In this episode Mr. O will cover the topic of natural ways to boost mood and reduce depression. General information about depression will be provided along with criteria to meet a depression diagnosis. Specific strategies and techniques will be discussed to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms if traditional therapy and medication is not accessible. Topics include increasing physical activity, eliminating the automatic negative thoughts, sleep hygiene, limiting screen time, diet and nutrition, supplements, gratitude, and mindfulness meditation. The skills and techniques can be adapted and used for anyone looking to improve their mood and reduce depression symptoms.

In this episode Sarah Reeder (College and Career Readiness Counselor) and I cover the topic of test anxiety along with the common symptoms experienced by students. We discuss specific strategies and techniques that are effective to reduce the overall level of test anxiety. The strategies presented include preparation, addressing underlying anxiety, visualization techniques, the physiological sigh breathing exercise, and dealing with automatic negative thoughts. The skills and techniques are provided to students for use while in school, but the strategies can be applied in most other settings as well.

In this episode Sarah Reeder (College and Career Readiness Counselor) and I cover the most common symptoms of panic attacks along with the various phases and timelines of a panic cycle. We discuss specific strategies and techniques that are effective to reduce the overall level of panic. The strategies presented include focusing on underlying anxiety, remaining in the environment and accepting the panic attack, the physiological sigh breathing exercise, normalizing the panic symptoms and dealing with automatic negative thoughts. The skills and techniques are provided to students for use while in school, but the strategies can be applied in most other settings as well.

In this episode Sarah Reeder (College and Career Readiness Counselor) and I cover the most common symptoms of generalized anxiety along with the difference between stress and anxiety. We discuss specific strategies and techniques that are effective to reduce the level of general anxiety someone may experience. The strategies presented include breathing exercises and the physiological sigh, mindfulness, body scan and dealing with automatic negative thoughts. The skills and techniques are provided to students for use while in school, but the strategies can be applied in most other settings as well.