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Our Thoughts & Ideas

We present our thoughts and ideas about various topics here to help raise awareness and to educate others.

Treatment of Seasonal Depression with Bright Light Therapy by Wes Weidle, PA-C, CAQ-PSY

1/1/2020

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Seasonal Affective Disorder is a term used to describe depressive episodes that follow seasonal patterns, most commonly beginning in the late fall and early winter months, with resolution in the spring and summer months. Symptoms may include feeling hopeless or worthless, losing interest in activities that are normally pleasurable, decreased energy, changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, and/or thoughts of suicide or death. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), some theories behind the phenomenon of seasonal depression include dysregulation of serotonin (an important brain chemical involving mood), overproduction of melatonin, and underproduction of Vitamin D. Possible treatments for seasonal depression include antidepressants, Vitamin D supplementation, psychotherapy, and bright light therapy. 

Artificial bright light therapy has been proven effective in numerous randomized clinical trials and may be a good option if medications are not tolerable or effective. Most studies show that about 60% of patients respond to this type of therapy.  Positive effects of bright light therapy are obtained if utilized in the early morning hours for a duration of 30 minutes. In order to show clinically significant improvement in symptoms, the light must reach an intensity of 10,000 lux and include fluorescent bulbs emitting white light specifically. Lower intensity light may be helpful but requires a longer duration of exposure. Typically, UV light is filtered out from most light boxes, reducing potential risks to the eyes and skin. Ideally, the light box should be about 16 to 31 inches away from the individual and be projected slightly downwards. 

If symptoms do not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, adding afternoon/evening bright light therapy for an additional 30 minutes may be helpful. Light therapy is generally safe and there are no absolute medical contraindications. There is little to no evidence that bright light therapy causes any retinal damage in humans, according to www.uptodate.com. The most common side effects include eye strain and headaches. It should be noted that patients with bipolar major depression may be at increased risk for manic episodes with the initiation of bright light therapy due to its stimulating properties. 

In review, bright light therapy appears to be an excellent option for the treatment of seasonal depression if administered correctly - that is, with the correct intensity of light and for an adequate amount of time. Given its safe profile with minimal side effects, this provides a therapeutic opportunity to improve mood without the common side effects associated with most antidepressant medications. 
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Holiday Stress Eating by Matthew Lowe, DO

12/10/2019

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The upcoming holidays can bring about a variety of emotions.  For some, the holidays are a time for reflection, friends, family, and festivities.  For others, the holidays are a time of stress and anxiety. With increased stress, food can sometimes become an easy method for coping.  If you tend to turn to food for comfort and emotional support, there are some strategies that could help you deal with holiday stress without overeating.

  1. Plan ahead.  Knowing what needs to be done, when you need to do it, and including eating in your “to do” list can be helpful to avoid stress eating.  Make a plan, stick to it, and plan for meals or snacks to help keep you on track.
  2. ​Maintain a schedule.  With the increased fun and festivities, eating can be haphazard and spontaneous.  We tend to eat more when we graze and eat unexpectedly. Sticking to a regular eating schedule will ensure that you keep on track with your body’s nutrition needs and will help you avoid being overly hungry (which can lead to overeating).
  3. Practice self care.  It is important that you take time for yourself this holiday season.  In the rush of shopping, cooking, and doing good for others, we tend to forget about our own needs.  Do something that you enjoy or something that relaxes you every day. Make this a part of your regular routine to avoid letting stress get the best of you.
  4. Stay focused.  When we are out and about and really busy, we tend to lose sight of some of the most important things in our lives.  This can include drinking enough water, getting sufficient exercise, and eating regular meals. Keep yourself focused on your tasks, but also focus on your own nutrition and exercise needs this holiday season.
  5. Eat in moderation.  During the holidays, we are surrounded by food nearly constantly.  From cookie exchanges to office parties to family meals, food is the center of many holiday traditions.  Moderation is the key to making it through these gatherings without overeating. Choose a few items that you really want to enjoy, and leave all the others for another day.  There will be many other opportunities to have these other things later.

By practicing a few simple strategies, it is possible to get through the holidays without turning to food for comfort.  Pay attention to your body. Eat when you are hungry. Be mindful and slow down while eating. Stop eating when you feel full.  Drink water. Oh, and don’t forget to exercise.

Have fun this holiday season.  But if your eating gets the best of you, remember that Providers for Healthy Living offers nutritional counseling by our licensed dietician, Kelsey Russell, RDN, and cognitive behavioral therapy and obesity medications by our obesity medicine specialist, Matthew Lowe, DO.  We are here to help you regain control of your eating and help you meet your nutrition and weight goals, if you need us. Call us at 614-664-3595 or register as a new patient on our website if you are interested in receiving assistance.
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Signs of Depression in Children and Teenagers

11/25/2019

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By ABCS RCM
 
Depression, as a mental health condition, is not something that is taken lightly. It is an inflection that impacts millions of people each year. In 2016, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 16.2 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode. Yet, depression also occurs in young people. This is why is crucial to know the signs of depression in children, adolescents and young adults.
 
General Information on Childhood Depression:
In recent years, childhood depression is increasingly seen as a serious mental health condition. In general, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD, behavior problems, issues, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children. For diagnoses of depression, 3.2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have diagnosed with the condition.
 
As a side note, these mental health conditions sometimes occur together. For example, 75 percent of children ages 3 to 17 years old with depression, also have anxiety disorders (73.8%). In the same age group, roughly 50 percent of these children with depression also experience behavior problems.
 
Some families may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues. This may still be a taboo topic that family members wish to avoid thinking about. However, it will greatly benefit their child if they have and open and honest discussion about mental illness. Maintaining a stigma against behavioral and mental health can be dangerous in the long-run.
 
Conditions like depression negatively impact young people’s lives in a variety of ways. Their ability to successfully carry out normal day-to-day activities is greatly curtailed. This is why it is essential parents, teachers and caregivers understand childhood depression and recognize the symptoms.
 
Recognizing the Signs of Depression:
Identifying the signs of depression in children is difficult. It is typical behavior in children to sometimes display mood swings. Temporary feelings of sadness should not be mistaken for clinical depression. Yet, due to the difficulty of separating signs of depression from the normal emotional and psychological change that accompanies childhood. Due to this fact, depression is sometimes undiagnosed and untreated in children and adolescents.
 
It is important to track the persistence of the sad feelings in children. Parents and caregivers should record the frequency and severity of any intense mood swings. This includes monitoring any event or situation that seems to trigger these symptoms in the child. If these feelings of sadness become persistent, or interferes with social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life; this could indicate that the child has a depressive illness.
 
Only trained and knowledgeable mental health provider with experience in this field can offer a diagnosis. There are actually many signs and symptoms of childhood depression. However, there are symptoms that adults can watch for in children and teenagers. Here are ten prevalent symptoms that could indicate depression in children:
 
[1] Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
[2] Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.
[3] Increased sensitivity to rejection or criticism.
[4] Displays of irritability or anger.
[5] Changes in sleep and appetite.
[6] Frequent crying or temper tantrums.
[7] Difficulty concentrating, tiredness and low energy.
[8] Physical ailments that do not respond to treatment.
[9] Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
[10] Thoughts of death or suicide.
 
Not all children who are suffering from depression will display all of these symptoms. In reality, most children will have different symptoms at different times and situations. In general, it is best to seek professional help if children display any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
 
It is fairly rare for children under the age of 12 to attempt suicide, but may do so impulsively when they are upset or angry. Children with depressive symptoms are at a greater risk for suicide. The same is true for children with a family history of violence, substance abuse or sexual abuse.
 
Concluding Thoughts:
With professional help from mental health professionals, adults can help children with depression lead better lives. But adults need to understand how to identify the disease. Children and adolescents are not simply miniature adults. They are physically and mentally developing at a rapid pace. This means that symptoms can intensify and lessen throughout the treatment process.
 
Parents may find that the depression appears cured, only to have a relapse of the depressive behavior occur in their child. Mental illness is complicated, so working through depression takes patients and will include relapses. However, with the proper treatment, time and love; children can be healthy and happy.
 
For additional information about childhood depression or other topics, please contact Providers For Healthy Living. As a behavioral & mental health practice, they have been providing experienced behavioral health services since 2011. Their direct phone number is 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.

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How to Manage Stress During the Holiday Season

11/14/2019

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By ABCS RCM
 
The holiday season is seen as a time of celebration and happiness. Yet, for some people, the holiday season is a time of stress and anxious feelings. All of the activity that surrounds the holidays is seen as a chore or unwanted obligation. These feelings of sadness or anger can become more intense when contrasted with the joy that people are expected to feel. There is even an expression for these feelings, the holiday blues.
 
A number of seasonal factors can trigger these feelings such as, reduced sunlight, changes in diet, altered routines or the inability to be with friends or family. Other factors spring from shopping for gifts, travel, office parties, etc. Interestingly, the biggest sources of holiday stress for many people are related to family issues and demands. These can arise from dinners, traditions and other family obligations. All of these factors can seriously affect a person’s mood.
 
An end result of having the holiday blues is that this time of year does not fill some people with cheer. The assumption that family holiday gatherings are supposed to be joyful and stress-free can make people feel worse about themselves. In reality, family relationships create complicated dynamics. For people who are experiencing clinical depression, or have had depressive episodes in the past, holiday stress can trigger serious problems.
 
Holiday Pressure:
People may feel pressure to be happy and outwardly jolly during the holidays. Family and societal expectations can create tension. Unrealistic or high expectations are often difficult to meet, which creates a pattern of negative feelings. If people try too hard to be happy, they can sometimes make themselves feel even more miserable. At the end of day, this external stress can make people feel more anxious in general.
 
Beyond the planning for the holidays, there are a number of factors that can make individuals feel more anxious. Some of the factors that may contribute to holiday anxiety and depression include:
* Associating the holidays with unresolved family issues.
* In order to appear happy, people ignore feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression.
* Facing the loss of a loved one with whom holidays were shared in the past.
 
There is no perfect list of strategies for managing the stress of the holidays. However, there are some general guidelines that people can follow which will greatly reduce their stress level. The following list was generated by the American Psychological Association (APA). Although far from complete, this list is a good starting point for dealing with excessive holiday stress, anxiety and depression.
 
[1] Track Your Finances: Understanding and managing spending is a useful tool and will reduce some anxiety. People should maintain a daily list of their spending. People should brainstorm ways to reduce their expenditures and then follow the plan. This may create anxiety in the short term, but in the long term it will pay off.
 
[2] Connection of Stress and Money: The lack of money can sometimes create conflicts between couples and families. This financial anxiety may motivate people to relieve their stress by engaging in unhealthy activities such as alcohol/drug use, gambling or emotional eating.
 
[3] Make a Holiday "To-Do" List: If people are afraid that they will forget to complete some important holiday tasks, they should make a to-do list. The list can be written on paper or created in a digital format, with tasks marked in order of importance. Not only will this list reduce the risk of forgetting something, but it will provide an additional level of focus.
 
[4] Stay Healthy: Holiday stress is more manageable when people eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and maintain a regular exercise program. When people do this, their bodies can better weather the effects of stress. At the very least, taking the time to read a good book, taking a short walk or listening to some favorite music can do wonders.
 
Remember What is Important:
People need to remind themselves what is important for them during the holiday season. By setting realistic expectations for gifts and holiday activities. Instead of trying to take on everything, identify the most important holiday tasks and take small steps in order to accomplish them.
 
The overall goal during the holiday season is to stay grounded. When individuals take time for themselves, they can feel less pressured to be everything to everyone. As the American Psychological Association points out, sometimes self-care is one of the best things people can do for themselves. They will benefit from activities that make them feel less anxious and depressed.
 
Everyone eventually needs to reflect and focus on the present. This act alone will help people be mindful and in the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. If feelings of depression persist and start to negatively impact people’s quality of life, they should seek help from a trained mental health professional. They should not be ashamed or feel like they have to go it alone.
 
About Us:
For additional questions about holiday-related stress, as well as other mental health issue, contact the staff at Providers for Healthy Living. They have multiple office locations in Central Ohio. Their behavioral and mental health programs provide a full range of treatment options for both children and adults. Since 2011, their clinical team’s focus is on achieving and maintaining good mental health. 
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What is the Impact of Divorce on a Child’s Mental Health?

10/25/2019

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By ABCS RCM
 
Divorce is a reality of modern life. When a marriage dissolves due to divorce, stress on children is understandable. Beyond the death of a parent, divorce is one of the most intense emotional pains that a child can experience.
 
Over the past decades, the United States has seen an increasing divorce rate. However, divorce rates for most of the nations in nations in Europe have also experienced the same upward trend. Today, roughly about 50% of US children live with their married, biological parents.
 
Beyond the high number of marriages ending in divorce, many children face mental health challenges from this occurrence. These mental health conditions can actually follow children into adulthood and have a negative influence on their own marital relationships as adults.
 
It is important to remember that not every child responds the same way to this kind of stress. Children and the circumstances surrounding every divorce are unique. For example, if parents had an abusive, tumultuous relationship, a divorce may open the door for new opportunities and a sense of freedom.
 
Other research suggests that people’s gender may influence how they respond to a divorce. Research suggests that young girls tend to turn inward, while younger boys seem to display outward behaviors. Regardless of gender, the initial reaction to hearing the news of a divorce is usually one of shock, sadness, anger or worry.
 
Divorce interrupts the normal pattern of a child’s life. The turmoil from this event can create upheaval that leads to depression and anxiety for some children. Here are three general emotions that children in divorce will likely experience:
 
Depression:  There is a certain level of despondency that most kids will feel. They may experience a loss of spirit or hope for a brighter future due to the loss of their existing family structure.
 
Anxiety:  Children need to adjust to a tremendous amount of change. This forced adjustment creates a high degree of stress. Their original family system is no longer intact. What they knew and were accustomed to is being reorganized or disappearing.
 
Anger:  Displays of anger or frustration are common. Children may feel that they have been lied to and their trust in their parents violated. Most kids assume that their parents and family will always be there.
 
There are actions that people can take in order to help children cope with the effects of a divorce. For all individuals, young or old, it is normal to mourn the loss of a family unit. However, children need to come to terms with the new household situation. It is natural to wish that mom and dad would get back together, but children and young adults need to understand the new reality.
 
With patience and understanding, kids can learn to better cope with stress, become more flexible and grow into resilient adults. But, it is also important that parents work to reconcile their emotional differences after the divorce in order to create a new emotional foundation for their kids.
 
Parents need to establish a new routine that normal which helps kids cope with this new family structure. Developing a stable and positive working relationship is an important step for providing children with a stable homelife.
 
Here are eight tips for talking to kids about divorce:
[1] If at all possible, have both parents present for the discussion.
[2] Pick a relaxed time of day, when there are no impending commitments.
[3] Use simple and direct language. For example: "Your father and I have grown apart. We care about each other, but we don't want to be married anymore."
[4] Acknowledge that it is a sad situation. Children are likely to experience painful feelings, become angry, cry or have other natural reactions.
[5] Reassure children that they are loved and both mom and dad and will keep them safe, whether they are together or not.
[6] Children often feel responsible or blame themselves when their parents break up. Reassure children that the divorce was not their fault.
[7] If possible, provide concrete details about the new living arrangement. For example: "You'll be living with me every other weekend."
[8] Avoid blaming the other parent. Even if the breakup was triggered by the other partner’s actions, this is not the time to share adult problems with a child who is dealing with this stressful situation.
 
It is important that kids are allowed to be kids. During a divorce, parents should not lean on their children for support. However, they should not become a provider of emotional support. Parents can let their kids know how much they appreciate the kindness, but vent any frustrations to a sympathetic adult friend or therapist.
 
If things feel overwhelming, people should seek a professional help. Seeking help from professional counselor help sets a good example for children on how to make a healthy adjustment to a stressful situation.
 
For questions about the impact of divorce on children and parents, contact a staff member at Providers For Healthy Living. As a behavioral & mental health practice, one of their mental health specialties is diagnosing and treating stress and anxiety disorders. They have been providing experienced behavioral health services since 2011.

Reach out to them at 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.
 
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Does Working Odd Hours Increase the Risk of Developing Depression?

10/14/2019

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 By ABCS RCM
 
In the modern job market, working hours that are outside of the traditional 9-to-5 job schedule is common. This is especially true for people who work in food and transportation services as well as the healthcare industry. But, new research suggests that working 2nd or 3rd shift jobs may put people at a higher risk for developing mental health conditions like depression.
 
It is well known that people have an internal circadian rhythm that is linked to the natural cycle of daylight. However, working outside of the normal sleep-wake cycle appears to alter the circadian rhythm. These varied schedules seem to create more disruptions in people’s lives. Researchers examined previous studies and over 28,000 participants who were considered shift workers. For the purposes of the study, shift work was characterized by employees who worked outside of the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
 
According to results published in the American Journal of Public Health, any employee who works these hours, is at an elevated risk of developing (or having) a mental health condition. Working outside of the 7 AM to 6 PM window is especially dangerous for women, who have a greater risk of developing depressive-like symptoms when compared to men.
 
The study found that shift workers were 28 percent more likely to experience mental health problems versus people with consistent weekday work schedules. When focusing on conditions like depression, 33 percent of workers with night/irregular work schedules were more likely to have this condition. Workers with certain types of mental health conditions, like depression, could go unnoticed by employers.

For example, one type of depression that sometimes goes unnoticed is persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia. This is a chronic form of depression is sometimes known as a low-level or low-grade type of depression. The symptoms are often described by people as having a general mood where one always feels down.
 
People may lose interest in life, feel hopeless, lack productivity and generally feeling empty. Other symptoms of dysthymia may include mood swings and restless sleep. 
 
Some data from the study may have suggested that these workers also had a higher chance of developing anxiety disorders. However, in this case, more research is needed.
 
One possible theory for the correlation between shift work and the increase in mental health disorders is that the normal sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) is disrupted. When this happens, people can feel moodier and more irritable. People’s brains are evolved to sleep during night hours in the absence of light. It is during this time that the brain processes and learns information from the day.
 
The lack of daylight for these workers may turn the circadian rhythm upside down, because these individuals are forced to stay awake at night and attempt to sleep during daylight hours. Instances of social isolation can also increase due to the fact that these worker’s time-off does not match their family and friend’s work and life commitments.
 
Overall, this disruption of their sleep cycle seems to increase irritability, nervousness and depressed feelings. One remedy for this is for workers to make time for physical exercise, being outside during daylight hours as well as making sure to spend time with family and friends. All of these behaviors may help improve a person’s mood and limit the social isolation that can exacerbate depression.
 
The findings raise the question of which came first, the chicken or the egg? The research was not a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how work schedules might directly impact mental health. It is possible that individuals with pre-existing mental health issues naturally gravitated to jobs that have irregular hours. This means that these people would have possessed pre-existing behavioral health conditions before they started working odd hours or inconsistent shifts.
 
Whether working 2nd and 3rd raises the risk for mental health issues, or people with pre-existing conditions seem to end up working in these jobs, the outcome is the same. Both employers and employees should understand the increased mental health risk of working outside of the more traditional workday schedule.
 
Society still has a lingering stigma about mental health, which limits some people from seeking treatment. However, individuals should realize that having a mental health condition is not a sign of weakness or a moral failing. This outdated notion and the chronic nature of many of these mental health conditions, make coping with the symptoms extremely challenging.
 
A combination of talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication is an effective approach for treating these conditions. For more information, individuals should contact an experienced mental health professional.
 
For additional information about this topic, please contact Providers For Healthy Living. As a behavioral & mental health practice, they have been providing experienced behavioral health services in Central Ohio since 2011. Their direct phone number is 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.
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Is there a Correlation Between Insomnia and Depression?

9/25/2019

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By ABCS RCM
 
When people suffer from insomnia, the condition is often blamed on stress or bad sleep habits. But the question is often asked, does depression cause insomnia or is it the other way around? In other words, which condition came first? Or are they both equally at work?
 
There is a definite link between insomnia and depression. In fact, one of the more common signs of clinical depression in a person is an inability to fall and stay asleep.
 
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life. This stress is likely a contributor to both insomnia and depression. Some researchers state that about 30 percent of all Americans will, over the course of their life, experience a period of clinical depression. Other estimates believe that roughly 40 percent of U.S. adults state that they do not get enough sleep at night. This includes frequently waking up in the middle of night or feeling not fully rested in the morning.
 
But can mental illnesses like depression cause insomnia? In reality, this is a very complex question with no simple answer. Some people with depression sleep too much, while others sleep hardly at all. In these instances, the people who sleep too much may actually do to issues of poor sleep quality. For example, individuals with a bipolar disorder may sleep two hours one night and sixteen hours the next. However, following proper medication adherence program would help to reduce and control irregular sleep patterns.
 
Traditional thinking states that chronic insomnia was associated with depression. Mental health providers have noticed that longer people experienced insomnia, the more depressed they became. But was this merely a correlational in the research and not a causation. In other words, would these people have become depressed anyway, and are incidentally displaying symptoms of insomnia?
 
More recent studies confirm that there is a connection between insomnia and depression. Data shows that people who have trouble with insomnia tend to experience far more depressions. This collection of data was collected from varied sources which found that sleeplessness alone, including shift work, is associated with higher rates of depression.
 
An inability to sleep is one of the key signs of clinical depression. Another sign of clinical depression is sleeping too much or oversleeping. Having a sleep disorder does not in itself cause depression, but lack of sleep does play a role. Lack of sleep caused by another medical illness or by personal problems can make depression worse. An inability to sleep that lasts over a long period of time is also an important clue that a person may be depressed.
 
Recent studies are finding that many factors contribute to insomnia, not just depression. Research has found that roughly 90 percent of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience sleep problems. However, to better understand depression and insomnia, it is necessary to explore these symptoms independently, beginning with the more prevalent occurrence of insomnia.
 
Other research on the subject has noted that insomnia is often seen before people become clinically depressed. Sleep problems also persisted once someone's clinical depression was in remission. These researchers believe that they may be witnessing two disorders at the same time (comorbidity), instead of interpreting insomnia as an exclusive symptom of depression.
 
A better understanding of insomnia is needed since the condition costs the U.S. workforce more than $63 billion each year in lost productivity, according to some estimates. The incidence of insomnia is also wide-spread. It is believed that as much as a one-third of the world’s population suffers from some type of insomnia-related condition at any given time.
 
For detailed answers about insomnia and depression, contact an experienced Psychiatrist or other behavioral health professional. But, for general advice on self-regulating sleep and getting a good night’s rest, here are five tips.

[1] Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.

[2] Follow a sleep routine that allows you to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.

[3] Try not to go to bed unless you are tired. If you are not asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.

[4] Take an herbal supplement like Valerian root. This over-the-counter supplement is sometimes helpful for the treatment of insomnia.

[5] Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. A regular nightly routine helps the body recognize that it is time to go to sleep. This could include taking a warm shower or bath, reading a book or even light yoga stretches. When possible, try to avoid emotionally upsetting conversations and physical activities immediately before going to bed.
 
For additional questions about the connection between insomnia and depression, contact the staff at Providers for Healthy Living. They have four convenient office locations in Central Ohio. Their behavioral and mental health programs provide a full range of treatment options for both children and adults.  
 
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How to Talk to Family Members About Mental Illness

9/14/2019

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By ABCS RCM    
 
Mental health is a complex topic that can bring up a variety of emotions. However, it is still important to talk to family members about mental illness.
 
Some families have open lines of communication while others do not. In some instances, a mental illness may occur in a family’s history, so family members may not be surprised that there is an diagnosis. Families may have a history of mental illness and openly talk about symptoms, diagnoses and treatment options. Yet, in other families, this is a taboo topic which members wish to avoid bringing up in conversations.
 
The way individuals were raised, the relationship they have with other family members and the closeness of their extended relatives are all influencing factors. These factors all contribute to the manner in which individuals talk to their family about mental illness and behavioral health in general.
 
Due to misconceptions and lingering stigmas about the origin and cause of mental illness people may feel guilt or shame. In other cases, people may not want family members to worry about them. Additional emotions reactions may include disbelief, fear, anger and grief.
 
Acceptance of a mental health condition can take time, both for diagnosed individuals as well as their friends and family members. However, as the American Psychological Association points out, acceptance of the diagnoses happens at a different pace for different people. One of the most important things that family members can do to support another family member who has a serious mental illness is to educate themselves.
 
But silence over the long-term is not the healthiest option, though it may feel like the easiest option. People can reduce their stress levels if they are able to voice their feelings and concerns with someone who is sympathetic. This act alone can make a person feel better.
 
What people need is for their family members and loved ones to understand their condition and encourage recovery. Some family members may not know much about conditions like depression, bipolar or PTSD.  One possibility is to share high-quality, objective information about the topic. This will take some of the pressure off and increase the likelihood that family members will open up and have an honest conversation about their thoughts on mental illness.
 
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers some general guidelines on talking about mental illnesses with family and friends. This advice is not set in stone and is only meant to offer a starting point for conversations.
 
Here are four concepts to follow when sharing mental health information with family members:
[1] Individuals should share details when they feel well and are having a good day. Introduce the details about the mental illness in a calm environment.
 
[2] The sharing of information should serve a purpose. People suffering from mental health conditions can share details in order to explain their occasional absence from family events. If they are concerns or questions about behavior, some details about the mental illness can be shared. The amount of information that is shared is up to the individual and their unique family dynamic.
 
[3] People should only share details about their mental health when they feel ready. Talking about this topic is a very personal decision. One strategy is to practice disclosing with an experienced psychiatrist, therapist or counselor. In this controlled and safe environment, people can more freely discuss their worries and ask questions. This practice can also help to clarify their thoughts about mental health and reflect on what people should be told about their mental health condition.
 
[4] Individuals do not have to share everything. Individuals should set boundaries and understand that they do not have to share everything. Keep the conversation positive and share good stories. Some people may not be able to handle this kind of conversation, so they may have difficulties in providing any support. However, there are many people who will likely feel honored and trusted due to the fact that this very personal information was shared with them.
 
Ultimately, people need to see a trained and experienced mental health professional. This is the best way for them to find the support that they need and recovery from their illness. It is helpful if people can avoid losing critical support. There is a risk that if individuals remain silent, they will not receive the support that they need.
 
For additional information about this topic, please contact Providers For Healthy Living. As a behavioral & mental health practice, they have been providing experienced behavioral health services since 2011. Their direct phone number is 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.
 
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Understanding the Impact of Trauma & PTSD

8/27/2019

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By ABCS RCM
 
How people process and deal with trauma is important for their overall mental health. Trauma actually creates lingering effects and in fact, trauma and stress disorders are an essential part of the DSM-5. This is particularly evident in the categories for Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders and Dissociative Disorders.
 
What is the definition of a traumatic event?
By many accounts, a traumatic event is an incident that creates physical, emotional, spiritual or psychological harm in a person. People who suffer from trauma often feel threatened and/or anxious because of the event that they experienced. Sometimes, they may not know how to properly respond to the event or may even deny that the traumatic event occurred. It often takes time and support for people to recover from these events and establish some level of emotional stability.
 
Trauma can manifest from a variety of ways, but it often occurs due to witnessing or experiencing a serious accident, terrorist act, natural disaster, combat, assault or other acts of violence. Intensely personal events such as experiencing a divorce, death of a loved one or parental abandonment can also generate a traumatic effect on the brain.
 
These events can have a negative impact on the brain an create conditions like PTSD or Post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a clinical, psychiatric condition that can develop in a person of any age after they have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.
 
In the United States, roughly 60 percent of men and about 50 percent of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. Specifically, women are more likely to experience sexual assault and child sexual abuse. However, men are more likely to experience accidents, physical assault or combat. Out of these traumatic events, about 7 to 8 percent of individuals develop PTSD. But what are some of the identifiable symptoms of trauma-induced conditions like PTSD?
 
What are the main symptoms of PTSD?
According to information provided by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), there are three main symptoms that people display when struggling with conditions like PTSD.
 
[1] A Lack of Emotions: Individuals who have suffered trauma and developed PTSD may feel emotionally distant from everyday life activities. They may even avoid the people, places or activities associated with the traumatic experience.
 
[2] Re-living the traumatic event: When people go through an event that causes trauma, as time goes by they will often re-experience the traumatic event. Even though the event was in the past, they experience the event through vivid memories, nightmares and flashbacks.
 
[3] Aroused emotional state:  This seems to conflict with the first main symptom (lack of emotions) but trauma-induced conditions like PTSD can leave people feeling on edge. Individuals may have a difficult time trying to focus or sleep. In fact, they may appear “jumpy” or display signs of agitation.
 
Responding to Traumatic Events:
Trauma by its very nature, effects everyone a little differently. Some people develop symptoms that resemble PTSD, but other individuals will display responses that fall outside of diagnostic criteria. In fact, people’s immediate reactions in the aftermath of trauma are complicated and are greatly influenced by their own life experiences.
 
This is likely why a variety of reactions are often reported and observed after a traumatic event. Most survivors exhibit immediate reactions, yet their conditions often disappear without any severe long-term mental health consequences. Most trauma survivors are resilient and possess coping strategies and social supports that help them to deal with the aftermath and effects of trauma. However, individuals who display few symptoms may still have subclinical symptoms that do not fit diagnostic criteria for acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD. Only a small percentage of people with a history of trauma show impairment and symptoms that meet criteria for trauma-related stress disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders.
 
Once people have moved past the initial shock of the event, individual responses may vary, but common general responses include:
* Irritability and anger.
* Sudden mood changes.
* Anxiety, nervousness, depression and denial.
* Flashbacks or repeated memories of the event.
* Difficulty concentrating.
* Altered sleeping or insomnia.
* Changes in appetite.
* Withdrawal and isolation from day-to-day activities.
* Physical symptoms of stress (headaches, nausea, etc.).
* Worsening of an existing medical condition.
 
Sociologist Brene Brown sums up the impact of trauma in her writings. “Of all the things trauma takes away from us, the worst is our willingness, or even our ability, to be vulnerable. There’s a reclaiming that has to happen.” Dr Brown states that vulnerability is “about having the courage to show up and be seen.”
 
For people who are concerned about the impact of trauma on themselves or loved ones, they should seek professional care. A skilled and experienced mental health professional will be able to properly diagnose and conditions and provide appropriate treatments.
 
For questions about the impact of traumatic events and PTSD, contact a staff member at Providers For Healthy Living. As a behavioral & mental health practice, one of their medical specialties is diagnosing and treating PTSD, stress and anxiety disorders. They have been providing experienced behavioral health services since 2011, with their practice established on the values of quality, hope and personal responsibility.
 
Reach out to them at 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.

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Advice for Parents of Children with Autism

8/14/2019

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By ABCS RCM
 
For parents of a child with autism, the situation can, at times, feel overwhelming. Some parents are not sure where to go for factual and current information. However, these parents must remember that they are not alone. In fact, there are many advocacy groups and resources that can help them on their journey.
 
In other cases, parents may feel like there is simply too much information on Autism. With numerous advocacy organizations and online resources, parents need to learn how to filter through the plethora of information. They need to find information that is correct as well as find solutions that fit the needs of their child.
 
One crucial step for parents is to learn the language and terms that are used in the autism community. This means always researching explanations for unfamiliar jargon and words. The more parents know about autism, the easier it is to ask the right questions and make appropriate decisions for their child.
 
Basic Facts on Autism:
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by repetitive behaviors, communication difficulties, social & cognitive impairments. Due to the fact that Autism is a spectrum disorder, the condition can vary from mild to more severe. The disorder has no boundaries and occurs in all demographic and socioeconomic populations.
 
However, the occurrence of autism is four times more likely in males than in females. Young children may even appear to display no signs of autism before the ages of 1 or 2 years old. Yet, they can suddenly “regress” and lose previously learned language or social skills. This kind of occurrence is known as regressive type autism.
 
Here are seven additional facts about the disorder from the National Autism Association:
[1] Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability.
[2] It usually appears before the age of 3 in children.
[3] Roughly 40% of children with autism do not speak.
[4] Currently, 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism.
[5] Autism greatly varies from person to person.
[6] The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last 20 years.
[7] Autism is not curable, but it is treatable -- early intervention is key.
 
As a developmental disorder, autism impedes the development of the brain in the areas of social and communication skills as well as cognitive abilities. This means that children with autism have difficulties with social interactions and other similar activities.
 
More recent studies are finding that individuals with autism often have numerous other co-morbid healthcare conditions. Some of these conditions include allergies asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, feeding disorders, persistent viral infections and sleeping disorders.
 
Numerous studies have documented substantial impairments in the gastrointestinal (GI), immunological and metabolic systems of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These earlier studies only used small to moderate sample sizes when documenting immune, gastrointestinal and metabolic impairments.
 
More recently, a variety of large-scale studies have documented higher rates of medical problems in individuals with autism as compared to the general U.S. population. For example, children with autism are roughly eight times more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
 
Although this is well-known fact among researchers in the autism field, many other professionals as aware of this higher rate of medical comorbidities. Beyond childhood, autism has a negative impact on life expectancy. research has shown that the mortality risk among individuals with autism is higher than that of the general population.
 
Yet, there is hope. Though there is no cure for autism, the range of symptoms related to autism are manageable and improvable. But, in order to improve the symptoms, parents need access to sound information on autism.
 
In order to facilitate access to current and relevant information on autism, here are three good sources to research:
 
The National Autism Association (NAA):
The NAA provides help to members of the autism community. Their mission is to advocate for federal policy and resources that can help people with autism as well as promote research on the topic. They provide tools, education and training to families, first responders and service professionals.
 
Autism Society of America (ASA):
The ASA is focused on increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the autism spectrum. They advocate for appropriate services for individuals of all ages. They also provide the current updates on treatment, education, research and advocacy. The Autism Society also hosts one of the most comprehensive annual national conferences on autism each year.
 
Autism Speaks:
This organization has grown into one of the world's leading autism science and advocacy organizations. They are dedicated to funding research for the prevention, treatment and cure of autism. They also strive to raise awareness about the autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals with autism. and their families.
 
For questions about the occurrence of autism in children and adults, contact Providers For Healthy Living. As a practice, one of their medical specialties is diagnosing and treating the symptoms of autism. They have been providing experienced behavioral health service since 2011, with their practice established on the values of quality, hope and personal responsibility. They can be reached by phone at 614-664-3595 or 419-605-9817.
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