310-601-9999

Stress Awareness Month 2024

by
stress

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is Stress Awareness Month? Stress Awareness Month has been recognized during the month of April since 1992; it spreads awareness of the ways in which stress impacts our mental and physical health as well as urges us to find healthy ways to manage our own stress. What is stress and how does it impact us? What exactly is stress? According to the American Psychological Association, stress is defined as “the physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors. Stress involves changes affecting nearly every system of the body, influencing how people feel and behave” (2024). In other words, stress is our own response to stimuli (stressors). Stress can be acute (responses to short term stressors) or chronic (response to ongoing, long term stressors), and not all stress is bad. Some stress can help us better navigate situations such as job interviews or help us …

Read more

The Difference Between Borderline and Bipolar Disorders

by
woman talking to therapist about the difference between borderline and bipolar

What is the difference between borderline and bipolar disorders? People may confuse borderline and bipolar disorder due to them having two or three similar symptoms. However, they are very different, each with unique characteristics that help professionals diagnose and treat them appropriately. Borderline, a personality disorder, and bipolar, a mood disorder, can have a severe impact on someone’s life and interfere with daily functioning if left untreated. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are two of the more common mental illnesses. One of the signature traits of BPD is a person’s inability to regulate their emotions. With BD, a person’s mood changes in cycles from depression to mania. Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial to avoid the adverse effects of both disorders. This article explores the difference between borderline and bipolar. What is Borderline Personality Disorder? The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1.4% of Americans have …

Read more

What to Do During Ketamine Treatment

by
woman talking with doctor about what to do during ketamine treatment

Many individuals interested in exploring ketamine treatment wonder what to do and what to expect. During ketamine treatment, it is crucial to remain calm and relaxed. Typically, you will be seated or lying down in a comfortable setting. Focus on breathing evenly, and it might help to listen to soothing music or engage in guided meditation. Always have a healthcare professional monitor you throughout the session for safety. Many individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression struggle to find relief with traditional methods. The uncertainty of trying a new treatment like ketamine can be daunting, especially without knowing what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do during ketamine treatment. This article explores what to do during ketamine treatment. What To Do During Ketamine Treatment Make being comfortable a priority to have the best ketamine treatment experience. Physically and mentally, being relaxed and calm can improve the effects of ketamine infusions. The …

Read more

4 Benefits of Group Therapy

by
stress

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Group Therapy Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy involving one or more mental health professionals working with several people at the same time. In group therapy settings, clients often reinforce and develop support networks, learn and practice coping skills, and build interpersonal skills. Group therapy is often used to treat mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, etc.), substance use disorders, and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.). Group therapy is also appropriate for people navigating similar challenges such as motherhood, grief due to a loss, bullying in adolescence, and many other lived experiences. Benefits of Group Therapy Group therapy has many benefits, some of which are outlined below: More Affordable Group therapy can be a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional, individual talk therapy. Group therapy is often less expensive than individual therapy, even …

Read more

What to Expect After Ketamine Treatment for Depression

by
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression

If you have treatment-resistant depression, you may be interested in what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression. After receiving ketamine treatment for depression, many patients may experience rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, with some reporting relief within hours to days. This treatment can lead to varied outcomes, including enhanced mood, increased motivation, and improved emotional stability. However, discussing potential side effects and long-term outcomes with a healthcare provider is essential. Depression often leads individuals into a seemingly endless tunnel with no light in sight, especially when traditional treatments fail to provide relief. Ketamine treatment emerges as a beacon of hope, offering rapid and significant improvements where other methods have not succeeded. Understanding the outcomes and navigating the journey post-treatment is crucial for those considering this path. This article explores what to expect after ketamine treatment for depression. What to Expect After Ketamine Treatment for Depression When considering ketamine treatment …

Read more