Melissa Plantz

About Melissa Plantz

Melissa Plantz is a Christian author and freelance writer. She spent twenty years in the pharmacy industry and has specialized in faith, fitness, nutrition, geriatrics, and mental health since 2015. She writes from the beautiful Lake Marion area in South Carolina.

Depression or Anger? Signs of Depression in Men

2024-09-28T12:45:04+00:00July 8th, 2023|Depression, Featured, Individual Counseling, Men’s Issues|

Depression symptoms are often expressed differently in men than in women. If you are a woman, you may have noticed your husband or son withdrawing from you and becoming increasingly angry. If you are a man, do you feel “off and on edge” most of the time? Are you overwhelmed at work? Are you worried about finances and making mortgage and car payments? Is your family having personal crises like illness, drug abuse, unexpected pregnancy, layoff, or marital strife? These are legitimate concerns. Often, our stressors are compounded, and that combination can send us on a downward spiral toward depression. But the signs can be confusing. Is your husband depressed or just angry? Does he need therapy for depression or anger management classes? Stress presents itself in various ways, and two men may not have the same symptoms. Learn the signs of depression in men to get the help you need. Signs of depression in men Learning the sign of depression in men can help you identify when your loved one is having a challenging time. Some men withdraw from their families and engage in risky behaviors like extramarital affairs while stressed and depressed. Others drink too much alcohol and become angry and violent. Still, other men may turn to suicidal thoughts. Every man is different in how he handles stress, his past experiences, and his current situation. The following is a list of the most common signs of depression in men. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities. A common sign of depression is a loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed. Does your husband love to play golf on the weekends? Does he typically unwind after a long day playing computer or video games? When was the last time he participated in any of his favorite [...]

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How to Manage ADHD in Adults

2024-09-28T12:43:35+00:00June 16th, 2023|ADHD/ADD, Featured, Individual Counseling|

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is most notably known as a condition that develops in some children under twelve. However, parents and teachers may not recognize the symptoms or choose to chalk up impulsive behaviors and short attention spans as “children being children.” About half of these children will outgrow the symptoms, but the remaining may continue with the behaviors. Thus, ADHD in adults often finds its roots in childhood. ADHD in adults can lead to stress at home and work. In addition, the symptoms may interfere with your daily living and cause tension in relationships. However, there are ways you can learn to manage your ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD in adults The symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to those in children. However, the stakes are higher when they interfere with your life. Hyperactivity and fidgeting. Moving and speaking quickly. Interrupting others. Little patience. Mood swings and irritability. Unable to focus and concentrate for long periods. Distracted easily. Forgetting important things or losing items. Impulsive behaviors. Risky behaviors with no thought of the consequences. Anxiety and depression. Unable to fall asleep quickly or stay asleep. Starting projects but not finishing them. Moving from task to task and leaving things undone. ADHD in adults can lead to conflict with spouses and coworkers. You may want to consider consulting with a therapist about how to manage your symptoms using psychotherapy methods like talk therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Ways to manage your ADHD You can help ease some of the symptoms of ADHD by adopting new habits. Unfortunately, our lifestyle choices can worsen ADHD in adults. For example, if you consume alcohol or abuse drugs, you may notice a significant increase in anxiety and depression, sleep problems, agitation and mood swings, and restlessness. Consult a therapist if you [...]

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Ways to Manage Stress and Balance Family

2024-09-28T12:41:55+00:00September 28th, 2022|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

Stress is difficult not to experience. It is the innate ability of our bodies to recognize danger and react to it by running away or preparing to fight. However, we no longer need to worry about hungry animals chasing after us for their dinner. Still, we must manage stress from other stressors like mortgage payments, rent, utilities, grocery prices, transportation issues, and work problems. How can we balance family life with other stressors when the child-rearing season is a stressor? Find ways to manage stress as a family instead of trying to do it alone. It is time to combine relaxation with quality family time. There are ways to manage stress and balance family, and a Christian counselor can help you learn them. Effects of chronic stress Stress raises cortisol in the body and creates a cascade of adverse effects. The following are common symptoms of chronic stress: Rapid heart rate Increased blood pressure Changes in appetite Rapid changes in weight Gastrointestinal issues Susceptible to illness and viruses Sleep problems Anxiety Depression Headaches Chronic inflammation Hormone imbalance Heart attack Stroke Diabetes Memory problems Panic attacks Unexplained aches and pains Chronic stress causes physical, emotional, and mental problems. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms, check with your primary doctor to rule out any medical conditions. A counselor can also help you narrow down the source of your stress and offer suggestions on minimizing the impact on your health. We often forget to lean on God when we feel our worries and fears suffocate us. But God should be our first line of defense. The Bible commands us not to fear. The most spiritual beneficial activity you can engage in with your family is reading the Bible together. Spending a few minutes daily as a family to pray, [...]

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Is It Binge Eating or Overeating Disorder?

2024-09-28T12:43:04+00:00July 29th, 2021|Eating Disorders, Featured, Individual Counseling|

We have all overeaten at some point – whether at a holiday meal, family celebration, or our favorite restaurant. However, behind these rare occurrences are people who struggle with constant overeating or binge eating uncontrollably at least once a week. Do you find yourself overeating at almost every meal? Have you overeaten so often that you can no longer feel when your stomach is genuinely empty or full? Or do you unconsciously devour a variety of foods at one time, leaving you with physical pain, guilt, shame, and embarrassment? Both binge eating and overeating are mental health disorders that can lead to emotional and physical complications, but you can find healing and help. The Difference Between Overeating and Binge Eating Are you confused about overeating or bingeing? Although both acts include eating much more than the body requires, there are differences between the two disorders. Signs for Overeating Disorder include: Eating larger portions than is necessary Going back for seconds or third helpings with most meals Difficulty feeling full and satiated Frequently overeating to chase away other emotions like anxiety or depression Signs for Binge Eating Disorder include: Eating large amounts of food within a small period, such as two hours Feeling out of control while eating Eating in secret (examples: alone in the car, after the family has gone to bed) Feeling guilt, shame, or embarrassment after a binge Eating until you feel physical pain The effects of too much food are detrimental to your health. First, you may feel physical pain and gastrointestinal problems with overconsumption, followed by tiredness, guilt, self-loathing, and shame. As the overeating or bingeing pattern continues, insulin levels rise and crash, creating a cascade of effects throughout the body. Over time, this can lead to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and cardiac problems. Respiratory [...]

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How to Build Self-Esteem After Divorce

2024-09-28T12:41:42+00:00December 15th, 2020|Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development, Relationship Issues|

Whether you were married for four months or forty years, the pain from a divorce can be devastating. Not only can divorce affect your family and finances, but it can also impact your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Your self-esteem and confidence can take a brutal hit as you try to make sense of this new normal. If you're wondering how to build self-esteem after a divorce, this article is for you. Four Steps for How to Build Self-Esteem How do you regain the confidence and faith required to fulfill your purpose when you feel like you have already failed? There are four steps you can take to relight the fire of your faith while shining a beam on your self-worth. The First Step: Forgiveness The first step in learning how to build self-esteem after a divorce is becoming aware of any unforgiveness you are harboring. This unforgiveness may be towards your spouse, yourself, or a third party. Perhaps all three. However, learning to forgive sets you free from the bondage of being unequally yoked. It is the initial step that is required so that you will feel lighter and bolder. Once forgiveness is applied, your emotional foundation will begin to feel healthy again. Forgiveness is not automatic for most people, which is why the Lord commanded us to forgive one another. You do not have to walk back into the environment of a toxic relationship to forgive. Only God can heal a broken heart and help a person give another one the freedom of forgiveness. This does not excuse another’s actions or the consequences of their behavior – it just sets you free from the pain so you can begin to heal. Blaming the other person (even if they are at fault) will only serve to keep you [...]

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