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For the last hundred years or so, employers have sought to apply some sort of systematic approach to employee selection, and they have utilized various assessments of personality characteristics. For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the DISC personality test are used all the time. Critics contend that their ways of sorting people into these discrete types of categories are not valid psychologically. That there is no evidence that typologies can predict anything meaningful about a job or performance. Furthermore, there is no evidence that shows there could even be a system that could measure this, since people go through changes all the time; therefore, their traits change. We also don't know if work ethic or performance is a part of the core trait that is natural and exists in humans.

A necessary aspect to the recovery program is the relationship between you and a higher power. When some people first hear that they get discouraged. You may have an idea that tells you what a higher power looks like. Most people find out that the connection to nature is easier to digest. Nature can include anything from the ocean to a forest. There are studies that have shown the positive correlation between mental health and the relationship to nature. Being outside amongst nature can help ground you. Being in nature is good for the mind and the body. In some cultures it is a right of passage and requirement. Many people look to nature as a place of healing or personal growth. There have been studies conducted in search of the reason why as humans are we drawn to nature. What researchers have found is that dating back centuries, we enjoy being around beautiful, natural spaces because they are resource-rich environments. Ones that provide optimal food, shelter, and comfort. The evolutionary need explains why children are drawn to elements and natural environments. It also explains why we enjoy nature-inspired architecture. Over 100 studies have shown that being in nature, living in nature, or even viewing nature in paintings and videos can have positive impacts on the brain, bodies, feelings, thought processes, and social interactions. When we view nature or are physically in the middle of it, there is an overwhelming feeling of calmness to our nervous system. There is a cascade of positive emotion as well that occurs. Positive Emotions have many benefits in the social world. For example it increases trust, cooperation, and closeness with others. Being surrounded by nature provides you with a sense of yearning. Typically it is found that people will wonder about their purpose in life and other deeper rooted thoughts. What this provides is a sort of "soul searching". Especially if you are surrounded by an ocean or large rocks. It has been studied that being around natural creations that are much larger than the person can help you feel small and helps relieve worry. This helps you see that your problems are not actually that big and it provides a sense of security. This can help diminish obstacles between self and others. Another common find is the ability to remain still and in awe. For people who have a hard time staying still or concentrating on tasks, being in nature can help focus your attention by being completely present.

We live in a society where in this very moment many things seem uncertain. From a global pandemic to social rights movements and political rifts, there seem to be many reasons for tears in friendships and relationships. Right now is a time where as a society it is better to band together and remember what is most important. If you feel like you're struggling to make friends or keep up friendships and aren't sure why, the following may help you take a look at what the cause could be. Loneliness is a feeling that has become more common as time has passed. In 2018 a study of 20,000 Americans showcased that half of them felt left out or alone and over 25 percent of them reported they felt as if there was nobody that could understand them and felt lonely. The first is being introverted. This can be feelings of insecurity, especially when meeting new people. People that are shy experience uneasiness when put into new situations. Introverts need to recharge after being around people. People typically make them feel drained or exhausted after a lot of interaction. It can be difficult for them to interact how extroverts naturally act. Another reason is the fear of rejection. It is helpful to use fear at times to prevent you from saying something you don't mean or getting into a fight with someone. However, fear of rejection can be crippling. It limits your ability to connect with people because you're constantly worried about what they're thinking about you. This leads to feeling inadequate or less than a lot of times. Sometimes people feel like they can't be heard because they're afraid of speaking up for themselves. Another reason briefly mentioned already, is insecurity. People that feel insecure or have low self-esteem believe themselves worthless. This causes fear or worry about getting close to people because they typically feel that people don't really like them. Last reason is low trust. Some people have had a bad experience and struggle leaving that in the past. Letting people in is difficult and getting vulnerable can feel uncomfortable at times. It can cause a person to think they're too picky as well. Mostly because they have expectations of people who are impossible to meet. They may think that they are limiting their time to specific situations or people who make them comfortable. In reality they are just afraid of letting people in.

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that affects millions of Americans every day. It affects young children up to grown adults. Anxiety can cause an individual to have problems in the workplace or prevent longevity in relationships. It is constant nervousness and worries that one experiences daily. Anxiety can affect a person in a very negative way. It can prevent them from engaging in daily routines that are necessary for normal function. Anxiety is much more than a feeling. It is a product of the body's fight or flight response, anxiety also involves a wide range of physical symptoms that include:

We are currently in a strange place no matter where you are located in the world. You may be feeling anxious, depressed, or unsure of what to do during this pandemic. Now that it has been prolonged and we are not completely back to normal, you may be feeling restless or irritable. Feelings of economic insecurity might be rattling in your mind consistently. However, now is the perfect time to start your recovery process and take steps towards self-improvement. Most of us have a lot of time on our hands and that can be a bad thing for our mental health.

SMART Recovery is an abstinence oriented support program that helps individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. It is helpful for some individuals to utilize this adaptation of recovery after or during treatment. Its main objective is to help you become confident and self-empowered. Your substance use disorder does not define you and in fact, SMART recovery does not use labels like "addict" or "alcoholic" to identify you. It provides global support and meetings for anyone that may be struggling with substance usage. It uses a scientific 4 point program to help you become independent of your substance usage. Their model is based on a four-point program in behavioral change. This includes, building and maintaining the motivation to change, coping with urges to use, managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors, and living a balanced, positive, and healthy life. The motivation they use is the awareness that we all have human problems. We don't want to experience pain and we want to experience happiness as much as possible. Our substance use minds want this, yet do not see the long term effects. We are impulsive and mainly focus on short term goals that can sabotage us in the long run.

There are many pathways to getting sober. You may find that you are not interested in joining a specific 12-step fellowship in regards to getting sober and that is okay. It is an important fact to disclose, however, that you talk about what method is best in line with where you are at in your recovery goals. Some people get to a place where they realize their relationship with substances is causing problems and they want to change their behavior. Others have a strong faith and relationship with a higher power that has helped them realize they no longer want to use substances. Whatever the case may be 12 step recovery is not the only solution or pathway in staying sober.

Loneliness is something every single person on this planet will or has experienced at some point in their lifetime. For some of us, it may spark an actual debilitating fear. For others, it's more intense when we don't have a significant other we're spending our lives with. The interesting thing about loneliness is it can also happen when we are not alone. We could be in a room full of people and feel just as lonely, because it is our perception of ourselves that accounts for this.

A dependent personality disorder is characterized by the anxious feeling of being alone or the inability to be alone. Individuals who suffer from this disorder rely on other people for comfort, reassurance, advice, and support. Some people experience something similar, for example feelings of insecurity. However, the major difference is people suffering from DPD need constant reassurance to function. This disorder typically presents itself by showing symptoms of:

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a group of individuals discusses their problems together under the care of a licensed professional. It is common to feel apprehensive at first when you are asked to get vulnerable and share with other people at this level. It can feel uncomfortable or there may exist fear that others won't understand. The common goal of group therapy is to identify patterns and behaviors concerning the problem. This is done with other individuals that suffer from the same problem. What this allows is complete acceptance of others and your dilemma. Groups provide support to the individual. When you experience a mental health issue it is common to feel like you are completely alone in feeling that way. Sometimes you are the only one in your family that may be struggling. If you suffer from substance use disorder it can feel like the world is against you. Other people who don't suffer from this may not understand completely although they want to help. When you are in a group therapy setting, other people with this common issue share about the difficulties and in that setting you won't feel alone. Feeling isolated in these disorders can be detrimental to the recovery process. Therefore, getting honest is key.

If you have been following the stay-at-home order, then you are probably starting to go a little stir crazy by now. If you live by yourself, you may be feeling lonely or sick of seeing yourself. There is a phenomenon where people are experiencing "Zoom exhaustion" from the consistent exposure of their own faces and other people's faces on camera. It may feel awkward and a little uncomfortable or like your privacy is hindered — because it is, in a way. We live in a world where that is currently the new normal. Anyone can stare at your screen and It is our human nature to be nervous about what people will think of us or say about us. It is different than before because when we had in-person meetings, most people would doze off into space or look at whoever is talking rather than be hyperfocused on any convenient screen.

Most of us have experienced some form of trauma whether it happened in childhood or the immediate past. Most individuals that have substance use disorders have also suffered from trauma. The road to healing must begin whenever you decide you are ready to take a look at it. It can feel discouraging at times or it can be overwhelming, however, what is most important is to remember that it doesn't define you. It is not your identity and you are not unlovable because of it. Patience is a key factor in getting better. Become aware of how you are feeling. It is important to become aware of how your body and mind respond to certain things. You may realize quickly that there are "triggers" which entice a panic response from your body and mind. By becoming aware of your emotions the next thing to do is allow them to come out. Many people experience panic attacks because they are suppressing unresolved emotions. They either avoid them because they don't want to experience them or shove them down as if they don't exist. This results in delayed emotional responses or inappropriate responses to situations that you may deem as stressful. Try keeping a log where you write down whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed out. Maintaining a journal can help you track your progress as well as anything that may be triggering your responses. This is helpful to gain awareness of recurring situations. Minimize isolation as much as possible. It is our instinct to hide when we feel overwhelmed. When we aren't feeling well it is understandable that we aren't going to want to be around people. However, isolation can be destructive to the healing process. If you isolate it can cause you to avoid any pent up feeling or emotion that you may be avoiding further. Connection with others is vital to feeling better. Most of the time your friends have gone through something similar and can help you through it. It is something you must do together because the recovery process isn't lonely. Make sure to seek out the necessary support. If you are not going to a professional, it is recommended to do so. It is important, to be honest, and transparent about any obstacles you may be experiencing. The great part about it is you get to choose how the healing process occurs. If at some point you need to stop it is okay to do so, just keep in mind that it is a slow process.