Category: Mental Health

Overview Of Borderline Personality Disorder

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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

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Practicing Self Care

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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

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Managing Stress

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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

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Treating Depression

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Treating Depression

Depressive disorder, often referred to as depression, is more than just a rough patch or period of sadness in one’s life, but rather a serious mental health condition that is also one of the most common. The symptoms of depression can vary, but tend to commonly interfere with an individual’s day to day life. For those struggling with depression, there is hope as treatment is available and has been proven to make a difference. The following list features various common types of treatment used for treating depressive disorders. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or counseling, is widely recognized as an effective way to treat depression.

There are various types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps change the negative thinking patterns one may have because of depression. IPT focuses on improving problems in relationships or other aspects of life that may be contributing to one’s depression.

Medications

For some people, antidepressant medications may help reduce or control depression symptoms. 

Types of antidepressants include:

    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are the most commonly used type of antidepressant and include medications such as: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and more.
    • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include: Effexor, Pristiq, and more.
    • Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) which include: Wellbutrin and more.

More information and RESOURCES

  • We recommend talking to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have.
  • To learn more about depression and the treatment used, we suggest the following links:
    • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Treatment
    • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

 

National Suicide Prevention Month

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NAtional Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month is recognized every September to help raise awareness on the topic.

During the month of September, healthcare professionals, survivors, allies, and more, come together to promote suicide awareness and education.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, and are often the result of an untreated mental health condition. However, there is help available. We aspire to raise awareness, spread hope, and provide resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, and also those who have been impacted by suicide.

 

Crisis Resources:

  • If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
  • If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
  • If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

For more information and resources, use the following links to these nationally recognized organizations:

NAMI: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month

AFSP: https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-week

Overview of PTSD

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Overview Of PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that individuals can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, military combat, or natural disaster. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD affects 3.6% of Americans. There is hope, however, as treatment is available for those struggling with PTSD.

SYmptoms

Many people will feel short term responses to life-threatening events, but when symptoms persist and become long term it can lead to the diagnosis of PTSD. Symptoms for people with PTSD may vary, but common symptoms include:

  • Re-experiencing Symptoms
    • Recurring, distressing memories
    • Flashbacks of trauma
    • Bad dreams
  • Avoidance Symptoms 
    • Avoiding certain places or things that remind one of the traumatic event
    • Avoiding thoughts about the traumatic event
  • Arousal Symptoms
    • Feeling tense or on edge
    • Easily startled
    • Outbursts of anger
  • Cognitive and Mood Symptoms
    • Trouble remembering the event
    • Feelings of guilt and/or blame
    • Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
    • Negative thoughts about one’s self

Treatment

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

  • Medication
    • Antidepressants are the most studied type of medication for treating PTSD. They have been found to help treat symptoms of worry, anger, sadness, and a feeling of numbness. 
    • Other medication types may be used in the treatment of specific symptoms.
  • Psychotherapy (often called “talk therapy”)
    • Psychotherapy can include one-on-one talk sessions or group sessions.
    • The therapy tends to include education on symptoms, learning how to help identify symptoms, and skills to manage symptoms.
    •  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also common and includes:
      • Exposure therapy
      • Cognitive restructuring

RESOURCES

 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Signs and Symptoms

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:                               Signs and Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). Although many individuals with OCD know their thoughts and urges don’t make sense, they are still often unable to stop them without treatment. 

SYMPTOMS

People may experience occasional obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, but in OCD the symptoms typically last more than an hour each day and interfere with all aspects of life. The following are commonly experienced symptoms in those who have OCD:

  • Obsessions
    • Fear of germs or contamination
    • Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts
    • Doubts about having done something right, such as locking a door at night
    • Thoughts about harming yourself or others
    • Need to have things in a perfect order
  • Compulsions
    • Excessive cleaning and/or hand washing
    • Compulsive counting
    • Repeatedly checking to make sure something has been done right, such as checking to make sure a door is locked
    • Ordering things in a particular and precise way

TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

  • To learn more about OCD, or find out if you may be affected by the disorder we recommend contacting your health care provider.
  • To read more about OCD, the following resources are suggested:
    • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-Disorder
    • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

 

Living With ADHD

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Living With ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder, affecting both children and adults, that makes it difficult for one to pay attention and control impulse behaviors. The American Psychiatric Association estimates 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. Although there is no cure for ADHD, various treatments can be used to help minimize the symptoms of the disorder. 

Treating ADHD

The following are treatments commonly used for ADHD:

  • Medication
    • Stimulants: Stimulants are used because the medicine increases dopamine, which can help one’s ability to think and pay attention.
    • Non-Stimulants: Although these medications may take longer to work than stimulants, they can also improve one’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control impulses.
    • Antidepressants: Antidepressants are not currently approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of ADHD, but are prescribed at times to treat adults with the disorder.
  • Therapy
    • Therapy may not directly be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, but is often used as a way for individuals to help cope with daily challenges.
  • Education and Training
    • To help children and adults struggling with ADHD, the support and guidance of family, friends, and teachers can play a big role in treatment. This assistance includes, but is not limited to, parenting skills training, stress management techniques, and support groups.

RESOURCES

  • To learn more about ADHD, or find out if you or your child may be affected by the disorder, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
  • To read more about ADHD, the following resources are suggested:
    • APA: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
    • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-the-basics
    • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD

National Wellness Month

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NATIONAL Wellness MONTH

National Wellness Month is recognized each August to help promote self-care and the creation of healthy habits. 

Each person has their own unique body, and with that, their own set of health needs. Taking steps towards finding what your body needs and thrives on can help you improve your overall wellness.

It is important to remember that wellness does not just mean eating healthy and exercising, but rather creating a healthy environment socially, spiritually, financially, and intellectually. Working to better yourself in a variety of aspects can help you achieve a sense of whole body and mind wellness. 

Through the help of online resources, such as those from the National Institute of Health, you can learn how to find wellness in your own life. 

For more information, use the following links to these nationally recognized organizations:

NIH: Wellness Toolkits 

https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits

NAMI: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle 

https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Extranet/NAMI-State-Organization-and-NAMI-Affiliate-Leaders/Awareness/AKA/Mental-Health-Fact-Sheets/Maintaining-a-Healthy-Lifestyle.pdf

 

Practicing Self-Care

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Five tips for Practicing Self-Care

Taking time for proper self-care can do wonders for your overall physical and mental health. Even seemingly small acts can make a big difference in the long run. The following list includes self-care tips recommended by the NIMH:

01

Regular Exercise

Consistent exercise, even in small amounts, can help boost your mood and energy levels.

02

Eat Healthy Meals and Stay Hydrated

Creating a balanced diet with proper water consumption can help improve focus and energy.

03

Make Sleep a Priority

Do your best to stick to a sleeping schedule that includes enough time for your body to rest.

04

focus on The Positive

Although it is easier said than done, challenge your negative thoughts and try to keep your focus on the positive. 

05

Take time to Relax

Test out various relaxation techniques and activities to see what works best for you, and make these practices a regular part of your schedule.

To learn more about self-care, use the following link to visit the NIMH’s page on caring for your mental health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health/