Mental Health and Sleep

growandthrive on December 17, 2024

Mental health and sleep are intricately connected, and the quality of one often influences the other. Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity that plays a critical role in maintaining mental health. When we sleep, our brains undergo various processes that are essential for emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall psychological well-being.

Primarily, adequate sleep helps in emotional regulation. During sleep, particularly during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, the brain processes emotional experiences and memories. This processing helps to reduce emotional reactivity and improves our ability to handle stress and negative emotions. Conversely, sleep deprivation can lead to heightened emotional sensitivity, increased irritability, and a greater likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression.

Next, sleep is crucial for cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making. During deep sleep stages, the brain consolidates memories and clears out toxins that accumulate during the day. This cognitive housekeeping is essential for maintaining mental clarity and focus. Lack of sleep impairs these cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can exacerbate mental health issues.

Lastly, there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health disorders.
Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder often disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or hypersomnia. Conversely, chronic sleep disturbances can increase the risk of developing these mental health disorders. Therefore, addressing sleep issues is a critical component of managing and improving mental
health.

In conclusion, prioritizing good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining mental health. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime. By taking steps to improve sleep quality, individuals can significantly enhance their mental and emotional well-being.

Written by Alyssa Noel

What is Prosocial Behavior?

growandthrive on November 13, 2024

Prosocial behavior is doing something to benefit, help, or care for someone else because you
believe that other people’s feelings and experiences are important.

Setting Limits with the ACT Method

Rebecca Bell on November 11, 2024

The ACT method is 3 easy-to-follow steps in setting limits in a way that children will understand. This method was developed by Dr. Gary Landreth who founded the Center for Play Therapy. 

Parenting Styles, The Differences That Make a Difference

Grow Psychological on October 7, 2024

There are four different styles of parenting that are characterized by different attitudes and behaviors that the parents exhibit towards their children. The type of parenting style that is implemented will reflect the way children face social and even
non-social problems. Along with that, executing positive parenting techniques is essential for
early cognitive development, emotional balance, and maturation of thought.

The Brain is Knowledge, the Body is Wisdom

McKenna Elfrink on August 28, 2024

We metaphorically walk around as floating heads, being rewarded by society and capitalism for staying disconnected from our body. As mammals, we are hardwired for safety and connection, so we are always looking for ways to feel safe (physically, emotionally, and psychologically) and connected to ourselves and others but don’t realize that the tool we need for that is one we have, our body. In comes, your nervous system—your body’s command center. 

ADHD, Executive Functioning Skills, and your Child’s Brain

Rebecca Bell on July 9, 2024

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder often begins in childhood and the symptoms can cause significant distress in everyday life. For children, it can be even harder to manage. To begin to understand how to help your child, we first must understand what ADHD is and what it causes.

Self-Disclosure: Client, Counselor, or Both?

Grow Psychological on May 1, 2024

Self-disclosure, a pivotal aspect of communication, encompasses the sharing of personal information, particularly prevalent in counseling sessions where clients predominantly disclose. While tradition often dictates counselor restraint from self-disclosure to maintain focus on the client, contemporary perspectives suggest that judicious sharing can enhance the therapeutic alliance, provided it serves the client’s interests and is kept concise, thus fostering a balanced and constructive counseling dynamic.

EMDR in Kansas City

McKenna Elfrink on March 12, 2024

Unlock the power of EMDR therapy to heal and integrate traumatic memories with this insightful guide by McKenna Elfrink, LPC. Delve into the neurobiological approach of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and understand its transformative process. From assessment to integration, learn how EMDR helps to uncouple distressing emotions, reprocess memories, and cultivate more adaptive beliefs. Discover how this empirically validated treatment targets psychological symptoms related to trauma, paving the way for improved mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other distressing sensations, EMDR could be the key to unlocking your healing journey.

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

Rebecca Bell on March 11, 2024

Explore the Journey: Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A Personal Reflection | March is MS Awareness Month. Join me as I share my six-year journey since diagnosis at 21. Discover the complexities of MS, the challenges of adaptation, and the emotional toll it takes. As a Mental Health Professional, I offer empathy and support. Find resources and local connections with the National MS Society Mid-America Chapter and KU Med Center’s MS Care Center. Reach out for assistance, whether newly diagnosed or a longtime warrior.

Talking to Children about Gun Violence

Rebecca Bell on February 21, 2024

In the aftermath of unsettling events like those witnessed during the recent Super Bowl celebration, parents face the challenging task of discussing violence with their children. However uncomfortable, these conversations are crucial in helping children process their emotions and understand the world around them. Encouraging open dialogue, offering reassurance, and modeling healthy coping strategies can provide the support children need to navigate through difficult times with resilience and hope.

September is Deaf Awareness Month

Rebecca Bell on September 5, 2023

Deaf Awareness Month offers visibility and awareness of Deaf hardships in our society,
communication needs, Deaf culture, and community. This month also gives a perspective on the
positives of deafness as well as encourages social inclusion.

The Crucial Role of Counseling for Couples

Grow Psychological on August 30, 2023

Love is a powerful force, but even the strongest bonds can encounter rough patches. This is where the expert guidance of a skilled counselor enters the scene, offering couples a lifeline to navigate their path to harmony and understanding.

So, what Exactly is EMDR?

Kayte Keller on July 5, 2023

Maybe you’ve heard about EMDR from a friend or you were recommended to do it by your therapist. You hear it’s the “gold standard for the treatment of trauma” but don’t understand how, or maybe you’re even scared to do it.

Boundaries

Rebecca Bell on May 22, 2023

Boundaries are helpful in avoiding burnout, reducing resentment, and establishing life balance. Easy steps to help set boundaries.