Tag: anxiety

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Stress is a normal reaction to situations and frustrations that we occasionally experience during the course of our lives. Career concerns, deadlines, financial troubles and kid-related issues can all cause us moments of worry and degrees of anxiety. Normal stress can also be beneficial to us in some ways. For instance, it heightens our awareness in dangerous situations and boosts our ability to perform in an athletic endeavor.

But when feelings of apprehension and distress become perpetual, and there aren’t many moments in a day when we’re not feeling stressed or anxious, it can eventually wear us down and have a negative impact on our health. Stress can affect us both physically and mentally. Some of the physical manifestations of stress are tension, an elevated heartbeat, sweatiness and an upset stomach. Continuous stress can also lead to high blood pressure and heart problems.

The Effects of Chronic Stress on Mental Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-known condition in which a traumatic event or the circumstances surrounding that event can cause recurring bouts of extreme stress. But constant, long-term stress can also have devastating consequences if not properly addressed.

Many people with chronic stress are unaware that the almost ceaseless worry and anxiety in their everyday lives may be turning into a deeper issue. They may feel that stress is just a part of their daily existence, and that the irritability, forgetfulness, trouble sleeping and fatigue, among other symptoms that can accompany chronic stress, simply come along with it.

However, “nervous breakdowns” or the development of anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, panic attacks and clinical depression that can result from persistent, long-term stress are serious conditions which require proper mental health treatment. This may consist of learning techniques to better manage and alleviate stress, or, depending on the severity of the situation, may involve psychotherapy and medication.

If there are indications that an individual may be experiencing chronic stress and they are beginning to show signs that there may be worse problems on the horizon, it’s time for them to get help. They shouldn’t hesitate to consult with a professional at one of their local mental health centers and begin to learn how to achieve some peace in their lives and get themselves back on track.

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Over 45 million Americans have some form of mental illness. Roughly 25 percent of these individuals have disorders considered to be serious, according to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study. With the number of Americans suffering from mental illness and substance abuse problems on the rise, caregivers and treatment facilities throughout the country continue to work to meet increasing demands.

One way this troubling trend is being addressed is through the creation of comprehensive mental health treatment centers. In recent years more focus has been placed upon the consolidation of mental health services that were once spread throughout a city or region.

Mental Health Centers are All-Encompassing

Many of the newer mental health centers are universal in their offerings. They provide inpatient and outpatient services for a wide range of mental health issues and are staffed with a diverse array of experienced therapists and psychiatric specialists.

These types of facilities will often contain separate areas for children, adolescents and adults. ADHD treatment, adolescent depression treatment, eating disorder treatment and treatment for anxiety and bipolar disorders are among the services that can be performed under one roof.

Some mental health centers also contain short-term residential units, such as Lindner Center of Hope’s “Sibcy House” near Cincinnati, Ohio. Sibcy House staff members specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of those with complex mental disorders, addictive disorders and those who have experienced a mental health crisis.

The Lindner facility is also one of the few mental health centers in the country to offer both ECT and TMS treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are used in severe depression treatment and to address conditions for other types of treatment that have failed. These devices are located in Lindner’s new state-of-the-art Neuromodulation Center.

The centralization of services in modern-day mental health centers has been a positive development in a number of ways, including making treatment more accessible to patients and communication between caregivers more convenient. This is especially the case in situations where multiple modes of treatment may be necessary.

 

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On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Americans took the time to reflect upon the events of that horrific day. Observances and ceremonies were conducted throughout the country to pay respect to the victims and to memorialize the heroes that emerged from that devastating day. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, but many more continue to acutely feel its after-effects.

Ten years later, many 9/11 first responders and those that followed them to “ground zero” to address the aftermath are not only experiencing severe physical ailments, but are suffering with serious mental health issues as well. The lives of these individuals have been forever changed as they continue to deal with the repercussions of that fateful day.

A Traumatic Impact

As millions around the world watched the terrifying and almost surreal scene unfold in the middle of New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the impact was intensely magnified for those in close proximity to ground zero. After having been directly involved with such a traumatic event, thousands of responding firefighters, police personnel, doctors, nurses and even construction and utility workers developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety problems and depression in its wake.

Attempting to Heal

In January 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was federally approved. This bill offers assistance to ground zero workers suffering from a physical or mental illness as a result of 9/11. It also establishes medical and mental health centers dedicated in part to the treatment of those affected by the travesty.

The Zadroga Act has greatly benefited workers and their families experiencing mental health issues. Those who might lack the financial means to receive treatment for depression , PTSD  and treatment for other mental health issues associated with the traumatic events of 9/11 are now able to get the help they need.