Overwhelmed Archives - MH Thrive https://mhthrive.com/category/overwhelmed/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:47:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://mhthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Favicon.png Overwhelmed Archives - MH Thrive https://mhthrive.com/category/overwhelmed/ 32 32 How to Quit Worrying https://mhthrive.com/how-to-quit-worrying/ https://mhthrive.com/how-to-quit-worrying/#respond Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:38:26 +0000 https://mhthrive.com/?p=3088 Worry and anxiety are both part of the human experience and affect just about everyone at some point in their lives, whether they have a diagnosed condition or not. No matter if it’s concern about the future, finances, or health, nearly everyone has dealt with these feelings. While it’s normal to worry occasionally, excessive worry […]

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Worry and anxiety are both part of the human experience and affect just about everyone at some point in their lives, whether they have a diagnosed condition or not. No matter if it’s concern about the future, finances, or health, nearly everyone has dealt with these feelings. While it’s normal to worry occasionally, excessive worry can wreak havoc on our mental, and even physical, health. In this blog, we explore the art of quitting worrying and managing anxiety effectively so that you can get back to living a worry-free life.

The Prevalence of Worry and Anxiety

When it comes to the prevalence of anxiety and worry, the data speaks for itself:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 40 million adults, which is about 18% of the population, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
  • Global Worry Statistics: A global survey by the World Mental Health Survey Initiative found that, on average, around 31% of people have experienced an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. This data highlights the worldwide prevalence of anxiety-related issues.
  • Economic Impact: Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion per year, according to a study by Greenberg et al., published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
  • The College Conundrum: Anxiety and worry affect students significantly. The American College Health Association reported in 2020 that over 50% of college students sought counseling for anxiety-related concerns.
  • Workplace Stress: According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress is far and away the major source of stress for American adults. It has been estimated to cost businesses up to $300 billion annually.
Strategies to Quit Worrying
  • Identify the Source of Worry: The first step in quitting worrying is identifying the source of your anxiety. Take a few moments to reflect on what’s causing your distress. This self-awareness can help you target your efforts effectively.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay in the present moment and reduce the tendency to worry about the future. You might try meditation, yoga, or any other practice that forces you to settle down and remain focused on the moment.
  • Time Management: Proper time management can alleviate worry by helping you prioritize tasks and deadlines effectively. This way, you can prevent the buildup of stress from looming deadlines.
  • Social Support: Share your worries with friends or family. Sometimes, just talking about your concerns can provide relief and a fresh perspective.
  • Professional Help: If your worrying is persistent and interferes with your daily life, getting professional help from a therapist or counselor is one of the best ways to cope. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 60% of people with anxiety disorders don’t receive treatment. Don’t let yourself fall into that category.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce anxiety by quite a bit.
  • Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption exacerbates anxiety, contrary to popular belief. Reducing or eliminating these substances from your diet might just help reduce your worry.
  • Educate Yourself: Sometimes, understanding the root causes of your worries can alleviate anxiety. Learning more about the things you fear can provide clarity and reduce irrational concerns.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups to reduce physical tension and anxiety.
The Power of Positive Thinking

The way you think can greatly impact your level of worry and anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, negative thinking is a key component of anxiety. Here are some strategies for promoting positive thinking:

  • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge those thoughts by asking, “Is this really true?” Often, our worries are based on irrational fears.
  • Practice Gratitude: Regularly taking time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for can help shift your focus away from worry and towards appreciation.
  • Visualize Success: Instead of dwelling on potential failure, visualize yourself succeeding in challenging situations. This positive imagery can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
  • Affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations can help reprogram your mind to think more optimistically. Phrases like “I am in control of my thoughts and feelings” can be particularly helpful.
  • The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in reducing worry and anxiety. Statistics show that exercise and a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your mental health:

  • Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains is associated with a reduced risk of developing depressive and anxiety disorders. What you eat matters.
  • Sleep: Poor sleep is a major contributor to anxiety. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce worry.
  • Alcohol and Substance Use: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that individuals with anxiety disorders are more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs. Reducing or quitting these substances can alleviate anxiety.
Practical Tips for Daily Life & Stress Management

To further assist you in quitting worrying, here are some practical tips to incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Limit News Consumption: Constant exposure to negative news can increase worry. Limit your news intake and consider focusing on positive and informative content.
  • Create a Relaxing Environment: Surround yourself with calming elements, like soothing music, aromatherapy, or comfortable blankets and pillows, to create a stress-free space at home.
  • Stay Organized: Keeping an organized workspace and daily schedule can help reduce stress and the potential for worry.
  • Breathing Exercises: When feeling overwhelmed, practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system.
  • Limit Tech Use: Too much screen time can contribute to anxiety. Put boundaries in place for your tech use and take breaks from your devices as needed.
Final Thoughts

Worry and anxiety are common experiences, but they don’t have to control your life. A combination of self-help techniques, positive thinking, a healthy lifestyle, and practical tips can lead to a more stress-free life. Next time you find yourself worrying, give these coping mechanisms a shot and watch your worry slowly but surely fade away.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

 

References

  • Eagleson C, Hayes S, Mathews A, Perman G, Hirsch CR. The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Behav Res Ther. 2016 Mar;78:13-8. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.017. Epub 2016 Jan 8. PMID: 26802793; PMCID: PMC4760272.
  • Gottschalk M. Genetics of generalized anxiety disorder and related traits. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 2017;19(2):159-168.
  • Newman MG, Llera SJ, Erickson TM, Przeworski A, Castonguay LG. Worry and generalized anxiety disorder: a review and theoretical synthesis of evidence on nature, etiology, mechanisms, and treatment. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2013;9:275-97. doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185544. PMID: 23537486; PMCID: PMC4964851.

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How to Build Resilience https://mhthrive.com/how-to-build-resilience/ https://mhthrive.com/how-to-build-resilience/#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:42:34 +0000 https://mhthrive.com/?p=3090 Resilience is a skill that can be cultivated and honed over time, contrary to what many people believe. In fact, some used to believe that you were either born resilient or not. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When we talk about resilience, we’re referring to the capacity to bounce back from adversity […]

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Resilience is a skill that can be cultivated and honed over time, contrary to what many people believe. In fact, some used to believe that you were either born resilient or not. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When we talk about resilience, we’re referring to the capacity to bounce back from adversity and grow through challenges. It’s the ability to withstand setbacks and continue to thrive when faced with adversity of any kind. In this blog, we explore strategies and practices for building resilience to help you thrive in the face of challenges.

What is Resilience?

Resilience is essentially a dynamic process that constantly evolves throughout our lives. It involves emotional, mental, and physical aspects, all of which contribute to our ability to cope with stress and difficulty.

Resilient people share the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks, with minimal issues. They exhibit unwavering determination and a positive mindset, allowing them to maintain hope and optimism even during the toughest of times. They also possess strong problem-solving skills and adaptability, which help them find creative solutions when confronted with obstacles.

Ultimately, what resilient individuals have in common is their ability to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning. They don’t resent or merely survive challenges; they use them to move towards greater strength and success in the future.

How to Begin Building Resilience
Develop a Growth Mindset

Embracing a growth mindset means believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and learning. When you view challenges as opportunities for growth, setbacks become stepping stones on your path to resilience. Psychologist Carol Dweck coined the term “growth mindset” and explained how it can lead to greater resilience. To cultivate a growth mindset, be open to learning, embrace challenges, and see failures as valuable lessons.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing, understanding, and managing your own emotions and those of others. By developing EQ, you can better cope with stress, build stronger relationships, and make sound decisions even in challenging situations.

Surround Yourself with Resilient People

To build resilience, actively nurture your social connections, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support network when needed. A strong support system can offer different perspectives and help you navigate difficult situations.

Don’t Expect Overnight Success

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t expect to become resilient overnight. Taking it one day at a time and setting and achieving realistic goals will boost your confidence and sense of control, two key components of resilience. It’s important to challenge yourself, but also to be mindful of setting achievable milestones. By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, you can maintain focus and motivation, making it easier to navigate through adversity and setbacks.

Work on Your Problem-Solving Skills

Resilience isn’t about avoiding problems but rather about tackling them head-on. Developing problem-solving skills is crucial for building resilience. When confronted with challenges, take a systematic approach by identifying the issue, brainstorming potential solutions, and implementing them. Over time, you’ll become more confident in your problem-solving abilities.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Being able to adjust to new circumstances and unexpected changes is a valuable skill. This requires an open mind, a willingness to embrace change, and the ability to pivot when necessary. By being adaptable, you’ll reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany unexpected situations.

Positive Self-Talk

Negative self-talk erodes your confidence and leads to self-doubt during tough times. To counter this, practice positive self-talk by challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more constructive and empowering ones. Affirmations and maintaining a growth mindset can be effective tools for promoting positive self-talk.

Learn from Failure

Failure is an inevitable part of life, and how we respond to it impacts our resilience. Instead of seeing failure as the end, view it as a valuable learning experience. Analyze what went wrong and use these insights to approach future challenges more effectively. 

Embrace Stress

Stress is often seen as an enemy, but it can also be a powerful ally in building resilience. Eustress, or positive stress, can motivate you to perform at your best. By reframing stress as a challenge rather than a threat, you can harness its energy and use it to fuel your growth and development.

Find a Therapist

Sometimes, building resilience requires the guidance of a mental health professional. Therapy or counseling can provide you with the tools and strategies to navigate and overcome personal challenges. Don’t hesitate to get help if you’re struggling with severe stress or mental health issues. It’s a brave and proactive step toward building resilience.

Final Thoughts

Building resilience is a task that will set you up for success in the future. Inevitably, life will continue to throw challenges at us. Having the inner strength to face them and move on is a valuable skill that can be fostered over time. Resilience can change your life, from your mental health to your physical health.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

 

References

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How To Cope with Change https://mhthrive.com/how-to-cope-with-change/ https://mhthrive.com/how-to-cope-with-change/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:07:43 +0000 https://mhthrive.com/?p=3069 Change is an inevitable force that all of us endure throughout our lifetime. It’s a universal constant that can be both exhilarating and daunting; a rollercoaster of emotions for many. From shifting careers and relationships to adapting to new environments or facing unexpected circumstances, the only certainty in life is change itself.  Learning how to […]

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Change is an inevitable force that all of us endure throughout our lifetime. It’s a universal constant that can be both exhilarating and daunting; a rollercoaster of emotions for many. From shifting careers and relationships to adapting to new environments or facing unexpected circumstances, the only certainty in life is change itself. 

Learning how to cope with change becomes a fundamental skill that can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving in the face of life’s ever-shifting tides. In this blog, we discuss what change is and offer guidance on how to best cope with it.

The Nature of Change

Change comes in a variety of forms, and in many cases is unannounced and unpredictable. Whether it’s a long-anticipated transition or an abrupt deviation from the norm, the emotional response it triggers can be intense and downright scary. Denial, resistance, fear, and anxiety are just a few of the emotions that can arise when confronted with change. Understanding the nature of these emotions and acknowledging them is the first step toward healthy coping.

Types of Change

Recognizing the different types of change can empower us to better cope and adapt. From planned changes to hurdles thrown our way, here are some common types of change that we encounter throughout our lives:

  • Planned Changes: These are the kinds of changes that we anticipate and consciously decide to make. Examples of this include changing careers or moving to a new city. While planned changes do offer a sense of control, they still require a good amount of adjustment and coping as we step into this new phase.
  • Transitions: Transitions are life events that mark a relatively large shift in our roles or identities. This could be becoming a parent, retiring from a long career, or marriage. Transitions often bring mixed emotions, as we say goodbye to one chapter while preparing for the next.
  • Unexpected Changes: Life has a way of throwing curveballs, usually when we least expect them. A sudden job loss or a relationship breakup are examples of unexpected changes that can be particularly challenging to cope with. These changes can trigger emotions like shock, disbelief, grief, and anxiety.
  • Developmental Changes: Developmental changes are simply the natural progressions we go through as we age. These changes might be physical, emotional, or psychological. Puberty, adulthood, midlife crisis, and entering the elderly stage of life are all examples of developmental changes that require us to adjust our self-concept and adapt to new realities.
  • Organizational Changes: In the professional space, organizations often change restructurings or leadership transitions. These changes can impact job roles, team dynamics, and work processes, making an impact on everyone. Coping with organizational changes involves not only individual adaptation but also navigating the dynamics of the larger group.
  • Cultural and Societal Changes: As societies evolve, cultural norms and values shift, sometimes leading to some major societal changes. Adapting to changing social dynamics or shifts in political landscapes can challenge our beliefs and perspectives, which is often uncomfortable.
  • Environmental Changes: Environmental changes, like natural disasters or climate-related shifts, often have profound effects on our lives. These changes require quick adjustments and resilience as we navigate immediate disruptions and work toward rebuilding. It can also be scary to not have any control over the situation.
  • Personal Changes: Personal growth and self-improvement are ongoing journeys that involve intentional changes for the better. Taking up a new hobby or pursuing a healthier lifestyle are just a few examples of personal changes that contribute to our betterment.

Understanding the specific type of change we’re facing can influence how we approach coping strategies. For planned changes, we might benefit from careful planning and goal setting. Unexpected changes might require more immediate stress-management techniques and a strong support network. Developmental changes, on the other hand, can be eased by self-reflection and seeking guidance from mentors. Organizational changes might call for effective communication and team-building skills.

Types of Coping
  • Problem-Focused: This approach directly tackles the root cause of distress. It involves methods like active problem-solving, planning, exercising restraint, and putting aside competing activities.
  • Emotion-Focused: Techniques such as positive reinterpretation, acceptance, finding solace in religion, and employing humor fall into this category.
  • Meaning-Focused: Individuals utilizing this approach employ cognitive strategies to discern and manage the significance of the situation, finding ways to make it meaningful and understandable.
  • Social Support-Seeking: This category involves seeking solace and assistance from one’s community to alleviate stress, whether through emotional support or practical assistance.

Embracing the Unknown: At the heart of coping with change lies the ability to embrace the unknown and walk forward with confidence. The uncertainty that accompanies change can be unsettling, yet it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. Viewing change as a chance to learn and broaden our horizons can shift our perspective from fear to curiosity. This shift paves the way for resilience and adaptation.

Maintaining Perspective: When faced with larger changes, it’s easy to become fixated on the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. Maintaining perspective allows us to see beyond the immediate challenges and envision the potential positive outcomes that change can bring. Reflecting on past experiences of change can provide a roadmap of how we navigated similar situations and emerged stronger.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Coping with change requires a willingness to be flexible and adaptable. We must be open to bending our plans and expectations, as this is often required of us. Flexibility doesn’t imply giving up on our goals; instead, it suggests finding new routes to reach them. This ability to pivot and adjust is a hallmark of resilience.

Building Up Resilience: Resilience is the cornerstone of effective coping. It’s the capacity to bounce back from adversity, to find strength amidst challenges, and to use setbacks as steppingstones toward personal growth. Resilience isn’t an innate trait but a skill that can be honed through practice. Building a support network of friends or family can provide valuable resources when facing change.

Focus on Self-Care: During times of change, self-care becomes even more important. Taking part in activities that nourish the body and mind helps us manage stress and feel all around better. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, mindfulness practices, and adequate sleep create a strong foundation for coping with change. These practices not only enhance our ability to adapt but also boost our quality of life, making everything easier to handle.

Master Mindfulness: Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for coping with change, though it is an art that requires practice. Ultimately, it allows us to observe our thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them, creating a sense of inner calm and clarity. Mindfulness enables us to respond to change with intention rather than react out of fear or resistance.

Be Realistic: Change often comes with a learning curve, and setting realistic expectations for ourselves is crucial for minimizing frustration. It’s okay to acknowledge that there might be challenges along the way and that not everything will go as planned. By letting go of the need for perfection and embracing a growth mindset, we create space for self-compassion and a more patient approach to our journey through change.

Seek the Help of a Professional: In some instances, the magnitude of change can feel too overwhelming, and coping might require the help of a professional. Therapists, counselors, or other specialized professionals can provide insights and tools for navigating change, especially when dealing with complex emotions or traumatic experiences. Seeking help is always a sign of strength and a proactive step toward effective coping.

Look For Meaning and Opportunity: Amidst the inevitable turbulence of change, there lies the potential for finding deeper meaning and opportunities. Change often prompts us to reevaluate our priorities and realign our paths with what is best for us both now and in the future. Reframing change as a catalyst for personal growth allows us to harness its energy to create a more balanced and healthy life.

 

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

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How to Keep Your Cool When Things Get Heated https://mhthrive.com/how-to-keep-your-cool-when-things-get-heated/ https://mhthrive.com/how-to-keep-your-cool-when-things-get-heated/#respond Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:07:13 +0000 https://mhthrive.com/?p=3067 In the heat of the moment, many people throw all regard for their composure out the window. This is commonly seen in conflict with parents, family, and even colleagues. Unfortunately, when this happens, irreparable damage can sometimes be done. This is just one of many reasons why keeping your composure is such an important ability […]

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In the heat of the moment, many people throw all regard for their composure out the window. This is commonly seen in conflict with parents, family, and even colleagues. Unfortunately, when this happens, irreparable damage can sometimes be done. This is just one of many reasons why keeping your composure is such an important ability to have. 

Whether it’s dealing with daily stresses, unexpected challenges, or conflicts with loved ones, the power to stay calm can lead to better-improved relationships and a more peaceful state of mind. In this blog, we explore common situations that require a cool demeanor, and coping strategies for managing frustration and anger, and provide eight practical tips for maintaining your composure.

Common Situations That Require a Cool Demeanor

Life is rife with situations that can test even the most composed individuals. From traffic jams and work deadlines to disagreements with friends or family members, our ability to keep our cool can be challenged regularly. 

Plus, unexpected emergencies and crises that occasionally pop up can trigger intense emotional reactions as well. Recognizing these situations as opportunities for growth rather than as threats to our peace of mind is the first step towards maintaining a calm demeanor in any situation.

  • Situations with Family
  • Workplace Conflict
  • Romantic Conflict
  • Interactions with Strangers
The Science Behind Keeping Calm

Understanding the science behind our emotional responses can empower us to regulate our reactions more effectively. When we encounter inevitable stressful situations, the brain’s amygdala triggers the “fight or flight” response, flooding our system with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. 

However, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, can counteract this response when put into action. We can engage the prefrontal cortex via techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and positive self-talk. This way, we can intentionally induce a calmer state of mind.

8 Tips to Control the Situation
  • Don’t Feed the Fire: For heated scenarios with those we love, we often know exactly what to say to either trigger them or make them more upset. As tempting as it may be to let one of those comments fly, avoid doing so at all costs. This will only cause the situation to escalate and will create even more stress than there was to begin with.
  • Avoid Finger Pointing: Accountability is the best way to win over someone on the opposing side of an argument. Taking responsibility for any part that you may have played can quickly settle the other person. It makes it feel less like a blame game and more like a conversation. This is also important for your self-development, as taking accountability is an important skill to have.
  • Remain Neutral: If you find yourself in a situation where there are more than just two people involved, refrain from taking any one person’s side. This causes the isolated person to immediately become defensive, thereby worsening the situation. Even if you feel internally that one person is in the right, keep it to yourself for the time being.
  • Use Visualization: It might be helpful for you to imagine a calm and serene place when you feel stressed out by conflict. An example of this might be the ocean or your favorite hilltop view. This can help you mentally detach from the situation at hand. Just be careful not to do this mid-conversation as it could cause an angry response from the other person.
  • Refrain From Using Passive-Aggressive Statements: Most people can pick up on these kinds of comments quickly, and very few respond well to them. When you are already dealing with a heated situation, this is one of the worst things you can do.
  • Keep Your Facial Expressions in Check: Eye rolling and brow arching are two ways that we can quickly communicate how upset we are feeling in the moment. Other people see this and may become further enraged in most cases. Be mindful of how you come across to others. 
  • Keep Communication at a Minimum: If you find that there is just no way that you can calm down in the moment, walk away and hold your tongue until you are less upset. Forcing yourself to communicate in the moment might worsen the situation and cause you to say something you do not mean or will regret later.
  • Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Regardless of the specifics of the scenario, empathy always goes a long way. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes can help you understand where they might be coming from. You still might not agree with them, but it will at least give you insight into where their head is at.
Tips Especially for Parents of Teenagers

Parenting teenagers is often a rollercoaster of conflict and emotions, requiring an extra dose of composure at times. Ultimately, experiencing this conflict is normal and healthy in many situations. Teenagers are experiencing a new level of autonomy as they prepare to enter adulthood. With this, they often feel the desire to push back regarding rules and boundaries. While this can be hard to deal with, there are some strategies you can use to help guide you through this challenging phase of life.

  • Listen Actively: Pay attention to your teenager’s concerns and feelings without immediately offering solutions. Sometimes, they just need a listening ear without the added advice.
  • Pick And Choose Your Battles: Not every issue needs to become a major confrontation. Decide what truly matters and let go of minor disagreements. This will save you both time and energy.
  • Use The Golden Rule: Treat them the way that you want to be treated by them. You can do this by modeling the behavior you wish to see in your teenager. For example, if you are requesting that they speak to you in a calm tone, be sure to begin conversations with a calm tone as well. If you demonstrate effective communication, they are more likely to learn from your example.
  • Allow Them to Be Independent Within Reason: Allow your teenager to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. This allows them to learn a sense of responsibility and autonomy.
  • Be in the Know: Keep up with their social circles and online activities so that you can effectively guide them. This will help you understand their world and provide better guidance. Arbitrary advice is rarely helpful for teens as they are in a more self-centered phase of life. If the advice can be directly related to their current situation, they are more likely to internalize it.
  • Apologize When Necessary: If you lose your temper, don’t hesitate to apologize. It teaches your teenager the importance of accountability and humility.

Maintaining a cool demeanor in the face of challenges is a skill that can be cultivated through understanding and adopting practical strategies. Whether you’re dealing with everyday annoyances or navigating the complexities of parenting teenagers, these tips can help you stay calm and make better decisions in the moment. At the end of the day, it’s not about avoiding difficult situations, but about building the resilience to face them with composure.

 

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

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