The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

Understanding the Mental Impact of Chronic Illness & Tips to Manage It

Chronic Illness

Understanding the Mental Impact of Chronic Illness & Tips to Manage It

Chronic illnesses often come with more than just physical symptoms; they carry a significant mental toll that can be equally debilitating. Persistent pain, fatigue, and uncertainty can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation. This article sheds light on the mental implications of chronic illness and provides 13 strategies to help manage the psychological burden of living with a chronic health condition.

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Navigating Through Tough Times: Online Support Groups for Families Affected by Cancer

Chronic Illness

Navigating Through Tough Times: Online Support Groups for Families Affected by Cancer

Cancer is a journey that extends far beyond the individual diagnosed, affecting the lives of close family members who stand as a critical part of the support system. In these challenging times, online cancer support groups for family members provide much-needed understanding, guidance, and a sense of belonging. This article explores the role, structure, benefits, and considerations of these online support spaces.

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Finding Connection and Understanding: The Power of Online Support Groups for Fibromyalgia

Chronic Illness

Finding Connection and Understanding: The Power of Online Support Groups for Fibromyalgia

Living with a chronic illness such as fibromyalgia often has unique challenges. The physical discomfort, mental stress, and social isolation can be overwhelming. However, thanks to the digital age, online support groups for chronic illnesses offer an invaluable resource for individuals grappling with fibromyalgia. This article explores these groups' role in providing solace, support, and community for people with fibromyalgia.

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COPD and Community: The Power of Online Support Groups

Chronic Illness

COPD and Community: The Power of Online Support Groups

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a challenging, life-altering condition, often leading to feelings of isolation and helplessness. However, an online support group for chronic illnesses can significantly help those with COPD, offering a community of understanding, shared experiences, and vital resources. This article will explore the importance of online support groups in the lives of individuals living with COPD.

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Breathing Easier: How Online Support Groups Aid Those Living with Lung Disease

Chronic Illness

Breathing Easier: How Online Support Groups Aid Those Living with Lung Disease

Lung disease, encompassing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer, presents many challenges that significantly impact an individual's daily life. An online support group for chronic illnesses can offer a lifeline, providing essential resources and a supportive community for those managing lung disease. This article will delve into the value of online support groups, highlighting how they can be an excellent resource for individuals with various lung diseases.

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Online Support Groups: A Place for People Living with Kidney Disease

Chronic Illness

Online Support Groups: A Place for People Living with Kidney Disease

Living with a chronic condition like kidney disease can be challenging and often overwhelming. It not only affects your physical health, but it also has significant implications for your emotional and mental well-being. One way to help navigate this difficult journey is through the support and understanding found in online support groups. Online support groups designed for people with chronic illnesses offer a valuable resource for those managing kidney disease. This article will explore how these online platforms provide assistance, camaraderie, and insight for individuals grappling with kidney disease.

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Strength in Numbers: The Role of Online Support Groups in Stroke Recovery

Chronic Illness

Strength in Numbers: The Role of Online Support Groups in Stroke Recovery

Living with the after-effects of a stroke can be a challenging journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. In times like these, support and understanding from others who've had similar experiences can be an invaluable source of comfort and inspiration. Online support groups, especially those tailored for individuals with chronic illnesses, can play a significant role. This article delves into how joining an online support group for chronic illnesses can provide valuable assistance for stroke survivors.

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Online Support Groups for Chronic Illness for Heart Disease Management

Chronic Illness

Online Support Groups for Chronic Illness for Heart Disease Management

The journey of chronic illness management is often characterized by uncertainty and a need for enduring resilience. In the face of such challenges, online support groups have emerged as a beacon of hope, providing invaluable resources for those with long-term health conditions. This article will highlight the potential of these online communities to offer extensive support for individuals managing heart disease, a prevalent and often challenging chronic condition.

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The Power of Online Support Groups in Asthma Management: A Focus on Chronic Illness Communities

Chronic Illness

The Power of Online Support Groups in Asthma Management: A Focus on Chronic Illness Communities

Chronic illness management is an enduring journey of adaptation, resilience, and mutual support. Online support groups have emerged as vital platforms for providing comfort, sharing experiences, and nurturing resilience among those managing long-term health conditions. For individuals with asthma, a broad-based online support group catering to various chronic illnesses can be a valuable lifeline. This article explores the role of these virtual communities in providing comprehensive asthma management tools and resources.

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Online Support Groups in Chronic Illness Care: Mental Health Wellness for Diabetes Management

Chronic Illness

Online Support Groups in Chronic Illness Care: Mental Health Wellness for Diabetes Management

In the realm of chronic illness management, the role of community support is paramount. Online support groups have emerged as pivotal platforms for fostering connection, empathy, and shared learning among individuals navigating life with chronic illnesses. For people coping with diabetes, an online support group encompassing various chronic conditions can be a nurturing, informative, and empowering environment. This article delves into how such online platforms are not just a source of comfort but also serve as effective diabetes management tools.

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The Role of Online Support Groups in Chronic Illness Management: A Place for Cancer Support Seekers

Chronic Illness

The Role of Online Support Groups in Chronic Illness Management: A Place for Cancer Support Seekers

The digital age has created a virtual space where people from all corners of the world can unite, share experiences, and find solace in shared understanding, particularly those dealing with chronic illnesses, for individuals seeking a cancer support group, an online platform that caters to various chronic illnesses can serve as an invaluable resource. This article explores how online support groups, encompassing a range of chronic conditions, can become a nurturing environment for those dealing with the life-altering cancer experience.

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Using Therapy to Manage Chronic Illness or Disability

Chronic Illness

Using Therapy to Manage Chronic Illness or Disability

Living with a chronic illness or disability presents a unique set of physical and mental challenges. While medical treatments focus on managing physical symptoms, therapy can play a vital role in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects. This article explores how therapy can be an effective tool for managing chronic illness or disability.

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Chronic Illness & CBT For Mental Health: An Introductory Guide

Chronic Illness

Chronic Illness & CBT For Mental Health: An Introductory Guide

Whether you recently received a diagnosis of chronic illness, or are years into your journey, you’ve likely wrestled with the intense mental health challenges that can follow a diagnosis. It’s not surprising that the uncertainty, lifestyle changes, and costly or even painful treatments often come with emotions such as depression, grief, sadness, denial, and anxiety.‍When working through living with chronic illness, it can be common for doctors and caregivers to focus primarily on your physical h

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Embracing Digital Solidarity: The Power of Online Support Groups for COVID-19

Chronic Illness

Embracing Digital Solidarity: The Power of Online Support Groups for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges, stirring a wide range of physical, psychological, and social impacts on individuals across the globe. As we navigate through these turbulent times, online support groups for chronic illnesses have emerged as a valuable resource for those affected by COVID-19. This article discusses these digital platforms' crucial role in providing solace, information, and a sense of community.

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Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

DBT

Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. While PTSD is a serious condition, there are effective ways to minimize its symptoms and regain control over one's life. This article will explore strategies for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including mindfulness, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

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DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

The concept of Radical Acceptance is rooted in the idea that all suffering originated not in pain, but in our attachment to pain. In fact, Radical Acceptance has origins in Buddhism with the tenant that relief from suffering begins first and foremost with acceptance. ‍As a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill, Radical Acceptance refers to the ability to accept our situation when the circumstances are out of our control, which can reduce the suffering we feel. Instead of being attached to our

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DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches critical skills relative to Emotional Regulation, which is arguably relevant for people of all backgrounds, behavior types, and with or without mental health conditions. We can all benefit from greater emotional regulation. ‍While emotions are important and feelings are relative in our relationships and day to day life and processing (they help us communicate and understand our experiences), they can also create a great deal of emotional suffering

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DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is, at its core, founded upon principles of Dialectical thinking, which involves an integration of two foundational opposites: acceptance and change. ‍Learning to think and act in a dialectical manner can open up your thought process and increase your awareness of the different nuances in the world around you, rather than allowing you to exist in extreme black and whites. Extreme highs and lows are what drive many of the mental health conditions DBT is use

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DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a specific type of psychotherapy under the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy umbrella that was curated for Borderline Personality Disorder. However, this type of therapy has been proven to be successful in the treatment of a myriad of other mental health conditions, including but not limited to anyone struggling with: Overwhelming emotions.Impulsive behavior.Self injury.Suicidal thoughts.Substance abuse.Eating disorders.PTSD and other trauma disorders.&nbsp

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How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

DBT

How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

Over 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are generally classified as a type of mental illness characterized by harmful behaviors related to food. Those with eating disorders (such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, ad more) usually struggle with impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, negative body image, and even coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. ‍Eating disorders are the second most deadly mental illness (the first is

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How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

DBT

How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

These days over 18% of US adults are living with an anxiety disorder. For many people living with chronic anxiety, experiencing a daily, significant and ongoing sense of fear or anxiety can lead to restlessness, panic attacks, isolation, poor sleep, and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, body aches, stomach pain, and more. These and a host of other symptoms can be debilitating and may significantly decrease the sufferer’s quality of life. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usu

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, decreased interest in activities, and difficulty functioning daily. While there are many treatment modalities for depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective in providing individuals with tools to manage their symptoms. This article will delve into the ways DBT can aid in coping with depression.

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Essential Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness

DBT

Essential Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness

Are you interested in learning more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? This unique form of psychotherapy - a variation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be used for a wide variety of mental health issues and conditions. While DBT was specifically developed for treating individuals who have difficulty managing and regulating their own emotions, (such as with Borderline Personality Disorder), this treatment type has also been proven to be effective for a variety of other condi

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Is Group Therapy Beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD

Is Group Therapy Beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a difficult challenge for many. The struggle to control thoughts, actions, and reactions permeates their everyday lives and relationships. Their sense of self is highly dependent on their mood swings and often chaotic relationships with others, and they have difficulty managing stress, conflict, and the emotions of others. Living with BPD essentially means coping with a pattern of regular instability that spans mood, behaviors, identity, commu

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Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for Me?

DBT

Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for Me?

Do you have intense emotional highs and lows? Maybe regularly find yourself engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, and interpersonal conflict? Have you been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder? Or maybe you can identify with one of the following: ADHDAnorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaAnxiety DisordersMajor Depressive DisorderSuicidal BehaviorOCDPTSD‍If so, Dialectical Behavior Therapy may be the right treatment to get you back on

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How is DBT Different from CBT?

DBT

How is DBT Different from CBT?

Psychotherapy offers exclusive benefits as a treatment method which differs from traditional talk therapy. If you’re at all familiar with psychotherapy, you’ve probably heard the terms “DBT” and “CBT.” DBT stands for Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT is closer in concept to traditional talk ther

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What Everyone Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

What Everyone Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

If you’re considering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for you or a loved one, you probably already know the basics: DBT was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan specifically for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT is a highly beneficial treatment for many individuals for various mental health disorders and conditions, and traditionally follows the same path or protocol of treatment through 4 key modules to achieve success. The 4 main stages of DBT are:&n

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How to Talk About Mental Health

All Articles

How to Talk About Mental Health

In today’s day and age, mental health is a HOT topic, and we’re excited about that! However, for many people entering a new, sometimes scary world of discussions about inner workings, mindset, worldviews, diagnoses, emotions, and more, it may be daunting to get pulled into a discussion about mental health. ‍If you’re struggling to understand what kind of language to use to participate in discussions around mental health, or even to discuss your own, this guide will help you get started on t

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4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a modified version of another well-known type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary goal of DBT is to help individuals struggling with certain behaviors and mental health conditions to better cope with stress, regulate their emotions, stay present in every moment, and consequently improve the health of their relationships with others. ‍While DBT was initially developed to treat a specific condition - Borderline Perso

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The Top 5 Benefits of Online DBT Group Therapy

DBT

The Top 5 Benefits of Online DBT Group Therapy

When approaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), many people are surprised to find that online group sessions actively work on the skill development required to succeed. While it’s often presumed that DBT is most effective in a one-on-one setting, in reality DBT skills are best adopted in a group setting where members can actively practice their new skills and participate in discussion around common mental health challenges. ‍Benefit 1: Community & AccountabilityFor the majority of

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What Therapy is Best For Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD

What Therapy is Best For Borderline Personality Disorder?

When it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder, there is currently only one empirically-supported treatment protocol for this condition: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. A form of psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by Dr Marsha Linehan, this treatment protocol is based on cognitive behavioral principles applied in specific ways in order to target common symptoms of BPD such as chaotic relationships, emotional lability, instability, and impulsivity. Over the last few decad

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What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?

DBT

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan following extensive use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). DBT was developed specifically because it became clear that CBT was not fully effective for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In order to improve treatment for BPD, Dr. Linehan and colleagues created and tested additional techniques in order to achieve greater success as they sought to improve the health and wellbeing of t

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What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

DBT

What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a modified version of another well-known type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary goal of DBT is to help individuals struggling with certain behaviors and mental health conditions to better cope with stress, regulate their emotions, stay present in every moment, and consequently improve the health of their relationships with others. ‍While DBT was initially developed to treat a specific condition - Borderline Perso

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What Are Therapies For OCD?

OCD

What Are Therapies For OCD?

The road to treatment for OCD can be a difficult one, and often requires significant courage and determination to succeed. Establishing a healthy level of support from a group can encourage you during the treatment process and is a healthy and beneficial step as you get started. ‍ERP & SRIsThe majority of psychologists will agree that the best and most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in combination with medication such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (

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