Mental Illness and Stress
Sometimes even during stressful times we are able to function and maintain our well-being. During such times, our physical, psychological, social, and spiritual resources work together allowing us to endure suffering while maintaining the quality of our health, relationships and work. However, when life’s trials inhibit our functioning in one or more of these life areas for more than a few days, the services of a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor may be necessary to help restore our well-being and functioning.
Dr. Giordano understands first hand the impact of bullying, verbal abuse, living with and losing a terminally ill sibling, the effects of losing a child on parents. He has first hand experience being diagnosed and treated for cancer, preparing for and coping with major medical procedures and treatments, and the challenges related to marriage, raising children, remarriage, blended families, caring for physically disabled, aging parents, and many others. Having faced these and may other traumatic life experiences, together with extensive academic training and varied clinical experiences have uniquely equipped Dr. Giordano to compassionately guide you through the life challenges you are facing.
Mental illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious mental illnesses can destroy family life, relationships as well as the life of the ill person. But much of this suffering is unnecessary. Most people with a mental illness do not seek treatment for several years, although the great majority even those whose mental illness is extremely severe can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now biological interventions (nutrition, exercise, relaxation, & medication) and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal or social therapies (marriage counseling, family therapy, forgiveness, assertive communication training) that ease the pain of mental illness. However, research has also shown that medication is most effective when combined with professional counseling.
Contact Dr. Giordano at (919) 794-8377