Don’t Let Social Media Dim Your Light. The Dangers of Social Comparison.

on March 9, 2023 at 11:20 AM /

Blog

As social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook continue to evolve and provide us with positive ways to connect and interact with one another, they are also impacting our lives and mental health in very negative ways. One of those negatives is social comparison. The very often false life on social media portrayed by many for the sake of likes, followers and good content can make others feel as if their own life is not good enough. Social comparison through social media is a real issue for consumers of all ages. Depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem and a negative...

Yes, You Can Survive This Valentine’s Day

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 10, 2023 at 11:42 AM /

Therapist

If you have recently walked through a grocery store, you have already seen it. There are hearts, candies, and romantic gifts everywhere. While this time of year is a celebration of love of every kind – romantic, platonic, self-love, etc., this holiday has placed a silent but immense pressure on many people. Everywhere you look, you’re being encouraged to spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate gifts and perform over-the-top gestures to prove your love. (Thanks, social media!) If you’re single, you may have been made to feel as if you should have a significant other this day. Rice Psychology Group wants you...

4 Recommendations for Managing Your Child’s Gift Expectations

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 15, 2022 at 1:48 PM /

Anxiety Disorder

Regardless of your reason for celebrating the season, we're willing to bet your child is extremely excited about what gifts they will receive. As a parent, have you been stressing about ensuring your children have the best holiday experience and that they receive some fantastic gifts? Our psychologists in Tampa understand that you want to give your child everything they desire, and while there is nothing wrong with that, that pressure can be an added stressor to you. Doing so can also lead your children to develop the unrealistic belief or expectation that they will receive whatever they desire. Having children...

Thanksgiving Stress: How to Avoid Tension with Your Family

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 14, 2022 at 11:30 AM /

Soon countless families across America will be joining for the Thanksgiving holiday, and many of those get-togethers will end with flared tempers, angry words, and maybe even some regret. Unfortunately, that’s the normal cycle for many during the holiday season. Luckily for you, our team of licensed therapists and psychologists in Tampa have some tips to make your get-togethers stress-free. Conflict Approaching Where exactly does all the stress and tension come from around the holidays? It might be a result of the following: Strained relationships Nosy relatives Opinionated relatives Past grievances Financial issues Controlling (helicopter) parents Lifestyle disagreements Politics The reality is that...

My Child Is a Bully: What Should I Do?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 10, 2022 at 9:09 AM /

Is your child a bully? Could they be physically or emotionally harming another child without you knowing? There’s nothing worse than getting a call from their school or having another parent approach you and claim that your kid’s been hurting others. And, as unfathomable as it sounds that the sweet baby you love and adore could be causing someone else pain, the reality is that it happens to many parents. Rice Psychology Group wants to stress that this doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. In many of these cases, there’s an underlying issue that causes children to bully. In honor of...

A Guide to a Positive Relationship When Your Loved One Has OCD in Tampa

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM /

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Has someone in your life, a friend or family member, ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition? How did that make you feel? At Rice Psychology Group, we know whether you want to admit it or not, having someone you love diagnosed with a mental health condition, can be overwhelming. It can take a lot of time for everyone involved to adjust to a new diagnosis and learn the best ways to support your loved one. However, a new diagnosis doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer or deteriorate. There are ways to live and thrive with your loved ones...

Weathering the Storm: How You Can Ease Your Storm-Related Anxiety

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM /

As we recently watched Hurricane Ian make landfall in Florida, these storms not only impact our homes, and our safety, but can negatively impact our mental health. Anxiety and overwhelming fear about what is happening, especially if you have experienced weather-emergencies before, is common. If you struggle with anxiety or depression brought on by past events or can’t seem to calm your nerves every time storm season rolls through, then you aren’t alone. Our licensed Tampa psychologists and therapists are here to help by providing some clarity on how to maintain good mental health during hurricane season. Be Prepared Unlike our friends on...

9/11: Managing Your Emotions

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 9, 2022 at 1:28 PM /

Most of us remember exactly where we were on September 11th, 2001. To many, it seems like yesterday when we were learning about those devastating attacks and now it’s odd to even think that there are adults who weren't even born yet. However, the mental health effects for those who were there and even for those of us who were watching it on the news, continues to linger on. Mentally letting go of the fear, anxiety, and depression caused by such an event isn’t easy. Fortunately, it can be managed, and Rice Psychology Group is here to help. The Emotional Aftermath Thanks to...

Helping Your Kids Unplug and Socialize

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 7, 2022 at 11:15 AM /

Therapist

Last week, on my way to work, I passed a group of middle school kids on a corner all standing around talking with an older woman in a wheelchair. She might have been one of the kids’ grandmothers, but I’m not sure. It just warmed my heart to see the kids all interacting with each other, smiling and not on their phones. This was in contrast to what I saw a few days later in my neighborhood. There was another group of similar aged kids standing about 15 feet apart from each other, all looking kind of forlorn, in their...

Monitor Your Mood: Staying Positive in a Not So Positive World

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 17, 2022 at 10:00 PM /

2020 was a hard year. So was 2021. Unfortunately, on some days it seems 2022 is continuing this unwanted trend. It’s as if you can’t turn on the news without hearing about a new health crisis, act of violence or the downward spiral of our economy. Turning to social media to take your mind off things isn’t much help either. While it can be nice to watch a funny video or look at pictures from your friend’s summer vacation, the negative stories are there too. Not to mention the constant bickering and horrible comments that seem to be the norm...