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How to Ask for Help with Mental Health

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How to ask for help with mental health

Do you know how to ask for help with mental health? Are you aware that many resources and tools are available? There is good news in the field of mental health. The number of people seeking treatment for mental health disorders is rising. The American Psychological Association notes that a recent practitioner survey found psychologists see an increase in calls for help. Results of the survey show that since the pandemic, the following have increased: 12% increase in depressive disorders 10% increase in anxiety disorders 9% increase in substance use disorders 12% increase in trauma and stress disorders While the increase is great and more people are getting the help they need, 46% of Americans with mental illness are still not receiving treatment. Reasons People Do Not Ask for Help There are many barriers to treatment, and they differ for each person. A barrier is something or someone preventing a person from …

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Treatment for Postpartum Depression

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postpartum depression

By Ashley Barnes What is postpartum depression? If you are a mother experiencing postpartum depression, you are not alone. In fact, approximately 1 in 7 women experience PDD (GUNHS, 2021). According to the American Psychological Association (APA), postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can appear days or months after a woman gives birth, with symptoms lasting longer than two weeks (2022). The severity of symptoms and their prolonged nature (lasting more than two weeks) distinguishes PDD from the “baby blues.”  The mood disorder can affect any woman regardless of the course of pregnancy, those who are first-time mothers or have had children before, and regardless of race or ethnicity, income, culture or education, and age. However, there are known risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PPD, including the inevitable shift in hormone levels after giving birth, previous experience of depression and anxiety, family history of depression or …

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Start the New Year with Ketamine IV Therapy

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Start the new year with Ketamine IV therapy

Have you ever heard of Ketamine IV therapy? If not, or if you have but never considered, this can be the year you find the right treatment for depression. Out of the nearly 9 million American adults with major depressive disorder, almost 3 million have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD refers to those who have tried various therapies, including antidepressants, therapy, alternative treatments, and combinations of these, to alleviate symptoms of depression, but nothing has worked successfully. Statistics show that those with TRD have much higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Therefore, finding a treatment that works is a top priority among researchers. Below is a concise guide to ketamine therapy and how it can help you overcome mental health symptoms in the new year. What is Ketamine? Ketamine was once used as anesthesia for soldiers injured during battles in the 1970s. Around 1975, ketamine had also become a street drug, being misused …

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Moving Towards Self-Compassion in 2023

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postpartum depression

By Ashley Barnes   What is self-compassion? In understanding compassion, it is first important to understand what compassion means. “Compassion involves feeling another person’s pain and wanting to take steps to help relieve their suffering” (Verywell Mind, 2021). The word ‘compassion’ is derived from Latin and means “to suffer together.” It is markedly different from empathy in that it takes a step further by taking action on the shared understanding of a person’s pain and suffering. Put simply, “Self-compassion is…the process of turning compassion inward.” (Neff, 2022). This practice is often easier said than done, as many of us have learned through experience or observing others that treating ourselves harshly is the only way to move forward.  From a self-compassion lens, we instead would provide ourselves kindness and understanding when we “fail, make mistakes or feel inadequate. We give ourselves support and encouragement rather than being cold and judgmental when …

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January Mental Wellness Month (Let’s Celebrate!)

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January mental wellness month (Let's Celebrate!)

It’s that time of year when everyone is thinking about New Year’s resolutions. The most common is to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, get organized, and learn a new skill or hobby. Other common resolutions focus on family, travel, and having more fun. But what about resolutions for mental health conditions? To kick off the year, celebrate January Mental Wellness Month for better mental health and well-being for all of 2023. Focusing on Mental Wellness This Year All resolutions are worthy and can be accomplished. So, why do up to 80% fail within the first few months of the year? One reason may be that no one resolved to focus on mental wellness, which is needed to accomplish any goal. To make lasting changes, you need to prepare for them mentally. Plus, when you abandon your goals, it can be mentally exhausting. Too often, guilt and negative self-talk about not …

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