Losing a pet can be a difficult transition in life. Many times, individuals dismiss it since it does not involve the loss of a family member. The reality is pets are family to millions of individuals. The loss can be as painful as losing anyone. Due to this dismissal, pet loss in many circles is disenfranchised an ignored. Pet Loss Grief Counseling or support groups can aid many who do not receive the proper support they need in this type of grief.
The article, “Losing a Pet Can Be Just as Hard as Losing a Loved One” by John Grohol looks at the deep seated pain that can result from the loss of a pet. He points out the numerous ways pet loss can affect someone as much as losing a friend or family member. He also lists how one can find ways to cope better in the aftermath of pet loss itself. He states in regards to the lack of understand of pet loss in the following:
“Sadly, many people don’t understand pet loss and the value that pets hold in a person’s life. This can greatly add to a pet owner’s grief. Instead of being comforted and heard by friends or family (what psychologists refer to as validation), the person is told, “It was just a dog (or cat), get over it” or “I’m not sure why you miss that cat (or dog) so much.” These kinds of unintentionally hurtful comments can add to a person’s burden of grief (Messam & Hart, 2019)”
Losing a Pet Can Be Just as Hard as Losing a Loved One. John Grohol, Psy.D. PsychCentral. Feb 27th, 2022.
Saying goodbye to a pet is like saying good bye to family for millions of people. Pet loss is true grief and loss.
Commentary
The loss of a pet can be a difficult and emotionally charged experience. Pets provide us with companionship, love, and support, so when they pass away it can leave us feeling isolated and alone. The grieving process is often complicated by the fact that we may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye or to properly mourn our pet. This can lead to feelings of guilt or regret. It is important to allow yourself time to grieve and to reach out for support if you are struggling.
When a pet dies, it is not uncommon for people to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. The grieving process is often described in stages, with the first stage being denial and isolation. This is followed by bargaining, in which the individual tries to make deals with God or other powers in order to bring their pet back. The third stage is depression, characterized by feelings of sadness and despair. It is important to allow yourself to grieve. It is okay to feel sad and to cry. You should also try to talk about your feelings with friends or family members who will understand what you are going through.
Pet Loss and Disenfranchisement
Individuals who have experienced the loss of a pet may feel disenfrachised, or isolated from others who have not gone through a similar experience. This is because the loss of a pet can be a very significant and personal event, which can be difficult to communicate to others who have not experienced it. Additionally, the grief associated with pet loss can be complicated by the fact that it is often not recognized or validated by society at large.
When a person experiences the loss of a pet, it is important to respect their grief and not try to downplay their feelings. The loss of a pet can be just as devastating as the loss of a human family member, and so it is important to be understanding and supportive. Try to avoid saying things like “it’s just a animal” or “you can always get another one.” This can be very hurtful and dismissive of the person’s feelings. In many families, pets are considered members of the family. They are given the same love and care as any other member of the family, and are often thought of as part of the family unit. Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be beneficial to both children and adults. In some cases, pets may even help to teach responsibility and empathy.
When an individual experiences the loss of a pet, they may feel a deep sense of grief and sorrow. This grief can be difficult to cope with and may impact different areas of an individual’s life. To help address this grief, there are pet grief support services available. These services can provide individuals with support and resources to help them through their grieving process. By offering pet grief support, individuals can begin to heal from their loss and move forward in their lives. Sometimes this support can come in the form of individual grief counseling or grief support groups who share similar losses. This type of counseling is especially important due to the nature of pet loss being dismissed by many as not important or equal to the loss of a family member. Since support is not given, many have to find support in counseling or within groups with like minded losses.
Conclusion
In conclusion it is important to remember that pet loss is real to many individuals. Pets are just not mere trinkets or cute furry objects, but play pivotal roles in people’s lives. They are not merely animals to be disregarded but true family. Due to this, the loss is real and painful. It is important not to sweep this type of loss under the rug but to respect it and help others through this painful process of losing a pet.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. After completing the six core courses of the program, professionals may then apply for the certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pet Loss Grief Support Counseling.
Additional Resources
Pet Loss: A Disenfranchised Grief. Marty Tousley. Grief Healing. February 6th, 2017. Access article here
Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously. Guy Winch. Scientific American. May 22nd, 2018. Access article here
Pet Loss: Understanding Disenfranchised Grief, Memorial Use, and Posttraumatic Growth. Breeeanna Spain, et.al. A multidisciplinary journal of the interactions between people and other animals.Volume 32, 2019 – Issue 4. Access article here
Grieving the Loss of a Pet: Why It’s So Hard and Tips for Coping. Villy Valez. Veterinarians.org. March 4th, 2022. Access article here
Dominick L. Flarey, Ph.D, RN-BC, ANP-BC
Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
The benefits of meditation and yoga are vast and varied. They can help to improve mental and physical well-being, increase focus and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost immunity. Additionally, meditation and yoga can help to increase self-awareness, foster a greater sense of self-compassion and acceptance, and promote more positive thinking patterns.
There are many similarities between meditation and yoga, which is why they are often practiced together. Both involve the use of breath control, focus, and mindfulness. In both practices, the goal is to quiet the mind and achieve a state of relaxation. Additionally, both meditation and yoga can be used as tools for self-improvement and personal growth.
In this article, Yoga and meditation: What are the real health benefits? author Kat Bayly presents us with some interesting information on both modalities and outlines the benefits of both practices. She also shows how both practices can be combined and often are to enhance the experiences. This interesting read will enhance your understanding of using both modalities as complimentary practices to one another to gain better health outcomes in your meditation and yoga practices.
“While meditation primarily works on your mind and thought patterns, yoga moves your body and can help improve your fitness. This isn’t to say that yoga doesn’t work with your mind and improve your mental health. Research has found that yoga can have a positive effect on your mental health too and meditation can also benefit you physically.”
Yoga and meditation: what are the real health benefits? Bayly, Kat. LiveScience. October 8, 2022. Access article here
Commentary
Benefits of Meditation
There are many health benefits associated with meditation. Some of these benefits include reducing stress, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing pain. Meditation has also been shown to improve cognitive function and increase brain activity. Meditation has been shown to provide a number of benefits for the body. These benefits include reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and reducing pain perception. Meditation has also been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving heart rate variability. Additionally, meditation has been shown to boost the immune system and improve cognitive function.
Meditation has been shown to be beneficial for the mind in a number of ways. First, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is because meditation helps to promote a state of relaxation and calmness. In addition, meditation can also help to improve concentration and focus. This is due to the fact that it helps to quiet the mind and allows one to focus on a single thought or object. Finally, meditation has also been shown to help improve sleep quality.
Meditation has been shown to be beneficial for spiritual well-being. In a study of over 3,500 adults, researchers found that those who meditated had higher levels of self-actualization and self-transcendence than those who did not meditate. Meditation has also been found to increase feelings of connectedness and positivity, and to decrease anxiety and depression. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, meditation can also help to improve focus, concentration, and memory.
Benefits of Yoga
The benefits of yoga on the body are numerous. From improving flexibility and joint range of motion to reducing stress levels, there is something for everyone. One of the most beneficial aspects of yoga is its ability to improve posture and alleviate pain. By lengthening and stretching the muscles, yoga can help to realign the spine and reduce tension in the shoulders and neck. In addition, the deep breathing associated with yoga helps to oxygenate the blood and promote healing.
The benefits of yoga on the mind are numerous and well-documented. Yoga can help to improve mental clarity and focus, while also reducing stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, yoga has been shown to improve sleep quality and promote a sense of well-being. There is also evidence to suggest that yoga can help to reduce symptoms of depression.
The benefits of yoga on the spiritual are many and varied. For some, yoga provides a way to connect with their higher power or to develop a deeper understanding of their own spirituality. For others, yoga may be a way to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. Additionally, yoga can help to improve focus and concentration, and promote a sense of peace and well being. Ultimately, the benefits of yoga on the spiritual are unique to each individual and will depend on their own personal journey. Many have claimed profound spiritual experiences during yoga sessions.
Types of Meditation and Yoga
There are many different types of meditation, but some of the most common include mindfulness meditation, Transcendental Meditation, and Zen meditation. Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation that involves focusing on your breath and being aware of your thoughts and sensations without judgement. Transcendental Meditation is a type of meditation that involves repeating a mantra or sound to help you focus and reach a state of deep relaxation. Zen meditation is a type of meditation that involves sitting in silence and focusing on your breath.
There are many different types of yoga, but some of the most common are Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga yoga. Hatha yoga is a more gentle form of yoga, while Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga are more physically challenging.
In conclusion, both meditation and yoga have benefits and can be practiced by anyone. Meditation can help to clear the mind and focus on the present, while yoga can help to improve flexibility and strength. They are both beneficial in their own ways and can be enjoyed by all.
Meditation Education
Are you a health care professional, or an ordained or licensed clergy who is interested in teaching meditation to others? If so, please review the Meditation Instructor Education and Certification program offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. The program is by distance education in online classroom with faculty mentoring as needed. There is open enrollment and you may begin your program at any time. Our CE courses have board approvals. To begin, you may preview our program by accessing here.
Additional Resources
1. Meditation for CMT is a No Brainer. Lugo, Estela. Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation. September 22, 2020. Access here.
2. 12 science-Based Benefits of Meditation. Thorpe, Matthew, et.al. Healthline. October 27, 2020. Access here.
3. A Systemic Review of Yoga Interventions for Helping Health Professionals and Students. Ciezar-Andersen, Sylwia, et.al. Complimentary Therapies in Medicine. Vol. 58; May 2021. Access here.
4.Yoga an effective strategy for self-management of stress-related problems and wellbeing during COVID19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study. Sahni, Pooja, et.al. PLOS ONE. February 10, 2021. Access here
Anger is a complex emotion that is characterized by feelings of frustration, annoyance, and hostility. It is often triggered by a perceived threat or injustice. When someone feels angry, they may experience physiological changes such as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to aggressive behaviors such as yelling or violence.
Anger is a normal and healthy emotion. However, it can become problematic if it is expressed in unhealthy ways or if it is constantly present. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification.
The ability to control one’s anger is a critical life skill. Anger is a natural emotion, but it can become problematic when it is not managed in a healthy way. Some people have difficulty controlling their anger, which can lead to problems at home, work, and in social situations. There are a number of strategies that can be used to control anger. These include relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Courses
Anger management refers to the process of recognizing and regulating one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It is a skillset that can be learned and practiced in order to better manage aggressive impulses, handle conflict constructively, and maintain healthier relationships.
There are a number of different approaches to anger management, but all share the common goal of helping individuals identify and cope with the triggers and symptoms of anger in a more productive way.
When one does not manage one’s anger, a variety of issues can arise in life. Hence it is critical to employ anger management strategies. Anger however is seen in a variety of issues where it is not healthy or productive but dangerous to everyone.
Domestic violence is a large problem due to uncontrolled anger. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program
Illicit anger can cause havoc in the home life. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. Many families deal with domestic violence. It may not just by physical in nature but may also be mental. While men usually resort to physical abuse, many women can also be perpetrators through emotional abuse.
There is no one answer to addressing the issue of domestic violence. However, various experts agree that there are some key steps that can be taken in order to effectively address and prevent domestic violence. Some of the key steps that can be taken to address domestic violence include: increasing public awareness and education about the issue, strengthening legal protections and penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence, and increasing access to support services for survivors of domestic violence. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you cannot talk on the phone, try to text or use social media to reach out for help. Once you are safe, you can call a national hotline like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Dangerous anger is not just left at home but it can also follow one to the work place. Displaced anger can travel back and forth between home and work and manifest in either environments.
Workplace anger is a type of emotion that is characterized by feeling mad or frustrated while at work. This type of emotion can be caused by a variety of things, such as feeling like you are not being appreciated or feeling like you are not being compensated fairly. Workplace anger can also be caused by feeling like your work is not fulfilling or challenging enough. Whatever the cause, workplace anger can lead to negative outcomes, such as decreased productivity, decreased job satisfaction, and even quitting your job. In addition work place anger can lead to more violence with shootings via disgruntled individuals.
There are a few things you can do to stop workplace anger. First, try to identify the source of your anger. Is it your boss? A co-worker? Once you know who or what is causing your anger, you can try to address the issue directly. If that’s not possible or if the issue is not resolved, you can try to distance yourself from the person or situation that’s causing your anger. Finally, you can try to reframe your thinking about the situation.
In addition, anger and unresolved issues find its place in schools. School shootings over unresolved anger or bullying can erupt quickly. School violence is a serious problem in today’s society. It includes any form of violence, whether it is physical, verbal, or emotional, that takes place within the school setting. School violence can have a negative impact on the students, the staff, and the overall climate of the school. It is important for schools to take measures to prevent and address school violence.
Violence and anger in schools are a national crisis. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting
There are a number of ways to address the problem of school violence. One approach is to increase security measures such as metal detectors and security guards. Another approach is to provide more support services for students who may be at risk for violence. This might include counseling, conflict resolution training, and after-school programs.
Still another approach is to address the underlying causes of school violence. This might involve working with families and communities to reduce poverty and improve mental health services. Teachers, administrators, and students all have a role to play in stopping school violence. By working together, we can make our schools safe places for learning
Lack of proper anger management and utilization of skills associated with it lead to these three types of violence. It is important to see the issues that can erupt from the inability at a young age to control rage and anger. The family and its interactions with society in public sphere all become affected by the inability to control the emotion of anger. Again anger itself is not the villain but improper control of it. When not controlled properly or managed, it leaks into every social aspect of society.
Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management.
Trauma if it is not faced consciously will re-emerge in the subconscious. Nightmares can bring back past trauma in an attempt to understand and face the eluded issue. Due to disassociated mental material, trauma is trapped in the brain and not stored as a long term memory properly. Due to this, the trauma memory becomes a rogue thought within the brain. It haunts the individual through PTSD. Grief Counseling can help.
Only till the trauma is resolved, faced and understood, can one begin to heal from the event. Nightmares surrounding the trauma manifest as a way to face it but in an incomplete way. The nightmares at first are more vivid and true to the event but overtime can become more symbolic. The only way to overcome the nightmares is to face the trauma when awake. Counselors can also help individuals who are facing nightmares with strategies to minimize the nightmare and prepare the mind for a more peaceful sleep. Ultimately though, one has to be put in the work when awake to eventually overcome the haunting past traumatic event.
Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management, Crisis Intervention and Grief Counseling Certifications. The programs all deal with trauma in some aspects. They are all online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Substance abuse is not always a choice. While the initial taste or inhalation or snort or injection of a drug is a bad choice, the addiction is something far more sinister. Addiction later captures the individual and the choice to escape is no longer present. Instead the individual faces strong urges that control their mind and body. Substance Abuse Counseling can help individuals face addiction better as well.
There are many reasons why people might choose to use drugs and become addicted. Some people might use drugs to escape from reality or to cope with difficult life circumstances. Others might use drugs because they’re curious about them or because their friends are using them. Some people might even use drugs for medicinal purposes. Whatever the reason, drug use is a complex issue with many contributing factors. Ultimately, the drug leads to a state of addiction for millions of Americans.
Poor choices and bad coping can lead to addiction. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification
Addiction is a state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. Despite the involvement of a number of psychosocial factors, a biological process – one which is induced by repeated exposure to an addictive stimulus – is the core pathology that drives the development and maintenance of an addiction. The traditional view of addiction, as a strictly behavioral phenomenon, has been challenged by more recent research which highlights the role of neurochemical changes in the brain in mediating addictive behavior.
The brain and addiction are intimately linked. Addiction hijacks the brain’s natural reward systems, causing powerful cravings and reinforcing the behaviors that lead to addiction. Over time, this can lead to changes in the brain that make it even harder to break free from addiction. But it’s not all doom and gloom – there is hope. With treatment and support, people can recover from addiction and go on to lead healthy, productive lives.
Addiction is a complex disease that affects the brain and body. It is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Overcoming addiction is a difficult and long process that requires professional help, support from family and friends, and often takes many tries. However, it is possible to overcome addiction with hard work and determination. There are a few key things to keep in mind when recovering from addiction. First, it is important to understand that addiction is a disease. Just like any other disease, it takes time, effort, and patience to recover. Second, it is important to seek professional help. Substance Abuse Counselors can help you develop a plan for recovery and provide support along the way.
When an individual is struggling with addiction, they are often fighting a battle on multiple fronts. Not only are they dealing with the physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms that come with addiction, but they are also often battling mental health issues, social stigma, and financial instability. Coping with addiction can be incredibly difficult, but there are a few key things that individuals can do to help themselves. Addiction Counselors can play a large role in recovery.
Addiction counselors are mental health professionals who work with individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. They provide support and guidance to help people overcome their challenges and live healthy, drug-free lives. Addiction counselors use a variety of techniques to help their clients, including individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs.
Addiction Counselors and support groups can help with substance abuse. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program
Cognitive therapy is a type of psychological therapy that helps people to change the way they think and feel about different situations. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all interconnected, and that by changing our thoughts, we can change our feelings and behaviors. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse.
The 12-step program is a set of guidelines for recovering from addiction, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. The program has since been adapted for use with other types of addiction, such as narcotics, gambling, and food. The 12 step program is a set of guidelines for recovery from addiction. The program is based on the belief that addiction is a disease that can be treated by following certain steps. The steps involve admitting that you have a problem, admitting that you cannot control your addiction, and making a commitment to change your behavior. Other steps include finding a support group, learning new coping skills, and making amends for past mistakes.
There is a growing body of research that suggests that family involvement can also be helpful for people who are struggling with addiction. This may include providing support and understanding, helping with treatment and recovery, and making changes in the home environment to reduce stressors and triggers. While each situation is unique, involvement from family members can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment.
An individual who receives help through the process of recovering from a substance must continue after treatment. It is a life long cross that one must carry. Relapse is an unfortunate result for many individuals facing addiction. Relapse is defined as a return to drug use after a period of abstinence, and it can occur even after years of being clean. The risk of relapse is highest in the first few months after quitting, but it can happen at any time.
Many times individuals return to the source of their addiction because they feel alone, rejected, or seek to escape reality. One must understand that the fight against addiction is a permanent war that will rage the entire person’s life. This is why during recovery and well beyond it is important that individuals keep good company and avoid occasions that lead to the use of a particular substance or push for its usage.
Addiction is a horrible disease and stigma for many. If individuals understand the nature of it and see the life that is being destroyed by it then they can better face it and find the help they need. Many understand this but find it difficult. This is why the first step is so critical and important to be supported and encouraged. When one starts to realize they have a problem and look to take accountability, then a ray of hope enters into that person’s life
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling Training.
The silent treatment is a way of punishing someone by refusing to speak to them or acknowledge them. It’s a way of making them feel invisible and unimportant. It can be used as a form of control, to manipulate someone into doing what you want them to do. It can also be used as a weapon in an argument, to hurt and punish the other person. The silent treatment is a powerful tool, and it can be very effective in getting what you want from someone. Anger Management can help individuals react properly to this passive aggressive form of punishment.
Silent treatment is a passive aggressive tactic. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification
Learning to identify why someone is using this type of aggression upon oneself and how to react without becoming angry is critical. Anger Management teaches one not only how to react to such treatment but also how to see how it is a poor way to cope as a person. The article, “Why the Silent Treatment Is Such a Destructive Form of Passive-Aggression” by Bernard Golden looks closer at how silent treatment is used to control others. He also discusses how use of the silent treatment can be a form of emotional abuse and how to properly deal with it. He states,
“Being the target of silent treatment is a challenge for anyone, but it is especially difficult for individuals who already have low self-esteem as well as individuals who have anxious attachment. A part of this pattern includes fear regarding the stability and dependability of relationships—anxiety that is only provoked by silent treatment. Subsequently, more than others, they may be quick to feel intense rejection and fear of loss. Such silence is experienced as betrayal and abandonment. As reflected in one study, targets who could not attribute the ostracism to a specific cause were more likely to experience a threat to their belongingness and self-esteem than those who could identify a specific cause”
Why the Silent Treatment Is Such a Destructive Form of Passive-Aggression. Bernard Golden, Ph.D. Psychology Today. September 11th, 2022
It is important to not use this type of abuse nor react to it with more anger. It is important to treat each other with respect and work with each other and not seek to punish each other via other passive ways of anger and control. In reactions, Anger Management can be helpful against passive aggression. Anger management is a process whereby an individual learns to recognize and control their own anger. It can be helpful in situations where someone’s anger is causing problems in their life, or when it feels out of control. The aim of anger management is not to eliminate all anger, but rather to teach people how to express it in a healthy way. There are a number of different techniques that can be used in anger management, including relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving. All of these strategies can help an individual better react to passive emotional abuse such as the silent treatment. It can also help de-escalate the situation and force the other individual to face the issue at hand and communicate the problem in hopefully healthy way.
Silent Treatment
The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse in which the abuser intentionally withholds communication from the victim, refusing to speak to them or engage with them in any way. The purpose of this behavior is to control the victim by inflicting psychological pain, making them feel isolated and helpless. This tactic is often used as a means of punishment, to make the victim feel guilty for whatever wrong they have supposedly committed.
The silent treatment is a form of psychological warfare that is often used in relationships. It is a way to control the other person by withholding communication and refusing to engage in dialogue. The goal is to make the other person feel powerless and helpless. The silent treatment can be used as a form of punishment or revenge. It can also be used to manipulate the other person into doing what you want them to do.
The silent treatment is a response to conflict that involves one person withdrawing from the interaction. This can be done verbally, by physically leaving the area, or by simply ignoring the other person. The goal of the silent treatment is to punish the other person or to make them feel uncomfortable.
There are a few ways to respond to the silent treatment. One way is to ignore it and not let it affect you. While this may be difficult, by applying anger management strategies and understanding the intent and purpose of the passive aggression, one can better react and respond to the treatment in a non violent and angry way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the silent treatment is not an effective way to deal with anger. It can actually make the situation worse. If you’re angry with someone, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly. This will help you resolve the issue and maintain a healthy relationship. Equally, it is important to be able to respond effectively when someone uses the silent treatment against you. Primarily by not reinforcing the behavior via acknowledgement. Sometimes though it may take restraint not to fall into the trap. Anger Management plays a key role in helping individuals maintain a peaceful reaction.
Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management Training. By completing the required courses, behavioral health professionals can earn the four year certification.
Additional Resources
“Is the silent treatment a form of abuse?”. Jayne Leonard. Medical News Today. June 8th, 2020. Access here
“11 Anger Management Strategies to Help You Calm Down”, Amy Morin, LCSW. Verywellmind. August 24th, 2022. Access here
“Anger Management”. Elizabeth Dougherty. Harvard Medicine. Spring 2022. Access here
“How to Recognize the Signs of Emotional Abuse”. Ann Pietrangelo and Crystal Raypole. Healthline. January 28th, 2022. Access here
Stress can be good and bad. Stress that overwhelms and ferments within the soul is bad. It builds up within the body and releases the fight or flight response which in the moment may be good but over time can become detrimental to health. Stress however that pushes one forward to meet challenges in the moment can be a benefit. It ultimately depends how the body responds to certain stress and how long the stressors remain. Learning to identify good and bad stress is very important in all aspects of life.
There are many forms of good and bad stress. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program
The article, “Why Stress Is Like Debt And How To Harness Its Productive Power” by Noah Mishkin takes an interesting approach at viewing stress and how one can better distinguish between good and bad stress. In many ways stressors can help one identify issues that need resolved immediately while other stressors can anchor and bog one down in one’s daily work. Bad stress is what needs to be limited and contained. He states,
“The onset of stress can happen in an instant, leaving entrepreneurs figuratively paralyzed and unable to function adequately or cope heartily. Stress can also creep up in small, unnoticeable doses, accumulating over time, until the moment you realize how completely overwhelmed you’ve become, making it harder to take control.”
“Why Stress Is Like Debt And How To Harness Its Productive Power”. Noah Mishkin. Forbes. September 27th, 2022. To read the entire article, please click here
Commentary
Reacting and coping with stress is an important part of business and life itself. It is critical to face stressors but when one cannot it is best to try to let things go so the body does not remain in a state of unresolved energy. How one faces stress is key.
Stress Itself
Stress is a normal physical and mental response to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, motivating us to meet deadlines and achieve goals. However, too much stress can have negative effects on our health, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and anxiety. Stress can also lead to poor decision-making, decreased productivity and absenteeism from work or school. Managing stress is important for our overall well-being.
Stressors are any type of demand placed on an individual. The body reacts to stressors by releasing hormones, such as cortisol, which help the individual cope with the demand. If the demand is chronic, or long-lasting, it can lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Good Stress
There are two types of stress: good stress and bad stress. Good stress, also known as eustress, is the type of stress that motivates you to accomplish a task. It’s the kind of stress that keeps you alert and focused. Bad stress, on the other hand, is the type of stress that impedes your ability to think clearly and function properly. It’s the kind of stress that leads to anxiety and depression.
There is a growing body of research that suggests that certain types of stress can actually be beneficial for individuals. These are typically referred to as “good” stressors or “positive” stressors. Good stressors generally involve some type of challenge or opportunity for growth, and they often lead to increased levels of motivation and productivity. While too much stress can obviously be detrimental, a moderate amount of good stress can actually help people reach their full potential.
Some stress in business is actually good and can lead to healthy outcomes. Good stress, or eustress, can stimulate people and help them be more productive. It can also help motivate employees and make them feel more invested in their work. In some cases, a little bit of stress can actually be beneficial.
Bad Stress
The term “bad stress” is typically used to describe a negative psychological state brought on by exposure to a stressful situation. This can include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, hopeless, or even panicked. Bad stress can lead to physical health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or even think clearly.
Bad stress in business refers to the negative impacts that stress can have on businesses, such as decreased productivity, employee absenteeism, and increased health care costs. Stress can also lead to more serious problems such as employee turnover, legal issues, and financial problems. While some stress is inevitable in any business, it is important to try to minimize bad stress by creating a positive work environment, providing adequate resources and support, and communicating effectively with employees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stress is not all bad. A certain amount of stress can be helpful in getting us motivated to meet a deadline or achieve a goal. The key is to manage our stress levels so that we don’t become overwhelmed. When we are able to do this, we can harness the power of stress to help us reach our potential. Also in doing, so especially in the business sphere, one can better deal with challenges and problems in a productive way instead of allowing stress to derail company work. Stress is a big problem in business and through better stress management skills can be lowered among employees. It is hence important to identify good and bad stressors in life and deal accordingly with them.
Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Stress Management Consulting. The program consists of online CE courses that lead to the four year certification.
Additional Resources
“Good stress, bad stress”. Firdaus Dhabhar, PhD. Stanford Medicine News Center. December 21st, 2012. Access here
“Why Stress Is Both Good and Bad”. Angela Grippo Ph.D. Psychology Today. January 20th, 2016. Access here
“Good Stress, Bad Stress—The Delicate Balance in the Vasculature”. Kirstin Wingler and Harald H. H. W. Schmidt. Dtsch Arztebl Int. Oct 2009. Access here
“The History of Stress” Mariana Bockarova, Ph.D. Psychology Today. December 29th, 2021. Access here
Primary care can lower higher healthcare prices by diagnosing potential problems before they become acute. Regular primary care visits and checkups can perform the preventative measures that can help a person distinguish between healthy and unhealthy choices. Regular blood work and physical checkups can spot early issues that can lead to more expensive treatments later. Primary care can play a large role in better health and less cost.
Regular checkups with a primary physician can lower healthcare costs. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification
Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Case Management Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Healthcare Case Management.
Ever since the Fall of humanity through Adam, a temporal realm came into existence. This temporal realm created a vacuum for a temporal society. Humanity came together to form a bond and collectively came together to form the first societies. Christianity looks for a balance within this temporal society of the collective and individual good driven through charity and justice; Moral laws that bind humanity together in love but also fairness. When this becomes imbalanced through hate, greed and theft, a rift appears in society and violence erupts. Christian Counseling can help individuals to be better grateful for what they possess and how to better share the benefits.
Christian Society is based on justice and charity. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification
Christianity does not promise a perfect material world in this temporal realm. There is no utopia on earth but only in the next world. Hence Christianity and its social ideals look for the best possible scenario within society that promotes freedom, liberty, and dignity to the human person through charity and justice. The social virtue of justice driven by charity is the key to peace and prosperity. When justice is denied, then violence emerges.
Understanding the importance of justice to the social order, Christianity believes that the state exists to serve the individual. It exists to permit the individual in all his or her excellence to bear fruit for the common good. The state exists to nurture the talents of society, protecting rights and promoting a common unity that it enhances through individual excellence. The state furthermore, promotes a liberty among the people to express themselves to God unhindered. It does not look to place one altar over another, but stands as a safeguard protecting the beliefs of all involved.
While a Christian state most excellently captures the moral laws of God, one has seen in past centuries, a corruption due to a misguided zeal to maintain a pure society. This has led to religious persecution and a denial of the individual to develop within his or her own will. While the state should look to protect the common good from individuals who pursue corruption, it is important to carefully balance the need of the many versus the need of the few. Hence the question, when does one’s personal views become so public as to disrupt the public foundation of the society? How should such diverse views be censored or debated? How can the person’s inherent rights still be protected? The best recent example of this would be gay marriage as an individual expression that is counter to the traditional norm of societal marriage between a man and woman.
So, the first purpose of this blog was to clearly point out the important ideals of a Christian society, while albeit within a pluralistic society, certain key foundations should exist that balance the individual and the collective through charity and justice. The state protects the integrity of the whole but also protects the expression of the individual.
Capitalism
The social philosophers, Hobbes and Locke, pointed out that the moment individuals came together to form society, they entered into the social contract. With that social contract, individuals became dependent upon each other, working together, sharing common needs and goals. Within that contract, individuals gave up many individual rights to permit the function of society. This meant individuals while using their talents for a wage and living, also contributed and shared with the overall community.
Capitalism rewards hard work and preserves personal property but like all systems if misused can become a system of corruption and greed.
Each individual, according to biblical principles, would earn according to his or her work. With work, came personal property and excess funds for others. Some would earn more than others based upon talent. Naturally, this would lead to economic imbalances. Some in society would excel more than others and hence become more prominent within the society. As the industrial age emerged in Europe, the imbalance between the have’s and have not’s grew considerably. Vast amounts of wealth and power were consolidated within the hands of steel barons.
Without Christian principles of charity and justice at play, many so called Christians sought wealth above justice and fairness. Without the constraint of the virtue of justice, the imbalance became even greater. The worker became victim to unjust wages, horrible working conditions, and long exhausting hours. There was little care for the worker as a person with dignity nor the worker’s family. While the worker became a mere cog in the wheel, the barons became excessively wealthy and with the excessive wealth, became politically more powerful. This led to oppression.
Hence capitalism while adhering to the natural right of property and earning, like all temporal systems can become corrupted without Christian or even basic moral virtue. Unhindered Capitalism can become a poison to society. When monopolies occur and when individuals become more powerful than the masses, an imbalance can occur that can lead to social unrest. Pope Leo XIII, in his encyclical “Rerum Novarum” or “New Things” looked deeply at the issues of unmonitored capitalism and how it could be a corruptive agent against society.
During the late 19th Century, Leo saw the corruption within factories and the mistreatment of the worker. He identified the need of balance within the state to protect the individual worker from the collective demands of the industry. Again, he looked to balance the needs of the many and the need of the few, or in some cases, one, who owned the factory. He reminded everyone that justice demands that the worker utilize his talents and time to benefit the employer, but the employer in turn, must compensate the worker fairly. Of course, the employer will have more wealth than the worker. This is the nature of capitalism. Some have more than others based upon talents or ambition or authority, but all receive a just amount for their particular talent and place. An equal dignity is given to everyone in the process of their role and application of it.
When capitalism is devoid of state regulation and moral virtue, but instead driven by atheistic materialism and greed, then capitalism can become an economic system that can be enslave the worker.
Communism
Communism was an adverse reaction to the abuses of capitalism. Karl Marx, the founder of Socialist Doctrine, expounded in his Communist Manifesto, the need for a new social system. The idea of communism preached a utopia for the disenfranchised. It became quickly attractive to the poor and poverty stricken and it pointed out the many abuses of capitalism. Marx offered a social utopia where everyone shared their talents and no one had more or less but all equally benefited.
Marx taught that society was evolving towards a a classless world where everyone was equal. Authority, power, and wealth would have no meaning in this new world. Since ages ago, the master and slave, lord and serf, and now baron and worker were all phases of domination of one class over the other but merely adapting to new titles. Through conflict and revolution, Marx believed a new society would give birth to a communal society void of private property. Instead of the state existing to serve the person, the person would exist to serve the state, but through this service, all would retain equality.
Of course, within this philosophy was a materialist belief that this world can be perfect. Communism was atheistic in belief and denied God. It saw religion as an “opiate of the people”. Marx saw the church, its moral laws and structures as ways of control, no better than the steel barons. The belief in a world that was not materialist or temporal was way to keep individuals occupied, while others accumulated power and wealth.
Communism promises equality for all but in reality leads to human slavery to the state.
Using the abuses of the state, industries and church as a rallying cry, he utilized envy and resentment as a tool to instill in the workers a revolution. King, Tsar, Pope, or employer became seen as oppressor. With a purely materialistic mindset, this philosophy would spread across Europe and the world, infecting millions into the communist cause. With its implementation in Russia in bloody revolution in 1917, communism would find its home base and spread its errors throughout the world.
Within communism, personal property was stripped of individuals. The individual became property of the state and creating a perfect utopia. Personal choice, personal belief or any religious ideas that were contrary to the envisioned goal of the state became counter productive and eliminated. This led to massive persecutions of anyone who did not fit the proposed social outline. Ultimately, the failed experiment of communism could not sustain itself.
The basic tenets of human nature look at work and reward. If one works harder or has greater ideas, then they reap the award, but when this type of innovation is not rewarded, but equally distributed, then the drive for personal gain is prevented. In Russia alone, many were forced to a new servitude on state farms where those who worked harder were given the same as those who did not.
Soon, a new slavery emerged, where the illusion of communism became evident. A top the communist party, sat the new barons and kings, under the guise of directors for the common good. This exposure was illustrated in Orwell’s “Animal Farm” where the animals on the farm are made to believe their hard toil is for the common good, while the communist pigs engorge themselves upon the work of the other animals.
In essence, Communism strips the human being of all personal dignity under the false direction of a greater common good that ultimately falls upon itself because it refuses to reward creativity and hard work. Coupled with its materialist and atheistic tenets, it leads to a system more oppressive than unregulated capitalism. This is exactly what Pope Leo XIII had warned. He warned everyone of the pitfall of both systems but the overtly more dangerous outcomes of a communist regime. His words proved to be prophetic under the rules of Lenin and Stalin and subsequent communist leaders throughout the world.
Christian Response
After the words of Leo, came the words of Pope Pius XI in his encyclical “Divini Redemptoris” on Atheistic Communism in 1937.. In it, Pius reiterated the errors of communism made by his predecessor regarding communism. He pointed out that the right to private property and accumulation of wealth is within the dignity of the human person and that the state exists to help the individual progress. He listed the numerous errors that are also found in a materialistic society that promises only material things in a fallen world. Pius reminded everyone that no utopia promised by the communists can exist in a fallen world. He pointed out instead that humanity can only attempt to make the most just society on earth by emulating Christ, moral virtue but especially charity and justice.
Pope Leo XIII explained the balance of a Christian society between Communism and Capitalism and both their own inherent errors
Pius called for a regulated capitalism where a balance existed between the needs of the many and the needs of the individual. He reminded workers and employers of the reciprocal justice that they owed each other. He called for those within Christian ministry to preach the Gospel to the workers and re-Christianize the world. He called for ministers equipped to battle the lies of the communists and to preach what true justice demands.
Pius reminded the State itself, its grave importance in maintaining a harmony between the individual and the collective. He supported regulations that promoted fair and just working wages, conditions and hours. Through charity and justice, he felt the world could present a more Christian society that granted a more sound balance and economic system.
Despite the pleads, a more secular world was deceived by communism. After the Second World War, Stalin masterfully played the West and divided the world between free capitalistic societies and enslaved communist societies. Russia continued to spread its errors through the aftermath of World War II leading to the decades long Cold War which on numerous occasions brought the world to the verge of nuclear annihilation.
Communism would spread to Latin America, South East Asia and China. To this day, China remains an oppressor to freedom, with the re-emergence of Russia, not as a communist state, but nonetheless a authoritarian state with communist DNA still flowing through its leader, Putin.
Christians must respond as Pius and Leo pointed out with social action that promotes justice and charity in society at all of its levels. Society within Christian teaching is first and foremost at its cellular level within the family. The family is the key to society. A family that follows Christ and His laws is able to give to society a gift of charity and justice. Springing forth from the family, these virtues can boost the work place and secular venues in a shared vision of mutual gain.
Also of great importance is prayer. Prayer for a better society that reflects the Natural Law and laws of Christ is something that a Christian should remember everyday. In Catholicism, Our Lady of Fatima in 1917 warned the world of communism and the errors Russia would spread. She pleaded with the world to find repentance with God and to prayer the Rosary.
There is no perfect society in this fallen world, but we can try to make it as best as we can despite our own inherent weaknesses and sin. It is through a society based on Natural Law and Christ that can give humanity its best chance. This society will look to balance the needs of the one and collective but also look to serve the individual instead of repressing the him or her. This society must base itself on charity and justice. Without these two social virtues, no system or society can thrive.
Christian Counseling Perspectives
As Christian Counselors it is important to remind the distraught or financially strained that God has a plan. One cannot be tempted in business to take illegal shortcuts or use other human beings as a means to an end. Individuals who are suffering financially should look for guidance in the poverty of Christ as a way of simplicity. Christ Himself worked an honest day work as a carpenter with His father St. Joseph to serve as an example of what it means to work and share one’s talents. In Christ, there was no envy of others who made more money, but always charity and respect with justice to all.
Communism looks to stoke jealousy in the poor and to lead them to a far more dangerous path that strips one of property and earnings, while unregulated capitalism uses the human person as a means to an end. Christian Counselors need to guide the disenfranchised down the middle road and to always work hard, be fair and keep faith in Christ in all financial troubles.
If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification, then please review the program and see it if matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
Other Resources
Divini Redemptoris. Pius XII. Papal Encyclicals Online. 1937. Access here
Animal Farm. George Orwell. Book Analysis. Access here
One thing angry people usually think nothing of is how they make others feel. If there is one thing a good person who may have a temper should consider is how they make others feel and try to correct it. Anger Management can help individuals develop skills to control tempers and reduce yelling. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification
Yelling has negative effects on people. Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Program
The reality is words and yelling have negative effects on friends and family. The negative effects on family and friends are something those with a temper should take into consideration. It is one of the biggest reasons to learn to control anger and a violent temper.
The article, “The Psychological Effects of Being Yelled At” by Carrie Modermo looks closer at how people are negatively affected through the yelling of angry individuals. She states,
“Yelling is a common occurrence in most households, and it’s estimated that about 90% of American parents have reported using harsh verbal discipline at least once.1 This tends to use psychological force to cause emotional pain or discomfort. The purpose of yelling is usually to control another person’s behavior.2 Severe verbal discipline takes yelling to a new level and is more harmful. It may include swearing, cursing, name-calling, or insulting. This severe verbal discipline has been associated with conduct problems in children and adolescents. It may also lead to higher physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems.”
Please also review AIHCP’s Anger Management Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Anger Management.
