Seasonal Allergies and Mental Health
For those who live in Michigan, spring is a welcome reprieve from a long, dormant winter. Unfortunately, however, the beautiful buds, flowers, and green leaves come with seasonal allergies for millions of Americans. Sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and itching can bring a dark cloud to spring’s splendor. The physical signs are apparent, but a […]
Awe Walks for Mental Health
I am a self-described, often awestruck, nature nerd. I have written about the joys of Michigan winter in late February (when most Michiganders are tolerating the dreary days until spring). Other topics I have covered are finding joy during the pandemic, how a $75 blowup kayak can change your life, and the mental health benefit […]
Anxiety & Teen Eating Disorders: WGVU Morning Show
Thanks to Shelley Irwin and the WGVU Morning Show for focusing on the rise in eating disorders in the past year. Shelley interviews Sanford’s Gail Hall about the increase in eating disorders, especially in teens. Eating disorders are a lot about anxiety. And everyone’s anxiety has been ramped up (for good reason) the […]
Anxiety Disorder 2020 – What are the Signs?
During a family Zoom meeting last week, my son asked us a question his boss had posed in another Zoom meeting. The question was, “What new thing have you learned during the pandemic?” My son, who is clever as well as handsome, answered, “I built a table from scratch.” Another person said, “I learned to […]
Extenuating Circumstances in Recovery – COVID-19 UK
I don’t know about you, but my mind is very easily led to catastrophe. And in light of the current extenuating circumstances and COVID-19, it all feels a little like an episode of “The Walking Dead”. Reality does remind me that this pandemic is not going to wipe out society as we know it. (Although […]
Social Drinking, Social Anxiety and the Open Bar
What is it about an open bar at a lively party? Friendly wait staff in bow ties and damask draped folding tables.The inevitable lineup of soon to be new best friends. And for anyone like me, with social anxiety, the open bar is the ultimate event ice-breaker. New Friends, Open Bar….No Social Anxiety […]
A Firsthand View – Art Therapy and the Treatment of Anxiety
In group therapy, I ask members to “keep within their own experience.” No advice giving. No telling others how to feel. This helps create safety within the session. A college mentor of mine once said, “Never assume to understand the experience of someone else. Even if it’s one you’re familiar with, like sadness or […]
A Recipe for Anxiety (Hint – It Includes Dark Chocolate…)
Many of us in recovery suffer with anxiety. It comes as part of the package of feelings we experience. It also waxes and wanes as we experience different moments and milestones in our recovery. Today, I am in the waxing phase. I’ll share with you how I am coping and my top tips to […]
