Guest Blogger: Deitra Hickey, PhD

 

Guest Blogger: Deitra Hickey, PhD

Dr. Deitra Hickey PhD., was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She has utilized her life experiences to develop a passion to help others find their balance and honor themselves through physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Deitra developed a strong will and resilience at a young age by taking care of two paralyzed parents after witnessing both of them being shot. She then cared for her mother who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis until she passed away at only 48. Deitra is a transparent individual that will admit she had struggled as a teenager with consistent doubt, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She made the decision early on not to accept these facets of her outlook and learned how to take control of her life. Deitra has dedicated her life to assisting others to find positive perspective and happiness. She encourages the importance of capitalizing on life’s challenges to strengthen and empower versus using adversity as a crutch.

In addition, Dr. Hickey proudly teaches the community about the positive effects of holistic treatments that not only pamper the deserving individual but also aid in overall health, wellness and stress reduction.

Dr. Hickey worked for Toledo Public for 17 years as a teacher, school counselor, and a school principal. She taught PhD students at The University of Toledo prior to opening her business, Serenity Health & Wellness Center. Dr. Hickey is a proud Toledoan and enjoys bringing her experience, education, and dedication to make a lasting impression and difference in others’ lives.

Managed Firewalls, VoIP, Application and Database Development and Website Design.

Learn more about Dr. Deitra Hickey at her website Serenity Health & Wellness

How to Deal with Change and Become Resilient

Many people often try to avoid change for various reasons, but it will inevitably catch up to you. Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a different city, the end of a relationship, a loss of a loved one, or needing to adjust the way we do life because of an unprecedented occurrence. Try these strategies to cope with change and become resilient once and for all.

We experience transitions in work and relationships, changes in our physical and mental health, and new events in our local communities and our world. Sometimes we know a change will occur, while other times it comes suddenly and unexpectedly. If you can learn to cope with change instead of constantly trying to avoid it, you’ll lower your risk for anxiety and depression. Your relationships will flourish, and your body will feel healthier. Practicing resilience and different ways of thinking can boost your ability to deal with change and help you create a life that is adaptive to new places and unexpected events. Let’s take a look at a few healthy practices for increasing your level of resilience and coping with change.

Consider Which Changes You Have Control Over

Sometimes it’s all too easy to become fixated on events over which we have no power, or people who might never change their actions or attitude. But rather than focus on blaming others or moving the unmovable, resilient people set their sights on what they can control. When you look for opportunities to empower yourself and work towards change that is possible, you’re less likely to feel stuck in difficult situations.

Click the image below to watch a video of Dr. Hickey talking about coping with change

Implement Self-Care After a Loss or Tragedy

Often life’s transitions involve losses, such as a death, a big move, the loss of a job, or a relationship ending. Even positive transitions, like a graduation or a job change, can make you feel a little sad. During these times of transitions, don’t push away any grief you might feel. Acknowledge the loss, and pay attention to what you’ve learned from the experience. Seek support and camaraderie among friends and family, and consider speaking with a counselor or other mental health professional if you feel you need extra support.

Practice the Power of Positive Thinking

In times of change, it’s easy for your mind to drift to the negative. You might see everything with tunnel vision, or you assume the worst will occur. But if you take the time to examine your thought patterns and assess how rational they are, you might nudge your thinking towards resilience. If you’re not sure how to slow down your mind, practicing relaxation techniques or deep breathing, it can help you feel more in control of your thoughts and how you evaluate change. You can also generate more positive thoughts if you take the time to remind yourself about transitions and challenges you successfully navigated in the past.

Hone in On Your Priorities

The most resilient people see change as an opportunity rather than an avenue to fear. Transitions in life allow you to consider where your priorities lie. How do you really want to spend your time on earth? What’s really important to you? With a clear sense of your goals and values, you will find your mind and body can be much more resilient when it comes to the stressors of change.

Above all, prioritizing your health in life’s transitions means not being afraid to ask for help when you need it. Humans are social creatures by nature, so you weren’t built to withstand every sudden event in life without the support of others. Talk to family and friends who are experiencing similar changes, or consider finding a support group in your community. You can embrace transition and see challenges as opportunities to thrive.