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Election Anxiety, Depression, and Worsening Seasonal Affective Disorder

Election Anxiety, Depression, and Worsening Seasonal Affective Disorder 2560 1707 Long Island Counseling Services

For many of us, December is the peak of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more commonly known as “seasonal depression.” Seasonal depression is a condition where a lack of natural sunlight, holiday stress, trauma, isolation, and other mental health issues cause depression that tends to get worse in late fall, and continue until the weather gets warmer. For those with untreated seasonal depression, the development of symptoms is as reliable as… well… the seasons. It is…

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Why and How Could Panic Disorder Be Hereditary?

Why and How Could Panic Disorder Be Hereditary? 2560 1708 Long Island Counseling Services

Panic disorder can be overwhelming, leaving those who experience it feeling frightened and confused by the sudden and intense physical and emotional symptoms. Panic attacks are also unique in that they are very physical and difficult to understand. While panic attacks can be brought on by extreme stress during major life events, many times they appear to be first triggered by almost nothing at all. While environmental factors and personal experiences often contribute to the…

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How Mental Health Can Affect Sleep

How Mental Health Can Affect Sleep 2208 1473 Long Island Counseling Services

Most of us know, at least in a general way, that our mental health can affect sleep. We know that on days we’re feeling anxious, for example, it may be hard to fall asleep. On days that we’re feeling depressed, it may be hard to get up, etc. But this connection goes much, much deeper. Mental health has a sizeable, significant affect on sleep. And that’s a problem for a variety of reasons, not the…

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The Value of Having the Hard Conversations Over the Holidays

The Value of Having the Hard Conversations Over the Holidays 2016 1344 Long Island Counseling Services

We’re entering holiday season, and that means that many of us are going to see family that we either haven’t seen all year, or have not seen in such a group setting. In some cases, these may be individuals we haven’t seen in *years* and in other cases it may be the only time that an entire family is located in the same place at the same time with nowhere else to go. We were…

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How and Why “Work Stress” is Worth Treating with a Psychotherapist

How and Why “Work Stress” is Worth Treating with a Psychotherapist 2536 1656 Long Island Counseling Services

Work stress is a pervasive issue that affects professionals across industries. From high-pressure deadlines to interpersonal conflicts, work-related stressors can lead to significant physical and mental health concerns if left untreated. While many individuals may believe that stress is simply a part of professional life, prolonged and unaddressed work stress can negatively impact job performance, personal relationships, and overall well-being. Working with a psychotherapist can provide effective tools and strategies to manage and alleviate work-related…

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How Common Is Health Anxiety?

How Common Is Health Anxiety? 150 150 Long Island Counseling Services

Our ability to live depends on our ability to stay healthy in ways that may or may not be in our control. While our bodies are typically incredible at keeping us safe and healthy, challenges to our health can arise at any time, and it’s because of the randomness and danger associated with those issues that many people develop health anxiety. Health anxiety, also known as illness anxiety disorder or hypochondria, is a condition characterized…

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What Is the Most Effective Way to Diagnose ADHD?

What Is the Most Effective Way to Diagnose ADHD? 2560 1847 Long Island Counseling Services

Long Island Counseling Services specializes in providing support and counseling for children, teens, and adults with ADHD. We know how important it is to make sure that those with ADHD get the support they need to overcome challenges and be able to take on the future. Diagnosing ADHD can be complex, as it requires a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, behaviors, and their impact on an individual’s daily functioning. The most effective approach to diagnosing ADHD…

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Protecting Our Mental Health from a Divisive Political Climate

Protecting Our Mental Health from a Divisive Political Climate 1800 1200 Long Island Counseling Services

We’re witnessing an epidemic of division in America, one that’s grown rapidly since the 2016 election and continues to snowball. This intense polarization affects all aspects of life, but it’s especially harmful to our mental health. In psychological terms, “polarization” describes when beliefs become more extreme after discussion. Think about that: after we debate a point, we’re often more entrenched in our stance, even when it’s unhealthy. The constant divisive rhetoric we’ve seen since 2016,…

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How to Combat Election Stress

How to Combat Election Stress 1500 1000 Long Island Counseling Services

We’re less than a month away from the November election. While not everybody calls themselves “political,” those that are political often find that the weeks leading up to the presidential election can be some of the most stressful they experience in their day to day lives. Election seasons often bring heightened emotions, political debates, and media saturation, all of which can contribute to stress. Known as election stress, this type of stress can impact individuals…

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Why Is Mental Health Moving Away From Diagnoses and What Is the Benefit for Patients?

Why Is Mental Health Moving Away From Diagnoses and What Is the Benefit for Patients? 2476 1651 Long Island Counseling Services

We talk about mental health in terms of conditions – anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc. These conditions correspond to official diagnoses that many people receive in the context of their care. But the mental health world is also moving away from diagnoses. We still use them here in many situations, but we also believe that diagnoses can be inhibiting as well, both for treatment and for the patient. We might use the words “anxiety” and “depression”…

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