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Author name: Elizabeth Mittal

What is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?

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When you’re looking for mental health therapy, finding the right approach can feel surprisingly complicated. You may come across terms like CBT, DBT, behavioral therapy, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring—but what do they actually mean, and how do you know which approach may fit your needs? Two of the most widely discussed approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). While both are structured, skills-based forms of therapy that can help people develop healthier ways of responding to difficult experiences, they have different areas of focus. So, when comparing CBT vs DBT therapy, the biggest difference is not that one is “better” than the other. Rather, they use different tools and emphasize different skills depending on what someone is experiencing and what they hope to change. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly called CBT, is a structured form of therapy based on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The basic idea is that the way we interpret a situation can influence how we feel and behave. Sometimes, we develop patterns of thinking that aren’t helpful—such as assuming the worst, being excessively self-critical, or viewing situations in all-or-nothing terms. CBT helps people identify these patterns and examine whether their thoughts are accurate, balanced, and useful. For example: In CBT, you might learn to examine the thought and consider alternative explanations: “I don’t actually know why they haven’t responded. They could simply be busy.” The goal isn’t to force yourself to think positively. It’s to develop a more realistic and flexible way of interpreting situations. What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, incorporates elements of CBT while placing greater emphasis on emotional regulation, acceptance, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT was originally developed to address significant emotional and behavioral difficulties and has since been adapted for a range of mental health concerns. One of its distinctive ideas is dialectics: two seemingly opposite things can be true at the same time. For example: “I’m struggling with how I reacted, and my feelings were still valid.” Or: “I want things to change, and I need to accept where I am right now before I can change them.” Rather than asking someone to simply eliminate difficult emotions, DBT focuses on helping them understand and manage those emotions without allowing them to control their actions. CBT vs DBT Therapy: What Is the Difference? The easiest way to understand the CBT and DBT differences is to look at what each approach emphasizes. CBT DBT Focuses heavily on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors Focuses heavily on emotional regulation, acceptance, and behavior Helps identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns Helps manage intense emotions and difficult situations Uses cognitive restructuring and behavioral strategies Uses mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness Often focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors Balances acceptance with meaningful behavioral change Can be useful for a wide range of concerns Can be particularly useful when emotional intensity or impulsive reactions are significant These approaches aren’t completely separate. In fact, DBT grew partly from CBT principles, while expanding the focus to include acceptance and specific skills for managing intense emotions and interpersonal situations. CBT and DBT Techniques Understanding the techniques used in each approach can make the difference between CBT and DBT easier to visualize. 4 Common CBT Techniques You Should Know 4 Common DBT Techniques You Should Know DBT is built around four major skill areas: These skills can be especially valuable when emotions feel so intense that it becomes difficult to think clearly or respond in the way you would prefer. Is CBT or DBT Better? There isn’t one universally “better” option. The more useful question is: Which therapeutic approach fits your concerns, goals, and circumstances? Someone struggling primarily with persistent negative thought patterns may find CBT techniques particularly relevant. Someone experiencing intense emotional reactions, difficulty tolerating distress, impulsive behaviors, or recurring interpersonal challenges may benefit from DBT-informed skills. However, therapy isn’t always an either-or decision. A therapist may incorporate techniques from different approaches depending on the person’s needs. Your therapist can also help determine whether a particular treatment approach makes sense based on your symptoms, goals, preferences, and treatment history. What Are the Different Types of Behavioral Therapy? CBT and DBT are part of a broader family of structured, evidence-based approaches that focus on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Other approaches include: The right approach can depend on what you’re experiencing and what you want therapy to help you accomplish. How Do You Know Which Therapy You Need? You don’t need to diagnose yourself before contacting a therapist. If you’re searching for CBT and DBT therapy, start by thinking about what you want help with. Ask yourself: Your answers can give you and your therapist a starting point. A qualified mental health professional can then help you understand which therapeutic approach—or combination of approaches—may be appropriate. Frequently Asked Questions About CBT vs DBT Therapy Question: Is DBT a type of CBT? Answer: DBT incorporates many principles and techniques associated with CBT, but it adds a stronger emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Question: What is the main difference between CBT and DBT? Answer: The primary distinction is their emphasis. CBT focuses substantially on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, while DBT combines behavioral change strategies with acceptance and skills for managing intense emotions, distress, and relationships. Question: Can CBT and DBT be used together? Answer: Yes. Because the approaches share some underlying principles, therapists may use techniques from both depending on a person’s needs and treatment goals. Question: How long does CBT or DBT take? Answer: There isn’t one fixed timeline. Treatment length depends on the individual’s concerns, goals, progress, and the specific therapy format being used. Question: Which therapy should I choose? Answer: Rather than choosing based solely on the name of the therapy, discuss your concerns and goals with a qualified therapist. They can help determine which approach

Family Therapy

How Can Family Therapy Improve Communication and Reduce Conflict?

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Every family has disagreements. Parents and children may see things differently. Siblings may clash. Partners may disagree about parenting, boundaries, or responsibilities. And sometimes, a simple conversation can turn into an argument before anyone even realizes how it happened. The problem isn’t always the disagreement itself. It’s what happens when family members stop feeling heard, understood, or safe enough to talk openly. Over time, unresolved tension can change the way a family communicates. People may begin avoiding certain topics, withdrawing, criticizing, becoming defensive, or saying things they later regret. Even when everyone wants things to improve, it can be difficult to break patterns that have developed over months or years. This is where family therapy can help. Family therapy provides a structured space where family members can understand what’s happening beneath recurring conflicts, learn healthier communication strategies, and begin working toward meaningful change together. What Is Family Therapy? Family therapy is a form of counseling that helps family members address relationship challenges, communication difficulties, behavioral concerns, and recurring conflict. It doesn’t necessarily mean that every person in the family has done something wrong—or that one person is the “problem.” Instead, family therapy looks at the relationships and patterns between people. A therapist can help family members understand how their words, reactions, expectations, and behaviors affect one another. Depending on the family’s needs, therapy may address: The goal is not to eliminate every disagreement. Healthy families can disagree. The goal is to help family members handle those disagreements in ways that are more respectful, productive, and connected. How Family Therapy Improves Communication 1. It Helps Family Members Feel Heard One of the most painful experiences in a family conflict is feeling like nobody understands your side. A child may feel that their parents never listen. A parent may feel that their efforts are constantly criticized. Siblings may believe they are treated unfairly. When everyone is trying to defend their own position, listening often disappears. Family therapy creates an environment where each person has an opportunity to express their perspective. With guidance from a therapist, family members can practice listening to understand rather than listening only to prepare a response. That shift can change the entire tone of a conversation. 2. It Identifies Unhealthy Communication Patterns Families can develop predictable conflict cycles. One person raises their voice. Someone else shuts down. Another family member becomes defensive. The original issue gets forgotten, and everyone ends up feeling hurt. Family therapy for communication problems can help identify these cycles. Instead of asking only, “Who started the argument?”, therapy can explore questions such as: Understanding the pattern gives families something concrete to work on. 3. It Makes Difficult Conversations Safer Some topics become almost impossible to discuss at home. Perhaps a teenager is struggling but refuses to open up. Maybe parents disagree about discipline. A family is adjusting to divorce, remarriage, relocation, or another major change. Or years of resentment have made honest conversations feel threatening. A therapist can provide structure for these conversations. Rather than allowing everyone to talk over one another—or avoiding the subject completely—therapy gives family members a supported environment to address difficult issues one step at a time. 4. It Reduces Blame and Defensiveness Conflict often becomes a cycle of blame: “You never listen.” “Because you always overreact.” “I wouldn’t react if you didn’t do that.” Once a conversation reaches this point, finding a solution becomes difficult. Family counseling for conflict can help shift the focus from blaming individuals to understanding the interaction itself. Instead of “What’s wrong with you?”, families can begin asking, “What’s happening between us, and what can we change?” That change in perspective can make it easier for people to take responsibility without feeling attacked. 5. It Helps Families Set Healthier Boundaries Good communication isn’t about telling each other everything or agreeing on everything. Healthy families also need boundaries. Parents may need to establish expectations around privacy, responsibilities, screen time, school, or household rules. Adult children may need boundaries with parents. Siblings may need to learn how to respect each other’s space. Family therapy can help family members communicate boundaries clearly while also learning how to respect the boundaries of others. How Family Therapy Helps With Conflict Resolution? Conflict resolution doesn’t mean making everyone agree. In fact, some family differences may never completely disappear. People have different personalities, values, needs, and perspectives. Family conflict resolution is about learning how to disagree without continually damaging the relationship. Through therapy, families may learn to: These skills can extend beyond therapy sessions. The goal is to give families tools they can continue using in everyday life. When Should a Family Consider Therapy? You don’t have to wait until your family is in crisis to seek support. Family therapy may be worth considering when: Sometimes, the biggest sign is simply this: your family has tried to solve the same problem repeatedly, and nothing seems to change. Seeking help at that point isn’t an admission of failure. It can be a decision to stop repeating the same cycle. What Happens During Family Therapy? Every family’s experience will be different, depending on its concerns and goals. A therapist may begin by learning about the family’s relationships, history, communication patterns, and current challenges. Sessions may involve the whole family or, when appropriate, different family members at different times. The therapist’s role isn’t to decide who is right or take sides. Instead, they help create a space where family members can understand one another, identify patterns, and practice healthier ways of interacting. Over time, the focus may shift from simply discussing problems to building practical skills for handling them. Looking for Family Therapy in Newark, Delaware? You don’t have to wait until family conflict has created lasting emotional distance before reaching out for support. If you’re looking for family therapy in Newark, Delaware, professional guidance can give your family a place to slow down, talk honestly, and work on the patterns that are making connection difficult. At Good Karma Therapy, family therapy can provide

Couples Therapy

When Should Couples Go to Therapy? 10 Signs It’s Time to Get Help

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Relationships naturally go through difficult periods. Stress, changing priorities, family responsibilities, financial pressure, parenting, and major life transitions can all affect how partners connect with each other. But how do you know when a rough patch is something you can work through together—and when it may be time to seek professional support? Couples therapy can give partners a structured, neutral space to understand recurring patterns, communicate more effectively, and work through unresolved issues. You do not have to wait until your relationship is in crisis to seek help. If you are wondering when to go to couples therapy, the answer may be: when the same problems keep coming back, conversations no longer feel productive, or you are struggling to reconnect despite trying on your own. Below are 10 signs that relationship counseling may be worth considering. What Is Couples Therapy? Couples therapy is a form of counseling designed to help partners address relationship concerns and develop healthier ways of communicating and relating to one another. A couples therapist may help you explore issues such as: You do not need to be married to benefit from therapy. Couples who are dating, engaged, married, separated, or considering a long-term commitment may all seek professional support. 10 Signs You May Need Couples Counseling 1. You Keep Having the Same Argument Do your disagreements seem to follow the same script? One person raises an issue, the other becomes defensive, the conversation escalates, and eventually someone shuts down—only for the same issue to return days or weeks later. Recurring conflict is one of the clearest signs you need couples counseling. The goal of therapy isn’t simply to decide who is right. It can help identify the pattern underneath the argument and teach both partners ways to interrupt it. 2. Communication Has Become Difficult You may technically be talking all the time, yet feel like you are not actually communicating. Perhaps conversations quickly turn into criticism, defensiveness, silence, or misunderstandings. Maybe one partner avoids difficult conversations because they expect them to end badly. Couples therapy for communication problems can provide tools for expressing needs, listening without immediately becoming defensive, and having difficult conversations more constructively. 3. You Feel Emotionally Disconnected Sometimes relationships don’t end with a dramatic argument. Instead, partners gradually stop sharing their inner worlds. You may live together, manage responsibilities, and have conversations about everyday tasks—but rarely talk about how you actually feel. If you find yourself thinking, “I don’t feel close to my partner anymore,” it may be worth exploring what’s changed. Therapy can create space to understand the emotional distance and consider ways to rebuild connection. 4. Trust Has Been Damaged Trust can be affected by infidelity, secrecy, broken promises, financial dishonesty, or other experiences that leave one partner feeling unsafe or betrayed. Rebuilding trust usually requires more than simply saying, “Let’s move on.” Marriage counseling or couples therapy can help partners understand the impact of what happened, communicate about the underlying issues, establish boundaries, and determine what rebuilding trust could look like. 5. Resentment Is Building Small frustrations can accumulate when they aren’t addressed. One partner may feel they are doing more household work. Another may feel unappreciated. A disagreement about money may become a larger argument about responsibility. Over time, unresolved frustrations can turn into resentment. If you frequently find yourself keeping score, bringing up old mistakes, or feeling irritated by almost everything your partner does, it may be time to address the underlying pattern rather than waiting for it to become more entrenched. 6. You Avoid Difficult Conversations Avoiding conflict can sometimes feel like keeping the peace. But consistently avoiding important conversations can create distance. Maybe you don’t discuss finances because it always becomes an argument. Perhaps you avoid talking about intimacy, parenting, family boundaries, or the future because you are afraid of your partner’s reaction. Therapy can offer a guided setting where these conversations can happen with support and structure. 7. You Are Struggling With a Major Life Change Relationships can be particularly vulnerable during major transitions. Moving, getting married, becoming parents, experiencing job changes, caring for aging parents, relocating, or dealing with other significant changes can alter expectations and responsibilities. You don’t have to wait for a relationship problem to become severe. Some couples seek therapy proactively to navigate a transition and establish healthier ways of working together. 8. You Feel More Like Roommates Than Partners You may coordinate schedules, pay bills, manage children, and complete household responsibilities—but rarely spend meaningful time together. Feeling disconnected doesn’t necessarily mean that the relationship is over. Sometimes the demands of everyday life gradually push emotional connection to the bottom of the priority list. A therapist can help couples examine what has contributed to the disconnection and explore realistic ways to reconnect. 9. You Are Considering Separation If one or both partners are seriously thinking about separating, therapy can provide a space to slow down and understand what is happening. Some couples enter therapy hoping to repair their relationship. Others want help making a thoughtful decision about whether to stay together. Therapy can help clarify concerns, improve communication, and establish healthier boundaries during a difficult period. 10. You Have Tried to Fix Things on Your Own Perhaps you’ve had countless conversations. You’ve promised to communicate better. You’ve read relationship books, listened to podcasts, or tried giving each other more space. Yet the same problems continue. That doesn’t mean you have failed. Some relationship patterns are difficult to recognize from inside the relationship because both partners are part of the dynamic. A trained therapist can offer an outside perspective and help you identify patterns you may not be able to see on your own. When Is the Right Time to Go to Couples Therapy? A common misconception is that couples therapy is only for relationships that are close to ending. In reality, couples can seek therapy at many different stages. You might consider therapy when: The earlier you address persistent relationship concerns, the more opportunity you may have to understand and

Stress Management

10 Simple Ways to Manage Stress and Find More Joy in Everyday Life

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Stress is a natural part of life. Work deadlines, relationships, responsibilities, uncertainty, and everyday challenges can all leave you feeling overwhelmed. While some stress is temporary, ongoing stress can begin to affect your mood, sleep, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. Learning how to manage stress does not mean eliminating every stressful situation from your life. Instead, it means developing healthier ways to respond when life feels like too much. The good news is that stress relief does not always require a major lifestyle change. Sometimes, small and consistent changes can make a meaningful difference. Here are 10 simple ways to manage stress and create more space for calm, connection, and joy in your everyday life. 1. Take a Pause and Breathe When you’re stressed, your body can shift into a state of heightened alertness. You may notice a racing heart, tense muscles, shallow breathing, or difficulty thinking clearly. One of the simplest stress management techniques is to pause and take a few slow, intentional breaths. Try breathing in slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and then gently breathing out. Even a minute or two of mindful breathing can give you an opportunity to step away from the immediate pressure and reconnect with the present moment. You don’t have to wait until you’re extremely stressed to practice this. Making short breathing pauses part of your daily routine can be a simple form of stress management. 2. Move Your Body in a Way You Enjoy Movement can be a helpful way of coping with stress. You don’t need an intense workout or a complicated fitness routine. A walk around your neighborhood, stretching between meetings, dancing to your favorite song, or spending time outdoors can all help you reconnect with your body. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s finding movement that feels good and is realistic for your life. If exercise has become another source of pressure, take that pressure away. Even a few minutes of movement can be a meaningful step toward stress relief. 3. Create Small Moments of Joy When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to focus entirely on what needs to be fixed or completed. But joy doesn’t always come from accomplishing something. Think about the small things that genuinely make you feel good: listening to music, having your morning coffee slowly, calling someone you love, cooking, reading, spending time with a pet, or sitting outside for a few quiet minutes. These moments may seem insignificant, but intentionally making room for them can help life feel less like a list of responsibilities. Finding joy isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about remembering that difficult moments and meaningful moments can exist at the same time. 4. Give Yourself Permission to Say No One of the most practical ways to manage stress is to recognize when you’ve taken on more than you can reasonably carry. You don’t have to say yes to every request, invitation, or responsibility. Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to putting other people’s needs first. Try starting small. Instead of immediately agreeing to something, give yourself time to consider whether you genuinely have the capacity for it. A healthy boundary isn’t a rejection of someone else. It’s a way of respecting your own time, energy, and emotional needs. 5. Break Big Problems Into Smaller Steps Stress often becomes overwhelming when everything feels urgent at once. If you’re facing a large task or difficult situation, ask yourself: What is one thing I can do right now? Rather than trying to solve everything simultaneously, break the situation into smaller, manageable steps. Write down what needs to be done, identify what is actually urgent, and focus on one thing at a time. This approach can make a stressful situation feel more manageable and give you a greater sense of control. 6. Protect Your Sleep Stress and sleep often affect one another. When you’re stressed, it can be harder to switch off at night. And when you’re consistently tired, everyday challenges can feel even harder to handle. Creating a calming bedtime routine can support better rest. Consider stepping away from work before bed, reducing screen time, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, or doing something relaxing such as reading or gentle stretching. You don’t need a perfect nighttime routine. Even one small change can be a helpful part of your overall stress management techniques. 7. Stay Connected to People Who Make You Feel Safe You don’t have to navigate stress alone. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, partner, or another supportive person can help you feel understood and less isolated. Sometimes, you don’t even need advice. Having someone listen without judgment can be enough. If you find yourself withdrawing whenever you’re stressed, consider reaching out to someone you trust.. even with a simple message saying, “I’ve been having a difficult week. Can we talk?” Connection is not a sign that you aren’t coping well. It is part of coping. 8. Notice Your Inner Dialogue Stress isn’t only influenced by what’s happening around you. The way you speak to yourself can also affect how you experience difficult situations. Notice whether your thoughts sound like: “I should be able to handle this.” “I’m failing.” “Everything has to be perfect.” “I can’t take this anymore.” Try replacing harsh self-judgment with something more compassionate: “This is difficult, and I’m doing the best I can.” “I don’t have to figure everything out today.” “It’s okay to ask for help.” Self-compassion doesn’t remove problems, but it can make them easier to navigate. 9. Spend Less Time in the Stress Cycle Constant notifications, social media, news, emails, and work messages can keep your mind in a state of stimulation even when you’re technically resting. Consider creating small periods of intentional disconnection. Put your phone away during meals, take a short break from social media, or establish a time when you stop checking work messages. You don’t need to disconnect completely. The goal is simply to create moments when your mind doesn’t have

Mental Health

How Can You Manage Your Mental Health During Inflation and Rising Living Costs?

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When the cost of everyday life keeps going up, it can feel difficult to relax. Groceries cost more, housing and utilities may take up a larger portion of your income, and even small expenses can start to feel like major decisions. Financial pressure isn’t only about numbers. It can affect how you sleep, think, communicate, work, and experience your everyday life. The connection between mental health and financial stress is real, and feeling anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed during periods of financial uncertainty does not mean you’re failing to cope. While you may not be able to control inflation or the broader economy, you can take steps to protect your mental wellness while navigating financial uncertainty. Here are some practical ways to care for yourself when rising costs are creating emotional stress. 1. Acknowledge What You’re Feeling Financial stress can bring up a wide range of emotions—anxiety, fear, frustration, shame, guilt, helplessness, or even anger. Sometimes, we try to push these feelings away because we believe we “should” be handling things better. But acknowledging your emotions can be the first step toward managing them. Try putting your experience into words: “I’m worried about whether I can keep up with my expenses.” “I feel overwhelmed by how much things cost now.” “I’m scared about what could happen if my financial situation changes.” Naming what you’re experiencing doesn’t make the problem disappear. But it can help you understand what you’re dealing with instead of carrying a vague sense of dread. 2. Separate What You Can Control From What You Can’t One of the hardest parts of living through inflation is that some of the factors affecting you are completely outside your control. You can’t determine the price of groceries, housing, fuel, or utilities. Constantly worrying about these larger forces won’t necessarily change them—and may leave you feeling even more powerless. Instead, try separating your concerns into two categories: Things I can influence: Things I can’t control: This distinction can be a helpful part of financial stress management. Your goal isn’t to stop caring about your finances. It’s to direct your energy toward areas where your actions can actually make a difference. 3. Create a Simple Financial Plan Financial uncertainty can become more stressful when you don’t know where your money is going. If you’re able to, set aside some time to look at your essential expenses, income, debts, and discretionary spending. You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet. A simple overview can help you understand your current situation. If certain expenses need to change, prioritize essentials first rather than trying to overhaul everything at once. It’s also important to remember that creating a budget isn’t a measure of your worth or responsibility. Sometimes circumstances change despite our best efforts. A financial plan should give you clarity—not another reason to criticize yourself. 4. Be Mindful of Financial Avoidance When money feels overwhelming, it can be tempting to avoid looking at bank statements, bills, or account balances altogether. Avoidance may provide temporary relief, but uncertainty can often make anxiety grow in the background. Instead, consider setting a specific, limited time to deal with financial tasks. For example, you might review your finances once or twice a week rather than checking your accounts repeatedly throughout the day. The goal is to stay informed without allowing financial concerns to consume all of your mental space. 5. Don’t Let Money Become the Only Thing You Think About When you’re worried about finances, it can feel as though every moment should be spent figuring out how to save, earn, or cut costs. But you still need moments of rest. Your mental health shouldn’t depend on whether you can afford expensive entertainment or elaborate self-care. Look for small, low-cost or free activities that help you feel like yourself—taking a walk, reading, cooking at home, listening to music, spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, or simply taking a quiet break. These aren’t frivolous things. Rest and connection are part of mental wellness, especially during difficult periods. 6. Talk to Someone You Trust Money can be an uncomfortable topic. You may worry about being judged or feel embarrassed about your financial situation. But keeping everything to yourself can make financial stress feel even heavier. Consider talking to someone you trust. You don’t necessarily need them to solve the problem. Sometimes, being able to say, “I’m really worried about money right now,” can help you feel less alone. If financial concerns are affecting your relationship, honest and compassionate communication can also be important. Try approaching the conversation as a shared problem rather than something one person needs to “fix.” 7. Notice How Financial Stress Is Affecting Your Body Stress doesn’t only exist in your thoughts. It can show up physically as well. You may notice: Paying attention to these signals can help you recognize when you need to slow down and take care of yourself. Simple stress-relief practices such as deep breathing, stretching, walking, mindfulness, or taking a break from financial conversations can help create moments of calm. 8. Be Careful With Constant Financial News and Social Media During periods of economic uncertainty, it’s easy to repeatedly check news, market updates, social media discussions, or other people’s opinions about the economy. Staying informed can be useful. Constant exposure, however, can increase anxiety without giving you anything actionable to do. Ask yourself: “Is this information helping me make a decision, or is it making me more afraid?” If you’re consuming financial news primarily because you’re anxious and hoping the next update will make you feel reassured, consider setting boundaries around how often you check. Protecting your attention is also a form of mental health care. 9. Practice Self-Compassion Financial difficulties can easily turn into self-blame. You might think: “I should have saved more.” “I should be earning more.” “Why can’t I handle this better?” Try to notice these thoughts without automatically believing them. Economic circumstances can affect people in ways that aren’t entirely within their control. Experiencing financial stress doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible,

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