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Dr. Teresa Smith

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Dating After Divorce: Tips for Moving On After Your Breakup

If you’ve gone through a divorce, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, about half of first marriages end in divorce, and divorce rates are even higher in second and third marriages.

It’s important to not rush back into dating after a divorce. Separating from your spouse can be extremely difficult, and you’ll need to take time to process your emotions, rediscover yourself, and think about what you want in your next relationship. Once you’re ready to enter the dating world again, remember the following tips:

  • Try dating apps. If it’s been a while since you got married, you may not have any experience using dating apps and websites, and you might be hesitant to embrace this new technology. But don’t discount it—these services could make it easier for you to meet someone new. Or, consider joining a class or attending a community event.
  • Be honest. While you don’t need to divulge every detail of what led to your divorce, don’t purposefully keep things from a potential partner. Let them know that you’re divorced and what you’re looking for in a new relationship. Trust is an essential component of any relationship, and you don’t want to build your next one based on lies.
  • Wait to introduce your children. If you and your ex-spouse share children, you may be excited to have them meet your new partner, but it’s important to not rush these introductions. Wait until you’ve gotten to know your new partner well and you’re sure that you want to be with them long-term.

Need to Talk to Someone?

Moving on after a divorce can be very difficult, and many people in this position find it beneficial to speak with a therapist. The experienced providers at our practice can help you navigate through any issues you’re currently experiencing and move into the next chapter of your life. Contact us today to request an appointment—we’ll be happy to schedule a session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

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Is Happiness Really a Choice?

You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve happiness. With that said, many people can take affirmative steps to cultivate happiness over time.

How to Find Happiness in Your Life

If you’re looking for ways to feel happier in your day-to-day life, you may want to:

  • Focus on positives rather than on negatives.
  • Think about all the people and things that you’re grateful for.
  • Smile more often (studies have shown that the physical act of smiling can release hormones that increase happiness and reduce stress).
  • Implement a morning routine that incorporates stretching, meditating, journaling, and eating a healthy breakfast.
  • Increase your activity level (be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen).
  • Sleep more (most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night).
  • Connect with friends and family members, either in person or over the phone.
  • Spend more time in nature.
  • Volunteer at an organization that’s meaningful to you.

Start Living a Happier Life

If you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition or you simply want to be a happier person, one of the best things you can do is reach out to an experienced therapist. Luckily, you can get the help you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand how difficult it can sometimes be to achieve happiness, but we’ll supply you with personalized tips and tools that can help you start experiencing a better quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

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Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Causes & Symptoms

Do you tend to start feeling unhappy around the same time each year? If so, you might have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that the American Psychiatric Association estimates affects about 5% of U.S. adults. Below, we explore what causes SAD and describe the symptoms that it often produces.

What Causes SAD?

Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes seasonal affective disorder. However, studies suggest that SAD may be connected to circadian rhythms, melatonin levels, and serotonin levels, all of which can be affected by the changing seasons.

What Are the Symptoms of SAD?

As its name suggests, seasonal affective disorder is related to the change in seasons, beginning and ending around the same time each year. Most people with this condition tend to feel depressed in fall and winter, but some grow depressed in spring and summer. When SAD occurs, it can make someone:

  • Feel agitated, anxious, guilty, hopeless, irritable, listless, sad, sluggish, tired, or worthless
  • Lose interest in their favorite activities
  • Find it difficult to focus
  • Sleep more or less than usual
  • Lose their appetite or overeat (particularly carbohydrates), leading to weight loss or gain

In some especially severe cases, individuals with SAD may experience suicidal thoughts.

Do You Have SAD?

If you’re experiencing the seasonal affective disorder symptoms listed above, you could benefit from speaking to a therapist with experience treating this condition. Our team has worked with numerous patients living with SAD, and we’ll be glad to meet with you and discuss the issues you’ve been experiencing. And if we determine that you do have SAD, we’ll recommend a customized course of treatment. Contact us today to schedule your first therapy session.

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What Causes Shopping Addiction?

Is shopping always on your mind, whether you’re thinking about items you plan to buy or feeling guilty about previous purchases? Do you often feel a sense of euphoria after buying something, causing you to turn to shopping whenever you feel sad or stressed? Has shopping caused you to rack up credit card debt, or do you feel compelled to hide unnecessary purchases from your loved ones?

If any of this sounds familiar, you may have oniomania (commonly referred to as shopping addiction). As with other types of addiction—including drug and alcohol addiction—shopping addiction can result from surges of neurotransmitters. When someone shops, their brain releases dopamine and endorphins, and the feelings produced by these neurotransmitters can gradually become addictive.

You may have an increased risk of developing shopping addiction if you:

  • Have low self-esteem
  • Are anxious or depressed
  • Feel lonely or isolated
  • Are materialistic
  • Feel like you don’t have control over other aspects of your life

Are You Addicted to Shopping?

If you think you might have a shopping addiction, it’s important that you consult with a therapist who has experience treating this issue. Luckily, you can get the help you need at our practice. We understand the effect that shopping addiction can have on a person’s life, and we’ll develop a course of treatment that’s tailored to your personal circumstances. Contact us today and let us know that you’d like to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to meeting with you.

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