Renewed Wellness Counseling supports individuals in North Carolina and South Carolina on their journey to self-discovery through online therapy.

Did you know that trauma impacts you both physically and emotionally? Trauma is an overwhelming and distressing experience that can have a profound impact on your life, leaving you with both physical and emotional pain. To heal from this experience, it is crucial to understand the effects of trauma on your body and mind. In this post, we will explore the physical and emotional effects of trauma, and the benefits of trauma therapy for those in the process of healing. Let's first define what trauma is... Generally, trauma refers to any distressing event or experience that surpasses your capacity to cope. This can range from physical abuse to natural disasters, from witnessing violence to enduring life-threatening experiences. Regardless of what type of traumatic experience you have had, it can make you feel scared, helpless, and overwhelmed. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that trauma is subjective and can affect different people in different ways. Meaning, a traumatic event could happen to two people and their responses and emotions could be different. To better understand, let us look at some real-life examples of traumatic experiences that people may encounter. Paula, for instance, had a traumatic childhood, where she was…

Mental health is an essential component of workplace well-being and productivity, yet it is often overlooked or minimized. According to data from Mental Health America, fewer than 20% of US workers say they feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with their manager or supervisor, despite 80% of respondents believing that their employer has some responsibility for the overall well-being of employees. Employers are starting to recognize the importance of mental health in the workplace, and they are taking measures to ensure that their employees are supported and have access to resources that can help them manage their mental health. In this blog post, we'll explore why mental health in the workplace matters, the signs that employers should look out for, and some of the ways that employers can create a supportive environment for their employees. The Impact of Mental Health on Performance and Productivity The impact of mental health on employee performance and productivity cannot be ignored.  When employees are struggling with their mental health, it can lead to decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, and a decline in overall work quality.  Work absences and productivity challenges become more prevalent as employees may struggle to show up to work or give their…

In recent years, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It's a great way to stay connected with friends and family, especially if you live far away. But there's a downside to all this constant connection. When investigating the role of social media on mental health, studies have shown that too much social media can actually be harmful to our mental health, leading to increased anxiety and loneliness. For instance, the Canadian Medical Association Journal writes, "In the last decade, increasing mental distress and treatment for mental health conditions among youth in North America has paralleled a steep rise in the use of smartphones and social media by children and adolescents."  Here's a closer look at the dark side of social media and how it's impacting our mental health. Anxiety and Social Media One of the biggest ways social media is harming our mental health is by causing anxiety. Constant scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, etc. can make us feel like we're not doing enough with our lives or that we're not as successful as our friends or peers. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Social media can also cause us to compare ourselves to…

Our lives are chaotic and busy, and we are so focused on the past and the future that we often forget to simply be in the moment. The present is happening right now, yet so many of us take it for granted and don’t appreciate the small elements of life that make it powerful and special. One of the primary reasons mindfulness is effective in combating stress is its ability to break the cycle of rumination. When we practice mindfulness, we learn to detach from repetitive and negative thought patterns that contribute to stress and anxiety. Instead of getting entangled in a spiral of worries and regrets, we develop the capacity to focus on the current moment and accept it for what it is, without dwelling on what has already happened or what might happen next. You can train yourself to stop and be in the moment, finding inner peace and tranquility just by following a few simple guidelines. Focus entirely on a specific action In our fast-paced and multitasking-driven world, taking a moment to focus on a specific task may seem counterintuitive at first. However, this simple practice of mindfulness can have profound effects on our overall well-being and…

Are you tired of reading about anxiety in a clinical and detached way? Let's have a real conversation about it - one that takes into account the messy, unpredictable, and often hidden aspects of this common condition. Anxiety is an experience. It is the feeling that something bad may happen and that there's nothing you can do to stop it. It's a sense of helplessness in the face of uncertainty. These feelings are perfectly normal reactions to events in our lives, but they can also be magnified by anxiety disorders. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM5) may provide definitions and criteria, it's time to explore this through the lens of relatability and everyday experiences. Understanding Anxiety's Many Faces Anxiety doesn't always fit neatly into textbook symptoms. It can manifest in a variety of ways, and understanding these nuanced experiences is crucial in supporting those who are affected or deciding what steps to take to help yourself. Let's delve into some real-life examples to shed light on how anxiety can present itself and why it can create such distress: 1. The Constant Overthinker: Imagine being trapped in a never-ending loop of thoughts and worries. The constant overthinker experiences anxiety that…

For many couples, the arrival of a new baby is a time of great joy and excitement. However, it can also be a time of worry and anxiety, particularly for first-time parents. It's normal to feel anxious about becoming a parent. After all, it's a huge responsibility! Luckily, there are things you can do to prepare for parenthood and ease your anxiety. Here are 4 tips to help you lessen anxiety about parenthood: 1. Educate yourself about pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care. There's a lot to learn about becoming a parent! One way to reduce stress during this transition is to educate yourself about pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care. Taking the time to gather information and knowledge about these topics can help alleviate some of the anxiety you may be feeling. There are many resources available, including books, websites, and classes offered by hospitals or community organizations.  By learning as much as you can, you will feel more prepared and confident when your baby arrives. Understanding the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, the different stages of labor and delivery, and the basics of infant care can provide you with a sense of control and readiness. It can…