Trauma. What is trauma? How does it affect us? Trauma can be defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Most people say their trauma is “not that bad” or “others have had it worse” and try to diminish their experience. A trauma can be anything from abuse to rejection. A break up can be trauma. Anything that is deeply distressing is a trauma. Sometimes people can go through trauma and grow from it but other times it may continue to impact them after it's over and potentially cause psychological distress. Trauma can affect our beliefs about self and the world. Someone who was abused may believe they are worthless, someone who was cheated on may think they are unlovable. They may also believe the world is not safe. Those beliefs can get stuck and continue to impact emotions and behavior. Sometimes people are impacted by nightmares or even flashbacks(feeling as though the trauma is happening although it isn't). Emotions are strongly impacted. Someone may be agitated and keyed up, struggle to concentrate, be irritable or angry. Being impacted by a past trauma is very normal. Humans have survived because they learn from the past. When we continue to perceive things as dangerous when they are actually safe it can become debilitating. If you are still being impacted by your past trauma, make an appointment today. I offer EMDR therapy which is the most studied and effective treatment for trauma.

Most people think of depression as a feeling. It affects both mood and body. Some may think of depression as feeling sad and others may think of it as feeling nothing. Depression is usually described as feeling empty or hopeless and often comes along with feeling worthless or guilty. Mood is also affected by an inability to concentrate or make decisions. Depression impacts other areas of life as well. Those who are depressed often stop enjoying activities they once did and get little pleasure from life. Depression can affect one's appetite. People who are depressed can experience a loss of appetite or an increase. Weight gain or loss usually comes along with the increase or decrease in appetite as well. Sleep is affected by depression. Just as appetite, it can significantly increase or decrease where one can’t sleep or is sleeping for long periods of time. An overall lack of energy throughout the day may be experienced as well. Someone who is depressed rarely experiences all of these symptoms. If you think you may be depressed feel free to reach out for help today and book an appointment.

It is painful when someone you loved and were in a relationship with moves on quickly after a break up. Quite often you ask yourself why and think if only you had that answer you would feel better....