The Negative Effects of Narcissism

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Narcissism is an excessive interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance. It is an extreme selfishness, with an exaggerated view of one’s own talents and a need for constant admiration. Narcissists have a hard time understanding the needs of others. They are constantly in need of compliments and attention from others, and feel that they are better than the rest. Narcissists tend to be delusional, and have an unhealthy view about themselves and about others. There are many negative effects of narcissism.  

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How to break a nervous habit

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What do biting your nails, clenching your jaw, and cracking your knuckles all have in common? They are all ways in which people release stress and ease their nerves. In a variety of nerve-wracking situations, an individual may subconsciously gain control of the situation by releasing some tension. Many times, the person doesn’t even realize they have a nervous habit. Here are some ways to help you break your nervous habit. 

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What is a hyponchrondriac?

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Hypochondria (also called hypochondriasis) is a mental illness in which individuals suffer from symptoms of a medical illness that cannot be explained as an actual physical disorder. People who suffer from hypochondria have anxiety about getting a disease or are convinced that they have a disease even though medical tests prove that they are perfectly healthy.  

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5 Ways to Reduce Anxiety

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Anxiety is a condition we all have to deal with at one point or another in our lives. It seems like during this time of year in particular, when the holidays roll around, our anxieties tend to rise. Today we’re going to talk about five ways you can reduce your anxiety level: 

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How do I know if I have OCD?

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Do you ever catch yourself checking to see if you turned off the oven—multiple times? Or do you have to do or keep everything in even numbers? Many of us have superstitions or specific ways that we do things, but how do you know if it’s really obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? 

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How can I tell if I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

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Patients often ask how they can differentiate between everyday stress and anxiety and something more serious. While the best advice is to schedule a consultation, there are a few things that can help you to determine whether you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD.


GAD is a pattern of frequent, constant worry and anxiety, even about everyday activities and events. Even when a person with GAD is aware that their worries are stronger than they should be, they may still have difficulty controlling them. Although this condition is common, its cause is still unknown. Biological and psychological factors play a role, but so do stressful situations or behavior learned over a lifetime. GAD can strike anyone at any age, but it occurs more frequently in women than in men:


Symptoms include:

  • Uncontrollable worrying
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping and fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Becoming easily startled and/or trembling
  • Sweating, nausea, diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle tension and aches

  • People with GAD may not feel this way 100% of the time, but they often complain of feelings of anxiety without an obvious reason.

    GAD is a chronic condition that requires treatment. Stressful events can always trigger GAD to flare up, so it’s important to seek help to learn about the various ways you can cope with it. You should see your doctor if your worrying is beginning to interfere with your work and relationships, if you feel depressed, or if you have mental health concerns. A physical exam and evaluation can help rule out other possibilities or causes of anxiety. The evaluation process typically includes a psychological exam and any additional tests your physician deems necessary. If you do have GAD, your symptoms will not likely go away on their own, and they may actually get worse.


    The experienced doctors and staff at Solace Counseling can help guide you through the process and get you started with anxiety treatment today.

     

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    3 Characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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    Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that is not caused by specific instances or a particular catalyst. This form of anxiety can be brought on simply by an exaggeration of a thought or situation. Below are some characteristics of this anxiety. 

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    3 Cures for Depression

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    Although not everyone needs medication for there depression, in many cases, it just requires some changes in daily routine to aid in improving your mood. Here are some things to do for depression: 

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    When Anxiety is Out of Control

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    Everyone worries from time to time.  How do you know if your anxiety is out of control? “According to Katherine Schneebaum, M.D., a board certified family practitioner at Riverview Medical Center, it's not normal to worry for six months or more, or for worry to disturb your work or home life. "These could be signs that you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder," says Dr. Schneebaum."  Anxiety is a treatable illness that is more prevalent in women than men and seems to run in the genes.  

    How do you know if you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
    Some of the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include fatigue, insomnia, difficulty swallowing breathlessness, pounding heartbeat, nausea, muscle tension, restlessness, headaches, irritability, and/or hot flashes. You may also experience medical conditions caused by your anxiety like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, or substance abuse.

    How do I get help for my Anxiety?
    “According to Dr. Schneebaum, the first step to getting better is to talk with your doctor if you suspect you have generalized anxiety disorder. Prescription antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can help ease your excessive worrying and relieve other symptoms. You and your doctor should discuss which type of medication and how much will best treat your condition.

    Another option is to talk with a counselor. Two types of therapy can teach you how to rein in your worries when anxiety-provoking situations arise. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to change both how you think and how you act, while behavioral therapy focuses solely on changing unwanted behaviors. "Sometimes the best option is to combine one of these talk therapies with medication," says Dr. Schneebaum.”

    What can I do to help ease my Anxiety?
    Here is a list of things Dr Schneebaum recommends to help you feel better while you are being treated:
    - Encourage members of your family to help you with your treatment goals.
    - Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
    - Avoid substances that could make you more anxious. These may include caffeine and even certain over-the-counter cold medications.
    - Join a generalized anxiety disorder support group.
    - Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
    - Enjoy a joke. Keeping a sense of humor may reduce tension.

     

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