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As the election day approaches, anxiety and stress often rise, with feelings of uncertainty and division affecting individuals across the political spectrum. The blend of constant news updates, passionate debates, and the high stakes of an election can weigh heavily on mental well-being. Election-related anxiety is real, its is specific form of stress linked to the overwhelming influx of political news and the significance many place on the outcomes. Studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of Americans feel elections are a source of stress, with feelings of worry, anger, and helplessness heightened during this time. Recognizing this as a normal response can be a powerful first step in managing it.

  1. Practice Mindful News Consumption
    In an era of 24/7 news cycles, it’s tempting to stay glued to every headline or update. However, this constant information flow can contribute to anxiety and make it difficult to separate fact from sensationalism.
  2. Balance Political Engagement with Self-Care
    Remaining politically aware and engaged is important, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of mental health. Create a plan to stay involved without feeling overwhelmed:
  3. Reconnect with Your Values
    Elections often prompt people to reflect on their values. Taking time to clarify your principles can make it easier to navigate information and engage thoughtfully. Whether through journaling, meditation, or a discussion with a trusted friend, reconnecting with your values can serve as a grounding anchor amid the chaos.
  4. Practice Grounding Techniques for Stress Relief
    When election-related stress peaks, grounding techniques can be valuable for bringing yourself back to a place of calm:
    Deep breathing: Try techniques like box breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again) to slow your heart rate.
    Mindfulness meditation: Even a few minutes of mindfulness can help reduce stress, allowing you to focus on the present instead of future outcomes.
    Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally improve mood and combat anxiety.
  5. Seek Connection Beyond Politics
    Election anxiety can create feelings of isolation, especially when political views clash within families or friend groups. Seeking connection beyond politics is essential for mental well-being. Schedule time for activities that allow you to connect with loved ones without focusing on political topics. Schedule regular check-ins: Instead of texting about election news, check in with friends or family members to see how they’re feeling.
  6. Know When to Seek Professional Support
    Sometimes, election anxiety may become overwhelming. Therapy can be an effective tool for coping with anxiety and stress, especially if feelings of helplessness or despair start affecting daily life. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, practiced with a licensed therapist, can help you reframe negative thoughts, set boundaries, and regain a sense of balance.
  7. Finding Peace and Purpose
    Balancing mental health and political engagement during an election season isn’t easy, but it’s achievable. By setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and reconnecting with community, you can manage anxiety without disengaging. Remember that your mental well-being is valuable, and staying grounded and centered will make you a more effective and resilient advocate for the causes you believe in.

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Practicing empathy and compassion is fundamental for building meaningful relationships, promoting understanding, and creating a more harmonious world. Here’s how you can actively cultivate these qualities:

1. Listen Actively

  • Empathy starts with truly hearing others. Pay attention not just to the words they say but to their emotions and body language. Listening without interrupting or thinking about your response allows you to understand their perspective better.

2. Validate Feelings

  • Acknowledge the emotions of others without judgment. Saying things like “I can see that you’re feeling upset” or “That must have been really hard for you” shows that you understand and respect their emotional experience.

3. Put Yourself in Their Shoes

  • Try to imagine how someone else is feeling or why they may be reacting a certain way. Ask yourself, “How would I feel in this situation?” This mental exercise fosters compassion as it helps you relate to their struggles or joys.

4. Ask Open-Ended Questions

  • Instead of making assumptions, ask questions that encourage the other person to share more. For example, “How did that situation make you feel?” or “Can you tell me more about what happened?”

5. Be Present

  • Practice mindfulness by being fully present during interactions with others. Avoid distractions, whether they’re from your phone or your mind, and focus on the person in front of you. This presence shows that you value and care about their experience.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

  • Being kind to yourself is an important step toward extending the same kindness to others. Treat yourself with the same empathy and compassion that you would offer a friend going through a tough time.

7. Offer Support

  • Compassion often leads to action. When someone is going through a difficult time, think of ways you can help. This could be through words of encouragement, physical help, or simply being there as a supportive presence.

8. Suspend Judgment

  • Practice non-judgmental thinking by recognizing that everyone is on their own journey, with their own set of experiences that shape their behavior and emotions. Try to understand others before jumping to conclusions or judgments.

9. Be Kind in Small Ways

  • Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Offering a smile, holding the door open, or giving someone a compliment can create moments of human connection and show that you care.

10. Reflect on Your Own Emotions

  • Being in touch with your own feelings makes it easier to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. Journaling or talking about your feelings with someone you trust can help enhance your emotional intelligence, making empathy and compassion more natural responses.

By making a conscious effort to be empathetic and compassionate, you not only help others feel seen and understood, but you also enrich your own life with deeper, more authentic connections.


 

Talk one-on-one with a qualified, caring therapist:  SCHEDULE  or call 718 313 4357


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Youth mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of individuals typically aged between childhood and young adulthood. This period is critical for mental health as rapid development occurs, both physically and emotionally.

Early identification and support for youth struggling with mental health challenges can prevent the escalation of issues. Schools, families, and communities play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being.

Common Challenges:

  • Stress and Pressure: Academic expectations, social dynamics, and extracurricular activities can create stress.
  • Social Media Influence: Exposure to unrealistic standards, cyberbullying, and comparison with others can lead to anxiety and depression.
  • Identity and Self-Esteem: Adolescence is a period of self-discovery, and issues around self-identity, body image, and self-worth can affect mental well-being.
  • Trauma: Experiences such as bullying, abuse, family issues, or loss can deeply impact mental health.
  • Peer Pressure: Adolescents often face pressure to fit in or meet group norms, which can influence behaviors or lead to risky decision-making.

Symptoms to look out for:

Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Anxiety Disorders: These include generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and social anxiety, which can hinder daily functioning.

Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating often stem from body image issues and low self-esteem.

Substance Abuse: Youth sometimes turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional pain.

Supporting you Child:

Supporting your child’s mental health involves several vital steps. These include providing a safe support network, and access to therapists. It also requires encouraging open communication and creating supportive environments at home and in school. Fostering honest conversations about feelings and mental health without judgment is equally important. Teaching healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and time management, plays a key role. Promoting a balanced lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, proper sleep, and a healthy diet is essential. Additionally, limiting social media exposure by encouraging breaks from screens and promoting face-to-face interactions is beneficial. Finally, seeking professional help when symptoms persist or worsen is crucial.

If you would like to discuss your child’s mental health, call 718 313 4357 or go to bcsnygroup.com/appointments


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Mental health issues are on the rise globally, and the U.S. is no exception. The stressors of modern life, including international and domestic issues, economic pressures, and social isolation, have significantly increased the incidence of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

Greater Awareness and Reduced Stigma

Awareness campaigns and efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health have led to more people recognizing the importance of mental health care and seeking help. This has contributed to the growing demand for mental health services​.

Technological Advancements

The adoption of telehealth platforms has made it easier for individuals to access mental health services, especially in regions where in-person services are scarce. This technological shift has been crucial in meeting the rising demand, though challenges remain in ensuring equitable access across different populations​.

Accessibility

Shortage of Mental Health Professionals: Despite the increasing demand, there is a significant shortage of mental health providers in many parts of the U.S. This shortage is especially pronounced in rural and underserved areas, leading to long wait times and limited access to care​. Access to mental health care varies significantly by region. Urban areas may have more resources, but rural areas often face severe shortages in providers and facilities. This geographical disparity contributes to unequal access to care across the country​.

Affordability

Even with insurance, the cost of mental health care can be prohibitive for many people. High co-pays, deductibles, and limited coverage for mental health services are common issues that prevent individuals from seeking care​. Unlike many of the other mental healthcare providers, BCS accepts most healthcare insurance plans, contact us to find if you are covered.

While there has been progress in increasing access to mental health care, significant challenges remain. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding the mental health workforce, improving insurance coverage, and leveraging technology like telehealth to reach underserved populations. At BCS we are striving to reach more people who need our services, hiring more therapists to answer demands and holding the insurance companies accountable to fulfil their obligations.


 

CONTACT US – find the care you need.


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The future of mental health in the Black community is a critical topic that intersects with issues of racial equity, access to care, and community empowerment.

  1. Increased Awareness and Advocacy
    Cultural Shifts: There is a growing awareness within the Black community about the importance of mental health, challenging long-standing stigmas and cultural barriers. Advocacy efforts by Black mental health professionals, activists, and celebrities are playing a crucial role in normalizing conversations around mental health.
    Community-Led Initiatives: Grassroots organizations and community leaders are increasingly addressing mental health by creating safe spaces for dialogue, education, and support. These initiatives often incorporate culturally relevant practices that resonate with the community.
  2. Improved Access to Care
    Telehealth Expansion: The rise of telehealth, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made mental health services more accessible. For the Black community, this could mean greater access to culturally competent therapists and resources, especially in areas where such services are scarce.
    Culturally Competent Care: There is a growing recognition of the need for mental health professionals who understand the unique cultural, historical, and social experiences of Black individuals. Training programs and institutions are beginning to emphasize cultural competence, which could lead to more effective and empathetic care.
  3. Addressing Systemic Barriers
    Policy Changes: Advocacy for policy reforms that address systemic inequalities in healthcare, such as disparities in insurance coverage and the availability of mental health services in underserved communities, is gaining momentum. Future policies may focus on increasing funding for mental health services in Black communities and addressing the social determinants of mental health.
    Economic Empowerment: Economic factors significantly impact mental health. Efforts to address income inequality, unemployment, and housing instability in Black communities can have a positive effect on mental well-being.
  4. Integration of Traditional and Modern Practices
    Holistic Approaches: There is a potential for greater integration of traditional healing practices and modern mental health care. Many in the Black community have historically relied on spirituality, family, and community for emotional support. Integrating these elements into mental health care can create more holistic and culturally sensitive approaches.
    Peer Support Networks: Peer support groups and networks, often facilitated by community organizations or through social media, are becoming increasingly popular. These groups provide a space for individuals to share experiences and coping strategies, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
  5. Youth and Future Generations
    Focus on Youth: Efforts to improve mental health in the Black community are increasingly focusing on younger generations. Schools and youth organizations are starting to prioritize mental health education, which could lead to a future where mental health is more openly discussed and supported from an early age.
    Mentorship and Role Models: The presence of Black mental health professionals and advocates as role models can inspire future generations to pursue careers in mental health, further increasing representation and access.
  6. Technological Innovations
    Mental Health Apps: The development of apps and online platforms tailored to the mental health needs of the Black community is on the rise. These tools can provide culturally relevant resources, coping strategies, and connections to therapists.

The future of mental health in the Black community is shaped by a combination of increased awareness, improved access to culturally competent care, and the integration of traditional and modern practices. Continued advocacy, research, and innovation will be essential in addressing the unique challenges faced by the Black community and ensuring that mental health services are equitable, accessible, and effective.


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Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person, often with a narcissistic personality or other manipulative traits, seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity. The term originates from the play and film “Gaslight,” where a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her perception of reality.

Key characteristics of gaslighting include:

  1. Denial and Contradiction: The gaslighter denies their own behaviors or actions, even when they are clearly observable, and may contradict the victim’s memories or perceptions.
  2. Twisting and Distorting Information: They selectively present information or events in a way that favors their perspective and undermines the victim’s understanding of the situation.
  3. Blame and Guilt: Gaslighters often blame the victim for misunderstandings or problems, shifting responsibility away from themselves and inducing feelings of guilt or inadequacy in the victim.
  4. Confusion and Misdirection: They may use subtle tactics to confuse the victim, change the subject, or divert attention from their own behaviors by focusing on the victim’s perceived flaws or shortcomings.
  5. Isolation: Gaslighters may isolate the victim from sources of support or validation, making them more dependent on the gaslighter’s version of reality.

Gaslighting can occur in various types of relationships, including personal, professional, or familial settings. Its effects can be profound, leading to anxiety, self-doubt, and a loss of trust in one’s own perceptions. Recognizing gaslighting behavior is crucial for individuals to protect their mental and emotional well-being.

If you suspect you are experiencing gaslighting, seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or a therapist can provide validation and help you regain clarity and confidence in your own reality.


 

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Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. It is accompanied by a feeling of loss of control during the binge, followed by distress, guilt, or shame.

Recurrent Episodes of Binge Eating:

  • Eating much more rapidly than normal.
  • Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
  • Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
  • Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating.
  • Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward.

Treatment Options:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The most effective treatment, focusing on changing unhealthy eating behaviors and thoughts.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses interpersonal issues contributing to the disorder.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps manage emotions and reduce binge-eating episodes.

Lifestyle Changes and Coping Strategies:

  • Encouraging regular physical activity and stress management techniques.
  • Mindful Eating: Paying attention to the eating experience, hunger, and satiety cues.
  • Stress Reduction Techniques: Practicing yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
  • Building a Support Network: Involving family and friends in the recovery process.

Understanding and addressing Binge-Eating Disorder involves a comprehensive approach that includes medical, psychological, and nutritional support. Early intervention and ongoing support are crucial for effective management and recovery. Focusing on small, achievable changes rather than drastic diet plans. Join a support group with people in similar situations. 

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP:  https://bcsnygroup.com/group-therapy/managing-binge-eating-disorder/


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Support from friends and family plays a significant role in recovery and well-being for those experiencing mental illness, support that requires understanding and empathy.

Practical Tips and Emotional Guidance

  • Offering Emotional Support
    Listen actively: Provide tips on how to actively listen to your loved one without judgment or interruption.
    Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to feel the way they do.
    Offer encouragement: Provide words of encouragement and support to boost their morale.
  • Educate Yourself
    Take the initiative to educate yourself about your loved one’s specific mental illness.
    Understand symptoms, triggers, treatment options, and available resources.
    Knowledge empowers you to provide more effective support.
  • Encouraging Treatment and Seeking Professional Help
    Encourage your loved one to seek professional help if they haven’t already.
    Offer to assist them in finding a therapist, psychiatrist, or support group.
    Support them throughout their treatment journey, including attending appointments together if appropriate.
  • Setting Boundaries
    Emphasize the importance of setting healthy boundaries while providing support.
    Understand your own limitations and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
  • Be Patient and Understanding
    Mental illness can be unpredictable, and recovery takes time.
    Be patient and understanding, and avoid placing pressure on your loved one to “get better” quickly.
  • Encouraging Self-Care
    Encourage your loved one to prioritize self-care activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques.
    Lead by example and engage in self-care practices yourself.
  • Connecting with Support Networks
    Encourage your loved one to connect with support networks, such as support groups or online communities.
    Offer to accompany them to meetings or help them find resources.

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One of the most fulfilling and rewarding part of my life is mentoring mental health care providers, providing guidance and support, playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of mental health professionals and ensuring high-quality care for people and families in need.

  • Sharing Knowledge and Experience: Draw upon your own experiences and expertise in the mental health field to provide guidance and advice to mentees. Share insights, best practices, and lessons learned from your own professional journey.
  • Clinical Supervision: Offer clinical supervision to mentees, providing guidance and oversight as they work with clients or patients. Help them develop their clinical skills, therapeutic techniques, and treatment planning abilities.
  • Professional Development: Support mentees in their professional growth and development. Help them identify areas for improvement and create a plan for continuing education, training, and skill enhancement.
  • Ethical Considerations: Discuss ethical dilemmas and professional standards with mentees, helping them navigate complex ethical issues that may arise in their work with clients. Emphasize the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines and maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Self-Care and Burnout Prevention: Educate mentees about the importance of self-care and burnout prevention in the mental health field. Help them develop strategies for managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and prioritizing their own well-being.
  • Supervisory Skills: If mentoring individuals who are pursuing careers in clinical supervision themselves, provide guidance on effective supervisory techniques, feedback delivery, and mentorship strategies.
  • Networking and Professional Connections: Help mentees build professional networks and establish connections within the mental health community. Facilitate introductions to colleagues, organizations, and professional associations that can support their career development.
  • Feedback and Reflection: Offer constructive feedback to mentees and encourage self-reflection on their clinical practice, professional growth, and personal development. Create a supportive environment where mentees feel comfortable discussing challenges, mistakes, and areas for improvement.
  • Advocacy and Leadership: Encourage mentees to advocate for the mental health profession and take on leadership roles within the field. Support their efforts to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that improve access to mental health care.

Nicoletta Pallotta, MD, LCSW-R
Private Practice CEO. Mentor. Women’s Advocate.


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nar·cis·sist
noun:  a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.

Common Narcissist Characteristics

  • Inflated Ego.
  • Lack of Empathy.
  • Need for Attention.
  • Repressed Insecurities.
  • Few Boundaries.

A Narcissistic Partner

A Narcissist will often deploy a variety of behaviour patterns such as control, manipulation, and exploitation to ensure that their own relationship needs are met. As the partner you could be the subject of their manipulation and abuse, while they treat everyone else with respect.

Narcissistic partners act as if they are always right, that they know better and that their partner is wrong or incompetent, resulting in their partner feeling angry, trying to defend themselves or identifying with this negative self-image and feeling badly about themselves. A Narcissist will purposefully do things to destroy your happiness and relaxing moments, or to prevent you from doing something as simple as sleep, in order to have control. While being the target of narcissistic abuse is stressful and hurtful, many narcissists are unaware of how their actions impact others. If they are aware that others feel negatively about them or about their choices, they often lack the ability to take responsibility for their actions or see them as wrong.

Narcissists are also drawn to those who can boost their own self-esteem and validate their sense of importance,being associated with someone who is successful or admired can make the narcissist feel more important by proxy.

Gaslighting

There are four primary types of gaslighting behaviors: the straight-up lie, reality manipulation, scapegoating and coercion. Often it’s a combination of these behaviors. Narcissistic Gaslighting may include suggesting you’re “confused,” “mixed up” or “misremembering.” or saying something like, “I have no memory of that” or, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

If you think your Partner is Gaslighting you, consider these red flags: a. You are excessively questioning yourself.  b. You’re constantly feeling confused.  c. You’re frequently thinking you must be perceiving things incorrectly. d.  You feel your partner is lying to you about things that are very obvious and expecting you to believe them. Gaslighting can undermine your sense of reality, making it difficult for you to trust your own thoughts and feelings.

But be assured, this is not your fault, and it’s not a healthy relationship.

No matter if it’s a work colleague, a romantic partner, a friend, a sibling, or someone else in your life, let them know that they are Gaslighting you (they may be unaware) and that you won’t stand for that kind of manipulative, emotional abuse. Leaving an abusive relationship with a narcissist is tough, but it is possible as long as you trust your gut and have firm boundaries, and keep reminding yourself why you need to walk away.