Michigan Psychological Care: Helping to Manage Anxiety

 The Coronavirus public health crisis has been a mental health crisis as well.

Working from home and social distancing have quickly introduced new norms that many had to quickly adapt to. The uncertainty, combined with increased time online for many during quarantine, has led to an increase in anxiety symptoms.

 

There are some simple changes in lifestyle you can make to ease symptoms of digital anxiety. These include:

• Taking breaks: try to not spend too much time in front of screens at once. Many workplaces now encourage taking breaks about once every hour. Stretch, take a walk, have a healthy snack, or just do something else for a while. In addition to feeling fresher, you’ll also end up being more productive and focused!
• Limiting screen time before bed. This is especially important for people who experience difficulty sleeping. Try putting away the laptop and phone an hour before you go to sleep. Reading, listening to relaxing music, meditation, or a bath are all good ways to ease anxiety before bed.
• Practicing mindfulness. Social media runs on our instinctive, emotional reactions. When you spend time on social media, check in with yourself emotionally before you respond. What are you feeling, and why? Don’t feel the need to explain or solve it—simply recognizing that something angers or saddens you is important.

If you think you could benefit from treatment for anxiety, contact us today.

 

My child is in therapy – now what?

Once your child is in therapy, it is important to make sure that you maintain a good relationship with the therapist while also respecting your child. While is it important to check in with the child’s therapist separately to discuss any potential concerns or insight, you should not pester your child immediately after therapy. Immediately pushing your child to tell you what they discussed after they leave the session will cause the child to feel that therapy is not a safe space and may cause them to feel that they cannot fully express how they feel.

  

It is also crucial that you do not refer to the therapist when your child is acting up. For example, when your child is being difficult do not say, “Should I call your therapist?”. Therapy should not be associated with punishment and in anger, it should be about progress and opportunity. 

When a patient comes to Michigan Psychological Care, we work with them to create an individual care plan that will address their substance abuse issues in a comprehensive way. Our treatment plans include a combination of individual and group counseling, medication, and follow-up care. Our expert staff is ready to stay with you and your loved ones through every step of the recovery process.

If you’re seeking help with addiction in the Midland County area, please call us today at 1-989-510-7626 or visit our website at www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

How do you know if your loved one is an addict?

The line between substance use and substance abuse might not always be clear. In general, if someone uses substances only in ways that are aligned with its expected use (i.e. drinking a single glass of wine with dinner or taking medication as prescribed by a doctor,) they are likely not an addict. It is when someone uses substances excessively and causes harm to those around them that they cross the line into substance abuse.

 If your loved one exhibits any of the following symptoms, they may have a substance abuse problem:

●       The user has failed to fulfill obligations at school, work or home due to substances.

●       The user operates a car or other heavy machinery while under the influence

●       The user has been arrested for a substance-related offense (including DUI)

●       The user continues their destructive substance use after family and friends express concern.

If you’re concerned your loved one may be a substance abuser, contact Michigan Psychological Care today at www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com. We have offices in Alma, Midland and St. Johns ready to help. Our expert staff can craft an individual treatment plan to cater to your needs. Let us help you today.