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Tips for Staying Calm in a Hurricane When hurricanes or tropical storms are forecast to reach us, we often go into a panic and fear the worst about the coming storm. The uncertainty of the storm provokes a certain in anxiety in most of us. Calm is a hard emotion to muster when our entire environment is turning against us. It is ever harder to remain calm when you’re asked to evacuate your home, and live in a shelter or with a family member for a few days. Will my home still be standing when I return? What about my most cherished possessions? Even folks who aren’t asked to evacuate fear the loss of electricity to their homes, and whether they’ll have enough food and water to last the duration of the storm. What can you do to help stay calm during a hurricane or tropical storm? Here are 5 tips for staying calm when a storm approaches. 1. Be prepared. Being prepared ahead of time makes a person generally feel better about themselves — that you’ve done everything you can to ensure you’re ready to weather the storm. That means stocking up on a reasonable amount of food and water, having batteries for flashlights and matches for candles. But don’t go overboard. While winter storms can keep you home-bound for a week or more, hurricanes and tropical storms generally clear the area within a day, and major damage from roadways is cleared usually a day or two later in the U.S. In other words, you won’t be stuck in your house for long. Review all of the information provided by the government’s hurricane preparedness website. 2. Know and review the family plan. Many families live close by one another. Since phone lines and mobile phones may not be able to function, and the Internet may be unavailable, plan ahead with your extended family and friends. If you’re worried about an older parent (or a younger adult in college), let them know how and when you can expect to hear from them. Remind them the phone lines may not work for awhile, but not to worry because you’ll call as soon as the storm passes and service is restored. Sometimes the Internet may be more accessible than other means, so a posting to one’s Facebook wall or twitter stream might be all that’s needed to let others know you made it through safe. 3. Accept the forces of nature. Too often we can feel out of control when faced with nature’s fury. That’s a normal and natural feeling to have — accept it. Nature is stronger than man (think earthquake), and all we can do is button down our hatches and hope for the best. That means keeping your windows shut, removing and storing anything from your lawn or porch that can become a flying object in high winds, and staying indoors during the storm. Make sure your pets are indoors too and don’t go out during the storm. We cannot change nature, so it does little good to try to. Watching the weather forecasts on the TV or online helps some people calm themselves; for others it provokes greater anxiety. Know which one you are and adjust your behavior accordingly. For instance, if hearing about the coming storm just makes you more anxious, now might be a good time for an all-day movie marathon or curling up with a favorite book. Catching up on reading, cleaning something you’ve been putting off, or organizing a closet are all examples of activities that can help take our minds off of it. 4. Storms are temporary. Hurricanes, like most natural events, are usually short-lived — especially when viewed in the context of your entire 80- or 90-year life. If you can make it through the usual fury of a hurricane for the few hours it usually takes, you’re done! Keeping perspective about the storm can help you remain calm during the storm itself. Sometimes the worst can occur at night; if you can get to sleep, you might just sleep through the worst of it. 5. Imagine the worst that can happen. A tree collapses onto your home. The electricity goes out. You come dangerously close to having to open your last can of beans. Imagine the worst case scenario that might happen. Then look at how imagining that makes you feel. Now follow those fears through… A tree collapses onto your home. After the storm subsides, you start the process of cleaning up. Everyone’s safe, the only thing you lost were some material possessions. It’s bad, but you can carry on with your life afterward. The electricity goes out or you almost run out of food after 2 days. Well, if you followed through on Tip #1, you should be okay. You have batteries for the flashlights, and sandwiches ready in case you’re hungry. You’ve stocked up on water (faucet water filling empty water bottles before the storm comes works fine too). The electricity will be restored within a day or two in most cases, so while it’s an inconvenience, you will be okay. In other words, even if our worst fears are realized, it’s probably not as bad as our imaginations suggest. Unrestrained, our imaginations can sometimes cause us more problems than we might realize as they are often a wealth of irrational thoughts. Great for writing fiction and stories, not so great for trying to stay grounded and calm in a storm. Answer those irrational thoughts back and you will feel more at ease in time. If you need help finding the tools to overcome the stress of a hurricane or any other natural disaster, call us anytime to schedule an appointment. (813) 244-1251. From all of us at Affordable Counseling Center, we hope our friends, family, and clients are safe from the path of hurricane Irma. http://www.affordableconselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpoincounselingtampa.com

The adult world is full of situations and events that cause stress. For teens, these stressful events might look different: parents’ divorce, peer pressure, school responsibilities, illness or situations with relationships. Even positive events can create a degree of stress. The ability to evaluate stress levels and to develop coping skills increases for teens as they grow older and wiser. Often, it is not the situation that causes all the stress; it is the perception and belief about the situation. It is important to distinguish daily life hurdles from significant stress. Parents and teens often experience daily challenges that can cause stress. Teens usually learn strategies to effectively cope with these small hassles. It is the significant stressors, such as the death of a family member or friend or a serious illness that will cause adolescents to be unable to cope. These events, when not dealt with, can result in serious consequences for the teen’s physical and emotional wellbeing. While life’s everyday stressors have less negative impact than any single traumatic event, the cumulative effect can be just as detrimental. Perception of stress is often related to experiences and development. What is stressful for one person may not even amount to a small issue for another. Every teen’s response to stress will be different. Some will have mood swings while others will take part in attention seeking behavior, avoid certain activities, isolate themselves, refuse to go to school, fail to prepare for class assignments and / or have physical complaints like headaches and stomach aches. So what can parents do? At Affordable Counseling Center, there are two convenient locations for you to choose from in Brandon and Tampa. We provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, children, teens, and adults with any type of crises.  We help you build tools as well as help design and implement individualized goals and objectives, help you sort out beliefs, thoughts, and behavior patterns that may be hindering you in your relationship(s) whether at the work place or in other areas of your life. We have the tools you need for managing pain, anxiety, disappointment, frustration, hopelessness, or anger resulting from circumstances that interfere in achieving a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.  By working together, we will show you how to set and achieve goals and objectives therapeutically designed to meet your needs that will allow you to live the life you know that you deserve. Call or text us today, to schedule your appointment. (813) 244-1251 or visit us online at: http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com #marriageandfamilycounseling #teens #relationships #troubledkids #TeenDepression #teenstre #familytherapy #individualcounseling

How can I learn to take time for myself without the guilt? By not taking a little time out of each day for yourself, you might be less happy than possible. Start by focusing on yourself. Acknowledge that your own happiness is important and practice happiness-boosting routines. You have multiple priorities on your mind at any given time. Food, kids, laundry, cleaning, friends, work, bills, relationships, home, car, shower, sex, exercise, hobbies, not to mention politics, economics, scientific breakthroughs, the environment, public education or healthcare. You are in constant movement, getting things done, going places, talking to people. Not only are you thinking about many things at the same time, recent Harvard research, indicates that you’re thinking about something other than what you are doing in the moment at least 47% of the time. You spend most of your life engaging with a wandering mind, thinking about everything you need to do, pondering world affairs and absentmindedly doing what needs to be done right now. You are giving life half of your attention because almost 50% of the time you’re thinking of something other than what you’re doing. When your life is guided by thoughts about things you have to do or things you have done you will likely fail to focus on the present. And you might experience a downward spiral* into stress and unhappiness. Your focus is on everything and everyone except yourself. You are rarely on your own list! You feel responsible for “getting everything done.” This mentality incorporates the thinking “If I don’t do it, who will?” When you focus on everything except yourself you might feel angry, irritable, frustrated, disappointed, stressed, depressed, lethargic and you might head right for the chocolate and potato chips. Affordable Counseling Center provides solution focused counseling for couples, families, and individuals by licensed Therapists to the extended Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, and Riverview areas. We can see you the day you call or whenever possible. We are available evening and weekends by appointment. At Star Point Counseling Center, there are two convenient locations for you to choose from in Brandon and Tampa. So call or text us today, or anytime at (813) 244-1251 or visit us online at: http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com #mood #communication #depression #kindness #dosanddonts #self #managingstress #energy #humor #Health #Copingwithstress #FRIENDS #relationships #mind #tired #CounselingServices #food #anxiety #Facts #thoughts #howto #action #stressmanagement

When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward. Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance.  If you don’t practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, more positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for happiness, health and peace. Forgiveness can lead to: Healthier relationships Greater spiritual and psychological well-being Less anxiety, stress and hostility Lower blood pressure Fewer symptoms of depression Stronger immune system Improved heart health Higher self-esteem What are the effects of holding a grudge? Bring anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience Become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can’t enjoy the present Become depressed or anxious Feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you’re at odds with your spiritual beliefs Lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might: Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you’ve reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being Actively choose to forgive the person who’s offended you, when you’re ready Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life As you let go of grudges, you’ll no longer define your life by how you’ve been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding. At Affordable Counseling Center, there are two convenient locations for you to choose from in Brandon and Tampa. We provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, children, teens, and adults with any type of crises.  We help you build tools as well as help design and implement individualized goals and objectives, help you sort out beliefs, thoughts, and behavior patterns that may be hindering you in your relationship(s) whether at the work place or in other areas of your life. We have the tools you need for managing pain, anxiety, disappointment, frustration, hopelessness, or anger resulting from circumstances that interfere in achieving a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.  By working together, we will show you how to set and achieve goals and objectives therapeutically designed to meet your needs that will allow you to live the life you know that you deserve. CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT: 813.244.1251 http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com #communication #familycounseling #couplescounseling #marriagetherapy #angry #self #energy #forgiveness #pasthurts #compassionatelistening #FRIENDS #relationships #SAD #mind #education #anger #Facts #thoughts #familytherapy #action #Stress #therapist

COUNSELING FOR ANXIETY: The word Anxiety is used widely and covers a broad range of experience. People can feel anxious about all sorts of things: anxious to get to your vacation spot, anxious to meet someone new. Anxiety that is a mood disorder is an experience that makes it difficult to go about life with a sense of confidence and ease. Common signs of an anxiety disorder include: Difficulty engaging in daily activities that others seem to do so easily A significantly uncomfortable physical experience when approaching certain places, people or situations: racing heart, numbness or tingling in your fingers, suddenly sweating or feeling cold, difficulty breathing, fuzzy thinking, restlessness A strong desire to avoid the situations or people that trigger that discomfort A predominant feeling of worry about something specific or about a broad range of things that make it difficult for the person to function: can’t turn off the worry and go to sleep; inability to perform uncomfortable work tasks and therefore, unable to get promotions at work; never throws anything away for fear it might be useful some day Fears are out of proportion to the perceived threat WHEN TO SEEK COUNSELING While anxiety and worry are common experiences they warrant treatment when: Your world begins to get smaller and smaller: you stop or significantly limit your driving; the variety of places you are willing to go to are decreasing or you want to be home all the time You are having limited experiences in life and are feeling like you’re missing out Important people in your life are expressing worry about your number or degree of fear(s) You are becoming increasingly reliant on medication, other substances or people to feel comfortable or in control The number of fears, the degrees to which one feels them, the degree of avoidance, and the level of disruption in one’s life are each unique to every individual. Some people find they can cope with their life with anxiety and others find it so debilitating or exhausting to manage they seek therapy. Affordable Counseling Center has offices in Tampa and Brandon and schedule your appointments around your busy schedule. (813) 244-1251 We are also online at: www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com Also See: www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com &  www.starpointcounselingtampa.com #communication #self #managingstress #energy #mind #anxiety #Dealingwithstress #action #stressmanagement

When it comes to obtaining treatment for medical ailments as benign as the common cold, people don’t think twice about running to the doctor, or the acupuncturist, and spending the money on treatments to feel better. So, why do so many who suffer from depression continue to hesitate, despite all of the treatment options available? Depression continues to be one of the most stigmatized mental health issues out there. This is ironic, given that by the year 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression is estimated to be the second most common health problem in the world. The externalized stigma toward those with mental health issues that exists in society, there comes internalized stigma, or self-shame. This makes the experience of mental health issues all the more devastating. Many times, it is the internalized shame that stops people from acknowledging psychological problems and receiving treatment, since many see it as akin to admitting that they are weak or damaged in some way. What can you do? If you suffer from depression, tell somebody. Ask for help. Change the stigma, call or text Affordable Counseling Center, Brandon at (813) 244-1521. We are also on the web at: http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com #mood #communication #blues #angry #self #Health #relationships #recovery #SAD #happy #tired #anxiety #anger #thoughts #family #action #Stress

How Do You Deal With It? Losing someone or something you love can be very painful and overwhelming. Extreme sadness mixed with other surprising emotions such as shock, anger and guilt are normal and necessary reactions to loss. Everyone grieves differently, but allowing yourself to experience grief is an important and healthy part of the healing process. Many find that additional support from licensed psychologists or psychiatrists helps to promote a healthy healing process. Grief is a process in which the more you understand and actively work through, the more effective the healing is. If you or a loved one is experiencing a significant loss, call Affordable Counseling Brandon. (813) 244-1251. What is Grief Counseling? Grief is an emotional response to a loss. Often the most intense grief is in response to the loss of a loved one or a divorce, but grief can also be experienced from the loss of: a job, a pet, a friendship, safety after a trauma, financial stability, etc. Typically, more significant losses involve more intense grief. Also, significant changes in your life such as a move, a job change or retirement can lead to feelings of grief and mourning for your old life. Grief is multi-faceted with emotional, physical, social, behavioral and spiritual aspects. Depending on the person’s personality, family values, culture and religious beliefs, grief can manifest itself differently. Researchers have moved away from the conventional view that grief moves through orderly and predictable stages. There is not a typical response to a loss, nor a normal timeline for grieving. However, there are some common symptoms of grief. Affordable Counseling Brandon can help you work through your grief, call us today for an appointment. (813) 244-1251 http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointecounselingtampa.com #angry #self #FRIENDS #tired #sadness

Talking therapies work just as well whether you’re old or young, male or female, black or white, gay or straight, rich or poor. Your educational background makes no difference either. Talking therapy is for anyone who’s going through a bad time or has emotional problems they can’t sort out on their own. For many adults, they may be the same or more effective than medication. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger than to relatives or friends. During talking therapy, a trained counselor or therapist listens to you and helps you find your own answers to problems, without judging you. The therapist will give you time to talk, cry, shout or just think. It’s an opportunity to look at your problems in a different way with someone who will respect you and your opinions. Usually, you’ll talk one-to-one with the therapist. Sometimes talking treatments are held in groups or couples, such as relationship counselling. Although there are lots of different types of talking therapy, they all have a similar aim: to help you feel better. Some people say that talking therapies don’t make their problems go away, but they find it easier to cope with them and feel happier. Call or text us today, to schedule your appointment to start talking. (813) 244-1251 http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com

Every relationship is bound to experience highs and lows, and that’s normal when you’re in a relationship as close as a marriage. Determining whether your marriage is experiencing a small bump in the road or if it’s something more serious that requires professional counseling may be easier than you think. Even the best marriage can suffer normal wear and tear over the years. If it shows signs of breaking down and you and your spouse growing apart, professional marriage counseling is often the best next step. A good counselor can guide you toward getting the relationship back on the right track by identifying what the real issues are and then helping you to implement solutions. Marriages tend to change over time, especially when faced with a major transition, such as one partner going back to school, when you’re expecting your first child, or you’re suffering the loss of a family member. A good marriage counselor can help you to get through these changes so that you can find your relationship’s new normal and regain focus on each other. Even if you feel that your marriage is in good shape, counseling may be able to make it great. Getting the perspective of an objective professional can help you to keep your relationship with your spouse running smoothly. We can help. Call us to schedule your marriage counseling session and begin making your relationship great again. Email us at: starpointcenter@aol.com or call us anytime at (813) 244-1251 http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com #depression #couples #marriageandfamilycounseling #codependency #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #marriagetherapy #marriage #relationships

People go to therapy for a variety of reasons—quite often they have a vague sense “that something isn’t right,” or feelings of sadness or depression. They might be worried that they or someone they care about might have a mental illness, or they’re having problems with significant others. However,  sometimes even relatively minor stressors, such as doing your taxes, can trigger significant symptoms. Anxiety, fear, panic, insomnia, mental confusion, hysteria, depression that doesn’t seem to lift, and more can be triggered by major (and in some cases, minor) stressful events. If you find that during stressful times you seem to struggle with persistent symptoms more than you feel is acceptable, therapy might help.  Sure, your belief system, personality, mental and physical health, and other factors determine how you respond to life stressors, but sometimes the sheer magnitude of stressful conditions or times where these situations seem to pile on top of each other, can be overwhelming. Whether or not you might benefit from therapy is a personal decision that no one can make for you. Brief therapy or, if necessary, longer-term therapy with a highly focused treatment plan, can help you deal with stressful events and the emotions they trigger. http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com http://www.starpointcounselingbrandon.com #blues #self #Health #relationships #blog #mind #happy #anxiety #anger #Facts #thoughts #family #Stress

Several therapy approaches have been designed for couples in particular, but any type of therapy can help with relationship issues. In fact, many people address their relationship problems through individual therapy, and then they apply that learning in context with their partners. Relationship counselors are unlikely to take sides or recommend that a couple end their relationship. Instead, they will allow the therapy process to unfold naturally without a predetermined goal of “saving” the relationship. Trained therapist help partners by supporting the goals set by the couple and helping each partner to communicate his or her needs, thoughts, and emotions more clearly and to listen to the other partner more carefully. starpointcenter@aol.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com

Most people would define an affair or infidelity as a relationship with a physical component. An emotional affair — or an online affair — can, however, be just as threatening to a long-term relationship or even more so. When one partner in a long-term relationship that is distant or difficult begins to look to someone to a friend, co-worker, or online acquaintance — as their primary source of emotional support and deep personal sharing, they are involved in an emotional affair. At first they may not intend for this to be a sexual relationship. Contact may be limited to conversations in person or on the phone, or to email or texting. However, the time and energy devoted to the emotional affair drains energy from the long-term relationship. Now problems in the primary relationship are more unlikely than ever to be addressed. “It’s a lot easier for me to talk to him than to my spouse,” the person involved in an emotional affair usually feels. Confiding on a deeper level than with one’s long-term partner seems natural and easy. If you or your spouse are having an affair or a past affair still hinders your relationship then call Affordable Counseling Center at 813-260-8892 to see on of our Therapists. We have offices in Tampa and Brandon.