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Dr. Teresa Smith

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Benefits of a Mental Health Day from Work or School

We’ve all had those days when the alarm goes off and we lie in bed, feeling depleted of our energy, and maybe even our good mood. We think to ourselves, “I’m not really sick, but I just need a break from real life today.” While taking a sick day is common when you are feeling physically unwell, what’s not as common – but perhaps should be – is taking a mental health day when you are feeling mentally and emotionally unwell.

Now many, if not most, companies do offer their employees personal days with no questions asked. But many people save these days for what seem like real life emergencies. They feel guilty if they use one of these days to simply rest and relax their mind.

The truth is, taking a mental health day from work or school can be extremely important for your overall well-being. It can help you avoid burnout, improve your mood, help you get some much-needed rest, and rejuvenate you so you can tackle “real life” once again.

Signs It’s Time for a Mental Health Day

So how do you know when you are really in need of a mental health day and when you’re just feeling a bit lazy and unmotivated?

Stress

You’ve been feeling overwhelmed and irritable.

You Just Feel… Off

Sometimes we don’t feel like ourselves, but we can’t quite put our finger on what’s wrong. We know we feel anxious and like the world is a bit too much. This is a sure sign you need a break.

Getting Sick More Often

Are you dealing with a cold that “just won’t go away?” When we are stressed, our immune systems become compromised, and it’s harder for us to fight off the common cold.

The bottom line is you should never feel guilty for taking some time for your mental health. I encourage you to take a mental health day every once in a while. Sometimes it’s the absolute best thing we can do for ourselves.

And if you find a mental health day didn’t quite do the trick, you may have more going on in your life that requires more hands-on treatment. If you like the idea of speaking with someone about whatever is bothering you, please get in touch with me so we can discuss treatment options.

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The Importance of Independence in a Relationship

When we first fall in love with that special someone, we want to spend all of our time together. In fact, we seem to feel better when we are with our significant other.

This is the infatuation stage, and admittedly, it feels really good. But enduring relationships move past this stage and into a place of mutual respect and care. This will require each partner to give the other space to be their own individuals.

Why Individuality and Independence are Important in Relationships

First, what does it really mean to be an independent individual? It means you know how to be your own person, whether you are single or in a relationship. It means while you make the effort to make your partner happy, you also ensure that you continue to do the things you enjoy that bring you happiness.

The following are just some of the reasons why there should always be independence in a relationship:

No One Likes Clingy

When you lack independence and don’t have a solid sense of yourself, you can come across as “clingy” or needy. If you want to be around your partner 24/7 and they are wanting space, your neediness can drain their energy.

Mutual Growth

When the two of you stay independent, you give each other the opportunity to grow as individuals, which then can lead to growth as a couple. 

Mutual Support

Independent people are strong people, and strong people can be counted on when it matters most. When you are both strong individuals, you can lend that support when the other needs it.

Need Help Getting Your Independent Spirit Back?

Most of us demanded our independence when we were in our teens and early 20s. But life happens, and we can often lose that independent spirit and lose our own identities. If you need some help reconnecting with yourself so that you may one day enjoy a beneficial partnership, please get in touch with me. I’m more than happy to discuss how therapy can help.

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ABA Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

The CDC has recently reported that roughly 1 in 44 children in this country is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 1 in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are identified with an ASD, respectively, each year.

Although there is no cure for autism, there are tools parents and teachers can use to help children with autism cope with environmental triggers so they may learn and thrive. One of the most effective tools to date is Applied Behavior Analysis.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis? 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a style of therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. Started in the 1960s, ABA gives users some key insights, namely, how behavior works, how behavior can be affected by the environment, and how learning takes place.

The goal with ABA therapy is to identify behavior in real-world situations and increase those that are beneficial while decreasing those that are harmful or negatively impact learning. ABA can be used to increase a child’s communication skills and improve their attention and ability to focus. ABA has also been shown to improve social skills and memory.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

ABA is a unique form of therapy that offers specific benefits:

It’s Flexible

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a flexible treatment that can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual. It can involve one-on-one teaching or group instruction. ABA may also be used in different settings, from schools to homes and throughout the community.

Practical

Certain therapies sound good – in theory. But ABA is practical because it teaches skills that are useful in everyday life.

Positive Reinforcement

ABA relies on positive reinforcement. When good behaviors are rewarded, the child is far more likely to repeat that behavior.

How to Find an ABA Specialist for Your Child

You may want to inquire with your child’s doctor if they can refer you to a therapist in your area that specializes in ABA. His or her school may also be able to put you in touch with someone who can help on a one-on-one basis.

I have been certified in ABA and would be more than happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

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Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth is short for “June Nineteenth” and marks a very important day in American history. This is the day federal troops entered Galveston, Texas in 1865 and took control to ensure all slaves were freed. Juneteenth is thought to be the longest-running African American holiday. It became an official federal holiday on June 17, 2021. 

While slavery was abolished over 250 years ago, there is lingering trauma that has been passed down through the generations in the black community. As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, it’s important to focus on the overall mental health and well-being of the community. 

Barriers To Mental Health Care 

Historically, the African American community has been faced with certain barriers that have made seeking mental health services challenging. 

Socioeconomic Disparities 

It is common for members of the black community to experience socioeconomic disparities that make it hard to finance mental health treatment. Recent data suggest that 11% of black adults in this country have no form health insurance.  

Stigma 

It is common for people in the black community to have negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health issues and treatment for those issues. In fact, one study found that 63% of black people still believe that admitting to struggling with a mental health condition is a sign of personal weakness.  

As a result of this lingering stigma, people often feel shame for having a mental health condition and choose to not seek help for fear of being bullied or scorned.  

Trust 

People of color often prefer to speak with therapists within their own community. Speaking with another person of color, who understands the microaggressions and burdens you face on a daily basis, can be tremendously helpful for healing.  

Currently, the psychology workforce is predominantly white, which often makes it difficult for BIPOC people to find a therapist they feel comfortable with. It is hoped that in the coming years, more young people of color will take an interest and the initiative to become a trained and licensed therapist. 

Making a Commitment 

This Juneteenth, it is important that people in the African American community make a commitment to their mental health. It may be helpful for you to get on the phone with a few potential providers and ask some questions to get a sense of their level of cultural awareness. What is their history of treating people of color? How sensitive are they to the plights black people face today? 

When you find a provider that can meet your needs, you can begin the journey of healing. 

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