Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers.

Mothers Day can be a very difficult day for many people. Whether or not an individual has a mom or a child or not, it can be a very sad and depressing day for most people.

I have grown children and grandchildren and I am thankful for them. I was raised by a very loving mother. I am blessed.

I also lost babies and my mother many years ago.

Just because someone has family, it does not minimize the hurt and pain from losses.

Whether or not you have a mother or a mother figure in your life, I know it can be a difficult day.

I know for me it was very hard for many years on Mother's Day after my mom died and when I lost 6 babies. I remember that I dreaded this holiday. 

One year, I chose to focus on the positives in my life instead of my losses. I had other children and so I chose to really make the day about them instead of my grief. 

I know that some people do not have children to focus on. You can focus on something else though and you can choose to focus on you and your life.

It is helpful to allow yourself to be sad and hurt or depressed though. Allow yourself to feel -and then choose to not let your hurt feelings consume you in a negative way.

I hope and pray that all of you who are reading this find joy instead grief no matter your situation and story. My heart goes out to you. I know your pain. 

God knows your pain too. You can pray and give him your pain and sadness.
 

Psalms 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

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Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

 Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 

  

There are 4 main factors that contribute to many types of cancer. 

They are the following:  

1. Stress: - Stress is a main factor for most illnesses and diseases. 

Stress can come about in the forms of:
Lonliness, excessive worrying, unemployment, low self-esteem, low self-worth, feeling overwhelmed in life, working too many hours, grief and loss, divorce, changes, uncertainly, faulty thinking, unrealistic expectations, fears, and more.   

2. Environment:- Our environment can lead to illness with pollution, radiation, unhealthy living and working conditions, mold, and more. 

3. Behaviors:- Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, drug use, eating unhealthy foods, risky behaviors, and more.

4. Health-Related Factors: Health related factors may include childbirth, taking antibiotics as well as other medications, infections, viruses, and more. 

Reference: Marks, Murry, Evans, and Vida Estacio, Health Pyscology, 3rd Edition


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Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

 Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 




It is a great time to make positive changes in your mental health.

Ask yourself what you can do to make positive changes toward better health.

Here are some ways that you can improve your mental health:

1. Value yourself and know your self-worth :

Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid negative self-criticism.

2. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

• Eat nutritious meals
• Avoid cigarettes
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods

3. Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. It is helpful to make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

4. Give yourself:

Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need. It is also a great way to meet new people.

5. Learn how to deal with stress:

Practice good coping skills: Talk to a trusted friend, listen to music, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind:

Try meditating and/ praying. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life.

7. Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal.

8. Break up the monotony:

Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule.

Change your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:

Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.

10. Get help when you need it:

Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.

Reference: *Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare https://uhs.umich.edu/tenthings

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Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

 

Eat Pumpkin Seeds For Your Mood and Your Health- and help with not being hungry! 





Pumpkins are rich with the amino acid tryptophan. 

Reportedly, the L-tryptophan compound can be found in the seeds of the pumpkin. This amino acid helps our body produce serotonin, a mood regulating hormone that acts as a feel good neurotransmitter to help us relax and unwind. 

 

    
When we think of superfoods for weight loss and weight control we don’t normally think of our festive gourd, the pumpkin, but it’s actually a great source of fiber. It is reportedly is rich in fiber which  promotes satiety (the absence of hunger), which takes longer to digest and will encourage you to eat less overall. 

Pumpkin seeds are also god for our immune system, our skin, eyes, and for heart health.

Reference:  http://www.activebeat.com/diet-nutrition/8-healthy-benefits-of-pumpkins/8/
 
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Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

 Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

Every 2nd Tuesday is "Trauma Tuesday" - Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, or ...... just feeling hopeless or down in spirits- just for ladies- ages 18 and up. 

A safe place to heal- Tuesday, May 9th.
We will be discussing self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love.

Pre-Registration is required for each individual meeting.  

Email Diane Gammon at Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com or call or text 615-556-8406 to register or for more information.

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



 By Diane Davidson 
                               Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

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)
  

 

 

 

 



 

This drawing tells a lot. 

This drawing represents someone feeling like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders. 


Then, it demonstrates that they feel broken.

It also shows that they are hiding how they really feel with no facial expression.  

Have you ever felt like this?

Do you feel like this now?

Do you feel broken and weighed down with depression, sadness, anger, grief, etc.  because you keep your feelings inside?    

When you keep deep and painful emotions inside and do not share them, the negative emotions grow and grow.

When this happens, they multiple and cause deeper stress both emotionally and physically.

This is why it is so important to seek help and share your burdens and feelings. This way, you are able to work through them instead of carrying them around and feeling broken.

Seek help. There is always hope. 
 
CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

This Blog is written by a Guest Blogger:

Inner Child-... this is something I didn't believe I had. When I was in treatment, they always talked about how to care for your inner child and I thought that was absolutely ridiculous. But as time went on and I started to piece my whole 22 years of life together, it started to make sense. My inner child was deep down in me somewhere it just has taken more time to get in touch with her. I was a happy child, a carefree child, one that loved to laugh and play and be silly but when I was deep into my eating disorder and depression, I lost her. She no longer allowed herself to laugh and play and be silly... she thought these things that kept her happy were no longer okay. 

In treatment, we did different exercises to try and find the inner child that was somewhere inside of us, wanting to be loved and cared for and just to simply be happy again...

This is when I started writing letters to my 4 year old self. I remember that at 4 years old a lot of good happened. I became a big sister and LOVED every second of it. so that's why I chose 4 year old me. Here's a letter that I recently wrote to my inner child...

Dear my sweet 4 year old girl,

Never forget how capable you are to do amazing things. Never forget your beautiful inside and out. Never forget you are dearly loved. Never forget that your worth doesn't come from a scale or from what others say. Never forget that you don't have to change yourself just to be accepted. Never forget to embrace the true you. Never forget that YOU ARE BEYOND WORTHY! But most importantly, Never forget who you are!!!

Love always, 22 year old you 💕

Finding your inner child is hard. Hell it took me YEARS to even believe she was somewhere in there but once you find him or her, it will change your life and will definitely teach you all about grace and compassion.

Inner child therapy is an excellent therapy for adults who had a trauma in childhood. Trauma can actually change the development of the brain. If you had a trauma in your childhood, you may be somewhat “stuck in childhood” developmentally in some way. Everyone can probably benefit with the inner child therapy work. Working with our inner child helps us go back to erase, confront, or deal with the painful memories that have been lurking in the brain since childhood. 

We identify fears that we have had for years and learn to love and accept ourselves from an adult perspective. We build upon our fragile self-esteem and learn to comfort ourselves in healthy new ways.
There are some that say that the inner child is our true “self”. It is the small child within all of us that never grew up. Even in adults who had a healthy childhood still have an inner child that still exists within.
Reference: http://www.creativecounseling101.com/find-your-inner-child.html

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



Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

We all face difficult times and situations. 

It is helpful to learn to let go what we do not have control over. It is okay to get upset about things. What is important is what you do afterwards. 

Allow yourself to feel!

Then look at what you can an cannot control.

Let go of what is out of your control. 

You are not weak by letting go of things. You are in fact strong for this.

Next, look at what you do have control over.

Make a list of what you can do that is positive and productive. Write down baby steps that you can do toward working on what is within your power to do.

In summary- allow yourself to feel, let go of what is out of your control and then make a list of small steps of what you can do that is in your power....and Choose to not let a negative situation consume you in a negative way. Implement self- care and positive self-talk. YOU CAN DO THIS!


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



Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

I love the month of May. It starts to get warmer. The flowers start to bloom. I can plant vegetables and not be too worried that they will freeze. May just sounds pretty.  

Today 24 years ago, I buried my best friend- my mother.  

I remember that it was a beautiful day. The weather was perfect. The sun was out and it sprinkled just enough to display a beautiful rainbow. I remember seeing the rainbow and thinking that my mother was already giving me a sign that everything was going to be okay and not to worry about her.

I started counseling at Michael Loftis Counseling two years ago today. 

  This year on May 1st, I plan to rededicate my life to focus on what is important. 

These things would be- God, Family, Helping Others, and Increased Self-care for my Health.

I want to challenge you to start today and make a new beginning a positive and productive way if your life!

Let Go Of What is Holding You Back!

Happy May!

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



Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss
  

 


  





 





 









 

My mother passed away 24 years ago today. 

She was my best friend and my favorite person in life. 

My favorite holiday was HER birthday because I loved to show her how much I loved and appreciated her.

She died from pancreas cancer. She died in my arms in my home as she and I and my brother were all singing together. We were singing "Do LORD"- which one of the lines is... I took Jesus as my Savior- you take Him too.

My mother told me that she would always be in my heart.

My mother taught me to be true to myself and not to be concerned of what others thought of how I should live my life. She taught me not to live by other's approvals but to be my true self in life.


I am thankful for what she taught me and I have lived this way with hearing her sweet angelic voice in my head. 

I want to encourage you all to live the same. Live how you believe that you should instead of worrying about getting approval from others. BE YOUrself!


My mom saw good in everyone. She also taught me to do the same. Just because someone has made mistakes in their lives does not mean that they are not worthy of forgiveness and grace.

 
We all make mistakes and we are all a work in progress. 

Hurting people hurt people.

Instead of getting upset over someone's words and/ or actions, try understanding what they may be going through.

I will continue to hold on to what my mom taught me and to treasure my memories of her.

Sometimes when I live my life, I think that I am also living for her- making the most of life in her memory.

So I will continue to live life to the fullest with being true to myself and answering to myself and to God.  

Join me in living the same!

I grew up with believing that I could do anything in life. Even if you did not grow up like this- you can still live the same as I am. Choose not to be a victim, but to live life victoriously!


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



Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

Weekly Support Groups for Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Trauma for Adults of all ages and teenage Girls.

Registration is required for each meeting. 

Email Diane:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com to register or for more information  

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss