310-601-9999

Mental Health

What Does Bipolar Feel Like?

by
What does bipolar feel like?

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 4.4% of American adults have bipolar disorder. But, what does bipolar feel like? And how do you know if you might have it? Onset typically occurs in a person’s mid-twenties, with people between 18 and 29 having the highest rates of the disorder. While bipolar disorder is not curable, it is treatable and can be managed so you can lead a productive, healthy lifestyle. If left untreated, however, bipolar disorder can negatively affect your overall health. For example, it can cause a reduction in lifespan among some people but increase the risk of suicide and substance use disorders. What is Bipolar Disorder? Daily events and encounters produce ups and downs that lead to mood fluctuations. It is not unusual to feel happy and excited when something good happens and sad or blue when something bad happens. These mood shifts are considered “normal.” Moods undergo abnormal …

Read more

How Ketamine Treatment for Anxiety Provides Relief

by
How Ketamine treatment for anxiety provides relief

Anxiety is how your body responds to fear and worry. It can occur in many forms, including daily stress, social anxiety, panic attacks, post-trauma stress, and phobias. Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million Americans over 18, making it the most common mental health disorder. Only a small percentage are receiving treatment, unfortunately. Some have never tried treatment, and some have tried but didn’t see positive results. And for some, not knowing what other options are out there, such as Ketamine treatment for anxiety, is another scenario. Many risk factors contribute to the development of an anxiety disorder. Examples include genetics, living environment, past traumatic experiences, medical conditions, medication side effects, alcohol or drug misuse, and the number of daily stressors you encounter. Treatments for Anxiety To effectively treat anxiety, a multi-layered approach is needed. There is not a single treatment that works for every person. To determine which types of treatments are …

Read more

5 Treatment Options for Schizophrenia

by
5 treatment options for schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder. Symptoms are chronic and can be debilitating if left untreated. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, cognitive processing problems, disorganized speech, abnormal motor skills, paranoia, and exaggerated perceptions. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for schizophrenia that can improve one’s quality of life. A report compiling statistics from national agencies for mental health claims there are 20 million people worldwide with schizophrenia, making it one of the top fifteen causes of disability. In America, schizophrenia affects 1.5 million people annually. This same report also shows schizophrenia is associated with self-harm and harm to others. For example, people with schizophrenia are four to six times more likely to commit a violent crime. An estimated five percent die by suicide. Unfortunately, very few of those with schizophrenia seek treatment or stay in treatment long-term, even though many treatment options for schizophrenia are available. Treatment Options for Schizophrenia There is no cure …

Read more

Addressing Change

by
change

By Ashley Barnes Change. One doesn’t have to be diagnosed with adjustment disorder (which is an actual diagnosis) to have a hard time with change. The reality is that we will be faced with many changes throughout the course of our lives. Your favorite restaurant in your hometown may close its doors for the last time. You may leave the expectancy, sureness, and comfort of your home for a dorm room. You may adjust to a new job, or change careers entirely. You may be navigating the drastic change that comes with the loss of a relationship or the death of a loved one.  We so often grow comfortable and rooted in certain aspects of our lives that when change comes about, we feel uprooted. Change can be surprising or it can be anxiously anticipated. It could evoke fear and excitement simultaneously. Whatever comes up for you, I want to …

Read more

7 Uses for Ketamine Therapy

by
7 uses for Ketamine therapy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ketamine for limited use as a general anesthetic, initially used in the 1960s and 1970s. Ketamine was the go-to anesthesia for treating wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Around this same time, researchers were discovering other uses for Ketamine. However, as the drug became popular among recreational users, President Nixon banned it and classified it as a schedule III narcotic. Uses for Ketamine in Mental Health In recent years, Ketamine has been making a comeback in the mental health industry. Psychiatrists can administer Ketamine as an off-label prescription in their clinic. No take-home prescriptions are allowed, however. Esketamine, a nasal spray, and an intravenous drip are the two most common treatment methods. The more time that passes and the more data gathered, the uses for Ketamine are expanding. Below are seven examples. 1. Severe Depression Ketamine is currently an effective treatment for severe depression. If …

Read more