare for the worst. For example, they may:
Strategies for Managing Ongoing DistressAt this moment, it may seem like all is lost, like your service or your sacrifices were for nothing. Consider the ways that your service made a difference, the impact it had on others’ lives or on your own life. Remember that now is just one moment in time and that things will continue to change. It can be helpful to focus on the present and to engage in the activities that are most meaningful and valuable to you. Is there something you can do today that is important to you? This can be as an individual, a family member, a parent, or a community member. Something that is meaningful to you in regard to your work or your spirituality? Such activities won’t change the past or the things you can’t control, but they can help life feel meaningful and reduce distress, despite the things you cannot change. It can also help to consider your thinking. Ask yourself if your thoughts are helpful to you right now. Are there ways you can change your thinking to be more accurate and less distressing? For example, are you using extreme thinking where you see the situation as all bad or all good? If so, try and think in less extreme terms. For example, rather than thinking “my service in Afghanistan was useless” consider instead “I helped keep Afghanistan safe.” Finally, consider more general coping strategies that you may want to try including:
Afghanistan: How Veterans can reconcile service READ MORE Afghanistan: How Veterans can learn from Vietnam Veterans READ MORE **This was composed from wording by a few different therapists in the Twin Cities. I would like to give them credit, however, I don't know how to find who wrote what.
To All My Clients: At this time, all sessions WILL continue as planned via telehealth. I want to support each and every one of you during this time. Am I shocked? No. Am I outraged? Yes. I am mourning the murder of George Floyd. What has happened in the Twin Cities and the rest of the country represents more than 400 years of oppression. We hear that the system is broken. It’s not broken, it was built like this. Thus, you hear, “dismantle the police” and “abolish the police.” The work is to organize communities to reimagine our future. ***IMPORTANT*** This time of overwhelm triggers long held trauma patterns in our nervous systems. Some of us will feel the desire to flee to safety, others to fight and defend ourselves/neighbors, others to freeze and shut down. You may be moving back and forth between these responses day to day or moment to moment. This is a time for gentleness for yourself and self reflection. In particular, I am reflecting on the personal and political impact of my whiteness on myself, neighbors and city. Rather than dissociate from my legacy of embodied violence to BIPOC (BIPOC: Black Indigenous People of Color) folks, I am trying to hold it tenderly and dream of transformation. My heart is with you, I am safe (while living in the neighborhood Mr. Floyd was murdered), I am taking time to recognize my whiteness and recognize my fear in the face of fire, destruction and state sanctioned aggression. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via call/text 612.889.7517 if you would like to check in. Please ask for what you need. I have an awesome group of social workers who can help me locate resources. If you need a more immediate time to check in - please ask. If you need to cancel because it’s all just too much - please ask. If you need educational resources - please ask. If you need resources for safety - please ask. If you need food because your local store isn’t open - please ask. You get the point - please ask for what you need. Make your needs known. I stand with you and we stand together for justice. Again, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via call/text 612.889.7517 if you would like to check in. Great compilation of services that have become free and resources for children:
https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/ Educational sites: https://www.gonoodle.com/5 https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html https://www.coursera.org/ Virtual Field trips: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRk u_w/preview?fbclid=IwAR0j4mq- v4tOtlLC0SAe_1deniDwFyxD07DDCfaoMjGaCDSlbTfkpEDITRU&pru=AAABcQgzmpg* _L3ILZm0pdiP3jBDeFC9PA Activities to do at home: http://learnincolor.com/educational-activities-for-when-youre-stuck- indoors.html?fbclid=IwAR0ZdXyA7yciTKDtL__l6J18KnOIZQf4RVoQjBIWdg- OGLZGjqpvZcbV69Y Education companies offering free subscriptions: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free- subscriptions/?fbclid=IwAR1y53qpY31h1h1mmunSLM-v4vkf3ZB-pG- GVLB_7utzTJLJHe17ydi1pdY Engineering activities for kids: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oCM2Ue9w32EUIGfRXsjwEXU_- Up8D6FSSWT8YGiBEtE/preview?fbclid=IwAR0hhuC4l90mQsRP87RUsREEPh- FSdQryIU2gnZYnRi3nO8paKmLS1N6_Zs Coding: https://codakid.com/top-21-kids-coding-websites-of-all-time/ Pokemon Yoga Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbCjkPlsaes Daily educational workbooks: https://www.edhelper.com/teacher-education/Daily-Free-Learning-Workbooks-for- Teachers-to-Share-with-Parents-while-Schools-are-Closed-Kids-will-actually-do- these.htm ( Drawing games for kids: https://www.drawinghowtodraw.com/stepbystepdrawinglessons/2016/06/drawing- games-kids-roll-dice-drawing-game/ Free Conflict Resolution Course for Kids https://www.squabbles.com/free?fbclid=IwAR1j_vXzTwwoawAO-drrgFJpdu7k1O5Fb_Qt8s51tohi63YiAmtgGT2tygQ ** Thanks to Alex Iantaffi, PhD, MS, SEP, CST, LMFT at Edges Wellness Center LLC for this information. This Facebook group has many online events that are posted to it everyday. There are tags and a search function. A very useful resource: https://www.facebook.com/groups/flatten.the.curve/
There are also musicians streaming live, some of them everyday. You can google #togetherathome to find more information or follow your favorite musicians on FB and Instagram to stay updated. Common Ground Meditation Center is streaming all their practices: https://commongroundmeditation.org/currentevents/calendar/ The YMCA has also provided online classes: https://ymca360.org/ Square breathing technique. You can get this free with code IAMHEALTHYIAMSAFE Enter it as a coupon and you do not need to enter any payment details. However, they will ask for your email, name and address: https://roottocrownhealing.com/store/p49/squarebreathing.html#/4 Tapping YouTube tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAclBdj20ZU&feature=youtu.be Insight Timer or Headspace apps for guided visualizations and audio courses on meditation and relaxation. They have some paid content but much of it is free. ** Thanks to Alex Iantaffi, PhD, MS, SEP, CST, LMFT at Edges Wellness Center LLC for this information. Financial support links and mutual aid resources
(Most of these are local to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota) Minnesota Unemployment Insurance: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid- 19.jsp?fbclid=IwAR1gWVpo-3oIe6hbcn7tuJ1KqPHKT0dmNpksEbyKKDaGBvqOFgPwovuGFmE United Way COVID-19 emergency relief fund for rent and other essentials. They are giving funds to local agencies who are distributing them: Call 1-866-211-9966 and provide your zipcode to be given a list of local agencies to provide assistance Minnesota Immigrant Families COVID-19 Fund. This is still fundraising and not ready for disbursement yet but here are current details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mn-immigrant-families-covid19- fund?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share- sheet&fbclid=IwAR1MOhxohV6- Qj0NFpRugrCvDENq8tzUwEb8pKBh3fpr_SswoHSesdrhz5M Women for political change fund. Applicants need to be people under 30 who identify as a woman, trans person, and/or gender non-conforming person people under 30 who identify as a woman, trans person, and/or gender non-conforming person: https://secure.everyaction.com/sv45KFCFJ0mqutj0dfQzxg2 Bartender emergency assistance program. You need to have been a bartender for at least a year prior to application (applies to full time and part time). https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap?fbclid=IwAR2H7xHs9aJluhQAIUcyZ_Kz3rJH- D0QdJW-iliGFLNq1PcFI_Pm0CoIyVA Twin Cities Democatic Socialists for America Solidarity Fund: https://twincitiesdsa.org/solidarity/?fbclid=IwAR2mtj8ZXIy7QKAI4QwRrDYABBKnWGAy cnvjC3EakYtRY6Mi4J2FtC85F_4 Resources for Artists and Creative Workers: https://springboardforthearts.org/coronavirus/ Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4AazvLFVUNAgXoxqBqfZ7jJVkrMroa- CET6Vt6XygR- CaQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3EDcf_apyzuFqkxppJNB0UuwI4hShOETA_6tp3863oWjFaZ pfhWI8vOuY Sex Workers Harm Reduction Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1GpmUbu7UDCKtbnsBwImFLQtXzHLlZ6FYP Y_NjJvyiFs/mobilebasic?urp=gmail_link South Minneapolis Mutual Aid: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZSLDZY4DD85gnGXTAeLtKCxofdOHRcX4z YWAQf7A_GU/edit?fbclid=IwAR3FjUklDE1ThUVfPuL1YFELJo01log5mPURVeZjDqQ0 KYjQj_OgV1Uu4rM#gid=0 Twin Cities Mutual Aid: Neighbors Supporting Each Other: https://docs.google.com/document/d/177tyL6xNVsyQWvttbMWg8QE-Gl4-qfnfsd7s4V8QXAM/edit?fbclid=IwAR3fJOIAVd7khnreaLp2QBqaCZVy42GfzMtDoELNlCry8lxhMDT0CPbwvkM Twin Cities Queer and Trans Mutual Aid: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAlOLU9hOKMjwX4W2sQKF69FAF3ow_fSPzjKC67_iyYDRLaQ/viewform MN Disabled/Elder/Caregiver Mutual Aid https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oA19f2Idh2UxLZvnx_gT6SikkhQe1i-IHm5W2kCp6-o/edit?fbclid=IwAR1Ohh0Ru1UN5i4WSHNVj85VZUkSjr8QJlynMTJxEtnlD-wb_OPZTgU_yGc#gid=913427466 If you are uninsured (health insurance), there is a special enrollment period that opened up to respond to this emergency: https://www.mnsure.org/news-room/news/index.jsp?id=34- 423931&fbclid=IwAR3Upwk9i7aBzrr95o5pzc3AAQ1xoD9PHqVBF9HKoBBpFs-LAf- BF_wKgaI Database of localized resources during COVID-19 outbreak: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HEdNpLB5p-sieHVK-CtS8_N7SIUhlMpY6q1e8Je0ToY/edit?fbclid=IwAR3u9jbKNaLfNU5Xet9CcUXQrJKQiilesi4mAgAP47P1eQL5Z_zykWnJK1g#gid=218438926 ** Thanks to Alex Iantaffi, PhD, MS, SEP, CST, LMFT at Edges Wellness Center LLC for this information. I would like to remind you of a few things during this time of physical distancing.
Please try to:
** Thanks to Alex Iantaffi, PhD, MS, SEP, CST, LMFT at Edges Wellness Center LLC for this information. Best Practices for TelehealthAs we adapt to our new and ever-changing circumstances, we want to share the BEST PRACTICES FOR TELEHEALTH appointments (online/video appointments). 1. GET READY. Schedule 10 minutes before your session to review instructions and make sure that your connection is working well. Make sure your device is charged and your charger is nearby. Headphones are helpful for the best sound quality and for added privacy. 2. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. Try to find a quiet place to meet. If you live with others, notify them that you will be on a private call. Turn off music and the television so it does not disturb your session. 3. OPTIMIZE THE CONNECTION. Set up your device on a stable and flat surface. This eliminates shakiness in the video. Try to have your face fully in the frame. Close extra tabs in your browser and other applications to optimize your connection. 4. KEEP CALM. Tech issues are normal as everyone adjusts. Keep in touch with your therapist via phone, email or text to sort out connection problems. If a video call stops working, try reconnecting. If the reconnection does not work, text your therapist to get further instructions. 5. GET COMFY. Grab a hot beverage and a comfortable place to sit. Try to stay in one place during your session as you would if you were in the office. 6. CONNECT AS NORMAL. Look into your therapist’s eyes as you normally would. Try not to look at the camera or your own face. Treat the session just as you would a normal session. Online therapy can feel just as personal as in-person sessions. **Adapted from Emma Donovan’s “Tips for Successful Online Therapy Sessions” Working from Home MindfullyTips for Working from Home Mindfullly: 7 Key Tips for Working From Home, Mindfully https://medium.com/@thefatshadow/7-key-tips-for-working-from-home-mindfully-c4b8cd7675f8 Attend an AA MeetingAttend an online AA meeting: https://www.onlinegroupaa.org On the Frontlines, for Healthcare ProfessionalsIf you know a healthcare professional, first responder, grocery store employee, let them know that there is online therapy available for them at a reduced cost. This is a volunteer created and volunteer run website that connects these first responders with therapists at a reduced cost. https://www.coronavirusonlinetherapy.com Shopping Hours for Vulnerable Individuals:SHOPPING: If you are a high risk individual (Over 60 and/or immunosuppressed) many Twin Cities grocery stores are offering hours for elders, health care providers and immunosuppressed. Here is a list that we have found (Please verify this before going to the store): Lunds & Byerlys: Daily 7 AM to 8 AM. Hy-Vee: Daily, 7 AM to 8 AM Cub: Daily, 6 AM to 7 AM Wal-Mart: Seniors Only, Tuesdays, one hour before opening. Pharmacies and Vision Centers are open during this time. Target: Wednesdays, One hour prior to store opening. Walgreens: Tuesdays, 8 AM to 9 AM Whole Foods: One hour prior to store opening. Costco: Tuesday & Thursday, 9 AM to 10 AM Please note that many stores offer curbside service when you shop online. Activities:There are plenty of ACTIVITIES to do while working/schooling from home. I’ve been calling it pandemic activities: Good Housekeeping posted: Bored at Home? Here's a Massive List of Museums, Zoos, and Theme Parks Offering Virtual Tours https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/ CNN posted: All the virtual concerts, plays, museums and other culture you can enjoy from home https://www.cnn.com/style/article/what-to-do-at-home-streaming-art-museums-concerts-coronavirus-trnd/index.html Travel and Leisure posted: Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours Tour National Parks: https://crafty.diply.com/121060/you-can-virtually-tour-a-whole-bunch-of-national-parks-from-your?fbclid=IwAR3GMJ2ZPBQnFGBE7JAFXl_fHGi6Ql1wShq0MPJbSbSysaL8XM21JwqjDmE Amnesty International posted 6 things to do while at home during COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2020/03/what-to-do-at-home-during-covid-19-pandemic/ USA Today posted 100 things to do while stuck inside due to a pandemic: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2020/03/16/coronavirus-quarantine-100-things-do-while-trapped-inside/5054632002/ Take a ride on these virtual Disney World rides: https://www.wmur.com/article/virtual-disney-world-rides/31788233 Coloring Books from 119 Museums: http://www.openculture.com/2019/02/download-free-coloring-books-from-113-museums.html?fbclid=IwAR0filRECypx22MYiwEykSsLNMurA9A-ktb0HHG5BHgd9EUYV6LnifpzP2A Additional Activities for Children. Add links to your resources below. Thanks for your support!
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AuthorHeather Holt, Archives
August 2021
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