Stress, Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Stress is a normal part of life. We can’t avoid it. However, how we react to stress can affect our mood, health, and general functioning. When stress and anxiety from situations are viewed negatively and become chronic, we can feel awful. We might get headaches, have stomach issues, experience sore muscles, lose or gain weight, or have trouble sleeping. We may feel irritable and lash out at people.

Panic attacks which are closely related to anxiety may occur without warning. Our heart may start pounding, we may experience sweating, dizziness, or nausea, or we may feel a sense of impending doom. Panic attacks may occur specific to a certain situation. If a panic attack occurs more than once during the same situation; we may find ourselves start avoiding places such as elevators, bridges, tunnels, the subway, the parkway, open spaces, or even social events. Life may become disabling as a result of limiting activities. If this sounds like you, we can explore the causes of your stress, anxiety, or panic attacks, and help you develop methods of coping to reduce the symptoms. 

Depression & Grief

Everybody at some time in their life will experience a normal grief reaction in response to the loss of a friend or family member, loss of a pet, job loss, a relationship break-up or divorce, the news of a serious medical diagnosis, or any other situation where a loss occurred. Many people had losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us get through a normal grief reaction by reaching out to others. However, some people may want more support.

Some individuals “go into a slump” after holidays and the New Year. Holidays can often bring up feelings about family losses and conflicts. People who live in Northern climates might feel tired and unmotivated during the winter when it is dark and cold outside.  

Some types of depression occur from a chemical imbalance in the brain.  There are certain neurotransmitters that play a role in depression and when they do not function properly, depressive symptoms might result.  

I have helped many people who are experiencing depression. Together we will explore the issue, I will teach you coping skills, and connect you to other groups and supports if necessary, to achieve relief and a better life with a more hopeful outlook.