Margaret Perry, LCSW

Margaret Perry, LCSW Mental wellness specializing in anxiety, depression, personality disorders, trauma-related issues Private pay
Accepts insurance

04/08/2026

Sometimes we think change has to be big to matter – but often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Taking a few slow breaths, stepping outside, drinking water, moving your body, or connecting with someone you trust – these simple habits help regulate your nervous system.

They may feel small in the moment, but over time, they create meaningful change.

✨ Small steps. BIG impact.

Self-care isn’t what social media often makes it seem.It’s not lazy, indulgent, or selfish—and it’s not always going to ...
04/06/2026

Self-care isn’t what social media often makes it seem.

It’s not lazy, indulgent, or selfish—and it’s not always going to look calm or pretty.

Self-care isn't always bubble baths or "time off". Sometimes self-care looks like setting boundaries, getting rest where you can, or asking for help when you need it.

These things aren’t weaknesses. They’re necessary.

Self-care is not weakness. It is essential.

04/03/2026

Lashing out in anger, constantly reaching for your phone, over-spending, over-eating, or using substances—these are all common urges.

And while they can feel really overwhelming in the moment, they don’t last forever.

One helpful tool is called urge surfing. It’s about pausing, noticing what you’re feeling, and allowing the urge to pass without reacting right away.

The goal isn’t to control the urge—it’s to give yourself space.

✨ Pause
✨ Breathe
✨ Observe
✨ Ride it out

You don’t have to fight every feeling. Sometimes, you just need to ride the wave. 🌊

Staying mentally healthy requires intention. Whether at home or at work, there are small ways we can intentionally prior...
04/01/2026

Staying mentally healthy requires intention. Whether at home or at work, there are small ways we can intentionally prioritize mental health.

Here are some actions you can take this week:
✨ Schedule time for self-care
✨ Keep a gratitude journal
✨ Stay hydrated
✨ Prioritize positive relationships
✨ Move your body daily
✨ Keep healthy boundaries
✨ Establish good sleep habits
✨ Eat healthy foods

How do you make your mental health a priority?

Burnout is often misunderstood as simply “being tired.”In reality, burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical...
03/31/2026

Burnout is often misunderstood as simply “being tired.”

In reality, burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that develops when stress continues for long periods of time without enough recovery time. It can affect motivation, mood, focus, and physical health.

Common signs include: ongoing fatigue, irritability, feeling detached, difficulty concentrating, or feeling less effective in work or daily responsibilities.

Many of these symptoms can look similar to anxiety, which is why it’s sometimes confusing to recognize what’s happening.

Burnout is usually connected to chronic stress and overwhelm in areas like work, caregiving, or life demands. Clinical anxiety, however, is a mental health condition that may involve persistent worry, fear, or physical symptoms even when stressors aren’t present.

Understanding the difference can help people seek the right kind of support.

If this information was helpful, feel free to share it with someone who might need it. If you are struggling with burnout or anxiety, reach out for help.

✨We often see rest as something we do when everything else is finished, like it is a reward for a job well done.But in r...
03/27/2026

✨We often see rest as something we do when everything else is finished, like it is a reward for a job well done.

But in reality, rest is an essential part of productivity.

Taking time to rest helps regulate stress hormones, improves focus and memory, and supports physical recovery and immune system health.

Rest is not unproductive – it is a key part of keeping our bodies and minds functioning well.

🌿Rest supports progress.

03/25/2026

When stress and overwhelm make productivity seem impossible, pause. Instead of trying to do everything at once, it can help to focus on a single small step.
Choose a single task. If the task has multiple steps, just focus on the first step.
Schedule your task. When will you complete this small step?
Start your task on time, even if the motivation is not there, and do what you can.
Progress is not always linear. Moving forward in a small way is still progress! ❤️

It’s easy to move from one task to the next without stopping, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming.Pausing to...
03/24/2026

It’s easy to move from one task to the next without stopping, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming.

Pausing to take a few slow, intentional breaths can help your body reset and bring a sense of calm back into your day.

You don’t need a full break to make a difference. Even a small pause can help.

03/20/2026

✨ Grounding practices are simple tools that can help bring your attention back to the present moment, especially during times of stress or anxiety.

✨ One helpful technique is the 3-3-3 method:
Start with some deep breaths, then:
Name 3 things you can see
Notice 3 things you can hear
Move 3 parts of your body

✨ This practice gently shifts your focus away from racing thoughts and back into your environment and body.

It’s quick, practical, and can be done almost anywhere.

✨ Small tools like this can make a meaningful difference over time.

Have you ever noticed that stress feels physical?That’s because it is!When your brain detects a danger or threat – even ...
03/19/2026

Have you ever noticed that stress feels physical?

That’s because it is!

When your brain detects a danger or threat – even something like intense pressure and deadlines at work or a conflict with a friend – it activates your body’s stress response. Your heart beats faster, breathing changes, muscles tighten, and stress hormones increase energy and alertness.

This is your built-in survival system.

In short bursts, it can actually be helpful.

But when stress becomes constant, your body stays in “on” mode longer than it is meant to. Over time, this can seriously impact your sleep, digestion, mood, focus, and overall energy levels.

The important part to remember is, your body is not working against you. It is trying to protect you. These physical responses can be a sign that you need spend some time focusing on stress management.

The key is building small habits that signal safety to your brain. Breathing slowly, getting outside, moving your body, resting, and connecting with supportive people in your life.

Stress management isn’t about avoiding life. It’s about helping your nervous system recover.

If this was helpful, feel free to share it with someone who might need it.

12/31/2025

As we step into 2026, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your trust and support. May the new year bring you strength, resilience, and the opportunity to prioritize your wellbeing. Happy New Year from our team!

12/24/2025

Wishing you and yours a season filled with joy, peace, and good health. From our team to your family, Happy Holidays! We look forward to supporting you in the new year.

Address

Carlinville, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12177054550

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Margaret Perry, LCSW posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Margaret Perry, LCSW:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category