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Dr Rae Sandler Simon, denver marriage & family therapy, hawaii mental health

Understanding Anxiety, Depression, Thoughts and Moods

Emotional Wellness & the Power of Feeling

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Many people struggle to fully allow and process their natural range of human emotions. Feelings like sadness, anxiety, anger, shame, or depression are often labeled as “bad” or “too much”—and we’re taught, either directly or indirectly, to avoid them. But avoidance doesn’t make emotions disappear. Whether we suppress them or distract ourselves with other behaviors, those feelings remain—and often grow louder, surfacing in unexpected and disruptive ways.

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Avoided emotions can lead to increased emotional distress and manifest as panic attacks, chronic anxiety, postpartum depression, persistent low mood, or mood fluctuations. These symptoms are not signs of weakness—they’re signals from your mind and body that something within needs attention and care.

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You can feel better. Through compassionate exploration, you'll learn to better understand your inner experience, regulate emotions, and reclaim a sense of balance and well-being.

My approach integrates holistic mental health practices—including mindfulness, traditional Western therapies, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle adjustments—designed to help you reconnect with yourself and live a more grounded, vibrant life.

Suicide Prevention 988

Worried about a friend?

Having scary thoughts?

Click here to talk with someone now.

1-800-273-TALK

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

988lifeline.org

Call or Text 988

1-800-273-TALK(8255)

Text "ALOHA" TO 741741 - Available 24/7

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Hawaii Cares Local Crisis Line

noshamegethelp.org 

1-800-753-6879

Available 24/7

Online Resources:

National Suicide Hotlines - http://suicidehotlines.com

 

National Suicide Prevention -  http://www.sprc.org

Resource Center                                                

 

No Shame Get Help -   https://www.noshamegethelp.org                                            

Yellow Ribbon -  http://www.yellowribbon.org                                                      

Department of Health & Human Services - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention           

 

Department of Health & Human Services - http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/Suicide             

Center for Disease Control & Prevention                                                              

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US Department of Health & Human Service - http://family.samhsa.gov/get/suicidewarn.aspx       

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services                    

Administration

The Trevor Project

If you identify as LGBTiQ+ and are thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, please call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.  

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Help is available 24/7.

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