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Loneliness and its impacts have become more prevalent in the years following the pandemic, with many of us now reporting feeling more isolated than ever. Brian Mullan, LPC with Thriveworks spoke recently with HuffPost on why we’re so lonely and what we can do about it.

Mullan said that loneliness often hits us so hard because humans are social creatures who crave connection. “It’s an innate, hardwired need we humans have,” Mullan explained. One way Mullan suggested to address feelings of loneliness is to get involved in your community by finding those who share your interests.

Check out the full story here:

New Study Uncovers An Alarming Consequence Of Chronic Loneliness But there are ways to fix it.

Have you ever felt like a coworker might have a crush on you? Despite being fraught with complications, the workplace is still a popular place to meet a partner. However, the setting can make it difficult to differentiate between collegial friendliness and romantic interest. Thriveworks psychologist Dr. Mary Covey shared with PARADE Magazine some of the ways you can tell if your co-worker is looking for a little more than a lunch buddy.

One sign that a coworker might be interested in you is wanting to spend time together outside of work. When it comes down to it, signals can often feel mixed, so Covey suggests, “Using your best judgment and knowledge of the coworker will be your best tools to determine if they are interested in you.”

Read the full article here:

5 Clear Signs a Coworker Likes You, a Psychologist Explains Plus, how to tell if their interest is platonic or romantic.

This month is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month- a time to recognize the unique mental health challenges that minorities face. Camila Giraldo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Thriveworks, sat down with WSPA 7News to discuss the cultural stigma around seeking mental health support.

“At the end of the day, opening up that conversation is certainly the first step. It opens up an avenue of outlets in which people can actually process. Maybe it is that I need to see my doctor. Maybe I need to schedule a counseling session,” Giraldo explained.

Take a look at the full story here:

Upstate social workers working to improve outcomes for minority mental health GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – One in five people are now experiencing issues with mental health. That’s according to clinical workers in the Upstate. Some are working to bring awareness to the st…

Payors, providers and patients alike want to see more representation in the behavioral healthcare clinical population. Thriveworks’ Chief Clinical Officer, Heidi Faust, spoke to Chris Larson at Behavioral Health Business about the company’s approach to recruiting and retaining a diverse pool of high-quality clinicians.

Heidi outlines Thriveworks’ hyper-local strategy for recruiting clinicians that represent the communities they service and various initiatives driven by company’s diversity and inclusion council.

For more, read the article here:

'Diversity Can't Be An Afterthought': How Behavioral Health Providers Should Approach the Clinician Workforce Patients and providers want to see representation when they engage with the behavioral health care industry.  Historically, that has been a challenge

The term “scratching your brain” has exploded on social media recently, but what does it mean? Thriveworks therapist Hallie Kritsas recently shared her perspective on brain scratching alongside some examples with HuffPost.

One thing that can scratch a brain itch is something that is intellectually stimulating. Kritsas says, “The cause of ‘brain scratching’ might be something that is puzzling, new or something that our brain cannot automatically come up with an answer to.”

Take a look at the full piece to learn more about scratching those brain itches:

What Does It Mean When Something 'Scratches Your Brain'? Therapists explain the meaning behind the phrase that’s all over social media — and why it’s a practice you should do more often.

Discussions around mental health in the workplace are more common now than ever before. With employees feeling more comfortable bringing up personal challenges with their managers, the line between work and personal can be blurred. Thriveworks therapist and Regional Clinic Director, Courtney Council, offered her insights to WorkLife on how managers can help employees balance work with personal issues while still maintaining a professional boundary.

If an employee comes to a manager with an outside issue that’s impacting work, Council said that listening is one of the most valuable things a manager can do. “Just hear what they’re saying, and be able to say that back to them, to make sure that you’ve understood and comprehended everything that they spoke about,” she explained.

Read more here:

Walking the line between manager and therapist Overly discussing mental health issues can blur the lines between personal and professional relationships, and can also lead to greater manager burnout.

Summer came in hot, with states across the US battling high temperatures (and even higher tempers) brought on by a round of heatwaves. Thriveworks therapist Mark Bingel-McKillips spoke with the PhillyVoice about how heat can impact our moods and overall mental health, and shared advice on how to cool off both physically and mentally.

To help cope with mood changes brought on by the heat, Bingel-McKillips suggests, “taking charge of what (they're) thinking about and using distraction and trying to reframe the negative to a positive.” One technique he suggests is putting ice on your face to slow your heart rate, and get out of fight-or-flight mode.

Check out the full story here:

When the weather gets hot, tempers also tend to flare Heat waves increase anxiety, irritability and aggression, leading to more violence and crime. But there are ways to mitigate these feelings.

As we recognize PTSD Awareness Month, it’s important to discuss the realities that those impacted by PTSD face. QuoVadis Washington- Brown, LPC with Thriveworks joined WDBJ7’s Here@Home show to discuss how PTSD affects daily life and ways we can offer our support.

If you’re experiencing anxiety as a result of PTSD, Washington-Brown suggests utilizing breathing and grounding techniques such as taking stock of what’s around you and being present in the moment.

Take a look at the full interview here:

How PTSD can impact everyday life for those who suffer from the disorder We talk with a local counselor on how to develop coping skills.

The Pew Research Center recently found that 4 in 10 teens report playing video games, and many of those surveyed said gaming had a positive impact on their mental health and problem solving skills. Thriveworks therapist and Regional Clinic Director Drew Lightfoot offered his insights on these findings to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

When asked about setting healthy boundaries with gaming, Lightfoot said he encourages parents to provide structure around gaming time. ‘These are the items that you need to complete today. When these items are complete, you have your free time to play video games.’

Check out the full story here:

Can teens learn coping skills from playing video games? This Thriveworks therapist thinks so. Drew Lightfoot, a licensed professional therapist, discusses the intersection between teen mental health and video games.

We know it’s good for us, but finding the time (and the money) to engage in self-care practices like spa days or staycations can be difficult. Whitney Crawford, LPC with Thriveworks spoke with TIME on how to have an at-home spa day that brings mental health benefits without breaking the bank.

Crawford said, “The key to an at-home spa day idea is being intentional about unwinding.” Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation. Crawford also says to incorporate anything that provides relaxation for you, including reading a book or journaling.

Take a look at the full story here:

How to Have the Best-Ever At-Home Spa Day An at-home spa day is an invitation to take care of yourself. Try a facial, a long shower, and breathing exercises.

June marks Men’s Health Month— a time dedicated to encouraging men and boys to be proactive with their health. Thriveworks therapist Holly Humphreys joined WDBJ7 's Here@Home show to discuss why mental health should be included in that consideration, and why men often don’t prioritize their own mental well-being.

When asked what contributes to men not seeking help, Humphreys said, “Some of it is societal norms, and a perceived notion that uncomfortable feelings like grief or sadness is a sign of weakness.”

Check out Holly’s full interview here:

Take a look at screenings and preventative health practices during Men’s Health Month A look at some common screenings and health issues men will want to be aware of.

Do you often find yourself remembering certain situations in a positive light when others remember them negatively? You might be experiencing euphoric recall. Thriveworks therapist Monica Cwynar offered her insights to HuffPost on why someone might be subject to euphoric recall and how to respond if you think it’s happening to you.

When asked how to combat euphoric recall, Cwynar suggested engaging in mindfulness. “Mindfulness can help [people] acknowledge their emotions and thoughts without getting carried away by them,” she explained.

Take a look at the full story to learn more about euphoric recall:

Do You Experience 'Euphoric Recall'? Here's Why It Can Be Toxic. Therapists explain the signs of this particular thought pattern, and what to do if it's interfering with your life.

Conversing with someone who constantly talks about themselves can be exhausting. They rarely ask about your life; if they do, they always seem to have something to one-up you in their back pocket. Thriveworks therapist Kate Danley offered her insights to Well+Good on these “conversational narcissists,” including signs and advice on how to respond.

When responding to a conversational narcissist, Danley suggests redirecting the conversation, planning when you know you’ll encounter a conversational narcissist, and setting boundaries.

Read more about conversational narcissists here:

How To Deal When The Person You're Talking To Has an Annoying Case of 'Conversational Narcissism' Enough with the monologuing already!

During Pride Month, it’s important to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ voices, and shed light on unique mental health struggles the community faces. Thriveworks therapist and Regional Clinic Director Jami Dumler spoke with Spectrum News 1 North Carolina on the importance of celebrating Pride and how we can support the LGBTQ+ community.

“Pride month has a couple of important pieces to it. One of the pieces is just increasing overall awareness as well as representation, advocacy in both national and local communities that increases support, knowledge and action towards positive change.”

Learn more about resources and see Jami’s full interview here:

Pride month sheds light on LGBTQ+ mental health struggles Expert says anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, barriers to mental health and discrimination play a role.

As we recognize Memorial Day, we're reminded of the sacrifices made by military personnel and Veterans–and the lasting impact those profound experiences can have on mental health and well-being. Thriveworks therapist, Alejandra Galindo, spoke with CW39 to discuss the importance of acknowledging veterans mental health struggles and how we can support our veterans.

Galindo said, “A lot of vets struggle because there is not enough leeway between when they’re in the military and readjusting to civilian life.” When asked how we can offer our support, Galindo said that listening and educating ourselves are two of the most important ways to help.

Take a look at Alejandra’s full interview here:

CW39 Helping Veterans Mental Health during Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day is a day to recognize those who have lost their lives while serving in the armed services. But for many vets and active military, they can experience mental health challenges such as ptsd. CW39 Anchor Sharron Melton talks with Alejandra Galindo, a licensed marriage, and family therapist...

In the past, dating often meant meeting through friends, at work, or through chance encounters, with a slower pace and more emphasis on face-to-face interaction. Fast-forward to today and most people no longer meet people in person but through dating apps. For those navigating dating over 40, this shift can be daunting. Thriveworks therapist Kate Danley offered her insights to Prevention Magazine on what those over 40 should look for in a dating app and how to make the most out of their dating profiles.

Take a look at the full story here:
https://bit.ly/4dCTJ7m

Dating Over 40? Relationship Expert Says This Is Where to Look for Love Everyone deserves to find love, no matter their stage of life.

As more and more people return to in-person work, it’s become more difficult to be active during the workday. Taking a quick walk or sneaking in a midday workout can greatly improve your mental health and even help the creative juices flow.

Thriveworks therapist, Tori Mills, spoke with WorkLife on how getting moving during the day can impact overall well-being. Mills said, “Sometimes it can be a release of frustration or energy. You can have an opportunity to process your thoughts. If you’re feeling kind of stagnant at your desk, it’s a way to calm down or get your creative juices flowing, or just break up the monotony of the day.”

Read the full story here:

How workers are boosting their step count on the job Stepping away from one’s desk to be physical active is getting trickier to do with more time spent in offices.

When you’re dating, there can be so many red flags that it makes you want to raise a white flag. We’re told to watch out for red flags, but what green flags should we be on the lookout for? Thriveworks therapist, Mark Bingel-McKillips, shared his thoughts with AskMen on what certain green flags could mean for your relationship.

When asked what it means for the relationship if your partner can engage in healthy disagreement, Bingel-McKillips said, “This means that they have skill sets such as conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and prosocial communication. People who are able to engage in healthy disagreement or debate tend to have mastered the ability to engage with empathy and value compromise over winning an argument.”

Read the full story here:

10 Green Flags to Look for That Suggest Serious Relationship Potential Keep an eye out for these important signs.

You’ve probably heard of love languages, but what about stress languages? Learning how we (and those we love) operate under stress can help us communicate more effectively. Dr. Christopher Hansen, LPC with Thriveworks, offered his thoughts to HuffPost on the importance of knowing your stress language and how to handle stress in general.

Hansen said that knowing your stress language has its advantages. If you know your stress language, you can plan ahead and cope with stress in a healthy way.

Take a look at the full story here:

There Are 5 'Stress Languages.' Here's How To Figure Out Yours. You've heard of love languages, but what about these? Experts break down each type and what they say about how you handle stress.

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, and many of us are thinking of ways to celebrate our moms. But for some, like those dealing with the recent loss of their mother, the festivities can stir up a lot of difficult emotions. Thriveworks therapist and Regional Clinic Director, Geralyn Fortney, offered her insights to WSLS 10 / WSLS.com on how to cope with challenging feelings around Mother’s Day.

When asked how those struggling can cope, Fortney said, “Set healthy boundaries, and acknowledge that, while this holiday may be super awesome for many of my friends and colleagues and family, it’s tough for me - and that’s okay. It’s okay that things are upsetting to you, and recognizing it is the more important part.”

Check out the full story here:

Mother's Day can bring mental health challenges Mother's Day can bring up pain and hurt for many.

Many of us are familiar with the idea of fixing someone and, just like Taylor Swift, may have thought, “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can).” Despite our best intentions, trying to fix someone can lead to heartbreak on both sides of the relationship. Thriveworks therapist, Sydney Gomez, offered her insights to HuffPost on why some people are “fixers”.

“Oftentimes, people who develop patterns of trying to ‘fix’ others do so as a coping mechanism,” said Gomez, “These individuals may derive a sense of purpose or value from their ability to help others. At times, this is done to counteract deeper seeded feelings of worthlessness or insecurity.”

Take a look at the full story here:

Why Do We Try To ‘Fix’ People In Our Relationships? Read this if you relate to Taylor Swift’s new song “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can).”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month–a time to highlight the importance of fostering honest and open conversations about mental health. Dr. Mary Ann Covey, a Licensed Psychologist with Thriveworks, offered her insights to KBTX Media's The Three on ways to prioritize mental health.

If you feel stuck in a negative mental health space, Dr. Covey says, “It always helps to be outside, to be a little active, going for a walk doing something where you’re kind of slowing down and taking care of yourself.”

Check out Mary’s full interview here:

Mental health expert shares advice on living a happier life this Mental Health Awareness Month May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but psychologist Dr. Mary Ann Covey said we should be prioritizing our mental health every month. Dr. Covey said it’s important to check in with yourself and notice if anything feels different.

Picture this: a bustling restaurant, each table a tableau of people engrossed in their screens. Screen time has become ingrained in our society, whether for work or entertainment. Too much screen time can have an impact on mental well-being, especially for kids. Thriveworks therapist Quendria Johnson-Kerns offered her insights to Fox Carolina News on how to set healthy boundaries with technology for our kids.

Johnson-Kerns said, "Children learn, grow, and develop emotionally, socially, and physically from interacting with others within their environment. Technology and screen time typically take them away from this." When it comes to screen time, Johnson-Kerns suggests focusing on the amount and quality of your child's screen time usage.

Watch Quendria’s full interview here:

How screen time can impact your child’s mental health A counselor talks about the impact and what time limits your child should have based on age.

As we recognize National Infertility Awareness Week, it’s important to shine a light on the mental health struggles those with infertility face. Thriveworks therapist, Victoria Riordan, offered her insights to Spectrum News 1 Ohio on the mental health impacts of infertility and how others can provide support.

Riordan said that infertility can come with a multitude of emotions, like depression, frustration and grief. One of the best ways to show our support is by not assuming we know what they’re going through. Riordan said “Sometimes we have the habit of saying I know exactly how you feel, right? But we really don’t, even if we’ve gone through a similar situation. We aren’t the same person.”

Take a look at Victoria’s full interview here:

National Infertility Awareness Week highlights fertility struggles women face It's part of National Infertility Awareness Week

Have you ever had someone constantly comment on things you have while complaining about things they don't? It may be easy to identify the little green monster whispering in their ear. Other times, it can be more challenging to decipher someone's jealousy.

Thriveworks therapist Monica Cwynar offered her insights to PARADE Magazine on what subtle jealousy might look like and how to handle it. One phrase Cwynar highlights that might exhibit jealousy is, "I wish I could be as carefree as you and not care what others think." This phrase shows a lack of confidence, and "It suggests that the speaker is envious of the other person's ability to be unconcerned about external opinions and judgments," Cwynar said.

Check out the full piece here:

10 Subtle Phrases That Signal Someone Is Jealous Therapists also share how to respond—plus, what *not* to say.

How happy are we? According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, happiness levels in the U.S. have fallen significantly. Thriveworks therapist, Jill Lamar, offered her insights to the PhillyVoice on why that might be.

In addition to the World Happiness Report, recent Thriveworks research found that 43% of Americans plan to seek mental health support in the next year. Lamar said that could be indicative of broader attitudes around mental health and the current demand for mental health care, especially among young people.

Check out the full story here:

Happiness levels have fallen in the U.S., and though Americans say therapy has benefits, many aren't receiving it A survey that examined people's attitudes toward mental health underscores the results of the latest World Happiness Report. Neither paint a rosy picture of wellness in the U.S.

Navigating an argument can feel like you’re sailing through rough waters. But when you’re engaged in a disagreement with someone that has narcissistic tendencies, it can feel like those waters are also full of sharks. Thriveworks therapist, Monica Cwynar, offered her insights to HuffPost on a few phrases to watch for as a sign that someone is trying to manipulate you in an argument.

“Narcissists often see themselves as victims due to their deep-seated sense of entitlement, fragile self-esteem and lack of empathy for others,” Cwynar said. This can come across as phrases like, “‘I can’t believe you’re attacking me like this. I’m the one who always gets blamed for everything, even when it’s not my fault.’”

Read the full piece here:

6 Red Flag Phrases Narcissists Use To Manipulate You During An Argument Pay attention to these if you're in a conflict.

Stress is something we all experience, but knowing how to deal with it may not be common knowledge. April is National Stress Awareness Month and during this time, it’s important to highlight common sources of stress and healthy coping mechanisms. Thriveworks therapist, Cierra Glover, offered her insights to ABC Columbia on the signs of stress and ways to cope.

When asked how to manage stress, Glover said, “We need to be able to stop momentarily and say, ‘Let me breathe. Is there anything I can do right now about this problem? Is there anything that I can let go?’” Being mindful in stressful situations can help immensely.

Take a look at Cierra’s full interview here:

Local counselor gives stress tips during National Stress Awareness Month - ABC Columbia April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month.

College can be an incredible time filled with making friends, experiencing new things and learning how to “adult” on your own. While everyone’s college experience is different, many young adults are reporting increased feelings of anxiety and depression while at school. Thriveworks therapist, Jenelle Thompson-Keene, spoke with FOX 55/27 Illinois on what mental health challenges students face, and what might be causing it.

Social media can be a big factor when it comes to student wellbeing. “On the outside, maybe it looks like people have these fabulous, together lives, and everybody is always on vacation somewhere, or getting a new pet, or all these wonderful things are happening. I think that kind of skews the perception of what day to day life is like sometimes and people forget that everyone has problems,” said Thompson-Keene.

Check out the full story here:

Push for change: Illinois bill proposes mandatory mental health days in universities Mental health disorders among college students is rising, with over half meeting the criteria for at least one mental health diagnosis.Mental health experts say

Think about the last time you needed help. Was it easy to ask for?

When it comes to mental health support, it wasn’t always as available or accepted to discuss. While the stigma around seeking mental health treatment has lessened in recent years, there are still barriers for those seeking support. Thriveworks therapist Hallie Kritsas offered her insights to The Florida Times-Union, using her personal and professional experiences and Thriveworks’ Pulse on Mental Health data to examine how the attitudes around mental health care have shifted and what obstacles still exist.

Read Hallie’s story here:

Jacksonville counselor: Destigmatization, acceptance mark turning point for mental health A local mental health counselor weighs in on changing attitudes towards therapy and other behavioral health treatment.

Strong and silent? Male depression is common but it goes underreported due to social stigma and lack of emotional literacy - Thriveworks While depression is common among men, they don’t report it nor do they seek mental health treatment as often as women...

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Bolster Your Mental Health for the Coming Covid Winter The coronavirus will make Winter 2020 very hard for us all. Be ready.

Wife appreciation: 5 easy ways to spoil your spouse and show them how much you care - Thriveworks Learn more about Wife appreciation: 5 easy ways to spoil your spouse and show them how much you care

“I believe the ability to think is blessed. If you can think about a situation, you can deal with it. The big struggle is to keep your head clear enough to think.”
***dePrevention

Thriveworks

Today is the start of National Su***de Prevention Awareness Week. Give your loved ones a call, check-in on your friends, be kind to yourself. You are loved.

Why are men less likely to talk about their feelings? They often are discouraged, prefer to “brush it off,” or run into another obstacle - Thriveworks Learn more about Why are men less likely to talk about their feelings? They often are discouraged, prefer to “brush it off,” or run into another obstacle

Focuses of therapy for Black women: Lack of validation, stigma, relationships, and more - Thriveworks More and more African-American women are realizing the presence and impact of generational trauma and how it impacts them as adults, partners in a relationship, wives, or mothers...