Tag: professional counseling

Overcoming Stigma and Accepting Help

Overcoming-Stigma
Suffering from a mental health condition is hard.  Unfortunately, the stigma that is often associated with it can make it even harder.  Individuals with mental illnesses are often portrayed in movies and television as extremely dangerous, violent, or unstable which can result in misinformation to those around us.  Words like “crazy” and “psycho” are painful and perpetuate the unnecessary stigma.  Far too often this type of stigma serves as a barrier to reaching out for necessary support.
First, recognize that seeking help is not a sign of personal weakness.  Professional counseling provides support so that you don’t have to do it all alone.  Second, try to release the fear of being “labeled.”  Sometimes people are afraid to acknowledge having a condition that needs treatment.  However, identifying what’s wrong can provide relief and result in a specific treatment plan to reduce troubling symptoms.  If it’s determined that you are suffering from a mental health condition you may be hesitant to share this information with others.  Remember, judgment from others may be based on misinformation.  Sharing your diagnosis with those you trust may help educate those around you and help to reduce the overall stigma.
Some recent studies suggest the stigma associated with mental illness may be decreasing as evidenced by an increase in the public acceptance of antidepressants.  However, it’s important to remember that study after study shows that drug treatment is most effective when combined with talk therapy.  Medication can be helpful in treating the chemicals in our brains, but humans are made up of more than just chemicals.  We are emotional beings and often times our feelings and emotions demand our attention.
Overcoming stigma and accepting professional help can be challenging, but it may be just the thing to empower you to take back control of your life.

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Coping With Infertility

Coping-With-InfertilityInfertility, as defined by a couple who is unable to become pregnant after one year of unprotected sex, affects 10-15% of couples in the United States.  This may be due to a problem in one or both partners.  The emotional and physical stress of a couple experiencing infertility can lead to anxiety, depression, and significant marital problems.
One of the reasons infertility is so difficult to cope with is the fact that no one knows how long it will last or what the eventual outcome will be.  It’s important to help manage the emotional stress by talking with others.  Instead of repressing feelings of anger, guilt, or fear, try reaching out to those around you.  The support of partners, family, and friends can be very beneficial during what can be a grueling process.  Support groups and professional counseling are also available.  In fact, according to Mayoclinic.com “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which uses methods that include relaxation training and stress management, has been associated with higher pregnancy rates” during treatment.  Because no one can guarantee what the outcome will be it’s important to discuss all options with your partner.  Consider what alternative methods you’re comfortable with and at what point you’ll begin exploring them.  Treatment can be emotionally and financially challenging and many feel that setting limits beforehand is helpful.

hope & restorationWhen the dark clouds of life roll in and settle over you, it’s important to have someone who can help you tap into your inner strength so that you can survive the storm.  At The Empowerment Group, that’s exactly what we do. We welcome you to explore the possibilities that are available to you. Restore a sense of balance and direction to your life. Whether through therapy, through Family Mediation, or through relationship counseling, we can help you find a path toward resolution and relief. Empowering your life! The Empowerment Group wants to help you bring balance, peace and happiness to your life even when the storms roll in and you feel all hope is gone. We can help:
  • Mediation
  • Therapy
  • Relationships
  • Pre-Marital Counseling

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