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mental health

6 Ways to Cope with the Mental Health Impact of the L.A. Wildfires

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Wildfires are devastating natural disasters that not only cause widespread destruction to homes, communities, and ecosystems but also significantly impact the mental health of those affected. The intense heat, smoke, and evacuation orders can trigger feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety, which may persist long after the flames are extinguished. In this article, we will explore the mental health consequences of wildfires and offer practical coping strategies and support resources for those affected. The Mental Health Impact of Wildfires The psychological toll of wildfires is often underestimated. While the immediate physical threat to life and property is most apparent, the emotional and psychological effects can be long-lasting. According to a study published in Frontiers in Public Health (2021), survivors of wildfires report increased rates of mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, …

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7 Healthy Habits for Mental Health

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By Ashley Barnes, M.S. 7 Habits for Mental Health Our daily habits may not seem to have a drastic impact on our mental health and well-being, but they definitely do. The following are 7 healthy habits that can enhance well-being and mental health:  Exercise Yes, you could have guessed that this would make the list.  We know that exercise is recommended for improving our physical health but has also been researched and observed to have positive benefits on mental health. It increases endorphins in our bodies, which help us effectively cope with stress and pain. Further, when we exercise, studies show that this can in turn positively impact our sleep cycles, enhancing our quality of sleep (Korb, 2015).  Exercise can look different for each of us depending on our ability status and the time we are allotted with our various responsibilities, but finding ways to integrate exercise into our schedules …

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Treatment for Postpartum Depression

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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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Vicarious Trauma

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By Ashley Barnes What is vicarious trauma? In understanding vicarious trauma, it is important to have knowledge about trauma itself. When many people think of and conceptualize trauma, they may immediately think of trauma as an event that occurs; for example, one may explain a near death experience as trauma. However, such situations are traumatic events. Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or disturbing traumatic event; it often manifests through changes in psychological and physiological responses.  Vicarious trauma, “also known as secondary trauma, can be described as indirect exposure to a traumatic event through first-hand account or narrative of that event” (Good Therapy, 2016). Vicarious trauma often involves a shift in someone’s worldview with repeated exposure to traumatic content, such as viewing the world as an inherently dangerous place or people as inherently untrustworthy. Who is at risk? Those in helping professions such as counselors, medical professionals, first …

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

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geriatric mental health

By Ashley Barnes What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day? Each year on June 15th, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed with the purpose of providing an opportunity for communities across the globe to promote a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect; this is done through education and raising awareness of the social, cultural, demographic, and economic situations that impact elder abuse and neglect.  Elder abuse. An elder is anyone age 65 or older and elder abuse describes any intentional act or failure to act that causes a risk of harm to an older adult (CDC, 2021). A sad truth about elder abuse and neglect is that it often occurs at the hands of a caregiver or person the elder trusts. Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States with about 1 in 10 older adults over the age of 60 having experienced some form of …

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