Etherapy-Blogs

Apr 02 2022

Signs That You Have a Social Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels a little shy or uncomfortable in some social situations. Things like the first day of school, the first few weeks at work, attending a party in a new neighborhood, etc, can all cause anxiety, but that nervousness isn’t social anxiety disorder. Many people experience a crippling sense of nervousness and anxiety even in the most mundane situations. These individuals may have an undiagnosed social anxiety disorder. In some cases, the signs of social anxiety remain invisible and undiagnosed.

1. Emotional

Emotional symptoms are the most noticeable among the different responses to social anxiety. They start showing up even before you’re in social interaction. These can include:

Fear of being dismissed or rejected.
Fear of interacting with people, even if they are familiar to you.
Intense fear of engaging with strangers.
Avoiding being the center of attention or conversation.
Refraining from commenting on topics or entering into discussions even if you’re interested.
Being extremely self-critical after the social engagement is over.
In children, the emotional response can lead to crying and temper tantrums.

These are the typical emotional responses if you’re facing a social situation and have a disorder. If you or your loved one experiences these, it is a good idea to consult with a professional.

2. Physical Responses

The body responds to emotional stimuli and will react if you experience distress. If you are concerned that someone has a social anxiety disorder, watch out for the physical signs mentioned below:

Rapid breathing and heartbeat.
Trembling and shaking.
Excessive sweating.
Tense muscles, especially in the jaw.
Blushing and avoiding eye contact.
Dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness.
Upset stomach, including nausea.
Inability to form thoughts or ideas for a moment.
Feeling drained and tired after every social interaction.

These are the common physical signs of social anxiety disorder. Many people can even go into panic attacks because they are unable to handle the social stimulus.

3. Behavioral Symptoms

People suffering some social anxiety will adopt certain behaviors on a fairly regular basis. While a person without any disorder may experience the issues mentioned below, they will not face them consistently. Some of these symptoms include:

Avoiding interacting with people, especially strangers.
Skipping work or school regularly.
Avoiding dating or even making new friends.
Inability to eat in front of other people.
Avoiding using a public restroom.
Missing opportunities to further your education or career.
Consistently avoiding eye contact.

It is important to keep in mind that the symptoms can change over time, especially as a person grows older and the nature of their emotional response changes. The responses can also change based on the type of social situation.

These are the most common signs of social anxiety disorder. Acute social anxiety can become a big problem. It is best to book an appointment with a therapist to get an official diagnosis and treatment, especially if the concern is impacting your life significantly. eTherapy Pro offers effective and convenient online therapy solutions to help people with social anxiety. You can attend a few sessions for free so see if it is a good solution for you.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

Mar 28 2022

Having Trouble With Online Therapy? 5 Reasons Why That Can Happen

Online therapy is a very convenient and easy-to-use platform for people who need mental health services. These websites are accessible and their therapy offerings are affordable. However, some people don’t get the results they want from online therapy and struggle to get through the sessions. There are many reasons why online therapy can be less effective for some patients. Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Wrong Platform

There are many online therapy websites out there and all of them are not made equal. Some platforms have a big team of great therapists that specialize in different fields. Other platforms only have a small group of therapists with limited experience or qualifications. It is important to choose the platform carefully to ensure you get the best possible support.

2. Unsuitable Method of Communication

Online therapy platforms like eTherapy Pro provide different communication options. You can talk to a therapist through chat, voice calls, or even video calls. It is important to choose the medium of communication that suits you the best. Some people are very concerned about their privacy and choose text-based therapy, which is a valid option but not suitable for everyone. Pick a medium that works for you and allows you to communicate effectively.

3. A Bad Schedule

Consistency is an important aspect of therapy. If you attend sessions consistently and follow the advice offered by the therapist, you’ll be more likely to succeed. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of online therapy. You can schedule sessions at any time at your convenience. But this flexibility means that people have the freedom to be inconsistent. They can leave long gaps between sessions or cancel some, which can diminish the effectiveness. The best way to avoid this problem is to set up a proper schedule and stick with it.

4. Distractions

Attending sessions from your home can save time, money, and ensure you’re comfortable in your safe space. However, your home is also more likely to have distractions like children, pets, and other family members. If you’re constantly distracted during the online therapy session, it won’t be very successful. That’s one of the reasons why it is important to ensure everyone around you knows not to disturb you unless it is urgent.

5. Not Taking it Seriously

Some patients don’t take online therapy as seriously as they take regular face-to-face therapy. The convenient and informal approach often encourages clients to be laxer in their participation. Therapy requires equal contribution from both the therapist and the patient. Unless you are actively invested in the discussions during therapy, you won’t see any results. It is also important to apply the expert’s recommendation to your day-to-day life.

Sometimes clients put in 100% effort and therapy still doesn’t work out for them. In these cases, it is best to explore other options. Fortunately, online platforms like eTherapy Pro provide free sessions so you can experiment with the platform to see whether it works for you. That saves money and helps reduce stress.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

Mar 26 2022

Signs That It Is Time To Try Online Couples Therapy

All relationships can have their ups and downs. Disagreements, differences in opinions, and misunderstandings can bring even the strongest relationship down. Sometimes, it is best to bring in an outside party to help you get some perspective and navigate the relationship. At eTherapy Pro, we encourage couples to seek out therapy when they start having problems with their relationship. You don’t even need to leave your house for this as online therapy is very accessible and reliable. Here’s a look at some signs that tell you it is time to seek out online couples therapy:

1. Lack of Coexistence

A couple’s lives often revolve around each other. That means they plan their schedules to accommodate each other, plan for holidays, breaks, or purchases together, seek each other’s advice before making big changes, etc. A lack of coexistence is one of the biggest signs of relationship problems. If you’re not eating together despite being in the same house at the same time, if you never have recreational activities together, or simply spend meaningful time together, your relationship needs some help.

2. Lack of Communication

Lack of communication is also a big red flag. A happy relationship requires open and honest communication. It also requires compassion and empathy. Couples learn to listen to each other and consider things from their partner’s point of view. Lack of proper communication can lead to misunderstandings, hurt, and distance. If you notice that there’s a communication breakdown between you and your partner, consider getting online therapy.

3. Keeping Secrets

Everyone is entitled to their privacy, even when they’re in a relationship, but keeping big things that can affect both of you a secret is a big sign of a problem. For example, if a person is planning a trip out with friends but doesn’t inform their spouse until the last minute, they have been keeping it a secret and excluding their partner from the conversation and the trip.

4. Thoughts of Infidelity

People can be attracted to other people even when they’re in a committed relationship. However, there’s a difference between being attracted to others and contemplating actually pursuing that attraction. If you have thoughts of infidelity and have been making moves on someone other than your partner, consider getting online couples therapy.

5. Fighting

All couples have their arguments but if you argue more than get along, therapy may help. Sometimes couples get into a state where they argue and bicker over the smallest things constantly, which is never a healthy and balanced situation. You may need to speak with a therapist to understand the root cause of the problem and resolve it.

6. An Unsettled Feeling

Sometimes things appear good on the surface but the relationship feels less balanced and intimate overall. You know that something is wrong but just can’t put a finger on it and it is making you feel uncomfortable. Most people think they should ignore these feelings and focus on the positives but experienced therapists disagree. Sometimes your instincts are right and you need some help trying to understand why those feelings persist.

Online therapy is one of the best ways to deal with relationship problems because it is accessible, affordable, and discreet. No one needs to know you’re seeing a therapist.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

Mar 21 2022

5 Signs that You May Have Depression

It is easy to misunderstand depression or misdiagnose yourself. Most people believe that their ‘depression’ is just a response to stressful situations in life and not a clinical condition. Unfortunately, that means they ignore treatment and continue to suffer the symptoms for a long time. The symptoms of depression can have a big impact on a person’s overall quality of life and can even lead to self-harm. That’s one of the reasons why experts recommend visiting a psychologist if you experience any sort of persistent sadness. Here are some signs that you should particularly be on the lookout for:

1. Persistent Fatigue and Sleep Issues

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of major depressive disorder. Most affected people struggle to get out of bed and lack the energy to do things that interested them before. For example, a depressed individual may even struggle to read a book they have been wanting to read for a long time. Fatigue is coupled with sleep issues like insomnia, hypersomnia, and restless sleep. If you experience fatigue or sleep issues, it is a good idea to speak with a psychologist.

2. Hopelessness and Lack of Interest

These are also very common symptoms of depression. Patients struggling with a major depressive disorder often feel hopeless and dispirited, wondering if their life has any purpose or direction. It is also very difficult for them to feel any sort of interest in or enthusiasm for different activities like socialization, games, movies, work, chores, or hobbies. Even things that interested them before will not draw much attention.

3. Irritability and Violent Mood Swings

Irritability and violent mood swings are often displayed by men suffering from a major depressive disorder. This ailment can affect men and women differently, which is why seeking professional assistance is important. Irritability doesn’t just cause distress to people suffering from the ailment, it can also have an impact on their personal and professional relationships. If you’re suffering from increased irritability, it is a good idea to speak with a therapist. You can do so discreetly through online therapy on platforms like eTherapy Pro.

4. Changes in Appetite and Weight

It is common for people to experience some form of physical changes when they’re suffering from a major depressive disorder. This can vary from person to person because some people lose their appetite and experience unhealthy weight loss. Some people binge eat and consume more unhealthy food. They gain excessive weight as a consequence, which can also have lifetime consequences. Addressing the root cause of the problem can help you get back on track.

5. Thinking about Death

People suffering from depression often find the idea of death more appealing than life. Even if they’re not actively suicidal, they consider death to be a release and relief. Dying isn’t far from their mind and they believe they will welcome it instead of fearing it. Many patients suffering from the major depressive disorder are also actively suicidal. If you experience these thoughts, seek help immediately.

Platforms like eTherapy Pro provide easy access to online therapy for people struggling with depression. You don’t even need to visit a psychologist’s office. You can just fill up a form online and get a qualified and professional therapist assigned to you.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

Mar 18 2022

6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Online Therapy Sessions

Online therapy is a relatively new thing for most people. Clients don’t realize that their approach to online therapy should be a little different from traditional face-to-face sessions. Because of this, many clients are dissatisfied with their therapy and quit before they see any concrete improvement in their mental health. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your online therapy sessions:

1. Pick the Right Therapist

The first step is to pick the right therapist and platform. There are several etherapy websites out there but not all of them are equal. Most websites provide free sessions to new clients and it is a good idea to take full advantage of them. Platforms like eTherapy Pro have a form that clients can fill out before they’re assigned a therapist. You can attend a few sessions to see if the therapist is suitable for you before committing to them.

2. Get in the Mood

It is important to take your sessions seriously and to get into the right mood for them. Make sure you are free some 15 to 20 minutes before and after the session to just relax. If you’re attending the session from your room, remove clutter from your surroundings, light a soothing candle, and create a comfortable environment that allows you to relax completely. Make sure you’ve eaten something and have water with you to hydrate when needed. These small things can help prepare your mind for therapy and ensure you aren’t very stressed out.

3. Make Sure You Have Some Privacy

Don’t multitask when you’re attending online therapy; focus on the session completely and forget that the outside world has existed for some time. If you don’t maintain privacy, you won’t feel comfortable sharing personal things and will be worried that someone will overhear or read your chat over your shoulder. Tell your friends, colleagues, and family members know that you’re not available unless there’s an emergency.

4. Have a Positive Attitude Towards Therapy

Some people don’t believe therapy works or can help them. Some even think that they’re overreacting by reaching out to a therapist. Having a positive attitude towards therapy can go a long way in helping you recover. Believe that a therapist can help you overcome your mental health issues, commit to every session, and follow the advice offered as much as possible.

5. Be Consistent

One of the reasons why people don’t experience much success with online therapy is that they’re not consistent. Maintaining a proper schedule can help you recover faster and get better results. Schedule your sessions at a fixed time every week or month, attend every session religiously unless there’s urgent business, and apply the advice provided diligently. Therapy requires active participation from the client to be successful. If you’re consistent, you’ll be able to get through therapy quickly and get on the right track.

Platforms like eTherapy Pro make it easier for people to get consistent therapy at an affordable cost. You can benefit from the absolute privacy and anonymity of online therapy platforms, which is a big advantage for people living in risky environments.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.