Here are links to quality articles for patients/clients:
Why some people are more optimistic than others — and why it matters – discusses recent research on optimism: 25% genetically determined, increases during young adulthood, flattens and then decreases as of about age 55; is less affected by single events than ongoing experiences; and what people can do, with or without a therapist, to increase their optimism. From: WashingtonPost.com
The 8 core components of psychotherapy This info can help you know what to expect from quality therapy, and how to be an effective partner with your therapist. From PsychiatricTimes.com
How to Give Your Therapist Feedback. An excellent article with advice about how to talk assertively with your therapist about your needs, how she/he is doing, and your concerns. From NYTimes.com
“How to Get the Most Out of Your Therapy Appointment” provides helpful tips for preparing for appointments and working with your therapist – including talking about how it is going, whether therapy is helping.
“Optimizing Brain Health” from PsychiatricTimes.com, includes info about the research about healthy things that you can do to care for your brain.
Good advice for choosing – or ending your relationship with – a primary care doctor, “How to Pick a Doctor – or Break Up with One” from npr.org
How To Help Your Anxious Partner — And Yourself
How much should you exercise in order to lift your mood? “Take into consideration your own fitness level and preferences, to find that sweet spot, such that the exercise is enough of a challenge without being unpleasant.” A new review looks into the optimum exercise intensity, type and duration for boosting mood
How Stress Affects Your Health, from the American Psychological Association, provides a quick review of stress symptoms, causes and ways to cope (including, but not limited to, seeing a psychologist, of course).
50 tips for people with mental health problems from an eminent psychiatrist, with advice about both psychiatric medication and therapy. “Advice for People With Psychiatric Problems.”
8 apps that can help with anxiety, depression and lifestyle changes – can assist with therapy, may be used by primary medical providers. “Technology, Counseling and CBT”
Video: “4 Tips for Falling Asleep” (10 minutes, high quality info)
For coffee lovers, research finds many benefits, with some having stronger research support than others, including benefits for alertness, concentration, focus, energy levels and mood. Spilling the beans: Coffee can be good for your health from the Washington Post.
“How to Get the Most Out of Your Therapy Appointment” provides tips about identifying therapy goals, preparing for appointments, and even discussing concerns about your therapist and how things are going. From Happify.com
“Coronavirus Has Upended Our World. It’s OK To Grieve” summarizes the stresses and losses associated with the pandemic and provides 4 suggestions for coping, for adults and children, from psychologists. From NPR.com
“Stress-eating for comfort in a time of anxiety? Here’s how experts say you should deal with it.” discusses how common it is for people to have problems with food when stressed (over or under eating) and provides guidance about how to have a healthy relationship with food during the pandemic crisis. From WashintonPost.com
An article about online resources for people in recovery, “Online Help to Stay Sober During a Pandemic.” The article discusses 10 online support groups, 3 apps and 3 online groups for people supported loved ones in recovery. From NYTimes.com
“A Surprising Way to Stay Resilient: Reminding yourself what you’re grateful for can boost your mental health and help you cope with coronavirus stress” discusses things that people can do to boost their physical and “psychological immune systems,” with a focus on research about the benefits, both physical and psychological, of cultivating gratitude. The article ends with 11 activities to help with gratitude. All of this is discussed in the context of the pandemic crisis. From wsj.com
“The Benefits Of Outdoor Exercise And How To Get Started” is an excellent review of the benefits of getting outdoors and being active, with sections about mental health and emotional benefits. It also includes 5 tips for getting started. It is by blogger Andrew Clark, who posts about all things outdoors and his own adventures. From ExploreNewTrails.com
“What are the best times to sleep and wake up?” reviews research that finds, for most but not all people, early bedtimes (between 8 pm and midnight) and having regular times for sleep and getting up are generally better for people. From MedicalNewsToday.com