Tag: Mental Health

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We all experience sleepless nights occasionally. But more often than not, we are able to fall back into normal sleeping patterns within the next day-or-so. But when an individual frequently has trouble sleeping or displays symptoms of insomnia, mental health problems could be on the horizon, or may already exist.

Sleep Problems Often Indicate an Underlying Condition

Sleep problems can be a two-way street. Those who suffer with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression typically have trouble sleeping. Conversely, prolonged periods of sleeplessness or partial sleep deprivation can eventually lead to the development of mood disorders and other psychological difficulties.

Insomnia sufferers were discovered to be up to five times more likely to develop depression, and up to 20 times more likely to develop panic disorder and other anxiety-related issues, according to an extensive “Sleep Journal” study. Additionally, young adults who are sleep-deprived due to stressful situations in their lives or irregularities in their sleep patterns are far more likely to eventually suffer from depression — sometimes in severe forms — and develop substance abuse problems.

Treating Sleep Disorders

In the absence of a more serious physical or mental ailment, those who have trouble sleeping can take steps to try to develop healthier habits. These include avoiding caffeine, adhering to a regular schedule of going to bed and waking up and refraining from napping during the day. But if these and other “self-help” measures do not adequately address the issue, a medical evaluation may be necessary.

If mental health problems are at the root of a sleep disorder, various forms of psychotherapy — often in conjunction with medications — have proven to be among the most successful modes of treatment. With sleep playing such a vital role in our physical, mental and emotional well-being, those who struggle to get the rest they need should not hesitate to seek help.

 

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental health issue that is not always easy to diagnose. This is often due in part to the existence of signs and symptoms indicative of other conditions such as anxiety and depression.

There are also various classifications of ADHD where either the attention deficit symptoms or the hyperactivity symptoms are more dominant; or where a near equal combination of both is present. Each individual case is unique. Many times an accurate assessment of symptoms requires a rather lengthy diagnostic process.

Those involved in the life of a child or young adult with ADHD struggle along with them in many ways. Parents, teachers and peers at times become frustrated with the ADHD sufferer’s symptoms and behaviors. These include being easily distracted, disruptive, impulsive and an inability to sit still.

A Comprehensive Approach to ADHD Treatment

Incorporating multiple modes of treatment usually produces the best results in those with ADHD. These often include psychotherapy and behavior modification combined with education and medications. Talk therapy and behavioral therapies will help a child better understand their condition and what may trigger certain responses. These will also enable a child with ADHD to be more aware of their behaviors and discover ways to break out of destructive patterns.

Most medications used in ADHD treatments come in the form of stimulants, antidepressants and mood stabilizers. It may take several tries to determine which medication works best for a particular child. But once a medication is settled upon, it will often have a calming effect on the child and will help them significantly improve their focus.

ADHD education programs are recommended for both parents and children as part of the treatment process. Through these programs, goals will be established, progress will be evaluated and strategies outlined in order to help parents recognize and understand ADHD symptoms. These programs also help children with ADHD build self-esteem and develop effective coping mechanisms.

Multimodal treatment plans have a proven track record. This method attacks ADHD from all angles and often helps clear the path for a child to one day live a successful and fulfilling life.

 

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.

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Sadness is a normal emotion that can be caused by negative or painful circumstances. Occasional periods of unhappiness are a part of life, and most people are able to eventually process their feelings of melancholy and forge ahead. But when sadness lingers or becomes a state in which there seems to be no escape, it is very likely that some type of depression exists.

The Symptoms of Depression

Depression can come in many forms, from relatively mild to severe. Some of the causes can be biological, environmental or genetic in nature. Grief, illness and addictions can be other factors.

On the mild side, symptoms can range from irritability, a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, disrupted sleep patterns and difficulty focusing and concentrating. More severe symptoms include hopelessness, despair, extreme fatigue and suicidal thoughts. Some depression symptoms are rather complex and can be a part of other mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse problems or some other mental health issue.

Depression Treatment

Everyone responds differently to various treatment methods. But treatment for clinical depression usually begins with some form of “talk therapy” with a mental health professional. From there, the best course of action may involve medications and additional levels of therapy such as cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies.

In some cases of major depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT therapy) or transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS therapy) are used where all other approaches to treatment have failed. Although depression treatment techniques continue to evolve, many of the methods in place today have proven to be successful in helping those suffering with this illness get back on their feet and live productive and satisfying lives.

 

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.

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Addictions not only affect the physical, emotional and mental health of the addict, but also create a burden for the people in their lives. Even after emphatically urging them to seek treatment, those close to an addict or severe substance abuser are often helpless as they watch their friend or loved one sink further into the depths of addiction.

There are many dangers and potentially deadly complications associated with drug, alcohol abuse and addiction. But the greatest danger is the unwillingness of the addict to accept the fact that there is a problem and admit they need help. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a devastating event in their life — such as an automobile accident, an arrest or an overdose — for the addict to finally agree to receive addiction treatment.

Signs of an Addiction

An addictive disorder exists when an individual is unable to control their drug or alcohol use to the point where these substances play a dominant role in their life. Other addictive behaviors and signs include changes in mood and appearance, the eschewing of personal and work responsibilities and experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when the substance is not available.

Overcoming Denial

It is not uncommon for drug or alcohol addicts to minimize the seriousness of their problem or flat out deny its existence. Denial is often deeply ingrained within an individual, convincing themselves there is no real problem or they can “quit anytime they want to.”

Denial is a major reason why addicts many times hit “rock bottom” before they begin to consider taking steps toward recovery. Optimally, the realization that help is needed will emerge within the addict before intervention becomes necessary. From there, addiction recovery can begin through routes such as education, therapy, support groups and specialized treatment centers. But it all begins with the addict admitting their dilemma, and expressing a sincere desire to recover.

 

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.

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While the month of May can be recognized for spring flowers and showers, it serves another important purpose: May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

The month of May was assigned the responsibility of raising awareness of mental health conditions as early as 1949. This year, Mental Health Awareness Month is focusing on two themes, including “Do More for 1 in 4” and “Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds.”

Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action geared toward the 1 in 4 American adults (nearly 60 million) that live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition, and can go on to live full and productive lives. The campaign, developed by Mental Health America, was created to combat stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior by providing people with the information they need to recognize a mental health disorder and to find help.

Do More for 1 in 4 provides information on 5 different types of the most common mental health disorders, including AD/HD, anxiety disorders (panic, obsessive-compulsive, post-traumatic stress, phobia), bipolar disorder, and clinical depression. The campaign also outlines where to go for help, as well as the first steps for finding help.

The second theme for the month, “Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds,” focuses on the impact of traumatic events on individuals and communities. Trauma includes interpersonal violence (abuse, rape, domestic violence, bullying), social violence (war, terrorism, living under oppressive political regimes), natural disasters and accidents, chronic social stressors (racism, sexism, poverty, humiliation, cultural dislocation), and childhood trauma.

This theme is focusing on key messages about trauma, such as: the aftermath of trauma is costly to victims and the entire community, healing from trauma is possible, and addressing trauma is key to successful treatment, among many other messages.

To help spread the message on May’s Mental Health Awareness Month and its themes, download the Do More For 1in4 Toolkit or download the Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds Toolkit.

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When individuals and families are faced with mental illness, the suffering and the challenges associated with these illnesses often cause hope to begin to slip away. May is Mental Health Month and Lindner Center of HOPE is kicking off an awareness and fundraising campaign called Planting Seeds for HOPE. The goal is to begin to develop roots for HOPE as the seeds we plant in awareness, understanding and support can grow and bloom HOPE for those in need.

There are many facts about mental illness that are misunderstood by or misrepresented to the general public. To make real progress toward ending stigma, increasing understanding and bringing clarity to mental illness, we need to better understand the reality of the illness at all levels.

This May, Lindner Center of HOPE is helping the public understand the truth about mental health. Every day, throughout Mental Health Month, Lindner Center of HOPE will share Seeds of Truth about mental illness. You can find the seeds on our home page by visiting our website daily or you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook or our blog at www.lindnercenterofhope.info for the 31 days of May.

In addition to enhancing your own awareness by following the Seeds of Truth, please also consider Planting your own Seeds for HOPE through a gift to Lindner Center of HOPE. You can give online at https://lindnercenterofhope.org/donate/, call or email Mary Alexander at 513-536-0317 or [email protected], or mail a donation to Lindner Center of HOPE, Development Office, 4075 Old Western Row Road, Mason, OH 45040.

Let’s sow some seeds together for the future and for HOPE.

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The numbers vary according to the source, but they are still staggering.

The fact is that millions of Americans struggle with mental illness, addictions and a wide range of other mental health problems.

The good news is that many of these afflictions are treatable through psychotherapy and medication. However, successful mental health treatment is dependent upon a number of factors, not the least of which is often a decision on the part of the individual to do whatever it takes to get better.

Severe addictions and mental disorders at times require intervention to ensure an individual receives treatment. However, many others who suffer with mental health issues eventually find themselves at a crossroads. Eventually, they reach a point where they realize they have extreme difficulty in improving the quality of their lives unless they get help.

Not an Easy Road

Depending on the type and severity of a mental health condition, treatment can sometimes be a lengthy and somewhat arduous process. But for multitudes of people who have moved forward to live good and productive lives, strictly adhering to a treatment plan has been well worth the effort.

Whether undergoing depression treatment, OCD treatment or PTSD treatment, most treatment methods call for the patient to change certain behavior patterns and overcome thoughts and feelings they have become accustomed to over time. This can be difficult and even painstaking. But many come through these therapies and treatments with a much different outlook and often times a new lease on life.

An Ongoing Process

For most people with mental health conditions, treatment is an ongoing proposition. Even after successful therapeutic endeavors and finding the right medications, a patient can maintain and even improve their newfound wellness by creating a balance in their lives and developing healthier habits.

These may include:

●Changing to a more nutritious diet

● Exercising regularly

● Finding fun and creative ways to reduce stress

● Joining a support group

 

Fortifying the progress of a proven mental health treatment plan with positive lifestyle changes can help a patient create a healthy consistency in both their body and mind.

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Millions of Americans suffer with mental illness. These come in various forms; from mood disorders and severe addictions to eating disorders. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure or “silver bullet” for most of these illnesses. However, mental health professionals now have a better understanding than ever before regarding the treatment of mental disorders. As a result, increasingly effective methods of psychotherapy are continually being developed.

Case-by-Case Treatment Plans

When an individual reaches a point where they feel the need to seek help, the realization that there is a problem is a positive first step in the healing process. The next step is for that individual to be thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed by a therapist.

The circumstances surrounding an individual’s mental health issues are as diverse as fingerprints. Each patient is very different and influenced socially by distinct environments and effected biologically by genetic makeup.

Although many therapeutic techniques may fit into categories such as “talk” therapy, behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy, treatments for depression, bipolar disorder treatment, ADHD treatment and addiction treatment are all approached differently. Treatment plans for these and other conditions are constructed in a way that best suit a particular patient.

Unfortunately, many individuals who struggle with mental health problems never pursue treatment. Reasons for this often include a fear of being stigmatized or a lack of convenient access to care. But in this country, numerous mental health centers are located in close proximity to every major city. These facilities offer experienced mental health professionals to patients who require expert care in order to begin their journey toward productive and fulfilling lives.

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