Symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks usually begin abruptly and include the following:

§  rapid heartbeat,

§  chest sensations,

§  shortness of breath,

§  dizziness,

§  tingling,

§  severe anxiousness.

A theory of anxiety and panic disorder is that it is the body's normal "alarm system."  It is mental and physical mechanisms that allows an individual to respond to a threat and it also tends to be triggered unnecessarily when there is no danger. 

Studies show us that counseling alone or with the combination of medication and counseling treatment are more effective than medication alone in the long-term management of anxiety and panic attacks.

In getting help with anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy is widely used in counseling for both adults and children.

This form of therapy seeks to help those with panic disorder identify and decrease the irrational thoughts and behaviors that reinforce panic and anxiety symptoms. 

This can be administered either individually or in group therapy (Medicine net.com, 2015).

Reference

 Medicine net.com (2015). Retrieved From:

http://www.medicinenet.com/panic_disorder/article.htm#panic_attack_facts

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 

FREE Supports Groups Offered For Adults of All Ages
Support groups are also for loved ones and family members

Depression, Feeling Hopeless, Anxiety, and Panic- Every 1st Saturday  at 10:00am- 11:15am- AND- Every 3rd Monday at 7:00pm- 8:15pm

Trauma, PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)- Every 2nd Saturday at 10:00am- 11:15am

Abuse Recovery- Every 1^st Saturday at 2:00pm- 3:15pm

Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage and Stillbirth)- Every 3rd Tuesday at

7:00pm- 8:15pm

Groups are every month and open-group.

Registration is required.

My Office is Located at Michael Loftis Counseling

2670 Memorial Blvd
   Suite E2
    Murfreesboro, TN 37129

MichaelLoftisLCSW.com

Fee Sliding Scale for Individual Counseling Sessions

There is ALWAYS HOPE and HEALING!!!!!!!!!!! 
Do Not Give Up!!!!!!!!

   CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


                     Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

You have the power and control to choose your thought process. 


No one in this world can make you feel inadequate. 

Others may hurt your feelings, yes. But you can choose to rise above it and choose to feel good about yourself!

Do not let others bring you down. Choose to be in control of your emotions and how you respond to situations and people.

Be confident in who you are and choose to believe in yourself! 

Your value does not decrease if others do not see your worth! 


CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

 

Make a New Habit Work For You! Reward Yourself!

The best way to get make a new habit for yourself is to create a new routine of a new habit. You can do this by making a plan of how you will integrate a new routine to implement the new habit. 

After you do the habit that you are striving for- reward yourself in some way to motivate you to continue the habit until……..it becomes habit!

Remind yourself to engage in the new habit.

Make the new habit a routine.

Reward yourself!

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

 

Many of us have experienced domestic abuse. This abuse can be mental, emotional, physical, and sexual. Many forms of abuse come in the form of control as well. Many abusers control their victims as a way of demonstrating their power over them.

Most victims of domestic abuse leave their abuser or attempt to leave them around 12 times before they leave for good.

There are many reasons for this. There are barriers for someone who is being abused that makes it difficult to leave their abusive situation.

The main thing that a victim of abuse needs to know is that they do not deserve to be abused and that they are never stuck in staying. It may feel as if they are trapped and unable to leave their abusive situation.

However, if you have been abused, remember that there is ALWAYS a way out! There is always help and there is always hope!

You may feel like people blame you and some may blame you and say that you are not a victim. But you do not need to worry about who believes what.

Hold your head up high and believe in yourself and in the truth. Most importantly, believe that you are worthy of being treated with respect.

Will it be frightening to leave? Yes... but it is possible.

Will it be emotionally and probably financially difficult to leave? Yes....but it is possible.   

Can you fully heal from the abuse and traumatic scars? Yes....yes.... and yes....!

Talk to a trusted friend. 

Talk to a counselor. 

Call a domestic abuse shelter and/ a hotline for help.

Remember that abusers are often manipulative and that they say that they will change. 

They may change for a while but most go back to their abusive behaviors.

Statistically, only near 20% of abusers are able to change their behaviors long -term with professional help.

THERE IS HOPE AND THERE IS HELP!

The national Domestic abuse hotline number is:  1-800-799-7233

No matter your circumstances, you CAN get help!

And- what you have endured DOES NOT HAVE TO DICTATE YOUR FUTURE!

THERE IS LIFE AND HEALING AFTER ABUSE!

If you are being abused, reach out to someone who can help you today. 

I am a thriving survivor of domestic violence, abuse, and trauma and you can be too!

God does not want you to live in abuse.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ...2 Timothy 3:1-8

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

(615) 556-8406

FREE Supports Groups Offered For Adults of All Ages
Support groups are also for loved ones and family members

Depression, Feeling Hopeless, Anxiety, and Panic- Every 1st Saturday  at 10:00am- 11:15am- AND- Every 3rd Monday at 7:00pm- 8:15pm

Trauma, PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)- Every 2nd Saturday at 10:00am- 11:15am

Abuse Recovery- Every 1^st Saturday at 2:00pm- 3:15pm

Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage and Stillbirth)- Every 3rd Tuesday at

7:00pm- 8:15pm

Groups are every month and open-group.

Registration is required.

My Office is Located at Michael Loftis Counseling

2670 Memorial Blvd
   Suite E2
    Murfreesboro, TN 37129

MichaelLoftisLCSW.com

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

 

Loneliness is a feeling. You can feel very lonely even while being with other people. On the flip side, you can feel great and not feel lonely even when you are alone. Thus, feeling lonely is a state of mind.

When you feel lonely, ask yourself why you are feeling this way. A lot of the time when a person feels lonely, it is because they have negative feelings about themselves or they are upset about something.

Further, it is easy to have feelings such as loneliness when we compare ourselves to other people and the lives that we believe they may have.  

Try not to compare your life to someone else’s life. Everyone has challenges in life. Some are just not as visible as others. 

When you feel lonely, it can often lead to feeling sad and depressed. When this happens, people often react by withdrawing even more from others and then they feel sorry for themselves.

So, it is important to ascertain why you feel lonely first of all. This can hep you to understand your feelings better. 

A good way to do this is to journal. 

Once you acknowledge why and what triggered your feelings of loneliness, tell yourself that you can change this feeling! 

First of all, change your thought process. Tell yourself that you will be okay and that there are ways to feel better.

Here are some suggestions to combat feeling lonely:

Positive self-talk
Staying active 

Volunteering

Join a class – (church, educational, hobbies, mental health, dance)

Join a group of some type (meet ups, support groups, self-help)

Get a pet

Build existing relationships in your life

List your passions and interests and start pursuing them

Talk to someone when you are feeling sad and lonely

Count your blessings

Being socially isolated is not healthy emotionally or physically. Be creative and put yourself out in the world. Even if you are not a friendly person and no matter your age, you can still find different ways to meet new people and to be more sociable!

GET UP, DRESS UP, SHOW UP, and smile at someone!! 

Work on improving your self-esteem and self-worth. Start with working on self-care. When you feel better about yourself then you will feel friendlier which will draw others to you. 

Also, remember that emotional pain is only temporary. Take a deep breath, get some sunshine, and make the decision to make a change. If you need help, please talk to someone!

Engage in activities that will promote your positive self-image and tell yourself that you can and will conquer these sad feelings! 

It all starts with you and your mind set. Change your attitude and then your actions.

If you know the Lord, you can also go to Him. Give Him your pain. He will give you peace and comfort. If you do not know the Lord, I want to encourage you to talk to someone who can help you to invite Him into your heart and life. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

 

 CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!

 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

Many people who have been diagnosed with having substance abuse problems also have a diagnosis for other psychological disorders as well. When this occurs, it is called having a dual diagnosis.

Research has demonstrated that one-third of substance abusers also have psychiatric diagnoses as well.

Many individuals who are psychotic use substances to self-medicate or for self-preservation purposes.

Individuals who have substance abuse disorders as well as psychotic disorders behave more impulsively, tend to become violent easily, they have a difficult time complying with treatment, they become suicidal, and they are often unemployed and homeless (Stevens & Smith, 2013).

Mental disorders can turn into a dual diagnosis by a person taking medication to help with their mental illness and they become addicted to the medication and abuse it. This can then lead to abusing other drugs as well as alcohol.

Substance abuse can also lead to "substance abuse induced mental disorders."  

I personally know of someone who developed schizophrenia from abusing drugs.

Treatments consist of treating them together, treating them separately at the same time, and treating the disorders consecutively after one has first stabilized.

Treatment options are in-patient, out-patient, medications, and psychotherapy/ counseling.

There is help, hope, and treatment for Dual Diagnosis of Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse Disorders.

Reference

Stevens, P., & Smith, R. L. (2013). Substance abuse counseling: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

 CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

Identify and USE your strengths! 

Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses in life.

Explore your strengths and talents to find out what you are really good at. Then, develop them further.

This can enhance your well-being and self-esteem.

Using your talents and strengths can also create a sense of meaning and purpose in your life.

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

Me, go to a Counselor?  Have you ever thought this?

The first time that I went to a counselor, I literally didn’t talk!  I was a teenager and my parents took me. I told them that I would not talk and I did NOT talk. I just sat there for the entire session.... AND I was a sweet and respectful child!

Have you ever wondered about trying counseling? If you have been to a counselor then you know what to expect. If not, let me help explain it a little.

At first, there are in-take papers that you would need to fill out and sign. This is to give the counselor your consent for counseling. Other papers needed might be personal information about yourself, how you plan to pay, and the reason(s) that had brought you to counseling.

For me, after the ‘business’ part of the intake, I would begin a counseling session with trying right away to build a positive rapport with my client.

I would do this by making some kind of small talk with my client. I would then try and make my client feel safe with me by the way that I approached them and with being warm and genuine when I spoke to them.

I explain to my clients that what they discuss with me is confidential except for a few exceptions. They are: if they were a minor, if they said that they wanted to harm themselves or someone else, any abuse or neglect of a minor, person with a disability or an elderly person is suspected, or if information was ordered by a judge.

If I didn’t already know, I would ask a new client what brought them in. Then I would ask some in-take questions to help me to be able to help them better. 

Remember that talking to others when you are hurting can be very helpful!

If there is something that you do not understand at your first counseling session, ask your counselor questions about what is not clear to you.

A counselor can help you and provide you with coping skills so that you can help yourself better through difficult times. 

Seeking mental health help is honorable and admirable. 
 
   CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. 


This can be from observing it or personally experiencing it.

The main symptoms are having flashbacks about the event(s), nightmares, having continued fear, and experiencing severe anxiety.

  While it is normal to have a period of needing to heal after a trauma, it is when a person cannot heal after months of implementing coping skills, that they have PTSD.



PTSD symptoms can be divided into 4 categories. They are:

1. Mental Intrusive Memories
2. Avoidance
3. Negative changes in thought process and mood
4. Changes in how one reacts emotionally

Everyone who has experienced a traumatic event responds to the trauma differently. 

How one heals is individualized as well.

Healing is possible with counseling and having a strong support system such as a support group.

I am a thriving survivor of PTSD and there is HOPE and HEALING!

I offer FREE monthly Support Groups for Trauma and PTSD.  The are offered every 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00am- 11:15am for Adults of all ages.
 
1.  “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10



2.  “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

3.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
 
4.  “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27

5.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

6.  “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

7.  “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

8.  “But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

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Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

(615) 556-8406

FREE Supports Groups Offered For Adults of All Ages
Support groups are also for loved ones and family members

Depression, Feeling Hopeless, Anxiety, and Panic- Every 1st Saturday  at 10:00am- 11:15am- AND- Every 3rd Monday at 7:00pm- 8:15pm

Trauma, PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)- Every 2nd Saturday at 10:00am- 11:15am

Abuse Recovery- Every 1^st Saturday at 2:00pm- 3:15pm

Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage and Stillbirth)- Every 3rd Tuesday at

7:00pm- 8:15pm

Groups are every month and open-group.

Registration is required.

My Office is Located at Michael Loftis Counseling

2670 Memorial Blvd
   Suite E2
    Murfreesboro, TN 37129

MichaelLoftisLCSW.com

Fee Sliding Scale for Individual Counseling Sessions

There is ALWAYS HOPE and HEALING!!!!!!!!!!! 
Do Not Give Up!!!!!!!!

Follow us on Facebook for more inspiration!
 
   CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  

 

 

 

 

The best thing that you can do for someone who you love or care about---- is to believe in them, support them, and to accept them for who they are.

When you care deeply for someone, you support them in being themselves and you support their dreams and goals, their passions and purpose, and you let them know this.

Now of course if someone is engaging in self-destructive behavior- that is different. In that situation, it would not be wise to be accepting of them. 

Bottom line is that relationships will thrive if you do not try to change others and you show your love for them by supporting them to be their true self.   
 
   CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 Diane Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Now Open Full-Time: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays.

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)