by Marisa Columbi, MHC Intern

If you find yourself asking this question, the answer more frequently than not is YES! The truth is everyone can benefit from therapy, but when is it time to seek professional help? Everyone experiences some kind of emotional distress or difficulty dealing with tough situations at some point in their life, and I can guarantee it won’t happen just once. Life throws obstacles at you at any age, whether it be work stress, problems with your relationships, loss, financial issues and so much more. In some cases, you can work through these difficulties without outside help, and at other times you may need a little support.
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If you are experiencing one or more of the following criteria, you may want to consider reaching out to a therapist:

by Linda Montalbano, LPMHC

Have you ever experienced a panic attack? Heart pounding…thoughts racing…stomach rolling…palms sweating…ears ringing…Maybe you have experienced all these symptoms, or for you, symptoms look differently. No matter the symptoms, it can be terrifying. Some people feel as though they may be having a heart attack. Others describe panic attacks as a sense of dread. It is frustrating; it is scary.

However, panic attacks can be managed successfully! It is helpful to understand what triggers panic attacks. Common causes of anxiety include:
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Work/school pressures
Stories in the news
Family issues: a sick loved one, a death
Relationship issues
Peer pressures
Social media
Changes/life transitions
The pandemic
Trauma
Learned behaviors: mimicking others who experience panic attacks.
Once we recognize what could be causing or triggering the panic attacks, it is easier to understand why they occur. Working on or through the triggers can help reduce the onset and severity of panic attacks. But there are some useful tips to reduce the symptoms of panic attacks.