• METANOIA means the JOURNEY to CHANGE one’s MIND, HEART, SELF or WAY of LIFE

  • Providing Online Counseling or Teletherapy for Colorado

    Let's connect online
    Free 15-Minute Consultation 719-357-8580

  • Metanoia LLC

    My WordPress Blog

    • Home
    • About
    • Services
      • Telehealth
      • Grief & Bereavement Counseling
      • Medical Supportive therapy for Chronic/Acute Health Care Issues/Chronic pain
      • Life Transitions
      • Therapy for Depression
      • Therapy for Anxiety
      • Walk-and-Talk Therapy
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Rates and Insurance
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
    • Resources
      • Older Adult/Caregiver Resources
      • Mental Health Links
      • Physical Health Links
    • Contact
    • Blog
    • Client Portal

    9 Vitamins & Supplements That Can Help Relieve Anxiety

    July 25, 2024

    Anxiety can greatly impact a person’s overall health and well-being, and if you struggle with this condition, you may be willing to do almost anything to relieve your symptoms. There are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your anxiety—for example, you could try meditating, exercising, sleeping more, and reducing your caffeine and […]

    Read More

    9 Vitamins & Supplements That Can Help Relieve Anxiety

    July 25, 2024

    Anxiety can greatly impact a person’s overall health and well-being, and if you struggle with this condition, you may be willing to do almost anything to relieve your symptoms. There are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your anxiety—for example, you could try meditating, exercising, sleeping more, and reducing your caffeine and alcohol consumption—but did you know that certain vitamins and supplements also have stress-reducing effects? Research suggests that the following nine vitamins and supplements may help relieve anxiety:

    1. Ashwagandha
    2. Chamomile
    3. L-theanine
    4. Magnesium
    5. Melatonin
    6. Omega-3 fatty acids
    7. Valerian root
    8. Vitamin B complex
    9. Vitamin D

    As with any type of medication, it’s important to consult with a medical provider before beginning a new vitamin or supplement regimen. Also be sure to keep in mind that results typically don’t occur immediately.

    Get Help With Your Anxiety

    If you’ve tried to relieve your anxiety with the vitamins and supplements listed above but you’re still struggling with feelings of uneasiness, fear, or dread, contact us today. The therapists at our practice have extensive experience treating patients with anxiety and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you. We understand that each patient requires a unique treatment approach, and once we’ve learned about your symptoms and the remedies you’ve tried in the past, we’ll be able to recommend strategies that are customized to your specific needs.

    Filed Under: anxiety, supplements

    Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

    January 4, 2024

    Anxiety can affect every aspect of our lives, including our employment. And if workplace anxiety isn’t properly managed, it has the potential to negatively impact our careers. For example, if a promotion would require you to interact more with clients, give more presentations, or take more business trips—and you feel stressed at the prospect of […]

    Read More

    Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

    January 4, 2024

    Anxiety can affect every aspect of our lives, including our employment. And if workplace anxiety isn’t properly managed, it has the potential to negatively impact our careers.

    For example, if a promotion would require you to interact more with clients, give more presentations, or take more business trips—and you feel stressed at the prospect of having to take on those tasks—you may be more likely to turn down the advancement (as well as the salary increase that would accompany it). Likewise, if you have social anxiety, you may be less likely to chat with your coworkers in the break room and attend office parties, which could prevent you from building a valuable network.

    Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage anxiety in the workplace. If you regularly experience anxiety while you’re at work, you may want to try:

    • Keeping your desk, your computer desktop, and your email inbox organized and free of clutter
    • Making prioritized to-do lists and scheduling enough time to complete each of your tasks
    • Letting your coworkers know if you don’t have the bandwidth to take on additional work
    • Asking for help when you begin feeling overwhelmed
    • Avoiding checking work emails and voicemails after business hours
    • Scheduling vacation time (even if you don’t have travel plans, a staycation can help you relax and clear your mind)
    • Taking quick breaks whenever you start to feel anxious (for example, performing breathing exercises at your desk or taking a walk around the building)
    • Leading a healthy lifestyle (for example, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and getting enough sleep each night)

    Learn More About Anxiety Management

    If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety at work, at home, or in other aspects of your life, we can help. Our caring therapists have extensive experience treating anxiety, and we can provide you with advice that’s tailored to your specific circumstances. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.

    Filed Under: anxiety, workplace

    Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    October 18, 2023

    Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their: Health Family Work Money What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder? […]

    Read More

    Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    October 18, 2023

    Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their:

    • Health
    • Family
    • Work
    • Money

    What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

    The hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is constant, uncontrollable worrying. Many people with this condition know that their concerns are unfounded but can’t stop worrying about them regardless, often to the point where the worries begin interfering with their relationships and daily routine. Some individuals report feeling anxious for no apparent reason, as if they sense that something bad is about to happen, but they can’t put their finger on what it is.

    If you have generalized anxiety disorder, you may also experience:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Lightheadedness
    • Hot flashes and sweating
    • Headaches
    • Muscle tension and aches
    • Trembling and twitching
    • Nausea and diarrhea
    • Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
    • Fatigue
    • Irritability
    • Restlessness 
    • Difficulty relaxing
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Being easily startled

    How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?

    There are many options for managing anxiety, and a trained provider can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs. For example, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder may involve:

    • Taking medication
    • Attending counseling sessions
    • Learning coping skills
    • Using relaxation techniques
    • Making certain lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking)

    Your Top Choice for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

    If you think you might have generalized anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: anxiety

    Understanding Common Anxiety Disorders

    September 27, 2023

    Anxiety is very common—in fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect 40 million U.S. adults every year. Yet many people don’t have a strong understanding of anxiety and may not realize that it can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types of anxiety: Generalized […]

    Read More

    Understanding Common Anxiety Disorders

    September 27, 2023

    Anxiety is very common—in fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect 40 million U.S. adults every year. Yet many people don’t have a strong understanding of anxiety and may not realize that it can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types of anxiety:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder – Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively about everyday issues (for example, health, family, work, and money) on most days for at least six months.
    • Panic disorder – This condition causes people to experience recurrent panic attacks, which are often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and sweating. Panic attacks may also cause someone to feel like they’re dying or fear that they’re going crazy.
    • Separation anxiety disorder – Separation anxiety disorder causes someone to fear being separated from a person that’s close to them. This condition is more common in children but may also affect teenagers and adults.
    • Social anxiety disorder – While it’s common for people to feel shy, individuals with social anxiety disorder experience intense fears about social interactions. For example, they may worry that they’ll embarrass themselves or that others will judge them.
    • Agoraphobia – People with agoraphobia fear leaving environments that they consider safe (for example, their home), to the point that it disrupts their normal routine. They may fear that they won’t be able to escape a situation or that help might not be available to them.

    Need Help Managing Anxiety?

    If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time of your choosing.

    Filed Under: anxiety

    Stress’s Physiological Impact on the Body

    April 6, 2022

    The old saying goes, “Into every life a little rain must fall.” Stress is like rain. A little of it can be a good thing. But too much can cause havoc and devastation. Our bodies are designed to handle a little bit of acute or sudden stress. But when stress is prolonged or becomes chronic, […]

    Read More

    Stress’s Physiological Impact on the Body

    April 6, 2022

    The old saying goes, “Into every life a little rain must fall.” Stress is like rain. A little of it can be a good thing. But too much can cause havoc and devastation.

    Our bodies are designed to handle a little bit of acute or sudden stress. But when stress is prolonged or becomes chronic, it can have devastating consequences to our health.

    Here are just some of the ways stress can negatively impact your body:

    Respiratory Issues

    Prolonged stress can lead to respiratory issues such as shortness of breath. Individuals who do not have an underlying respiratory disease may not be very impacted. But for those with pre-existing conditions such as COPD and asthma, stress can dangerously exacerbate the situation.

    Heart Health

    When we’re stressed we are in fight or flight mode. This causes our heart to beat faster and our blood vessels to dilate. In short-term scenarios, these physical manifestations help get us out of danger.

    But for prolonged periods, this can put a lot of stress on our heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.

    Gut Health

    Did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? It’s incredibly important to ensure your gut is healthy!

    But chronic stress can wreak havoc on your gut as it changes the beneficial gut bacteria. And a change in this bacteria can negatively impact your mood. And when you’re already feeling stressed, the last thing you need is to also feel depressed.

    Sexual Health

    Both the male and female reproductive systems are influenced by the nervous system. When we are stressed, our sexual hormones can get out of balance and we can lose sexual desire. Men may find it hard to achieve and maintain an erection. Stress can also make it hard to conceive and affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.

    As you can see, stress can really impact your physical health in a negative way. While we can’t stop the rain from falling or stress from entering our lives, we can practice healthy stress management. That means eating right, getting enough exercise, and quality sleep each night.

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
    • https://www.stress.org/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-body
    • https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987

    Filed Under: anxiety, stress

    The Healing Power of Nature

    January 12, 2022

    One only needs to read a few lines from poets such as Frost, Wordsworth, and Thoreau to recognize the love for and connection to nature human beings have always had. Nature stirs our souls and imagination and brings beauty to our everyday lives. But it turns out, nature also brings a slew of benefits to […]

    Read More

    The Healing Power of Nature

    January 12, 2022

    One only needs to read a few lines from poets such as Frost, Wordsworth, and Thoreau to recognize the love for and connection to nature human beings have always had. Nature stirs our souls and imagination and brings beauty to our everyday lives. But it turns out, nature also brings a slew of benefits to our mental and physical health.

    The Many Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

    Research is now clearly indicating that spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on our health. Whether you bike, hike, or simply sit under a tree enjoying the sights and sounds, time in nature has shown to reduce stress, slow heart rate, improve pain, lower cortisol, and stimulate the immune system by boosting the production of natural killer cells that fight disease and infection.

    In addition, time outside means time in the sun, and THAT means getting a nice boost of vitamin D, which can do everything from preventing disease, make our bones and teeth stronger, and improve our mood.

    Give Ecotherapy a Try

    Ecotherapy, which is also sometimes referred to as nature therapy, is a practice in the emerging field of ecopsychology. The idea behind this practice is that many modern people, whether they are aware of it or not, feel a massive disconnect from the natural world. When you think about it, our ancestors spent hundreds of thousands of years living WITH nature, feeling it under their bare feet, being outside, ebbing and flowing with the shifts in seasons.

    But today, most of us are only connected to a digital device. Ecotherapy gets us away from our screens and out into the beauty of the natural world. Many clinicians, including myself, believe that the earth has a natural ability to balance us. When we get back in touch with the systems of nature, we can experience improved mental health.

    If you are feeling out of sorts and like the idea of trying ecotherapy, you can simply spend more time outside. If you would like someone to help you reconnect with nature, please get in touch with me. I am a big proponent of nature therapy and use it in my practice.

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-healing-works/202103/the-healing-power-nature
    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/econature-therapy
    • https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/about/the-practice-of-forest-therapy

    Filed Under: anxiety, Depression, General

    How to Prevent Burnout

    January 5, 2022

    Not many people get through life without experiencing burnout at some point. Whether it’s from working more than one job, taking care of a sick loved one, or juggling family life while going back to school, burnout is real, and it negatively impacts your life and health. Common Signs of Burnout If you think you […]

    Read More

    How to Prevent Burnout

    January 5, 2022

    Not many people get through life without experiencing burnout at some point. Whether it’s from working more than one job, taking care of a sick loved one, or juggling family life while going back to school, burnout is real, and it negatively impacts your life and health.

    Common Signs of Burnout

    If you think you may be experiencing burnout but are unsure, here are some of the most common signs:

    • Physical and mental exhaustion
    • Feeling overwhelmed
    • A need to isolate
    • Fantasies of escaping
    • Irritability
    • Frequent illnesses such as colds and flues 

    5 Ways to Prevent Burnout

    Exercise

    You know exercise is necessary for your physical health, but it is also fantastic for your mental and emotional health as well. Physical activity helps our bodies secrete feel-good hormones, which give our mood a boost. So be sure to commit to exercising at least 3-4 times a week.

    Get Enough Rest

    It’s essential to get enough restorative sleep each night. Sleep not only helps our bodies build and repair new tissue, but it helps us be able to feel calm and focus. 

    If you have trouble getting enough ZZZZZs each night, skip caffeinated beverages past 2 pm, ban smartphones and other electronics from the bedroom, and establish a relaxing nighttime ritual like meditation, reading, or taking a bath.

    Validate Your Feelings

    “Keep calm and carry on.” That’s a fun saying for a throw pillow, but it’s not always the best advice. Sometimes it’s important to admit that you are struggling and that you need a break.

    Remember to Play

    Just because you’re an adult, that doesn’t mean you don’t need some downtime to just have fun. Whether you want to play a sport, enjoy a hobby, or go to the theater, be sure to make time each week to enjoy yourself and your life.

    Ask for Help

    During stressful times, it’s important to reach out to others for help. Sometimes all we need is a friendly ear to listen to what’s on our minds and hearts. Let your friends and family know you could use a little support.

    If your stress levels don’t seem to go down, you may want to consider working with a counselor who can help you navigate your feelings and offer coping strategies to deal with the issues you have going on.

    If you’d like to speak with someone, please reach out to me.

    SOURCES:

    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pressure-proof/201306/7-strategies-prevent-burnout
    • https://www.healthline.com/health/tips-for-identifying-and-preventing-burnout
    • https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-lesser-known-ways-to-beat-burnout#1

    Filed Under: anxiety, stress

    Online Only

    719-357-8580

    Schedule An Appointment

    Contact Today

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Metanoia LLC
    719-357-8580

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    Copyright © 2025 - Brighter Vision