The Valens Clinic

Intrusive thoughts are one of the primary symptoms of OCD. They are repetitive, unwanted thoughts that can cause significant distress to those experiencing them, often appearing suddenly and unexpectedly 😶🌫️ These thoughts are usually meaningless, but can feel frightening because they often involve disturbing images, taboo topics, or harmful scenarios that may affect ourselves or our loved ones 💔 Intrusive thoughts are sometimes compared to mosquitos that keep buzzing in our minds—persistent but separate from us 🦟 Here are some important facts:  ✅ Experiencing intrusive thoughts is common and completely normal. ✅ Having disturbing thoughts doesn’t mean that you’re a “bad” person. ✅ A thought has no power or significance on its own. ✅ Intrusive thoughts can be managed. While it’s not always possible to stop intrusive thoughts, there are ways to make them feel less overwhelming. What other tips would you add? 💭 -- If you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts, consult a mental health professional for personalized advice. We’re here to help—reach out at 800-VALENS or visit our website. #OCDAwarenessWeek #OCDWeek #IntrusiveThoughts #HealthHopeHarmony

“Are we all a little bit OCD?” – No, we’re not. This #OCDAwarenessWeek, we join global efforts to break the stigma and misconceptions about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, supporting the over 200 million people worldwide living with OCD 🎗️ While OCD affects 1 in 40 adults in their lifetime, it is often overlooked and mislabeled as a personality trait or choice. However, it is not the case—OCD is beyond one's control 😶🌫️ OCD is a serious mental illness that involves experiencing persistent thoughts or images that are intrusive and distressing (obsessions), as well as engaging in repetitive physical or mental behaviors (compulsions) intended to get relief from that distress 💟 Check out this mini-guide debunking common myths about OCD and learn the core facts to help reduce the stigma around those suffering from the disorder ℹ️ -- It’s not easy living with OCD, but you don’t have to face it alone. Effective treatment options are available. Reach out at 800-VALENS or visit our website to book your consultation. #OCDAwarenessWeek #OCDWeek #OCDMyths #OCDFacts

Children often need help to recover from crises and traumatic events such as accidents, illness, loss, war, and natural disasters 🌪️ Dealing with mental stress requires creating a safe and supportive environment not only immediately after the traumatic event, but also later when children reflect on what happened 💭 But what makes some children more resilient than others? A key factor is the support from family members and caregivers. By helping to rebuild a sense of calm and security, they can soothe the child’s psychological response through various coping strategies 💟 While children react to trauma in different ways, remember to give them time to heal ⏳ Check out this video to explore some practical tips on how to help your child cope with traumatic events. What other tips would you add? -- Seek professional help for you and/or your child if the symptoms don’t begin to fade or even worsen over time. Reach out at 800-VALENS or via our website. #ChildrenTrauma #CopingWithTrauma #ChildrenMentalHealth

When it comes to supporting employees’ mental health at work, many companies are taking proactive steps to support employees who are going through challenging times by cultivating more open and supportive workplace cultures 💟 Some companies have already developed comprehensive well-being plans, offering information on available counseling resources, mental health days, mental health insurance coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more 🎗️ #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork

Supporting employees experiencing mental health challenges is crucial for companies to perform better and maintain a healthy workplace 🎗️ In recognition of #WorldMentalHealthDay, observed annually on October 10, we highlight this year’s 2024 theme: “Mental Health at Work”. Employees’ mental health fluctuates along a spectrum from good to poor, influenced by various factors both inside and outside of the workplace 🧠 Statistics indicate that 1 in 5 employees worldwide is dealing with a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and/or PTSD, to name a few. Supporting your team members during difficult times means sending the message that being open about mental health leads to support rather than discrimination 💟 Creating such a supportive and open culture doesn't happen overnight, nor is it a one-time work adjustment. But here are 6 key steps that every company can apply to address mental health at work 🌟 -- At Valens, we offer customized mental health awareness sessions for companies in the UAE or abroad. For more information, please contact us at 800-VALENS or through our website.  #MentalHealthAtWork #EmployeesMentalHealth #EmployeesWellBeing

Screens are everywhere, and your child may see and hear more than you realize 😶🌫️ With so much digital media directed at children, too much screen time can negatively affect their emotional, cognitive, and social development. While it’s easier said than done, monitoring screen time should be a priority 📵 During distressing times such as wars, it's even more important to monitor media exposure to help children process traumatic events and the images and messages they encounter 🌪️ Check out this mini-guide to learn how to protect your kids from the risks of unmonitored screen time—both in everyday situations and during challenging times 💟  -- You’re not alone. Seek professional help when needed. Reach out at 800-VALENS or via our website. #ScreeTimeMonitoring #ParentingTips #ChildrenMentalWellbeing

In light of the recent escalations happening in Lebanon, we invite parents in Lebanon and those who are residing in the UAE to join us tomorrow at 7:30 PM (Dubai time) for an online support group with Carla Khalil, Clinical Neuropsychologist; Tameem Allam, Speech and Language Therapist; and Rama Kanj, Educational Psychologist. Constant worry can make it harder for parents to support their children, especially during distressing times such as wars 🌪️ We come together once again to share our concerns and fears, and offer the comfort and solidarity of connecting with others who share similar experiences 💟 This support session will also provide ways to cope with emotional stress, while managing parental responsibilities to carry on, as well as supporting children’s emotional needs through conversations and communication 💬 Note: The session is open to those who are not parents, as well as anyone who’s not directly impacted by the war ℹ️ No registration is required—Please follow the link in the invitation. #OnlineSupportGroup #FamilyWellbeing #ParentsSupport #Lebanon #UAE

The flood of positivity during times of war can be harmful. Remaining hopeful should not oversimplify the complexity of emotions due to the devastating impacts of war, such as loss of loved ones, displacement, and destruction of homes 🌪️ Toxic positivity occurs when people are expected to maintain a “good vibes only” mentality, regardless of how dire or difficult a situation is. This behavior creates pressure to be unrealistically optimistic 🫥 Challenging toxic positivity starts with recognizing the full range of human emotions to develop a holistic approach to emotional well-being, especially during distressing times ❤️🩹 Emotional health doesn’t mean being happy and positive all the time. Breaking free from this pattern doesn’t imply drowning in despair but rather considering the circumstances of any situation and learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions without immediately trying to fix them. It is okay to allow space for all emotions 😶🌫️ Check out this video to learn more about what toxic positivity can look like, and let us know in the comments what other phrases are associated with toxic positivity 💬 -- You’re not alone. Reach out at 800-VALENS or via our website.

How to answer your kids when they start asking you about war? War is horrific. As much as you want to shield your children from all the violence that’s happening, it's difficult to do so. Your child is experiencing anxiety and stress, and they perceive you as a source of information and support during difficult times ℹ️ During times of war, approaching the conversation with your child is essential to give them a sense of safety and security. Take time to explain the situation repeatedly, without overwhelming them with too much information 😶🌫️ We’re sharing a Q&A guide to help you explain war to your children 💬 Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind during such talks: ✅ Speak calmly and use age-appropriate language. Teens might be interested in knowing more context, while there’s no need to go into detail with younger children. ✅ Check in with your children about what they’re seeing and hearing. Reassure them and correct any inaccurate information they may have. ✅ Encourage your child to engage in activities they love, no matter how small, as it brings comfort. ✅ Don’t minimize or dismiss their concerns. Acknowledge their feelings and assure them that whatever they’re feeling is natural. If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with your network and loved ones 💟 -- You’re not alone. Reach out for support at 800-VALENS or through our website. #WarAndChildren #ChildrenMentalHealth #ChildrenSupport #DisplacedFamilies #HealthHopeHarmony

In view of the current situation in Lebanon, we invite the Lebanese community residing in the UAE to join us tomorrow at 7:30 PM (Dubai time) for an online support group with Paoula Saoud, Clinical Psychologist, Nour El Ali MBPsS, Psychologist and Fatima Mahmoud, Journalist. Being away from family and loved ones during a crisis can feel overwhelming and isolating 🫥 Through the sharing of experiences, some may find solace in a sense of community and space to support one another during these challenging times 🌀 This support session can help you feel less alone by listening to others who are facing similar challenges, as well as navigating some practical advice on how to cope and maintain your well-being 💟 No need for registration—find the link in the invitation. #OnlineSupport #SupportGroup #HealthHopeHarmony