The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Stress is the result of a demand that is placed on you. As an example of stress, think of something made from metal such as an aircraft wing. The wing is designed to take stress, but too much and the metal becomes fatigued and begins to show signs of stress exhaustion. This creates cracks or perhaps breaking altogether. The same thing can happen to people when they stress. We are designed to handle stress, and in fact, stress can help us grow and learn. Our brains respond to stress by becoming stimulated to learn and adapt to our environment. However, when there is too much stress and we begin to show signs of fatigue and begin to break down. Additionally, stress can create physical issues as well. There is a saying, “the body betrays the mind.” In other words, what is happening in the mind shows up in the body. Stress can create ulcers, high blood pressure and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol stimulates the adrenal gl

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Relationships are meant to be one of life’s greatest joys. Yet, these same relationships can bring a source of pain and discomfort. Developing a relationship with someone new happens when we are drawn to them for various reasons. It’s typical to not know that there may be some sinister personality underneath all of that charm. This superficial charm and seemingly confidence can make us feel like we have met someone who we want to be a part of. Confident, funny, possibly good looking, after all, what could go wrong, right? There are many reasons for thinking someone is ideal. It could be the subconscious survival mate selection part of the brain getting activated. It could be that the person fits our bias’s and worldviews of who we think we should be associated with. This is more than romance, we can find ideal people with friends, a boss or other family members who seem to have it all together. Only to find out later they are a real piece of dysfuncti

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Social Anxiety Disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition where the person suffering from it has a strong fear of other people and social interactions. Those with the disorder during social interactions, such as those at work, home and among friends, can be severe enough to cause job performance loss, avoidance of gatherings and isolation. Even doing simple everyday tasks such as going to the grocery store can create a strong anxiety or panic reaction. The underlying fear of social anxiety is the perception of scrutiny by others. This same behavior is also seen in those with low self-esteem often remaining silent in social situations. Low self-esteem is a major contributor to social anxiety disorder. Internal psychological pressure occurs when they feel like they are being observed by others. They literally fear what others might possibly be thinking about them in a negative manner. This can happen when eating, speaking in front of others, at w