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Online Therapeutic Support for New Yorkers
Life transitions are easier when you have someone by your side, providing you with words of support and skills you can take into the real world.
Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly we are feeling—there’s simply a general sense that something is off, or something is missing.
Out of Place
Do you feel like you don’t belong where you are? Perhaps you look at others laughing comfortably and you wonder: what am I missing? This feeling can come up at work or social events, but also with close friends and family. It’s difficult to identify the reason for this, but it can often make you feel irritable, aimless, isolated or depressed.
Lack of Focus
Do you feel like you are unable to concentrate on the things that matter? Or maybe you’re having difficulty finding the motivation to do the things you want? Busy multitaskers and more laid-back creative types may find themselves in a rut that affects their mindset and ability to focus on both daily tasks and big picture aspects of life.
Overwhelmed
In our busy lives, we are no stranger to stress, and the sense of overwhelm that so often comes with it. Whether our thoughts are triggered from events in the external world, or seemingly come out of nowhere, they often succeed in leaving us without confidence in our ability to cope with what lies ahead.
Boredom
The day-in and day-out aspect of life can often seem too tedious or too difficult to bear. This sense of monotony can lead to feelings of unrest and leave you searching for something more, something to spice things up, or something to feel passionate about. You may be contemplating a change in career, relationship status or even a move.
Everyone Needs Support.
Everyone goes through moments where they feel out of touch or distant from themselves. Not everyone will require outside support. However, if these thoughts or feelings are a constant presence in your life, it’s a good idea to talk to someone who can help you get to the root of your discontent.
If you have feelings that are hard to place, therapy can help.
Life Transitions
Is your life changing in a substantial way? If so, therapy can help you develop skills to manage the transition with more competence and less stress. Below are some of the most common life transitions.
Financial Gain or Loss
Money is not everything, but it can occupy an important part of your life. If your financial situation has just changed drastically, whether for the better or worse, talking to someone about managing your new situation might be a healthy way to develop the skills to maintain or improve your position.
Growing Up
It takes some of us a bit longer to mature or take on adult responsibilities. For others, we feel we missed out on our childhood due to our family’s situation. Either way, understanding how becoming an adult fits within your narrative is an important self-exploration that can help you develop strong self-management skills for the rest of your life.
Starting or Ending a Relationship
Starting a committed relationship can change significant aspects of an individual’s life. Likewise, a divorce or break up can be a similar degree of change. Both life transitions are often improved by therapy to build skills that strengthen your ability to manage each change.
Going Back to School
Whether you’re considering finishing up an undergraduate degree or pursuing an advanced degree, going back to school can be challenging. The financial investment and sacrifice of free time can lead to higher levels of anxiety and sometimes depression. Therapy can help you gain skills to tolerate distress and stay focused as you invest in your education.
Career Change
Changing your career and moving onto something different can be scary, especially if you were successful in your past job. On the other hand, it can also be a breath of fresh air, and if you have the right coping skills, you may set yourself on the path to a happier and more fulfilled life.
Adjustment Disorder
If you have gone through a major life change and are having difficulty coping with the stress that comes with your new circumstances, you might have adjustment disorder. People with adjustment disorder begin feeling depressed or anxious within three months of the change. It also causes feelings of panic and stress, which then may lead to dangerous behaviors.
Signs of Adjustment Disorder:
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and sadness
Loss of ability to feel pleasure in previously pleasurable events or activities
Crying
Anxiety or consistent worry
Lack of enthusiasm
Headaches
Stomach pain or nausea
Fatigue
Social withdrawal or isolation from close friends or relatives
Avoiding school or work
Heart palpitations or tachycardia
Engaging in harmful behavior such as violence, drinking alcohol and driving, or vandalism
Changes in appetite
Insomnia or sleeping issues
Substance abuse or addiction
New to New York?
New York is famous for its fast pace and make-or-break atmosphere. The pressures of living in the city are real and can take a toll. However, New York also provides myriad cultural, arts and leisure experiences. Taking advantage of all that the city has to offer can go a long way in helping your mental health.
You Matter
Often, those who move to New York from smaller cities immediately notice that people don’t pay attention to anyone while they’re walking or riding the subway. There are simply too many people—and yet this can make people feel isolated and lonely. Not garnering social attention from strangers is not a sign of your insignificance; you matter.
Take a Break
Living in New York can make people busy all the time, working full-time and continuing their job at home, then going out with friends. Your mental health will suffer if you continue to burn the candle at both ends. Take a break from your hustling lifestyle and find aspects of NYC that help you slow down.
Try Something New
There are tons of fun things to do in NYC. Lazy days are good for binge-watching TV, but if you’re not too busy, try going somewhere you haven’t been in the five boroughs. Do yoga in Central Park, join a spin class, peruse flea markets, or go to the theater. Make the most out of your time in NYC.
Manage Your Budget
Budgeting is always one of the recommendations we give to newcomers, because the cost of living in New York is higher compared to other cities. Going out with friends can turn into a big expense, and since there’s always something to do or somewhere new to go, the opportunities for spending are endless. There are also many free or low-cost events throughout the year, if you make a point to find them.
Find Nature
Although New York is known for its buildings and crowded sidewalks, there are beautiful green spaces throughout the city that you can enjoy. There are big parks in each of the boroughs and nature just on the edges of New York in each direction. We all need a little bit of nature in our lives, and New York residents are no different—it’s all about finding the places that make you the happiest.
If you have recently moved to the city and are having trouble adjusting, talking to someone about your transition can help.
Life transitions are easier when you have someone by your side, providing you with words of support and skills you can take into the real world.