OCD Myths, Debunked #2: OCD Is Completely Illogical

OCD Myths, Debunked #2: OCD Is Completely Illogical

by | Anxiety, Obsession, OCD

Welcome back to my series about the myths and misconceptions surrounding OCD! The goal of this series is to provide support to people who want to understand OCD for what it really is, rather than what it’s been built up to be in society, media, and pop culture. These misconceptions impact clients and clinicians alike, and deserve to be debunked.

 

The misconception of the day: OCD is completely illogical.

 

While OCD can certainly be based in magical thinking, or have little connection to reality, real life OCD is infinitely more complex and personal to the person who experiences it.  One method of treating OCD, called Inference Based CBT (I-CBT), bases treatment on the idea that an individual person’s OCD themes will be related to the stories we tell ourselves about why our OCD keeps us safe.

 

For example, if I have harm OCD themes, I may be scared of the possibility of harming my loved ones by accidentally poisoning their food. I can come up with many reasons why this could happen…

  • Food safety standards are often very precise, and I could easily mess them up.
  • I’ve read many news articles about food poisoning that happened unintentionally.
  • One time, I even undercooked my own eggs and it made my stomach hurt later that day.

 

See? I can absolutely find stories that let me logically justify my OCD fears. I might use compulsions in reaction to these fears…

  • Rigorous handwashing (many minutes, very hot water, strong cleansers)
  • Checking my food (measuring and remeasuring food temperature, checking and rechecking for raw meat)
  • Avoiding food prep in the first place I feel like I’m preventing sure harm.

These compulsions follow an important logic clearly based on my experiences and knowledge.

 

However- and this is a big one- OCD logic is not infallible. Nothing happening in the here and now is actually telling me that any of these stories are happening.

  • My food thermometer told me my chicken was cooked to a safe temperature.
  • Visually looking at my food tells me there’s no giant patches of mold waiting to cause illness.
  • The smell and taste of the food I’m enjoying tells me it’s not spoiled.

 

These stories feel important to me because I’m invested in them connecting to each other. What’s more, I care so much about my loved ones that the idea of harming them feels so devastating that these stories feel very important to react to. The reality is though, I don’t need to do my compulsions to prevent harm, because the stories telling me harm is imminent aren’t actually relevant right now. The logic exists, and matters to me, but reality and my senses tell me that I’m safe anyway. Some questions I can ask myself when I’m having these doubts could be…

  • Is there anything in the here and now that is a threat?
  • What are my 5 senses telling me?
  • Is the logic I’m using based on what’s actually happening right now, or is it based on past experiences, stories, and things I’ve heard from others?

 

When we push the idea that OCD needs to be ”illogical”, we discount the core experience of obsessive thoughts in the first place, and belittle the people dealing with those obsessions. Dismissing these very real fears based on very real stories just creates a rift in understanding and can increase the stigma of OCD. Diagnosis may even be missed by people who believe OCD can’t make sense and still be OCD. A more accurate statement would be that the logic of OCD is not based in the present. It exists, and it’s important to understand nonjudgmentally, and it also doesn’t represent real danger. This nuance is crucial. That’s where the work is!

 

 

Wanna Learn More about OCD?

Check out our first blog in this series:

OCD Myths, Debunked #1: Compulsions Are All Visible Behaviors

If you’re ready to meet with an OCD specialist, Star Meadow Counseling is able to help! Reach out today to schedule your first appointment.

 

 

OCD Myths, Debunked #1: Compulsions Are All Visible Behaviors

OCD Myths, Debunked #1: Compulsions Are All Visible Behaviors

by | Anxiety, Obsession, OCD

OCD is a complex mental health condition that is often missed and misunderstood by clinicians and people with OCD alike. The International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF) estimates that 1 in 40 people in the US will meet the criteria for an OCD diagnosis at some point in their lives. That works out to be around 8.2 million people, or about the population of the state of Washington. That’s a lot of people! Even still, it takes the average person 7 years to get an OCD diagnosis from the time that symptoms emerge.

 

What makes OCD so tricky to diagnose, if so many people experience it? A major factor is our collective understanding of what OCD is in the first place. Pop culture often depicts OCD as intense cleanliness, a desire for perfectionism, or meaningless rituals that the characters themselves have no real connection to. If this is all you know OCD to be, it’s very easy to not recognize yourself in that portrayal, and never seek support or answers. Further, if clinicians have this narrow view of OCD, they might miss important signs and further extend the amount of time it takes to get real support.

 

Let’s get into some important misconceptions about OCD, so that we can all move forward with a better understanding of what this very common diagnosis actually is. This series will attempt to provide an overview of topics that deserve further discussion, one myth at a time.

 

The misconception of the day: Compulsions are all visible behaviors.

 

Think about stereotypical compulsions that immediately come to mind when you think of OCD. You may think of…

  • Hand washing
  • Rigorous cleaning and organizing
  • Switching lights on and off
  • Tapping or blinking rituals

 

While many compulsions are based on physical activities, it’s just as likely that compulsions are invisible, at least to people on the outside.

 

You may have heard of the term “Pure O” OCD, as a way of describing OCD that occurs as obsessions without any compulsions. While this label can be affirming for folks who have never experienced physical compulsions, it is more likely that people with “Pure O” OCD do have compulsions, they’re just internal. Some examples of internal compulsions may be…

  • Mental reviewing/rumination: thinking through memories or anticipating future events over and over again, scanning for danger/embarrassment/feared outcomes
    • Example: rethinking a conversation with your spouse from last week, for hours and hours, reviewing what you said and how they reacted until you feel totally sure that they aren’t secretly planning on breaking up with you.
  • Thought neutralization/blocking: forcing comforting, repetitive, or nonsense thoughts to “drown out” anxiety and obsessions
    • Examples: when having obsessive thoughts about harming a loved one, interrupting those thoughts by thinking “NO, NO, NO, NO” on repeat, imagining a big red stop sign over and over, or repeating the phrase “I am okay” internally until there’s an internal sense of things being “neutralized”.
  • Internal checking: responding to a distressing thought or sensation by repeatedly “testing” to see if it’s real, still there, or changing.
    • Examples: noticing a sore throat and repetitively checking to see if it’s getting worse, checking desire to harm a loved one by repeatedly imagining them in a feared scenario and seeing if you have an emotional response

 

Mental compulsions are very real and often fly under the radar in a way that physical compulsions don’t, simply because other people may not notice they’re happening. However, one of the sneakiest ways OCD reinforces itself is based on behaviors that aren’t happening at all.

 

Huh? How could something not happening impact OCD? Through avoidance!

 

Avoidance is one of the easiest signs of OCD to miss, because it relies on having a deep understanding of your personal OCD. Avoidance can keep OCD around in subtle ways for a very long time. Some ways that OCD shows up are…

  • Avoiding things because they trigger obsessions
    • Examples: not cooking for fear of triggering anxiety about food poisoning, not dating for fear of worrying that someone is cheating on you, not texting or writing for fear of saying the “wrong thing”.
  • Avoiding things because they trigger compulsions
    • Examples: not showering because your hygiene routine is so rigorous/time consuming/painful, not speaking with loved ones because your mental reviewing compulsions are so distressing after the fact, not driving because you’ll feel the need to check and make sure you didn’t hit anyone.
  • Avoiding contact with objects, places, or people that seem “contaminated”
  • Avoiding contact with kids or animals for fear of pedophilia, beastiality, or other “taboo” OCD themes being triggered

 

Both avoidance and mental compulsions are often missed during assessments and screeners for OCD, and can contribute to a delay in receiving effective care. It’s important to break the misconception that OCD is all behavioral, because that really only covers a small part of the ways that OCD can impact someone’s life. Getting better at recognizing all the many aspects of OCD ensures that we are better at talking about it and supporting people who are dealing with OCD in the future, including ourselves.

 

 

Schedule with an OCD Specialist

If you’re ready to meet with an OCD specialist, Star Meadow Counseling is able to help! Reach out today to schedule your first appointment.

 

 

 

 

Mindfulness Activities to do Outdoors Near Vancouver, WA

Mindfulness Activities to do Outdoors Near Vancouver, WA

by | Anxiety, Coping

Do you want to develop a habit of being more present, self-aware, and non-judgmental?

Whether you have just learned about mindfulness or have been practicing it for years, you may want to find ways to integrate it into your life in ways that feel natural and fun. You don’t need to just wait until your mindfulness retreat or set timers to prompt you to remember throughout your busy day. If you are someone who likes the outdoors or who wants to be spending more time in nature, here are some mindfulness practices that you can use when you go visit these parks and gardens in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Make sure to verify if these locations are open prior to visiting.

 

Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield

 

  1. Count how many animals you come across. Notice their shape, colors, sounds, and movements.
  2. Look in the waterways and ponds. Notice any movement, reflection, leaves floating on the water, and animals beneath the water.
  3. Adopt an attitude of curiosity toward your internal world. What do you notice showing up as you explore this natural area?
  4. Look up at the tops of the trees. Notice the movement of branches. Feel the air around you. Is it warm or cool? Is the air still or is there a breeze?

 

Brush Prairie Wildlife Botanical Garden: https://naturescaping.org/

  1. Bring your attention to your footsteps as you explore the garden. Notice the sound your feet make on the ground. Notice the different textures of the ground.
  2. What sounds do you hear? Can you distinguish different types of bird? Can you hear anyone talking or walking around? Can you hear cows mooing in the distance?
  3. Notice the letters on the signs throughout the garden. What color are the letters? Notice the different fonts and sizes.
  4. If you spot any water features, pause to bring your attention to your emotions and thoughts. Observe them as they pass through your awareness and allow them to fade away. If they come back or seem to stick around, notice any judgments that may come up, and show curiosity and kindness toward those experiences.
  5. Move closer to the flowers and smell them! Notice the differences between flowers. How intense are the smells? What memories come up associated with the smells? Just observe those memories for a moment without needing to latch on to them.

 

Columbia Springs (Vancouver, WA): https://www.columbiasprings.org/ 

  1. Notice what you are looking at as you enter this park. What do you focus on? When something attracts your attention, notice what aspects of the object/animal/location grabbed your attention? Was it a movement, a color, a shape, or something that reminded you of something else?
  2. Observe your own body movement. Scan you body and bring your attention to different parts. Do you notice any tension or feeling of relaxation?
  3. Pay attention to the sky. What is the sunlight like today? Notice the shape of the clouds and how fast they are moving, or the absence of clouds. Is there rain or fog?
  4. If you pass by the fish hatchery, watch the movement of the fishes. Are there patterns that show up? Notice any sound from the fishes and the water.

 

Port of Camas-Washougal waterfront park: https://portcw.com/parks-trails/

  1. Observe the river in detail. Where does the river appear smoother? Where does the river have more waves or visible movement? Notice anything that blocks your view of the river. Notice what is on the other side of the river.
  2. As you walk on the path, bring your awareness to your breathing. Just notice without changing anything about it. What temperature is the air that touches your nostrils? Notice the movement of your chest and belly as you inhale and exhale. Notice any sensation of relaxation as you exhale.
  3. Notice the different trees. Look at the texture of the bark. Look at the shape of the leaves. Look at the patterns of the branches. Notice any branches that are bare.
  4. Notice the size of the logs laying on the ground. Notice the position of the log relative to the path.
  5. Touch any large rocks. Notice the sensation on your hands. Notice the texture and temperature.

 

Columbia Tech Center Nature & Play (Vancouver, WA): https://www.columbiatechcenter.com/nature-play/

  1. Walk in a loop around the play structures. Notice what you see from different angles. Try to walk as quietly as you can. Can you still hear your footsteps? Walk on different surfaces. Notice the different sounds your footsteps make.
  2. Sit on the grass. Notice your body connecting with the earth. How soft is the ground? How tall is the grass?
  3. Count the people in the park. Notice their body positions. Notice their facial expressions. Notice any judgment or thoughts coming up. Bring your attention back to the people.
  4. Did you spot any ducks in the ponds (on the outside of the park by the street)? Observe what the ducks are doing. What are internal sensations that you notice? What is your own facial expression like?

 

Vancouver Lake: https://www.visitvancouverwa.com/vancouver-lake-park/

  1. Find a spot where you can see a large expanse of the park. Notice any benches, walking paths, street lamps, grassy areas, benches, and picnic tables.
  2. Notice how far the most distant thing you can see is. What do you see closest to you?
  3. When you walk on the sand, bring attention to the sensation of your feet on the sand, the change in your gait, and the color of the sand. Are there holes in the sand? Are there areas where the sand piled up? Notice if you can discern where the wet sand starts or if everything is wet, are there any spots of dry sand?
  4. Bring your awareness to your emotions. Notice any change as you explore different areas.

 

If you are looking for a therapist to guide you through mindfulness practices, reach out to Star Meadow Counseling today to start your therapy journey!

What Is a Mood Tracker?

What Is a Mood Tracker?

by | Feb 20, 2026 | , , ,

A mood tracker is a visual tool you can use to help you increase self-awareness by gathering data on your day to day emotional experiences and factors that may affect your mood. Are you someone who likes to see more concrete evidence that you are making progress? Is...

Coping with Political Anxiety

Coping with Political Anxiety

by | Feb 4, 2025 | ,

Coping with Political Anxiety: How Therapy Can Help In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the constant stream of political news. For many, staying informed is essential—but for others, the weight of political turmoil can become overwhelming, leading to...

Window of Tolerance 101

Window of Tolerance 101

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Strengthening Coping Strategies Widening the Window of Tolerance The more adept we become at coping with distress, the more we strengthen our ability to experience the here-and-now sense of safety in therapy as we face our pain. When your therapist helps you ground,...

Breaking Free From Rumination After a Narcissistic Relationship

Breaking Free From Rumination After a Narcissistic Relationship

by | Anxiety, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Trauma

If you’ve ever found yourself replaying old conversations, imagining what you should have said, or wondering if it was all somehow your fault, you’re not alone. This mental loop is called rumination, and it can pull you out of your present life and drop you right back into the past. It is actually a very common experience for those who have been in narcissistic relationships, sometimes even months or years after the relationship has ended.

The impact does not stop with thoughts about the relationship itself. Rumination can spill into other areas of your life, leading you to second-guess everyday decisions. You might question what you like or do not like, hesitate over career choices, or even feel unsure about simple things like what to wear. When your inner world has been shaped by constant doubt and gaslighting, it is no surprise that self-trust feels shaky long after the relationship is over.

You may also find yourself wondering, why do I keep going back? Why can’t I just move on? That frustration is part of the rumination trap, feeling stuck between knowing what happened was harmful and still getting pulled into the loop of trying to make sense of it.

 

What This Rumination Looks Like

Rumination often sounds like:

  • “Maybe it was me.”
  • “I didn’t explain myself clearly enough.”
  • “Maybe if I just changed…”
  • “If I could just say this one thing, maybe it would change.”
  • “If only I could just get them to see what they did.”
  • “We had some good moments, too. Was I just being too sensitive?”

These are all the classic questions and thoughts for those caught in rumination, being stuck in mental loops, replaying scenarios, imagining how things could have been better, or waiting for the day the other person finally notices the pain they caused.

 

Why Rumination May Be Happening

Narcissistic people are skilled at planting doubt and leaving you without true closure or understanding. Leaving you feeling like you are never right, and you are meant to doubt yourself. They are both skilled and unwilling to admit that they are doing this. It is highly unlikely that this person is ever going to hold themselves accountable or acknowledge the harm they caused. You could play out many scenarios in your head, and the outcome would be the same: “you lose”

Family of origin dynamics can deepen this pattern too. If you grew up around gaslighting or criticism, it is easy to keep chasing validation that may never come. These earlier messages can build in a narrative around self-doubting and difficulty with trusting how you really feel.

 

Breaking From the Cycle of Rumination

You cannot fix the unfixable, but you can take steps to loosen rumination’s grip. Dr. Ramani suggests the following tips, and if you want to dive deeper I encourage you to watch the video listed below and explore more of her content. She is a specialist in narcissistic abuse and recovery.

  • Distraction List: Helpful shifts that can take you away from your thoughts and ruminations: a change of scene, engaging in a fun hobby, going for a walk, or calling a friend. These small actions can help reset the mind and give you space away from the loop.
  • Mindfulness Practice: Anchor yourself in the present by tuning into what is around you: sights, sounds, and sensations.
  • Realistic Recall: I like to describe this as making the painful events of abuse more tangible instead of being caught in only the “good moments.” Writing down the difficult times can help keep a clear picture of what actually happened.
  • Joyful Defiance: This is about actively defying the restrictions that relationship placed on you. Do the very things you were not allowed to do, whether it is wearing certain clothes, laughing too loud, or exploring new hobbies. Each act of joyful defiance is a way of reclaiming your life and your sense of self.

 

Final Thoughts

Rumination convinces you that if you think hard enough, or if you finally say the perfect thing, you will land on the explanation that makes sense. But healing and reclaiming yourself does not come from being caught in the problem solving and confusing puzzle the narcissist has planted. It comes from recognizing the game and the manipulation, and choosing to step out of it. Little by little, you can shift your focus from replaying the past to reclaiming your present.

If you think this pertains to you or you resonate with what you have read, Ellen Bass specializes in helping people reclaim their lives after narcissistic and emotional abuse. She supports individuals in rebuilding self-trust, finding clarity, and creating space for healing and growth.

Resources:

 

 

What Is a Mood Tracker?

What Is a Mood Tracker?

by | Feb 20, 2026 | , , ,

A mood tracker is a visual tool you can use to help you increase self-awareness by gathering data on your day to day emotional experiences and factors that may affect your mood. Are you someone who likes to see more concrete evidence that you are making progress? Is...

Overcoming Perfectionism with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Overcoming Perfectionism with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

by | Anxiety, Self Acceptance, Self Worth, Self-Esteem

Perfectionism is often celebrated in our society, but for many, it can become an overwhelming burden. When perfectionism takes over, it can lead to constant self-criticism, avoidance of challenges, and a deep fear of failure. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers powerful tools to help people struggling with perfectionism find relief and regain balance. By focusing on mindfulness, acceptance, and value-driven action, ACT provides a path toward overcoming the rigid standards that keep perfectionism alive.

Understanding Perfectionism through an ACT Lens

ACT views perfectionism as a product of rigid thinking patterns and avoidance behaviors. These patterns often center around unhelpful thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I have to be flawless to be worthy.” In ACT, such thoughts are seen as part of human experience, not facts or truths that must dictate behavior. Instead of trying to eliminate these thoughts, ACT teaches clients to change their relationship with them, reducing their power and influence.

Two key ACT skills that are particularly useful for addressing perfectionism are cognitive defusion and emotion expansion (also known as acceptance). Let’s explore how these skills can help individuals break free from perfectionistic traps.

Cognitive Defusion: Unhooking from Perfectionistic Thoughts

Cognitive defusion involves creating distance between you and your thoughts so they don’t control your actions. Perfectionistic thoughts often show up as harsh self-judgments, catastrophic predictions, or rigid rules. For example:

  • “If I can’t do it perfectly, I shouldn’t do it at all.”

  • “Everyone will judge me if I make a mistake.”

  • “I’ll never be good enough no matter how hard I try.”

Instead of getting caught up in these thoughts, cognitive defusion helps you observe them for what they are: just thoughts. Here are a few practical strategies for cognitive defusion:

  • Label your thoughts: When a perfectionistic thought arises, label it by saying, “I’m having the thought that I’ll fail,” instead of “I’ll fail.” This small shift reminds you that thoughts are not facts.

  • Thank your mind: When your inner critic speaks up, respond with humor and gratitude: “Thanks, mind, for trying to keep me safe, but I’ve got this.”

  • Imagine your thoughts as external objects: Picture your perfectionistic thoughts as leaves floating down a stream or words written in the sand. This visualization can help you let them come and go without getting stuck.

Cognitive defusion doesn’t aim to make the thoughts disappear but to reduce their power. With practice, you can learn to notice perfectionistic thoughts without letting them dictate your choices.

Emotion Expansion: Making Space for Discomfort

Perfectionism often stems from a desire to avoid uncomfortable emotions, such as anxiety, shame, or fear of failure. In ACT, emotion expansion involves accepting these emotions as part of the human experience rather than trying to suppress or escape them. By making space for discomfort, you can free yourself from the cycle of avoidance that perfectionism perpetuates.

Here’s how emotion expansion can help:

  • Name your emotions: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause and identify what you’re experiencing. For example: “This is anxiety,” or “I’m feeling shame right now.” Naming emotions can reduce their intensity and make them feel more manageable.

  • Breathe into the feeling: When discomfort arises, practice breathing deeply and imagining your breath flowing into the area of your body where you feel the emotion most strongly. This simple act can help you stay present with the sensation instead of resisting it.

  • Welcome emotions as visitors: Instead of viewing emotions as threats, try thinking of them as temporary visitors. Remind yourself: “This feeling won’t last forever.”

By expanding your capacity to sit with difficult emotions, you can take meaningful action even when perfectionistic fears are present.

Living a Value-Driven Life

At the heart of ACT is the concept of living a life aligned with your values. Perfectionism often leads people to prioritize external validation or unrealistic standards over what truly matters to them. By identifying and committing to your core values, you can shift your focus from “What will others think?” to “What do I want my life to stand for?”

Here’s how to start living a value-driven life:

  1. Identify your values: Reflect on what matters most to you. Is it creativity, connection, personal growth, or helping others? Write down the values that resonate with you.

  2. Set values-based goals: Instead of pursuing perfection, set goals that align with your values. For example, if connection is a value, focus on spending quality time with loved ones rather than striving to be the “perfect” friend or partner.

  3. Take committed action: Even when perfectionistic thoughts arise, practice taking small, values-aligned steps. For example, if fear of judgment is holding you back from sharing your work, remind yourself of your value of creativity and share it anyway.

Moving Beyond Perfectionism

Overcoming perfectionism is a journey, not a destination. With the tools of ACT, you can learn to unhook from unhelpful thoughts, embrace uncomfortable emotions, and live a life guided by your values rather than by fear. Perfectionism may still whisper in your ear, but it doesn’t have to steer your path. By practicing cognitive defusion, emotion expansion, and value-driven action, you can build a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling.

If perfectionism is holding you back, consider reaching out to a therapist trained in ACT. With guidance and practice, you can break free from the grip of perfectionism and move toward a life of greater freedom and self-compassion.

Ready to take the first step? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and explore how ACT can support you on your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Climate Anxiety

Climate Anxiety

by | Anxiety

Hope, Action, and Climate Advocacy

“I thought I couldn’t make a difference because I was too small.”

-Greta Thunberg

 

We live in the age of information, which means it is increasingly difficult to limit one’s access to breaking news. More and more we are seeing headlines about wildfire evacuation, record flooding, and heat waves. It is well-established that climate change is a threat to our physical health, and we are starting to see data about its negative impacts on mental health.

 

The term climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, was first studied as a phenomenon in 2007, though began to receive more attention around 2017 after Greta Thunberg publicly spoke about her own anxiety relative to climate change. A September 2021 survey asked 10,000 respondents from ten countries across the world about their fears related to the environment and found that nearly 60 percent were either ‘very worried’ or ‘extremely worried’ about the climate. Climate anxiety is especially common among children and young adults. In some universities, over 70 percent of students described themselves as suffering from eco-anxiety. If this is something you have personally experienced, you are not alone.

 

Although the effects of climate change are far-reaching, it is important to note that advocacy at the individual level makes a difference. There is hope in knowing that climate anxiety is not a standalone mental health condition, largely because it is defined as an adaptable response to a distressing situation. Discomfort is a change agent and a motivator, though mindfulness is important. When anxiety turns into overwhelm, it can show up as conflict avoidance or a freeze response. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness about the future and about one’s own ability to make a difference.

 

If you are someone who experiences anxiety about the future of our home, and find yourself at a loss, below are some suggestions for sustainable advocacy –

 

1. Focus on what you can control

    • Research and participate in local organizations, initiatives, or volunteer opportunities

    • Write or call your legislators, encouraging them to act in defense of the environment

    • Consider ways you can engage in consumption more sustainably (composting/recycling)

    • Donate to organizations you care about, if you are able

    • Have conversations with your friends and family members about your thoughts and feelings

 

2. Avoid burnout

    • As stated earlier, anxiety when left uncared for can lead to overwhelm. Get curious about your own anxiety and take note of your freeze responses

    • Give yourself full permission to take breaks from the Internet to recuperate and practice self-care; this will allow you to avoid burnout and return to advocacy when you are able

 

3. Practice self-compassion

    • Remember: Your anxiety makes sense and is an adaptable response to an unsustainable situation. Consider ways you can mindfully process your emotions through journaling, talking with a therapist, physical movement, art, or gardening

    • Getting outside does wonders for our individual and collective mental health. Get curious about ways you can plant flowers, access hiking trails, or any other hobbies you enjoy that can be done outside. When you take care of yourself, you have internal resources to pull from when you feel called to take care of the world around you.

 

Ready to take the next step?

Contact us today to learn more about our Counseling services and how we can help you process climate anxiety. 

What Is a Mood Tracker?

What Is a Mood Tracker?

by | Feb 20, 2026 | , , ,

A mood tracker is a visual tool you can use to help you increase self-awareness by gathering data on your day to day emotional experiences and factors that may affect your mood. Are you someone who likes to see more concrete evidence that you are making progress? Is...