Tag: coping skills
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7 Ways to Overcome Perfectionism
Perfectionism is one of the strongest drivers of anxiety, rooted in the belief that worth depends on achievements. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson explains, perfectionism often leads to self-criticism, burnout, and low self-esteem—but it doesn’t have to. By recognizing unhealthy thinking styles, focusing on progress over flaws, setting realistic goals, and embracing pleasure in daily…
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How to Take Hold of the Mind
Before we can calm the mind, we must first calm the body. Meditation—through simple practices like breathing, mindful walking, or body scans—creates the foundation for taking hold of our thoughts. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson explains, learning to step back and observe the mind as a “witness” helps us see thoughts as stories rather than…
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SufferWell Tonic
Many people turn to alcohol, marijuana, or sleep aids to cope with suffering, but these often leave us feeling worse. As Dr. Christine E. Dickson shares, a simple apple cider vinegar and honey tonic—used since Ancient Egypt—can calm the body, ease anxiety, and even improve sleep. This natural “SufferWell Tonic” may not only soothe suffering…
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Craft Away Anxiety
In 2007, while working as a prison psychologist, Dr. Christine E. Dickson found that crafting was the most effective activity for reducing anxiety in solitary confinement. Years later, she noticed the same calming benefits while crafting with her son during the pandemic—showing that creative, hands-on projects can ease stress in any kind of lockdown.
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Crazy Sexy Anxiety
Kris Carr, author of Crazy Sexy Cancer, has lived with Stage IV cancer since 2003 by redefining illness and rejecting the victim mindset. Inspired by her work, Dr. Christine E. Dickson applies the “crazy sexy” approach to both medical and psychiatric conditions, helping clients view challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD not as sources of…
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Overcoming Anxiety: The Story of “Alan”
Dr. Dickson describes how she helps clients overcome anxiety with four simple tools.
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Improve Anxiety and Depression with Cold Showers
In 2017, when I first learned that cold showers could significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, I immediately began suggesting it to all of my clients. Exposure to cold is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system and send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which can…
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How to Overcome Nightmares
Nightmares can feel terrifying and uncontrollable, leaving us anxious and shaken. Dr. Christine E. Dickson first experienced them while working as a prison psychologist, when she began using Jungian Dream Analysis to uncover their hidden meaning. By logging dreams, exploring recurring themes, and learning to embrace both the light and dark aspects of herself, she…
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9 Cognitive Distortions and How to Challenge Them
Distorted thinking can fuel stress, anxiety, and perfectionism. Discover 9 common cognitive distortions—from catastrophizing to blaming—and learn practical ways to challenge them for a healthier, clearer mindset.
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Stopping Obsessive Shaming Thoughts
The emotion of shame can be overwhelming to say the least. Stopping obsessive shaming thoughts can be even more difficult. Shame-inducing thoughts tend to fall into three categories: Self put downs such as “I’m stupid,” “I’m fat,” “I can’t do anything right.” Catastrophic thoughts about one’s ability to handle the future. Critical or shaming thoughts…