Peaceful Summit Counseling

Talk Salon

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:59:00 GMT

Talk Salons: A Solution to Loneliness

Natural Awakenings Magazine Article

Jennifer Vear Hoy, a psychotherapist and owner of Peaceful Summit Counseling in Naples, has been noticing a recurring theme in conversations with her clients, friends, and even strangers she encounters: people of all ages—from all walks of life, including teenagers—are talking about the same troubling issue: loneliness stemming from a lack of meaningful friendships.

The Prevalence of Loneliness

The issue of loneliness has become so widespread in the U.S. that the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023. Since then, the number of people experiencing loneliness has only increased.

“Although many people became lonelier during the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of American adults had already reported feelings of loneliness even before the outbreak,” says Vear Hoy.

The advisory Hoy refers to is titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation and the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. She offers this excerpt:

“Social connection—the structure, function, and quality of our relationships with others—is a critical and underappreciated contributor to individual and population health, community safety, resilience, and prosperity. However, far too many Americans lack social connection in one or more ways, compromising these benefits and leading to poor health and other negative outcomes.”

U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory

“The advisory describes loneliness as a state of mind: ‘a subjectively distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or inadequate meaningful connections.’ It also lists the leading causes of loneliness in America, according to a national survey,” explains Vear Hoy. “These include technology, insufficient time with family, overwork or being too busy, an overly individualistic culture, lack of religious or spiritual life, too much self-focus, and the changing nature of work.”

Research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common (MCC) project suggests several potential solutions, including promoting a culture of caring and service. “Collective service can provide meaningful connections that relieve loneliness,” the report notes, “while also cultivating purpose and mitigating mental health challenges.”

Other recommendations include encouraging public and private leaders to invest in social infrastructure to support the development of meaningful relationships. According to the survey, three-quarters of respondents expressed a desire for “more activities and fun community events” in their local areas and for “public spaces that are more accessible and connection-focused, like green spaces and playgrounds.”

What Psychology Today Says

According to Psychology Today, research supports the idea that individuals tend to prefer friendships with those they perceive as similar to themselves and with personalities they enjoy. Friends with strong social skills play a crucial role in fostering new connections.

“The people we like to be around are those who make us feel good about who we are, what we believe, and what we enjoy doing,” Vear Hoy notes. “While not everyone will meet all our preferences, those who support the most important aspects of our identity are the most likely to become close friends.”

Talk Salons

“Knowing how vital friendships are to both mental and physical health, I’ve decided to try something new—a way to bring people together in a safe, supportive environment where they can get to know one another, build emotional connections, and experience the joy and fun that are especially important in these chaotic, divisive times,” says Vear Hoy.

“I’m launching a Talk Salon—a gathering where people come together to exchange ideas around a central theme or chosen topic. Each participant gets a specific amount of time to share their viewpoint, and no one comments until everyone has spoken.”

The term salon originates from French intellectual salons, which were often hosted by women to foster dialogue among philosophers, writers, artists, and political thinkers. The concept dates back to 16th-century Italy and gained prominence in France during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, talk salons still thrive in various formats, including informal meetups that encourage meaningful conversations among friends and like-minded individuals.

“We don’t need a large group of close friends,” Vear Hoy adds. “One or two deep, trustworthy, and meaningful relationships can make a significant difference. If someone doesn’t currently have close friends, it’s never too late to form them. Vulnerability, consistency, and shared experiences are key to developing closeness over time, and Talk Salons offer a wonderful opportunity for those relationships to blossom.”

Natural Awakening s readers can check the ongoing monthly calendar for the Talk Salon’s launch date and August location.

Peaceful Summit Counseling is located at 1048 Goodlette Rd., N., Ste. 201, in Naples. For more information, call 239-307-4708. Visit PeacefulSummitNaples.com .

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Understanding PTSD

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:08:00 GMT

Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Many of us will experience trauma at some point in our lives. With time, most people recover from their experiences without needing professional help. However, for a significant proportion of people the effects of trauma last for much longer, and they develop a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is thought that between 3 and 5 people out of every 100 will experience PTSD every year. Fortunately, there are a range of excellent psychological therapies for PTSD.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

It is normal to be affected by traumatic experiences. If you have been through a trauma you might feel shocked, scared, guilty, ashamed, mad, vulnerable, or numb. With time most people recover from their experiences, or find a way to live with them, without needing professional help. However, for many people the effects of trauma last for much longer and may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD can be split into groups.

Re-experiencing symptoms

Re-experiencing the trauma means that memories of the event play over and over in your mind. These memories can come back as ‘flashbacks’ during the day, or as nightmares at night. The memories can be re-experienced in any of your five senses – you might see images of what happened, or experience sounds, smells, tastes, or body sensations associated with the trauma. Emotions from the trauma can also be re-experienced and many trauma survivors say that it can feel as though the events are happening over and again.

Re-experiencing symptoms include:

• Upsetting memories of the event intruding into your mind.

• Having nightmares about the event.

• Feeling physical reactions in your body when you are reminded of the event.

• Dissociation and feeling disconnected from the present moment.

Arousal symptoms

It is common to be ‘on edge’ or ‘on guard’ following a trauma. For people who have PTSD these feelings tend to persist for even longer than normal. You might find it very difficult to relax, or find that your sleep is affected.

Arousal symptoms include:

• Always looking out for danger. Psychologists call this ‘hypervigilance’.

• Feeling ‘on edge’ or easily startled.

• Having difficulty falling or staying asleep.

• Having difficulty concentrating.

Avoidance symptoms

A normal human way of dealing with physical or emotional pain is to avoid it, or to distract ourselves. When you have PTSD you might try to avoid any people, places, or any other reminders of your trauma. You might try very hard to distract yourself in order to avoid thinking about what happened.

Avoidance symptoms include:

• Avoiding reminders of the trauma.

• Trying not to talk or think about what happened.

• Feeling ‘numb’ or like you have no feelings.

Negative thoughts and mood.

Trauma has a powerful effect on how we think. Many people with PTSD blame themselves for what happened, even when it was not their fault. Or you might replay parts of the trauma and think “what if …?” or “if only …”. Many people with PTSD also experience depression.

Negative thoughts and mood about the trauma might include:

• Thinking negatively about yourself.

• Feeling guilty or ashamed about what happened.

• Feeling depressed or withdrawn.

• Feeling that no-one can be trusted.

We can separate the effects of PTSD into things that affect your mind (thoughts, images and memories), feelings, and behaviors

If you are experiencing similar feelings, reach out to us a call today.

There’s a path that’s best for you, we can help you find it.

The post Understanding PTSD first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .

Mental Health Awareness Month

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:17:00 GMT

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Put Your Mental Health on the Backburner

You may not always notice it, but your mental health has just as big of an impact on your well-being as your physical health.

Ashamed. Embarrassed. Afraid. All too often, these emotions stop us from sharing our mental health concerns.

But living a full, productive life depends on more than just what you might think of as “physical” health. Mental health matters just as much.

Mental illness is also more common than you might think, too. Although disorders range in severity, around 1 in 5 Americans and 1 in 8 people worldwide experience some type of mental health condition in any given year.

It’s probably fair to say that “mental health” has become a buzzword as much as the term “self-care.” But let’s break down what mental health really is and what it consists of — because it affects a lot.

In general, mental health refers to your overall psychological well-being and the state of your emotional, cognitive and social functioning. Mental health touches many parts of our lives, from our relationships with others to what makes us feel fulfilled and how we deal with life’s challenges.

Our mental health can affect factors like:

Your self-esteem and self-worth.
The way you socialize with others.
The way you find meaning and value in your life.
Your psychological functioning as it’s tied to memory and problem-solving.
Your physical well-being.

Why mental health matters

Often, the symptoms of mental health can be “invisible” to the world around you — or even to yourself. So, it’s important to acknowledge when you’re feeling your mental health taking a hit.

Here are some of the benefits of taking care of your mental health:

It affects your brain and cognitive functioning

Have you ever noticed that when you’re in an anxious or depressed mood, you can’t seem to think clearly? Well, just like poor physical health can affect internal organs like your heart and gut, poor mental health can affect the way your brain works.

Our mental health impacts our cognitive processes such as perception, thinking, memory, reasoning and problem-solving. It involves having clear thoughts, the ability to concentrate and make decisions, and the capacity to learn and adapt to new information and experiences.

It affects the rest of your physical health

It’s easy to think of mental health as separate from physical health, but your brain is part of your body. Mental illness is the root cause of many physical symptoms.

“For example, if you’re experiencing sleep disturbances, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, gastric issues, muscle aches, heart palpitations or racing heart, your doctor will want to rule out depression, anxiety or other mental conditions as a potential cause,” explains Dr. Jacobs.

To highlight the importance of this connection, the American Heart Association released a statement in recent years recommending that depression be considered a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

It can help you build resilience

Mental health can play a big part in how we react to tough times — and this is where building resilience comes in. When you’re resilient, you’re better equipped to handle challenges, setbacks and life transitions, while maintaining a sense of balance and well-being.

It can impact your relationships

Mental health is a big part of how we socialize and react to others around us. Having good mental health can help you develop positive and meaningful relationships with others. This ties in with how we communicate and talk with others, how we establish and maintain healthy boundaries, and how we empathize with others.

It can help you maintain a positive self-image

Sure, we get down on ourselves every once in a while. But the way we generally view ourselves is a big factor in our mental health — specifically, our self-esteem and self-worth. Having good mental health can help you recognize your strengths and limitations, while having the confidence in your own abilities and the ability to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem.

It can impact your overall well-being

We all have a lot of feelings, and learning how to manage them is a large part of mental health. This means finding the balance of being able to share and acknowledge your emotions, while also not letting them take over your life. This can encompass things like managing stress, coping with difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook when times are tough.

How to improve mental health

There’s obviously no single cure-all button that can optimize our mental health. Instead, it takes a combination of different therapies, resources and lifestyle changes to make you feel more mentally at ease.

Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthy lifestyle practices can have a positive impact on your mental health. This includes exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or mindfulness.
Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy or counseling, psychotherapy involves conversations between a trained mental health professional and an individual or group. Different approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be used to address various mental health concerns.
Support groups: Peer support groups or group therapy sessions can provide you with a platform to connect with others who have experienced similar mental health challenges. These groups offer a sense of community, understanding and the opportunity to share coping strategies.

There’s a path that’s best for you. We can help you find it.

Adapted from articles at Cleveland Clinic health.clevelandclinic.org

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Feeling Stressed?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:05:00 GMT

April is National Stress Awareness Month

A time to pause and reflect on the causes and effects of stress in our lives. And to promote effective stress management techniques to enhance mental health and wellbeing.

This years theme is #LeadWithLove—a powerful call to action rooted in the principles of Unconditional Positive Regard. This theme encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face.

In today’s world, where stress often thrives in the midst of conflict, tension, and division, we believe that love is the universal force capable of shifting the narrative. By choosing love as our starting point, we embrace empathy, prioritize understanding, and create positive change in every interaction.

Whether it’s extending a gesture of kindness to someone nearby, offering support to global communities, or simply practicing self-love, even the smallest acts of love can spark powerful waves of positivity that ripple outward.

But What is Stress?

Firstly, let’s debunk one myth: stress is not necessarily a ‘bad’ thing. Without our ability to feel stress, humankind wouldn’t have survived. Our cavemen ancestors, for example, used the onset of stress to alert them to a potential danger, such as a saber-toothed tiger.

Stress is primarily a physical response. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.

Through the release of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, the caveman gained a rush of energy, which prepared him to either fight the tiger or run away. That heart pounding, fast breathing sensation is the adrenaline; as well as a boost of energy, it enables us to focus our attention so we can quickly respond to the situation.

In the modern world, the ‘fight or flight’ mode can still help us survive dangerous situations, such as reacting swiftly to a person running in front of our car by slamming on the brakes.

The challenge is when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. When blood flow is going only to the most important muscles needed to fight or flee, brain function is minimized. This can lead to an inability to ‘think straight’; a state that is a great hindrance in both our work and home lives. If we are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be detrimental to our health. The results of having elevated cortisol levels can be an increase in sugar and blood pressure levels.

When Stress Becomes a Bad Thing

A useful analogy to explain stress is that of a bridge. When a bridge is carrying too much weight, it will eventually collapse. However, before this happens it is possible to see the warning signs, such as bowing, buckling or creaking. The same principle can be applied to human beings. It is usually possible to spot early warning signs of excessive pressure that could lead to breakdown.

Some signs of a bowing and buckling bridge to look out for:

Being more accident prone

Forgetting things

Showing a negative change in mood or fluctuations in mood

Avoiding certain situations or people

Using more negative or cynical language

Becoming withdrawn

Showing a prolonged loss of sense of humor

Becoming increasingly irritable or short-tempered

Having more arguments and disputes

A tendency to suffer from headaches, nausea, aches and pains, tiredness and poor sleeping patterns

Indecisiveness and poor judgement

A problem with drinking or drug taking

Coping With Stress

Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for the body to function properly. If you skimp on sleep you probably won’t remember how it feels to wake up fully rested. A routine can help you get to sleep. Think of how children are put to bed – adults can adopt similarly helpful sleep-enhancing routines. For example: Have a relaxing bath Avoid anything stimulating, such as an exciting TV programs or games. When you are lying in bed, inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Whether you’re thinking of tasks, worries or silly thoughts, write them down. This will help you set them aside and you can rest assured that you’ll deal with them in the morning.

Listen to music

Music can be used in many situations to help reduce stress and create a calming atmosphere: Use classical music to concentrate as it is peaceful, harmonious and doesn’t have lyrics. Keep the volume relatively low so it doesn’t distract you. Music can also be a reminder to take breaks. Make a playlist that lasts for approximately 1 hour, once the music stops, take a moment away from what you’re doing. Making a playlist also stops you from searching for songs, helping you to focus on the task without distraction. When using music to help you relax before sleep, choose soothing music with monotonous repetition, such as sounds of nature or ambient music

Manage your time optimally

Stress often results from difficulty in coping with day-to-day problems and conflicting responsibilities. A useful strategy for dealing with a sense of being overwhelmed by all the things that need attention is prioritizing and diarizing: Make a list of all the things that you need to do; list them in order of genuine importance; note what you need to do yourself and what can be delegated to others; note what needs to be done immediately, in the next week or next month, etc. Create time buffers to deal with unexpected emergencies – this is a great way to prepare and avoid excess stress. Arrange your workload to match your energy levels, e.g. if you know that you have an energy boost in the mornings, use that time for high energy or creative task.

Work off stress with physical activity

Pressure or anger releases adrenaline in the body. Exercise helps to reduce it, and produces ‘good mood’ substances in the brain. This doesn’t mean we recommend running a marathon; just going for a brisk walk around the block when you feel tense can help.

Breathe

Taking a few deep breaths allows more oxygen to reach the brain, helping you become calm and restore concentration and focus: Take a nice slow deep breath in through the nose and fill the belly up with air. Hold at the top of the breath for 5 seconds and then slowly exhale through the mouth, pulling the navel to the spine. Repeat 5 times.

Hobbies

Activities outside of work and home can be a great way to break up the week and alleviate stress. If you don’t know where to start then think about what you enjoyed as a child, e.g. reading, playing football, painting, etc.

Talk to someone

We’ve all heard of the saying “a problem shared is a problem halved” and, like most clichés, it’s founded on a grain of truth. If you are troubled by something, don’t suppress it, reach out to us at Peaceful Summit Counseling.

There’s a path that best for you. We can help you find it

Adapted from articles from The Stress Management Society. Stress.org.uk

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:51:00 GMT

It’s an important time to draw attention to alcohol’s impact on our health and communities. To evaluate alcohol’s role in our own lives, and to educate about treatment options and recovery.

Here are some key facts you may not know about alcohol:

About 178,000 Americans die from alcohol related causes annually.

That’s about 124,000 men and 54,000 women, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in this country.

A lcohol misuse has a ripple effect, causing issues that go beyond substance consumption alone .

Violence, car crashes, accidents that bring people to the emergency room – the World Health Organization has found that alcohol use contributes to problems that go beyond a person’s individual body and use.

American drinking is on the rise.

Nearly 30,000,000 people have or have had alcohol use disorder. A number that has risen by 20% since the covid pandemic.

This can all sound a bit scary. But it’s only scary because we rarely talk about it. By being honest about alcohol’s impact on our society and our own lives, we can chart a course toward healthier consumption patterns, or toward treatment and recovery when appropriate.

All addictions, including alcohol use disorder, are highly treatable. But everyone has unique treatment needs. What works for one person might not be effective for another. There are many options to explore and you’re not alone.

If you’re concerned about your own or a loved one’s drinking contact us for an Alcohol Assessment.

While there might be signs that someone you know is struggling with alcohol, it’s not always black and white. An alcohol assessment takes the guesswork out of determining whether you (or a loved one) are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction.

There’s a path that’s best for you. We can help you find it .

The post April is Alcohol Awareness Month first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .

Looking for an excuse to catch a little extra shut eye?

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:59:00 GMT

Looking for an excuse to catch a little extra shut eye?

March 9 ^th – 15 ^th is National Sleep Awareness week . It’s time to be your best slept self!

Is Your Sleep Health Linked to Your Mental Health?

According to the National Sleep Foundation , there’s a BIG connection between sleep and emotional well-being

Sleep is a critical part of your overall health. And the quality and quantity of your sleep are deeply connected to your mental and emotional well-being.

During sleep, the body and mind go through various restorative processes, including repairing and rejuvenating cells, consolidating memories, processing emotions, and cleansing toxins from the brain. Good sleep can help you regulate your emotions better as well as improve cognitive skills like learning and attention.

Our sleep and our minds are interlinked.

When we don’t get enough of the quality sleep we need for our bodies to function at its best, it can affect our mental health, too. Poor sleep can make it harder to cope with daily stress. We may be more impacted by minor negative things and less likely to notice the positive parts of our day.

Think about the last time you didn’t sleep your best. Did you feel irritable or short-tempered? It’s likely that you had trouble dealing with emotions that arose from minor challenges. Maybe you noticed that it was easier to slip into feelings of stress, worry or anxiety. And, getting too little or poor-quality sleep, for even a few nights a week, is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel: when we sleep well, we are recharged and ready to face the day. Following good sleep, we tend to cope better, process information in a more balanced fashion, and have a brighter outlook on life.

2023 Sleep in America ^® Poll Findings

For the 2023 Sleep in America ^® Poll , we wanted to learn more about how the nation’s sleep and mental health are linked. The results made it clear that American adults with healthier sleep habits are less likely to experience significant depressive symptoms. Read on to see our findings.

Over 90% of American adults with very good overall sleep health say they have no significant depressive symptoms.
Almost 7 in 10 Americans (65%) who are dissatisfied with their sleep also experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms.
People with difficulties falling or staying asleep just 2 nights a week have higher levels of depressive symptoms than those without sleep difficulties.
In adults who get less than the NSF’s recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, over half experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms.

Mental Health Can Affect Your Sleep Health, Too

Just as sleep can affect our mental well-being, those dealing with mental health issues often experience problems with their sleep. In fact, the two often go hand in hand; depression can lead to sleep problems, and sleep problems can worsen depressive symptoms.

Experiencing depression can result in us sleeping poorly, spending more time lying awake in bed for longer hours, being less physically active and getting less exposure to bright daylight–all of which can result in disrupted sleep.

By understanding the connection between sleep and mental health, you can start taking steps to improve your sleep health and your emotional well-being.

The good news: Being Your Best Slept Self ^® Can Help Reduce Your Risk of Experiencing Elevated Depressive Symptoms

The association between sleep and mental health is clear. By getting the deep, restorative sleep you need, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing poor emotional well-being. So, your sleep should be an important part of your approach to mental wellness.

Think about the last time you woke up after a great night of sleep—you might have noticed your mood was also quite positive. By practicing healthy sleep habits and making it a goal to be your Best Slept Self ^® , you can experience that recharged feeling more often, which can also help give your mental health a boost.

Your Best Slept Self ^® : Small Steps Toward a Big Difference

Your Best Slept Self is a renewed you after taking small steps each day and night that make a big difference in your sleep health. Practice these steps that are linked to both good sleep and mental health.

Light

Spend time in bright light during the day, natural light, or equivalent brightness. Get a healthy amount of exposure to bright light during the morning.

Exercise

Exercise regularly for a deeper sleep. Aim for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Mealtimes

Eat your meals at consistent times day after day.

Avoid…

Things to stay away from before bedtime include heavy meals, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Wind-down

Use a consistent routine with a relaxing wind-down to help get the sleep you need each night (7–9 hours for most adults, with the same sleep and wake times).

Environment

Put your devices away an hour before bed and sleep in a quiet, cool, dark environment.

See How Being Your Best Slept Self ^® Can Help

By making sleep a priority and by practicing the steps to be your Best Slept Self, you can help promote optimal brain health, emotional well-being, and your overall health.

In our 2023 Sleep in America Poll, we saw clear associations between the healthy sleep habits outlined by the NSF’s Best Slept Self behaviors and mental health.

We saw that Americans who practice healthy sleep behaviors both night and day are sleeping better than those who don’t. And we also learned more about the link between these healthy sleep behaviors and mental health.

Best Slept Self in Practice

Almost 3 out of 4 adults who practice high levels of healthy sleep behaviors like NSF’s Best Slept Self recommendations also enjoy above-average sleep health.

Best Slept Self and Depressive Symptoms

Over 90% of Americans who earned an ‘A’ for their engagement in healthy sleep behaviors have no significant depressive symptoms.

If you’re not getting the sleep you need, it could negatively affect your mental health.

Sleep health is critical for our mental and physical well-being, so it’s important to make sleep a priority. If you have specific symptoms or continue to be concerned about not getting the sleep you need after taking some basic steps, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from a clinician.

That’s especially true if you are experiencing changes in your mood or feelings of depression. These feelings can be common among people suffering from poor sleep health, and you’re not alone. By seeking help, you are taking another step to improving your sleep health, your mental well-being, and your overall health.

If you are experiencing sleep disruptions or signs of depression, reach out to us at Peaceful Summit Counseling .

There’s a path that’s best for you, and we can help you find it.

The post Looking for an excuse to catch a little extra shut eye? first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .

Self Harm Awareness

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Self-Harm Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , up to 30% of teenage girls and 10% of boys say that they have intentionally hurt themselves. One study found that as many as 25% of young people engage in self-injury.

These rates demonstrate a significant increase over the past 10 years, especially among girls. From 2001-2015, self-harm increased 166% in girls aged 10-14 and 62% in girls ages 15-19. Since 2009, the rate of cutting, the most common form of self-harm, among girls ages 10-14 has increased 18.8% each year.

Forms of Self-Harm

Self-harm typically occurs in private and is done in a controlled or ritualistic manner that often leaves a pattern on the skin. Some forms of self-harm include:

Cutting
Scratching
Burning (with lit matches, cigarettes, or heated, sharp objects like knives)
Carving words or symbols on the skin
Self-hitting, punching, or head banging

Piercing the skin with sharp objects
Inserting objects under the skin

Most frequently, the arms, legs, and front torso are the targets of self-injury, but any area of the body may be used. People who self-injure may use more than one method to harm themselves.

Why People Self-Harm

There is no one single factor that causes someone to self-harm. Generally speaking, it may result from:

Poor coping skills: The inability to cope in healthy ways to psychological pain
Difficult managing emotions: The inability to regulate, express, or understand emotions (The mix of emotions that trigger self-harm is complex and may include feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection, self-hatred, or confused sexuality.)

Through self-harm, a person may be trying to:

Manage or reduce severe distress

Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain
Feel a sense of control over his/her body, feelings, or life situations
Feel something, anything, even if it’s physical pain
Express internal feelings in an external way
Communicate depression
Be punished for perceived faults

Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Self-Harm

Self-harm usually begins in adolescence, around the ages of 13 and 14, when emotions are more volatile and teens are facing increased peer pressure, loneliness, and conflicts with parents and other authority figures.

Some factors that may increase the risk of self-harm include:

Having friends who self-injure
Life issues such as trauma, abuse, unstable family environment, social isolation, and confusion about personal identity

Mental health issues (self-harm is commonly associated with borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders)
Drug/alcohol use (people who harm themselves often do so while under the influence of drugs or alcohol)

Warning signs of self-harm include:

Scars, often in patterns
Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, or other wounds
Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn
Keeping sharp objects on hand
Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather
Frequent reports of accidental injury
Difficulties in relationships
Behavioral and emotional instability, impulsivity, and unpredictability
Statements of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

Suicide Risk

Although self-harm is not typically a suicide attempt, it can increase the risk of suicide because of the emotional distress that triggers self-injury. And the pattern of hurting the body in times of distress can increase the likelihood of suicide.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent someone from self-harming. But reducing the risk of self-injury includes strategies that involve parents, family members, teachers, school nurses, coaches, and friends.

Offer help to someone at risk. Someone at risk can be taught healthy coping skills that can be used during periods of distress.
Encourage social connection. Many people who self-injure feel lonely and disconnected. Helping someone form connections to people who don’t self-injure can improve relationship and communication skills.
Raise awareness. Learn about the warning signs of self-injury and what to do when you suspect it.
Reach out for help. Encourage children, teens, and young adults to avoid secrecy and reach out for help if they have a concern about a friend or loved one.

The post Self Harm Awareness first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .

Interview in Natural Awakenings Magazine

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:05:00 GMT

Peaceful Summit Counseling: Psychotherapy, A Path to Wellness

The American Psychological Association encourages individuals to debunk misconceptions about psychotherapy. On its website, the APA urges people to learn the facts about psychotherapy and how it benefits those struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, medical illness, the demands of parenting, substance abuse, anger management, major life transitions, and work-life balance. Jennifer Vear Hoy MS, founder of Peaceful Summit Counseling in Naples, wholeheartedly agrees.

“Many people I talk to have the wrong idea about psychotherapy and what counseling truly is. The majority think they need to wait until they are in the middle of a crisis before seeking help, but that is the biggest misconception. Psychotherapy is for anyone at any time in their life,” Hoy explains.

She adds that even if we are unsure how to articulate what is troubling us, anything making us uncomfortable should be addressed. This includes dealing with family relationships, grieving a loss, addictions, anger, depression, and anxiety, to name just a few.

“Today, I counsel many couples who believe that unless they are ready for a divorce, they do not need counseling. That is a huge misunderstanding. You want to seek help long before the marriage is in crisis. Even good marriages can always be better.”

Hoy emphasizes that marriage counseling often revolves around learning how to listen and communicate effectively. “Men and women communicate in different ways. It’s not about someone being right or wrong but simply understanding that we speak differently. Recognizing how each person communicates is often half the battle. Communication is a skill like any other. You will not be perfect the first time, but with practice, we learn the best way to talk with one another,” she says.

Hoy explains that learning to recognize when something is bothering us—no matter how small—is essential. If we find ourselves obsessing or losing sleep over an issue, talking it out with a caring professional can make all the difference. “Unfortunately, many people wait until it begins to affect other areas of their life before seeking help.”

Counseling is about self-care. “We take care of our physical needs by eating, sleeping, and exercising to stay healthy. Our mental health deserves no less. Our inner feelings affect our physical health in ways we are not even aware of. Ignoring our mental well-being is a great disservice to ourselves,” Hoy advises.

She notes that everyone has areas in their life where they could use some help. “No one lives a perfect life devoid of trauma and pain. Ignoring problems only makes them worse. Forgetting about them does not mean they will go away. Seeking psychotherapy allows you to address small problems before they escalate into major challenges,” she concludes.

Peaceful Summit Counseling is located at 1048 Goodlette Rd. N. Suite 201 in Naples. For more information or to make an appointment call (239) 307-4708. Visit PeacefulSummitNaples.com .

The post Interview in Natural Awakenings Magazine first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .

It’s time to take off the cape. The world will be just fine, trust me.

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:01:00 GMT

It’s time to take off the cape.

The world will be just fine, trust me.

As women, we nurture many relationships: a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a co-worker. Not to mention the many roles we play: a cook, a cleaner, a secretary, a chauffer, etc. We sometimes feel pressure to “do it all” and wind up simply feeling exhausted.

And no wonder; imagine for a moment that all the roles you play in a day were name badges stuck to your clothes. You’d be covered head to toe!

Before you pull your hair out, realize you don’t have to be superwoman all the time. It’s ok to take off the cape and take some time for yourself.

Are you suffering from Superwoman Syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health , women and men often develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions, but may experience very different symptoms. Women tend to report:

Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
Appetite and/or weight changes
Decreased energy or fatigue
Excessive fear or worry
Seeing or hearing things that are not there
Extremely high and low moods
Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
Irritability
Social withdrawal
Thoughts of suicide

Facts about Women’s Issues:

Based on the recent information from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) :

Across their lifetime, 1 in 3 women, around 736 million, are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner – a number that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade.
Women are twice as likely as men (12 percent of women compared to 6 percent of men) to suffer from depression.
Although men and women are affected equally by such mental health conditions as obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobias, women are twice as likely as men to have panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and specific phobias.
Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD following a traumatic event.
Women account for at least 85 percent of all anorexia and bulimia cases and 65 percent of binge-eating disorder cases.

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed , reach out to us at Peaceful Summit Counseling

There’s a path that’s best for you, and we can help you find it.

The post It’s time to take off the cape. The world will be just fine, trust me. first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .

The Power of Kindness: It’s Good for Your Health

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:36:00 GMT

The Power of Kindness:

It’s Good For Your Health

Did you know there are scientifically proven benefits to being kind?

It’s true. There is a TON of research that proves that kindness matters.

There are many reasons acts of kindness are good for the giver and the receiver. But new research suggests that simply witnessing any act of kindness brings benefits.

According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation,

Kindness Increases:

The Love Hormone

Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re anxious or shy in a social situation. Natalie Angier, The New York Times

Energy

“About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center

Lifespan

“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.” Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”

Pleasure

According to research from Emory University , when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

Serotonin

Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy! Talya Steinberg, Psy.D for Psychology Today

Kindness Decreases :

Pain

Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller! Lizette Borreli, Medical Daily

Stress

Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population! Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 1998

Anxiety

A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals. University of British Columbia Study

Depression

Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased. Dr. Stephen Post, Ph.D. bioethics professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Blood Pressure

Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton , acts of kindness create emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.

Kindness is also:

Contagious

The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people! – Jamil Zaki

Knowing that kindness impacts us physically and emotionally, how can we add more kindness to our everyday lives?

For more information visit randomactsofkindness.org

The post The Power of Kindness: It’s Good for Your Health first appeared on Peaceful Summit Counseling .