General Articles

Medically Reviewed By: Aaron Horn, LMFT, MA

Here, we offer some useful generalized information, including some important tidbits when selecting counselors and other important aspects of mental health you should read about. 

Checking If A Therapist Is Licensed

When selecting a therapist, it’s important to make sure they are licensed and you're getting the help they need. If you're going to a clinic or using a website where all the therapists are licensed, you don't need to worry about it. However, some people may seem suspicious who claim they are therapists. 

The best course of action is to ask. If they are licensed, they’ll show it. You can also do some online digging to figure it out. 

How Therapists Can Help 

Therapists can help with many aspects. For starters, they can help with addiction. Addiction is the physiological “need” for something in your life. It can be a chemical, a substance, an activity, or even another person. You don’t normally think of relationships as addicting, but you may know someone who can’t live without being in a relationship. If they break up with their partner, they aren’t single for very long. They may not be functional if they’re in a relationship. By realizing this, you may be able to get them the help they need. 

Then there is dependence and addiction These two words are seen as the same thing, and they have a lot of similarities but are a little bit different. Someone dependent on something may use it every day and need it to function, but it’s not dangerous. For instance, someone may be dependent on their meds. Addiction tends to be more dangerous, like alcohol addiction. 

Mental Health Awareness

Mental health awareness is always important, not just during May when Mental Health Awareness Month occurs. Mental health awareness involves the realization that mental illness is everywhere, and learning about it is part of the solution. It also involves looking for ways to help the less fortunate access mental healthcare. By being more aware, we can help treat others and live a more mentally healthy life.

Mindfulness Exercises 

Therapists know the impact that mindfulness activities can have on a person. Achieving mindfulness can help you be aware of the present and discard any past bad thoughts you may still be holding on to. You can use many activities to practice mindfulness. The body scan involves feeling your body from head to toe and exploring any dis-ease. Then, there is a nature walk. By focusing on the sights, smells, and sounds of nature can help you achieve mindfulness. 

Developing a Relationship on Love and Respect 

Having a relationship where you respect and love someone is a challenge, but it can be done. First, both people should focus on how their actions affect the emotions of the other person. Being aware of your impact on another being helps you to understand how you can connect with them. Respect is earned over time by being someone worthy of it. Sometimes, a relationship may not have either of these attributes. If that is the case, you should schedule an appointment with one of our licensed counselors to figure out your next step. 

Generation X

Gen X is indeed the forgotten generation. With today’s online discourse between the elderly baby boomers and Millennials, it can be hard to remember Gen X, the generation between the two. Their psychology and mindset are quite interesting and adapt a little bit of both the warring generations. 

What is a Sapiosexual?

A sapiosexual is someone who is sexually attracted to intelligence in other people. If someone comes across as intelligent, they might be attracted to him or her. Although many people view intelligence as good quality, sapiosexuals view it as a “turn on.”

Altruism 

Altruism is a higher-order trait. If you are truly altruistic, you put all other people ahead of yourself. You do everything you can to help your fellow human. Many people have altruistic traits, but only a few noteworthy individuals are holistically altruistic.  

Dunning-Kruger Effect

This effect is quite an interesting view of humanity. Essentially, the Dunning-Kruger effect is when someone thinks that they are more capable than they are. It’s a little bit different than just having confidence in your abilities. It’s when you are incapable, but you swear by your knowledge even in the face of failure and may blame others for your shortcomings. 

Misogyny 

Misogyny is a word you may have heard quite a bit recently. Essentially, misogyny is the prejudice or contempt of women. What exactly entails misogyny is up for debate. Some believe a misogynist hates all types of women, while others may think that disliking a certain type of woman is a misogynist. 

Being Highly Sensitive 

What does it mean to be highly sensitive? Some people are more sensitive than others, and the topic of sensitivity has been a hot debate. Someone highly sensitive may faint at the implication of violence and may not be able to handle the darker parts of life. Some sensitivity makes us human, but when it prevents you from functioning, that’s a problem. 

Synesthesia Disorder

Ever had a person who claimed they could hear images or smell colors? This may be a sign of synesthesia disorder. While not fully recognized, it’s an interesting study and it may inspire some creative people. 

Insecurity 

Sometimes, it can be hard for you to overcome your insecurities. Everyone is insecure about something. Even the most confident person may have a weakness or two. However, someone who is overly insecure may not be able to achieve their dreams because of something that scares them. 

Someone with insecurity may try to fix it. If they’re insecure about their weight, they may go on a diet. However, there is such a thing as being too insecure. For instance, one may never be satisfied with their weight. In a case like that, seeking help is important. Insecurity can deeply affect your relationships with others and even yourself.

These articles will help you learn general tips about mental health, and there is so much more that we have to offer. Mental health encompasses a lot of different subjects, and you can see here just how far it spans.