The Grouport Journal

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

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

DBT

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

Do you feel like you can’t get ahead? Like life is just beating you down, or that challenges are overwhelming you to the point of chronic, debilitating anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, insomnia, or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like your emotions run your life, and you’re exhausted by the ups and downs? If these experiences are familiar to you, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, could be the solution you’re looking for. ‍If you’re unfamiliar with this type of tre

Read More

How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

No matter who you are, the reality is that you will eventually deal with stress of some kind. This is a simple fact of human existence. Jobs, children, relationships, health, driving, you name it - everyone will experience stress.‍Unmanaged stress can increase your risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimers’s, depression, GI problems, diabetes, and asthma, along with chronic physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and insomnia. ‍When looking to manage stress, it’s importan

Read More

DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

DBT

DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

Although not frequently discussed when referring to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, self-compassion is a beneficial and powerful side effect of this specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ‍Part of the reason DBT can result in a greater sense of self-compassion is that throughout the DBT modules, students will learn to activate their “wise mind,” which is essentially a stronger and more powerful awareness of yourself, your emotions, your instincts, and yo

Read More

DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

DBT

DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

Careers fulfill a number of functions in our lives, including satisfying our need to achieve, bringing us income, creating a sense of belonging and stability, and helping us to feel empowered and accomplished. Therefore, when losing a job (which can often be so integrated with your identity), we can notice an immediate and significant decline in your mental health. According to a Gallup poll in 2013, unemployed Americans are more than 2x as likely to be treated for depression as those with full-

Read More

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

DBT

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions. These disorders take various forms, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Fortunately, therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provide effective treatment options. Additionally, according to the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, there are five significant types of anxiety conditions, which will cover here. This article will delve into five common types of anxiety disorders and discuss how DBT can aid in managing their symptoms.

Read More

How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

As concerns rise for our climate and the future of our world, so does the anxiety that’s sweeping the planet. Increases in frequency of widespread wildfires and the length of wildfire season, along with rising temperatures and shifts in weather patterns leave many concerned and considering the long-term consequences for the Earth as well as the mental health of those who inhabit it. ‍The sobering ramifications of climate change are real, and present. It’s normal to react to these with emoti

Read More

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

DBT

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

Anxiety can be an overwhelming and pervasive mental health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing practical skills for managing distress and regulating emotions, can be useful for those looking to control their anxiety better. This article will highlight three quick DBT skills that can be used to regulate anxiety: "STOP," "TIPP," and "Wise Mind."

Read More

How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

DBT

How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

If you’ve ever felt your emotions are so completely overwhelming that you can’t restabilize yourself and may return to unhealthy or high risk behaviors, DBT can help.  Helping individuals to cope in crisis situations is one of the primary goals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The skills and tools taught throughout DBT can be used in a variety of circumstances and throughout many daily experiences to minimize stress and reduce emotional suffering. If you’re dealing with a high-st

Read More

DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan in the 1970’s. This structured variation on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy consists of what is often a year-long process of walking through the four main modules, and usually involves both group therapy, individual therapy, and even on-call phone consultations to mitigate crisis situations in the patient’s life as they may arise. ‍While the initial phase of DBT invo

Read More

DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

Developing a non-judgmental way of thinking is a critical component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, and falls under the Mindfulness module. Mindfulness helps teach participants to observe their own behavior, thoughts and feelings, and to stay grounded and present in the moment. Learning how to do this is the first step in developing new behaviors and making healthy changes. ‍The Mindfulness module of DBT focuses on our need to improve self-observation and awareness th

Read More

DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

The Distress Tolerance module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates a number of types of Distress Tolerance skills designed to help distract us and get us through challenging emotions in situations where we feel a loss of control. Decreasing emotional distress as a symptom of situational challenges is one of the primary goals of DBT. There are a number of skills trainings that go into the Distress Tolerance module which can help with this, including: ‍ACCEPTSTIP IMPRO

Read More

How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

DBT

How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques are being used in increasing measure in the treatment of various mood disorders and mental health conditions beyond their original intended use (for Borderline Personality Disorder), including for Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a highly recurrent and disabling condition marked by major depressive state and manic episodes. ‍The reason DBT shows evidence of success in treatment of Bipolar Disorder is likely because there is growing reason t

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

Morning Meditation: A Path to Anxiety Relief

Anxiety

Morning Meditation: A Path to Anxiety Relief

With the increasing demands and stressors of modern life, anxiety has become a common concern. One effective technique that helps manage anxiety is meditation, particularly when practiced in the morning. This article delves into the benefits of morning meditation for anxiety and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating Relationships: When Your Partner Intensifies Your Anxiety

Anxiety

Navigating Relationships: When Your Partner Intensifies Your Anxiety

Relationships can be a source of joy and support, but they can also trigger and amplify anxiety. If you find your anxiety worsening due to your partner's actions or behavior, it's essential to address the issue constructively. This article discusses why a partner might aggravate your anxiety and provides actionable steps to navigate this situation.

All Journals

Read More

Distinguishing Feelings: Nervousness vs Anxiety

Anxiety

Distinguishing Feelings: Nervousness vs Anxiety

Understanding our emotional state is crucial in managing our mental health. Among the variety of emotions we experience, nervousness and anxiety often get conflated, even though they represent different psychological states. This article seeks to differentiate between nervousness and anxiety, helping readers to identify and manage each effectively.

All Journals

Read More

Diving into the Depths of Neurotic Anxiety

Anxiety

Diving into the Depths of Neurotic Anxiety

Anxiety, a ubiquitous part of human experience, takes various forms, each with its unique characteristics and implications. One such form that stands out is neurotic anxiety, a term primarily associated with psychoanalytic theories. This article delves into the concept of neurotic anxiety, shedding light on its nature, causes, and potential ways to manage it.

All Journals

Read More

Navigating the Waters of New Relationship Anxiety

Anxiety

Navigating the Waters of New Relationship Anxiety

Falling in love should be a joyful experience, filled with excitement and promise. However, for many individuals, the early stages of a relationship are also filled with anxiety. The term 'new relationship anxiety' encapsulates the feelings of uncertainty, insecurity, and fear that often accompany the blossoming stages of a romantic connection. This article delves into the concept of new relationship anxiety, its causes, symptoms, and potential ways to manage it.

All Journals

Read More

Seeking Solace: Prayers for Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety

Seeking Solace: Prayers for Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are battles fought on multiple fronts: the physical, the mental, and the emotional. For those who hold spiritual or religious beliefs, these challenges can extend to the spiritual realm as well. Prayers can be a powerful source of comfort and healing for those dealing with these mental health struggles. This article explores the potential benefits of prayer in managing depression and anxiety, the types of prayers one might utilize, and the importance of incorporating prayers into a larger mental health management strategy.

All Journals

Read More

Bouncing Back: Understanding Rebound Anxiety

Anxiety

Bouncing Back: Understanding Rebound Anxiety

Anxiety is a common but complex condition, and it manifests in various forms and contexts. One less understood but increasingly recognized aspect of anxiety is 'rebound anxiety'. This is a condition that often arises in the aftermath of discontinuing certain medications, leading to a surge of anxiety symptoms. This article aims to delve into the concept of rebound anxiety, the circumstances that lead to its occurrence, and the strategies to manage it.

All Journals

Read More

Road to Recovery: Signs You're Overcoming Anxiety

Anxiety

Road to Recovery: Signs You're Overcoming Anxiety

Recovering from anxiety is a personal and unique journey for every individual. Like any journey, it comes with its milestones, marking the progress made along the way. This article will delve into the various signs that indicate you are on the path to recovery from anxiety, providing a beacon of hope for those who are traversing this challenging path.

All Journals

Read More

Parental Influence: Social Anxiety Originating from Parental Actions

Anxiety

Parental Influence: Social Anxiety Originating from Parental Actions

The genesis of social anxiety can be traced to a myriad of factors, one of which is parenting styles and parental behaviors. This article delves into how parents might inadvertently contribute to the development of social anxiety in their children and how these factors interact with a child's innate temperament and experiences.

All Journals

Read More

A Closer Look: Social Anxiety Vs Shyness

Anxiety

A Closer Look: Social Anxiety Vs Shyness

There is often confusion about the difference between social anxiety and shyness. While on the surface they may appear similar, they are distinct experiences. This article explores the differentiating factors between social anxiety and shyness, their impacts, and treatment approaches.

All Journals

Read More

Understanding and Navigating Treatment-Resistant Anxiety

Anxiety

Understanding and Navigating Treatment-Resistant Anxiety

Anxiety disorders, prevalent mental health conditions affecting millions worldwide, can severely impact individuals' quality of life. Most respond well to traditional treatment methods like therapy and medication. However, some people have treatment-resistant anxiety, a challenging condition where standard interventions yield minimal or no relief. This article explores treatment-resistant anxiety, its potential causes, and strategies for managing it.

All Journals

Read More

Deciphering the Connection: Yawning and Anxiety

Anxiety

Deciphering the Connection: Yawning and Anxiety

A frequent, involuntary action, yawning is a common part of human behavior. While it's often associated with tiredness or boredom, yawning can also be an unexpected symptom of anxiety. This article delves into the relationship between yawning and anxiety, providing an insight into the causes, implications, and how to manage it.

All Journals

Read More

Anxiety Attack vs Heart Attack: Differentiating the Symptoms

Anxiety

Anxiety Attack vs Heart Attack: Differentiating the Symptoms

Anxiety attacks and heart attacks can often feel strikingly similar, which can be frightening when you're experiencing symptoms but aren't sure of the cause. Both conditions involve physical symptoms that can be intense and disruptive. Despite their similarities, they are caused by different medical phenomena and require different types of treatment. This article aims to shed light on the differences between anxiety attacks and heart attacks to help you better understand these conditions.

All Journals

Read More

Anxiety Cough: Exploring the Connection

Anxiety

Anxiety Cough: Exploring the Connection

Anxiety can manifest in a multitude of ways, influencing not only our mental state but also our physical health. One surprising symptom that can arise from anxiety is coughing. Often overlooked or attributed solely to physical conditions like a cold or allergies, an anxiety-induced cough can be a significant symptom that signals a need for stress management and mental health care.

All Journals

Read More

The Value of an Anxiety Workbook: A Guide for Inner Peace

Anxiety

The Value of an Anxiety Workbook: A Guide for Inner Peace

Living with anxiety can often feel like being in a constant battle with your own thoughts and feelings. One effective way to navigate this struggle is through the use of an anxiety workbook. These resources, designed by mental health professionals, are aimed at helping individuals understand, manage, and ultimately reduce their anxiety.

All Journals

Read More

Brain Zaps and Anxiety: An Insight into This Lesser Known Phenomenon

Anxiety

Brain Zaps and Anxiety: An Insight into This Lesser Known Phenomenon

In the vast landscape of anxiety symptoms, a lesser-known phenomenon stands out for its unique and often perplexing nature - brain zaps. Described as sudden, jolting shocks or vibrations in the brain, brain zaps can be an alarming experience. Despite being generally harmless, understanding this symptom is crucial in the broader context of managing anxiety.

All Journals

Read More

Vertigo and Anxiety: Exploring the Connection

Anxiety

Vertigo and Anxiety: Exploring the Connection

Experiencing a sensation of spinning or feeling off-balance can be distressing and can significantly impact one's daily life. This phenomenon, known as vertigo, is commonly linked to issues related to the inner ear or brain. However, it is also associated with psychological factors such as anxiety. In this article, we delve into the relationship between anxiety and vertigo, providing a clearer understanding of this complex issue.

All Journals

Read More

Shortness of Breath and Anxiety: An Intertwined Connection

Anxiety

Shortness of Breath and Anxiety: An Intertwined Connection

Anxiety can manifest in many forms and affects individuals differently. For some, it can be a persistent worrying thought, while for others, it might be a physical symptom like shortness of breath. In this article, we delve into the link between anxiety and shortness of breath, helping readers gain a better understanding of this intricate relationship.

All Journals

Read More

Countering Anxiety Chills: Techniques and Approaches

Anxiety

Countering Anxiety Chills: Techniques and Approaches

In the complex world of anxiety symptoms, one manifestation that often goes unnoticed is the experience of chills. While it may not be as commonly discussed as a racing heart or trembling hands, many people living with anxiety report sudden waves of cold or shivering, also known as "anxiety chills." This article aims to explore this symptom in detail and suggest ways to manage and alleviate these chills associated with anxiety.

All Journals

Read More

Fainting and Anxiety: The Underlying Connection

Anxiety

Fainting and Anxiety: The Underlying Connection

Experiencing intense anxiety can lead to various physical manifestations, one of which can be fainting or feeling like you're about to pass out. This article delves into the reasons why this can happen and provides some strategies to manage and prevent this distressing symptom associated with severe anxiety.

All Journals

Read More