Anxiety

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…

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…

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…

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,…

Anxiety encompasses a range of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. These feelings often lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and feelings of restlessness. For many, anxiety can significantly hinder daily functioning, affecting personal, social, and professional life. At its core, anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, serving as a warning system for potential threats. However, when these feelings become overwhelming and persistent, they may evolve…

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely acknowledged psychological treatment that has proven effective in managing various mental health conditions, including panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear or discomfort that can feel overwhelming and debilitating. They are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath, which can contribute to the distress experienced during an episode. At Long Island Counseling Services, our therapists often choose to…

Panic attacks are caused by anxiety. But they are often so distressing and so physical, that they frequently have symptoms similar to heart attacks or major health events. Many individuals that have never experienced panic attacks before end up seeing a doctor or even end up at the hospital, worrying that something is wrong with their heart, head, or lungs. We know that panic attacks are very physical events. It is because they are so…

Many of us have trouble sleeping. It is becoming, for better or worse, a common part of living in today’s high stress society. One could even argue that it is more common here in New York, because we have a culture of living a more intense and grinding lifestyle than they have in other parts of the world. Insomnia does not have a single cause. It is multifaceted. Some people are genuinely more prone to…

Good sleep is more than just a means of recharging the body’s physical energy. It is an essential component of mental well-being. Often, the significance of sleep for mental health is overshadowed by discussions about genetics, traumas, and even diet and exercise. Yet, sleep plays an equally crucial role in our psychological health, impacting everything from stress levels to cognitive performance. The Critical Role of Sleep in Mental Health Research indicates that sleep and mental…