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Posts From ReachLink's Advice Section.

By ReachLink Editorial Team 02 Apr, 2024
ReachLink and UniCare insurance benefits
By ReachLink Editorial Team 29 Feb, 2024
Plato and Aristotle, two ancient Greek philosophers, have left enduring ideas that continue to shape the contemporary world. Broadly, Plato asserted that individuals could attain happiness through moral conduct and adherence to the fundamental values of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice. In contrast, Aristotle, Plato's disciple, viewed happiness as life's ultimate objective, attainable through virtuous living and the application of critical thinking and reasoning skills. Translating these philosophical perspectives into practical life advice involves adopting guiding principles, living in the present, setting realistic goals, and pursuing a balanced existence. Seeking support from a licensed therapist, either in-person or online, may also contribute to the pursuit of happiness. Plato , credited with establishing the Academy, is seen as a pivotal figure shaping the contemporary world. Despite the enigma surrounding his life, his enduring works have persisted for millennia. As an instructor, he played a crucial role in the education of numerous individuals, notably Aristotle, widely regarded as his most renowned disciple. Aristotle , who entered Plato's Academy in his youth and remained a student for two decades, is acknowledged for his significant impact on Western philosophical values. Much like Plato, Aristotle's enduring contributions endure, continuing to shape modern societal perspectives. Plato expressed his views on happiness in The Republic, asserting that true happiness is attained by individuals who exhibit moral conduct and adhere to the four fundamental virtues. According to him, these virtues are not inherent but can be cultivated through deliberate practice until they become ingrained habits. The four cardinal values typically encompass the following: Temperance typically involves practicing moderation in one's desires and navigating a middle path between extremes of excess and deficiency. It entails exercising restraint in actions and maintaining a state of balance. For instance, Plato might assess an individual who abstains from alcohol similarly to someone who indulges excessively in drinking. Fortitude , also referred to as courage, can be defined as an inner strength demonstrated in the face of challenges. When displaying courage, one is capable of resisting temptations and overcoming obstacles, exhibiting tenacity and determination in the midst of difficulties. Individuals possessing fortitude tend to persist and endure, making it an essential element in achieving goals and contributing to overall happiness. Prudence typically entails exercising rationality and employing that rationality for self-regulation. Individuals who experience contentment may possess the ability to assess themselves and opt for morally upright actions. They may practice mindfulness, derive lessons from their errors, and actively endeavor to enhance themselves. Justice , as outlined by Plato, deviates somewhat from our conventional understanding of the term. It is typically the most conceptual among virtues. According to Plato, justice can be perceived as striking a balance between selflessness and selfishness. He generally posited that individuals should pursue their own desires, yet concurrently find importance in contributing to the well-being and prosperity of those in their proximity. In summary, Plato's overarching perspective was that a content individual possesses principles and remains steadfast in adhering to them. Aristotle extensively discussed the concept of happiness, emphasizing it as life's ultimate objective attainable through virtuous living. According to him, cultivating innate virtues and acquiring new ones is key to virtuous living, enabling individuals to make wise choices and ultimately experience a joyful existence. Aristotle posited that humanity might have a purpose, possibly centered around the faculty of reason. Distinguishing us from other beings, our self-awareness and critical thinking abilities set us apart. Aristotle advocated the use of reason for achieving happiness and leading a virtuous life. Plato and Aristotle both endorsed the concept of adhering to a set of values to attain happiness. They also advocated finding a balanced middle path between excess and deficiency in one's actions. What Insights Can We Gain From the Teachings of Plato and Aristotle? While Aristotle and Plato are not beyond error, their teachings hold relevance for a broad audience. Reflecting on their philosophies can be a means to enhance your life, and several approaches to achieve this are outlined below: Embrace Your Principles Possibly, you possess a set of moral guidelines, though you might not have thoroughly contemplated them. Reflect on your notions of right and wrong, and adhere to them. Upholding your principles could contribute to a sense of contentment. If errors occur, view them as opportunities for growth, acknowledging that perfection is an unattainable standard. Embrace the Present Moment To think rationally, one typically needs to be aware of the present. While it's acceptable to consider the past or plan for the future, excessive preoccupation with either can lead to unhappiness. Instead, strive for balance by practicing moderation. Choose to live in the present, avoiding excessive fixation on either the past or the future. Establishing realistic objectives is essential. While pursuing and attaining significant accomplishments can contribute to happiness, it's advisable to focus your goals on your existing circumstances. Aspiring to be a billionaire is a lofty ambition, yet for many, pursuing smaller and more achievable goals might prove more beneficial. Strive for equilibrium. Human tendencies often lean towards extremes, and one remedy for this inclination is moderation. Reflect on areas of your life where excessiveness may be a concern. For example, if you find yourself constantly scrolling through social media, it can be a distraction from your daily life, and the content you encounter may have adverse effects on your mental well-being. Yet, completely abstaining from social media might lead to feelings of isolation in certain situations. A balanced approach involves occasional use of social media while maintaining a focus on both the tangible and virtual aspects of life. Exploring Happiness Through Therapy While having Aristotle or Plato as mentors could be enriching, their era has come and gone. For those seeking guidance in attaining happiness today, therapy offers valuable assistance. Through therapeutic sessions, you can learn strategies to reach your objectives, potentially enhancing your overall well-being. Additionally, if you're grappling with mental health issues or facing challenges, therapy can prove beneficial in mitigating associated symptoms. Advantages of Virtual Counseling Opting for online therapy can be a great choice if you're prepared to engage with a mental health professional but prefer the convenience of virtual sessions over in-person meetings. Through online therapy, you have the flexibility to connect with your therapist from the comfort of your residence or any location with internet access. Additionally, you can communicate with your therapist through messages at any time, allowing you to seek support even during late-night moments of distress, with the assurance that they will respond promptly. The efficacy of online therapy has been demonstrated as well. A study conducted in 2020 revealed that online therapeutic interventions typically led to noteworthy enhancements in depression and anxiety scores, compared to a baseline. These improvements were observed post-intervention at 12 weeks and were sustained at the 6-month mark. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of depression or seeking assistance in achieving happiness, contemplating collaboration with a therapist through online channels could be a beneficial option. To Keep In Mind… Plato emphasized the significance of morality and adherence to cardinal values like justice, fortitude, prudence, and temperance for achieving happiness. Aristotle, on the other hand, stressed the importance of employing reasoning skills and leading a virtuous life. Applying the wisdom of these philosophers today involves seeking balance, living in the present, upholding morals, and setting achievable goals. A licensed therapist can serve as a valuable guide in the pursuit of happiness.
By ReachLink Editorial Team 14 Feb, 2024
Grief is a strong and overwhelming feeling that nearly everyone will experience at some point in their lives. It commonly arises after the death of a loved one, going through bereavement, or the end of a meaningful relationship. Despite being a widespread phenomenon, the way individuals experience grief can greatly vary. People may have different emotions and ways of coping with their grief, and sometimes it can become incredibly intense. Comprehending the process of grief and the Kübler Ross model, comprising denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, offers a framework for dissecting the various stages of this emotional journey. It's important to note that not everyone experiences these phases in a strictly linear fashion, and some may express their anger towards entities like God or inanimate objects. Nevertheless, finding solace in this model is possible if it strikes a chord with your own experience. Continue reading to delve into the five stages and discover coping mechanisms, including discussing your emotions with others and seeking support as you navigate through your personal grieving process. The model of the five stages of grief was initially proposed by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying. Since its introduction, some have elaborated on the stages and their usual expressions, while others reject the model, considering it outdated. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and co-author David Kessler addressed these perspectives in their 2014 work, On Grief and Grieving, emphasizing that the stages have evolved and have often been misunderstood over the past three decades. They clarified that the stages were not intended to neatly categorize complex emotions but rather represent common responses to loss. Kübler-Ross and Kessler emphasized the individuality of grief, stating that there is no typical response to loss, as each person's experience of grief is as unique as their life. In line with Kübler-Ross's perspective, the stages should not be viewed as fixed points on a straight timeline. Instead, they serve as a guide to assist individuals in adapting to their loss. These different stages offer a means to recognize and comprehend one's emotions, facilitating the process of working through grief. The sequence in which these stages are encountered is not predetermined, and individuals may not necessarily undergo all of them. Some may revisit stages they encountered before, while bypassing others entirely. In essence, everyone undergoes grief uniquely, and models like the five stages should be seen as resources for those who find them beneficial rather than strict guidelines on navigating the grieving process. If the five stages model doesn't resonate with you, alternative approaches like the dual process model (DPM) , the six-R processes of mourning, or the four phases of grief are worth exploring. "People frequently perceive the stages as enduring for weeks or months, overlooking the fact that these stages correspond to fleeting emotions that may persist for only minutes or hours, as we transition between them. The progression through each stage is not a straightforward linear process; rather, we may experience one stage, then another, and return to the initial one in a cyclical manner." The Five Stages of Grief, as conceptualized by Kübler-Ross, can be beneficial for those navigating through grief or supporting a loved one in this journey. Familiarizing oneself with these stages may assist individuals in articulating their emotions. Kübler-Ross's five stages include the following. Resistance While the sequence of stages is variable, resistance often emerges as the initial response. This can be perceived as a natural defense mechanism aimed at aiding an individual in coping with the acute and immediate anguish of a setback. Its purpose is to shield the person from instantly confronting the full magnitude of their sorrow. Consequently, this phase might induce sensations of shock, emotional numbness, or a sense of detachment from reality. Anger Emotions of rage constitute another inherent aspect of the healing process for numerous individuals. According to Kübler-Ross, it is beneficial to permit oneself to experience the various phases of anger. Embracing this emotion instead of evading it can facilitate its processing and contribute to the journey of healing. Kübler-Ross notes that the experience of grief may create a sensation of detachment from the world, leaving one adrift and isolated amid a sea of emotions. In such a context, anger serves as a valuable outlet, providing a sense of direction and a connection, particularly following the emotional numbness associated with denial. Negotiation During the negotiation phase, there is a strong yearning to alter the past in order to avert the cause of one's sorrow. This phase commonly manifests as attempts to engage in conversation and make deals with a higher authority, seeking the opportunity to rewind time and make alterations. It may also involve making pledges to lead a specific life in the future in exchange for a return to the previous state of affairs. Kübler-Ross advises against becoming absorbed in speculative thoughts like "what if" or "if only." Dwelling on these unreal scenarios can lead to feelings of guilt about perceived missed opportunities. Rather than succumbing to such reflections, it is suggested to show oneself kindness and gentleness. Engaging in bargaining may provide a fleeting sense of hope or control, offering temporary relief needed to navigate through the subsequent stages of the healing process. Depression Depression arises when your focus shifts back to the current moment, rather than dwelling on the past or hoping for a different future. During this phase, the weight of grief may become fully apparent, manifesting as a sense of emptiness or a profound sadness that surpasses any previous experiences of sorrow. According to Kübler-Ross, the death of a loved one or any other significant loss naturally triggers feelings of depression as a fitting and understandable response. During this stage, practicing self-compassion and self-care is crucial, as harsh self-judgment for the inherent emotions may hinder the healing process. Seeking support from others in your social circle can also prove beneficial throughout this stage and others in the grieving process. Acceptance Embracing is a frequently misinterpreted phase of grieving. People often mistakenly believe it signifies overcoming the loss or returning to a state of normalcy. However, in actuality, this phase primarily involves adapting to the new reality. It entails acknowledging the reality of the situation, in contrast to earlier stages where the full extent of the situation may not have been comprehended, or there might have been a lingering hope that the loss was just a nightmare. A key aspect of this phase involves discovering strategies to coexist with grief while progressing in one's life. How Long Does Grief Typically Last? There is no fixed duration for the grieving process, as the impact of a loss varies from person to person. Predicting the exact duration of one's emotional response is challenging due to individual differences. Nevertheless, if intense grief symptoms persist for more than six months, surpassing what is considered typical for a person's circumstances and cultural norms, and if they significantly disrupt daily functioning, it may indicate the presence of complicated grief—a mental health condition. Additional signs include persistent feelings of isolation, intrusive thoughts about the deceased that impede daily activities, an inability to come to terms with the loss, and excessive avoidance or constant seeking of reminders associated with the loss, among other indicators. Fortunately, complicated grief is treatable, often through psychotherapy methods that emphasize self-observation, reflection, companionship, and imagery exercises. Can Therapy Help? The assistance of therapy in navigating through the process of grieving is crucial. Although grief can be a lonely experience, it's essential to recognize that support is accessible. Drawing strength from loved ones can be comforting, and some individuals may opt to enlist the aid of a qualified mental health expert. These professionals can provide a secure and unbiased environment for you to articulate your feelings, and they can guide you in cultivating constructive coping strategies to navigate and coexist with your grief. For individuals deeply immersed in the grieving journey, attending face-to-face therapy sessions might appear challenging, daunting, or draining. Given that studies indicate online therapy can be a beneficial approach for addressing grief, you may want to explore this option. Utilizing a digital therapy platform such as BetterHelp allows you to be paired with a qualified counselor for sessions conducted through phone calls, video calls, and/or in-app messaging, all from the convenience of your home or any location with internet access. Irrespective of the method you opt for, mental health professionals are accessible to assist you in navigating your grief. Keep In Mind… Grieving is a personal journey, but you don't have to face it in isolation. The details provided, such as the stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, can assist you in recognizing the different phases of grief and understanding your emotions. Seeking the guidance of a therapist can offer additional support as you navigate through your grieving process.
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