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Mental Health Center

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Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety: An Overview

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety An Overview

The symptoms can feel overwhelming, whether you experience general anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder. You are willing to try any treatment to ease the symptoms; for many, the first line of treatment is an antidepressant medication. Combined with counseling, antidepressants can be effective. Not everyone sees improvement, however. They fall into the category of treatment-resistant anxiety. They have tried multiple medications and protocols, yet nothing seems to work. Fortunately, there are new therapies to help people overcome treatment-resistant anxiety, such as ketamine therapy. What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a synthetic drug initially used as an anesthetic in the 1960s. In the following decade, ketamine was used illegally as a recreational drug for its hallucinatory effects when taken in large doses. Researchers have recently studied its effects on mental health symptoms that aren’t treated with typical antidepressants and therapies.  Findings show ketamine is an excellent alternative when administered …

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Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the best way to participate is to learn more about the ADHD and co-occurring conditions that often accompany the disorder. ADHD is treatable and easy to manage with the help of a mental health team, including a psychiatrist and therapist. Sharing education on ADHD helps reduce the stigma about getting proper treatment. The more you understand it, the better you can help yourself or someone you know seek help. What is ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which can appear in three ways: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must meet the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM5). The requirements include the following: Inattention For someone to have attention deficits, they must have symptoms for at least six months. For children 16 and younger, they must have …

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Overcoming Stigma During Depression Awareness Month

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Overcoming Stigma During Depression Awareness Month

Mental health awareness is the best way to educate people on the symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods of various mental illnesses, like Depression, which affects over 30% of all Americans, according to the latest federal data. This October is Depression Awareness Month. There are millions of reasons to get involved. For example, a 2022 Medicaid survey of behavioral health services shows nearly 14 million enrollees with a mental health disorder. Yet, only a fraction of people seek treatment for depression or other disorders. Why? Stigma is one reason. What is Stigma? A simple definition of stigma is when you or someone else views something in a negative light. When talking about mental health, you4According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are different types of stigma when discussing mental illness, like the following: Public stigma Public stigma refers to other people’s attitudes about mental illness or a mental health condition. Public …

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How to Avoid Seasonal Depression

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woman waking early after learning how to avoid seasonal depression

If you want to know how to avoid seasonal depression, understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is crucial. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually in winter. It’s linked to reduced sunlight, affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Treatment often involves light therapy, medication, and behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes like exercise and a balanced diet can also help. You may hear someone refer to getting the “wintertime blues” or the “summertime blahs.” They are likely struggling with seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression related to changes in seasons. They experience symptoms of depression in a seasonal pattern. Some people notice a dramatic increase in symptoms during winter, while others feel worse in the summer. Symptoms can occur during any season and vary in intensity for each person.  The American Psychiatric Association reports at …

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How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man by ocean who learned how to reduce stress and anxiety

The most recent Workplace in America Survey reveals that 77% of respondents experienced work-related stress in the month before the survey. Common complaints were emotional exhaustion, irritability, anger, and lack of support. Other research found that 50% of Americans aged 18-24, 38% of those 25 to 49, and 29% of those 50 to 64 have symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder. Stress and anxiety may also be underreported by many Americans simply because they may not realize they exhibit the symptoms or think what they are going through is a part of aging. Reducing stress and anxiety leads to benefits to your overall health. What Is Stress and Anxiety? It is common to see the terms stress and anxiety used interchangeably in reports. While they are related and affect each other, they are different. Stress and anxiety cause physical and psychological bodily responses. External factors usually trigger stress, like …

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