Mental Health Minute

Gulf Wind Counseling provides a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict, with offices in Tallahassee and Apalachicola.

If you have a question, please email minutes@wfsu.org. Please reference Mental Health Minute in the subject line of your message.

Question Archive

What are common myths about mental health challenges that keep people from seeking treatment?June 1, 2026

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. In today's mental health minute question is, what are common myths about mental health challenges that keep people from seeking treatment? There are many misconceptions about mental health. Here are a few common ones. Myth. People with mental health challenges are weak. The truth. Mental health conditions are complex in our influence by genetics and environmental factors. Seeking help shows strength. Myth. People should just snap out of it. The truth. Mental health disorders are like any medical condition they can't be cured by willpower alone. Myth. People can't keep a job or be productive. The truth. President Abraham Lincoln suffered depression. Actress and entrepreneur Sleena Gomez suffers bipolar disorder. Taylor Swift has been open about her poor body image and anxiety. Seeking treatment for mental illness is the path to a more fulfilling life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is anger management therapy?May 25, 2026

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what is anger management therapy? Higher management is a structured cognitive-based therapy designed to help people identify triggers, understand underlying causes, and reduce their harmful behaviors when they become angry. Therapy sessions are conducted in a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere where the client feels comfortable exploring this emotion. It's not always easy. Clients are asked to be honest about how they use anger. Does it relieve stress, cover up painful emotions such as embarrassment, or get others to change? Clients are also given skills for changing their behavioral anger outbursts through relaxation, mindfulness and grounding in the present moment. The ultimate goal is not to eliminate anger. It's a normal and helpful human emotion, but to help people control their anger responses instead of their responses controlling them. To learn more about mental health, visit www.fsu.org-mentalhealth. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulfwind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

My primary care provider gave me a PHQ-9 form at my last visit. What is this used for?May 18, 2026

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is, my primary care provider gave me a PHQ-9 form at my last visit. What is this used for? The Patient Health Questionnaire is a nine item screening tool used by healthcare providers to diagnose and monitor patients who may suffer depression. It has become a common part of medical and mental health appointments. The questionnaire asks how often, if at all, you have been bothered by problems like low interest, low mood, sleep issues, tiredness, appetite changes, low self-esteem, poor concentration, slow movement or self-harmed thoughts. Using this information, a healthcare provider can refer a patient to specialized care. Depression is very common in the US, with almost 30% of adults experiencing it at some point in their life. Most cases of depression are effectively treated through psychotherapy and medication. Listen to archives of mental health minute at WFSU.org-mentalhealth. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is trauma and how can it impact me?May 11, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flag, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is what is trauma and how can it impact me? trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or series of events that overwhelm your ability to cope. It can come from experiences like abuse, accidents, loss or other situations that made you feel powerless or unsafe. You might notice signs like intrusive memories, nightmares, anxiety or emotional numbness. Maybe you avoid certain places, people or topics that remind you of the distressing event. You might feel constantly on edge, easily startled or disconnected from yourself and others. Mental symptoms like fatigue, tension or trouble sleeping can also show up. Trauma affects everyone differently. If your emotional or physical responses feel intense, confusing or out of sync with what's happening right now, it might be worth exploring those experiences with a mental health professional. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is EMDR?May 4, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flagg, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is what is EMDR? I movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapy approach designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Our brains have a natural system for processing information and sometimes events or experiences overwhelm that system. Those events then become a dysfunctionally stored memory and show up as triggers during everyday life. EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, taps or sounds. This helps the brain repossess traumatic information and reduce its emotional intensity. It is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and has been adapted for use with other mental health disorders such as anxiety and substance use. EMDR does not make you okay with what happened, the goal is to make the experiences less intense and less triggering. Many clients report significant improvements in fewer sessions compared to other therapeutic approaches. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is gaslighting?April 27, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what is gas lighting? This word often comes up in couples counseling. The term gas lighting comes from the movie gas light, in which a husband intentionally manipulates his wife into a mental breakdown in order to steal her wealth. In current usage, gas lighting occurs when one partner makes the other doubt their own experiences and perceptions. While this type of behavior is considered a form of emotional manipulation, a person who engages in this can change. Often a gas lighter has received messages throughout life that intense emotions should be shut down and vulnerability should be avoided. Couples can work together to decrease this dynamic. By improving their openness, emotional bond and conflict resolution skills, the gas lighting partner learns more effective ways to express and respond to emotional needs. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is OCD?April 20, 2026

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorders in emotional condition where a person experiences intrusive obsessional thoughts then feels compelled to repeat a specific behavioral ritual in order to relieve the distress. Common obsessions include cleanliness, perfection and harm. Compulsions can include excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking door locks. Sometimes people will not seek treatment because they feel their obsessions are shameful, such as thoughts about intimacy and violence. OCD is not just a quirky behavior. It can be an exhausting disorder that causes a person to drop out of school or wreck their relationship, but there are effective treatments. The gold standard is exposure response prevention. ERP is a gradual process where an individual is prompted to think of their obsession and then resist engaging in their compulsion. While individual cases vary, most individuals will see improvement within 12 to 15 weeks. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What’s wrong with me?April 13, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What's wrong with me? A lack of energy and motivation to engage in daily activities could be a symptom of major depressive disorder. Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. About 30% of adults have experienced depression at some point in their lives, according to national surveys. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. While depression can occur at any age, it often shows up in the late teens in early 20s. Depression differs from sadness, which is a normal emotion in response to an upsetting situation. Depression is far more encompassing, impairing a person's ability to work, socialize, or even get out of bed. The risk factors for depression are complex and include low self-esteem, low self-compassion, genetics trauma, and a lack of social connections. Following NWFSU, content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?April 6, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is, I worry a lot could I have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety is a very natural and useful emotion. It tells us when we should pay attention to something going on in our life. A critical work assignment, an important exam or that mean looking dog we meet on the street. However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder. Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating and poor sleep quality. Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication. One quick self-help technique is to be aware of the thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a doom and gloom emergency alert. Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life. Minute is a service of golf wind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How does couples counseling work?March 30, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how does couples counseling work? I'm afraid the counselor will listen to my spouse and blame me for all our problems. Couples, marriage or relationship counseling is a tool for improving the quality of a relationship between partners. Often people come to couples counseling when they feel there is too much conflict between them, but conflicts is not the only thing counseling can help with. Other common problems include emptiness, disconnection, lack of intimacy, persistent negative sentiments and breaches of trust or safety. There are different therapeutic approaches, but most methods focus on discovering, understanding and developing the emotions felt by each person as a way of strengthening their bond because relationships are all about emotions. Couples counseling avoids heated arguments and labeling either person as wrong. Rather, therapy is designed to promote mutual trust and restore the positive regard and fondness couples felt towards each other when they first decided to be together. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I find a therapist that fits me?March 23, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do I find a therapist that fits me? Therapy is an extremely personal experience. You are sharing some of your most difficult doubts, experiences and emotions with someone you hardly know. It is important to feel comfortable at this person. Your decision may start with reviewing online information about potential providers. Websites for insurance companies and mental health organizations often give a demographic description of therapists. Individual websites for therapists highlight their strengths and areas of expertise. Think about what kind of help you need and seek therapists to have experience with those issues. Word of mouth from people you know is a great way to get an idea of what a therapist is like. Often therapists will offer short phone consultations free of charge where you can ask questions. Finally, if you come to feel that a particular therapist is not the best fit, don't feel guilty about being upfront with this. A professional therapist only once what is best for you. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What can I expect at my initial counseling session?March 16, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what can I expect at my initial counseling session? Counseling your therapy is a tool to help you discover and use your own organic strengths to manage emotional difficulties. During your initial session, the therapist will ask you a range of questions to build a picture of your strengths and the things you struggle with. This is done in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Depending on the situation, the therapist may ask questions about your past experiences as well as current challenges. An important part of the first session is clarifying what your treatment goals are. Would you like to feel more comfortable around people? Are you looking to sleep better? Would you like to regain more energy and interest in the things you like to do? These goals will be revisited in future sessions to check your sense of progress. The therapist will listen to your goals and collaboratively develop a specific treatment approach to help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I’m in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?March 9, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust, the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner's attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force, a partner putting their hands on you is a full stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork. In a good relationship, you should be able to comfortably say, I know my partner has my back. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

My child has disruptive behaviors and can’t focus. I think it’s ADHD and it’s exhausting me. What can I do?March 2, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home, sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient, recognize that the behaviors are not intentional, but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don't beat yourself up about being stressed out. Parental stress is uncomfortable, but very common. Finally, have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries, and sometimes that high energy and hyper-focus can be a unique strength later in a child's life. WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I adjust to college?February 23, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flag, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is how do I adjust to college? This is one of the most common concerns I hear from students. Harding college is a huge life change and it's totally normal to fill out of place or overwhelmed. Everyone needs time to adjust. A few things that could help with the transition are to try building a small routine or joining a club that actually interests you. Sometimes just getting outside of your room for a bit each day makes a difference. But if you've been feeling low for a while, pulling away from people, or struggling to keep up with everyday stuff, that might be a sign it's time to talk to someone. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulfwind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is a trigger?February 16, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flag, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is what is a trigger? The word trigger is often used today to describe anything that causes a strong emotional reaction. However, in mental health, a trigger is much more specific. It's a stimulus that causes someone to re-experience the distress of a past trauma, such as a sound or smell. These reactions are the brain's way of responding to perceived danger and are often outside of conscious control. In therapy, we work to understand these triggers where they come from and how to manage them. Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can help you to respond rather than react. Welcome to Archives of Mental Health Minute at WFSU.org-mentalhealth. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

Am I just sad or is this depression?February 9, 2026

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How can you help your child feel empowered to stay calm under pressure, understand their emotions and develop a strong sense of self worth?February 2, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Carter Montgomery, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, how can you help your child feel empowered to stay calm under pressure, understand their emotions, and develop a strong sense of self-worth? Strategies for fostering resilience and kids and teens, involves encouraging independence, teaching self-reflection, promoting positive behaviors, and helping them understand how to set goals. For example, teaching kids to embrace challenges, how to ask for help when needed, and recognize that perfection isn't required, builds competence and confidence. Additionally, creating opportunities for connection, whether through shared passions or meaningful conversations, helps them feel supported. Installing character through discussing ethical decisions and current events, builds empathy and self-awareness. Ultimately, building resilience in young people requires patience, consistency, and leading by example. Caregivers must practice these principles to model resilience themselves. Resilience is a crucial trait that helps kids and teens face challenges, learn from mistakes, and grow. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor, and not of WFSU.

How do you build emotional resilience?January 26, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Carter Montgomery, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do you build emotional resilience? Strength isn't about never falling down, it's about getting back up. Life throws challenges our way and how we respond to them is what shapes our future. Emotional resilience isn't about avoiding hardships, it's about learning to navigate through it with grace, strength and courage. Whether it's bouncing back from setbacks, managing stress or building a healthier mindset, emotional resilience can be learned and strengthened over time. With the right tools you can thrive through adversity. Start building your inner strength today through practicing healthy coping mechanisms, developing a positive outlook and strengthening your support system. The road might not always be easy, but the growth you'll experience will be worth it. Listen to archives of mental health minute at WFSU.org-mentalhealth. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

Boundaries and Expectations. What’s the difference and how can we use them effectively?January 19, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Carter Montgomery, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, boundaries and expectations. What's the difference and how can you use them effectively? Things are about protecting your space. It's about the things you're willing to accept and the things you won't. They're not about controlling others or avoiding showing up for people. They're how we say, this is what I can offer without compromising myself. They can sound like, I can't take that on right now. I'm not comfortable discussing that, or I need some time to myself tonight. On the other hand, expectations are about what you hope for. The standards you set for others in situations. While they can guide us, they aren't always within our control. They need to be known, shared and able to be negotiated. They could sound like, I feel unheard when I'm talking about my day, and I would appreciate your attention during those moments. Remember, boundaries protect you. Expectations are what you wish for. Understanding the difference can lead to healthier relationships and clear communication. Set your boundaries, manage your expectations, and find balance. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What are trauma related disorders?January 12, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what are trauma-related disorders? Mental health conditions that are triggered by traumatic events such as a life-threatening accident, physical abuse or loss of a loved one. These disorders include acute distress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders and dissociative disorders. There are a range of common symptoms that people may experience across these disorders, including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, mood swings, emotional numbness and dissociation. These symptoms can significantly hinder a person's ability to function in daily life, at work or in a relationship. There are several treatment approaches that are effective for these disorders, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR and prolonged exposure therapy. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What’s a red flag I should be aware of in dating?January 5, 2026

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what's a red flag I should be aware of in dating? Stonewalling is a communication pattern where a person shuts down, withdraws and emotionally disengages from their partner during a disagreement. It is a passive tactic that can make the other person feel dismissed and rejected, leading to an escalation of conflict and resentment. Stonewalling can be experienced as the silent treatment, or, in the statement, I'm too busy for that right now. The most important remedy is for both partners to recognize that stonewalling is occurring in that it is causing a breakdown in communication. Often a person who engages in stonewalling feels threatened and overwhelmed during a disagreement. Learning to self-soothe and re-engage calmly will reduce a person's need to rely on this negative emotional pattern. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org-mentalhealth. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What are adverse childhood experiences?December 29, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what are adverse childhood experiences? First childhood experiences or ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur from birth to age 17. Examples include experiencing abuse or neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or having a parent with a substance abuse problem. Long-term research that began in the 1990s has shown that ACEs have significant impacts into adulthood. People exposed to prolonged ACEs are at greater risk for mental health problems such as depression and suicide and also medical disorders such as heart disease and diabetes. Protective factors that mitigate the impacts of ACEs include positive childhood friendships and a robust support network of adults. But the most important protection for a child's health is to limit their exposure to trauma within the home. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

How do I adjust to college?December 22, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flag, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is how do I adjust to college? This is one of the most common concerns I hear from students. Harding college is a huge life change and it's totally normal to fill out of place or overwhelmed. Everyone needs time to adjust. A few things that could help with the transition are to try building a small routine or joining a club that actually interests you. Sometimes just getting outside of your room for a bit each day makes a difference. But if you've been feeling low for a while, pulling away from people, or struggling to keep up with everyday stuff, that might be a sign it's time to talk to someone. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulfwind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is a trigger?December 15, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flag, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is what is a trigger? The word trigger is often used today to describe anything that causes a strong emotional reaction. However, in mental health, a trigger is much more specific. It's a stimulus that causes someone to re-experience the distress of a past trauma, such as a sound or smell. These reactions are the brain's way of responding to perceived danger and are often outside of conscious control. In therapy, we work to understand these triggers where they come from and how to manage them. Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can help you to respond rather than react. Welcome to Archives of Mental Health Minute at WFSU.org-mentalhealth. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

Am I just sad or is this depression?December 8, 2025

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How can you help your child feel empowered to stay calm under pressure, understand their emotions and develop a strong sense of self worth?December 1, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Carter Montgomery, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, how can you help your child feel empowered to stay calm under pressure, understand their emotions, and develop a strong sense of self-worth? Strategies for fostering resilience and kids and teens, involves encouraging independence, teaching self-reflection, promoting positive behaviors, and helping them understand how to set goals. For example, teaching kids to embrace challenges, how to ask for help when needed, and recognize that perfection isn't required, builds competence and confidence. Additionally, creating opportunities for connection, whether through shared passions or meaningful conversations, helps them feel supported. Installing character through discussing ethical decisions and current events, builds empathy and self-awareness. Ultimately, building resilience in young people requires patience, consistency, and leading by example. Caregivers must practice these principles to model resilience themselves. Resilience is a crucial trait that helps kids and teens face challenges, learn from mistakes, and grow. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor, and not of WFSU.

How do you build emotional resilience?November 24, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Carter Montgomery, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do you build emotional resilience? Strength isn't about never falling down, it's about getting back up. Life throws challenges our way and how we respond to them is what shapes our future. Emotional resilience isn't about avoiding hardships, it's about learning to navigate through it with grace, strength and courage. Whether it's bouncing back from setbacks, managing stress or building a healthier mindset, emotional resilience can be learned and strengthened over time. With the right tools you can thrive through adversity. Start building your inner strength today through practicing healthy coping mechanisms, developing a positive outlook and strengthening your support system. The road might not always be easy, but the growth you'll experience will be worth it. Listen to archives of mental health minute at WFSU.org-mentalhealth. Mental Health Minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

Boundaries and Expectations. What’s the difference and how can we use them effectively?November 17, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Carter Montgomery, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, boundaries and expectations. What's the difference and how can you use them effectively? Things are about protecting your space. It's about the things you're willing to accept and the things you won't. They're not about controlling others or avoiding showing up for people. They're how we say, this is what I can offer without compromising myself. They can sound like, I can't take that on right now. I'm not comfortable discussing that, or I need some time to myself tonight. On the other hand, expectations are about what you hope for. The standards you set for others in situations. While they can guide us, they aren't always within our control. They need to be known, shared and able to be negotiated. They could sound like, I feel unheard when I'm talking about my day, and I would appreciate your attention during those moments. Remember, boundaries protect you. Expectations are what you wish for. Understanding the difference can lead to healthier relationships and clear communication. Set your boundaries, manage your expectations, and find balance. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What are trauma related disorders?November 10, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what are trauma-related disorders? Mental health conditions that are triggered by traumatic events such as a life-threatening accident, physical abuse or loss of a loved one. These disorders include acute distress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders and dissociative disorders. There are a range of common symptoms that people may experience across these disorders, including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, mood swings, emotional numbness and dissociation. These symptoms can significantly hinder a person's ability to function in daily life, at work or in a relationship. There are several treatment approaches that are effective for these disorders, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR and prolonged exposure therapy. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What’s a red flag I should be aware of in dating?November 3, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what's a red flag I should be aware of in dating? Stonewalling is a communication pattern where a person shuts down, withdraws and emotionally disengages from their partner during a disagreement. It is a passive tactic that can make the other person feel dismissed and rejected, leading to an escalation of conflict and resentment. Stonewalling can be experienced as the silent treatment, or, in the statement, I'm too busy for that right now. The most important remedy is for both partners to recognize that stonewalling is occurring in that it is causing a breakdown in communication. Often a person who engages in stonewalling feels threatened and overwhelmed during a disagreement. Learning to self-soothe and re-engage calmly will reduce a person's need to rely on this negative emotional pattern. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org-mentalhealth. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What are adverse childhood experiences?October 27, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what are adverse childhood experiences? First childhood experiences or ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur from birth to age 17. Examples include experiencing abuse or neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or having a parent with a substance abuse problem. Long-term research that began in the 1990s has shown that ACEs have significant impacts into adulthood. People exposed to prolonged ACEs are at greater risk for mental health problems such as depression and suicide and also medical disorders such as heart disease and diabetes. Protective factors that mitigate the impacts of ACEs include positive childhood friendships and a robust support network of adults. But the most important protection for a child's health is to limit their exposure to trauma within the home. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is OCD?October 20, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorders in emotional condition where a person experiences intrusive obsessional thoughts then feels compelled to repeat a specific behavioral ritual in order to relieve the distress. Common obsessions include cleanliness, perfection and harm. Compulsions can include excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking door locks. Sometimes people will not seek treatment because they feel their obsessions are shameful, such as thoughts about intimacy and violence. OCD is not just a quirky behavior. It can be an exhausting disorder that causes a person to drop out of school or wreck their relationship, but there are effective treatments. The gold standard is exposure response prevention. ERP is a gradual process where an individual is prompted to think of their obsession and then resist engaging in their compulsion. While individual cases vary, most individuals will see improvement within 12 to 15 weeks. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What’s wrong with me?October 13, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What's wrong with me? A lack of energy and motivation to engage in daily activities could be a symptom of major depressive disorder. Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. About 30% of adults have experienced depression at some point in their lives, according to national surveys. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. While depression can occur at any age, it often shows up in the late teens in early 20s. Depression differs from sadness, which is a normal emotion in response to an upsetting situation. Depression is far more encompassing, impairing a person's ability to work, socialize, or even get out of bed. The risk factors for depression are complex and include low self-esteem, low self-compassion, genetics trauma, and a lack of social connections. Following NWFSU, content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?October 6, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is, I worry a lot could I have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety is a very natural and useful emotion. It tells us when we should pay attention to something going on in our life. A critical work assignment, an important exam or that mean looking dog we meet on the street. However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder. Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating and poor sleep quality. Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication. One quick self-help technique is to be aware of the thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a doom and gloom emergency alert. Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life. Minute is a service of golf wind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How does couples counseling work?September 29, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how does couples counseling work? I'm afraid the counselor will listen to my spouse and blame me for all our problems. Couples, marriage or relationship counseling is a tool for improving the quality of a relationship between partners. Often people come to couples counseling when they feel there is too much conflict between them, but conflicts is not the only thing counseling can help with. Other common problems include emptiness, disconnection, lack of intimacy, persistent negative sentiments and breaches of trust or safety. There are different therapeutic approaches, but most methods focus on discovering, understanding and developing the emotions felt by each person as a way of strengthening their bond because relationships are all about emotions. Couples counseling avoids heated arguments and labeling either person as wrong. Rather, therapy is designed to promote mutual trust and restore the positive regard and fondness couples felt towards each other when they first decided to be together. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I find a therapist that fits me?September 22, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do I find a therapist that fits me? Therapy is an extremely personal experience. You are sharing some of your most difficult doubts, experiences and emotions with someone you hardly know. It is important to feel comfortable at this person. Your decision may start with reviewing online information about potential providers. Websites for insurance companies and mental health organizations often give a demographic description of therapists. Individual websites for therapists highlight their strengths and areas of expertise. Think about what kind of help you need and seek therapists to have experience with those issues. Word of mouth from people you know is a great way to get an idea of what a therapist is like. Often therapists will offer short phone consultations free of charge where you can ask questions. Finally, if you come to feel that a particular therapist is not the best fit, don't feel guilty about being upfront with this. A professional therapist only once what is best for you. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What can I expect at my initial counseling session?September 15, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what can I expect at my initial counseling session? Counseling your therapy is a tool to help you discover and use your own organic strengths to manage emotional difficulties. During your initial session, the therapist will ask you a range of questions to build a picture of your strengths and the things you struggle with. This is done in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Depending on the situation, the therapist may ask questions about your past experiences as well as current challenges. An important part of the first session is clarifying what your treatment goals are. Would you like to feel more comfortable around people? Are you looking to sleep better? Would you like to regain more energy and interest in the things you like to do? These goals will be revisited in future sessions to check your sense of progress. The therapist will listen to your goals and collaboratively develop a specific treatment approach to help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I’m in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?September 8, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust, the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner's attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force, a partner putting their hands on you is a full stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork. In a good relationship, you should be able to comfortably say, I know my partner has my back. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

My child has disruptive behaviors and can’t focus. I think it’s ADHD and it’s exhausting me. What can I do?September 1, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home, sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient, recognize that the behaviors are not intentional, but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don't beat yourself up about being stressed out. Parental stress is uncomfortable, but very common. Finally, have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries, and sometimes that high energy and hyper-focus can be a unique strength later in a child's life. WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What’s a red flag I should be aware of in dating?August 25, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what's a red flag I should be aware of in dating? Stonewalling is a communication pattern where a person shuts down, withdraws and emotionally disengages from their partner during a disagreement. It is a passive tactic that can make the other person feel dismissed and rejected, leading to an escalation of conflict and resentment. Stonewalling can be experienced as the silent treatment, or, in the statement, I'm too busy for that right now. The most important remedy is for both partners to recognize that stonewalling is occurring in that it is causing a breakdown in communication. Often a person who engages in stonewalling feels threatened and overwhelmed during a disagreement. Learning to self-soothe and re-engage calmly will reduce a person's need to rely on this negative emotional pattern. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org-mentalhealth. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I think my partner would benefit from counseling, but they are reluctant to seek help. What can I do?August 18, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I think my partner would benefit from counseling, but they are reluctant to seek help. What can I do? Seeing someone struggle with emotions and behaviors is a difficult thing, whether it's a friend, partner, adult child or parent. Always start with empathy. Pay attention to their feelings and experiences. Let them know you care and are concerned for them. Avoid ultimatums. Without judgment, explore the pros and cons of the way their life is going. Ask questions like, when you drank a lot last night, how hard was it to get to work today? When you were in a rage, I didn't want to be with you, and I missed you. Did you miss me? When a person comes to realize the positive impact counseling can have on their life, they are far more likely to seek help. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How can I keep my mental health in times of uncertainty?August 11, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. In today's mental health minute question is, how can I keep my mental health in times of uncertainty? In the anxiety that comes with it, are part of life. So it's helpful to improve your tolerance to uncertainty. Be aware of your specific thoughts. Are you thinking about politics, money, your children? Be specific about what actions you can take to become more comfortable and be just as specific about what you have no control over. Practice acceptance of things you can't change. Acceptance is not agreeing with or supporting something, but simply acknowledging that it is what it is. Let go of thoughts that build anxiety. When you lessen your struggle with uncertainty, you are better able to stay in a present moment and focus your daily living on things that bring meaning and satisfaction to your life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What are red flags I should look for in dating?August 4, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what are red flags I should look for in dating? A common red flag is constant criticism. Criticism of a partner is the transformation of a mistake into a character flaw. It can be plainly in sight, such as you are always late, or you never keep track of time. Or it can be more subtle, hidden beneath the joke like, you know my girlfriend she can never keep her life together. Constant criticism usually involves words like you always or you never. It's accusatory, meant to put down the other partner instead of constructively addressing a problem. Instead, look for someone that can voice a concern in a helpful way, such as, I feel uncomfortable when we're late to something, what would help us be on time? This type of gentle consideration makes for a healthy relationship. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is trauma and how can it impact me?July 28, 2025

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What is EMDR?July 21, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flagg, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is what is EMDR? I movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapy approach designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Our brains have a natural system for processing information and sometimes events or experiences overwhelm that system. Those events then become a dysfunctionally stored memory and show up as triggers during everyday life. EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, taps or sounds. This helps the brain repossess traumatic information and reduce its emotional intensity. It is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and has been adapted for use with other mental health disorders such as anxiety and substance use. EMDR does not make you okay with what happened, the goal is to make the experiences less intense and less triggering. Many clients report significant improvements in fewer sessions compared to other therapeutic approaches. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What’s a red flag I should be aware of in dating?July 14, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what's a red flag I should be aware of in dating? Stonewalling is a communication pattern where a person shuts down, withdraws and emotionally disengages from their partner during a disagreement. It is a passive tactic that can make the other person feel dismissed and rejected, leading to an escalation of conflict and resentment. Stonewalling can be experienced as the silent treatment, or, in the statement, I'm too busy for that right now. The most important remedy is for both partners to recognize that stonewalling is occurring in that it is causing a breakdown in communication. Often a person who engages in stonewalling feels threatened and overwhelmed during a disagreement. Learning to self-soothe and re-engage calmly will reduce a person's need to rely on this negative emotional pattern. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org-mentalhealth. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I think my partner would benefit from counseling, but they are reluctant to seek help. What can I do?July 7, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I think my partner would benefit from counseling, but they are reluctant to seek help. What can I do? Seeing someone struggle with emotions and behaviors is a difficult thing, whether it's a friend, partner, adult child or parent. Always start with empathy. Pay attention to their feelings and experiences. Let them know you care and are concerned for them. Avoid ultimatums. Without judgment, explore the pros and cons of the way their life is going. Ask questions like, when you drank a lot last night, how hard was it to get to work today? When you were in a rage, I didn't want to be with you, and I missed you. Did you miss me? When a person comes to realize the positive impact counseling can have on their life, they are far more likely to seek help. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How can I keep my mental health in times of uncertainty?June 30, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terrence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling. In today's mental health minute question is, how can I keep my mental health in times of uncertainty? In the anxiety that comes with it, are part of life. So it's helpful to improve your tolerance to uncertainty. Be aware of your specific thoughts. Are you thinking about politics, money, your children? Be specific about what actions you can take to become more comfortable and be just as specific about what you have no control over. Practice acceptance of things you can't change. Acceptance is not agreeing with or supporting something, but simply acknowledging that it is what it is. Let go of thoughts that build anxiety. When you lessen your struggle with uncertainty, you are better able to stay in a present moment and focus your daily living on things that bring meaning and satisfaction to your life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What are red flags I should look for in dating?June 23, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachia Cola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com This is Terence Keenan, therapist at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what are red flags I should look for in dating? A common red flag is constant criticism. Criticism of a partner is the transformation of a mistake into a character flaw. It can be plainly in sight, such as you are always late, or you never keep track of time. Or it can be more subtle, hidden beneath the joke like, you know my girlfriend she can never keep her life together. Constant criticism usually involves words like you always or you never. It's accusatory, meant to put down the other partner instead of constructively addressing a problem. Instead, look for someone that can voice a concern in a helpful way, such as, I feel uncomfortable when we're late to something, what would help us be on time? This type of gentle consideration makes for a healthy relationship. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. And provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is gaslighting?June 16, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what is gas lighting? This word often comes up in couples counseling. The term gas lighting comes from the movie gas light, in which a husband intentionally manipulates his wife into a mental breakdown in order to steal her wealth. In current usage, gas lighting occurs when one partner makes the other doubt their own experiences and perceptions. While this type of behavior is considered a form of emotional manipulation, a person who engages in this can change. Often a gas lighter has received messages throughout life that intense emotions should be shut down and vulnerability should be avoided. Couples can work together to decrease this dynamic. By improving their openness, emotional bond and conflict resolution skills, the gas lighting partner learns more effective ways to express and respond to emotional needs. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is trauma and how can it impact me?June 9, 2025

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What is EMDR?June 2, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hi, I'm Nikki Flagg, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is what is EMDR? I movement desensitization and reprocessing is a therapy approach designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Our brains have a natural system for processing information and sometimes events or experiences overwhelm that system. Those events then become a dysfunctionally stored memory and show up as triggers during everyday life. EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, taps or sounds. This helps the brain repossess traumatic information and reduce its emotional intensity. It is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and has been adapted for use with other mental health disorders such as anxiety and substance use. EMDR does not make you okay with what happened, the goal is to make the experiences less intense and less triggering. Many clients report significant improvements in fewer sessions compared to other therapeutic approaches. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is OCD?May 26, 2025

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorders in emotional condition where a person experiences intrusive obsessional thoughts then feels compelled to repeat a specific behavioral ritual in order to relieve the distress. Common obsessions include cleanliness, perfection and harm. Compulsions can include excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking door locks. Sometimes people will not seek treatment because they feel their obsessions are shameful, such as thoughts about intimacy and violence. OCD is not just a quirky behavior. It can be an exhausting disorder that causes a person to drop out of school or wreck their relationship, but there are effective treatments. The gold standard is exposure response prevention. ERP is a gradual process where an individual is prompted to think of their obsession and then resist engaging in their compulsion. While individual cases vary, most individuals will see improvement within 12 to 15 weeks. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What’s wrong with me?May 19, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What's wrong with me? A lack of energy and motivation to engage in daily activities could be a symptom of major depressive disorder. Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. About 30% of adults have experienced depression at some point in their lives, according to national surveys. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. While depression can occur at any age, it often shows up in the late teens in early 20s. Depression differs from sadness, which is a normal emotion in response to an upsetting situation. Depression is far more encompassing, impairing a person's ability to work, socialize, or even get out of bed. The risk factors for depression are complex and include low self-esteem, low self-compassion, genetics trauma, and a lack of social connections. Following NWFSU, content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?May 12, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is, I worry a lot could I have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety is a very natural and useful emotion. It tells us when we should pay attention to something going on in our life. A critical work assignment, an important exam or that mean looking dog we meet on the street. However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder. Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating and poor sleep quality. Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication. One quick self-help technique is to be aware of the thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a doom and gloom emergency alert. Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life. Minute is a service of golf wind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How does couples counseling work?May 5, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how does couples counseling work? I'm afraid the counselor will listen to my spouse and blame me for all our problems. Couples, marriage or relationship counseling is a tool for improving the quality of a relationship between partners. Often people come to couples counseling when they feel there is too much conflict between them, but conflicts is not the only thing counseling can help with. Other common problems include emptiness, disconnection, lack of intimacy, persistent negative sentiments and breaches of trust or safety. There are different therapeutic approaches, but most methods focus on discovering, understanding and developing the emotions felt by each person as a way of strengthening their bond because relationships are all about emotions. Couples counseling avoids heated arguments and labeling either person as wrong. Rather, therapy is designed to promote mutual trust and restore the positive regard and fondness couples felt towards each other when they first decided to be together. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I find a therapist that fits me?April 28, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do I find a therapist that fits me? Therapy is an extremely personal experience. You are sharing some of your most difficult doubts, experiences and emotions with someone you hardly know. It is important to feel comfortable at this person. Your decision may start with reviewing online information about potential providers. Websites for insurance companies and mental health organizations often give a demographic description of therapists. Individual websites for therapists highlight their strengths and areas of expertise. Think about what kind of help you need and seek therapists to have experience with those issues. Word of mouth from people you know is a great way to get an idea of what a therapist is like. Often therapists will offer short phone consultations free of charge where you can ask questions. Finally, if you come to feel that a particular therapist is not the best fit, don't feel guilty about being upfront with this. A professional therapist only once what is best for you. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What can I expect at my initial counseling session?April 21, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what can I expect at my initial counseling session? Counseling your therapy is a tool to help you discover and use your own organic strengths to manage emotional difficulties. During your initial session, the therapist will ask you a range of questions to build a picture of your strengths and the things you struggle with. This is done in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Depending on the situation, the therapist may ask questions about your past experiences as well as current challenges. An important part of the first session is clarifying what your treatment goals are. Would you like to feel more comfortable around people? Are you looking to sleep better? Would you like to regain more energy and interest in the things you like to do? These goals will be revisited in future sessions to check your sense of progress. The therapist will listen to your goals and collaboratively develop a specific treatment approach to help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I’m in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?April 14, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust, the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner's attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force, a partner putting their hands on you is a full stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork. In a good relationship, you should be able to comfortably say, I know my partner has my back. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

My child has disruptive behaviors and can’t focus. I think it’s ADHD and it’s exhausting me. What can I do?April 7, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home, sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient, recognize that the behaviors are not intentional, but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don't beat yourself up about being stressed out. Parental stress is uncomfortable, but very common. Finally, have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries, and sometimes that high energy and hyper-focus can be a unique strength later in a child's life. WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is gaslighting?March 31, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what is gas lighting? This word often comes up in couples counseling. The term gas lighting comes from the movie gas light, in which a husband intentionally manipulates his wife into a mental breakdown in order to steal her wealth. In current usage, gas lighting occurs when one partner makes the other doubt their own experiences and perceptions. While this type of behavior is considered a form of emotional manipulation, a person who engages in this can change. Often a gas lighter has received messages throughout life that intense emotions should be shut down and vulnerability should be avoided. Couples can work together to decrease this dynamic. By improving their openness, emotional bond and conflict resolution skills, the gas lighting partner learns more effective ways to express and respond to emotional needs. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is OCD?March 24, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorders in emotional condition where a person experiences intrusive obsessional thoughts then feels compelled to repeat a specific behavioral ritual in order to relieve the distress. Common obsessions include cleanliness, perfection and harm. Compulsions can include excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking door locks. Sometimes people will not seek treatment because they feel their obsessions are shameful, such as thoughts about intimacy and violence. OCD is not just a quirky behavior. It can be an exhausting disorder that causes a person to drop out of school or wreck their relationship, but there are effective treatments. The gold standard is exposure response prevention. ERP is a gradual process where an individual is prompted to think of their obsession and then resist engaging in their compulsion. While individual cases vary, most individuals will see improvement within 12 to 15 weeks. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What’s wrong with me?March 17, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What's wrong with me? A lack of energy and motivation to engage in daily activities could be a symptom of major depressive disorder. Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. About 30% of adults have experienced depression at some point in their lives, according to national surveys. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. While depression can occur at any age, it often shows up in the late teens in early 20s. Depression differs from sadness, which is a normal emotion in response to an upsetting situation. Depression is far more encompassing, impairing a person's ability to work, socialize, or even get out of bed. The risk factors for depression are complex and include low self-esteem, low self-compassion, genetics trauma, and a lack of social connections. Following NWFSU, content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What is gaslighting?March 10, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what is gas lighting? This word often comes up in couples counseling. The term gas lighting comes from the movie gas light, in which a husband intentionally manipulates his wife into a mental breakdown in order to steal her wealth. In current usage, gas lighting occurs when one partner makes the other doubt their own experiences and perceptions. While this type of behavior is considered a form of emotional manipulation, a person who engages in this can change. Often a gas lighter has received messages throughout life that intense emotions should be shut down and vulnerability should be avoided. Couples can work together to decrease this dynamic. By improving their openness, emotional bond and conflict resolution skills, the gas lighting partner learns more effective ways to express and respond to emotional needs. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

What is OCD?March 3, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling. And today's mental health minute question is, what is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorders in emotional condition where a person experiences intrusive obsessional thoughts then feels compelled to repeat a specific behavioral ritual in order to relieve the distress. Common obsessions include cleanliness, perfection and harm. Compulsions can include excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking door locks. Sometimes people will not seek treatment because they feel their obsessions are shameful, such as thoughts about intimacy and violence. OCD is not just a quirky behavior. It can be an exhausting disorder that causes a person to drop out of school or wreck their relationship, but there are effective treatments. The gold standard is exposure response prevention. ERP is a gradual process where an individual is prompted to think of their obsession and then resist engaging in their compulsion. While individual cases vary, most individuals will see improvement within 12 to 15 weeks. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What’s wrong with me?February 24, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs, including anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, I feel tired and unable to do things I usually enjoy. What's wrong with me? A lack of energy and motivation to engage in daily activities could be a symptom of major depressive disorder. Depression is a serious condition that negatively affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. About 30% of adults have experienced depression at some point in their lives, according to national surveys. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. While depression can occur at any age, it often shows up in the late teens in early 20s. Depression differs from sadness, which is a normal emotion in response to an upsetting situation. Depression is far more encompassing, impairing a person's ability to work, socialize, or even get out of bed. The risk factors for depression are complex and include low self-esteem, low self-compassion, genetics trauma, and a lack of social connections. Following NWFSU, content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How does couples counseling work?February 17, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how does couples counseling work? I'm afraid the counselor will listen to my spouse and blame me for all our problems. Couples, marriage or relationship counseling is a tool for improving the quality of a relationship between partners. Often people come to couples counseling when they feel there is too much conflict between them, but conflicts is not the only thing counseling can help with. Other common problems include emptiness, disconnection, lack of intimacy, persistent negative sentiments and breaches of trust or safety. There are different therapeutic approaches, but most methods focus on discovering, understanding and developing the emotions felt by each person as a way of strengthening their bond because relationships are all about emotions. Couples counseling avoids heated arguments and labeling either person as wrong. Rather, therapy is designed to promote mutual trust and restore the positive regard and fondness couples felt towards each other when they first decided to be together. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I find a therapist that fits me?February 10, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do I find a therapist that fits me? Therapy is an extremely personal experience. You are sharing some of your most difficult doubts, experiences and emotions with someone you hardly know. It is important to feel comfortable at this person. Your decision may start with reviewing online information about potential providers. Websites for insurance companies and mental health organizations often give a demographic description of therapists. Individual websites for therapists highlight their strengths and areas of expertise. Think about what kind of help you need and seek therapists to have experience with those issues. Word of mouth from people you know is a great way to get an idea of what a therapist is like. Often therapists will offer short phone consultations free of charge where you can ask questions. Finally, if you come to feel that a particular therapist is not the best fit, don't feel guilty about being upfront with this. A professional therapist only once what is best for you. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What can I expect at my initial counseling session?February 3, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what can I expect at my initial counseling session? Counseling your therapy is a tool to help you discover and use your own organic strengths to manage emotional difficulties. During your initial session, the therapist will ask you a range of questions to build a picture of your strengths and the things you struggle with. This is done in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Depending on the situation, the therapist may ask questions about your past experiences as well as current challenges. An important part of the first session is clarifying what your treatment goals are. Would you like to feel more comfortable around people? Are you looking to sleep better? Would you like to regain more energy and interest in the things you like to do? These goals will be revisited in future sessions to check your sense of progress. The therapist will listen to your goals and collaboratively develop a specific treatment approach to help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?January 27, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust, the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner's attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force, a partner putting their hands on you is a full stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork. In a good relationship, you should be able to comfortably say, I know my partner has my back. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

My child has disruptive behaviors and can't focus. I think it's ADHD and it' exhausting me. What can I do?January 20, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home, sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient, recognize that the behaviors are not intentional, but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don't beat yourself up about being stressed out. Parental stress is uncomfortable, but very common. Finally, have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries, and sometimes that high energy and hyper-focus can be a unique strength later in a child's life. WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?January 13, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is, I worry a lot could I have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety is a very natural and useful emotion. It tells us when we should pay attention to something going on in our life. A critical work assignment, an important exam or that mean looking dog we meet on the street. However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder. Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating and poor sleep quality. Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication. One quick self-help technique is to be aware of the thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a doom and gloom emergency alert. Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life. Minute is a service of golf wind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How does couples counseling work?January 6, 2025

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how does couples counseling work? I'm afraid the counselor will listen to my spouse and blame me for all our problems. Couples, marriage or relationship counseling is a tool for improving the quality of a relationship between partners. Often people come to couples counseling when they feel there is too much conflict between them, but conflicts is not the only thing counseling can help with. Other common problems include emptiness, disconnection, lack of intimacy, persistent negative sentiments and breaches of trust or safety. There are different therapeutic approaches, but most methods focus on discovering, understanding and developing the emotions felt by each person as a way of strengthening their bond because relationships are all about emotions. Couples counseling avoids heated arguments and labeling either person as wrong. Rather, therapy is designed to promote mutual trust and restore the positive regard and fondness couples felt towards each other when they first decided to be together. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I find a therapist that fits me?December 30, 2024

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do I find a therapist that fits me? Therapy is an extremely personal experience. You are sharing some of your most difficult doubts, experiences and emotions with someone you hardly know. It is important to feel comfortable at this person. Your decision may start with reviewing online information about potential providers. Websites for insurance companies and mental health organizations often give a demographic description of therapists. Individual websites for therapists highlight their strengths and areas of expertise. Think about what kind of help you need and seek therapists to have experience with those issues. Word of mouth from people you know is a great way to get an idea of what a therapist is like. Often therapists will offer short phone consultations free of charge where you can ask questions. Finally, if you come to feel that a particular therapist is not the best fit, don't feel guilty about being upfront with this. A professional therapist only once what is best for you. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What can I expect at my initial counseling session?December 23, 2024

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what can I expect at my initial counseling session? Counseling your therapy is a tool to help you discover and use your own organic strengths to manage emotional difficulties. During your initial session, the therapist will ask you a range of questions to build a picture of your strengths and the things you struggle with. This is done in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Depending on the situation, the therapist may ask questions about your past experiences as well as current challenges. An important part of the first session is clarifying what your treatment goals are. Would you like to feel more comfortable around people? Are you looking to sleep better? Would you like to regain more energy and interest in the things you like to do? These goals will be revisited in future sessions to check your sense of progress. The therapist will listen to your goals and collaboratively develop a specific treatment approach to help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?December 16, 2024

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust, the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner's attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force, a partner putting their hands on you is a full stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork. In a good relationship, you should be able to comfortably say, I know my partner has my back. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

My child has disruptive behaviors and can't focus. I think it's ADHD and it' exhausting me. What can I do?December 9, 2024

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home, sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient, recognize that the behaviors are not intentional, but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don't beat yourself up about being stressed out. Parental stress is uncomfortable, but very common. Finally, have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries, and sometimes that high energy and hyper-focus can be a unique strength later in a child's life. WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

I worry a lot. Could I have an anxiety disorder?December 2, 2024

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is, I worry a lot could I have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety is a very natural and useful emotion. It tells us when we should pay attention to something going on in our life. A critical work assignment, an important exam or that mean looking dog we meet on the street. However, when our anxiety is overwhelming and we avoid doing meaningful things in our life, it becomes a disorder. Common symptoms of anxiety disorder include not being able to stop worrying about something, trouble concentrating and poor sleep quality. Treating anxiety disorder typically involves therapy and medication. One quick self-help technique is to be aware of the thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. Anxious thoughts often feel catastrophic, permanent and repetitive, like a radio in your head broadcasting a doom and gloom emergency alert. Imagine yourself turning down the volume on this radio and turning your attention to the more helpful and meaningful thoughts about the present moments in your life. Minute is a service of golf wind counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How does couples counseling work?November 25, 2024

Transcript

Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how does couples counseling work? I'm afraid the counselor will listen to my spouse and blame me for all our problems. Couples, marriage or relationship counseling is a tool for improving the quality of a relationship between partners. Often people come to couples counseling when they feel there is too much conflict between them, but conflicts is not the only thing counseling can help with. Other common problems include emptiness, disconnection, lack of intimacy, persistent negative sentiments and breaches of trust or safety. There are different therapeutic approaches, but most methods focus on discovering, understanding and developing the emotions felt by each person as a way of strengthening their bond because relationships are all about emotions. Couples counseling avoids heated arguments and labeling either person as wrong. Rather, therapy is designed to promote mutual trust and restore the positive regard and fondness couples felt towards each other when they first decided to be together. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

How do I find a therapist that fits me?November 18, 2024

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, how do I find a therapist that fits me? Therapy is an extremely personal experience. You are sharing some of your most difficult doubts, experiences and emotions with someone you hardly know. It is important to feel comfortable at this person. Your decision may start with reviewing online information about potential providers. Websites for insurance companies and mental health organizations often give a demographic description of therapists. Individual websites for therapists highlight their strengths and areas of expertise. Think about what kind of help you need and seek therapists to have experience with those issues. Word of mouth from people you know is a great way to get an idea of what a therapist is like. Often therapists will offer short phone consultations free of charge where you can ask questions. Finally, if you come to feel that a particular therapist is not the best fit, don't feel guilty about being upfront with this. A professional therapist only once what is best for you. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of Gulf Wind Counseling and WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

What can I expect at my initial counseling session?November 11, 2024

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling, with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. Online at GulfwindCounseling.com. Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling, and today's mental health minute question is, what can I expect at my initial counseling session? Counseling your therapy is a tool to help you discover and use your own organic strengths to manage emotional difficulties. During your initial session, the therapist will ask you a range of questions to build a picture of your strengths and the things you struggle with. This is done in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Depending on the situation, the therapist may ask questions about your past experiences as well as current challenges. An important part of the first session is clarifying what your treatment goals are. Would you like to feel more comfortable around people? Are you looking to sleep better? Would you like to regain more energy and interest in the things you like to do? These goals will be revisited in future sessions to check your sense of progress. The therapist will listen to your goals and collaboratively develop a specific treatment approach to help you feel more fulfilled in your daily life. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like?November 4, 2024

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com Hello, I'm Terrence Keenan, licensed clinical social worker at Gulf Wind Counseling and today's mental health minute question is I'm in my first serious romantic relationship with someone I really like, but how do I know what a good relationship looks like? Romantic relationships take work and are not always easy. Any relationship is fundamentally built on trust. Without trust, the relationship will be shaky and not likely to last. Romantic relationships should feel mutually respectful. Things that damage respect include contemptuous reactions such as hurtful insults, constant criticism, rigid defensiveness and shutting down a partner's attempts to communicate. If your partner emotionally hurts you in one of these ways, they should show a genuine desire to apologize and repair the hurt. Physical force, a partner putting their hands on you is a full stop red flag and needs to be addressed before the relationship continues. Romantic partners should have a sense of teamwork. In a good relationship, you should be able to comfortably say, I know my partner has my back. Listen to archives of mental health minute at wfsu.org slash mental health. Mental health minute is a service of golf wind counseling and wfsu. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of wfsu.

My child has disruptive behaviors and can't focus. I think it's ADHD and it' exhausting me. What can I do?October 28, 2024

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Mental Health Minute is made possible in part by Gulf Wind Counseling with offices in Tallahassee and Appalachicola and a selection of therapists to serve a wide variety of client needs including anxiety, depression and relationship conflict online at GulfwindCounseling.com. What can I do? First, helping your child. Childhood ADHD is best diagnosed and treated through the combined efforts of a primary care physician and a mental health provider who can put together a thorough developmental and behavioral history. Treatment consists of emotional behavioral regulation skills taught at school and home, sometimes accompanied by medication. Second, helping yourself. Raising kids is hard, and ADHD can make it harder. Be patient, recognize that the behaviors are not intentional, but just the best way the child knows how to handle things. Have self-compassion. Don't beat yourself up about being stressed out. Parental stress is uncomfortable, but very common. Finally, have hope. Children mature with a mixture of love and boundaries, and sometimes that high energy and hyper-focus can be a unique strength later in a child's life. WFSU. Content provided is the opinion of the sponsor and not of WFSU.

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