The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Therapy as a Nigerian: Benefits, Procedures and Types of Therapy.
Therapy is not a common practice in Nigeria due to certain misconceptions many people have about it. However as mental health awareness continues to increase in the country, the importance of therapy cannot be overemphasized.
In this article, we will try to provide you with necessary information about therapy that will help you understand it better and hopefully break the mystery surrounding it.
This article examines the concept of therapy, the benefits it brings as well as its procedures and types.
What is Therapy?
In this context, therapy is a process of meeting with someone, who is usually a therapist with the aim of discussing and resolving mental and emotional issues. It is a safe and confidential verbal discussion with a trained therapist, psychologist, counselor etc., to discuss things you’re worried about or struggling with.
In short, therapy is a talk-based treatment used to treat mental and psychological conditions. It is also known as Psychotherapy or Talk therapy.
Purpose of Therapy
The true purpose of therapy is to analyze the ‘WHY’ behind certain feelings and emotions with the aim of resolving them and coming to a conclusion.
You don’t just go to therapy to talk. You go with a purpose to heal and resolve your mental and psychological issues.
Can Anyone Go for Therapy?
Anyone can undergo therapy. Your age or experience has no bearing on whether you’re fit to go for therapy.
Even children can go for therapy. Therapy is a way to take care of the emotional and mental state of a person.
It benefits both adults and children.
Do You Need Therapy?
You don’t need a doctor or anyone to refer you for therapy. You may decide to undergo therapy for any reason if you feel you have a psychological, emotional or mental issue you need to resolve.
However, the American Psychological Association suggested two factors you should consider before deciding to go for therapy. They are:
- Is the problem distressing i.e. is the problem affecting your quality of life? Are you spending a lot of time thinking or worrying about the issue?
- Is it affecting any aspect of your life? Is the problem interfering with a part of your life?
NOTE: These are just factors you might consider. Choosing to seek therapy is a personal decision that only you can make.
11 Signs It Might be Time to Consider Therapy
- You’re dealing with anxiety and depressions symptoms.
- You’re finding it hard to cope with daily stress.
- You can’t function properly at work.
- You’re having trouble sleeping.
- You’re always feeling down or tired.
- You have lost interest in things you used to enjoy in the past.
- You’re on the brink of making a life-changing decision.
- You think a lot about death and self-harm.
- You’re abusing drugs and alcohol.
- You’re experiencing serious and persistent mood swings.
- You find it difficult to control your emotions.
Remember, these are just likely signs you should go for therapy. At the end of the day, the decision to seek therapy is in your hands.
9 Major Benefits that Therapy Bring to Your Life.
Therapy has a lot of impact on your overall wellbeing. If you do decide to go for therapy, here are 9 benefits you’ll enjoy:
- It will help you treat and resolve your mental and psychological problems.
- It will help you manage and reduce stress in the workplace and society.
- It will help you address and reduce anxiety.
- It will help you regulate your emotions.
- It will help you build resilience and cope with life challenges.
- It will help you get clarity and find your purpose.
- It will help you develop and maintain better and healthy relationships.
- It will help you become more productive at work.
- It will teach and help you set healthy boundaries.
10 Types of Therapy Techniques/Procedures
There are several types of therapy techniques a therapist can employ in treating your mental health issue.
It is usually the therapist who decides which procedure to use in your treatment. He/she considers the various type of therapy procedures and chooses the most suitable for your condition.
Here are 10 of the most commonly used therapy procedures:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT)
- Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R).
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Therapy (T-F CBT).
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy.
- Humanistic Therapy.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
- Art Therapy.
A brief explanation of 3 of these procedures:
This is the most common and effective therapy approach. It is aimed at helping individuals handle their problems by changing the way they think and act.
It is guided by the principles that our thinking patterns affect our behavior. It involves a series of activities aimed at helping you to identify and reevaluate your negative thoughts and behaviors as well as proffer solutions to change them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on addressing your present challenges and not past events.
It is commonly used to address problems like depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, insomnia etc.
This is an extension of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Although it combines the principles of CBT, it takes a more active role in the recovery process.
In this procedure, you are guided to find your most meaningful and motivating desires and then taught to take actions that will help you achieve those desires or aspirations. In short, it is a person-centered recovery approach.
This approach is used to treat mental health conditions like depression, substance use disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) etc.
It addresses not just your symptoms but the underlying reasons for it.
As the name implies, it is a type of treatment used to help individuals who have experienced traumatic experiences in their life. It helps you cope with the aftermaths of trauma.
This procedure helps you identify unhealthy thoughts and responses caused by trauma and guides you in replacing them with healthier thoughts and responses.
Through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, you’re able to process traumatic events, manage its effects and control your reactions to triggers.
This type of therapy procedure is mainly used to treat trauma related conditions.
It also helps parents and families of children with trauma understand and support their children’s situations.
6 Types of Therapy
There are 6 major types therapy which are:
- Individual therapy.
- Couples Therapy.
- Family Therapy.
- Group Therapy.
- Face to Face Therapy
- Online Therapy.
Individual Therapy
This is a therapy where you’re the only person receiving therapy at a time and the therapy process is customized to your needs alone. It is a one on one session with your therapist.
This process is confidential and helps your therapist to have a more thorough understanding of your issues to proffer appropriate solutions.
However, a major downside of this type of therapy is that there is no one to motivate or help you stay committed since you're alone in the therapeutic process.
Couples Therapy
This therapy only involves two sets of people -the couple and their therapist. It is usually aimed at helping couples address sources of conflicts in their relationships to improve communication and strengthen their emotional connection.
It helps to analyze negative patterns and cycles in the relationship and improve relationship satisfaction.
It also helps to rebuild trust after a breach of trust has occurred e.g after cheating.
A major disadvantage of couple’s therapy is that couples may be reluctant to participate and this might affect the success of the therapy process.
Family Therapy
This therapy focuses on understanding and addressing changes in the family, improving communication as well as settling conflicts.
It is used to address challenges relating to parenting, blended families, intergenerational conflicts etc.
This therapy helps to create harmonious and healthy family relationships. It also helps to support parent-child bonds and promote unity.
A major disadvantage of family therapy is that it can be a time consuming, challenging and uncomfortable process for all parties.
Group Therapy
This involves a small group of people usually between 6-12, coming together to be guided by one or more therapist. These group system is focused on shared experiences and mutual support among group members.
Since individuals are together, each person is more committed and motivated to the process.
A major disadvantage of this type of procedure is that confidentiality and privacy can easily be compromised since individuals are made to share their personal experiences.
Group therapy is mainly used to treat substance abuse, addiction recovery and generally any condition that is likely to benefit from peer support and shared experiences.
Online Therapy
This is also known as tele therapy or telehealth. With the advancements in technology, online therapy is quickly becoming popular around the world.
Here, you undergo therapy from your home, work or any place of your choice.
This therapy is usually carried out on video platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype etc. or through phone calls.
Online therapy benefits individuals who live in rural or remote environments. It also allows individuals with physical limitations access mental health care.
Despite its many benefits, online therapy faces privacy and confidential challenges. Since, it is done online, your personal information can easily be leaked.
Also, online therapy is not as thorough as face to face therapy as therapists can only assess facial expressions and not body language.
Face to Face Therapy
This is also known as in-person therapy or traditional therapy. Here, you meet with your therapist face to face i.e in a physical setting e.g. an office, clinic etc.
This therapy is more thorough and effective as therapists can not only observe facial expressions but also body language in addressing clients’ needs.
This type of therapy is less flexible in scheduling sessions and is costlier due to transport challenges and expenses.
5 Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Any Type of Therapy
Below are 5 key considerations you must think about selecting the type of therapy that best suits your needs. They are:
- Your specific goal.
- Your financial Capability.
- Your schedule or time.
- Your location.
- Your personal preferences.
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Your Specific Goal
The issue you want to solve determines the kind of therapy you choose.
For example, is your goal for therapy to manage stress and anxiety or settle conflicts in your family? Are you going for therapy to recover from a past traumatic experience or is it to regulate your emotions?
Knowing the goals that you want to achieve with therapy will help you decide what type of therapy to choose.
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Your Financial Capability
You must determine your budget for therapy before you choose the type of therapy you want. You must find out how much a type of therapy cost before you decide to go for it.
Mycarebuddy recognizes that your financial capabilities varies which is why we offer budget-friendly payments options.
You can check out those options here
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Your Schedule
In choosing the right therapy, you must consider your schedule and free time. Are you busy in the day or at night? Are you free on the weekends or on workdays?
For example, if you don’t have time to meet a therapist physically, you might decide to consider online therapy which is more convenient.
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Your Location
Your location will determine the type of therapy to choose.
For example, it will determine if you want online or offline therapy.
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Your Personal Preferences
Your personal preference matters a lot in choosing the right therapy for yourself.
Do you prefer face to face or online therapy? Is confidentiality a major requirement for you?
These questions and many more will need to be answered before you choose any type of therapy.
Conclusion
Therapy is a major treatment in resolving mental, emotional and psychological conditions and issues.
Choosing the right therapist is even more important to ensure you enjoy all the benefits that therapy has to offer.
Ready to find an empathetic therapist that really cares about your mental health? Mycarebuddy is the best place to start. Our therapists are highly qualified and experienced in addressing various aspects of mental health.
Celebrating Fatherhood: Four Ways We Can Support the Mental Health of our Fathers
On Sunday June 16, the world celebrated Father's Day, a day dedicated to honoring, appreciating and expressing love to fathers everywhere in the world. As a result, a lot of people sent messages and gifts to their fathers in honor of Father's Day.
Unfortunately, this show of love and appreciation to fathers would not be done again until the next Father's Day.
Fatherhood is not a day's job. It comes with a lot of duties and responsibilities which sometimes take a huge toll on the mental health of fathers. So, in this blog, we will be exploring some challenges that comes with fatherhood and how we can support the mental health of our fathers.
Understanding the Challenges of Fatherhood
Fathers bear a lot of responsibilities in parenting. They bear the burden of providing financial and emotional support to their families regularly. Unfortunately, due to the stereotypes of society that men should not rely on anyone, a lot of fathers work hard at the expense of their mental health trying to meet these unhealthy expectations.
Some of the challenges of fatherhood include:
Financial Responsibilities
One of the biggest challenges of fathers come with bearing all the financial burden of their family. They pay for food, education and other family needs. The pressure to be the breadwinner at all costs causes a lot of stress and anxiety for them. In a society where men are taught not to rely on others or seek help, this responsibility can be very overwhelming.
Emotional Responsibilities
Fathers are expected to be the emotional backbone of their family at all times. They must not be scared, weak or vulnerable. This is why many men struggle to connect emotionally with their family. They have been forced by society to be 'powerful' and ‘stoic’ at all times.
Four Ways We Can Support the Mental Wellbeing of Our Fathers
Fathers always bear the burden of the provider and protector in a family and this pressure places a heavy burden on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Since men are not allowed to seek help or express their feelings, they internalize it and this impacts their mental health negatively. This also explains why incidents like suicide, addiction, alcoholism is more common amongst men. Here are a few ways we can support the mental health of our fathers:
1. Encourage them to express their feelings and emotions: Let us create a safe space in our family where fathers feel comfortable about being vulnerable and honest about their feelings and emotions.
- Stress Balls: which can be used at work or at home when he feels stressed or anxious.
- Affirmation Cards: which would help to boost his mood and confidence.
- Mindful Journals: where he can express his emotions and thoughts.
- Eating balanced diet.
- Regularly exercising.
- Getting adequate sleep.
- Stopping or reducing alcohol intake.
- Quitting or reducing smoking.
Also, encourage them to take time to care for their mental health.
4. Offer Practical Support: This is one of the best ways to support the mental wellbeing of our fathers. By sharing responsibilities especially financial responsibilities, we can lighten their burden.
Conclusion
How Can Employers Support the Mental Health of Their Male Employees
Studies have shown that the biggest cause of mental health issues in the lives of men is their work. This comes right before their finances and health Society's expectations have led men to think that they must be the sole breadwinner of the family and that they cannot rely on others. The efforts to bear this burden has led men to be so obsessed with their work and this has affected their physical and mental well-being negatively.
male employees and how you can help them.
Importance of Prioritizing the Mental health of Your Male Employees
environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
How can You Support the Mental Health of Your Male Employees?
- Encourage then to take time-off and take breaks.
- Offer flexible work arrangements.
- Set defined work hours.
- Do not assign tasks to employees outside work hours.
5. Provide mental health resources to your male employees: Unfortunately, the mental health of men is not as documented compared to women. So, one way to support the mental well-being of your male employees is by providing them with books, articles, videos about men's mental health.
You can start a newsletter for your male employees where they receive mental health resources that creates awareness and helps them to care for their mental health.
6. Open communication: The stigma around the discussion of men's mental health must be removed.
8 Practical Steps to Support the Mental Health of the Men in Your Life
The mental health of our fathers, partners, sons, brothers and male friends matter so we must learn how we can support them.
Note: These signs and symptoms are only a few of the ways to tell if a man is
suffering from any mental health issues. They also vary depending on each person.
8 Practical Steps to Support the Mental Health of the Men in your life.
1. Educate yourself: Before you can support the mental health of the men in your life, you must understand how society's expectations of men have negatively affected men's mental health. Understanding and educating yourself will guide you on how you can care for them.
2. Check up on them regularly: Unfortunately, due to gender stereotypes, men are often expected to be strong and always in control. So, even when they experience mental health issues, they are less likely to tell anyone. This is why you must intentionally check up on them. Ask about their wellbeing. Call them and let them know you care. If you discover that they are withdrawing or distancing themselves, reach out and encourage then to talk.
3. Listen without judgement; This is very important because men hardly talk about their emotions and even when they do so, it tends to be downplayed or not taken seriously. So, you must learn to listen to them. Don't laugh or mock them when they open themselves to you. Listen genuinely with care and compassion.
4. Encourage open conversations: Research has shown that men are less likely to talk about their mental well-being compared to women. So, if they want to talk about their mental health, listen and be open to such conversations. Do not make them feel embarrassed. Normalize having discussions about mental health and mental well-being around you. This is very important
especially for couples and partners.
5. Stop and reduce the use of words and actions that perpetuate toxic masculinity: There are certain words that we say to men that reinforce society's stereotypes. These words encourage men to suppress their emotions and focus on being strong and dominant
even at the cost of their mental wellbeing
- "Be a man"
- "Are you a woman?"
- “Real men don't cry'"
There are also actions that many of us subconsciously do that promotes toxic masculinity
such as:
- Mocking men when they cry.
- Encouraging men to be aggressive and labeling them weak when they choose not to.
- Expecting men to be the sole breadwinner and to always bear the burden even if it is
affecting their mental health.
Also, media and television shows that mocks men that are vulnerable must also be controlled.
6. Urge them to take time to care of themselves: Some men hardly prioritize self-care as they believe it is a sign of weakness. So, you must encourage them to take time to care for their mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Talk to them about their feelings. Encourage them to take time for their own needs. Encourage to eat healthy, let them know it's okay to relax or want to take a break. However, you must also respect their boundaries and not pressure them.
7. Be patient and supportive: Men have been fed lies on how they must be strong, independent, rely on nobody, bear the burden alone etc., since birth. You cannot expect that those views will suddenly change. What you can do is to offer consistent and patient support and encouragement. Let them know you are always ready to listen to them and offer support where
needed.
8. Encourage them to seek professional assistance: Since birth, men have been inundated with words and actions that they can only rely on themselves and cannot seek help. It is therefore very important that you help them know the numerous benefits of seeking professional help and encourage them to seek assistance from mental health professionals like therapists and counsellors.
Conclusion
The mental health of every man matters. Let us try to support and prioritize the mental wellbeing of our sons, fathers, husbands, brothers, male friends and co-workers etc.
6 Ways To Prioritize Your Mental Health as a Man
Accept that it is okay to ask for assistance. Understand that it is okay to ask for help. Accept that it is okay to open yourself to others. Understand that it is okay to admit that you can't do it alone.
3. Learn to strike a positive work-life balance: Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of men's mental health issues is work. The need to prove themselves in line with society's expectations that men are strong, dominant and can do all things is seriously affecting the mental health of the men in our society today. This is why many are so obsessed with their work and
have allowed it to consume them at the expense of their physical and mental wellbeing. It is therefore important that you learn to take breaks from your work. Take time for your self- care. Stop trying to meet society's expectations at the risk of your own mental health.
4. Make positive lifestyle changes: A good way to prioritize your mental health as a man is to make healthy and beneficial lifestyle changes for yourself. Some of such lifestyle changes include:
- Partaking in activities that helps you to relax like exercise, sports, meditation etc.
- Getting quality sleep.
- Stop or limit your use of alcohol and drugs.
- Making healthy meal choices.
5. Cultivate healthy relationships: Surround yourself with people that truly care about your mental health. Move with people that support and respect your feelings and emotions. Move with people that validate your emotions not downplay them. Be with people that accept you and make it okay to for you to say ‘I am not fine.’
Reduce your interactions with people who say words that reflect toxic masculinity like: 'Be a man.' 'Real men don't cry.' ''African men no dey cry.'
6. Talk to a therapist: Many men do not know how to be vulnerable. They are afraid to tell others about their feelings or emotions in order not to appear 'weak'. Therefore, you may need the help of a therapist to guide you in expressing your feelings and being your most authentic self. Talking to a therapist would help you correct and overcome the effects of toxic mindsets and words you have heard for years.
5 Effective Ways You Can Manage Stress as a Working Nigerian Student
Student life can be very hectic especially as a student who has to learn how to strike a balance between academic life and social life. It is even more overwhelming if you are working and studying at the same time.
In this blog post, you will learn 5 effective ways you can handle stress as a working Nigerian student.
1. Daily Goal Setting: This is an effective way to manage and reduce stress as a working Nigeria student. By listing out your goals for the day, you are able to focus more, manage your time and handle your school responsibilities and work duties better.
How to Set Daily Goals:
- Get a journal.
- Identify your priorities.
- Set specific and realistic goals.
- Allocate time for carrying out those goals.
- Stay consistent.
- Be flexible and willing to adjust when the need arises.
2. Quality Sleep: Sleeping well is another effective way of handling stress from working and studying at the same time. Getting enough quality sleep helps you to concentrate, energizes you and improves your mood. However, not getting enough sleep will not only affect you physically but mentally, ultimately leaving you more stressed out.
How to ensure you sleep better:
- Create a sleep routine or schedule.
- Limit the use of your phone at night.
- Invest in budget-friendly yet quality mattress and pillows.
- Reduce noise/sounds during bedtime.
Some of them include:
- Going for morning/evening walks.
- Taking the stairs.
- Stretching during study/work breaks.
- Riding/Walking to work or classes.
4. Balanced Diet: Eating regular balanced meals will help you to work better and concentrate. It will also energize you and reduce your stress levels. Unfortunately, many Nigerian students prefer to eat junk foods or do not make time to eat enough.
To maintain a balanced diet:
- Eat more vegetables and fruits.
- Drink water regularly.
- Reduce the amount of junk food you eat.
5. Seeking Professional Support and Counseling: It can very overwhelming trying to handle school life and work as well. Therefore, it is good to meet with counsellors and therapists where you can pour out your feelings and emotions and get encouragements and directions on how to cope.
Here are 3 things you must consider when choosing a therapist/counsellor:
- Are they licensed/accredited professionals?
- Do they allow flexible therapy options like online therapy?
- Is it affordable?
Conclusion
Handling your school life alongside trying to make ends meet can place a lot of burden on your mental state and leave you stressed out. But through daily goal setting, regular exercise, quality sleep, healthy eating and seeking professional support, you will be more equipped to manage and reduce those pressures.
Understanding Mental Health Challenges Across Different Groups
status. In this article, we explore the unique mental health challenges faced by specific groups, shedding light on the significance of awareness, understanding, and support.
Children navigate a complex world filled with new experiences, challenges, and emotions. Although childhood is often seen as carefree, many young ones encounter mental health difficulties that require attention and support. From anxiety and depression
to behavioral disorders, children face a range of problems that can impact their emotional and psychological well-being. Factors such as family dynamics, academic pressure, bullying, change, and societal expectations can exacerbate these issues. Early intervention, open communication, and access to mental health resources are crucial in supporting the mental well-being of children. Mycarebuddy for kids provides the ideal environment to cater to your kids' mental health needs.
As students transition from adolescence to adulthood, they have to cope with academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal growth. Unfortunately, stress, anxiety, and depression have become prevalent among students, and these issues are fueled by factors like academic competition, financial strain, peer pressure, and societal expectations.
Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and social life can take a toll on students' mental health, leading to burnout and feelings of inadequacy. To support the well-being of students, we need to promote a culture of self-care, reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues, and provide accessible mental health services on campuses.
The modern workplace can be stressful for employees who have to navigate high- pressure environments, demanding deadlines, and interpersonal dynamics. As a result, work-related stress, burnout, and job insecurity contribute significantly to mental health
issues among workers. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace often discourages employees from seeking help, leading to prolonged suffering and decreased productivity. Employers must, therefore, foster a supportive
work culture, implement stress management programs, and provide access to mental health resources to promote mental well-being. Our website, Mycarebuddy offers mental health resources for workers to help them achieve top productivity levels.
Relationships are essential, yet they can also be a source of significant stress and strain, particularly for couples facing mental health challenges. Communication breakdown, unresolved conflicts, and external stressors can impact the emotional well-being of partners, leading to feelings of isolation and resentment. Mental health issues within relationships often require open dialogue, empathy, and professional intervention to navigate effectively. Our Couples therapy, support groups, and healthy coping
mechanisms at Mycarebuddy can help strengthen relationships and promote mutual well- being.
Motherhood is a powerful journey that brings immense joy. However, it can also lead to significant mental health challenges, especially for new mothers. These challenges may include postpartum depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. New moms navigate through hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the pressures of caregiving. They also face the societal expectation of maternal perfectionism and the pressure to "bounce back", which can exacerbate these challenges and leave them feeling overwhelmed and isolated. To help new mothers prioritize their mental well-being, it's crucial to have peer support networks,
counselling services, and maternal mental health initiatives available. Mycarebuddy’s New Mom Meal Plan is an excellent initiative that provides proper dieting, which is crucial for new moms.
relationships often require open dialogue, empathy, and professional intervention to
navigate effectively. Our Couples therapy, support groups, and healthy coping
mechanisms at Mycarebuddy can help strengthen relationships and promote mutual well-
being.
5. New Moms:
Motherhood is a powerful journey that brings immense joy. However, it can also lead to
significant mental health challenges, especially for new mothers. These challenges may
include postpartum depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. New moms navigate
through hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the pressures of caregiving. They also face
the societal expectation of maternal perfectionism and the pressure to "bounce back", which
can exacerbate these challenges and leave them feeling overwhelmed and isolated. To help
new mothers prioritize their mental well-being, it's crucial to have peer support networks,
counselling services, and maternal mental health initiatives available. Mycarebuddy’s New
Mom Meal Plan is an excellent initiative that provides proper dieting, which is crucial for
new moms.
It's important to understand that mental health challenges can affect individuals at various
stages of life and circumstances. When we understand the unique struggles faced by different
groups, we can foster empathy, reduce stigma, and promote a culture of support and
acceptance. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize mental health awareness, access to resources,
and community-based initiatives to ensure that everyone receives the support they need to
thrive mentally and emotionally.
Art Therapy for Mental Wellness
Humans possess an innate ability to be creative. When we can harness this creativity, it has the potential to bring us inner peace and clarity of mind. Art therapy is an effective way of expressing ourselves that blends psychology with creativity, providing an effective means of emotional release, self-discovery, and mental well-being. Some examples of artistic therapeutic outlets include:
1. Art Painting
Painting is a powerful tool for emotional release and self-exploration. Individuals can express their intangible emotions through art by applying colors to a canvas, creating tangible works of art. Each stroke of the brush, whether it's abstract splatters or intricate brushstrokes, carries a narrative, reflecting the artist's journey towards healing and self-discovery. For many, painting offers liberation from the constraints of language, enabling them to express complex emotions that may otherwise remain unspoken.
2. Poetry
Poetry has been revered as a means of self-expression and introspection, thanks to its rhythmic cadence and lyrical beauty. In art therapy, poetry serves as a poignant medium for individuals to articulate their innermost thoughts and feelings with poetic precision. Regardless of the form, whether through free verse or structured poetry, individuals can weave words into verses to craft narratives that capture the essence of their lived experiences. Poetry offers a safe haven, allowing individuals to confront their emotions head-on, transforming chaos into coherence and pain into poetry
3. Writing
Writing is a powerful tool that can help individuals in art therapy to express themselves and transform their experiences. Whether it's in the form of reflective writing, storytelling or journaling, writing provides a platform for people to document their inner worlds, aspirations, and dreams. Through writing, individuals can make sense of their emotions, experiences, and thoughts, and chart a path towards healing and self-discovery. By chronicling their journey on paper, individuals can bear witness to their own resilience and strength, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency in the face of adversity. If you're interested in starting your own mental wellness journey, Mycarebuddy offers affordable mental wellness journals to help you
get started.
Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses various artistic mediums to help individuals achieve better mental health. By encouraging creativity as a way to express and explore themselves, people can navigate the complexities of their inner worlds and find healing, resilience, and empowerment. As we continue to recognize the profound impact of art therapy on mental wellness, let us embrace the power of creativity to catalyze personal growth, transformation, and healing.
Is Intentional Emotional Pain a Form of Self-Harm?
destructive behaviors. In the following discussion, we will delve deeper into this issue.
Emotional self-harm refers to the act of intentionally causing psychological distress or pain to oneself. This can manifest in various ways, such as engaging in negative self-talk, ruminating on past traumatic experiences, seeking out content that triggers negative emotions, engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors that perpetuate feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness, and enduring or remaining in relationships where one is not valued or respected. Unlike physical self-harm, emotional self-harm does not leave visible scars and can go unnoticed by others, which can make it more challenging to detect and address.
Unfortunately, some people have become so accustomed to these negative feelings that they begin to accept them as the norm and settle for less.
Overtime, this pain builds up and gradually affects the mindset of a person and subsequently their way of life and the decisions they make as they begin to feel negativity as the norm and positive spaces and situations as something they might never experience.
The topic of intentional emotional pain and whether it falls under the category of self-harm is a complex and ongoing debate. Although emotional self-harm doesn't result in a physical injury like other self-harming behaviors, it shares similar underlying mechanisms and consequences. Both types of self-harm involve a desire to alleviate emotional distress but through different means.
Emotional self-harm can be just as detrimental to one's mental health and well- being, if not worse, as it is harder to detect. It can lead to increased feelings of despair, isolation, and hopelessness.
Various reasons may contribute to the emergence and persistence of emotional self-harm behaviors. These reasons include past traumatic experiences, unresolved emotional problems, dysfunctional coping mechanisms, and underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder. Moreover, societal stigma regarding mental health, as well as a lack of comprehension or support, can intensify feelings of self-blame and shame, which can further worsen emotional self-harm tendencies.
Individuals who engage in emotional self-harm often find themselves in environments where they are not respected or acknowledged. They may also have close relationships with people who undermine their self-esteem and cause them to have a negative perception of themselves.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for these individuals to leave such situations, and they often go through life trying to please those who devalue them, which ultimately harms them.
Recognizing and addressing emotional self-harm requires a compassionate and holistic approach. This approach involves identifying underlying triggers and coping mechanisms, fostering self-awareness, and self-compassion, and developing healthier coping strategies. Therapy, particularly cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or acceptance
and commitment therapy (ACT), can be instrumental in helping individuals understand and modify their thought patterns and behaviors.
It's important to understand that self-harm can take different forms, not just physical harm. Emotional self-harm is when someone intentionally causes themselves psychological distress as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or as a form of self-punishment. This type of self-harm can be just as harmful as physical self-harm, but it's less visible. Getting support from mental health experts and undergoing therapy can help those who suffer from emotional self- harm. It can help them unlearn negative self-perceptions, build their self-worth and self-esteem, and learn ways to live more fulfilling lives. At Mycarebuddy, we're passionate about helping people become the best versions of themselves and live their lives free from external opinions and validation
personality disorder. Moreover, societal stigma regarding mental health, as well
as a lack of comprehension or support, can intensify feelings of self-blame and
shame, which can further worsen emotional self-harm tendencies.
5. Emotional Self-Harm and Relationships:
Individuals who engage in emotional self-harm often find themselves in
environments where they are not respected or acknowledged. They may
also have close relationships with people who undermine their self-esteem
and cause them to have a negative perception of themselves.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for these individuals to leave such
situations, and they often go through life trying to please those who
devalue them, which ultimately harms them.
6. Addressing Emotional Self-Harm:
Recognising and addressing emotional self-harm requires a compassionate and
holistic approach. This approach involves identifying underlying triggers and
coping mechanisms, fostering self-awareness, and self-compassion, and
developing healthier coping strategies. Therapy, particularly cognitive-
behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or acceptance
and commitment therapy (ACT), can be instrumental in helping individuals
understand and modify their thought patterns and behaviours.
Moreover, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel safe and
validated in expressing their emotions without judgment is essential. Education
and destigmatization efforts can also help raise awareness about the
complexities of self-harm, including emotional self-harm, and promote empathy
and understanding within communities.
It's important to understand that self-harm can take different forms, not just
physical harm. Emotional self-harm is when someone intentionally causes
themselves psychological distress as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions
or as a form of self-punishment. This type of self-harm can be just as harmful as
physical self-harm, but it's less visible. Getting support from mental health
experts and undergoing therapy can help those who suffer from emotional self-
harm. It can help them unlearn negative self-perceptions, build their self-worth
and self-esteem, and learn ways to live more fulfilling lives. At Mycarebuddy,
we're passionate about helping people become the best versions of themselves
Can Thyroid Complications Lead to Depression?
Thyroid disorders can impact overall health, including mental well-being, and one connection that has gained attention is the link between thyroid complications and depression. To ensure comprehensive care and management, it's essential to understand this relationship. Here are a few key things to note:
1. The thyroid gland is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism and many other important body functions. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of health problems, including depression.
2. Research has shown that people with certain thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, are more likely to experience depression than those without thyroid disorders.
Hypothyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and depression because the low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to changes in brain chemistry that affect mood.
3. Not everyone with hypothyroidism will experience depression, and depression can also be caused by many other factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors.
4. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive impairment, which are also common in depression. It can lead to
decreased serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of sadness and low mood. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and restlessness, which have the potential to imitate or worsen the symptoms of depression that a person may already be experiencing.
To improve overall outcomes and quality of life for patients, healthcare providers must address both the physical and emotional aspects of thyroid disorders. For individuals experiencing depression secondary to thyroid dysfunction, antidepressant medications and psychotherapy may be recommended alongside thyroid-specific treatments.
The relationship between thyroid complications and depression is complex. By raising awareness among patients and healthcare
professionals, we can better address the thyroid-depression link and provide individuals with the necessary support and treatment to achieve optimal well-being. Collaborating with mental health experts and educating others can help achieve holistic care that considers the interconnectedness of physical and mental health in managing thyroid disorders and depression. If you or anyone you know is battling with depression as a result of thyroid complications or any form of mental health-related issue, reach out to us at Mycarebuddy.