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Search Results for: self care

How to Cope with War Anxiety 2023

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war anxiety

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. War Anxiety War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a common reaction to the news and images about conflict. This has been extremely relevant in light of the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war. Though research is still being conducted on the long-term effects of war anxiety, a Finnish study found that teens worried about a nuclear war were at increased risk for mental health disorders (ex: generalized anxiety disorder) five years later (Poikolainen et al., 2004). Research also indicates that media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress, and those more prone to anxiety are also more likely to seek out media coverage of crises (Thompson et al., 2019).  Symptoms Symptoms of war anxiety are similar to many symptoms of anxiety disorders. Symptoms may be more cognitive, in the form of worries and anxiety thoughts. Symptoms can also be more physical, …

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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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Substance Abuse and the Brain

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war anxiety

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Substance Abuse According to the American Psychological Association (APA), substance abuse is defined as “a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties” (2022). Addiction describes the “state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs” (APA, 2022). Substance abuse goes hand in hand with addiction, as substance abuse can lead to addiction.  Substance Use Disorder Symptoms The following are symptoms of substance use disorders as outlined by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Using/drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned. Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol. Craving, or a strong …

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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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About the 4 Attachment Styles

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war anxiety

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Attachment As human beings, we are highly social creatures who depend on connection with others to survive. Attachment theory posits that our earlier connections with caregivers shape and influence how we move through the world and romantic relationships. The development of one’s attachment style is understood to be influenced by the following factors: Inconsistency/unpredictability or consistency/predictability in your early environment Temperament Relational trauma Your primary caregiver’s capacity to attune to your needs when you were a baby/child John Bowlby, founder of attachment theory, conducted extensive research on attachment. Psychological researchers continued to expand on his theory, including Mary Ainsworth; Ainsworth created the “Strange Situation” study in the 1970s where toddlers between the ages of 12 to 18 months reacted to a situation in which they were briefly left alone and then reunited with their mother.  Based on the childrens’ responses, Ainsworth concluded that there were three …

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