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

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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

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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

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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-

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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.

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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

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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."

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 - 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 - 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 - 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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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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Unhappiness in Marriage: A Trigger for Depression

Depression

Unhappiness in Marriage: A Trigger for Depression

Marriage should ideally be a source of support, joy, and companionship. But when the marital relationship becomes a constant source of stress and unhappiness, it can contribute to the onset or intensification of depression.

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Navigating Through the Dark: Online Depression Support Groups

Depression

Navigating Through the Dark: Online Depression Support Groups

Depression can feel like a dark tunnel with no end in sight. However, the advent of online depression support groups has opened new pathways for those battling the shadows. These platforms offer a haven for individuals to share experiences, gain insights, and feel less alone in their journey towards mental wellness.

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Illuminating the Path: Self-Help Strategies for Managing Depression

Depression

Illuminating the Path: Self-Help Strategies for Managing Depression

In the journey of managing depression, professional treatment is essential. However, self-help strategies can play a significant role in complementing therapy and medication. It's about gaining control, making lifestyle adjustments, and fostering a positive mindset.

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Nocturnal Depression: Why You Feel Depressed at Night

Depression

Nocturnal Depression: Why You Feel Depressed at Night

Nocturnal depression, often described as feeling more depressed as the night approaches, can significantly affect one's life. The quietness of night, lack of distractions, and overall solitude can intensify depressive thoughts. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and how to address it.

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Power of Positive Affirmations in Managing Depression

Depression

Power of Positive Affirmations in Managing Depression

Positive affirmations can play a meaningful role as part of a comprehensive strategy to manage depression, a multifaceted mental health condition impacting millions globally. While they are not a standalone treatment, they can help alleviate the effects of depression. This article investigates the usage of affirmations as a tool to combat depressive symptoms.

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Exploring Alternative Treatments for Depression

Depression

Exploring Alternative Treatments for Depression

Depression is a common yet serious mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life. Traditional treatments for depression often include psychotherapy and medication. However, for various reasons, such as side effects or personal preference, some individuals seek out alternative treatments. This article delves into a few of these alternative strategies for managing depression.

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Understanding Depression in Individuals with Autism

Depression

Understanding Depression in Individuals with Autism

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. However, individuals with autism also face an increased risk of co-occurring conditions, one of which is depression. This article will delve into the interplay between autism and depression, its manifestations, and treatment options.

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The Connection Between Depression and Hair Loss

Depression

The Connection Between Depression and Hair Loss

Hair loss, a less recognized but consequential symptom, can be linked to depression, a prevalent mental health condition marked by enduring feelings of sadness, diminished interest in activities, and diverse physical symptoms. Depression's effects often encompass changes in appetite, sleep disruptions, and reduced energy levels. This article will explore the intricate connection between depression and hair loss, examining the possible causes and approaches to treatment.

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Deep Dive into Catatonic Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Depression

Deep Dive into Catatonic Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Depression is a complex mental health condition with a spectrum of symptoms and manifestations. One of the lesser-known forms of this condition is catatonic depression, characterized by unique behavioral symptoms like motor immobility or excessive motor activity unrelated to the environment. Let's delve deeper into this particular type of depression to gain a better understanding of its characteristics, potential causes, and available treatments.

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Exploring the Chemical Imbalance Theory of Depression

Depression

Exploring the Chemical Imbalance Theory of Depression

Depression, a widespread mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, has been the focus of extensive research to understand its causes and mechanisms. One theory that has gained prominence over the years is the 'Chemical Imbalance' hypothesis. This theory posits that depression stems from an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain, particularly neurotransmitters. Let's delve into the details of this theory, the role of neurotransmitters in depression, and the impact of this understanding on treatment strategies.

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Exploring the Duration of Depression: A Detailed Insight

Depression

Exploring the Duration of Depression: A Detailed Insight

Depression, a common yet serious mental health condition, varies significantly from one person to another. One of the most frequently asked questions about depression is, "How long does it last?" This article aims to provide insight into the duration of depression, the factors influencing its length, and the importance of seeking timely treatment.

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Understanding the Physical Manifestations of Depression

Depression

Understanding the Physical Manifestations of Depression

While depression is often considered a mental health issue, it does not solely manifest as emotional symptoms. There are numerous physical symptoms associated with this condition, ranging from changes in appetite to unexplained aches and pains. This article explores the physical signs of depression, emphasizing that the disorder is not just a psychological state but also a condition that affects the body.

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Seasonal Depression: Recognizing the Symptoms

Depression

Seasonal Depression: Recognizing the Symptoms

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that's related to changes in seasons. It tends to begin and end at about the same times each year. While SAD can occur in the spring or early summer, it's more commonly associated with the shorter, darker days of fall and winter. This article aims to highlight the primary symptoms of seasonal depression, aiding in early identification and intervention.

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Navigating Birthday Blues: Unpacking Birthday Depression

Depression

Navigating Birthday Blues: Unpacking Birthday Depression

While many people eagerly anticipate the annual celebration of their birth, others may experience what's commonly referred to as "birthday depression." Birthdays are often a time of reflection, marking not just the passing of another year, but also a chance to measure personal growth, achievements, and the gaps between where we are and where we hoped to be. For some, this introspection can lead to feelings of sadness and anxiety, rather than joy and celebration. This article aims to shed light on the phenomenon of birthday depression, its causes, symptoms, and potential ways to cope with it.

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Existential Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Coping Mechanisms

Depression

Existential Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Coping Mechanisms

Existential depression, while not as commonly discussed as other forms of depression, is a unique type of mental health challenge that can significantly impact individuals' lives. Unlike other forms of depression that are typically triggered by external events or biological factors, existential depression often arises from internal philosophical contemplation and distress. This article aims to elucidate the nature of existential depression, including its causes, symptoms, and strategies for coping with it.

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Boosting Mental Health: The Power of Diet in Managing Depression

Depression

Boosting Mental Health: The Power of Diet in Managing Depression

The way to a person's heart may be through their stomach, but the path to mental well-being might just be through the same route. Research has revealed intriguing connections between the foods we consume and our mental health. In particular, certain foods may be beneficial for managing depression, a common but serious mood disorder. This article aims to delve into the nutritional approaches to managing depression, detailing what foods could potentially help, the science behind it, and how to incorporate these foods into daily life.

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Understanding Melancholic Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Depression

Understanding Melancholic Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Melancholic depression, also known as melancholia, is a subtype of major depressive disorder. It's characterized by a profound sense of sadness and lack of interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities. While all forms of depression can cause considerable distress and disruption to a person's life, melancholic depression often presents a greater challenge due to its severe symptoms. This article aims to delve into the specifics of melancholic depression, discussing its unique symptoms, potential causes, and treatment approaches.

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Summer Depression: Its Causes, Signs, and Strategies

Depression

Summer Depression: Its Causes, Signs, and Strategies

While many people look forward to the warmth, longer days, and outdoor activities that come with summer, others find this time of year challenging. Summer depression, also known as summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a subtype of depression that follows a seasonal pattern specific to the summer months. Although less common than its winter counterpart, summer depression can have a profound impact on the individuals it affects. This article aims to illuminate the nature of summer depression, its possible causes, signs, and coping strategies.

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Understanding Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood

Depression

Understanding Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood

Life changes can sometimes lead to stress reactions that can challenge our ability to cope. When the emotional or behavioral response to a stressor becomes excessively intense or prolonged, it might manifest as an adjustment disorder. One subtype of this condition is adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. This particular form of adjustment disorder combines the feelings of worry, nervousness, and sadness. This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.

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Navigating Depression Through Literature: Informative and Inspiring Books on Depression

Depression

Navigating Depression Through Literature: Informative and Inspiring Books on Depression

Depression is a complex and challenging mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide. However, it can often feel isolating for those experiencing it. One way to better understand and cope with this illness is through literature. Many authors have shared their personal experiences, offered insights, or provided practical strategies through their books. This article explores some influential books that shed light on depression, its effects, and ways to manage it.

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