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Our Thoughts & Ideas

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

How to Create a Space and Lifestyle for Better Sleep by Rocio Espinoza

5/6/2020

4 Comments

 
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If you tend to toss and turn at night, your sleeping troubles could be due to stress, your health, or it may be the way your bedroom is currently structured. Whether you suffer from insomnia or experience occasional trouble getting a good night’s rest, there are some things you can do to enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep. One of the best things you can do for your health and well-being is to get adequate sleep each night. Read on to learn more about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and how you can take proactive steps at home for a restful slumber.

The Importance and Benefits of Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Lack of deep sleep can have a major negative impact on your health. When you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel sluggish and moody the next day. Some side effects of missing out on sleep include fatigue, an inability to focus, and overeating. Some studies have shown that lack of sleep can actually contribute to obesity since it increases your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that makes you feel hungry during the day. If you get enough hours of sleep each night, you’ll be more focused and alert. Lack of sleep can cause serious safety issues, such as car accidents or injuries at work. REM sleep provides plenty of benefits that can improve your health, including:

   1. Improved learning and better brain function
   2. Steady mood (no mood swings)
   3. More energy – both physical and mental
   4. Healthy heart and lung function
   5. A stronger immune system
​

If you’re currently struggling with insomnia or find that you wake up several times throughout the night and can’t fall back to sleep, you can take proactive steps to create a more restful, relaxing environment. Practicing stress management techniques and learning how to deal with anxiety can help to improve sleep. Turning off your smartphone before bedtime will also promote a healthier sleep pattern.

Make Your Bed and Bedroom Comfortable
One way to get a good night’s rest is to create a soothing, comfortable sleeping environment. The wall color and bedding colors in your bedroom can have a significant impact on your ability to achieve a restful night of sleep. Consider changing your bedroom colors to soft pastels and neutral tones rather than bright, vibrant colors. Soft blue, gray, and tan can calm the mind and encourage your brain to slow down and rest. Add a few plants like Lavender or Golden Pothos to your bedroom to help promote better sleep. Houseplants are easy to care for and they clean the air and contribute to a soothing environment. When you shop for bedding, choose lightweight cotton sheets that are soft but also not too heavy. Look for pillows and mattresses that support your personal sleep style so you’re not putting too much pressure on the back and neck. Side sleepers and back sleepers tend to do well with memory foam, while stomach sleepers should look for hybrid mattresses or those with an innerspring coil system.

Lighting Tips
A consistent cycle of sunlight and darkness helps the human body produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. If your bedroom is too bright, it can interfere with melatonin levels which will make getting a good night’s rest much more difficult. To combat this problem, use dimmer switches in the bedroom and turn the light levels lower at least two to three hours before bedtime. If you enjoy reading before you head off to dreamland, swap the bulbs in your table lamp from a bright to a low-wattage bulb. As the light in your bedroom dims, it naturally tells the body it’s time to get ready for rest. If the sunlight coming through your windows keeps you awake, use a set of blackout curtains. These heavy curtains can keep the sunlight from filtering in, so your bedroom stays nice and dark until you’re ready to wake.

Achieve the Ideal Temperature for Sleeping
Most people sleep better in cooler temperatures, so it’s important that you’re able to achieve the right temps in your bedroom. As you get ready to fall asleep, your body temperature starts to drop. When you keep your room cool at temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees, it helps cool your body down to encourage deeper sleep. If you have a warm bedroom, you can remedy the problem with a fan that you can aim to blow cool air on your body. Turn your home’s air conditioning system to a comfortable level that will keep you cool throughout the night. Avoid sleeping in heavy pajamas that can make you feel hot. Instead, switch to lightweight cotton or breathable linen for your bedtime outfits or a light summer blanket.

More Helpful Tips for Better Sleep
Struggling with insomnia and sleep difficulties can have a ripple effect on your health and your mental well-being. If you set up a comfortable bedroom that uses calming colors, cooler temperatures, and dim lights, this should help you fall asleep faster and for longer. However, there are plenty of other things you can do to experience a good night of rest at home. Here are some other things that may encourage solid sleep that lasts throughout the night:

  • Reduce noise in the bedroom - Loud noises can make slumber seem impossible. Create a consistent, soothing backdrop for your bedroom by using a fan or an app that produces white noise to help you drown out outside noise.
  • Stick to a bedtime routine - Do your best to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day and night. Try to associate your bedroom with sleeping only, and don’t use it to work or watch television since these activities can make it more difficult to calm the mind.
  • Avoid blue light from screen - Computers and smartphones produce “blue light,” which can interfere with sleep. Turn off your electronic devices at least a few hours before bedtime to help your body and mind understand that it’s time to prepare for sleep.
  • Practice relaxation techniques - Whether it’s a good book or a quick yoga session, try to relax your body and mind before bedtime. Meditation can clear your mind of the stress from the day, and it will also help you prepare for the day ahead.
  • Know what to avoid - Stop drinking caffeine in the late afternoon, since this stimulant can make sleeping extremely difficult. You should also avoid nicotine and eating late-night meals, both of which are known to disrupt sleep or make it more difficult. If you can, avoid taking naps and instead, just go to bed according to your current routine. Naps can cause you to wake in the middle of the night or make it more difficult to fall asleep at bedtime.

Sleeping Apps to Download
There are several apps for your smartphone that may help you get to sleep faster. These apps are designed to calm the mind and give you a sense of tranquility before you go to bed. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, you can find these apps through your phone’s app store and give them a try. Here are a few of the most popular sleeping apps available today:

Calm
This app offers a variety of meditation practices you can try to help you feel calm before you go to bed. The app offers a unique new 10-minute meditation every day for users, so you’ll always have something different to try. It also features a variety of music selections that promote a calming feeling, and you can also pay for exercise videos, nature scenes, and sounds, or participate in a masterclass led by professional mindfulness experts.

Sleep Cycle
The Sleep Cycle alarm clock app uses sound analysis to identify your unique sleep cycle patterns. The app looks at sleep states and tracks your movement while you’re in bed. Smart Cycle then uses a wake-up phase that ends when you set your desired alarm time. Throughout the phase, it closely monitors signals from your body and then wakes you up softly when you enter the lightest sleep stage.

Headspace
If you’re new to the concept of meditation, the Headspace app is an excellent place to start. This app has a focus on mindfulness and provides detailed instructions to help you get started. Use your headphones when you use this app and enjoy calming meditations for all levels. Be sure to take advantage of the reminder system which will alert you when it’s time to participate in a new meditation session.

From a cooler bedroom to noise reduction, there are plenty of things you can do to help ensure you’re getting the sleep you need. With a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel stronger, more positive, and ready to face the day. Try these tips to see which ones may help you get back into a healthy sleep cycle.

**Originally posted on Porch.com**

About the Author:  Rocio is a SEO Marketing Specialist and does Content Marketing at Porch. She is passionate about wellness and fitness, and her hobbies are reading, writing, and music. 
4 Comments

Joyful Movement by Molly Hawke, MD

3/23/2020

4 Comments

 
Most of us know that physical activity has been widely correlated with a reduction in depression and anxiety.  According to researchers, the general recommendation is for 30-60 minutes a day of physical activity on 3-5 times each week.  More recently, achieving this recommendation by going to a gym or fitness facility has become literally impossible as most are closed for the foreseeable future.

What we often take for granted are the health benefits of less structured physical activity, such as walking, cleaning, playing, dancing, gardening, and meditative movements, like stretching and yoga.  All of these can be done now, at home, whenever you have time, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

What I hope many of you can put aside right now are the "traditional" motivators for exercise, which include:  burning a certain number of calories, changing body shape or size (losing weight), and "earning" certain foods or "working off" certain foods.

Instead, use joyful movement to enjoy connecting with your body and to relieve stress.  You can do it with friends, family, or alone for however long feels good to you.  Your body will thank you for it. 

4 Comments

Keep a Healthy Home for a Healthy Body by BusyBee Cleaning Service

3/9/2020

3 Comments

 
A few years ago, I had some family staying at our home. While watching a movie, one of my nephews stood up in the middle of the room and began puking. I will save you the details, but know it was not a pleasant sight. 

A few minutes later, his brother joined in. We all stood around in shock; they had obviously come down with the stomach flu. 

No one likes getting sick, but I must confess that I am a really big wimp when I do catch the dreaded bug. Eager to defend my home, I grabbed my bottle of cleaner and several rags, ready to clean up. In the next two hours, I began sanitizing every surface in the house. The two boys remained in the guest bedroom, and I warded off the germs from spreading any further. 

After a couple of days, we anxiously waited for the icky feeling in our stomachs to arise, but it never did. Our cleaning had defeated the flu! Whether you are sick from a common cold or a nasty stomach flu, you should always clean your home in these seven ways to keep your home healthy and your body strong.

CHANGE THE SHEETS
When I am sick, my bed becomes home to both me and my germs. Grab the sheets, blankets, and pillowcases and toss them all in the washer. Even clean up bedding that doesn’t have germs to get all of the laundry done at the same time and ensure that no germs make it out alive. Let them soak for an extra 15 minutes; this will help the water loosen any residue. If your pillows are due for replacing, use this sickness as an opportunity to get new ones.

THROW OUT THE TOOTHBRUSHES
Toss the brushes and buy yourself some new ones. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar store, but the toothbrushes are the first things that need to go; don’t even bother trying to clean them.

SANITIZE DOOR KNOBS
Door knobs are opened and closed all day long by the sick and healthy people in a home. Wipe them down with a cleaning product that contains bleach to disinfect them completely. Wiping off knobs will keep the germs from spreading to others in the home who are not sick.

SCRUB THE BATHROOM
The bathroom is my second home when I have the flu and is the first room I clean during recovery. It helps to clean it several times while you are sick to ensure that those germs aren’t making their way out.

WASH CLOTHING
Do all of the laundry in the house, but don’t forget any clothes you were wearing while sick. It always helps me to do a “sick” load of laundry full of towels, cleaning rags, rugs, clothes, and sheets. Clean up laundry to make sure every load is full and water is not being wasted.

CLEAN REFRIGERATOR AND MICROWAVE HANDLES
The refrigerator and microwave handles are often forgotten, but if you are like me, they are opened up more than any doorknobs in the rest of the house. Scrub them down, and don’t forget to wash containers inside the refrigerator, too.

CLEAN VACUUM FILTER
I typically vacuum the entire house after recovering from the flu, but I forget about the filter. After vacuuming the floors and rugs in your house, make sure you remove the filter and clean it, too. You don’t want any germs trapped inside the filter of your vacuum.

Most viruses can only spread by entering your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes. You might keep your hands clean, but as soon as you touch a dirty surface, you have the germs on your hands. Rubbing your eyes, wiping your nose, or eating a snack are ways germs can enter your body. The best way to prevent the spread is to completely get rid of them on all surfaces. Once the flu has coursed through your body, get your house cleaned up to keep your body feeling healthy.

Source: BusyBee Cleaning Service
​
3 Comments

School Avoidance by Tiffani Tobin, PA-C, PSY-CAQ

2/23/2020

1 Comment

 
School avoidance, sometimes called school refusal or school phobia, is a growing concern affecting up to 25% of students.  School avoidance is stressful for parents and children alike, and the situation is often difficult to navigate both at home and at school.

Children avoiding school may exhibit outright refusal, may complain of vague physical symptoms, or may come up with very creative reasons for not attending school.  Most commonly, children with complain of unexplainable physical symptoms – things like headaches, upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness. These symptoms are typically only present on school days, with weekends being complaint-free.  If a child experiencing school avoidance attends school, he may frequently visit the school nurse or experience separation anxiety from parents while at school.

Children typically avoid school for reasons they aren’t capable of verbalizing or willing to share with parents.  It is important to consider that students who avoid school may be experiencing anxiety or trying to avoid negative experiences at school.  Fear of failure, perceived “meanness” of teachers/school staff/other students, issues with peers, bullying, and fear of using a public restroom are all possible contributors to school avoidance.  

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Have an open dialogue with your child about why he doesn’t want to attend school.  Consider all possibilities and offer your child sympathy and support. Brainstorm solutions with your child for any issues identified and rehearse responses for any difficult situations your child anticipates.

Acknowledge your child’s feelings, but insist on her immediate return to school.  The longer your child stays home, the more difficult her eventual return to school will be.  Explain to your child that attending school is required by the law. Understand that your child will likely become more insistent on staying home several days, but you must make a commitment to remain firm in your expectation for school attendance.

Discuss your child’s reasons for school avoidance with teachers/school staff.  Enlist their support in your child’s return to school. If bullying or issues with teachers have been identified as reasons for school avoidance, discuss these issues with school staff immediately and discuss options for quick resolution.  Discuss a gradual return - starting with several hours daily and building to a full school day - if needed.

Discuss the positive aspects of school with your child.  Identify friends that your child can lean on when feeling anxious or sad.  If your child is having difficulty making friends, enlist the help of teachers or the school guidance counselor to encourage engagement with others students – buddy lunches or getting to spend a recess inside with one or two other students may help your child build friendships.  

Encourage your child to engage in hobbies and interests.  Fun will help your child relax and hobbies are great distractions that will help your child build self-confidence.

If your child is not currently in therapy, enlist the help of a counselor to help your child verbalize feelings and build healthy coping skills.  Encouraging your child to understand and protect their own mental health is a gift that will last a lifetime.

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Green Therapy: Combating Depression and Anxiety Through Nature by Olivia Macdonald

2/18/2020

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The first year I moved from a place with warm, sunny winter to one with winters that are cold and gray was far from easy. But the antidote was I went for a walk every day. No matter what — no matter how cold, no matter how raw, no matter how snowy — I walked. A passionate walker, hiker, jogger, and gardener, the solution felt natural. I always go outside, for the joy of it on the bright days as well as on days that are either literally or figuratively, dark.

Folk wisdom has long held that natural beauty, fresh air, and sunshine can lift moods of depression and anxiety. Now studies show how well green therapy works as a natural solution for difficult moods.

Time outdoors gets you moving, which in itself promotes a sense of well-being. But you don’t have to experience a runner’s high to enjoy the mood-elevating benefits of the outdoors. That spike in endorphins that comes from vigorous aerobic effort is also possible by walking in the park. Studies show regular brisk walking can effectively combat anxiety and depression. And a green walk is more effective than walking indoors.

Taking a walk in your own backyard is also effective. When’s the last time you listened to the birds chirp, or the trees rustle? Do you even know what kind of trees are planted in your yard? Take an afternoon to identify them. Better yet, plant a few new ones. 

As little as 5 minutes in a natural setting can improve self-esteem, mood, and motivation. It allows you to connect with nature and its beauty, and concentrate on small achievable goals. In Japan, they call this "forest bathing," or "shinrin-yoku." It's a decades-old practice of connecting with nature through our senses. Some doctors are now prescribing it to their patients to reduce stress and blood pressure. You don't have to hike, jog, or work up a sweat to appreciate the sounds, smells, and sights of the forest.

Taking a walk in the woods during the day can also help with seasonal affective disorder. Doctors say exposure to bright light helps reduce depression and anxiety. Mother nature isn't a replacement for mental health therapy, but rather a supplement.

Professionals are now integrating green therapy into their workday schedules.

Adventure Therapy
This involves physical activities along with psychological exercises, usually carried out in groups. Activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and paintball games get the adrenaline flowing.

Animal-Assisted Therapy
Conducted by a professional, this focuses on the interaction between individuals and animals like horses and dogs. This therapy can be a one-to-one activity or done in a group.

Green Exercise Therapy
This involves physical activities or exercises in green spaces, such as walking, running, and cycling. It's usually led by a trained instructor.

Therapeutic Gardening
There's something about digging in the dirt that lifts up people struggling with mental and emotional issues. It can take several forms:

Social and therapeutic horticulture
​Gardening or growing food in community gardens or nurseries, with the help of qualified tutors.

Care farming
This is popular in many care centers for people with disabilities. It focuses on growing farm crops and looking after farm animals. Environmental conservation combines with nature classes under the direction of a group leader.

If you opt for therapeutic gardening, don’t neglect your own backyard, which you can access anytime without the help of a leader. All the great things about the garden can come into play to combat anxiety and depression: the sight, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors; the joy of creating something beautiful and life-sustaining for yourself and your family; and the benefits of physical exertion.

Gardening also expresses and reinforces faith and hope for the future. You are, after all, planting something today that will flourish tomorrow. Green therapy in or out of the garden can also provide an additional benefit. It can yield activities, habits, and even objects that can give you joy for years after the dark days subside.

Olivia Macdonald loves the outdoors, especially when she’s in motion in it — whether hiking trails, running 5Ks, skiing or cycling on a mountain bike or road bike.

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5 Ways to Get Your Cardio in Without a Gym Membership by Rae Steinbach

1/24/2020

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[image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/OBbliBNuJlk]

Whether you’re trying to save money or you just don’t want to venture out in the cold this winter, there are plenty of ways you can still exercise in the comfort of your home – and lots of benefits in doing so. You don’t need any big, bulky workout equipment taking up space in your living room either – you just need the motivation to get started. Now, let’s burn some calories! 

Combine these exercises below for a simple workout routine at home:

Cross Jacks – Stand in the same position you would for jumping jacks. Jump and cross your legs in front of one another as you cross your arms above your head. Then, spread your feet and arms apart. Just like you would with a jumping jack. Repeat, crossing the opposite arms and legs. You can also do this exercise with your arms in front of you. 

High Knees – Stand with your feet apart. Lift one knee up toward your chest and pump the opposite arm while making a fist. Land lightly on the balls of your feet. Alternate your knees and elbows at a quick pace. 

Stair Sprints – Using the stairs in your home, sprint up them, one at a time. Slowly walk down for a cool down. Then, sprint up them again. This is a real calorie burner!

Burpee – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and then squat, placing your hands on the ground in front of you. Jump your feet back, landing on the balls of your feet. Form a straight line with your body, similar to a plank position, parallel to the ground. Then, jump your feet back to where your hands are and stand up, raising your arms above your head. Once you start getting used to this warm-up, you can add a push-up when you are in the plank position. 

Mountain Climbers – Kneel on the floor and place your hands out in front of you shoulder-width apart. Lean forward with your body extended. Then, bring your right thigh to your chest while extending your left leg back with toes pointing down. Alternate and bring your left thigh to your chest while extending your right leg back in the same position. 

For the workout routine above, exercise for 30 seconds to 1 minute and rest for 10 seconds before going onto the next step. After all of the exercises are complete, rest for one minute and then start it again. Increase the number of times the routine is done as you progress in your training.

About the Author:
Rae is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree.  After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to NYC to pursue her career and continue curating quality content.  Rae is passionate about travel, food, and writing for Taos Footwear.

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

1/1/2020

3 Comments

 
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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