Las Colinas Psychological Services
  • Home
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Dr. Novinski
    • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Services
    • Psychotherapy >
      • EMDR
    • Telehealth Service Area
    • Consultation
  • Clients
    • New Clients
    • Client Portal
    • Directions
    • Resources
    • Telehealth Updates
  • Blog
  • Contact

Understanding High Functioning Depression: When everthing looks fine on the outside... But doesn't feel that way inside

6/4/2025

 
Have you ever felt like you are just going through the motions? You may be keeping up with work, family, and your day-to-day life, but you still feel disconnected and emotionally drained. In a recent episode of the ZOE Science and Nutrition podcast explores what is often known as "high-functioning depression." In this episode, Dr. Judith Joseph, a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher explains that when people appear to be doing well from the outside, friends, family, and even physicians may miss that they are quietly struggling on the inside. High-functioning depression can be especially common among high achievers who are used to pushing through and staying productive no matter how they feel.
Picture
Dr. Joseph introduces five strategies (the "Five V's") that form a compassionate and practical framework for beginning to recover from high-functioning depression. The episode also touches on the burgeoning field of Nutritional Psychiatry and how nutrition and gut health can influence our mood and emotional well-being. 

If any of this feels familiar, I think you'll find the conversation validating and encouraging. You can give it a listen or a watch below.

ZOE Science & Nutrition, Signs you may have high-functioning depression - and 5 ways to fix it Dr. Judith Joseph and Dr. Sarah Berry. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and maybe that feels... a little abstract.

5/17/2025

 
Picture
It’s one thing to know mental health matters. It's another thing entirely to give yourself permission to act on that.

This year's theme is “Turning Awareness into Action,”  In my practice, I often hear clients say they know what they “should” do: eat well, get in movement and sunshine each day, prioritize quality (and quantity!) sleep, connect with friends and community.
The hard part is doing those things when life feels overwhelming, or exhausting, or like you’re holding things together with duct tape and coffee.

So this month, I’m not offering a pep talk about radical self-care or overhauling your life.
Instead, I want to offer a gentle nudge towards improving your mental health.

Start by checking in with yourself.
Before you can take meaningful action, you need to know how you’re really doing. Even a few minutes of reflection or journaling can help you notice what’s happening beneath the surface.

Try asking yourself:
  • What's been giving me energy lately?
  • What's been quietly draining me?
  • What do I need more of right now? What could I use less of?
  • Where in my life do I feel most like me?
  • What feels in sync with what matters to me the most? And what doesn't?

Then, take one small step.
Not a ten-step plan. Not a life overhaul. Just one gentle shift.
  • Reach out to a friend you've been missing.
  • Say "no" to one thing this week so you can say "yes" to rest.
  • Schedule that therapy session you've been putting off.
  • Trade 10-minutes of doomscrolling for something calming or nourishing.
  • Step outside and breathe for 5-minutes without doing anything else.
Those everyday actions add up.

And maybe, have that conversation.
You know, the one you've been rehearsing in your head, or avoiding entirely. Maybe it's about a boundary you need to set. Maybe it's being vulnerable enough to ask for help.

Whether it's a conversation with a loved one or with a therapist, saying the hard thing out loud can be a powerful way to take action for your mental health.

This month, let yourself remember:
​
You are allowed to care for yourself. You don't need permission to tend to your mental and emotional well-being. It's part of being human. When you do, you're better able to show up in your life, in your relationships, and in your work as the version of yourself that feels whole and steady and real. 

A sense of purpose may help protect against loneliness, especially as we age

7/5/2023

 
A recent study conducted in Switzerland involving over 2,300 adults has found that leading a purposeful life can help combat loneliness. The study revealed that individuals who reported having a sense of purpose experienced less loneliness, regardless of their age.

One of the study's co-authors, Dr. Patrick Hill, states that, "
“Loneliness is known to be one of the biggest psychological predictors for health problems, cognitive decline, and early mortality, Studies show that it can be as harmful for health as smoking or having a poor diet.”"

While activities involving social interactions were found to provide a sense of purpose, the study emphasizes that combating loneliness goes beyond mere companionship. It was discovered that finding meaning in life becomes particularly important for older adults, especially those in their 70s and beyond, as this is a stage often associated with increased loneliness.

Loneliness is known to have detrimental effects on health, cognitive decline, and even mortality. The study emphasizes that a sense of purpose, whether it involves a grand mission or a personal hobby, can offer significant protection against loneliness. It is important to note that a sense of purpose can be derived from relationships, experiences, and feeling connected to something greater than yourself. While interactions with others can contribute to a purpose-filled life, the study suggests that having a sense of purpose is effective in fighting loneliness, regardless of the number of people involved. Ultimately, finding meaning, even in seemingly ordinary experiences, can significantly contribute to a person's well-being and combat loneliness.

You can read more about this study here. 

Trauma, Chronic Stress, and the Nervous System

6/21/2023

 
This video, developed by the Trauma Foundation, gives a helpful overview of how trauma and chronic stress affects our nervous system and how those effects impact our health and well-being. The content is largely based on Dr. Stephen Porges research on Polyvagal Theory. You can learn more about Polyvagal theory here.

Movement and Mental Health (Or why that stupid walk is actually pretty smart)

6/7/2023

 
Research has shown physical movement to be a powerful tool in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as enhancing our overall sense of well-being. As we enter the sunshine and blue skies of Hot Texan Summer (TM), it is helpful to remember the beneficial effects of movement on our mental health and the importance of incorporating physical activity into our daily lives.
Picture
In her 2021 book The Joy of Movement, health psychologist and Stanford professor Dr. Kelly McGonigal explores how movement is intertwined with some of the most basic human joys, including social connection, self-expression, and personal growth. Drawing on scientific research and personal anecdotes, McGonigal emphasizes why movement is a “powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.” 
Over the years, a growing body of research has shed light on the positive impact of physical activity on individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. These studies highlight several key findings:
 
Release of Mood-Boosting Chemicals. Engaging in regular physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins induce feelings of happiness and well-being, counteracting negative emotions. This chemical boost can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
 
Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity. Movement has been shown to promote neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and enhance neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt). These processes play a vital role in improving cognitive function, memory, and learning abilities. By stimulating the growth and connectivity of brain cells, physical activity helps create a healthier neural network that supports mental well-being. Studies indicate that regular exercise may even significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.
 
Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management. Movement acts as a natural stress reliever by reducing the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and promoting relaxation. Regular activity can also help manage anxiety symptoms, which often coexist with depression. Engaging in activities like walking, jogging, yoga, or swimming can provide a much-needed respite from daily stressors, promote a sense of calm and mental clarity, and improve sleep.
 
Social Interaction and Support. Participating in group activities or team sports provides an opportunity for social interaction and support. Engaging in activity with others can foster a sense of belonging and community, creating a supportive environment that combats loneliness and enhances our sense of well-being.
 
Physical activity can be a powerful a complementary tool alongside professional treatment for depression and anxiety. A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that relatively small doses of even moderate physical activity (2 hours per week) were associated with substantially lower risks of depression. (Dr. Roger Seheult examines this and another recent study exploring depressive symptoms and sedentary behavior in adolescence in the video linked below.)
Picture
Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

Physical activity can be a powerful a complementary tool alongside professional treatment for depression and anxiety. A recent 
meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that relatively small doses of even moderate physical activity (just 2 total hours per week) were associated with substantially lower risks of depression. (Dr. Roger Seheult examines this and another recent study exploring depressive symptoms and sedentary behavior in adolescence in the video linked below.)

​If you are looking to enjoy these benefits by adding more movement into your life, here are some helpful tips:

 
Find or Rediscover the Joy of Movement. Experiment with different forms of movement until you find activities that you enjoy. Whether it's walking through the neighborhood, learning a TikTok dance, hiking with friends, hula-hooping, kayaking, or playing pickleball, choosing activities you genuinely enjoy will increase the likelihood of incorporating them into your regular routine.
 
Seek Support and Connection. Consider involving a friend or family member, or joining a club, exercise group or class to provide support and accountability. Sharing activity with others can make it more enjoyable, which will help you want to return to it regularly.
 
Movement can be a powerful ally in supporting our mental health and overall well-being. By engaging in physical activity, we tap into natural mood-boosting chemicals, promote brain health, and cultivate social connections. Embracing joyful movement as part of our daily life empowers us to take an active role in our mental health, helping us on the path towards a healthier, happier life.

​Now, please excuse me as I take my not-so-stupid walk. (I hope to see you out there.)

May 09th, 2023

5/9/2023

 

Social Media Health Recommendations

Picture
This spring a presidential panel of the American Psychological Association (APA) has produced recommendations for the use of social media by adolescents. The advisory panel was formed to provide recommendations grounded in research to ensure that adolescents develop healthy social media practices. The result is the American Psychological Association Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence. 

The report notes that while these platforms can promote healthy socialization, their use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that children and teens have skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe and meaningful experiences.

This report notes that social media use is not inherently beneficial or harmful to young people. The effects of social media depend on adolescents' personal and psychological characteristics, social circumstances, and the specific content, features, or functions they encounter on social media platforms. 

The report emphasizes that not all findings apply equally to all children and teens. Scientific findings should be used in conjunction with knowledge of specific kids’ strengths, weaknesses, developmental maturity, and contexts to make decisions tailored to each individual. 
Picture
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
​In addition to the new report, the APA's chief science officer, Dr. Mitch Prinstein, provides Q&A and recommendations for parents on how to help teens develop social media literacy skills. Dr. Prinstein specifically advises parents to:
  • Monitor and discuss social media use. Take a multipronged approach to social media management by setting time limits, monitoring your child's online activities, and engaging in ongoing discussions about social media. Limit chat functions and exposure to adult content, and consider allowing social media use only when children are at home.
  • Model healthy social media use. Be a positive role model by demonstrating healthy social media behavior. Avoid using social media during family time and set limits on your own social media use. Discuss your own social media use with your children and take social media holidays together as a family.
  • Watch for problematic social media use. Be vigilant for signs that your child may be using social media in unhealthy ways. Look for interference with daily routines, excessive use over in-person interactions, lack of sleep or physical activity, inability to stop using social media, and deceptive behavior. If necessary, enforce new limits or seek help from a mental health professional.
  • Teach social media literacy. Recognize that social media literacy is essential for adolescents. Work with social media platforms, schools, and your teen to promote social media literacy skills. Discuss topics like recognizing false information, understanding the meaning behind likes, preventing conflicts, promoting positive body image, addressing discrimination, and seeking reliable mental health information.
 
You can read the APA's recommendations in full here, and Dr. Prinstein's Q&A here.

Talking about Bruno

2/10/2022

 
Picture
(photo credit: Disney)
Dr. Dara Greenwood, social psychologist and associate professor of Psychology at Vassar College, provides a thoughtful and engaging article interweaving psychological research with powerful messages from Disney's Encanto that are resonating with children and adults. Greenwood's key take-aways:
  • Ignoring our own pain is not an adaptive strategy for well-being
  • Traumatic experiences can have a profound psychological and even genetic impacts on subsequent generations. 
  • Being strong can be overrated and increase our vulnerability to stress. 
  • Transporting into stories and identifying with characters can boost our own psychological insights and skills.
Check out the full article here.

Worthwhile Reads and Watches to Get You Through the Long Winter

11/1/2020

 
Picture
Are you looking for some good distractions to help manage your 2020/COVID/quarantine/election/end-of-daylight-savings/holiday stress? These are a few of the things that have helped to keep my mind occupied and my heart hopeful. 

Books

Daniel J. Levitin's Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives. “Growing old may be the only event in life that is both desired and feared. Daniel Levitin alleviates the fear with sound advice that can tilt the balance so that we have more healthy years and fewer sick ones. The brilliance of this book is that Levitin not only tells us what to do and what not to do—he gracefully and eloquently shares the science behind how we can change our minds and brains, and how even small changes can reap large benefits. Share this book—especially with anyone you hope to grow old with.” -Diane Halpern, past-president of the American Psychological Association

Lori Gottlieb's Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed. "[In the end, Gottlieb and her patients] are more aware—of themselves as people, of the choices they’ve made, and of the choices they could go on to make . . . It’s exploration—genuinely wanting to learn answers to the question Why am I like this?, so that maybe, through better understanding of what you’re doing, you figure out how to be who you want to become." -Slate

Mark O'Connell's Notes from the Apocolypse: A Personal Journey to the End of the World and Back. "A fitting travelogue for our stationary moment...O’Connell’s 'future-dread' haltingly yields to faith in humanity’s resilience, resourcefulness, and capacity for cooperation." - New Yorker

Allie Brosch's Solutions and Other Problems. “Gut-busting . . . . Like a millennial James Thurber, Brosh has a knack for seeding a small, choice detail that snowballs into existential chaos . . . [Her] spidery and demented digital portraits, a visual expression of fun-house mirror anxiety, fits her material perfectly. . . This achingly accurate and consistently hilarious comic memoir finds Brosh moving forward and becoming a stronger, braver storyteller page by page.” - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Dan Rather's What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism. “…a deeply felt reminder of what is the best of America. What Unites Us is at times almost unbearably poignant. Yet Rather’s words provide a sort of salve—and clear thinking about how to recover from these ugly times. What Unites Us is a passionate treatise on preserving the best of America and letting go of that which makes us weaker.” - BookPage

Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. “Eleanor Oliphant is endearing, [a] whip-smart read. . . a fascinating story about loneliness, hope, tragedy and humanity. Honeyman’s delivery is wickedly good, and Eleanor won’t leave you anytime soon." - Associated Press

Movies

Rotten Tomatoes guide to 150 Great Feel-Good Movies You can Stream Right Now. (Note that the better reviewed films come latest in the list.)

Empire's list of 30 Feel Good Movies to Distract You from the Horror of 2020.

Some never-fail feel-good films include:
Singin' in the Rain
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
The Greatest Showman

Paddington (1 and 2, actually)
and The Princess Bride.

Series

The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) may help restore your faith in humanity. With its British charm and contestants who root for one another and take both their wins and losses on the chin, the annual baking competition is feel-good TV at its best.

The Mandalorian (Disney+). Jon Favreau's Disney Original series is an exquisitely shot  gun-slinger Western set in the cinematic universe of Star Wars. Also, Baby Yoda. Need I say more?

Ted Lasso (Apple TV+). Ted Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis) is an American football coach hired as the unlikely coach for an English premier league football (soccer) club, is definitely less family-friendly, but 100% wholesome with some of the best quote-able quotes to come out of 2020.

A World of Calm (HBO Max). This series of 30-minute documentaries comes from the creators of one of the most popular mediation apps, Calm. One person described an episode to me as "a nature documentary about a sea turtle - except that unlike a nature documentary, the sea turtle in A World of Calm is never in peril!"

This page contains links to websites not administered by Las Colinas Psychological Services (LCPS). LCPS is not responsible or liable for the accuracy or the content of linked pages. LCPS does not benefit from the sale or promotion of the organizations, books, or websites listed above.

Managing Election Stress

10/19/2020

 
Picture
Dr. Steven Stosny coined the term "election stress disorder” in 2016, with symptoms such as increased anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Dr. Stosny observed that "the pervasive negativity of political campaigns, amplified by the 24-hour news cycle and social media exposure," creates a significant level of stress, anxiety, or anger in many people.

The American American Psychological Association (APA) Stress in America Survey found that more than two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) say that the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. This is a substantial increase from the 2016 presidential election when 52% of US adults reported the same.

“This has been a year unlike any other in living memory,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, the APA's chief executive officer. “Not only are we in the midst of a global pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans, but we are also facing increasing division and hostility in the presidential election. Add to that racial turmoil in our cities, the unsteady economy and climate change that has fueled widespread wildfires and other natural disasters. The result is an accumulation of stressors that are taking a physical and emotional toll on Americans.”

Picture
The APA offers the following evidence-based advice to help people manage their stress related to the election:
  • Uncertainty is frequently stressful, and some people are better at dealing with uncertainty than others. The election, the global pandemic and social unrest are all adding to a sense of uncertainty in our lives. Avoid dwelling on things you can’t control. When uncertainty strikes, many people immediately imagine worst-case scenarios. Break the habit of ruminating on bad outcomes.
  • Focus on what you can control. If following the news, watching the debates or scrolling through social media is causing you stress, limit your media consumption. Give yourself permission to take a break from the news.
  • Engage in meaningful activities. Rather than fixating on news coverage, find an activity that you really enjoy and spend time doing it. Get involved in issues that are meaningful to you. By making a plan on how you will vote, for example — in person, by mail or as part of early voting — you are more likely to follow through.
  • Stay socially connected. Go for a walk or spend time with friends and family. Research shows that people who have at least one or two friends or family members to turn to for emotional support during stressful times tend to cope better than people who don’t have such support.
  • Stay active. Moving helps us release the energy we experience when we feel stressed.
  • Realize that we might not know who won the election on Election Day. If you think this will raise your anxiety, keep busy with things that you enjoy and stay connected to social support so that you aren’t continually checking for what could be viewed as “bad” news.

Life in the Time of Corona

3/24/2020

 
​As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does our collective anxiety. It can be difficult to know what tomorrow, next week, or next month will bring. This lack of expectations and being unable to plan can heighten anxiety. Routines we may have worked hard to build and which support our work-life balance and mental health are thrown off. And many of us find ourselves isolated from our usual social supports. 

In the video below, clinical psychologist Dr. Alli Mattu addresses important coping skills for working from home, social distancing without feeling isolated, and managing information related to the COVID-19 public health crisis without feeling overwhelmed.

The following additional resources can help individuals and communities navigate this stressful time. Remember, we're all in this together.
​
CDC: COVID-19 Resources
Latest updates, tips and resources by the US Centers for Disease Control.

Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness
This webpage provides information and wellness tips for individuals living with mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mental health and wellness during a public health crisis
Dr. LaGenia Bailey, a former DBSA board member, discusses tips on how to stay well during this public health crisis. In this podcast, she addresses the benefits of mindfulness practice, lifestyle habits, and ways to stay connected with others to avoid isolation.

COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 833-986-1919
Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People can call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919. Operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, the support line offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.

Seven Crucial Research Findings that can Help People Deal with COVID-19
Psychological research on past crises can help people cope with the daily — sometimes hourly — news flashes about the coronavirus.

How to Transition to Seeing Your Therapist Online
Continue the work of therapy even from a distance. (And yes, Dr. Novinski offers sessions via Telehealth.)

Psychologists’ Advice for Newly Remote Workers
As employers close offices to slow the spread of COVID-19, here’s advice from I/O psychologists on how both managers and employees can work more effectively during this time.

Dial 2-1-1
If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.

COVID-19 Ancillary Costs
The HealthWell Foundation announced a COVID-19 Fund that provides up to $250 in assistance with ancillary costs associated with COVID-19. Grants awarded through the fund will provide reimbursement assistance to at risk or quarantined individuals for delivered food, medication, telehealth copays and transportation costs associated with COVID-19.

Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety

Staying Grounded

Meditations and Calming Exercises

National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus

The Parent Guide to Resilience

Yale University's The Science of Well-Being
Yale's most popular class is now free online via Coursera. The course focuses on how to increase happiness and productivity in your everyday life. 

University of Pennsylvania:  Positive Psychology Resilience Skills
<<Previous

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    About the Author

    Hello! I am clinical psychologist, Dr. Kristy Novinski. Here I record insights, book and film reviews, discussions of pop culture, and exploration of news and research in the field of psychology.

    What I'm Reading:

    Picture
    ​

    Categories

    All
    ADD/ADHD
    Anxiety
    Apps
    Assessment
    Autism
    Blame
    Books
    Bookshelf
    Children
    COVID-19
    Depression
    Digital Health
    Disaster
    Election
    Emotional Health
    Epigenetic
    Exercise
    Family
    Film
    Grief & Loss
    Holidays
    Humor
    Insurance
    Journaling
    Kintsugi
    Meaning
    Medications
    Mental Health Awareness
    Movement
    Neuroplasticity
    Neuropsychiatry
    Nutrition & Mental Health
    Parenting
    Polyvagal Theory
    Psychotherapy
    Research
    Resilience
    Resources
    Sleep
    Social Media
    Stress
    Suicide Prevention
    TBI
    Trauma
    Video
    Vulnerability
    Weather

Las Colinas Psychological Services, PLLC

580 Decker Drive
​Suite 260
Irving, Texas 75062
Phone/Fax: 214.310.0346
[email protected]
© 2025 Las Colinas Psychological Services, PLLC. All rights reserved.
Photos from Elsie esq., NathalieSt
  • Home
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Dr. Novinski
    • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Services
    • Psychotherapy >
      • EMDR
    • Telehealth Service Area
    • Consultation
  • Clients
    • New Clients
    • Client Portal
    • Directions
    • Resources
    • Telehealth Updates
  • Blog
  • Contact