4 Ways to Heal from Heartbreak

heartbreak

By Ashley Barnes Perhaps one of the most impactful and profound experiences of young adulthood is our first heartbreak or break up. The pain is certainly emotional in nature but can also show up somatically, hence people describing break ups as resulting in a “broken heart.” The pain is undeniable and valid, especially when considering the time, energy, and meaning that is placed on our first serious relationships. For many, the first serious heartbreak occurs as a result of college. Relationships may end due to partners being far away from each other at different schools. Some couples may strive to make long-distance relationships work despite this, but find that it is too difficult and ultimately part. Others may go to the same school but end up breaking up. We may meet a partner at school, date for a while, and then things may not work out; after breaking up, we …

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Finding Support for Families of Addicts

Finding support for families of addicts

Addiction is far from an individual disease. It affects every relationship, including friends, spouses, children, parents, coworkers, and extended family members. Developing a substance use disorder can take months or years. During this time, relationships change, and each person takes on a new role. Not all roles are healthy. For example, some become enablers and think they are helping, even when they see their loved one spiral out of control. However, learning about and finding support for families of addicts can be one way to alleviate many of these changes and the stress that might be taking place. Other friends and family may choose to end the relationship with the addict, and some may even develop their addiction. Their intentions are good, but as circumstances worsen, they are left feeling exhausted, hurt, angry, and confused. Without support, things will only get worse. Therefore, finding support for families of addicts is a must. …

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

heartbreak

By Ashley Barnes About Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States on September 15th – October 15th, beginning “in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21” (Pew Research Center, 2021).  The celebratory month recognizes the incredible ways that Hispanic individuals and communities have contributed and influenced the culture, history, and achievements of the United States.  It is important that readers understand the vast umbrella term that the word “Hispanic” is, as within the Hispanic community are many subcommunities with distinct identities and experiences. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines “Hispanic or Latino” as a person of “Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South …

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Getting the Most out of a Ketamine IV Infusion

Getting the most out of a Ketamine IV infusion

Participating in IV ketamine infusions is a big deal. You have been suffering for years while trying medications, therapy, and alternative treatments. No matter what you tried, nothing seemed to work. Now, you are learning that a ketamine IV infusion is a viable option for those who do not respond to traditional medicines and medicine combinations. Ketamine can be administered by a clinical psychiatrist or doctor specializing in mental health, in their office, with the assistance of a nurse. The drug can be given in three forms: A nasal spray Injection into a muscle and Intravenously (IV) IV ketamine is a preferred method by many. One reason may be that there are numerous ways to get the most out of a Ketamine IV infusion. What is a Ketamine IV Infusion? Receiving a drug intravenously means your doctor delivers ketamine directly into your veins. There are two types of intravenous techniques, …

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Physician Spotlight 1: Welcome, Dr. Lydia Ann!

Lydia Ann

By Ashley Barnes   Welcome! In today’s physician spotlight we welcome Dr. Lydia Ann to the Mental Health Center with great joy and gratitude! Dr. Lydia Ann is our newest psychiatrist specializing in general adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry, as she is a current geriatric psychiatry fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  Her vast experience in both inpatient and outpatient, hospital and emergency settings, correctional settings, and crisis residential programs has equipped her with robust knowledge and experience. Her clinical approach is integrative in that she views a patient’s support system as integral to the treatment process, emphasizing individualized care for each of her patients.  About Dr. Lydia Ann. Dr. Lydia Ann started her journey at UCLA where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics. She started her journey into medicine at UCLA’s prestigious and highly selective David Geffen School …

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