The Impact of Boredom on Your Mental Health + Strategies Boredom can have negative impacts on mental health, leading to feelings of restlessness, apathy, and even depression. However, there are ways to combat boredom for better mental health. One approach is to create your own distractions, which can be productive. For example, you can try learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby, or exploring new places. Another approach is to sit quietly with your boredom, allowing yourself to be aware of the thoughts or feelings that arise from deep within. This can help you identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your boredom and address them accordingly. It’s important to note that boredom is a feeling that most people experience from time to time, and there are many ways to address and prevent it. For instance, you can create rewarding goals, show some love to someone in your life, or boost your brainpower by treating yourself to a couple of pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The Flip-Side – Some Pros of Boredom While boredom is often associated with negative effects on mental health, research suggests that there are some potential positive impacts of boredom on mental health. For instance, boredom can lead to increased creativity and productivity. It can also encourage us to engage in introspection and self-reflection, which can lead to personal growth and an increased sense of purpose. Furthermore, experiencing boredom can help us appreciate and savor the enjoyable moments in life, as they contrast with the dull moments. It is important to note that while there may be some potential positive impacts of boredom on mental health, excessive boredom or chronic boredom can still have negative effects on mental health, such as feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. Additional Info: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-to-make-boredom-work-for-you https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-change/201507/how-beat-boredom https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health https://www.learning-mind.com/benefits-of-boredom-science/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/202004/5-benefits-boredom https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201501/the-benefits-boredom https://www.healthline.com/health/boredom#outlook stlmentalhealth.com is a St. Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/contact-us/. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
BUT HOW? What can you do over the summer to take care of your mental health? See below! Summer is coming up AND it’s a great time to focus on being the best you and having the best summer in the history of summers! Here are some ideas to get you started: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Get outside and enjoy nature by going for a walk, hike, or bike ride. Take time to relax and unwind by reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing meditation or yoga. Stay connected with friends and family by planning outdoor activities or hosting a barbecue or picnic. Eat healthy and nourishing foods like salads, smoothies, and grilled vegetables. Get plenty of rest by sticking to a regular sleep schedule and taking naps if needed. Try new hobbies or activities like gardening, painting, or learning a new language. Stay active by swimming, playing sports, or doing outdoor workouts. Take care of your mental health by seeking support from a therapist or counselor if needed. Information on Summer Depression & additional helpful links to educate yourself on the signs & coping strategies: https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/summer-depression-what-you-need-to-know-coping-strategies/ https://www.verywellmind.com/summer-depression-symptoms-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment-and-coping-4768191 https://www.webmd.com/depression/summer-depression To end this article the right way… What do you call someone who doesn’t believe it is June yet? A May-Sayer. Too funny. ………. https://www.stlmentalhealth.com is a St. Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/contact-us/. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
What Is Summer Depression? Summer depression, also known as summer-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the summer months. Symptoms of summer depression can include irritability, agitation, anxiety, restlessness, weight loss, poor sleeping, and decreased appetite. Coping mechanisms for summer depression can include prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, getting regular exercise, spending time outdoors, and seeking professional help if necessary. It is important to note that summer depression can be a serious condition and seeking help from a healthcare professional is recommended if symptoms persist. Additional helpful links: https://www.verywellmind.com/summer-depression-symptoms-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment-and-coping-4768191 https://www.webmd.com/depression/summer-depression https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ & https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention-national-network/faqs https://www.stlmentalhealth.com is a St. Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/contact-us/. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Dr. Lena Pearlman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates. In between sessions, I asked her: What are some creative ways to take care of mental health? Build! Buy some wood and build something, like a birdhouse. It takes all of your thought process and brain power. By the end of it, you’ll have a finished product and a cool accomplishment. Not interested in building? Get a large canvas and paint. Do anything that will get you a finished product at the end. Bake – Baking requires focus, patience, and mindfulness. Pick a difficult recipe that you’ve never done. Volunteer – for example, volunteer at a homeless shelters. Do things that do good, make you feel good, and help those around you. Go Outside – Examples include a picnic or a nice walk. Go on a hike! Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
“If we start being honest about our pain, our anger, and our shortcomings instead of pretending they don’t exist, then maybe we’ll leave the world a better place than we found it.” -Russell Wilson “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close In an article by Emerald Psychiatry called “The Benefits of Celebrities Sharing Their Mental Health Stories”, they write, “Modern celebrities are using news and social media to open up and share their mental health concerns. These acts alone help to breakdown any lingering mental health stigma that may be resistant to seeking treatment.” Who are some of these celebrities? Demi Lovato (https://www.deseret.com/2020/4/22/21231498/demi-lovato-starts-mental-health-fund-coronavirus-covid-19-charity-fundraising-crisis-counseling) – “The strongest thing someone can do is take that first step in getting help, whatever shape or form that is.” Kristen Bell Wants Mental Health Screenings To Be As Common As Dentist Visits (https://namiillinois.org/kristen-bell-wants-mental-health-screenings-common-dentist-visits-makes-great-point/) She writes, “Mental health check-ins should be as routine as going to the doctor or the dentist. After all, I’ll see the doctor if I have the sniffles. If you tell a friend that you are sick, his first response is likely, “You should get that checked out by a doctor.” Yet if you tell a friend you’re feeling depressed, he will be scared or reluctant to give you that same advice. You know what? I’m over it.” On Be Vocal: Speak Up For Mental Health, Actress Chyler Leigh told her story, “When I was younger, before receiving an official diagnosis, I had bouts of debilitating depression that I never talked about. I grew up in an environment where I wasn’t able to speak up, so I put on a shell and I kept quiet”. Full Story: https://www.bevocalspeakup.com/spotlight-chyler-leigh.html Justin Bieber Opens Up About His Mental Health: ‘There was times where I was really, really suicidal’ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/justin-bieber-mental-health-suicidal-interview-next-chapter-youtube-b1555078.html?amp He says: “I just would encourage people, like, ‘Hey, if you’re feeling lonely, talk about it. Say it out loud.’ There’s a freedom in that. I could have avoided a lot of pain.” Chris Evans has spoken about his experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, and posted a tweet in 2021 that normalizes mental health, saying: “Nothing like anxiety for no reason whatsoever. Looking like a 4pm bedtime for me. Happy Friday!” Kendrick Lamar struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts while recording To Pimp A Butterfly (https://consequence.net/2015/04/kendrick-lamar-struggled-with-depression-and-suicidal-thoughts-while-recording-to-pimp-a-butterfly/) Celebrities using their platforms to speak and advocate for & about mental health doesn’t end with the six mentioned above; Jim Carrey, Chrissy Teigen, Pete Davidson, Lana Condor, Kid Cudi, Emma Stone, Big Sean, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Serena Williams. We are all human. By fighting stigma and supporting mental health, “People will be more willing to seek treatment. People are scared to be perceived as “crazy” or “unstable” because of the way society looks at mental illness.” (viewpointcenter.com) Information in this article derived From borgenproject.org & advantagecaredtc.org Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
At times, such as now, this world can feel like a lot. For the past few years, we’ve lived in a pandemic. Looking abroad, but still very much impactful worldwide, the Ukraine-Russia war has been dominating the headlines. Throughout all these stressors, it is important to take care of yourself. Dr. Lena Pearlman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, says, “Take things one day at a time. Make sure you are checking in on yourself, as well as those you love”. Additionally, she lists several tips below that, “Reduce anxiety about the things that we are unable to control.” Talk with your loved ones about how you’re feeling. Do the same for them, asking how they are doing and listen as they open up to you. Limit the amount of news you view. When you are paying attention to the news, make sure the sources are credible. Exercise! Practice mindfulness and deep breathing. Get good nutrition. Get a good night sleep. Consider seeing a therapist. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
“Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is essential. Your self-care is a necessity.” -HealthyPlace.com 5 Tips to Practice (MentalHealth.org.uk): Talk About Your Feelings Discussing how you feel with a loved one or therapist can be incredibly beneficial: “Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled”. Looking through a larger lens, “Talking about mental health helps improve our communities by making it more acceptable for those suffering from mental illnesses to seek help, learn to cope, and get on the road to recovery.” (Blog.Healthsherpa.com) Keep Active “Research shows that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional wellbeing, and lower rates of mental illness. Taking up exercise seems to reduce the risk of developing mental illness. It also seems to help in treating some mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety.” (betterhealth.vic.gov.au) Eat Well https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/nutrition/eating-well-for-mental-health Keep In Touch with Loved Ones “Hanging out with family and friends not only can be fun, but research also shows it benefits your mental and physical health. Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a Mayo Clinic psychologist, agrees that socializing is key to good health.” (MayoClinic) Take Breaks – Practice Mindfulness https://blog.calm.com/blog/20-ways-to-take-a-mindful-break Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Defining Exposure Therapy: A Psychological Treatment utilized to assist people in confronting their fears. Rationale: “When people are fearful of something, they tend to avoid the feared objects, activities or situations. Although this avoidance might help reduce feelings of fear in the short term, over the long term it can make the fear become even worse.” (APA.org) Goal: “The goal of exposure therapy is to create a safe environment in which a person can reduce anxiety, decrease avoidance of dreaded situations, and improve one’s quality of life.” (WebMD.com) What Conditions Can It Help With? Generalized Anxiety Disorder OCD Phobias Panic Disorders PTSD Social Anxiety Disorder How Does It Work (from Healthline.com) (1) “Once the cause of your fear or anxiety has been identified, your therapist or psychologist will start the process by exposing you to the feared stimulus. (2) Often, they use a graded approach, where they start by exposing you to a mildly feared stimulus or a mild version of your stimulus. (3) Over time, your therapist will expose you to more feared stimuli in a safe environment. (4) The number of sessions and length of time your treatment will take depends on your progress.” Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Defining Burnout (www.helpguide.org): “Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.” What Causes Burnout? (webmd.com & mayoclinic.org) Unmanageable workloads Work-life imbalance Unfair treatment at work Lack of social support Confusing work responsibilities Lack of communication or support from managers Immense deadline pressure Signs of Burnout (Psychology Today): Chronic Fatigue Insomnia Forgetfulness Increased Illness Loss of Appetite Anxiety Depression Anger Pessimism Isolation Detachment Increased Irritability Lack of Productivity and poor performance What should you do when experiencing burnout? (MayoClinic.org/hbr.org) Prioritize yourself Seek support Practice mindfulness Do something that is fun and relaxing for you. Sleep! It’s so important mentally and physically. Take a step back… Reassess. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
I came across this photo the other day. Take a look at it. This is a representation of how the pandemic has impacted children of all ages. Undoubtedly, this has affected their social, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Looking at this photo, kindergartners, first graders, and second graders have never had a normal schooling experience. Current eighth graders, at the end of middle school, haven’t had a “normal” school year since the end of elementary school. Samantha Pearlman, LMSW, is a school based therapist with Youth in Need. In St Louis, she works in both an elementary and middle school in the Parkway School District. “The pandemic has significantly impacted children of all age groups. For example, younger children, like first graders, did not get the same socialization as they would have normally pre-pandemic. This has been very disruptive socially and emotionally.” Samantha works with her students individually and in groups, which include a mindfulness, leadership, and friendship group, with each group focusing on social skills, conflict resolution, and communication. One of her approaches in working with students? Samantha says that although it may seem silly, she plays a lot of games, “Games are not only fun, but they assist in bonding with peers and teach conflict resolution skills and teamwork. Her advice to parents: If you see that your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. School based counselors and/or resources outside of school are available. There’s no harm seeking out support. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141.
