Mental Health Awareness Month: World Schizophrenia Awareness Day

By: Kristin Martin, LPC, Intern
May 24 th is World Schizophrenia Awareness Day. Unfortunately, schizophrenia is a highly stigmatized
mental health disorder. Did you know schizophrenia is the most common psychotic mental health
disorder in the United States (Crawford & Go, 2022)? About 24 million people are affected by
schizophrenia (National Today, 2023). Genetic and environmental factors play a role in the cause of
schizophrenia (National Today, 2023). Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder comprising two
categories of symptoms: one positive and negative, present for at least six months and severe for at
least one month (Crawford & Go, 2022).
Positive symptoms consist of:

 Confused behavior, such as delusions
 Disorganized speech
 Hallucinations
(Crawford & Go, 2022).
Negative symptoms are the lack of normal functions, such as:
 Reduction in words spoken
 Decreased motivation creating a reduction in goals and goal-
directed activities
 Decreased ability to express emotion through facial expressions,
tone of voice, and physical movements
 Lack of motivation to engage in social interaction or the
preference to be isolated
(Crawford & Go, 2022).

Schizophrenia is a treatable disorder. Treatment for schizophrenia generally should be started right
away and looks like a combination of medication (antipsychotic medicines) and therapy (cognitive
behavior therapy) (National Today, 2023). However, many people do not reach out for help, and when
they do, they suffer from stigmas. When addressing this mental health disorder in an individual, it is
essential to remember that we say an “individual with schizophrenia” instead of calling them
“schizophrenic” (Granello & Gorby, 2021). Using the term schizophrenic may distance us from our loved
ones and restrict or control them (Granello & Gorby, 2021). We must remember that these individuals
deserve kindness and respect.
How to be supportive of someone with schizophrenia:
 Educate yourself
 Listen, but know your limits
 Encourage your loved one to seek treatment and stick with it
 Use empathy, do not argue
 Take care of yourself
 Maintain your own social network

References

Crawford, P., & Go, K. V. (2022). Schizophrenia. American Family Physician, 106(4), 388–396.
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A721079057/GBIB?u=vic_liberty&sid=bookmark-
GBIB&xid=963228e2
Granello, D. H., & Gorby, S. R. (2021). It's time for counselors to modify our language: It matters when
we
call our clients schizophrenics versus people with schizophrenia. Journal of Counseling &
Development, 99(4), 452-461. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12397

National Today. (2023). World schizophrenia awareness day-May 23, 2023. nationaltoday.com

WEEKLY BLOG- MY STORY COUNSELING, LLC.

By: Vanessa Battice, LPC Intern

Let’s talk about Self-Love: 

The journey to self-love is not always an easy one, first you must stop looking at yourself through someone else’s lens. Then it is understanding what self-love really means to you….

What is self-love?

Have you ever heard that offering your best self to others requires a dose of love for yourself? It may sound cliché, but Self-Love is about accepting and loving yourself for who you are, flaws and all!

Ways to promote self-love through self-care!

Self-care is necessary and requires you to do something you enjoy, perhaps it’s to romanticize your morning routine (i.e., purchasing a new mug for your morning brew, tea, etc…) take a nap, or just take time to be you.   Be gentle with yourself, speak kindly to yourself, and think kind thoughts. Do not compare yourself to others, move at your own pace and celebrate your achievements

Benefits of Self-love

Some of the benefits of practicing self-love include a deeper appreciation of self,  an improved mood, and an increase in self-esteem. When you practice self-love you demonstrate the importance to yourself and will set a standard for how others will view and treat you.

Sources:

Sharon Martin, L. C. S. W. (2019, May 31). What is self-love and why is it so important? Psych Central. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2019/05/what-is-self-love-and-why-is-it-so-important#Putting-self-love-into-practice

Growing up as a young girl in Jamaica, I was exposed to several types of traumatic experiences. I grew up without a father and my mother migrated to America when I was 5 years old. While my aunt who was caring for me in my mothers absence did the best she could, she could not fill the void I had missing both my parents. My aunt also was not able to protect me at all times being susceptible to child predators when she had to work in which I endured molestation and rape. The collective trauma that ensued led me to develop a passion and a calling for psychology and the study of the mind. In some ways I was interested in psychology as a way of looking to heal myself, while searching for the answers as to what makes people who they are whether good or bad. The collective trauma nonetheless caused me to develop a struggle with anxiety, in particular social anxiety which is a response to trauma. I felt as though everyone could see my trauma in which I carried a lot of shame and guilt and feelings of inadequacy. I struggled with suicidal ideations as a young girl as well as depression. 

I migrated to America in November, 1997 at the age of 14, with a drive and determination to make a better life for myself than I had experienced growing up in Jamaica. At that time in the late 90s-early 2000’s mental health counseling was not as discussed or talked about as it is now, as well as, in the Jamaican culture growing up I was taught to toughen up and not show weakness by my mother and to focus on my education and becoming a successful adult which is what I did. 

My childhood trauma and lack of father figure manifested in to toxic, self destructive behaviors and relationships. My wounded inner child was showing up as a on track independent woman that used intimacy, emotional eating and procrastination to cope with the low self worth, shame and pain I was carrying from the past. I was reliving the experiences through repeated destructive behavioral cycles.

Journey to Self Healing

Most of my healing began when I enrolled in graduate school in 2009 to study Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Saint Joseph. I obtained my bachelors degree from the University of Saint Joseph as well in 2005, however I was a young adult at the time and lacked self awareness and was mostly in survival mode.  Being in the graduate program we were encouraged to get our own therapy as a requirement, as well as we were given a lot of assignments identifying our own family of origin and inter generational patterns and traumas. It was then I was able to gain a lot of insight and self awareness and I started doing a lot of growing in the program. The remainder of my healing happened after grad school as I was drawn to trauma therapy in particular EMDR therapy. Eye Movement Desensitization reprocessing therapy focuses on accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences to bring those memories and experiences to adaptive resolution. Along the journey of getting certified in EMDR, I learned about ego state interventions and doing the work on healing my younger traumatized parts helped me fully heal and become whole, hence the woman I am today. 

Choosing to be a therapist meant that I needed to show up as the healthiest version of myself, however I am grateful for all of my past experiences and being able to overcome them as I am able to better relate to most of my clients and better able to serve them accordingly by being a survivor. The burden of generational trauma was lifted after doing the work. I learned to forgive those who hurt me and that gave me my power back. The shame and low self worth was keeping me from reaching my full potential and I knew I could do more and give back more to the community if I got out my own way. There was a gift in learning about my family history in graduate school and externalizing myself from my traumas, helped me to put the pieces of myself back together as whole. I now know that I am worthy and I have a voice. I accepted that the traumas I had to go through as a child occurred as a result of untreated generational traumas, mental health issues, systematic oppression and unhealthy cultural norms.

The Therapist Today

The shift in belief system and the healing of my younger self lead to liberation as I began to see myself as I truly am; a divine being.  A woman with a purpose, a mission and a vision. A Healer. Healing is the gift that keeps on giving everyday. I’m honored and grateful to those that have supported me along my journey to who and where I am today. My gift to clients is to teach them to heal themselves with helpful practices and tools I’ve learned and studied along the way. Healing is the act of self love, awareness and commitment to practices that nurture and nourish your life. It’s been my pleasure sharing my story with you. 

What is Triggering my Anxiety?

Author: Bertha Argueta

“Interrupt anxiety with Gratitude” 

Danielle LaPorte

Anxiety is not fun, not at all. Anxiety takes a toll on your emotions, mental health, and your body. Everything you think, feel, and experience when anxiety creeps in, feels like your world is being turned upside down and the usual way you function is no longer an option. 

Because the symptoms that come along with anxiety make it difficult to function properly, I believe it could be beneficial to learn and know the things that may trigger your anxiety.

There are a few triggers that you may be able to avoid so that you can ease some of the anxiety symptoms you may be experiencing. 

First you need to know that triggers are different for everyone. What triggers my anxiety symptoms might be totally different from what triggers yours. 

The Big Triggers

• Health Issues – This is a big one for many. Health issues may cause individuals to potentially lose their jobs, which may bring about other unnecessary issues which create higher levels of anxiety. 
• Negative Thinking – There is so much power in your thoughts. When your thinking is negative, your words become negative, your actions become negative, your body spikes up and acts accordingly. Negative thinking only creates an anxious body (I invite you to replace one negative thought for 5 positive thoughts).
• Conflict – Conflict can be easily found among families, between partners, children and their parents, siblings, friends, co-workers; you name it, if there are people involved there is a chance for conflict. When there is a lack of positive conflict resolution, anxiety tends to creep in and the results may only create even more conflict (I recommend you seek additional help if you need help to learn conflict resolution). 
• Financial Concerns – Paying off debt, unexpected bills, and even saving money could be big triggers for anyone. It can be overwhelming especially during this pandemic. Many have lost their businesses, jobs, opportunities, and anxiety has become their friend because of the uncertainty the future may hold. It is important to seek professional help when it comes to finances, either to learn to manage them or to get out of debt so that you can have a more stable future (I recommend “The total money makeover” by Dave Ramsey).
• Parties, social events, public events/performances – For many people and maybe for you, just thinking of going to a social event, a party, or performing creates a high level of anxiety. There are many coping skills to learn to deal with social anxiety. You may start by practicing deep breathing exercises and I recommend (Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who may teach you different coping skills).
• Stress – Traffic jams, missing your bus to work or school, being late, disagreements at home. Stress, if not treated properly may lead to long-term anxiety.
• Personal Triggers –  These may be difficult to identify, some may even begin with a smell place, a song, reminders whether conscious or unconscious of a bad experience or traumatic event. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), usually times experience anxiety.

A Few More Triggers  

Here is a list of basic triggers you could avoid so that your anxiety levels don’t spike up: 

• Coffee
• Skipping a meal
• Some over the counter medications
• Some weight loss medications
• Birth control pills
• Cold and cough medications

Identifying and understanding what your triggers are, can help you avoid them. There are different coping skills you may learn to help you deal with your anxiety. Remember that there is a root to your anxiety, seek professional help if you feel that your anxiety is stopping you from enjoying your life to the fullest. 

WHAT TO DO?

I recommend you start a journal of the times you are feeling anxious and notice what you are doing at the moment and the kind of thoughts you are ruminating on and placing your focus on. Be honest with yourself and be patient and kind to yourself. Be grateful and express gratitude for the things you have in your life. Build a daily gratitude list and think about those things. 

You got this!

REMEMBER: Always seek professional help to help you deal with anxiety that you may feel is out of proportion. 

1 Peter 5:7  “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you”

Reference

Cirino, E. (2018). What is Anxiety: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-symptoms

Author: Bertha Argueta

“How can a person deal with anxiety? You might try what one fellow did. He worried so much that he decided to hire someone to do his worrying for him. He found a man who agreed to be his hired worrier for a salary of $200,000 per year. After the man accepted the job, his first question to his boss was, ‘Where are you going to get $200,000 per year?’ To which the man responded, ‘That’s your worry’” – Max Lucado

ANXIETY DISORDERS 

Did you know that there are 5 different Anxiety Disorders? Here they are in a nutshell!

Specific Phobias

A Phobia is a fear of something specific, a fear that is “out of proportion”.

For example, I am AFRAID of spiders; however, I can somehow manage to kill it. Someone with arachnophobia (phobia of spiders) would probably be unable to move or even enter the room where the tiny bitsy little spider might be found. 

Panic Attacks

When a person experiences a Panic Attack, she is paralyzed by what is called “flight-or-fight response (where the brain is responding in the same way to a Real and to an Unreal Danger).

Other symptoms of a panic attack include shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, ringing ears, choking, vertigo and the fear that you might be having a Heart Attack, even though most likely you are not. 

Side Note: Please always seek immediate help if you feel that you might be having a heart attack. 

Panic Attacks happen all of a sudden, the individual has no idea where the feeling came from, or what prompted her reaction, creating the Fear of another Panic Attack.

Agoraphobia

Have you ever felt so concerned about being embarrassed or felt that it would be difficult to Escape if you had Anxiety Symptoms in front of other people, or at the supermarket, or anywhere where there might be a crowd? 

Since this fear exists and is so real to the individual, the person feels it is best to avoid going out alone, being in marketplaces, or enclosed spaces such as shops, theater, or even standing in line or being in a crowd. Thus the individual stays confined to home where she feels safe. 

However, Agoraphobia causes a significant impairment in daily functioning. 

Social Anxiety Disorder

According to the DSM-5 these are the 3 Criteria for Social Anxiety

• Marked and disproportionate fear constantly triggered by exposure to potential Social Scrutiny
• Exposure to the trigger leads to intense anxiety about being evaluated negatively
• Trigger situations are avoided or else endures with Intense Anxiety

Many times individuals with Social Anxiety are very talented, but due to the extreme social fear, they might find themselves in occupations that are far below their talent. 

If Untreated, Social Anxiety Disorder may become chronic. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

One word: WORRY. This is what GAD centers on. The individual mostly and constantly worries about minor things and is unable to let go of the problem she is  constantly thinking about. These worries are long-lasting, excessive, and uncontrollable. 

Other symptoms in GAD include: 

• Difficulty Concentrating
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Muscle Tension

“When you exchange worry, concern, anxiety, and questioning for Thanksgiving, you will begin to see things differently” ~ Bertha Argueta 

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” – Kahlil Gibran  

There is HOPE, anxiety can be controlled with the proper help!! 

On my next post: What Triggers Anxiety?

References

Clinton, T., & Hawkins R. (2009). The quick-reference guide to Biblical counseling. Baker Books.

Kring, A.M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, G., & Neale, J. (2016). Abnormal Psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Author: Bertha Argueta

Is  Premarital Counseling Really Necessary?

Not once, but twice premarital counseling prevented me from getting married to the wrong person.  Are you about to get married? Have you ever considered premarital counseling? If so, I would love for you to continue reading this article where you will learn what premarital counseling is all about.

What is Premarital Counseling?

Premarital counseling consists of 8-10 one-hour sessions given by either your pastor or marriage and family therapist. These classes consist of assessments and exercises that will give you an insight into your and your partner’s views regarding, personal beliefs, finances, children, living arrangement, family, strength areas, growth areas and possible blind spots, among other things.

Why is Premarital Counseling Essential?

In premarital counseling you can learn to listen and grow along with your partner. You can catch the blind spots and create conversations that otherwise might not have happened if you had not been exposed to certain questions and topics such as finances and growth areas in either you or your partner or both.

My Story

Before I married my husband, we attended premarital counseling. I was a mess, and my fiancé then knew it. Our pastors walked us though different areas such as finances and planning our future regarding living arrangement, children and more. One of the most important things they did with us was emotional healing. I needed to be healed from past relationships and so did my fiancé.

Before I married the right guy, my now husband, I attended premarital counseling not once, but twice. Once at the age of 23 and then again at 28. During the sessions, each time with each guy we quickly learned that we were not a fit for each other and parted ways.

Was I disappointed? Yes, I was. Am I glad now that I did not marry either one then? Yes, I am. You see, marrying either one would have given me a different future than the one I now have. Marrying any of the two guys would have deprived me from fulfilling my dreams. I am not saying they are bad guys; simply neither one was the right fit for me.

Although at the time it was painful, disappointing, upsetting, and shameful. I can now say that it was part of a plan. I remember asking God with all my being. “God if this relationship is not what you have for me, please guide me in the right direction, take me out of it.” Would you believe that He actually did it? Yes, God directed my path and got me out of the wrong relationships.

How do I Know Premarital Counseling is Right for Me?

You are reading this post and got this far for a reason. There is a desire in your heart for a great future with your future partner, that makes me believe that premarital counseling is something to be considered before you say “I do” for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, till death do us part”.

What’s Next?

1. Find the right facilitator, counselor, or pastor that fits your specific needs.
2. Call them to set up an initial consultation requesting premarital counseling.
3. Get your partner on board, it takes two to tango.
4. Attend all your sessions.
5. Listen, learn, and put into practice everything you are given and learned at your sessions.
6. Say I do with the certainty that no matter what life may bring, you will be prepared to face it together with the love of your life.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”

Colossians 3:14

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

A little more about me:
Bertha Argueta
Certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern under supervision at My Story Counseling, LLC

To set up an appointment contact me at:
PersonalDevelopmentWithBerthaArgueta@outlook.com

References
Prepare/Enrich: https://www.prepare-enrich.com

My name is Bertha Argueta. I am in the last stages of completing my Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s degree. I am an intern under supervision at My Story Counseling, LLC. I am passionate about helping others heal and succeed.

As you can imagine, I also have a story. I have learned to overcome many issues such as depression, low self-esteem, and rejection, among others. I am zealous about assisting others in becoming autonomous, be-cause I believe that we all have it in us to be great.

I have cried many tears, I have experienced much heartache, but I am still here, and now healed. I know that I am complete even though life’s challenges are not what I would have chosen. I have the certainty that those challenges are what made me who I am today.

The greatest and most valuable lesson I have learned in life is to keep on going and never give up; because if you keep trying, if you keep going, if you don’t give up, eventually you will get to where you want to be. The difficulties you face in life are only to make you stronger and wiser.

Spirituality for me is very important, essential, and vital in my life. I would not have made it this far, had it not been for the grace of God.

Welcome to my writings, I hope you can join me every week, with a cup of tea or coffee and read my heart as I lay it out and put it into words.

See you next week!
Bertha Argueta MFT Intern