Inattentive Presentation

    • Inattention and distractibility
    • Difficulty with organization
    • Poor listening skills
    • Short attention span
    • Distracted by unrelated thoughts
    • Difficulty finishing tasks or following instructions

Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

    • Hyperactivity and impulsivity
    • Fidgeting
    • Restlessness
    • Difficulting sitting or staying still
    • Interrupting what others are doing

Combined

    • This presents as a mixture of symptoms from the inattentive presentation and the hyperactive/impulsive presentation.

Set a Timer

Having difficulty completing tasks?  Try setting a timer.  The key to success with this tip is to set the timer for a short enough time that you don’t get overwhelmed with single tasking, but long enough to allow yourself enough time to get it done.  For example, try setting a timer for 15 minutes and challenge yourself to only cleaning your kitchen.  You could even make it a game to see if you can beat the buzzer. 

Try Some Background Noise

Struggling with racing thoughts while trying to complete tasks?  Turn on some music or maybe even a podcast or show to listen to while you study or work around the house.  This tip might not work for everyone, but it could be helpful in providing the correct amount of stimulation that your brain needs in order for you to be able to focus.  Experiment and see if listening to music with or without words works better for you.  Are there certain podcasts or genres of music that work best for different tasks?

Find Which Fidget Works

Problems with restlessness?  Try a fidget toy.  The market has expanded considerably since the initial fad of fidget spinners and now you can get practically any fidget device to suit your needs.  From spinning rings to infinity cubes and push bubble fidgets to computer key clickers, there is something for everyone.  And if you are worried about noise, they make fidget toys/devices that are relatively quiet so that you can take them to places such as work.

Interested in learning more?  You can reach us via our Contact Us page or by calling 513-846-5283 to be matched with one of our licensed therapists.  In the meantime, here are some tips and tricks that you can practice at home in between therapy sessions.


References

 

Therapy

    • Cognitive Processing Therapy – this therapy focuses on changing painful negative emotions and beliefs that are linked to the trauma
    • Prolonged Exposure Therapy – this therapy uses exposure to symptom triggers in a controlled environment to allow a person the opportunity to learn coping skills. For example virtual reality programs have been utilized to provide patients 
    • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – this therapy type is aimed to help adolescents and children
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for PTSD – this therapy works to help a patient “reprocess the memory of the trauma so that it is experienced in a different way.”
    • Group Therapy – this therapy type focuses on group members sharing their experiences in a safe setting surrounded by individuals who have experienced similar 



Medication

This avenue of treatment is typically administered by a licensed psychiatrist 

    • SSRIs and SNRIs (alone or in combination with psychotherapy or other treatments)
    • Other medications may be used to treat a variety of symptoms



Alternative Treatments

    • Yoga
    • Animal-Assisted Therapy
    • Acupuncture
    • Dance/Music Therapy
    • Art Therapy
    • Peer Support Groups

References:

988 is a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that was adopted by the FCC on July 16th, 2020.  The purpose of this resource is to connect people in crisis with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors.  You are able to call or text this number for support.  Some of the services provided include Spanish, direct video calling for American Sign Language (ASL) users, and LGBTQI+ affirming counselors.

 

NAMI, the Nation Alliance on Mental Illness, was founded in 1979 as an organization that focuses on education, support, and advocating for mental health.  NAMI prides itself on peer focused support that aims to provide programs for those struggling with mental illness and caregivers alike.  From support groups to education programs, NAMI has a little bit for everyone.

Navigate Hope offers these types on how to be supportive to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge:

LISTEN:

Let someone really express their experiences. Being someone they can talk to is essential when giving support.

 

BE NON-JUDGMENTAL:

Don’t criticize or minimize the way they feel. You may not be able to understand exactly what they’re going through, and that’s ok.

 

ASK WHAT, NOT WHY:

When you ask questions, avoid asking ‘why’ questions, and instead ask ‘what’ questions. Asking why can have a judgmental tone even if you don’t mean it that way.

 

GIVE INFORMATION – DON’T DIAGNOSE:

Don’t assume they have an illness or condition. Provide direction to resources that can identify and treat mental health issues.

 

ACT AS A BRIDGE:

You can connect someone to mental health resources. Resources include family, school guidance, mental health professionals, and organizations like Navigate Hope.

 

TEAMMATE IN SUPPORT:

Being supportive doesn’t mean your duty is to ‘fix’ someone. Mental health is complicated and solutions aren’t overnight. As a teammate, the best support you can give is by being a trusting ear, helping to navigate resources, and acting as a source of encouragement.

 

Tabono is here to offer support during any stage of your mental health journey. You can reach out to us via our Contact Us page or by contacting us directly at 513-846-5283 to get matched to one of our licensed therapists. We look forward to hearing from you soon!


References

  1. Creativity helps you learn and grow
    • Creative pursuits can help you develop new skills
    • Creativity can help you expand your knowledge
  2. Creativity helps you adapt to change
    • Change is inevitable, but creative lends itself to adaptability and growth

  3. Creativity improves Mental Health
    • Studies support that creativity works towards reducing anxiety,  depression, and stress
    • Can be used to work through trauma

There are many different ways to bring creativity into your life. Here is a list of some places to start:

  • Journaling
    • You can make this as simple or as extravagant as you like.  Whether you want to start with a simple pen and notebook or pull out your fanciest fountain pen, there is no wrong way to write.

 

  • Coloring Books
    • Coloring books have greatly evolved over the years and now come in many different varieties. You can get kids coloring books or coloring books that are geared towards teens and adults of all ages.  

 

  • Art Classes
    • There are several different avenues to explore with art classes.  From painting to pottery, there are several options that you can do alone, with friends, or with family.

References

According to psychiatry.org, sleep disorders “involve problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in functioning. Sleep-wake disorders often occur with medical conditions or other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive disorders.  There are several different types of sleep-wake disorders, of which insomnia is the most common.”

Some of the most common sleep disorders include insomnia, parasomnias, and excessive daytime sleepiness.  Some other notable examples include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and sleepwalking.  Sleep disorders can range from inability to sleep, problems with breathing during sleep, and issues with movement during sleep.

Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, involves issues with falling or staying asleep paired with daytime impairment.  It can be debilitating and a variety of factors can contribute to its presence.  Insomnia symptoms can be normal in small amounts due to issues such as major life stressors like a death in the family or divorce, but chronic insomnia is not normal and can lead to many other health issues, both physical and mental.

In general, sleep disorders can put you at risk for a variety of mental, and physical, health conditions.  According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, ”Studies also show that sleep deficiency changes activity in some parts of the brain.  If you’re sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change.  Sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior.

While sleep hygiene may not solve every sleep problem, it is an excellent place to start when you want to improve your quality of sleep.  Sleep hygiene refers to the environment and behaviors that affect your sleep.  Good sleep hygiene is important to help aide in ideal sleep quality and quantity, but when you have concerns about sleep that cannot be solved by self-adjustments alone, make sure to speak with your doctor.

 

Sleepfoundation.org recommends these steps towards healthy sleep hygiene:

  1. Set Your Sleep Schedule
    • Avoid unnecessary naps
    • Have a fixed wake-up time

  2. Follow a Nightly Routine
    • Keep your routine consistent
    • Budget 30 minutes for winding down

  3. Cultivate Healthy Daily Habits
    • Be physically active
    • Get daylight exposure

  4. Optimize Your Bedroom
    • Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow
    • Set a cool yet comfortable temperature
  1.  

References:

The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines Relationship Therapy as any form of psychotherapy focused on improving the relationship between individuals by helping them resolve interpersonal issues and modify maladaptive patterns of interactions, thereby fostering the healthy psychosocial growth of all parties. It is an umbrella term encompassing couples therapy and family therapy.

It is good to note that many different types of relationships exist and that relationship therapy is not limited to married couples. When pursuing relationship therapy, this could be with a romantic partner (or partners depending on your relationship structure), your child, your parent(s), maybe even close friends if you feel the need arise. The purpose of relationship therapy is to find ways to mend the relationships in your life in a manner that promotes growth and wellbeing on the part of both parties.

 

For romantic relationships:

    • The Gottman Method
    • Emotion-Focused Therapy
    • Imago Relationship Therapy

 

For familial relationships:

    • Bowenian
    • Structural
    • Strategic
    • Brief Strategic
    • Brief Solution Focused
    • Narrative
    • Systemic
    • Transgenerational
    • Communication
    • Psychoeducation


References:

Radical Acceptance: You are okay just being you

Radical acceptance is a concept created by Marsha M. Linehan (the founder of dialectical behavioral therapy), to describe the idea of accepting reality in its totality without judgment or rejection. She describes it as accepting “your mind, your heart, and your body” in a way that is “complete and total.” While most things are easier said than done, this concept is easily broken down into manageable steps that you can incorporate into your everyday life. 

  • Reality as it is
    • Start with the facts of the situation outside of the emotional context.
  • Realistic limitations
    • Respect that limitations exist but understand that only the realistic ones need to be accepted.
  • Understanding that everything has a cause
    • Whether you like it or not, everything in this world has a cause.
  • Rejecting reality does not change reality
    • To truly be able to change your reality going forward, you have to first accept where you are starting.
  • There is always the opportunity for something painful to happen
    • Through acceptance of this, you invite opportunities for growth and change to happen.
  • Rejection of reality turns pain into suffering
    • Acceptance of pain allows you the opportunity to prevent suffering from beginning.  Accepting pain as it happens signals that something is wrong and that a change needs to be made.

You are okay being you and you are worthy of acceptance.  In those moments where you are not so convinced, take a moment to first check the facts of the situation without emotion or judgment.  Allow yourself the opportunity to exist as you are without all of the excessive outside noise.  

 

This article serves as a brief introduction to a DBT concept that is used in conjunction with other DBT techniques, and is not a comprehensive explanation of the therapeutic benefits.  For a more detailed and thorough demonstration please reach out to us via our Contact Us page or by calling 513-846-5283 to get matched to one of our incredibly knowledgeable and licensed therapists.  We at Tabono hope that you enjoyed this article and we look forward to meeting you, just as you are.


References:

Linehan, M. M. (2015). Handouts for Reality Acceptance Skills. In DBT skills training handouts and worksheets (2nd ed., pp. 342–344). chapter, The Guilford Press.

Britannica.com defines traditions as ways of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time.  Just because something has been done for a long time, does not mean that it is the only way of doing things, or that it should remain unaltered.  Read below to learn more about when to break old traditions and how to create new ones.

Breaking Old Traditions

Knowing when to break with old traditions does not have to be complicated.  There are many different reasons to leave traditions behind, or keep them, so we recommend starting with the following questions:

 

Does this tradition feel like an obligation?

If the primary reason behind the tradition is a sense of obligation, then it may be time for it to be left behind.  If you are the only one continuing this tradition, or no one particularly wants to partake in it, are there any changes that can be made? If there are not, and this still feels like an obligation, it is okay to start considering letting it go.

 

Do I feel supported and/or respected with this tradition?

Traditions are a group effort and if there is no support, then what are you ultimately getting out of the situation?  Sometimes asking for help from the individuals who are involved in the tradition can greatly change things.  If even after asking for help and respect you are still unable to get any help, consider if you would be happier without this tradition.

 

Does this tradition feel overwhelming?

If you answered yes, is there anything that can be done to make it feel less overwhelming?  How long does it take you to recover after partaking in this tradition?  If it constantly leaves you feeling overwhelmed and negatively impacts your mental health for days or longer, what is making you stick with this tradition?

Creating New Traditions

Whether you have just let go of an old tradition or simply want to start anew, here are 3 things to consider when creating a new tradition:

1. Try Something New

When you were growing up, what kinds of traditions did you have?  Was there anything that you saw that you wanted to try?


2. Reflect on Your Values

What is important to you?  New traditions are an excellent excuse to reflect upon what matters to you most and what you would like to invite more of into your life.  


3. Leave Perfection Behind

New things are never perfect, so it’s okay if your new tradition is messy in the beginning.  You’ll have plenty of time to tweak and make changes in the future as you grow into your new tradition.

Whether you are looking to discuss breaking an old tradition or how to implement new ones, Tabono is here to listen.  Please reach out to us via our Contact Us page, or call us at 513-846-5283 to get matched with one of our licensed therapists.  We look forward to working with you!


References:

Studies show that small acts of kindness can have many positive effects towards better physical and mental health.  Kindness can contribute to increases in self-esteem, empathy, compassion while working towards decreasing loneliness and combatting low mood. For more information on specific studies, please see the references at the bottom of the article. Read on for information on how to incorporate more acts of kindness into your life, and some examples to get you started.

Incorporating Kindness into Your Life

Kindness is a habit that is incredibly contagious, and easy to incorporate into your life. Once you start, it becomes easier to continue.  Before you begin, reflect on your why.  What areas of your life can benefit from kindness and giving?  By beginning this journey, what are you giving to yourself and others?  Setting your intentions is beneficial as it gives you a starting point.  

New habits take time and it can be overwhelming if you start too big.  Starting with giving small compliments to family and friends and then working your way up to complimenting strangers is one example of how to grow the habit.

Most importantly, focus on giving without expecting anything in return.  You gain the most benefits from giving and random acts of kindness when going into it with the mindset of no expectations.

Examples of Random Acts of Kindness:

(All of these examples came from randomactsofkindness.org. See their website for many more ideas)

  1. Donate used books to a library
  2. Leave quarters at the laundromat or vending machine
  3. Let somebody merge while in traffic
  4. Reach out to someone who is having a tough time
  5. Send an encouraging email to a colleague
  6. Write a handwritten letter and mail it
  7. Write positive messages on sticky notes and leave for others to find
  8. Challenge yourself to only write positive comments online
  9. Compliment with reckless abandon
  10.  Donate used towels or blankets to a shelter

Ready to start your kindness journey? You can reach us through our Contact Us page or by calling 513-846-5283 to get matched with one of our licensed therapists.  We look forward to working with you soon!


References:

How much do you know about phobias and anxiety disorders?  The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes anxiety disorders as the “world’s most common mental disorders” with roughly 4% of the global population being affected by one. Please see below for some definitions, examples on how these can affect mental health, and a brief overview of some of the treatment options.

Defining Phobias and Anxiety Disorders

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines:

A phobia as a persistent and irrational fear of a specific situation, object, or activity (e.g., heights, dogs, water, blood, driving, flying), which is consequently either strenuously avoided or endured with marked distress.

and

An anxiety disorder as any of a group of disorders that have their central organizing theme be the emotional state of fear, worry, or excessive apprehension.  This category includes, for example, panic disorder, various phobias (e.g., specific phobia, social phobia), and generalized anxiety disorder.  Anxiety disorders have a chronic course,and are among the most common mental health problems in the United states.  

As you can see from the definitions above, phobias are a type of anxiety disorder and just as you can have multiple, or comorbid, disorders, you can have multiple phobias.

How They Affect Mental Health

Anxiety is something that can affect anyone from time to time but anxiety disorders differ in the intensity and pervasiveness of the feeling.  For example, it is natural to get a little anxious when meeting someone for the first time.  Someone without an anxiety disorder may feel a little nervous but will still be able to get through the situation.  For someone with an anxiety disorder, who specifically does have problems with social situations, they could experience anything from physical symptoms to downright avoidance of the scenario in an effort to protect themselves.  These physical symptoms could manifest as racing pulse, nausea, irritability, rumination, and trouble concentrating, but this list is not exhaustive.  People suffering from anxiety disorders are at risk of depression and other disorders, if the condition goes untreated.  

Treating Phobias and Anxiety Disorders

There are two main avenues of treatment: exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  Please see below for a very brief overview of each approach.

Exposure therapy is a treatment that was developed specifically to help people confront their fears.  This type of therapy aims to teach people how to start eliminating avoidance techniques so that they can start minimizing their fear response.  The role of the therapist is to “create a safe environment in which to expose individuals to the things they fear and avoid.” (APA, 2017) 

The four ways in which exposure therapy can be administered are:

  • In vivo exposure – directly facing a feared object or feared activity.  
  • Imaginal exposure – vividly imagining the feared object, situation or activity. 
  • Virtual reality exposure – using virtual reality technology to face the feared object, situation, or activity.
  • Interoceptive exposure – purposefully bringing on physical sensations that are harmless but related to the feared object, situation, or activity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as defined by the APA, is “a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.”  CBT utilizes techniques that help individuals learn to cope with and address the object of their fear and worry.  For more information on this therapy type, please see our Tabono Tidbit on CBT and DBT.

Whether you are ready to face your fears, or open up a conversation to discuss options, Tabono is here to listen.  To get matched with one of our licensed therapists you can call us at 513-846-5283 or reach out via our Contact Us page.  We look forward to hearing from you!


References:

  • American Psychological Association. (2017a). What is cognitive behavioral therapy?. American Psychological Association.
  • American Psychological Association. (2017b). What is exposure therapy?. American Psychological Association.
  • American Psychological Association. (n.d.-a). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association.
  • American Psychological Association. (n.d.-b). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association.
  • Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, June 9). Specific phobias. Mayo Clinic.
  • World Health Organization. (2023, September 27). Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization.