Thoughts from a therapist…

A Blog

If you find yourself struggling with various family dynamics, low motivation, depression, anxiety, low self esteem reach out today and find out how therapy can help.

Anxiety, Depression Christina Castro Anxiety, Depression Christina Castro

Navigating the Mental Health Challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a deeply personal journey that encompasses not only the physical repercussions but also significant psychological hurdles. At Brighter Days Teletherapy, we understand the complexities that come with TBI and offer supportive, empathetic care through online therapy, helping individuals all across California find a pathway back to their best selves.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Unveiling ADHD in Women: Symptoms, Support, and the Path to Empowerment

The path to diagnosis is a critical turning point for many women. A study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry highlights the gender disparity in ADHD diagnosis, with women often being diagnosed later in life, if at all. This delay can have profound implications, from academic struggles to challenges in personal relationships and career setbacks.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

How do I know if I am depressed or just sad and worried?

Feeling down or worried is a normal part of life. We all go through periods of sadness, stress, grief or worry in response to difficult life events or situations. But how can you tell if your sadness has crossed the line into depression?

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious medical illness that affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities. Unlike normal mood fluctuations, depressive episodes last for weeks or months and can become progressively worse without treatment.

Here are some signs and differences that can help you determine if you may be depressed rather than just feeling temporarily sad or anxious:

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Unpacking the Delivery Bag: A Compassionate Look at Birth Trauma and Healing

Childbirth, often portrayed as the pinnacle of joy and a miraculous beginning, can sometimes leave shadows that linger long after the labor room. This journey into motherhood, while beautiful, can also be accompanied by unexpected challenges, including birth trauma. In this conversation, we’re going to gently unpack this often overlooked aspect of childbirth, offering understanding, support, and hope for healing.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

EMDR and Depression: Understanding the Role of Attachment Trauma

When we think of depression, often we picture someone who's feeling down and out, maybe a bit 'off.' But what if I told you that the roots of depression often run much deeper and can be traced back to our earliest bonding experiences? Yes, we're talking about those infant days, long before you had to worry about paying bills or what to post next on Instagram. This is where the concept of attachment trauma comes into play, and believe it or not, it can significantly contribute to depression in adulthood. Let's unravel this puzzle and see how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), particularly the attachment-focused variant, can help us tackle these deep-seated issues.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Navigating the Storm: Understanding and Managing Postpartum Depression in Later Parenthood

Welcoming a new life into the world is an extraordinary event filled with joy, anticipation, and love. However, for many women, especially those who become mothers later in life, this significant life transition can also bring unexpected mental health challenges, such as postpartum depression (PPD) and perinatal mood disorders. The joyous arrival of a newborn can sometimes be overshadowed by overwhelming emotions, but understanding the signs and knowing when to seek help can make all the difference.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

The Connection Between Women’s Hormones and Mental Health: An In-Depth Look

Navigating the landscape of mental health is a complex task for anyone, but women face an added layer of complexity: hormones. From the onset of menstruation to the transitions of pregnancy and menopause, women's lives are often significantly impacted by hormonal fluctuations. These hormonal changes can, in turn, affect mental health, manifesting in conditions like depression and anxiety. Understanding this connection is crucial for both women and healthcare providers aiming for effective diagnosis and treatment.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

A Journey Through Complexity: When Motherhood Awakens Dormant Childhood Trauma

Transitioning to motherhood is a significant milestone that brings joy, love, and a new sense of purpose. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges that can put emotional and psychological strains on new mothers. These challenges are magnified manifold for women who have experienced childhood trauma. Suddenly, responsibilities like feeding, comforting, and disciplining your child could act as triggers, evoking memories and emotions you thought were long-buried.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Finding Your Balance: How Online Therapy Can Support Busy Sports Moms

Whether you're struggling with life transitions, feeling disconnected from your partner, or battling feelings of inadequacy as a mom or wife, high-quality online therapy could be the lifeline you need. At Brighter Days Teletherapy, our highly skilled therapists with lived experience are here to guide you through the unique challenges you face. Let's dive into how therapy for moms can help you regain a sense of self and transform your life for the better.

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EMDR Therapy Christina Castro EMDR Therapy Christina Castro

What the Heck is EMDR and How Can It Help Me?

Helping your brain get unstuck from trauma.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Research has proven that EMDR is a successful treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. Maybe you’ve been curious about EMDR or you recently learned about it while watching Oprah interview of Prince Harry. If you have suffered a traumatic event, whether you can recall the details or not, EMDR may be the therapy that can finally provide you relief from the triggers that send your mind and body back into survival mode.

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