Author: nwmind5bg

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern

Posted on by nwmind5bg

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD) is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern. The vast majority of those experiencing the disorder experience symptoms from late fall to winter, lasting about 4 to 5 months each year. It is called summer-pattern SAD for those who experience symptoms in the spring or summer months. For those struggling with this disorder, there is hope. Like other types of depression, there are treatment options that have been proven beneficial to many.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern are associated with those of major depressive disorder. Common symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Having low energy
  • Feeling depressed most days
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a winter seasonal pattern

  • Oversleeping
  • Overeating, and particularly craving carbohydrates
  • Social withdraw or distancing yourself from others
  • Weight gain

Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a summer seasonal pattern

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
  • Agitation

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used as it helps teach individuals how to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones.
  • Antidepressants
    • Like other forms, this type of depression is associated with disturbances in serotonin, which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat.
  • Vitamin D
    • Many people with this disorder often have a vitamin D deficiency. Due to this, nutritional supplements of vitamin D may help improve their symptoms.
  • Light therapy
    • Light therapy has been used since the 1980s to help treat this depressive disorder. Patients of this therapy sit in front of a very bright light (10,000 lux) each morning for about 30 to 45 minutes. 

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles:  https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Overview of Anorexia Nervosa

Posted on by nwmind5bg

Anorexia nervosa

Overview of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which individuals may see themselves as overweight, and take drastic measures to lose weight or prevent weight gain. The symptoms of anorexia can be devastating to one’s health, both mentally and physically. According to the NIMH, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder. Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of anorexia is vital, as treatment is available to those who need it and has been proven to help many.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of anorexia nervosa may vary depending on the person. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Extremely restricted eating
  • Intense fear of gaining weight
  • Relentless pursuit of losing weight and thinness
  • Distorted body image, with self esteem often heavily influenced by perceptions of body weight

Over time other symptoms may develop, these include:

  • Mild anemia
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Low blood pressure
  • Thinning of the bones
  • Lethargy, or feeling tired all the time
  • Infertility
  • Damage to the structure of the heart
  • Brain damage

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used as it helps teach individuals how to identify distorted thoughts of one’s body image and unhelpful thinking patterns. It also focuses on replacing these harmful thoughts with more positive ways of thinking.
  • Medication
    • In some cases, medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be used. Although there are no medications directly for treating eating disorders at this time, anorexia is often co-occurring with other illnesses such as depression or anxiety, and medicine can help treat these underlying issues.

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

Return to the homepage: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles at: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

How ADHD Affects Adults

Posted on by nwmind5bg

How ADHD Affects Adults

How ADHD Affects Adults

October is ADHD Awareness Month and it is important to understand how ADHD affects adults, and not only children. NAMI estimates that 4.4% of adults aged 18-44 have ADHD, making it a fairly common mental health condition. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. The symptoms of ADHD can cause difficulties in relationships, work, and daily life. Luckily, treatment is available and has been proven to help diminish ADHD symptoms for many. 

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of ADHD may vary but, common symptoms include:

  • Inattention
    • Trouble paying attention to details
    • Difficulties staying organized
    • Forgetfulness
    • Losing things easily
    • Trouble sustaining attention for long periods of time
    • Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
  • Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
    • Restlessness
    • Unable to engage in activities quietly
    • Interrupting others
    • Talking excessively
    • Difficulty waiting one’s turn
    • Trouble with self-control

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Medication
    • Stimulants are most commonly used to treat ADHD as they increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention
    • Non-stimulants may also be used in the treatment of ADHD although tend to work slower, but they still have been found to improve focus, attention, and impulsivity
  • Psychotherapy
    • Behavioral therapy is often used as it helps one monitor their behaviors, and focus on the positives of controlling their impulses
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used as it helps teach mindfulness activities and creates a greater sense of self-awareness

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

How to Choose a New Primary Care Provider

Posted on by nwmind5bg

How to Choose a New Primary Care Provider

how To Choose a New Primary Care Provider

You may wonder how to choose a new primary care provider, whether you just moved, changed insurance, or any other reason for a switch. The choice may seem daunting, but we believe that if you follow these tips, you will find the exact care that you need.

“I find primary care to be a powerful tool in improving the health of both individuals and the community,” says Amanda Weiland, MSN, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner at NW Mind-Body Wellness. 

Think About the Qualities you Want in your Provider

Making a list of ideal qualities and specializations you hope to find in a primary care provider is a great first step. It allows you to assess your own wants and needs, which can be greatly beneficial in knowing what kind of care to seek out.

Ask for Referrals

Friends, family, and co-workers can all be great resources for health care referrals. A recommendation from someone you trust can go a long way.

Make Sure the Provider is “In Network”

Ensuring that you choose a primary care provider that is in network for your insurance can help you avoid steep appointment charges or having to pay for visits out of pocket. Calling your insurance provider or checking on their website can help you determine the logistics of your coverage.

Map It Out

For many, it is important to consider the location of the health care provider in relation to your home or work. If you are not feeling well, you will most likely not want to have to travel very far. Also, a convenient location will hopefully make it easier to book and keep appointments. 

Trust Your GUt

Visiting or speaking with a potential healthcare provider is the best way to ensure they will meet your needs and make you feel comfortable. The patient and provider relationship should be built on trust, and it is important that you find someone you feel safe sharing your health requirements and goals with. 

Ready to move Forward?

If you are ready to begin the search for a new primary health care provider, we recommend filling out a patient inquiry form for NW Mind-Body Wellness as we are currently accepting new patients in our Bend office.

Services are also provided for mental health care in Wilsonville and Salem.

To learn more and/or fill out a patient inquiry form, click the following link to our contact page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/contact-us/

Return to the homepage:https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles at: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles

Caring For Your Mental Health

Posted on by nwmind5bg

Caring for your Mental Health

Caring for your mental health is more than just living with the absence of mental illness. Mental health encompasses one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Maintaining your mental health through self care can help lower your risk of illness, manage stress levels, increase energy, and support recovery if you have a mental illness.

Self Care Tips

Even the smallest acts of self care can have positive impacts on your overall health. The following includes tips for self care and bettering your mental health.

  • Make sleep a priority and do your best to stick to a regular sleep schedule
  • Exercise daily even if in small amounts, any bit counts and can be beneficial to your physical and mental health
  • Make time for yourself and do things that you enjoy
  • Stay connected by reaching out to friends and family
  • Practice gratitude by reflecting on things you are thankful for
  • Find a relaxing hobby such as meditation, yoga, reading, or another activity that brings you peace of mind
  • Set goals to help prioritize important tasks and reward yourself for completing them

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing symptoms that are severe or distressing that have lasted two weeks or more we recommend contacting your healthcare provider. Concerning symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Inability to perform daily tasks and functions
  • Changes in appetite

Learning More and RESOURCES

Return to the homepage:https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles at: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles

ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on by nwmind5bg

ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month, which is a national effort to bring attention to the disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. These symptoms can create difficulties within daily life and functions. However, with treatment, those struggling with ADHD often find relief and can further their success in school, work, and other areas of life.

Spreading awareness can help further research on the disorder, as well as help individuals recognize the symptoms of ADHD and receive adequate treatment.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of ADHD may vary but, common symptoms include:

  • Inattention
    • Difficulty sustaining focus
    • Disorganized
    • Often losing things
    • Easily distracted
    • Overlook or miss details
    • Trouble finishing projects
    • Difficulty processing information quickly 
  • Hyperactivity
    • Trouble sitting still
    • Unable to engage in certain activities quietly
    • Often fidgeting or talking
  • Impulsivity
    • Interrupting others
    • Impatience and difficulty waiting
    • Acting without thinking of consequences
    • Inability to delay gratification 

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

  • Medication
    • Stimulants are most commonly used to treat ADHD as they increase dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention
    • Non-stimulants may also be used in the treatment of ADHD although tend to work slower, but they still have been found to improve focus, attention, and impulsivity
  • Psychotherapy
    • Behavioral therapy is often used as it helps one monitor their behaviors, and focus on the positives of controlling their impulses
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy is also used as it helps teach mindfulness activities and creates a greater sense of self-awareness

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by nwmind5bg

BREAST cANCER aWARENESS mONTH

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized each October in hopes to bring attention to the disease. It can affect both men and women, however, it is much more common in women. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for women. Global efforts to help prevent, recognize signs of the cancer, and better treatment have all increased the survival rates of breast cancer.

At NW Mind-Body Wellness, we are taking a stand against breast cancer. As part of our primary care services, we offer breast exams and the ordering of formal screening such as mammograms. In addition, we also provide support for individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer. 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include, but are not limited to:

  • A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
  • Any change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Pain in any area of the breast
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
  • Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

rISK fACTORS

The main risk factors for breast cancer are:

  • Being a woman
  • Age, most breast cancers are found in those over 50 years old
  • Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

LOwering Your RIsk

  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Learn to do breast self-exams to help become aware of any changes

More information and RESOURCES

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Overview Of Borderline Personality Disorder

Posted on by nwmind5bg

Borderline Personality Disorder

Overview Of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a condition marked by an ongoing pattern of trouble regulating emotions, as well as self-image issues, impulsivity, and often unstable relationships. The symptoms of BPD often make it hard for individuals with the disorder to perform daily functions and activities. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates 1.4% of the United States adult population experiences BPD. For those with borderline personality disorder, there is hope, as many people with the disorder find treatment helpful and can live fulfilling lives.

SIgns and SYmptoms

BPD can affect one’s self image, how they relate to others, and how they act or behave. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • A pattern of unstable intense relationships, that alternate between idealizing someone and believing someone doesn’t care or is cruel
  • Intense fear of abandonment, and often frantic efforts to avoid the real or imagined abandonment by friends or family
  • Distorted or unstable self image that can often affect mood, goals, relationships, and more
  • Impulsive behaviors that can often have dangerous outcomes, such as gambling, reckless driving, substance abuse, unsafe sex, and more
  • Self-harming behavior including self injury, suicidal threats, or attempts
  • Wide mood swings that can last a few hours or days and include intense feelings of happiness, depression, irritability, or anxiety
  • Dissociative feelings, such as feeling cut off from one’s self or out of one’s own body

Causes

The exact causes of Borderline Personality disorder are not fully understood yet but, experts agree that the disorder is the result of a combination of the following:

  • Genetics
  • Environmental factors
  • Brain function

Treatment

Treatment varies by person, but the most common types of treatment used for BPD include the following: 

  • Medication
    • Although there is not one medication specifically made for the main symptoms of BPD, several medications can be used off-label to help treat symptoms.
  • Psychotherapy (often called “talk therapy”)
    • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
    • Psychodynamic psychotherapy

RESOURCES

Return to the homepage:https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles at:https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Practicing Self Care

Posted on by nwmind5bg

Practicing Self Care

Practicing Self care

Practicing self care can help better your mental health and improve your overall quality of life. Self care encompasses both physical and mental health. Even small actions of taking care of yourself can have a big impact on your wellbeing. From this article, you can take what is relevant to you and personalize your self care strategy as everyone’s needs are different.

Getting Started

  • Make sleep a priority and focus on sticking to a sleep schedule that leaves you feeling rested and ready for the day
  • Exercise even in small amounts can help improve your mood and overall health, don’t be discouraged if you can not exercise for long amounts of time
  • Set goals and prioritize to help better manage your time and make sure that important tasks get completed
  • Practice gratitude and focus on what you are thankful for
  • Eat healthy meals when possible as a healthy, balanced diet can improve health and energy levels
  • Find a relaxing activity such as meditation, yoga, or journaling
  • Focus on positivity the best you can and challenge negative or unwanted thoughts

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing severe symptoms that last for more than two weeks, it is suggested that you seek further professional help. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Inability to perform daily activities or keep up with responsibilities
  • Difficulties concentrating 
  • Loss of interest in things or activities you typically find enjoyable
  • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning
  • Appetite changes resulting in unwanted weight loss or gain

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

Return to the homepage: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles at: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Managing Stress

Posted on by nwmind5bg

Managing Stress

Managing Stress

Everyone experiences stress to some degree. However, when stress becomes frequent and intense, it can put strain on you and make it hard to complete daily tasks and activities. For those experiencing symptoms, there are steps that can be helpful in managing stress.

SYmptoms

Stress can affect your entire body, both mentally and physically. Symptoms of stress include but are not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Changes in appetite
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating

Ways to Reduce Stress

Stress management techniques may vary by person but, common helpful steps taken to reduce stress include: 

  • Manage your time and prioritize the most important tasks. Creating a schedule or to-do list can also be beneficial for time management. 
  • Practice relaxation methods such as deep breathing and meditation to calm yourself.
  • Exercise can help produce stress relieving hormones and improve overall health.
  • Accept your needs and recognize what triggers your stress. Identifying what is causing you to feel stressed can help you avoid it when possible, or help you better manage the situation. 

RESOURCES

Return to the home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/