Mental Health Today

If You Want to Get Along With That Difficult Person DON'T Do These 3 Things Do you have a difficult person in your life? John wants to help you respond to that person in a healthy way. We all have had a difficult person in our life at one time or another. The disapproving look or the condescending tone just set's you off. Here are 3 things not to do with the difficult person in your life: 1. Don't Take It Personal.  2. Don't Fight Back. 3. Don't Be Unprepared. Listen to this episode as John explains each of the three things not to do and why. This episode was brought to you by The Anger Management Course: Learn how to control your anger right from your phone. 8 Lessons (video & audio). Access The Anger Management Course and start getting control of you anger today! The Anger Management Course Support the showRate the show: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider providing an honest rating of the show here www.mentalhealthtodayshow.com/reviews/new . Disclaimer: The Mental Health

If You Want To Have Less Holiday Stress You MUST Do These 2 Things Is stress taking over your happiness this holiday season? Find out what 2 things you need to do to have less holiday stress this year. The Christmas season is supposed to be full of joy and happiness, but sometime too much stress can rob us of that joy. John talks about 2 specific ways you can stop doing right now to help lessen your holiday stress. 1. Learn to say "no". Stop saying yes all the time. Every time you say "yes" to someone you are really saying "no" to yourself. And if you say "yes" all the time then you will burn out. It's okay to say "no" at times. 2. Get your head on straight. Stop allowing unproductive and negative thoughts to invade your mind. Focus on the here and now and stop allowing worry and fear take over. If you are not looking forward to the holiday season then chances are you are over stressed. Learn to practice the two things above and start making changes in your attitude

All I Want For Christmas Is To Just Feel Happy Again   The Christmas season is supposed to be full of happiness and cheer. But, for many it's fully of misery and depression. The pressure to "keep it together" for the holidays can bring even more depression and shame. What's making you unhappy this Christmas? Many people are depressed and sorrowful around Christmas for many different reasons: Loss of a loved one Loss of a job Financial stress Broken relationships Loneliness Did your reason for being depressed make the list above? If not, feel free to tell me what I should add. In this episode I get real personal as I share my story that resonates with this topic. **Live Coaching Opportunity** I have recently opened the doors for a live coaching call. I am currently accepting a small group of no more than 15 people.  Hurry, though, this exclusive coaching session will fill up fast. To learn more and to put your name on the list use this link johncordray.com/coaching   Your Chief Encouragement O

John's Live Group Coaching Sessions Start living the life that you were intended to live. If you are struggling with some type of emotional hang up or emotional baggage then John's coaching session is for you. John Cordray is a national certified therapist and a personal development coach and he has helped hundreds of people unlock their true potential. John wants to help you as well. Sign up today if you want to be in John's very selective and specialized group. Once you sign up you'll be placed on a waiting list until John's next session opens up. Sign up to be on John's list here: John's Live Group Coaching Session Support the showRate the show: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider providing an honest rating of the show here www.mentalhealthtodayshow.com/reviews/new . Disclaimer: The Mental Health Today Show is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as therapy. If you are seeking therapy, please contact a licensed therapist for help. Advertisin

If Fear Is Just An Emotion Why Is It So Controlling? What do you fear? Is your fear controlling your actions? Listen to John talk about fear and what steps you can take to overcome your fear. Fear can be very controlling, can't it? Fear can prevent you from doing things like going to work, attending school or flying in an airplane. Fear can zap the enjoyment and hope right out of your heart. So, what can you do when fear seems so huge and controlling in your life? 1. Learn to accept the things that you can not control. This simple shift in your thinking can help you readjust to your circumstance.  2. Learn to face your fear. When you can do something about the thing your are afraid of then it's time to take action. Write this down: On one list, write down everything that you cannot control.  On a different list, write down everything that you can control. How are the lists different? Learn to accept the things that you cannot control and learn what you need to do to take action on the things you can c

Don't Let Your Anger Turn You Into A Monster Has anyone ever said you have an anger problem? Do you tend to blame other's for your anger? If so, please listen to this episode and learn how to not let your anger turn you into a monster. Three Steps to Control Your Anger: 1. Admit that you have an anger problem. Admit to yourself first, and then to others. 2. Take responsibility for your actions. Don't blame other's for your temper. 3. Do something about it. Good intentions are not enough. your must make a plan to get the help you need and then take action. Most angry people regret what was said or done out of anger. Most angry people don't like being so angry, but they don't know what to do about it. Get the help that you need. You may need to talk with a therapist for a few sessions to learn what you need to do to control your anger.  Working on your anger is not the same thing as having good intentions. Good intentions won't help you keep calm. Good intentions alone will result in

When Thanksgiving Is Not So Happy Do you find it hard to be happy on Thanksgiving? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience every emotion except happiness around Thanksgiving. Here are 8 reasons why Thanksgiving is not so happy for many: 1. Divorce 2. Loneliness 3. Family Conflict 4. Death of a loved one 5. Family pain / secrets 6. Break-up  7. Work 8. Anxiety You may have a different reason why Thanksgiving is not so happy. Whatever reason why your Thanksgiving is not so happy, I want to encourage you with a few tips that I hope will help you. Tip 1: Make a plan. Write down everything you need or want to do for Thanksgiving. Write down what you're going to say, what you'll do, etc. This will give you a sense of control. Tip 2: Smile on purpose. Research shows that when you smile the muscles in your face send "happy" signals to your brain.  Tip 3: Laugh out loud. Similar to smiling on purpose, when you laugh out loud it will trigger the happy part of your brain.  Watch a funny movie

We Really Need To Talk About Your Fear Of What Other People Think!   Do you struggle with what other's think about you? Listen to this episode and listen to John talk about how you can start to become more confident with who you are. If you struggle with the opinions of other's than chances are you have that nagging inner critic that constantly tells yourself that you are not worthy. Negative thoughts and feelings can really begin to ware you down. Thoughts like: You're not good enough... You're broken... You don't have anything good to contribute... You're boring... You're insignificant... You're a loser... Often fill your head don't they? If you allow these negative thoughts to become a belief then your fear of what people think of you will only get worse. Here is what I want to encourage you to do. Start believing this one thing about yourself: YOU ARE WORTHY! Write this down on a 3x5 card and remind yourself every time your inner critic rears its ugly head. Keep tellin

Fear Is Not Always A Bad Thing: It Can Actually Be Your Friend! If you struggle with fear this statement may seem wrong or at least paradoxical. There are a lot of things to be fearful of in our world today. All you have to do is turn on the news and you'll hear about killings, attacks, robbery, riots...you name it! It's no wonder millions of people are plagued with a magnified and distorted view of fear. How can fear be your friend? 1. Fear can get you out of your comfort zone. 2. Fear can keep you safe. 3. Fear can motivate you to take action.  If you struggle with a distorted or magnified view of fear try to focus on the evidence. What you KNOW to be true, not just what you feel to be true. The next time you have a distorted view of fear write down your thoughts and feelings about it. Then write down what you know to be true. Remember, fear in and of itself cannot hurt you. Try to not allow your distorted view of fear tell you otherwise. Don't allow your magnified view of fear become your maste

Anxiety and The Walking Dead. Wait...What? You have surely watched the hit TV show The Walking Dead. Okay, I admit it. The Walking Dead is one of my favorite shows. Why?   For several reasons: 1. I have always had an interest in film make up and special effects. The Walking Dead brings that out big time. 2. I have always been a huge fan of zombies. The classic zombie movie, directed my thee George Romero, The Night Of The Living Dead. Classic movie with special effects and a genius use of lighting and shadows. Without CGI. 3. I have always liked shows that depict the human spirit to live and survive. As I watch The Walking Dead I am struck with the parallel between living with a mental health disorder and Zombies. In particular Living with Anxiety. How Living With Anxiety Is Like The Walking Dead To be clear anxiety is the Walkers in my comparison. Anxiety is always waiting to eat you. Anxiety won't go away on it's own. No matter how fast you try to hide from it, it will not go away. Anxiety is ugly a

Battling The War Within with Force Recon Marine and Pro-MMA Fighter Chad Robichaux Chad Robichaux and Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs - Chad Robichaux did 8 tours of duty as a Force Recon Marine, he is a Pro-MMA fighter, a pastor, an AACC accredited counselor, a husband and father - who nearly lost everything to PTSD. Chad found God and was saved and healed. Now he, his family and other Special Forces leaders are sharing this message. The Mighty Oaks Warrior Program is the only PTSD faith-based program endorsed by the Military.  By teaching the principles of Biblical manhood, Mighty Oaks can boast a program that is drug-free, cost-free, faith-based…and, by the Grace of God, there have been no suicides after anyone has gone through the program! Chad has two books released:Marriage Advance, Love Never Gives Up. A 26-week workbook for couples that addresses brokenness to restoration in Christ.  Redeployed: How Combat Veterans Can Fight The Battle Within and Win the War at Home. A book co-written with Brian Fleming.

This is a very special edition of The John Cordray Show to honor the brave men and women who serve our country to give us freedom. Meet Anthony Ferro, a Marine who is no longer on active duty, who served two tours in Iraq, and who suffers from PTSD. Listen to Anthony as he talks about his PTSD and what he is doing about it. War, PTSD & Recovery with Anthony Ferro Anthony is a Marine who has served from 2003 to 2007, he served two tours in Iraq in 2005 and 2006.  Anthony almost died several times in war during his tours. Now, Anthony is finishing his college degree in Business Management, then he plans to pursue his master's to become a therapist.  Anthony is currently on disability, but he not letting that keep him down. Anthony volunteers at a gym to help instruct and teach others and he is a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.  Anthony say's "I am still trying to adjust to the regular world and I try and learn about PTSD as much as I can." If you suffer from PTSD please seek help from a profess

How Stress Is Making Your Anxiety Worse Stress is the number one factor of many mental illness including anxiety and depression. Most leading experts agree that if we reduce our stress levels, we'll reduce anxiety and depression as well.  The Problem:We are all stressed, but some are over-stressed. Most of us are more concerned about taking care of others, that we neglect ourselves to the point of exhaustion. We give and give to others, but neglect ourselves. We can run on empty for so long, and then we'll run out of gas - stranded. Stress is so dangerous to our health because it's a silent and often a slow process of deteriation of our body from the inside out. 1. Stress can cause a lack of sleep.2. Stress can cause burn out.3. Stress can cause marital problems.4. Stress can cause diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other organ damage.5. Stress can wear down our imune system that can lead to other problems. Stress can cause and be the root cause of anxiety, fear and anger. The So

Hot, Healthy & Happily Ever After with Hilary Silver For many marriages, the mundane daily routine creates a stale and passionless marriage. It's anything but hot, healthy and happily ever after! Hilary is making a difference in the lives of many men and women who want to have the relationship they desire. If your marriage lacks passion, desire and connection you'll want to listen and hear what Hilary has to say. Hilary Silver is a Licensed Therapist, Relationship Expert and Creator of Hot, Healthy & Happily Ever After. In the last 15 years, her counseling and coaching programs have helped thousands of men, women and couples live more authentically, find deep inner joy and contentment and keep their love and passion alive for the long term.  Hilary teaches how to transform our challenges into our greatest strengths, how to achieve genuine connection in relationships and to how to live intentionally to create the life we desire.  Hilary has been featured in The Good Men Project, YourTango, Co

"I’m going crazy. I can’t stop. I’m the only one with this problem. I hate myself. I’ll never be normal again. I can’t even look at myself in the mirror. I’m too embarrassed to go outside.  There’s no hope. I can’t let anyone know. What’s wrong with me?" These repetitive thought patterns plague someone who suffers from this condition.  This compulsive behavior transcends age, gender, culture and socioeconomic status. It can hinder everyday living, lower self-esteem, and create anxiety and stress over a lifetime if not treated. Millions of people are affected by it everyday (about 4% of the world’s population), wow! Little is known about it, and few mental health professionals have seriously studied the origin or treatment of it.  What is it?  It’s a condition known as Trichotillomania or Trich – a compulsive hair pulling behavior. The technical term is an impulse control disorder where people have a very hard time resisting the urge to pull their hair. What is Trichotillomania?Trichotillomania [Tric

No Longer A Victim! Healing From Sexual Abuse with Paula Mosher Wallace Sexual abuse can be so devastating and can be a deep secret for many years. So often people who have been sexually abused are living a life full of shame and self-loathing. In this episode you'll hear from Paula Wallace, who was sexually abused as a child, and now uses her story to help others who are healing from sexual abuse. Get to know Paula Mosher Wallace and her ministry and book, Bloom in the Dark. Born in the jungles of Peru to missionary parents, Paula’s beginning in life was anything but typical. Raped at the age of 5, Paula was caught in a cycle of damage and abuse which lasted into her thirties. From sexual abuse to later mental, emotional and even spiritual abuse, Paula developed a victim mentality, which fueled decades of continued abuse. The trauma she experienced caused her to develop a variety of psychosomatic illnesses which, at times, left her bed-ridden. Broken beyond endurance and suicidal, Paula cried out to G

When I was a kid I loved Sesame Street. My favorite character was Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, and Big Bird, okay they were all my favorites.  But, the one character that stood out the most to me, was a character that didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the characters of Season Street.    He lived in a trash can. You guessed it, Oscar the Grouch.   Oscar was a professional complainer. He complained about the weather, he complained about his home, he complained about his friends. Oscar complained about everything.   No wonder he lived in a trash can!   I was thinking today about why people complain. Why do I complain? Why does my family complain? Why do my clients complain?   I think it boils down to this...   You and I complain because we are not content.   We're not content with our current situation. We're not content with our finances. We're not content with our car. We're not content with our relationships. We're not content with our living environment.   Don't get me wro

I am trying something new here, I am recording my podcast episode while I am scoping a live periscope. So, this podcast episode was recorded in front of a live audience.    I am so glad that you have joined me today. Let me ask you a question. Do you get angry?   If you're a funny person, you may answer my question like my father-in-law would, "Does a bear poop in the woods?"   If you're a shy person you may just answer my question in your head.   If you're an angry person you may get offended by my question and you may say it's none of my business.   Whatever type of person you are I'm sure you get angry to some degree.   Here are 5 Personality Types of Anger:   The Stuffer: Someone who holds in their anger until their anger can no longer remain stuffed and then it comes out with a vengeance. The Exploder: Someone who explodes at the drop of a hat. The Silent Assassin: Someone who quietly seeks revenge or to get even. The Abuser: Someone who uses their anger to manipulate others o

Have you ever been driving and then got stuck in the mud or sand?  You get upset and press on the accelerator harder only to find your tire speeding faster and faster and deeper and deeper into the hole – then finally you’re so far down that you get really stuck.   Then feelings of hopelessness and loneliness set in making your day miserable. Have you been there?   Maybe you have never had your car or truck stuck, but you may feel like your life is stuck and miserable like that.  As a therapist, I have talked to hundreds of people who feel like their life is stuck. The harder they try to do something, the deeper they feel stuck. What are you dealing with that’s making you feel stuck in life? Some of the people that I have seen have dealt with high anxiety and they feel like they will never be able to be free of their constant feelings of inadequacy.  Some are dealing with depression and they feel like they can’t get past their dreadful thoughts of worthlessness. Others are struggling with their marriage and f

You have heard me say before, we all have a story of hurt and brokenness. In this episode, I am talking with Nichola Brown, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Nichola shares her story of abuse and pain and how she is using that to help others in their hurt and pain. Nichola Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC.    Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Nichola has lived in the DC metropolitan area for most of her life. She has been a Mental Health Professional for several years and enjoys working with individuals and families.    Nichola earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore, where she focused on Clinical Mental Health with a concentration in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).    She has worked in the private and public sectors, where she has developed a passion for helping people find their calling. Nichola believes in embracing the journey of life.    Nichola credits her faith in God and seeking professional help, with overcoming her own t