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Charisse Diaz, LMHC is a counselor in Palm Harbor, FL specializing in counseling. Charisse Diaz, LMHC is affiliated with TAMPA BAY AREA COUNSELING.
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Anxiety
Anxiety is a generic name given to a variety of conditions characterized by unusual amounts of fear and worry, especially unrealistic fears and tension. People who suffer from anxiety often are aware that their fears are irrational, but that knowledge does not make the feeling of being scared and anxious go away. To qualify as anxiety, symptoms must last for 6 months or more and interfere with the way a person lives their daily life. Some cases may be mild, where, for example, a person simply avoids certain situations. Other cases can be severe enough to be disabling.
Some of the specific conditions covered under the general label of anxiety include:
Collectively, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues diagnosed in the United States -- even more common than depression. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety, and it is extremely common for a person with anxiety to have another illness at the same time, such as depression, a physical illness, or substance abuse.
Treatment for anxiety usually involves medication and psychotherapy together. Medications used may include antidepressants (which also work for anxiety), anti-anxiety medications, or beta blockers (which can be used to control the physical symptoms of anxiety). Psychotherapy can be useful to teach patients new ways of thinking and reacting so that they can manage their feelings of worry and fear. Support groups can also be very effective for anxiety, and they can be a form of treatment themselves for social phobias. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and meditation all help reduce feelings of anxiety or of being out of control. Finally, having a strong support network of family and friends is an excellent way to help manage the difficulties of life with anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that was originally developed to help the most severely mentally ill and depressed patients accept therapy. It relies on the same concept in CBT that examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions, but in DBT the emphasis is first on acceptance rather than change. There is also an emphasis on mindfulness, 'being in the moment,' and relaxation techniques such as yoga. These are combined with a great deal of validation and encouragement from the therapist.
The word 'dialectical' means acting through opposing forces, and this word refers to a few different opposing concepts in DBT:
Dialectical behavior therapy was developed when therapists attempting to use CBT techniques on the most seriously ill patients ran into a problem. When they suggested that a patient change their thoughts, these very vulnerable patients would become overwhelmed and turn aggressive or suicidal. DBT was developed to support these patients with acceptance and validation while still guiding them towards changing problematic thoughts. Although also used for suicidal and self-harming patients today, these days, DBT is mainly used to treat borderline personality disorder. It is one of the few effective interventions for this serious illness.
DBT has been shown to be very effective at reducing self-destructive behavior. It can also be used to teach new coping skills and increase a patient's self-esteem and motivation to become healthier.
Self-Esteem Issues
Self-esteem is the value one assigns to oneself based on a complex combination of factors such as confidence, identity, sense of belonging, and self-image, among others. Self-esteem plays a critical role in determining one's happiness and overall well-being. Those with a very positive self-perception are considered to have "high" self-esteem, whereas those with negative self-perception have "low" self-esteem. Self-esteem does not dictate one's true intelligence, skills, looks, or accomplishments, although it can undermine one's motivation and opportunities. Successful people can have low self-esteem, and in some cases, that low self-esteem might motivate people to work harder at establishing themselves. Self-esteem is also not a binary scale, but a broad spectrum that people may move up or down throughout the course of their lives.
Humans begin to gain self-esteem in childhood from being cared for by adults and reaching natural milestones such as learning how to tie one's shoes. Self-esteem evolves through adolescence and adulthood, and can change drastically based on one's positive and negative experiences. It's important to develop healthy self-esteem to navigate through challenges, make decisions, and gain motivation to pursue interests.
Self-esteem issues can influence one's emotions, behavior, relationships, and world view. Self-esteem issues frequently arise from low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be caused by factors such as trauma, caregiver neglect, abuse, bullying, and academic, social, or professional difficulties. Stressful life events such as parental divorce, caregiver conflict, and financial problems may also contribute to low self-esteem. In recent years, researchers have highlighted the influence of social media in negatively impacting adolescents' mental health. Common signs of low self-esteem include:
Excessive self-esteem can also be problematic in that it can hinder one's ability to form relationships with others. People with extremely high self-esteem may appear to be conceited or entitled. Some researchers suggest very high self-esteem can lead people to engage in more risk-taking behaviors. Causes of excessive self-esteem are less well-known, but may include upbringing, personality, and cognitive biases.
Fortunately, self-esteem issues can be readily addressed at any time. Positive self-affirmations recognizing one's own accomplishments can raise low self-esteem. Accepting one's own weaknesses and imperfections can benefit those with both low and high self-esteem. People with self-esteem issues often find therapy is an effective means to improve their self-esteem and mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with self-esteem issues identify and change destructive patterns of thought. Support groups, family counseling, and antidepressant medication may also help with self-esteem issues.
Maintaining a positive outlook and belief in oneself can go a long way towards forming healthy self-esteem. Developing a strong sense of self can be important for well-being and contributes to overall happiness and success in life.
She has a state license in Florida.
Licensed In: Florida
Charisse Diaz, LMHC is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Ms. Charisse Diaz practices counseling. These areas are among her clinical interests: person-centered therapy, domestic abuse, and adjustment disorders.
