The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Anxiety is a natural fear response that is designed to protect us from danger. It’s a signal that comes from our subconscious mind that danger is near, and we need to prepare ourselves for fight or flight. Our brains are very powerful and can conceptualize danger even if it’s not present. This creates a problem as we can feel anxious about something that truly does not exist. This hovering anxiety is a type of generalized anxiety as it has no identifiable root cause. Anxiety is very common in the United States and is one of the leading causes of mental health treatment concerns. Over the past year, U.S. prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Klonopin increased from 8.8 million in March 2019 to 9.7 million in March 2020 according to health-research firm IQVIA. Medication is a common first line defense for anxiety, however long term it has been shown not to be effective for treating anxiety. History of anxiety medication treatment

 By: Dwight Bain, LMHC, NCC This feels like the longest year in history ... not in calendar days, which are still the same. Nope. 2020 has felt longer because of so much pandemic related stress. Working from home, social isolation with every concert and sporting event shut down, lay-offs, recession, students trying to manage school exams via zoom, conflict over the election, managing face masks to go outside, and now the reality that COVID 19 will not magically go away when vaccines are available in 2021. Coronavirus has changed the way most American's function, and ruining for some what would traditionally be a happy holiday season. USA Today newspaper captured this in a recent snapshot poll that asked, “Which best fits your holiday emotional state?” Stressed – 27% Depressed – 24% Relaxed – 18% Joyful – 31% The majority of people are overwhelmed by negative emotions and have missed the joy. What can be done to help people feeling anxious and overloaded with so many

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC Family time during the holidays can be a fun and special time for the family. Relationships can bring joy, but they can also be difficult. For the family who experiences someone who is narcissistic, or some other kind of manipulator this time can be especially difficult.   Narcissism, also known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, is a mental health disorder that is very difficult for family members to be around. Their self-centered, arrogant, and haughty attitudes can make other family members withdraw or feel compelled to challenge the negativity. This often results in arguments and disruption of family cohesion. This often plays right into the narcissist’s personality as they often create confusion and chaos to feel like they are in control. The reason for this is due to an internal lack of self-esteem. People who are confident with themselves don’t have this need to stir up other people’s emotions. This dramatic swirling of emotions, confusion and anxi