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Suicidal Thoughts: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Know that help is always available. A crisis hotline is just a dial away, and many healthcare providers in the United States can assist you.

In this blog post, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and available treatment options for suicidal thoughts and ideation. With knowledge and support, we can all manage our emotions and create a life worth living.

Symptoms: Am I Displaying Suicidal Behavior?

What is a suicidal thought to begin with? It’s when a person fantasizes about taking one’s own life. This behavior is also known as “suicidal ideation.”

Passive suicidal ideation occurs when you wish to die but do not have fixed plans for a suicide attempt. Meanwhile, active ideation is where you feel extremely suicidal—not only fantasizing about suicide but actively planning to do it.

Red flags for suicide risks include the following behaviors:

  • Withdrawing socially from friends and family
  • Expressing guilt or shame
  • Talking about death or suicide attempts
  • Acting recklessly
  • Increasing drug or alcohol use

Causes: Why Do I Feel Suicidal?

Suicidal feelings don’t come from a single source. Different mental health conditions can trigger a suicidal thought. Mental disorders like the following can cause these thoughts.

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Other psychiatric disorders

Social issues leading to extreme emotional pain can also spark these thoughts.

  • Loneliness or isolation
  • Bullying or stigma relating to race, gender, disability, or sexual identity
  • Different types of abuse, including domestic violence

Even physical health issues, including chronic pain, may cause hopelessness. But, again, seemingly random things can also present risk factors for suicidal ideation. Consider the following:

  • Life stressors like financial problems
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Job loss and unemployment
  • The passing of loved ones
  • Physical health issues
  • Substance abuse
  • Trauma

Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. If you are feeling suicidal, reach out for help from friends, family members, mental health professionals, or support groups.

Can medication cause suicidal feelings?

Medication can trigger suicidal ideation. Some commonly prescribed drugs may induce suicidal thoughts as a side effect.

For instance, there is a concern for a type of anti-depressive drug (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) raising the risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents.

If you believe you are taking a drug that is causing suicidal thoughts, get professional help immediately. Discuss this with a crisis counselor or your mental health provider right away.

Treatments: How I Can Treat My Suicidal Behavior?

As we said, help is always available to treat suicidal ideation. Let’s explore these treatment options.

Psychotherapy

A popular way to treat suicidal ideation is through psychotherapy. This type of talk therapy usually helps to understand and manage thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be causing suicidal ideation.

Patients meet face-to-face (or in group therapy) with a mental health professional to gain better insight into their problems and find solutions.

There are two popular types of psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Regardless of the type, psychotherapy is beneficial in treating various mental health issues, like major depression and mood disorders.

Through psychotherapy, patients can learn to manage difficult emotions effectively, set achievable goals for themselves, build healthier relationships, and create a stronger sense of self-esteem.

Medication

Medication can be effective in treating mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. Doctors may prescribe different medications depending on a patient’s circumstances.

Common medications used in suicide treatment are as follows:

  • Antidepressants (including SSRIs and MAOIs)
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Antipsychotics
  • Mood-stabilizing drugs

Contact your health care provider before taking them to avoid substance misuse.

Prevention: How to Manage My Emotions

Besides psychotherapy and medication, engage in activities that can prevent the risks of suicidal ideation.

The first proactive and preventive approach is practicing self-care. A healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercises, and routine breaks from work or school are just the start. Relaxing with yoga, meditation, or calming music may also help.

The next approach is to set up safety planning—a short-term, actionable plan to identify your triggers. Coping strategies in this planning include participating in positive activities when depressed or overwhelmed and having trusted contacts for support.

That support system is also vital for a person’s mental well-being. Having someone who listens without judgment and provides comfort during tough times is good. Building strong relationships with people helps you stay connected, reducing the risk of suicidal thoughts.

Get Help with NeuroSpa

If any warning signs of suicidal thoughts are present, contact a suicide and crisis lifeline, reach out to a professional, or call 911 immediately.

If you or a loved one are suffering from depression and are experiencing warning signs of suicidal ideation, NeuroSpa is here to help.

From treatments like TMS therapy and Ketamine therapy, to talk therapy and medication management, our team of professionals have the tools to provide customized individual care.

With NeuroSpa, you’ll never have to fight mental illness alone. Book a free consultation today and receive the mental health care that you deserve.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

 

What You Can Do to Help Someone With Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common mental illness issues that have a global impact on millions of people.
Unfortunately, many individuals suffering from these conditions feel isolated and misunderstood, making it difficult to seek help or even talk about their struggles.
If you know someone with depression and anxiety, it can be challenging to understand how to help them.
However, there are many things you can do to offer support and make a positive impact on their mental health.
Let’s discuss some practical steps of how to help someone with depression and anxiety.

5 Ways to Help a Friend With Depression and Anxiety

Symptoms of depression and anxiety attacks can be challenging to deal with, but you don’t have to feel helpless.
Here are five ways how to support someone with depression and anxiety:

  1. Listen and be patient
  2. Offer your support
  3. Do something fun
  4. Encourage healthy habits
  5. Seek professional help

1. Listen and be patient

Listening is essential for assisting someone with major depression and anxiety symptoms.
It cannot be easy to know exactly what to say, but even being there and letting your friend know you care can make a huge difference.
Try saying something like, “I apologize you have to deal with this.” to show your support.
In addition, try your best to be patient with them – it might take a while for them to open up, but just being there and giving them the space to talk can be incredibly helpful.
In short, being a good listener and sympathetic with your friend, who might want time to go through their emotions and observations, is critical.

2. Offer your support

Offering your support is another critical way of helping someone with depression and anxiety.
It can be as simple as offering to help with errands and daily tasks, or spending time together to do something fun.
Letting them know you are there for them and care about their well-being can make a difference.
You don’t have to have all the answers – instead, being present and showing them your support can be enough.

3. Do something fun together

Doing something fun together can be a great way to help your friend manage their depressive disorder and anxiety.
This could include going for a walk in the park, playing a board game, or even watching a movie.
Whichever activity you choose together, make sure that you both enjoy it and will look forward to it.
This distraction can be beneficial for caring for someone with anxiety and depression. Plus, it’s a great way to show your friend that you care and are there for them no matter what.
Sharing an enjoyable activity can help lift your friend’s mood and help them take their mind off of their worries.

4. Encourage healthy habits

Living with depression and anxiety can affect a person’s daily life, making it challenging to take care of themselves.
Encouraging healthy habits is vital to show your friend you are there for them.
This could be helping them with meal planning or grocery shopping so they have healthy food available.
You could also suggest yoga, meditation, or walking to help reduce stress.
When trying to help someone you love with depression and anxiety; it is crucial to look after their psychological and physical well-being.

5. Seek professional help

Encourage your friend to reach out to a therapist or mental health professional who can offer further assistance for helping someone with depression and anxiety.
Let them know there is no shame in seeking help and that it can be a positive step toward recovery.
In addition, provide them with any resources you may have found that could help.
It’s important to let your friend know they don’t need to face this alone and that professional help is available.

Support System

Helping someone with depression and anxiety can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do for someone suffering with a mental health condition.
Remember to be patient and encouraging, and suggest they get professional assistance when necessary.
By offering love and support, you can positively impact their journey towards healing and recovery.
If you or a loved one are in need of treatment for depression and anxiety, NeuroSpa is here to help. With 7 different locations in the Tampa area, our team is here to give you the customized mental health care you deserve.
From cutting-edge solutions like Ketamine and TMS therapies to traditional treatments like talk therapy and medication management, NeuroSpa is equipped with the tools to help you get your mental health back on track.
Schedule a free consultation today.
This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

What Does TMS Stand For and How Does It Work?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and is a form of brain stimulation used to treat major depression, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

It works by wrapping a magnetic coil around the patient’s head that will send currents through the brain to help with mood regulation.

Keep reading to learn more about how TMS works so you can decide whether this treatment option is right for you.

How TMS Therapy Works

During TMS therapy, a coil is placed over the scalp, and a magnetic pulse is delivered to a specific region of the brain.

This pulse causes a small electric current to flow through nerve cells in certain regions of the brain. Researchers believe that this stimulates activity in parts of the brain associated with mood control.

TMS is an FDA approved treatment that can change the brain’s neural circuits in a way that lasts for a long time. This makes it a possible treatment for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

TMS Therapy Benefits

TMS therapy is non-invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Each treatment typically lasts around 20 minutes and is usually done five days a week for 6-8 weeks. Patients can drive themselves home and resume normal activities after the procedure.

Clinical trials have shown TMS to be effective for treating depression, with up to 75% of patients experiencing significant improvement. TMS has been found to be twice as effective as antidepressants alone.

TMS therapy for depression

TMS is targeted at specific areas of the brain to provide relief from depression. It helps break the cycle of depression by making these areas more active, therefore allowing them to work better.

TMS is a good way to treat depression for many people, giving hope to those who haven’t found relief with other treatment methods.

TMS therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

TMS has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Magnetic stimulation can help relieve OCD symptoms by slowing down activity in parts of the brain that are too busy.

Slowing down the activity of nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex can help reduce anxiety caused by OCD.

TMS therapy for other anxiety disorders

TMS is also used to treat mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), in addition to OCD. A 2019 study suggests that TMS could be effective in treating GAD.

Even though more research is needed, it seems that TMS therapy may help people with anxiety disorders because it can slow down the activity of nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex.

Risks

Like any medical treatment, TMS can have potential side effects. Most of the time, the side effects of TMS therapy are mild and temporary. They can include mild scalp pain, headaches, and dizziness.

These side effects typically resolve within a few hours after the session.

Seizures and other more serious side effects are extremely rare. TMS is not recommended for people with metal implants in the head, as the magnetic field can cause these implants to heat up and potentially cause injury.

Overall, TMS is a safe and effective FDA approved therapy with a low risk of side effects.

What if TMS doesn’t work?

Like all medical treatments for mental illnesses such as depression or OCD, TMS is not always effective. In these cases, patients can consult their doctors to come up with new treatment options.

However, when compared to other treatments, like medication, TMS is often more effective.

How NeuroSpa Can Help

If you’re living with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition, our healthcare professionals at NeuroSpa are here to help.

As the best mental health clinic in Tampa, we offer a wide range of treatments, like TMS and psychotherapy.

At our clinic, each patient receives a treatment plan that is tailored for them and their needs.

Check out NeuroSpa to learn more about TMS and book your free consultation today.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

How to Help Someone with Mental Illness

Have you ever had to help someone struggling with mental illness? This task may be challenging, but there are steps you can take to provide support and understanding.

This article will discuss how to help someone with mental illness, including providing emotional support, learning about their condition, and connecting them with the right resources.

With a careful approach, you can make a positive difference in the life of someone struggling with a mental health condition.

Providing Assistance to a Friend or Family Member Who Has a Mental Health Condition

Supporting a friend or family member experiencing a mental illness may be demanding and stressful.

First, it is critical to identify the warning symptoms of mental health concerns and link them to expert assistance.

Then, it’s a good idea to show concern and support while reassuring them that assistance is accessible and that their mental health condition is treatable. You may express your support by inquiring about their situation, hearing their opinions, and telling them that you care.

Offering to help with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking meals, or running errands can make a big difference in their day-to-day life.

Furthermore, continuing to invite them out without being overbearing can remind them that they are still part of the community.

How to Talk About Mental Health

Talking about mental health can be a complex topic to approach. But once you start, it gets easier. And your help will be invaluable to those who are struggling.

Speaking appropriately for the person’s age and development is also essential. For example, comparing physical illnesses and mental health issues may explain the concept of mental health problems in a way that is easier for some people to understand.

Depending on the individual’s needs, mental health treatment may include medication and therapy.

Remember that talking about mental health does not have to be uncomfortable or awkward. Instead, you may see it as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Creating a Safe Space

Creating a safe space for someone with mental illness is vital in helping them feel supported and understood.

This safe space includes setting boundaries around conversations about their condition and respecting their privacy when discussing it with others.

Finally, creating an environment where the person feels comfortable talking openly about their feelings without fear.

Assisting People

Finding the right words to console a friend or family member struggling with their mental health may not come easily.

Even if you mean well, your concern may be misconstrued if the person you’re talking to is not ready to open up about their mental health.

So it’s essential to convey your concern and reassure them that you’re still around when they are ready. You may also tell them that help is accessible, even if it doesn’t come from you.

In the meantime, show your support by getting to know them better, listen to what they have to say, and reiterate your sympathy for their problems.

Another way to demonstrate your support is to invite them to activities without being overbearing; these social interactions will allow them to feel included and supported. Showing kindness and understanding during their difficult times will go a long way.

Again, it’s more than just emotional support. If you’re particularly concerned about someone’s condition, talk to their family members and encourage them to start discussing mental health.

Connecting Someone with Mental Health Resources

Unless you work as a healthcare professional or a mental health therapist, it’s generally inadvisable for you to handle these mental health issues alone.

Instead, connecting them with the resources they need is more important once you have identified that someone is struggling with their mental health.

These resources include finding a therapist or psychiatrist, connecting them to support groups, and providing them with information about local mental health services.

Providing information on accessing mental health services through insurance or other means is also important.

Additionally, sharing information on online resources such as mental health hotlines and websites can help connect someone with the help they need.

Finally, always remind the person that they are not alone and that there are people who care about them and want to help.

NeuroSpa Treatment Centers

NeuroSpa Treatment Centers offer a comprehensive range of services to help those struggling with a mental illness. Our talk therapy sessions allow individuals to express their feelings and concerns in a safe and supportive environment.

We offer mental healthcare, which entails medication administration and additional customized treatment programs. We will help you to combat mental health issues with these programs, among others that include:

  • TMS therapy: a non-invasive procedure that stimulates the brain using magnetic pulses
  • Nutrition counseling: to ensure our patients get the proper care for optimum mental health
  • Sleep pattern assessment: to help you find any sleep difficulties that may be causing your mental health concerns
  • Supplemental medicine: to help manage symptoms of mental illness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, NeuroSpa Treatment Centers can help.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

How to Provide Support After a Psychotic Episode

Seeing someone you care about suffering from psychosis can be difficult. However, you need to be strong during stressful situations to support your loved one struggling with a mental illness. While your family member/friend experiencing psychosis may not know exactly what they need, offering your love and support can be crucial during these difficult times.

Watching someone experience a psychotic episode can be extremely stressful. People that are unsure of how to handle a situation like this may search for “how to deal with someone having a psychotic episode” as they feel helpless and unprepared. Though, it is important to remain calm and speak to your loved one in a clear, empathetic tone.

This post will explore ways you can help a loved one after a psychotic episode.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a psychological condition that affects how an individual’s brain processes information. This condition can interrupt healthy brain function, influencing your ability to perceive information correctly. Psychosis makes it difficult for individuals to determine what is real and what is not.

People with this mental health condition may see, hear, taste, smell, or even feel things that are unreal or do not exist. They may start having inexplicable beliefs and ideas. Psychosis appears as reality to the sufferer, while that may not be the case. Additionally, patients with psychosis are usually unaware of their condition, adding to the confusion and overwhelming feelings.

Psychosis is not a mental illness but a symptom triggered by a physical injury or mental illness. People dealing with trauma or stress may also go through psychotic episodes. Studies reveal, there are about 100,000 new psychosis cases in the US each year.

What is a Psychotic Episode?

People who have suffered a brain injury or have a psychotic disorder may have psychotic episodes as a symptom. Patients going through psychotic episodes tend to perceive and interpret reality differently.

Psychotic episodes are characterized by the following signs and symptoms:

Hallucinations

Hallucinations include seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things others do not.

  • Auditory Hallucinations: hearing voices that are not there
  • Visual Hallucinations: seeing objects or people that are not around, shapes appearing wrong
  • Tactile Hallucinations: feeling or experiencing unexplainable sensations

Delusions

Delusions include unusual beliefs that do not make sense to others. People in psychotic episodes may believe the following things:

  • Someone following or spying on you
  • People trying to murder you
  • Having special powers
  • Outside forces controlling your emotions or actions

Cognitive Impairments

Cognitive impairments include difficulties in everyday actions. The following are the common cognitive impairments associated with psychosis.

  • Difficulty retaining memory
  • Concentration problems
  • Difficulty in understanding things

Can You Recover from a Psychotic Break?

Psychotic breaks/episodes can be frightening. Many sufferers believe they will never be the same or live a normal life again. However, psychosis recovery is possible, and many patients successfully get rid of the symptoms or learn to manage them.

Supporting a Loved One after a Psychotic Break

Most symptoms disappear or reduce when a patient returns from the hospital after a psychotic episode. However, offering support can create a safer environment for your loved one. Here are some things you can do to help.

Listen to Them

Listen to them with complete attention and without judgment if your loved one feels comfortable sharing and discussing their feelings. Paying attention to what they say can make them feel calmer, speeding up acute psychotic episode recovery.

Avoid Denying their Experience

Patients may feel like they are going crazy after a psychotic episode. You may be confused about how to respond or react when a loved one has hallucinations or delusions. If someone you care about is seeing or feeling things that do not make sense to you, avoid confirming or denying their experience. Instead, focus on how they are feeling rather than their psychotic experiences. You can offer consoling words, like “I understand how you feel right now, and I am here to help.”

Offer Help

Ideally, you want to ask your loved one if they need practical help. You can accompany them to their hospital visits or help them access medical care. Similarly, you can act as their advocate to validate their feelings.

Things You Should Do When Supporting Someone Experiencing Psychosis

  • Talk in a calm voice and use short, reassuring sentences
  • Be empathetic about their experiences and feelings
  • Listen attentively when they explain what they are feeling
  • Avoid confronting or arguing with them regarding their beliefs
  • Give them space if they do not want to talk
  • Treat them with respect
  • Validate their feelings

Ideally, medical professionals should be your first call for help as they can handle such situations much better. You can provide support when they return from the hospital to aid their psychosis recovery.

Treatment of Psychosis

Providing support for your loved one experiencing psychosis may seem difficult and overwhelming at times. While you may be able to offer love and support to your friend or loved one, it is important to remember that treatment from a mental health professional is the best step to recovery.

At NeuroSpa Therapy Centers, our team of dedicated professionals is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to get your mental health back on track. Whether it is medication therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or TMS therapy, NeuroSpa will give your loved one the customized treatment they need to carry out a happier and healthier life.

If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, consider reaching out to NeuroSpa today.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

How to Recognize if Your Friend Is Suicidal

Did you know that depression is at an all-time high in the United States? It’s true, and more alarmingly, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in America. Though, it is important to keep in mind that suicide is preventable in many cases. Most importantly, a suicidal individual needs proper help before its too late.

In order to prevent suicide from occuring with a friend or a loved one, it is important that you understand the warning signs first. Let’s talk about the signs and struggles of suicide ideation that you may notice in a suicidal person.

Warning Signs Of A Suicidal Person

They have become very withdrawn and apathetic towards major problems.

One of the most common warning signs of suicide deals with the person’s behavior. If they have been struggling with depression or grief for a long time and then suddenly become calmer than usual, this can be a warning sign of suicide. Either way, depression, long periods of sadness, and moodiness are all major risk factors for suicide.

If you notice that the person in question starts to withdraw from others by choosing to be alone and avoiding friends and family, this can be a cause for concern. Many people considering death by suicide often experience a deepening sense of apathy toward the world around them, if this is the case encourage your loved one to seek professional help and remind them how much you care about their wellbeing.

It’s also worth noting that people experiencing suicidal thoughts may engage in dangerous behavior such as driving too fast or increasing their use of drugs and alcohol. If you notice these suicide symptoms, it may be worth confronting your friend about their thoughts and offer caring support.

They threaten suicide.

Suicidal threats should be taken seriously no matter the circumstance. Suicidal threats are actually found to be one of the most common signs of suicide in teens. Regardless of the situation, you should always take someone seriously if they express suicidal thoughts or explicitly say, “I feel suicidal.”

On a similar note, if the person references not being around in the future, this too can be a sign that an individual is experiencing suicidal ideation.

They mention that they feel like a burden.

Many suicidal people feel overwhelmed with hopelessness and despair. This often makes them feel that they’re a burden to people around them. Any time that you hear people mention that they feel like a burden, it’s time to hit the pause button and provide your support.

This is a frequent symptom of suicide ideation, so reach out to your friend if this happens and make sure they’re directed to the necessary resources.

Your friend started to give away a lot of their personal possessions, mentions final wishes, and more.

One of the most alarming signs of suicide deals with the person doing “prep work” for the end of their life. This can include doing things like giving away beloved items, mentioning final wishes in passing, making a will, or writing suicide notes.

If there are a lot of signs of post-mortem preparations, you should ask what’s going on and offer your support. If you notice a friend writing a suicide note, then it’s time to get them help they need.

They self-harm.

Self-harm is one of the most serious signs of suicide potential that you can find. More specifically, it is a sign of suicidal ideation that has turned towards suicidal actions. This means that the person has suicidal tendencies and may be far closer to killing themself than you think.

While some people who engage in self-harm may be suicidal, not everyone who self-harms does so with fatal intent. Most people who self-harm are not suicidal but there is a noteworthy correlation between these two different behaviors.

How You Can Help a Loved One in Need

Your friend is going through a major mental crisis right now, and it’s one that should not be ignored. They need your help as well as the help of a qualified professional. Now is a good time to do the following:

  • Remove objects or weapons that could be used in suicide attempt
  • Call a crisis hotline and encourage your loved one to do the same
  • Don’t leave them alone if their behavior is becoming highly concerning

If your friend is showing signs of suicide, don’t hesitate to ask if they are contemplating suicide and encourage them to seek the help of a professional. If your friend is in imminent danger of harming themselves, call 911 immediately.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

The Right Plans to Help Your Child Succeed In School With a Mental Health Condition

As a parent, you know that your child is capable of great things. But what if he or she has a mental health condition? That doesn’t mean that your child won’t be able to succeed in school, but it does mean that you need to partner with teachers, administrators, and other parents to help create the best possible learning environment for your child. The following tips will help:

Create a Support Network That Includes Your Child

Involve your child in the process. Parents often feel they should be the ones to help their children—and you are an important part of that support! Involving your child in solutions and plans can help them feel like they’re involved and have a voice, which will give them more incentive to stick with it.

Encourage involvement from other adults who are important in your child’s life. They don’t have to be mental health professionals or specialists. Perhaps there’s a teacher, coach, or mentor who is especially supportive of your child—invite them into the conversation as well!

Develop an Action Plan to Help Your Child at School

You should also develop an action plan to help your child at school. This plan will include ways you can help your child with their mental health condition in the classroom and how you can support the teachers and other staff who are working with them.

You should make sure that each of your children’s teachers is aware of the action plan that has been developed for them, as well as how they can best work with you to give your child the best experience possible. It is important to keep communication open between yourself and the school so that both parties are clear on what needs to happen when problems arise or if something doesn’t seem right with your child’s education.

Get on the Same Page as Your Child’s Teachers

One of the best ways to make sure your child is getting the education they deserve is to communicate with their teachers. This can be done in a few different ways:

Make sure you and your child’s teachers are on the same page by communicating in writing or over email regularly. Also, try to set up regular meetings with your child’s teachers so you can speak in person from time to time.

Talk about any issues or struggles that might have an impact on your child’s learning. For example, if your child has an anxiety disorder and feels uncomfortable speaking up in class, it might be best to communicate this when you meet with the teacher at conferences.

To ensure a successful learning environment for your child, also beware of any bullying that they could be experiencing, whether this is on school grounds or through social media. Children with mental health conditions can be more seriously impacted by bullies, and this may also inhibit them from performing well in school. Be sure to stay in touch with your child’s teachers about bullying and communicate with them if you notice signs of bullying outside of school or online. 

Help Your Child Succeed in School

One thing you can do for your child is teaching them how to get organized and stay on top of their work. This helps them feel more confident about school, which will lead to better grades and fewer problems. You could also encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities that make them feel good about themselves because these kinds of activities help shield them against depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions that might be affecting your child from doing well at school or home life.

Another way you can help your child with homework is by helping them understand what they’re learning and why it matters so they’re more likely to retain information when studying for exams later down the road (and as we all know, retaining knowledge will make test-taking go much smoother).

One way you could do this would be by asking questions like “Why was it important for us all together as a class? Why did our teacher want us to learn this?” It may seem like overkill at first but trust me: once they start getting comfortable answering these types of questions confidently then everything else becomes easier!

Adapting for Success in the Classroom

A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. With that being said, it is important that children suffering from a mental health condition are cared for properly. Although mental health conditions are very serious illnesses, there are treatment options and lifestyle changes that can be made to allow for a better life.

As a parent, there are various ways to ensure that your child succeeds in school with a mental health condition, including the following: 

  • Creating a support network that make your child feel safe and valued
  • Developing an action plan that is geared toward your child’s success
  • Communicating with your child’s teachers, coaches, and administrators
  • Helping your child to stay organized and on top of their schoolwork

Although you may worry sometimes, it is important to keep in mind that your child has the ability to succeed in school despite their mental health condition. With the right adaptations, techniques, and support, you can ensure your child’s success in the classroom. 

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

Who Can I Talk to About My Mental Health

Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are common mental health disorders around the world and in the U.S. About 51 million US adults will experience a mental illness in any given year, while 13 million Americans suffer from a severe mental illness. These disorders wreak havoc on our emotions, our thoughts, and our behaviors. Having a psychological disorder can be lonely and isolating, and the thought of reaching out to another person may be terrifying. After all, mental illness still carries some stigma with it, even though so many live with it.

 

When troubled, our instinct is to turn to someone we know well, someone who has positive regard for us. That’s not always possible, and even in situations where you can turn to a friend or loved one, chances are they’ll be able to offer emotional support, but not professional assistance that can reduce your problems in the long term.

 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out to those closest to you if you can. Having a strong support system is one of the most important parts of recovery from psychological disorders. 

However, psychological disorders can be professionally treated so effectively that a person’s symptoms become much less harmful and far less intrusive. This requires the services of a professional.

 

Choosing Someone to Talk to About Your Mental Health

Talking about your mental health is the first step in getting the help you need. When choosing someone to talk to, you can pick someone you know, a mental healthcare professional, or both. Additionally, there are resources on the internet that can provide assistance, as well as helping you get in touch with people who can help. 

 

Tips for Talking to a Loved One about Your Mental Health

When you choose someone in your life to talk to concerning your mental health, consider these hints.

    • Select an appropriate time. Choose a time when you and your trusted person will have enough quiet time to discuss the issues.
    • Plan what you want to say. If necessary, write notes you can look at when you have the conversation.
    • Think about what your needs are. Do you want to be validated and reassured, or do you need something more involved?
    • You may not get the reaction you need, so be prepared to choose another person. People often don’t know what to say and jump right into trying to solve your problems. Others might lack any useful context in which to respond. The important thing is that you reach out and let someone know what’s going on with you.
  • If you don’t get what you need from the conversation, pick someone else and try again. 

 

Talking to a Mental Healthcare Professional

A mental healthcare professional can offer a high level of confidentiality and expertise. But who counts as a mental health professional? Typically, counselors and psychotherapists spring to mind, as do psychologists and psychiatrists. Some social workers and psychiatric nurses are also licensed to provide mental health therapy.

Psychotherapists usually have at least a master’s degree and are licensed in counseling, psychotherapy, or other psychiatric services. Psychologists must have at least a doctoral degree, and a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will have a medical degree. 

All mental healthcare providers will be licensed to do so.

They can help you:

  • Learn coping skills to help deal with anxiety, depression, and stress more effectively.
  • Better understand what causes, maintains, and worsens your symptoms. 
  • Reduce, manage, or eliminate your symptoms.
  • Learn to communicate better with other people, establish healthy boundaries, and get your needs met. 

 

Finding Mental Health Help Today

There are many resources on the internet, but here are some of the most reliable.

  • Medicare offers lists of participating professionals on its website. 
  • Your local Medicaid office will be able to provide you with a list of Medicaid-approved providers in your area. 
  • Your family doctor can give you a referral to a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
  • Your insurance company or ACA Exchange can provide a list of affordable or pro bono mental healthcare providers in your area
  • Eligible veterans can get care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
  • Your county or parish health community mental health center provides low to no-cost treatment and services on a sliding scale based on income. 
  • For issues relating to substance abuse or alcoholism and mental health, check out the affordable mental health services found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
  • If you’re employed, your company may have an employee assistance program (EAP). These programs usually provide resources for getting help. Sometimes initial visits to a therapist are covered through the EAP with no cost to the employee.

 

Online Mental Health Resources

  • MentalHealth.gov is a government-based resource for all mental illnesses, including online and in-person resources. It’s free to access.
  • Daily Strength is a peer-based online forum and support group for anxiety.
  • Turn2Me provides free online support groups for depression, anxiety, and stress. Turn2Me is free and allows you to set up an appointment with a mental health professional.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) The National Association of Mental Illness is a resource hub for support and assistance with psychological disorders. They provide access to national and local resources for those needing help with mental health issues.

 

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

 

Works Cited

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 20). People Seeking Help: Free and Confidential Resources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm.

Depression statistics. (2019, July 12). Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/

Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.nami.org/mhstats

Understanding Psychotherapy. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2020, from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy

How to Combat Loneliness

Loneliness is an American epidemic that’s gotten much worse during the long anxiety-provoking days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A study conducted in 2019 by a major healthcare insurer showed that 61 percent of American adults reported feeling lonely, while a quarter of those surveyed said they felt their mental health was poor—and that was before the pandemic. 

A more recent study conducted in late 2020 indicated that over 60 percent of people aged 18 to 25 reported being lonely “most or all of the time” and a third of all adults report severe or serious loneliness. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7HObGhxZ64

Combating loneliness requires an understanding of what’s causing and sustaining it. You may find that you have many regular interactions with others, but these interactions have little meaning to you. In that case, you’re looking for more meaningful connections with others. 

You may find that being around others is both desirable, yet anxiety-provoking, or that you lack the emotional energy to seek out connections, in which case you may be struggling with social anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression.

Although many people suffer from loneliness without any psychological disorder, some disorders are particularly prone to cause loneliness. For example, social anxiety disorder is a chronic psychological condition that causes a lot of fear, worry and distress when a person is faced with being around other people. People with a social anxiety disorder avoid being around other people if they can, not from a dislike of others, but out of an overwhelming fear of being harshly judged by others. This leads to intense loneliness.

The good news is that social anxiety disorder can be treated with psychotherapy and responds well to interventions.

People also endure existential loneliness, a profound sense of one’s life having no meaning. Both social and existential loneliness can be combated by the following tips.

 

Tips for Combating Loneliness

Build a web of connectedness. We can find meaning in our lives as well as stronger connections with other people by building our involvement with others. Reaching out to others can be hard to do; after all, we all fear rejection. However, take heart and try some of the following activities and resources to help you build new connections.

  • Join a local club. Think about your interests and passions, then check to see if there are any local groups or meet-ups devoted to one (or more) of those interests. It’s easier to interact with other people if you know everyone shares the same hobby or interest. Meet-up.com is an online app that helps people locate others locally who share the same interests. Reddit.com may also be useful in finding local clubs and groups. 
  • Volunteer. Communities always need help. Consider causes that matter to you and find out if there are local volunteer organizations devoted to that cause. A few examples include libraries, animal shelters, retirement homes, charities, and homeless shelters. Political activism is another area that’s always eager for volunteers. Volunteermarch.org is a website that helps match volunteers and causes.
  • Take a class. A class can be a great way to meet people. It can be anything from yoga to learning how to code. 
  • Structure your time. Having a schedule can help make sure you’re never at loose ends for something to do. Loneliness is often a problem when we have too much free time on our hands.
  • Limit your social media consumption. Social media can be fun, but it can also be depressing. In fact, there is solid evidence that heavy use of social media makes people lonelier. People post pictures of themselves having fun, living their best lives, when in reality that may not be the case. We all have a tendency to compare our lives to those of others, and that’s a quick way to become dejected.

 

Take Care of Yourself 

  • Exercise. Exercising for your best mental health doesn’t mean running a marathon daily.  You only need enough to trigger a release of endorphins in your brain, which promote a sense of mental ease, well-being and happiness. A brisk walk every day can make a world of difference. Start with five minutes and work up to twenty minutes a day, five times a week. 
  • Eat wisely. A diet full of highly processed, sugary and carbohydrate-loaded foods adds pounds, as well as promotes inflammation throughout the body. Add whole, unprocessed foods to your diet to help improve your emotional well-being.
  • Get healthy sleep. Getting the right amount of restful sleep is as vital to survival as healthy food. Learning to practice good sleep hygiene is a big step toward getting the best sleep of your life. Consider cutting off your caffeine and sugar intake a few hours before bedtime and limiting your exposure to hand-held devices in the hour before bedtime, as blue light can promote wakefulness. 

 

Be Kind to Yourself

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Loneliness is a big source of stress for tens of millions of people, so you never need to feel alone. By taking steps toward building new and better relationships, as well as strengthening current relationships, you can reduce your loneliness and feel connected to others again.

If you have been struggling with feelings of loneliness that may even result in depression or other psychological disorders, consider transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).  TMS is an FDA-approved non-invasive treatment for major depression disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS Therapy is a medication-free treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that affect mood. This form of treatment has no proven side-effects in clinical trials and can help you get back to your best life. Among the many treatment options out there, TMS therapy is an effective alternative treatment that is eligible for coverage by most major health insurers.

 

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

 

Works Cited

Cashin, A. (2021, May 13). Loneliness in AMERICA: How the pandemic has deepened an epidemic of loneliness and what we can do about it. Making Caring Common. https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, July 15). Sleep Hygiene tips – sleep and sleep disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 29). Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html.

Cigna. (2020, January). Loneliness in the Workplace. Cigna 2020 Workplace Loneliness. https://www.cigna.com/static/www-cigna-com/docs/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/combatting-loneliness/cigna-2020-loneliness-factsheet.pdf. 

Gunnars, K. (2019, June 13). 50 foods that are super healthy. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/50-super-healthy-foods#meat. 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, June 19). Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561

Patulny, R. (n.d.). 2020: Does social media make us more or less Lonely? Depends on how you use it – University of Wollongong. University of Wollongong. https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2020/does-social-media-make-us-more-or-less-lonely-depends-on-how-you-use-it.php. 

van Tilburg, T. (2020, June 30). Social, emotional, and Existential LONELINESS: A test of the MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONCEPT. https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/advance-article/doi/10.1093/geront/gnaa082/5865445. 

Walsh, C. (2021, February 17). Young adults hardest hit by loneliness during pandemic, study finds. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/02/young-adults-teens-loneliness-mental-health-coronavirus-covid-pandemic/.

What is High-Functioning Depression and How to Know If I Have It?

We tend to think of psychological disorders as all-consuming and debilitating, and it’s true that they can be and often are. However, people with functional depression get up every day, get dressed, go to work or school, and often appear to be thriving, but on the inside, they’re suffering. High-functioning depression (HFD) is not a clinical term; it’s not a term a mental healthcare professional would formally use and it’s also not a diagnosis. However, the condition it refers to is called persistent depressive disorder (PDD). A person living with PDD experiences all the symptoms of major depression, to a lesser degree and less intensely than someone with major depressive disorder. However, people with PDD rarely get any respite. They live with their symptoms daily, for years at a time. A person with persistent depressive disorder may have as much as two months of a normal mood at a span, but rarely, if ever, longer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DgTIhXFoxo

How is High-Functioning Depression Different from Major Depression?

How As discussed above, high-functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis or term. However, for all intents and purposes, it’s close to what mental health professionals define as persistent depressive disorder (PDD).

The primary difference between PDD and major depressive disorder (MDD) is the length and intensity of symptoms. For a person to be diagnosed with PDD, they must have had symptoms for at least two years. In contrast, the symptoms of major depression are much more intense and only need to be present for two months.

Unlike PDD, there’s no such thing as high-functioning major depression. By its definition, major depression gets in the way of even adequate performance. It is debilitating and presents a roadblock to a person’s desired functioning in all aspects of life.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder

  • sad, depressed mood most of the day, most days of the week
  • persistent and intrusive feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and helplessness
  • unusual levels of fatigue
  • increased aches and pains
  • impaired concentration and memory
  • sleeping too much (hypersomnia) or having trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • loss of pleasure in activities that previously have been enjoyable (anhedonia)
  • unusual weight loss or gain
  • feeling like you’re moving in slow motion, having trouble speaking, problems with coordination (psychomotor impairment)
  • thoughts of death, dying
  • pessimistic outlook (“things aren’t going to change”)

 

The symptoms of high-functioning depression are similar to those of major depressive disorder. They are less severe but last longer than those of major depressive disorder.

For a diagnosis of PDD to be made, the following factors must be present:

  • symptoms must occur most days of the week for a span of at least two years
  • symptoms cannot be explained better by the presence of a physical disorder
  • symptoms cannot be explained better by another psychiatric disorder
  • the individual has not experienced mania or hypomania (unusually elevated euphoric moods that come with large amounts of energy)
  • the symptoms must cause impairment in at least one area of a person’s life


Treating High-Functioning Depression

Coping with high-functioning depression wears a person down over the years, but there are effective treatments for high-functioning depression that lead to lasting improvements in a person’s mood and mental clarity. Typically, high-functioning depression is treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).

Psychotherapy offers several kinds of approaches to treating high-functioning depression, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for persistent depressive disorder involves examining how a person’s habitual, self-defeating thought patterns affect one’s automatic responses to events and situations. By learning to identify one’s ingrained thinking patterns that harm mood and ability to cope, it’s then possible to learn to adjust how one reacts and how one approaches problem-solving.

Researchers believe that depression is caused by the brain’s failure to produce correct amounts of highly specialized chemicals that are responsible for our mood, thinking, and even movement. Antidepressant therapy is a common approach that involves taking medication orally. These medicines can take four to six weeks to work, and they all have some type of side effects.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depressive Disorders

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression and are looking for a modern, effective treatment, consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). It’s an FDA-approved treatment for depressive disorders that uses projected magnetic fields to stimulate under-active areas of the brain thought to be involved in depression. TMS is non-invasive and is conducted in a doctor’s office. Each session lasts less than an hour and requires no sedation.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.


Works Cited

Ishizaki, J., & Mimura, M. (2011). Dysthymia and Apathy: Diagnosis and Treatment. Depression Research and Treatment, 2011, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/893905

Patel, R. K. (2020, October 7). Persistent Depressive Disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541052/.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder). (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/persistent-depressive-disorder-dysthymic-disorder.shtml

Saltiel, P. F., & Silvershein, D. I. (2015, March 31). Major depressive disorder: mechanism-based prescribing for personalized medicine. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386790/