4 Strategies to Help You Deal With Grief

Grief comes in many forms. It doesn’t appear only when you’ve lost a loved one, but when you experience loss of any kind, such as the end of a relationship or missing an opportunity you badly wanted. Sometimes, even transitional moments marked by bittersweetness, found in moving to a new place or getting a new job, counts as grief. You’re ending one phase of your life and entering a new one, resulting in many changes that will take time to get used to.

It’s important to remember that grief is a normal reaction to change and loss. It is not a strange or unusual problem, as most people can recover from grief entirely at some point. Still, that doesn’t mean moving through grief is easy, as coping with loss is one of the most difficult processes to undergo. 

The Importance of Coping Strategies

You may not be aware of it, but you use coping strategies to deal with various stressors in your everyday life. For instance, you relieve yourself after a grueling day at work by hitting the gym and doing an intense workout. When your family is driving you up the wall, you call a friend to rant and release the frustration you’re feeling. These are examples of coping strategies to balance yourself and ensure you don’t bottle up the intense emotions inside you.

Coping strategies play a crucial role in processing grief, helping you weather emotional distress and physical symptoms that tend to accompany feelings of loss. Some people turn to alcohol, food, or drugs, which exacerbates the problem. For this reason, it is vital to use healthy coping strategies to ensure you’re processing your feelings productively, helping you move forward instead of backward.

Here are four coping strategies to help you deal with grief:

1. Feel Your Feelings

One of the most critical parts of grieving is to recognize and accept your feelings. Never judge yourself for your emotions, especially when you’re grappling with any kind of loss. Whether you want to cry it out or scream when you’re angry, allow yourself the grace to express these emotions in private. Displaying these feelings is not bad but keeping them bottled up certainly is.

It can take time to accept how you feel, so be patient with yourself. Tune into your body and give yourself space to feel everything coursing through you. Pay no attention to those who tell you to “get over it” or to “leave the past behind” because there is no way to fast-forward through the process. You may feel intense, unfamiliar feelings, but accept them with grace and allow them to pass through you

2. Try Your Everyday Coping Mechanisms

Grieving makes you feel vulnerable and scared, so it may help to rely on your go-to coping mechanisms or the strategies you use when you feel upset. These can be watching your favorite TV shows, reading a book, taking a walk in the park, or working out. Even though these activities may seem simple in the grand scheme of things, they may add some routine in a time of change and transformation, helping you feel more secure.

3. Connect With Your Loved Ones

Your support system, consisting of friends and family, is there to give you the help you need. Look for friends who are willing to offer you a shoulder to cry on, hear you out, and do whatever they can to help you throughout the grieving process. It’s best to contact someone who has experienced a similar loss, as they can give insight into what they’ve done to help them process their feelings and eventually bounce back.

4. Seek Professional Help

Lastly, you may want to seek counseling services to help you process your grief. You’ll have a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about everything you’re feeling and thinking while having the opportunity to understand them with the help of a professional. A mental health therapist can also help you separate grief from other emotions you may be struggling to address.

Conclusion

Grief can be complicated to handle. By using these strategies, you’ll process your grief healthily, helping you move forward toward a brighter, more optimistic future.

Hope Seed Support Center is a counseling center in Houston that can help you overcome your struggles, whether mental health, nutrition, weight loss, or more. We also provide crisis care services 24/7. Schedule an appointment with one of our grief counselors today.

Overwhelmed? Try These Activities to Boost Your Mood

Anyone who’s experienced a depressive episode knows how damaging it is to a person’s energy and self-esteem. It can feel like an uphill battle trying to get back to their usual routine—what’s more, the people surrounding a person with depression might not understand their loved one. 

Learning more about this condition is the first step to figuring out what coping mechanisms work best. Besides going for counseling services, here are some solo activities that could help in dealing with depression.

Try Outdoor Activities

Getting fresh air and engaging in physical activity is a proven mood booster. There are plenty of activities you can do outdoors—here are some of them.

• Take a Walk or Ride a bike: Strolling through a park, touring your neighborhood, or just walking outdoors releases endorphins. This hormone is responsible for elevating the mood. Similarly, bike rides, rollerblading, and skateboarding also help you release those happy hormones. Many neighborhoods and cities have bike rental or bike-share programs, letting you explore a new area of town at your convenience.

• Go Swimming: You might not automatically think ‘beach’ when considering outdoor activities, especially if it’s not summertime. However, you don’t have to wait until it’s hot out for you to get some sun. You can relax in the sun, practice some laps, or splash around in the shallows. If there aren’t any beaches nearby, you can check if the local community center has a public swimming pool.

• Read in a Park: For some, being with other people can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Sitting with a good book and some snacks at the park can help you fight depression—you don’t even have to interact with anyone, just be among other people.

• Work with Plants: Studies show that gardening reduces symptoms of depression. When you work physically with soil, plants, and tools, you keep your mind from drifting to unhelpful thoughts. Besides keeping you occupied at present, gardening gives you something to look forward to—a thriving backyard or windowsill full of greenery.

Keep Busy Indoors

At times, depression can make it difficult to leave the house. Also, unless your therapist offers online counseling services, it can be tricky to figure out why you’re feeling withdrawn. Here are things that could help you stay active when you can’t muster enough energy to step outside.

• Prepare a Meal: Like gardening, preparing a meal helps you do something that’s both physical and creative. Rhythmic tasks like chopping food or stirring a pot can be soothing, and having a nice bite to eat is a nice reward for your work.

• Soak in a Bath: Nothing screams self-care like a nice, warm, and bubbly bath. Light a couple of candles, put on some music, and bring a good read with you to help you soothe your frayed nerves.

• Try Arts and Crafts: Expressing yourself through writing, sketching, knitting or other creative works can be an outlet for your emotions. Arts and crafts help you focus on technique and require your full attention, which means unhelpful thoughts don’t have room to creep in.

• Play Games: Video gaming, board games, and puzzles can stimulate and refocus your mind. If you aren’t the artsy type, you can pick up a video game or solve puzzles—these can help you channel your creativity, reduce your stress, and keep you from ruminating on negative things.

• Do Chores: For some people, household chores are calming. Dusting shelves, organizing bookcases, washing dishes, or hanging clothes can help you take your mind off things.

Pursue Mindfulness

Besides chores and solo activities, you can pursue things like yoga and meditation. There is plenty of documentation on the health benefits of these activities. For example, yoga is more than a physical practice; it is also spiritual. When you take up yoga, you improve your overall mental and physical health. Meditation, especially breathing exercises, can also help chronically anxious or depressed people get a hold of their emotions and stay calm.

Conclusion

Depression is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting people of all ages, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnic groups. Going through a depressive episode isn’t easy, but you can make it manageable. Keeping yourself busy through art, physical activity, and mindfulness also helps.

Hope Seed Support Center knows how challenging it is to live with depression, which is why we take mental health concerns seriously. We offer online counseling services in Beaumont, TX, helping parents and children navigate tough situations with love. Schedule an appointment today for more information.

Preventing Teen Depression: 5 Strategies for Parents

Parents worry about their children for various reasons, but mental health concerns have now taken the spotlight. In 2015, Palo Alto saw a spike in teen suicides and teen depression, leading parents to ask how they can help their kids navigate the sometimes hazardous seas of adolescence.

Scientists are working to understand better what causes teen depression and how to prevent it. Here are some scientific recommendations:

1. Maintain Consistent Warmth, Love, and Support

Research suggests that parents assume they provide little to teenagers, but that is not entirely the case. Teens with high parental support had fewer depressive symptoms and lowered cortisol and C-reactive protein levels, both of which are physiological markers associated with depression. 

For teenagers who do not receive enough parental assistance, the situation is precisely the reverse. Peer support had little effect on these measures, suggesting that parental support is critical.

Good parent-child relationships also lowered activity of the brain's reward area, called the ventral striatum. Parents can improve their relationship with their children to help them cope with and ultimately conquer depression. 

Be involved in your teen's emotional lives by being present and engaged with what they are going through, on good days, and especially bad ones. It’s also important to be gentle even when your teen's words and actions don't match. Your kids need to know they are unconditionally loved and accepted, whether they do good or poorly. 

2. Instill and Demonstrate Strong Social and Emotional Skills

Teens, like adults, face challenging social and emotional situations—changing friendships, broken romantic relationships, job setbacks, academic pressure, and college admissions procedures. Because teenage brains are wired to heighten emotions, coping with these issues can be tricky, increasing the risk of teen depression.

How parents deal with their teen's distress through difficulties can impact how effectively they handle anxiety in the real world. They are also less reactive in emotionally intense encounters with their friends and other peers. 

Parents need to be positive emotional role models for their children to assist them in coping with life’s difficulties. Parents may help their children by acknowledging their feelings and demonstrating mindfulness—nonjudgmental awareness of one's present feelings, thoughts, and experiences. 

3. Encourage Healthy Peer Interactions

Teenagers seek approval and status from their peers. However, strained relationships can contribute to depression. Negativity in friendships and sexual relationships, on the other hand, predicted depression and social anxiety. Experts discovered this in a study of youths who had at least one close friend.

Additionally, being a part of a supportive social group has enhanced adult relationships and physical health and alleviated feelings of sorrow and anxiety. We should not dismiss or discourage their adolescent friendships.

So what can parents do? Taking chances in relationships is part of growing up, so we shouldn't worry about our kids having "too many" or "too few" friends. Parents can find time to talk to their teenagers about friendship, love relationships, and self-protection. 

4. Encourage Your Teen to Find Meaning in Their Lives

The activities that kids participate in should be meaningful, not just a way to pad their college applications. Having a feeling of purpose in life, or even searching for one, is excellent for increasing happiness and hope across all age groups, including teenagers.

Parents should ask open-ended questions about their interests and then attentively listen to the responses to better engage their teenagers. Parents should instill thankfulness as a strategy to foster purpose. Other studies show appreciation has immediate psychological advantages for youth.

5. Make an Effort to Improve the Classroom Environment

We want the best for our kids, but "the best" may entail adjustments outside our control, such as systemic reforms in schools that could improve teen mental health.

Sleep-deprived teens also perform poorly in school and are more susceptible to depression. It is why some parents advocate for schools to have teen-friendly schedules. Parents should also want schools to provide healthy cuisine for youngsters to prevent future mental health difficulties.

Conclusion: Let’s Battle against Teen Depression

Several factors may cause teen depression, but treating it is not a hopeless case. There is no cure-all solution to depression, so parents need to discover what specific causes trigger depression in their children and navigate through solutions that get them out of depression. 

Some parents think that shielding their child from the world is noble, but such protection does not help them learn how to manage their emotions, bravely face their challenges, and navigate them calmly. 

Remember that we must treat our kids as individuals, recognizing their particular strengths and limitations while giving them guidance on living life fruitfully. The fight against teen depression will not be won overnight, but we need to stay vigilant, aware, and proactive to win our kids back and nurse them to mental health.

In this approach, we help shape a positive future for both youth and society. Hope Seed Support Center is committed to helping the Texas community through counseling, nutritional therapy, and many other services. Contact us and know more about our services today! 

How to Overcome Envy and Jealousy After Diabetes Diagnosis

Diabetes does not only affect physical health but can also hit hard on mental health. In most cases, people diagnosed with diabetes often feel envious because they can’t go back to their previous diet and lifestyle. Don’t worry if you feel the same because you’re not alone, and it’s only normal to feel that way. In fact, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio says that it’s actually a very common and natural response. 

If you are here because you want to overcome these negative feelings, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will give some tips on how you can overcome feeling envious and after you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. 

Tip #1: Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends

You don’t have to face this battle alone. The first thing you can do to help yourself overcome the feeling is to ask for emotional support from your family and friends. Since diabetes changes your overall lifestyle, you need to seek help from the people around you so that you can easily cope with the changes. By asking for support, they can adapt to a healthy lifestyle like yours and avoid suggesting food or activities that aren't diabetes-friendly. This way, dealing with diabetes will be more manageable, and you will not feel jealous anymore.  

Tip #2: Ask Your Doctor for Guidance 

Another thing that you can do is ask your doctor if they can suggest any mental health resources like support groups or community educational courses. These can help you in dealing with your negative response caused by your condition. Support groups can help you reduce your distress, manage depression, and keep you motivated to manage your diabetes. 

Tip #3: Prioritize Your Self-Care

No better person can help you but yourself. You need to accept the fact that you have diabetes, and the only thing you can do is make yourself better. Making yourself better means you have to take care of yourself adequately. That said, you need to follow a strict diet, do exercise, attend appointments regularly, check your blood sugar, and take your medication on time. Once you focus on making yourself better, you will not have the time to look at other things that can make you feel envious. 

Tip #4: Avoid Negative and Unhelpful Thoughts

It’s okay to feel bad sometimes, and we’re not here to tell you that you have to think positive constantly. What you can do is focus on what you can change and accept that there are things that you can’t change. This way, you can easily control your thoughts and not dwell on the things you have no control over. Once you understand that positively managing your condition can improve your physical and mental health, you’ll gain more motivation to do your best. 

Tip #5: Practice Acceptance

Acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean that you like the condition that you have. It’s not an easy tip to do, and you don’t have to force yourself to do it right away. Give yourself some time to process, adjust, and mourn. But after you have felt all these, it’s time to give yourself a chance to learn acceptance. Once you have learned to accept, you’ll come to know how you can manage the diagnosis day by day, and you’ll be surprised that you can get on with your life, even with diabetes. 

Conclusion

Aside from taking care of your physical health, you also need to take care of your mental health. We understand that dealing with diabetes is hard, but hopefully, these tips can help you overcome the negative feelings you’re currently experiencing. Always remember that you are not alone in this battle. Aside from your family and friends, Hope Seed is here to help you in your mental health battle. 

Hope Seed Support Center is an organization from Houston, TX, that provides mental health services, counseling, nutritional therapy, and more. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services! 

What Do I Do After My Child Is Diagnosed with Depression?

Depression is a medical condition that can negatively affect a child’s ability to connect with people. Children who are still learning to socialize and become confident may struggle throughout childhood if this remains unaddressed. It is a condition that drains their energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult for them to take the steps to feel better.

Proper diagnosis and treatment is an excellent start to providing the help they need. However, if you’re a parent who’s going through a rough patch for the first time, what do you need to do? Here are the things you should be ready for during the process and your role in their journey to get better.

1. Understanding the Symptoms

In adults, most expect a depressed mood nearly every day for two weeks. However, for kids, it may manifest as signs of irritability. They are likely to be sad, withdrawn, or bored most of the time. Instead of playing with other kids, they’re likely to skip on usual activities. 

Try to check if your child gets enough sleep. Kids diagnosed with depression are likely to lose weight, feel hopeless or helpless, and feel exhausted most of the time. They can also have difficulty making decisions and have thoughts about death or suicide.

2. No Quick Treatment

Diagnosis is the easy part, but treatment is a different story. No two kids are the same, and helping every child involves some trial and error. As a parent, it’s essential to remain patient while identifying which solution can help your child. It’s your role to make sure they don’t feel alone in the process of healing.

Educating your child on what is happening is the first step. Explaining the situation helps your child understand the possible changes in them and reduce self-blame. It is also a great way to teach your child it’s normal to experience these imbalances in their body. Counseling may also help children struggling with depression. 

Play therapy is the best option for younger kids, while cognitive behavioral therapy can be more efficient for older kids and teens.

3. Changes at Home

There is no quick fix for depression. It isn’t a condition that a band-aid can quickly resolve. It is essential to make home a place where they feel safe and understood. As a parent, it is your responsibility to encourage them to maintain a routine. 

You can encourage them to do daily activities such as exercising, serving as your bonding moment. Make time to check on them, talk to them about their day, or simply ask how they have been doing. Let them know that you understand them and you’re here to help them.

4. Arrangements in School

Going through depression affects how a child learns in school. The disorder will likely impair their thinking and concentration, making it difficult for them to grasp new ideas. It’s essential to communicate with their teachers, school counselors, and even the principal about the possible adjustments that they can make for your child. 

If they can allow your child to have extended time for exams, that would be great. Maybe your child’s teacher can also help with one-on-one study sessions to help the child understand the lessons better. Anything that can make studying a bit easier than usual should help the child perform better in school.

5. Changes in Children

It is common for children diagnosed with depression to be irritable and overwhelmed. They may even have outbursts from time to time. The symptoms may vary and can intensify depending on what they are feeling.

Conclusion

Children, unlike adults, change and develop at a faster rate, which may cause their depression to manifest in unexpected ways. As parents, we need to help them cope with their struggles. There are instances where children might seem fine today but end up in a depressive slump days later. You should be ready for whatever might happen.

Hope Seed Support Center is a counseling center in Houston that excels in children’s mental health struggles. We provide support in the community through mental health wellness. Schedule an appointment with our team of experts and let us help you along the way.

Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Heal from Trauma

Trauma is associated with deeply upsetting, scary, or harmful feelings caused by abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, and other events. Experiencing a traumatic event can affect a person physically and mentally. Many feel the effects of that event for days, months, or even years after the fact. For adults, it’s painful and difficult to deal with, but for children, it’s scarier and more confusing.

As parents, you can do everything in your power to ensure your child is protected and safe from harm. Sadly, trauma may still find its way into your child’s life. If that happens, they will need your love and guidance.

There’s no timeline to one’s recovery from trauma. Every kid responds differently, but with help and support, there is always hope for them. You may not have control over what happened but there are ways that you can help your child heal. 

Observe Them

The first few days and weeks after a traumatic event are the most critical times to keep a close eye on your kids. Kids process things differently from adults. The signs of trauma won’t immediately show themselves, so make sure to see how they are different. 

It might show in their moods, sleep patterns, or behavior. Some kids can become withdrawn while others seem cheerful, acting normal while nightmares plague them at night. You should figure out where they might be experiencing problems to know how you can help them.

Talk to Them

Communication is vital in a child’s healing. Depending on the situation and their personality, they might not feel comfortable or be willing to talk about how they feel. What you can do to help them is initiate the conversation. The most important things they need to hear from you are that you love them, you’re there for them, and that they can always count on you no matter what.

While they may or may not be talkative or engage in active conversation with you, verbally telling them that they have your love, support, and protection can be all the comfort they need. If they are responsive, be sure to listen well to what they are saying. Whether or not it’s related to what they went through, it’s essential to talk to them so that you also know what they might be thinking or feeling. Your initiative will slowly help them feel safer and comfortable sharing with you.

Spend Time with Them

Most kids that go through traumatic experiences can feel alone. It’s a very isolating experience, especially if it’s something that only happened to them. They might not be up for long talks, but your presence should be a comfort, whether near or far. You can spend time doing something together like cooking or walking. If that’s not something they’re up for, you could always read together or just enjoy a meal, watch TV, anything really, it’s up to the both of you.

Sometimes, the best you can help them is to be around, be there physically, and do everyday activities. Normalcy might be hard to define, especially in the first few months after an incident, but by spending time together, you can help them gradually achieve stability again. 

Conclusion

Parenting a child that has gone through a traumatic event is hard, but it’s nowhere near as hard as witnessing your child fight and struggle to feel good again. You should know that with time and effort, they will heal. As parents, you have the power to help your child feel safe and secure, which is the most important thing in healing from trauma. Give them hope and encouragement and they may process the trauma and adjust to it. 

Along with your love and effort, therapy has been known to help children process their thoughts following a traumatic experience. If you need a therapist in the Houston area, we are here to help you. Contact Hope Seed Support Center. We provide counseling services both in-person and online for those that need them. 

How You Can Help a Senior Loved One Manage Their Diabetes

Diabetes comes with a lot of risks. The complications related to it can be severe. For instance, it can damage other organs, including the heart and the kidneys. It can affect one’s eyesight and even increase the risk of incontinence and dementia. It can greatly impact one’s quality of life.

That said, diabetes is not exactly a death sentence. It can be managed as long as one can keep their blood glucose at safe levels. Some lifestyle changes that include an improved diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help a diabetic patient reduce the risk of complications. The doctor may also prescribe medications like metformin or insulin. Aside from this, proper monitoring of the person’s blood sugar levels is a necessity.

The problem might be more complicated if it’s a senior who is suffering from diabetes. The family’s support is extremely important if you want to ensure that your loved one gets the care they need. Hope Seed Support Center, your trusted organization that offers helpful counseling services, shares some tips on how you can help a loved one manage their diabetes:

Keep Track of Their Appointments with Their Healthcare Team

A senior with a health problem like diabetes requires the care of different healthcare providers. They have a primary care doctor, an endocrinologist, a podiatrist, and an ophthalmologist. On top of it, they need medicines from the pharmacy, exercise classes, and perhaps even a support group. When they have too much going on, it could be hard to keep on top of things. Offer your support by helping your loved one get to those appointments. If you can’t drive them, arrange something for them so they won’t have to take public transportation, which could be difficult and even dangerous at their age.

Learn What You Can About the Condition of Your Loved One

As much as possible, learn all about diabetes and the condition of your loved one. If possible, accompany them to their appointments so you can ask questions to their healthcare providers. You could also be provided with helpful information on how you can do your part at home.

There are also some reliable online sources that you can turn to, like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the American Diabetes Association.

Assist Them with Their Medication Management 

This is especially important if your loved one needs insulin injections using either a pen or a syringe. Talk to their doctor about the option to use an insulin pump which might be better for senior patients. Make sure that your loved one takes their medication correctly and on time.

Watch Their Diet

One of the most critical factors in diabetes management is the person’s diet. Their doctor is likely going to recommend an eating plan that includes fewer sugar and carbohydrates. People with diabetes should consume more veggies and protein. It may be harder for them to stick to a healthy diet if the meals cooked at home are not suitable for them. If it’s possible for the whole family to switch to a more nutritious diet that’s diabetic-friendly, that would be so much better. 

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly, especially if it’s the elderly who are suffering from it. Giving your senior loved ones the care they need and deserve will help them manage their diabetes better.  You and your family would also benefit from counseling services as caring for someone with diabetes could affect everyone in the household, and it’s important that everyone gets support. 

Hope Seed Support Center can provide you with counseling services in Houston. Our organization can also provide you with nutritional counsel therapy at The Grove at Hope Seed. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!

The Different Ways of Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts

There are times when we may feel that we have had enough, that the problems we’re facing are way beyond our control, and that we are at the lowest point we could get. These thoughts, when left unattended, may yield other negative feelings or contemplations that may be very harmful, manifesting in actions that put us in immediate danger.

People may encounter a desire to self-harm or worse when they’re distressed. Abuse, trauma, and extreme sadness may trigger this type of response. Whatever the reason may be, we could do a couple of things that may help us deal with them.

1. Keep Yourself Away From the Harmful Things Around You

Sharp objects, poisonous liquids, whatever items that may be deemed lethal or high-risk are among the things you should stay away from. You should ask someone else to hide them away from you if possible. It might also be beneficial to ask a loved one or healthcare professional to watch over you. 

By doing this, you can decrease your chances of doing something you may regret once you’ve calmed down. In certain situations, you may experience intense and nearly uncontrollable urges to self-harm; if there is nothing lethal within your access, it may save your life. 

2. Avoid Alcoholic Drinks and Recreational Drugs

This is one of the major pitfalls that suicidal people tend to fall into. They usually see drugs and alcohol as an escape from their inner struggles, hoping to numb the pain through narcotics. The thing is, these vices only create temporary relief, and the pain will still be there afterward. In reality, you may do something that can harm you or others when drunk; worse yet, you may become addicted and dependent on these substances—another problem to battle on top of the things you are already dealing with. 

3. Talk to Someone

Don’t just fight it all by yourself. You need someone to talk to. Ask the help of a friend, tell them how you feel, have a sit-down chat or an afternoon coffee break. Someone with suicidal thoughts shouldn’t be isolating themselves; instead, they should be communicating their feelings.

4. Take Prescribed Medications

Not to be mistaken for recreational drugs, prescription drugs are designed to target a part of you that may cause these suicidal thoughts. They can address the chemical imbalances in your body. Whatever the triggers may be, the medications can potentially limit or totally eliminate your urge for suicide. 

A doctor or a psychiatrist would be able to give you a prescription according to your current situation.

Conclusion

It is never easy to deal with struggles in life. There are some that can be managed by breathing exercises and meditations, while others need a variety of treatments and programs. If you are dealing with the latter, never hesitate to ask for help. Not only are you saving your own life, but you are also giving yourself a chance to experience all of the good things that life has to offer. 

If you happen to find yourself in a never-ending tunnel of hopelessness, don’t give up and reach out to us. We are the Hope Seed Support Center, offering Christian counseling in Houston. Our organization provides service to the community through counseling, nutritional therapy, and many other services. Contact us now, and let us discuss all your burdens in life. We are always here to help you.

All About Emotional Pain: Symptoms and Causes

When your body hurts, it’s usually easy to tell what caused it. You’re sure that your knee hurts because you tripped and fell a while ago or that your stomach is upset because you ate food that didn’t agree with you. However, when you feel emotional pain, it can be challenging to understand what caused it and how to deal with it.

Usually, emotional distress is caused by other people’s actions, like hurtful words or being the butt of a joke. Other times, it is caused by regret, grief, and loss. However, what can be challenging is when emotional pain is the result of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, as it is often incredibly tricky to pinpoint and address. 

The Symptoms of Emotional Pain

Some people believe that emotional pain isn’t as significant as physical pain, usually because it’s easier to mask. However, people must take emotional pain seriously, which can seriously impact their physical and mental health.

Some symptoms of emotional pain include panic, grief, intense distress, negative emotions, feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, isolation, and deep sorrow or depression. If any of these symptoms are reoccurring, you may want to try counseling services to address the root cause and understand why you are in pain.

The Causes of Emotional Pain

Many different emotions can result in emotional and psychological pain. It is normal to experience these feelings sometimes, but when they are intense and persistent to the point of interfering with your daily life, they become a cause for concern. Here are some of the common causes of emotional pain:

Anxiety

Anxiety is the fearfulness of the uncertain, which means you are perpetually scared of different scenarios that may occur. It can also be caused by substance use, so discontinuing your use of alcohol or drugs may alleviate your anxiety. 

Sadness

It is normal to feel sad from time to time, which is often associated with disappointment and loss. However, if the feeling persists, it may mean that you have a mental health condition like depression, which affects your entire body. If it starts affecting your daily life, be sure to call a counseling hotline to get the help you need right away. 

Repressed Anger

Anger is often regarded as an unnecessary negative emotion, but the reality is that it is a primary human emotion that is neither bad nor good. It increases muscle tension and accelerates your breathing because it releases adrenaline, part of the ‘fight’ part in your body’s fight, flight, or freeze response. Sometimes, it can propel you into action. However, if you don’t express your anger in healthy ways, it may lead to long-lasting physical consequences.

Shame and Guilt

When people feel embarrassed about something they said or did, they may start feeling guilty or ashamed coupled with a heavy feeling in their stomach. For instance, many people with addiction struggle with feelings of shame, often exacerbated by the need to hide their continued use of the substance. If shame and guilt go on unaddressed, they may also lead to negative physical consequences.

How Emotional Pain Affects Your Body

Although physical and emotional pain is markedly different, some types of pain share neurological similarities. For instance, physical and emotional pain is associated with changes in parts of the brain, notably the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex.

Some researchers believe that emotional pain and physical pain are different and must be treated as such, but the reality is that pain usually lies in the middle of the spectrum. Some people feel ashamed when they trip and hurt themselves, causing them both emotional and physical pain. Others have anxiety so bad that it gives them a perpetual upset stomach.

Conclusion

Taking care of your emotional pain is a crucial part of your overall happiness and well-being. Neglecting it and treating it as less important than your physical pain will only cause it to progress into a mental health condition with physical symptoms. By acknowledging your mental pain and seeking treatment through counseling services near you, you can alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Hope Seed Support Center is a counseling center in Houston offering mental health services, like online mental health counseling. With over 80 years of combined experience, we believe our dedication to benevolence and excellence allows us to provide comprehensive, client-centered care. Schedule a online counseling session with us today.

On Teen Suicide: The Causes, Warning Signs, and Solutions

No parent ever thinks that their child would consider harming themselves—or worse. However, the truth of the matter is that no person is entirely safe from the risk of suicide, not even your child. In this day and age, with the proliferation of social media and the recent need for social isolation, any teen is at risk.

Suicide has long been a serious health problem among all age groups, especially for teens aged 10 to 24. The suicide rate among young people increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018, evidently becoming a trend that’s dangerously rising by the day.

The Causes of Teen Suicide

Many things could cause your teen to think of suicidal thoughts. Although no teen is immune to suicide, individuals who have mental conditions have a greater possibility of wanting to end their lives. Mental illness, such as depression, has been one of the major contributing causes of having a suicidal mindset.

However, keep in mind that depression doesn’t always lead to suicide. You should take a clinically depressed seriously even without the risk of suicide—it’s essential to provide them with the necessary mental health services and as much support and that you can give.

There is no simple answer as to why teens consider suicide. Every person has different personalities, lives, and mindsets, so the reason behind their suicidal thoughts could be complex. 

Moreover, the teenage years are a tumultuous time and can already be stressful on their own. With the constant significant changes happening, stress, confusion, fear, and doubt could pile up and significantly impact a teen’s mental health.

The Common Signs of Suicide

Unfortunately, preventing suicide by dealing with the causes isn’t always possible, which is why it’s also crucial to recognize the warning signs. No one wants to end up suffering from a painful and traumatic incident because they never saw it coming. 

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to check on your teen and determine if they’re suicidal and need to speak with a mental health counselor near you.

Many teenagers with an intent of ending their life share common habits and circumstances, such as:

• Making threats or jokes about suicide

• Apparent changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Withdrawal from family and friends

• Giving away belongings for no reason

• Development of personality changes

• Increased alcohol or drug use

• Aggressive or hostile behavior

• Risky or self-destructive actions

What You Can Do

If your teen checks all the boxes, then they may end their life at any time. You can call 911 or a suicide hotline number, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-8255. However, if they aren’t in immediate danger, we recommend talking to your child about suicide and listen to what they have to say.

One conversation can be the start of their healing, but it won’t solve your teen’s problems. Of course, your love and support are crucial to overcoming their suicidal thoughts, but they also need professional help. Talking to a mental health therapist can give your teen a psychiatric evaluation and develop a plan of action to help them become mentally well once again.

Conclusion

Suicide is never an easy topic to talk about, but addressing this problem is crucial to prevent your child from attempting to end their life. Make sure to be on the lookout for the warning signs and to reach out to a professional experienced in diagnosing and treating teens with mental health problems.

Do you suspect your teen is suffering from suicidal thoughts? Our team of mental health professionals can help your child and provide them with the support they need. We have the best therapists in Houston who specialize in suicide counseling. Call us for an appointment today.

How to Handle Youth & Young Adults with Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is an act of intentionally causing one’s death, and it is a serious problem that is most common among 10-34-year-olds. While no teen is immune to this mental battle, some factors can make some adolescents more vulnerable than others. And it is a mental health issue that dramatically affects the person’s decision to end their life. 

Thankfully, parents can help heal a youth or young adults with suicidal thoughts. It is just a matter of taking intentional steps and creating an open communication environment for the child. It is also vital to understand how you can act as an adult to give hope for healing to a child’s clouded feelings and emotions. 

Here are some of the things that you can do to handle a youth or young adult that shows warning signs of suicidal thoughts: 

1. Be Proactive

As a parent, caregiver, or friend, the most important thing you can do to support those struggling is to recognize various warning signs. Although there are several influences that can contribute to suicide risk that you cannot pinpoint, observing the red flags like anxiety, hopelessness, emptiness, withdrawal, anger, and significant mood or behavior changes could help reduce the risk of suicide. If you see any warning signs early on, talk to them and ask them what they are thinking and feeling. Do not just avoid but respond quickly, as this will give them a greater sense that you care and want to protect them. 

2. Establish Communication and Connection

Do not wait for the child to come to you. If you see some warning signs, ask what’s wrong and offer your support. Keep in mind that your child needs someone who will listen and who will give them the affirmation that they are loved, so avoid giving lectures.

A one-on-one talk telling them that you love them and they are good enough will make them feel better and valued. Also, provide them with an assurance that they can overcome difficult experiences and emotions that are a part of life. With honest communication and deep connection, you can help your child feel that they are not alone through life's struggles.

3. Keep Media Exposure to a Minimum

Did you know that suicide is a problem that can be contagious? Although entertainment and social media provide messages or perceptions about suicide that can be positive, in many cases, they are very destructive. These mediums ultimately impact emotions, leaving kids vulnerable to their influences. Remember that teens are highly influenced by their emotions, causing them to react to tough situations before their brains can catch up and think clearly. 

4. Address Other Issues

A child's mental health and learning capabilities can also be a cause of suicide, so seek a counselor’s help if your child struggles with depression, anxiety, perfectionist tendencies, or a mental illness. You must remember to diligently deal with the issues to avoid suicidal ideation from ever appearing. 

5. Reach Out for Help

The proximity of help is important to avoid suicidal thoughts. Your child may not try anything while friends, family, or others they respect are around them, so reach out to people who can be with your child to cope with their struggle. If your child has a friend who talks about taking their own life, tell a trustworthy, caring adult so that they can provide supervision. 

Conclusion

Suicide is a problem that requires immediate attention—it is not just any other issue that can be resolved with medication by itself, but there is much work to be done to stop suicide from happening. If you need further help with your child’s suicidal thoughts, reach out to counselors near you. 

Let Hope Seed Support Center in Texas help you deal with your child’s current struggles. We help many individuals with suicidal thoughts or depression by providing free consultations. If you want to know more about our counseling expertise, get in touch with us today!

3 Life Aspects That Drug and Alcohol Addiction Will Affect

People who are having a rough week or getting tons of bad news are in need of coping mechanisms. Although there are some healthy ways of getting by, there are also some that can be rather unhealthy. Drugs and alcohol have been viewed as quite an effective tool to help relieve any pain and stress a person is undergoing.

However, that alleviation can be short-lived when a person starts to form addiction and abuse them. Sustaining that drug and alcohol addiction can be rough to deal with as one becomes fixated with continuing to feel that high almost daily. 

Although it may seem like another glass or pill would be inconsequential, it isn't. Drug and alcohol addiction can affect multiple aspects of your life, and it’s essential to see the signs as early as you can.

Health

Drugs and alcohol were not made to be consumed daily. Increasing your intake of these can lead to short-term and long-term health risks. Separately, drugs and alcohol can affect one’s digestive system. Having them together can also affect your blood pressure and bring to light some heart-related issues. 

Not only will drugs and alcohol be affecting your physical health, but they can take a toll on your mental state as well. Both tend to cloud your state of consciousness when the brain starts to feel the high that drugs and alcohol are associated with, leading to poor decision-making and being prone to mood swings.

Drugs and alcohol can still affect the mental health shortly after a person feels immense depression and anxiety when they’re unable to get their usual dosage, some even lashing out. It can be a tough cycle to break. However, it’s important to know that recovering from drug and alcohol addiction is possible and encouraged.

Finances

It’s not a secret that drugs and alcohol can be pretty expensive. Drugs, in particular, can be hard to obtain and have a high price for small amounts. As you get more tolerant to the doses, you often strive to seek and spend more. It can be financially draining on your bank accounts and cash funds to continue sustaining a drug and alcohol addiction.

Financial issues can occur in that direct aspect, but addiction can prevent you from functioning at work properly or carrying out a business. There’s a lack of productivity when succumbing to drugs and alcohol. This can severely affect any progress that you have on certain projects or even make you lose your primary source of income.

Personal Life

Having an addiction can sever or damage your ties with people in your environment. This may not be as quick to spot, but relationships can often break when the behavior of someone with addiction changes. They tend to choose these vices over their own well-being. 

Although it is the drugs and alcohol that are taking over, some friends and relatives can find it harder to connect with you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and let them assist you in getting the help that you need.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one are showing any signs of substance and alcohol addiction, be sure to get them the help they need. One can only recover when they are given a trusted support system and surrounded by a concerned community.

Looking for a counseling center in Houston? Hope Seed Support Center is an organization that provides counseling, nutritional therapy, and support services in Texas. Get in touch with us today.

7 Signs of Anxiety and Depression in Children

In the era of a pandemic, the limitations surround us adults, and it leaves us with no better solution than to adjust and adapt to the changes. However, for children, the world has become a danger zone instead of a playground. Living in a time of uncertainty, children’s mental health is rapidly declining. Given that sobering thought, it’s about time we discuss the significance of understanding mental health for all ages. As early as now, seek therapy or counseling, and watch out for these signs of anxiety or depression in children: 

Sign #1: General Disinterest or Loneliness 

Experts reveal that a sign of depression in children is their general disposition of disinterest. Here, you’ll notice that they stop caring about their hobbies, their favorites, or even their appearance. In some cases, they might seem aloof, irritable, and even withdrawn.  

If your child always seems to avoid conversation, it might be a cry for help. 

Sign #2: Physical Discomfort 

Aches and pain in children are not only due to cuts and bruises. Often, discomforts such as tummy aches and migraines are manifestations of their anxiety or depression. So, make sure not to disregard your kid’s complaints! They could mean something more than they aren’t letting on. 

Sign #3: Irregular Sleeping Patterns 

Most kids fight to stay up late just because it’s the cool thing to do. But in this case, sudden changes in sleeping schedules may be a sign of excessive stress.  

If you notice that your child is often not well-rested, it’s time to give them some help. Ask them how they’ve been sleeping, find ways to make them sleep better, or get them medical attention if it’s absolutely necessary. 

Sign #4: Aggression and Meltdowns 

Aggression in children can be manifested verbally or violently. Other times, you’ll find that a child will throw a tantrum out of nowhere—and you will have to be equipped to calm them down.  

These outbursts are not just to be corrected, but they should be examined. Angsty kids will show that they’re struggling through picking fights, hitting, biting, and so on. You mustn’t dismiss this behavior simply as “playing,” but treat it as a significant concern. 

Sign #5: Appetite Changes 

When human beings are stressed, we either forget to eat or overeat. Watch out for your kids’ appetite changes. If you don’t monitor their stress and their relationship with food, this could lead to long-term eating disorders. 

Sign #6: Potty Accidents 

“Peeing in your pants” is often used as comic relief in pop culture. On the other hand, it may mean that your potty-trained child is suffering a nervous breakdown or an anxiety attack. Always err on the side of caution and consult with your pediatrician about these symptoms. 

Sign #7: Shocking Spasms 

Some children develop tics that help them control their thoughts and emotions, especially when feeling overwhelmed. Although common, this repetitive behavior shouldn’t keep them from fulfilling tasks or socially interacting normally. If it does, it’d be ideal to seek professional help. 

Conclusion 

Due to COVID-19, schools were closed, kids no longer saw their friends and classmates, and their freedom was effectively diminished. Although children are considered tough and resilient, children have the most difficulty coping and thriving in restrictive environments. Without an outlet, they’re unable to express how they feel in given circumstances. If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, look beyond these seven signs and get in touch with a mental health therapist. 

If you are looking for a counseling center in Houston, Hope Seed Support Center offers counseling services to address depression, anxiety, grief, sadness, and suicidal thoughts. If you are needing assistance in managing stress, please let us know. We are glad to help you achieve balanced mental health. Give us a call at 832-257-3778 to find out more! 

Everything You Need to Know About Electronic Addiction

Technology has undoubtedly had a significant impact on society. Thanks to automated processes and various types of technologies, the world has witnessed tremendous improvements in different sectors, such as businesses, higher education, or personal life. 

Our life certainly wouldn’t be how it is today without technology—for better or for worse.

The Impact of Technology

Technology has now become a part of daily life. Very few people would be able to work, relax, travel, and communicate without using gadgets, computers, and other types of technology. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that various technological advancements have made life significantly better and the future brighter. 

Although the fourth digital revolution has brought about numerous positive changes in society with the fusion of the physical, digital, and biological worlds, one can’t deny that it can also bring significant harm when used irresponsibly.

What Is Electronic Addiction?

Electronic gadgets were created to help people live an easier life—it’s not supposed to control you and consume your time and attention. Too much screen time is not good; when you spend an average of more than ten hours in front of a screen, it’s not considered normal. 

Technology or electronic addiction isn’t listed in the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5) as an official mental illness. Still, it is certainly a growing concern among children, teenagers, and even adults. Electronic addiction may also be referred to as:

• Problematic internet use

• Computer addiction

• Internet dependence

• Compulsive internet use

Symptoms of Electronic Addiction

“But everybody uses their gadgets and the internet. So how do I know if they’re addicted?”

Electronic addiction isn’t always easy to spot, as some people have long average screen times due to their academic responsibilities or work. If you’re not sure whether you or your loved one is suffering from electronic addiction, just watch out for the symptoms below:

• Can’t control screen time use

• Becomes angry or agitated when screen time is interrupted

• Loses interest in activities 

• Loses track of time

• Prioritizes screentime over responsibilities

• Prefers to use electronic devices rather than bond with family or friends

• Sacrifices hours of sleep

The Harmful Effects of Electronic Addiction

Electronic addiction may not involve the abuse of harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs, but it still causes stimulation to the brain. 

Just like with substance abuse, people who suffer from electronic addiction find solace in their gadgets; they see video games, social media, and the internet as a whole as an opportunity to escape from their feelings, thoughts, and situations.

If unaddressed, electronic addiction can significantly affect an individual’s behavioral development and mental and physical health. In addition, with excessive use of electronics and constant exposure to forms of media, they can lose touch with reality and ultimately have a lower quality of life.

Conclusion

Electronic addiction is a serious disorder that can negatively affect your overall health, but you don’t have to worry for long! Just like other conditions, electronic addiction is also treatable. As long as you reach out to the best therapist in Houston, you will learn how best to treat it and eventually overcome it!

Are you or someone you know suffering from electronic addiction? Let Hope Seed Support Center help you deal with your condition and find the right balance! Our Houston counseling center provides the highest level of care and compassion for counseling, health and wellness, community needs, and crisis interventions. Schedule your appointment today!

4 Vital Parenting Skills That Every Parent Should Have

Being a parent brings you fulfilling, hilarious, and surprising memories. From the moment your child says their first word, they land their dream job, to the moment they walk down the aisle and say “I do,” it is full of rollercoaster-like adventures and remarkable experiences that make you realize that life is truly worth living. 

While parenting enriches your life, it is not a bed of roses. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It actually involves having endless patience and dealing with sleepless nights due to bedtime tantrums. You also have to figure out the proper way to raise your little one to ensure they grow up to be a good person. 

Unfortunately, in the real world, there are no postpartum aftercare instructions. Wouldn’t it be nice to bring your newborn home, and they come with a parenting manual? Although there is no handbook about parenting techniques, we have this article, which is basically the same thing. To be the best parent you can be, here are some parenting skills you need to master:

1. Behavior management

Throwing tantrums is common and understandable among children, but just because they are little does not mean you should overlook this behavior. Problematic behaviors should be addressed to avoid further behavioral issues and problems. 

If you are already at your wit’s end about your child’s difficult or defiant behavior, it’s easy and tempting to raise your voice at them or even spank them to express your frustration. However, never choose violence or punishments when disciplining them as this can worsen how they behave and cause them to develop negative self-esteem. Lean instead on ways that make them feel capable and connected and help them gain the skills they need to control their own behavior.

2. Education and learning

Academic achievement can help shape your child’s success. Although the educational institution directly affects your kid’s learning, the truth is it does not matter if your kid attends a prestigious school. The important thing is you encourage learning at home and directly involve yourself in their education.

Being engaged in your child’s school life provides them with the knowledge they need to complete their homework. As you continuously give them support, you help them achieve their educational goals and develop a lifelong love for learning.

3. Relationship skills

Nurturing and maintaining a healthy relationship with your child impacts their entire personality and identity. It may not be easy, but you can start by spending more time with them. This is a powerful way to express how much you love them and want to be with them.

Pay close attention to your child’s hobbies and interests. You may not really like playing dress-up or doing an imaginative play, but remember that these activities are not about you. You are doing these to be closer to them.

4. Stress management

As a parent, you experience a range of negative emotions from time to time. Feelings of joy and love may quickly turn into despair or hate, depending on the situation. When left unmanaged, these can translate to anger, frustration, and stress that can harm your relationship with your child. 

Keep in mind that although your feelings are valid, you have to be responsible for your actions. If you feel extremely overwhelmed with stress due to parenting, consider seeking mental health services or looking for places where to get help for depression.

Conclusion

Parenting skills allow you to build a relationship with your child, which guides them throughout their life. Developing and refining those skills listed above may take time and a whole lot of patience, but mastering them lets you be the best version of yourself as a parent. If you need further parenting guidance, reach out to counselors near you.

Regardless of your parenting need or situation, our counseling center in Houston can help you. Hope Seed Support Center provides the highest level of support and care possible through counseling, nutritional therapy, and more to fill you with hope, help you cope, and inspire you to gain strength. Feel free to check our valuable resources and support pages or schedule an appointment today!

How to Win Against Your Inner Critic

Do you sometimes feel like you are your worst critic? It’s sometimes good to have that voice telling you that you need to improve. If that voice persistently whispers that you are no good, that you don’t do anything right, or that you’re not worth anything, though, then it’s no longer helpful. That critic is now your saboteur—and that saboteur is keeping you from becoming who you can truly be.

Whether you agree or not, the truth is your inner voice matters. Just because you don’t say its words out loud doesn’t mean it’s not doing you harm. The truth is that it can be the reason you’re having anxiety or depression.

If negative self-talk is taking over your life, it can lead to worse situations that can even be life-threatening. One of the best ways to deal with that inner saboteur is to call a counseling hotline where someone will listen to you without judgment and give you sound advice.

Of course, no one wants to get to that point, so it’s important that you take steps to silence that inner voice that’s keeping you down. Here’s what you can do:

Be Aware of the Critic

The first step to gaining control of your life is to acknowledge that the negative voice exists. Most of the time, that thinking process goes so fast that you barely pay attention to your thoughts. Mindfulness is everything, here. Slow down and try to consciously pay attention to the way you think. In the process, you might learn a few things about that inner critic.

One thing you can try is to try writing down a few things about the situation when that negative voice speaks to you. The words don’t need to make sense. For instance, you can write “late for work” or “fight with sister.” By doing this, you’ll be more aware of the critic, and you’ll be more equipped to fight it.

Give the Critic a New Name 

Your inner saboteur is sneaky. It doesn’t want you to take notice that it’s creeping inside you. It is happiest when you think of it as part of who you are. But that’s not true at all. You were not born with those negative thoughts. It may have been rooted in something that happened to you or caused by outside influences, whether it’s a traumatic situation or constant harsh criticism from others. 

Separate your identity from that saboteur by giving it a name—even a silly one! By naming it, you’ll be able to put some distance between your truest self and the part of you that’s just sabotaging your well-being.

Talk Back to the Voice

To truly take away the critic’s power, you need to talk back to it. Don’t let it scare you and keep you quiet. Tell it that you don’t want to listen to its words and that you don’t believe anything it says. As soon as the voice starts talking, shut it up and tell it to go away. 

This will greatly help because it will give you back the strength and self-confidence that you need to regain your positivity.

Find an Ally

The best way to finally defeat your inner critic is to have a stronger voice to fight it. Acknowledge your inner cheerleader and let it boost your spirits. You can start by noticing things that you love about yourself—because you do have positive traits, and your critic might have just made you forget about them.

It can also help to surround yourself with positive people who genuinely care about you and to cut your ties with those who give power to your inner saboteur. Stick with people who support you and believe in you because they’ll light up that fire in you to keep fighting and start believing in yourself again. 

Tell yourself always that you are a winner and that you are a good and kind person. You are beautiful, and you are loved. By telling these things to yourself constantly, you’ll start drowning that inner voice until it’s gone.

Conclusion

It’s not going to be an easy battle. That negative voice will try to find a way to survive, but you shouldn’t let it. There may also be times when you’ll feel like it is winning again. When that happens, you can always benefit from free counseling at a center near you. Many people who suffer from the same thing find that it is more helpful for them to talk about these things to someone who is not their friend or family. It might be the same for you. 

Hope Seed Support Center is a counseling center in Houston that you can trust. Visit our counselors or call our hotline, and we’ll help you fight that inner critic and help you maintain a healthy and positive view of yourself.

What a year.....

There is a lot to be said of 2020. In many cases, it’s easy to look at all of the disruptions, fear, chaos, and stress and put 2020 in a category of a disaster year. Our Seniors lost their Senior year, trips, prom, and all the things that make their final year so special. Countless lives have been lost to this pandemic, and not just by the virus, we can sometimes forget the ones who could no longer bear their struggles and pain. May they not be forgotten. The economic and social unrest at times felt like we no longer lived in the United Stated, for United we had no longer become. I could go on and on for days of what was lost. But, I want to ask you, what did you gain? We can all find some good in this past year. The amazing frontline workers, healthcare heroes, the resilience of the American people, and the scientists who forged a new path in Operation Warp Speed. 2020 is not all lost. For my family, it was about trying to find the good in disappointment, cancelled plans, even crushed dreams. The pandemic forced both of my kids to study from home. Although this came with some stresses, I got to see them more than I had in years during the school day. I have a freshman in college, so I got to hang on to her a little longer before giving her to the world to shape and mold. My husband and I started to work from home. Although, most couples may like the space and time a part, I will say that this time has been cherished, because soon, I know my house will be empty again. My husband travels with is job quite often, for the first time in years we went on walks, played games, and ate at the dinner table a lot. Earlier in the year, my husband had lost his job. The uncertainty and stress initially got to me, however, I quickly realized that I had to have faith that everything was going to work out. And, it did. We changed our way of living, but through that change, we ended up saving money and appreciating every day. This year has been a time of reframing our expectations, accepting change, and finding joy in the simple things. It has not always been easy, but we have come to count our blessings.

So, my encouragement to you is to embrace the change. Look for the good. Delight in the simple joys, and try not to sweat the small stuff. Prayer got me and my family through 2020! As we face a new year that is filled with hope, change, and some relief to our future plans, don’t lose sight the good things that came out of 2020. Take a moment before the year is over and write down 5 simple things that you found good. If nothing else, shopping carts have never been cleaner!! Have a blessed week. I’ll see you in 2021.