Emotional Problems

If you are reading the this page it is most likely because you, or someone you know, is experiencing one or more of the emotional problems listed below. I want you to know that for those who truly want to change, there are therapeutic treatment approaches that can, and do, work. For more information on the emotional problems listed below please click on the link for that subject.

Anger is something all of us have experienced. It Is a completely normal human emotion. But when anger takes control of us it can be harmful.  It often leads to physical problems, problems at work, to problems in personal relationships, and it can have a negative impact on the overall quality of your life.

Anxiety seems to be a part of everyday living.  However, some people feel anxious most of the time, often with little or no reason. Sometimes the anxiety becomes so overpowering that you feel immobilized.  In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common of all the mental health problems. There are a wide variety of treatments that can help you deal with anxiety.

Depression evidences itself in a variety of symptoms and there are variations in the number, severity, and persistence of these symptoms.  Some types of depression run in families and often there appears to be a biological and chemical component to depression.  Regardless of the cause, depression is not something you have to accept and live with.  There are several types of treatment that have proved effective to help you deal with depression.

Fear is a normal human emotional reaction to a real or imagined situation. A fear reaction happens whenever we sense danger or when we are faced with something new or unknown that we think may be dangerous or threatening.  A phobia is an intense, unreasonable fear of situations, people, or things where the fear is far out of proportion to the actual danger or harm that is possible. The fear and distress is so intense that you will do whatever you can to avoid coming into contact with the feared object or situation.  Fears and phobias can minor irritations or can so disrupt your life as to make life almost unbearable.  In general, fears and phobias are very responsive to therapeutic help. 

Grief is our human response to real or imagined loss.  The symptoms of grief vary since they are strongly influenced by personality, family, culture, and religious beliefs. Grief may be experienced in combination with other emotional responses (such as anger, guilt, sadness, depression and despair), physical reactions (such as changes in sleep patterns and appetite), or social reactions (such as role changes in the family). A competent therapist can help you deal with guilt that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Lack of confidence and lack of self-esteem can lead you to place to much dependence on the approval of others in order to feel good about yourself. If you lack confidence you may not expect to be successful, may be overly critical of yourself, and may avoid taking appropriate risks because you feel you may fail. Your sense of confidence and self-esteem, or lack of these, affects how you think, act, and feel about others, as well as how successful you are in life.  With effort and guidance you can develop more confidence and a more positive sense of self-esteem.

If you have had a panic attack, it is an experience you will not forget and will not want to have again. In a panic attack you have feelings of terror (panic) that strike suddenly with no warning. Typically you cannot predict when an attack will happen and you may develop intense anxiety worrying about when and where the next panic attack will occur.  Some people's lives become so restricted that they avoid normal everyday activities. They even become home-bound and may develop agoraphobia and depression. Panic attacks are treatable and sufferers can learn to reduce and overcome the attacks.

Social phobia is such a common phobia that is has been listed separate from the other phobias.  It is a persistent fear of one or more situations in which you will be observed by others and you fear you may do something that will be humiliating or embarrassing. Social phobia involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.  As with other phobias, there are several treatment methods that can be effective.

Stress comes from both good and bad things that happen to us.  Additionally, the things that cause stress for you may not be a problem for others. You may be one of those persons for whom stress is a great motivator or it may be a factor that disrupts your life. Your reaction to stress can affect your mental and physical health, so it is important for you to learn how to deal effectively with stress.

"If you really want help dealing with your feelings and emotions, changing your behavior, and improving your life, I will be happy to help you.  I am available almost any time and any place.  You can call me directly and there is no cost or obligation for the initial telephone consultation.  Or you can reach me by email.  I look forward to the possibility of helping you to improve your life."   Dr. Vince Berger