Overcoming anxiety when swallowing pills By Cassie (cynefin) While some people don't think twice when it is time to take a medication, others find it to be a big source of anxiety. A lot of adults and children alike are able to swallow pills, but there are more people than commonly thought who cannot. Pill swallowing anxiety can be caused by previous bad experiences. Some have difficulty because as children, they are taught to not put non-food items in their mouths. Some pills (such as...

Bitterness bites: know how to bite back By Cassie (cynefin) Bitterness, or an intense type of anger, may surface if someone has experienced a lot and has had difficulty remaining positive. It also surfaces if people are unable to cope in the face of stressful events. People are often bitter when they feel they have been wronged; they might be entirely bitter or use bitterness with sarcasm or humor. Bitterness can be reserved for a certain person, group (of people or an organization), a...

Binge Eating Disorder: An interview with a friend in recovery By Frankie (_Headphones_) Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is categorized by binges, or consuming larger quantities of food; more food than the body needs to function, without purging it (self-induced vomiting) afterwards. Like many issues, BED is unfortunately misunderstood. I did this interview with my friend to refute some of these misunderstandings, and give people a look into what it is like to live with BED. Tell...

The silent treatment: a cycle of control By Cassie (cynefin) The silent treatment, or stonewalling, is when one person responds to another with silence for an extended period of time. These times of silence can last days, weeks, or even months before they are broken. The person who is receiving the silence typically does not know what they did wrong; the person giving the silence usually breaks it and acts as though nothing has occurred. One experience of the silent treatment is...

Weighed down by anxiety? Try a weighted blanket. By Cassie (cynefin) source] Weighted blankets are blankets that have evenly distributed weight in them to soothe people who are struggling. These blankets provide deep pressure therapy, or deep touch pressure (DTP). The use of this therapy provides a tactile sense that helps calm children and adults alike. Weighted blankets can simulate a hug or an action that is otherwise comforting. Serotonin and Dopamine are sometimes...

Ways to conquer phone anxiety By Cassie (cynefin) What is phone anxiety? Phone anxiety is when someone struggles with, or has a fear of making calls, answering them, or leaving a voice mail. While phone anxiety is associated with social anxiety, someone can also have difficulty with using the phone even if they do not have social anxiety. Symptoms often consist of anxious thoughts such as: "What will the person on the other end of the line think of me?" or "What if I don't know what to...

Postpartum Depression (PPD) By Brittany (.Brittany.) What is it? Most of the time, people think that having a baby is the happiest time in a mother's life, when in reality it could be one of the hardest. Approximately 10-15% of women suffer from Postpartum Depression, or PPD within the first year of the child’s life. source] Some moms go through what is called “the baby blues” and it only lasts a little while, whereas PPD can last for months. Both moms and dads can suffer...

The difference between anxiety and panic attacks By Cassie (cynefin) While anxiety and panic are both unfortunate and uncomfortable, they are two different feelings. Many people use the terms "anxiety attack" and "panic attack" interchangeably but they both have a few differences. Continue reading to learn about what it is that makes them different. What are panic attacks? Feelings of panic or panic attacks are often brought on suddenly or out of the blue, with no warning....

Who can help me? By The Resources team If you’re having a difficult time, there are many people you can go to for help. It is important to remember that you should not and do not have to struggle alone. If one suggestion isn't an option for you, please consider seeking out someone else.

Being mindful of the word "should" By Cassie (cynefin) The word "should" is something that many people hear throughout their recovery whether they're recovering from abuse, self-harm, or other events and addictions. Sometimes you may use this word through self-talk while other times you could hear it used by the people around you. Using the word "should" can sometimes be negative and cause a long lasting impact on the recovering individual. Many months ago, I was frustrated...
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The Clubhouse Model as a resource for mental health By (Komorebi_Sisu) I joined a local Clubhouse about ten months ago. Someone had mentioned to me that it would be a good idea for me to have a place to go especially when I am having a difficult time at home and tend to feel a sense of isolation. This article will discuss key points in what the Clubhouse Model is and how the Clubhouse Model has been helpful for me and how it may be helpful to you too. What is the Clubhouse model? ...

A therapy kit By Cassie (cynefin) While therapy can serve as a comforting place for many, it can also bring about uncomfortable or overwhelming feelings pertaining to working through their struggles. If you sometimes feel uncomfortable or anxious, you may benefit from making a therapy bag or kit. Some people do bring objects to therapy but others do not utilize this or do not know that it is an option. This is where a kit may come in handy. A therapy kit is a bag that is filled...
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Utilizing grounding techniques By Cassie (cynefin) Grounding techniques are useful tools that many people use in their daily lives. This article will take an in-depth look into what grounding techniques are and how they're used along with additional information pertaining to them. What are they? Grounding techniques are activities that people utilize to help them feel more present. They are often used during anxiety, flashbacks, or dissociative states but can be used...

What is guided imagery? By Cassie (Cassado) Guided imagery and affirmations are one of the many useful tools available for people who want to work on themselves. It can be used by itself or as an addition to therapy and other treatment. Guided imagery and affirmations have been written to support people through a lot of different issues from depression, anxiety, and trauma, to fibromyalgia, healthy pregnancy, or cancer treatments. People interested do not have to have an underlying...
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Personality traits vs. disorders: know the difference! By Robin (PSY) We all know someone who’s narcissistic – they’re full of themselves, they put other people down, and they’re generally not fun to be around! Could it be that the person you’re thinking of is suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder? How about someone who’s “clingy” with their significant other – are they suffering from Dependent Personality Disorder? Let’s not forget the friend who “hates” people and never wants...
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