By Laura Mass
Reviewed By: Jennifer Peacock-Vauthrin R.P.C. M.P.C.C.

Every one of us have emotional triggers but when and where did they begin? Surprisingly, these triggers rarely spontaneously occur. They are cued by a spark of intense emotional reaction, to something in our internal (thoughts or feelings) or external (stressful event) environment. Emotional triggers are associated with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – I.e. from a small child being abandoned to the stress of soldiers of war. They are not bound by time, age, sex, religion, nor lifestyle; they are suppressed emotional wounds.

Because of the emotions can be uncomfortable or even paralyzing, by identifying, naming, and learning specific coping skills, we can take steps to limit the full impact of those triggers. Let us take the opportunity to “check-in” with ourselves, reflect, get the help we need and be provided with managing skills to move forward to reclaim your life – on your terms, not the emotions.

For the change to take place within us, we need to be open to seeing things differently. I know it maybe difficult, however, let take a step back from the emotions and truly focus on the triggers. Here we will learn “Identify the triggers” and “Triggers for growth”.

Emotional energy itself is neutral. It is the feeling sensation and physiological reaction, which makes a specific emotion positive or negative. The feeling itself is what one labels as anger, sadness, joy or fear. It is then that the interpretations or thoughts about the emotional energy which give it meaning. It is the emotions which serves as the carrier of these waves for the entire spectrum of feelings. By understanding that emotions are energy, this implies that they are fluid, always moving, meant to be felt and released. If the energy is suppressed and ignored, the true culprit originates from low emotional intelligence and stress burnout – in other words, the inability to accurately perceive emotions, in both yourself and others.
 
Below is a guide which you will do for straight 7 days, I will ask that you email me, at Jennifer@SoulutionsCounselling.com, your main trigger and we will then book a free consultation for after your 7 days.    

​Of course, it takes time and practice to learn how to transform the triggers into something positive. Doing the cognitive work does pays off. By addressing the triggers and discovering a new way to relate to them, we can drastically reduce their occurrences because you will start to heal the root wound that caused them in the first place. 
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Learning from your triggers and growing because of them is a natural process. That means, when it doesn’t feel right, don’t push yourself to address your triggers head on. Again, creating space and learning how to re-associate with your triggers is key. Go slowly and remember that the work you do will benefit everyone, including those you love the most.

Eating disorders - what's that voice in my head saying?
 
Reviewed By: Jennifer Peacock-Vauthrin R.P.C. M.P.C.C.
 
Do you have this overwhelming urge to listen to that “eating disorder voice”? “If I eat that sandwich, I’ll need to exercise for 2 plus hours!” or “I love the taste of food so much, that I stuff myself and need to quietly need to get rid of it by throwing up.” What if the voice whispers, “Oh my gosh, this hamburger tastes sooo good, I need another one…or maybe two?” Whether it’s someone who refuses who eat, regurgitates food, loves eating, or influenced by the media about their body image - they all have three things in common: They cannot stop thinking of food, learned unhealthy behaviors, and over time their health will deteriorate.  
 
Now, let us peel back a deeper layer: Do you hide it from friends and family members? What tricks have you learned to hide your secret? Realizing, “wait, do I have an issue with food?”
 
Eating disorders don’t discriminate between sex or age, although it is more prevalent among young women (3.8%) then men (1.5%) in the US as of 2001-2004 (Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2010). It’s interesting to note that the disorders usually develop during puberty. Then there are psychological, environmental, and social factors that may contribute to the disorder. There are many reasons which are associated with eating disorders.
 
Some common signs of eating disorders that affect one’s health:
 

• Obsessing over weight, dieting and calories intake
• Being uncomfortable eating around others and food
• Changes in moods

 
Physical signs:
 

• Stomach and throat issues
• General weakness
• Dental and skin issues

 
The first step is to acknowledge what is happening to you – mentally and physically.
 
The next step can seem very difficult: Talking to someone. In some cases, friends or family become concerned and speak with you; and hopefully you are open to truly listen to them. These special people in your life are there to support you, before, during and after receiving professional support.
 
Depending on the severity of the eating disorder, this is where you can start a dialog and work with your counsellor, doctor or specialist. Most people will begin with a counsellor who is compassionate, understanding, and patient. Personally, I focus on not only the person but ensuring the person feels that they are in a safe place to speak freely. I am unjudgmental and am here to specifically learn about you. By understanding your background, wants and needs, it guides me to ask reflective questions. I can then provide tools to assist you in manage the anxiety, stress, and decrease the negative thoughts. In some cases, people have unconsciously buried things that really affected them that it was just too unbearable to carry with them.
Let’s work together starting today and the life you truly deserve – towards a brighter future!
 
Let’s chat!

Depression - Are you stuck? Are you tired of being in a rut?
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Reviewed By: Jennifer Peacock-Vauthrin R.P.C. M.P.C.C.
 
To define depression is one thing, to live with it can be debilitating.
 
It is estimated that 15%-20% of the adult population will experience one form or another of depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression maybe caused by one factor alone or a combination of factors. These factors include biological, psychological, and even environmental factors.
 
When one feels a form of stress, the person fully acknowledges the mind and body connection, so to with depression. The mental illness does not discriminate whether the person is a child, adolescent, young adult, adult or senior. It is how we work through theses stages that determine the outcome.
 
Mental health can be triggered by very stressful like situations or other factors as:

• Death of a friend or family member
• Financial difficulties or job loss
• Social isolation
• Relationship conflicts
• Stressful workplace, workload, or prolonged working hours
• Health issues, typically related to chronic health struggles

 
The good news is that depression can be controlled with working with professionals who a) teach psychological tools and b) depending on the severity, prescribing medication.
 
The persons sensitivity of depression includes feelings of being unable to enjoy life, feelings of despair and hopelessness, perpetual crying, unable to think of anything but feelings being very raw and deep, and either overeats or stops eating. One of the many coping mechanisms is to “sleep off” the feelings.
 
When we are so focused on ourselves, it can be easy to forget that there are people that are there to listen, help and provide information of the varying support systems; counsellors, doctors, social workers, facilitated free groups, and keep in mind that there are people who relate to how you are feeling and, in turn, may need you as much as you need them.
 
Although reaching out may feel like the hardest step and scary, I know you can do it. The rest you can get through with connecting with people and specialist that you resonate and have a good rapport with.
 
When you are ready, I am here to listen and speak with. Contact me by phone, email, text. I will guide you and walk the mile with you. Be ready because this experience will increase your confidence, provide you with greater peace of mind and happiness, feeling safer in the world and increase the quality of your life. You may even be able to guide others that are going through similar experiences. I will not only teach you to live outside of the box that you have fallen into but will teach you tools that will free you from the negativity. The rest is up to you.
 
If you’re ready to kick butt then let’s chat! Let’s make this happen. Let’s get you onto the next chapter in your life!!

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Anxiety - can you relate?

Have you felt your heart rate increasing? Are you feeling panicky? What about sweaty palms, having issues concentrating or constantly feeling anxious? You may have your own tools of trying to calm your mind and body, but it has its hold on you. The only safe place you think is home, where it is safe, and you can avoid the outside world; then bam! The cycle anxiety begins again.

Although anxiety is a normal part of one’s life, when feelings of anxiety and panic overwhelming interfere with the persons daily activities, the person needs help. The thoughts and feelings are difficult to control, fears are amplified, the concern lasts for several hours, and the body experiences uncomfortable physical symptoms.

We all have experienced different levels of anxiety throughout our lives and handle stresses differently. For instance, a family member passes away and a person with anxiety prioritizes the things that must be done – they seem to be completely in control. They are capable and able to take care of others but not necessarily themselves. In many cases, people who experience a traumatic event, either think they can manage on their own or do not seek help from their immediate support system...until the mental state triggers become present. By taking care of ourselves, both mentally and physically, we can work through the causes or triggers. In some cases, with medication.

When anxiety knocks, the person begins to spiral into a deep depression, and their life becomes overwhelming and debilitating. Many of us don’t stop and acknowledge the pain and feelings, we suppress them instead; the person just exists, not living their life.

By avoiding or replacing their anxiety, the anxiety manifests the person into becoming a workaholic, an alcoholic, a gambler, an over achiever, a perfectionist, or in numerous other unhealthy ways. For example, a father will burry himself in his work and lash out at the staff. Why? Because this person feels the traumatic life event feels out of their control. Although that person is making the choice not their own, they will avoid not facing and looking at or within themselves. When we are not looking at the overwhelming stress and the path that brought that us to where they are today, we are not taking advantage of learning tools to assist us to not only feel safe but to also take care of yourself.

Let’s work together to move past this chapter in your life, and on to the next.  Book your FREE consult today.
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Call, text, or email me: 604-315-2440 or jennifer@soulutionscounselling.com