Posts

I Was in Foster Care: Could That Contribute to My Mental Health?

I Was in Foster Care: Could That Contribute to My Mental Health?

/in /by

Every person is exposed to unique risk factors that influence their vulnerability to developing substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health disorders. Experiences of trauma can increase one’s risk of these health complications, even if these memories are repressed. Individuals who grew up in the foster care system likely have a traumatic past that continues to affect their mental health in daily life. Recognizing the impact of foster care on mental health is necessary for achieving lasting wellness. 

No matter what an individual is going through, Alter Behavioral Health is here to provide support and guidance in healing from mental health issues. We understand the lasting impact of trauma on health and healing. Further, we can help people understand how their experiences in foster care have influenced their mental health in their daily life. 

Understanding Foster Care

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, foster care is “a temporary service provided by States for children who cannot live with their families.” A child is placed into foster care because birth parents are unable to provide adequate care for their child, or the home presents prevalent safety concerns. Foster care may be utilized temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of problems experienced by a family as well as the age of the minor being placed into foster care. 

Many circumstances may cause a child to be placed into foster care. The following are a few examples:

  • Child neglect: The failure to meet a child’s basic needs. Examples of child neglect include being left alone for long periods of time, having inadequate nutrition, experiencing unsafe living environments, etc. 
  • Child abuse: Involves any situations of maltreatment perpetrated by an adult that is witnessed or experienced by a child. Examples of child abuse circumstances include physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse. 
  • Drug addiction: Living with a parent with SUD can lead to catastrophic effects experienced by the entire family. 
  • Incarceration: If a parent is incarcerated, the child must be placed in an alternative living situation. 
  • Major illness or death: A parent may become physically ill, interfering with their ability to care for their child. Additionally, if a parent passes away, their child may experience a foster care placement. 

In many of these cases, a relative or other family member may step in to care for the child in question. Therefore, any adult that steps in to raise a child can be recognized as a foster parent.

The Effects of Foster Care on Mental Health

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, “There are over 391,000 children and youth in foster care. Mental and behavioral health is the largest unmet health need for these children and teens.” Further, “Up to 80 percent of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared with approximately 18 to 22 percent of the general population.” Thus, there is an evident impact of foster care on mental health. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, some of the complex challenges experienced by individuals in foster care include the following.

Histories of Trauma

Traumatic experiences are what ultimately drive foster placements. Therefore, children may be exposed to traumatic situations long before they are placed into foster care. It is necessary to understand that childhood trauma of any kind interferes with proper development. As a result, foster care can inform long-lasting mental health concerns that stretch through adulthood. 

Difficult Transitions

Children in foster care may endure multiple losses and transitions. This can inevitably affect their sense of self and overall well-being. They may experience traumatic separations from their parents and siblings or temporary placements. Further, it can be overwhelming to make effective adjustments when living with a new family. This lack of grounding can lead to significant strain and stress on children. As a result, these experiences can inform the development of mental health problems and disorders later in life. 

Relational Issues

A child’s sense of security, safety, and development is rooted in their caregivers. However, due to significant family disruptions, children in foster care lack the knowledge of healthy relational models needed to thrive in relationships throughout their lives. These relational issues can contribute to low self-worth, lack of social support, isolation, and more. Such issues can persist long through adulthood.

Treating Foster Care Trauma

The aforementioned challenges only scratch the surface of unique foster care experiences that influence a person’s mental health throughout their lifetime. It is not uncommon for adults to disregard their past foster care experiences when seeking healing from mental health, assuming that there is no connection between the two. However, these experiences take place in the most crucial developmental stages of an individual’s life. Therefore, they must be addressed and processed when healing from mental health problems. 

At Alter Behavioral Health, we offer treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are passionate about helping individuals heal from the root causes of their mental health concerns. Using a wide range of evidence-based and holistic modalities, our therapists can help individuals recover from the complex influences of foster care as they heal from their mental health distress. 

Although foster care can provide incredible developmental opportunities for a child, the utilization of foster care means that a child has endured a traumatic past. Further, the transitions and relational circumstances in foster care can complicate a child’s mental health throughout their life. If you’re wondering if your mental health has been affected by your experiences in foster care, they likely have. At Alter Behavioral Health, we recognize how foster care can have long-lasting impacts on your mental health. We provide customizable treatment plans that prioritize whole-person healing, allowing you to process and overcome your past experiences of trauma as you heal from mental health distress. To learn more, call (866) 691-4386 today.

Are Prescription Medications Needed to Heal From a Mental Health Disorder?

Are Prescription Medications Needed to Heal From a Mental Health Disorder?

/in /by

Individuals that are seeking healing from a mental health disorder can benefit from learning about the wide range of therapeutic approaches available for recovery. To some, the thought of using prescription medication for symptom management is intimidating. However, medication can be profoundly effective, depending on the type and severity of a person’s disorder. While pharmacotherapy is not the only route available for the treatment of a mental health disorder, it is necessary to understand its place and importance in mental health treatment. 

Understanding Prescription Medications

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that medications often play a key role in the treatment of mental health disorders. This is because mental illnesses often occur from chemical imbalances in the brain. According to a publication by the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

As scientists continue to investigate the brains of people who have mental illnesses, they are learning that mental illness is associated with changes in the brain’s structure, chemistry, and function and that mental illness does indeed have a biological basis.

Thus, prescription medications work to balance and regulate these internal imbalances. As a result, they help to reduce the severity and presence of mental health symptoms. 

Of course, every type of prescription medication does this in a different way. There are different categories of medication that are used to treat specific mental health disorders. For example, as stimulant medications work to improve alertness and focus, they are often prescribed for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The main categories of mental health medications include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Stimulants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Mood stabilizers

Common Concerns of Prescription Medications

Within each aforementioned category, there are several different types of medications that an individual may be prescribed for a mental health disorder. As NIMH explains, “Medications can affect people in different ways, and it may take several tries to find the medication that is most effective with the fewest side effects.” In addition to understanding potential side effects, it is necessary to address other common concerns of prescription medications. 

The Potential of Becoming Addicted

For instance, using any substance can serve as a risk factor for developing substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction; this is no different for prescription medications. Although most mental health medications have a low to extremely low addictive potential, prescription drug use can still fuel curiosity and urges for experimentation with other drugs. To limit any potential for prescription drug misuse or abuse, individuals must take their medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor. 

Duration of Medication Use

Another concern many individuals have about prescription medications is how long they will take their medication. While this varies from person to person, it is important to recognize that most prescription medications are used on a short-term basis. Yes, there are some diagnoses, such as schizophrenia, that may require long-term or lifelong medication use. However, this is often not the case for other mental health disorders. Individuals can work with their care team to dispel additional concerns as well as establish a treatment plan that incorporates a shorter duration of medication use. 

Meanwhile, it may also help to know that medication is most effective when used in tandem with traditional therapeutic approaches, such as psychotherapy. Often, an individual will be prescribed medications to reduce their mental health symptoms so they can effectively participate in therapeutic sessions. Once an individual begins to reap the benefits of therapy, they can work with their therapist to safely wean off their medication. 

It is always encouraged to talk through concerns and fears about treatment, including prescription medication, with a mental health professional. Additionally, to avoid any potential consequences of prescription medication, it is necessary to work closely with a mental health professional. 

Alternatives to Prescription Medications

In some cases, prescription medication may be necessary for an individual in the early stages of treatment. However, there are plenty of additional treatment options that individuals can use if they choose not to utilize prescription medication. At Alter Behavioral Health, we strongly rely on the opinions and values of our clients when crafting a treatment plan. 

Psychotherapy is a broad example of an effective therapeutic modality. Within the realm of psychotherapy, a therapist can utilize a variety of approaches with a client, working to address their unique needs. Some psychotherapeutic modalities and approaches we utilize at Alter Behavioral Health include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Equine therapy

In addition, we also are passionate about incorporating holistic healing modalities into treatment. In therapy, we can help individuals develop emotional regulation skills using techniques such as:

  • Mindfulness exercises
  • Mediation
  • Journaling
  • Artistic expression

These examples only scratch the surface of the modalities we offer at our facility. Still, they offer a valuable framework for individuals to recognize that there is more to mental health treatment than solely prescription medication. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, it is important for you to learn about the different routes available for treatment and recovery. While prescription medications are often necessary to help regulate brain imbalances caused by mental illness, there are other treatment options available. At Alter Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to honoring the unique needs of our clients in treatment. We offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities and approaches to ensure that we can secure lasting healing and symptom management for each person. If you have concerns about prescription medication, we can address them and work through them together. To learn more, give us a call at (866) 691-4386.

What Can I Expect From Mental Health Treatment?

What Can I Expect From Mental Health Treatment?

/in /by

Living and thriving with a mental health disorder, or psychiatric disorder, is possible. However, when you first start exhibiting symptoms and behavioral changes from a developing psychiatric disorder, it can be hard to imagine living with one. For stability, understanding your disorder, and how to live with it, mental health treatment is out there.

What Is Mental Health Treatment?

At Alter Behavioral Health, psychiatric disorders are defined as “a [type] of disorder that primarily affects one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.” Being burdened with thoughts and emotions can cause your behavior to feel out of control. When you get to that point, it that can signify the need for an intervention.

Mental health treatment is like an intervention or an interruption of thoughts or behavior. In a treatment program, you will attend group and individual therapy. These groups range in topics and depend on the group’s needs but tend to focus on skill building. With the help of peers and therapists, you work through problems as they immediately come. You also work through past experiences and hear peers talk about their own experiences.

By hearing group members share, you can come to understand that there are others out there who are also working through similar experiences or thoughts as you. You may not feel so alone or like something is wrong with you. Learning new social skills and putting coping skills into practice is another benefit. Peers can help inspire you but also provide strength and encouragement. Treatment can be important to help you learn certain skills and truths about life.

What to Expect When You Attend Mental Health Treatment

In a mental health treatment program, you will learn about your disorder and how to cope with it. Whatever your disorder may be, you can also find positivity and strength in it. Through different therapies, you also learn to regulate and cope with the emotions that come along. Treatment can be a hard process but one that is ultimately rewarding.

Learn With the Help of Therapy

A person with a psychiatric disorder will experience distorted thoughts and false belief patterns about themselves and life. Due to this, therapy is the main way that professionals have found to help psychiatric disorders. Combined with appropriate medications, therapy can help a person have a successful life. The two main therapy modalities used are:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, cognition, behavior, and emotions. With the help of CBT, a person learns strategies and skills to regulate, process, and feel emotions and thoughts, which influences appropriate behavior.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Self-driven DBT focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. DBT tries to build on existing skills and knowledge to successfully navigate feelings, other people, and stress.

There are other therapies, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or acceptance therapy. However, you and a therapist will decide what will work for you and your psychiatric needs.

Mental Health Treatment Programs at Alter Behavioral Health

It can be hard to confide in others about your mental health. Alter Behavioral Health puts every effort into responding to your individual needs. This includes your therapeutic needs, financial, medical, or legal needs. Starting with a thorough assessment, Alter Behavioral Health offers treatment for different time restraints, different disorders, or co-occurring disorders.

Residential Treatment Programs

Some people need more intense, prolonged, or integrative mental health treatment. Residential treatment can be the start of your treatment journey. Located in Irvine, the home you stay in is curated and decorated with safety and peace kept in mind. Rather than having to worry about establishing a place to live that supports your well-being, you can live and focus on healing.

Residential treatment is designed to support you throughout your day as you live in the treatment facility. There, you participate in group therapy, individual therapy, and psychoeducational groups to fill your day. A person does not have to stress, as there are breaks and time in between to take in the beautiful scenery, rest, or work on treatment goals independently.

Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the two outpatient programs available. Outpatient is an in-between step between residential and weekly therapy sessions. In outpatient, a person is able to live at home, do what they need to do, and still attend mental health treatment. Depending on work, school, family, or other needs, outpatient treatment is between six to 30 hours a week of therapeutic treatment. Whereas you follow a schedule and time constraints in residential, you are in charge of your timeline in outpatient.

Crisis Stabilization

Some people can struggle with severe, immediate, intensified emotions, experiences, or concerns. This can cause a mental crisis, where a person cannot function as they normally would. If this is the case, crisis stabilization is available for immediate, short-term stabilization. This helps a person get into the right head-space for further treatment. It can also be a way to help a person function in their lives again.

Leaving home to participate in a therapy program can be scary. Having to sit with strangers and talk about personal feelings and life experiences sounds intimidating. Have you been struggling with these feelings? Alter Behavioral Health prioritizes your healing and treatment, so you get to engage in treatment at your pace. With different therapies, whatever your disorder or disorders, you will find a treatment program that tackles your concern thoughts, behaviors, or concerns. Seeking treatment does not need to only be scary but can become empowering. You deserve to be successful in life and proud of yourself. Contact us today at (866) 691-4386 to learn how to improve your outlook on life.  

I'm in Mental Crisis: How Can I Get Help?

I’m in Mental Crisis: How Can I Get Help?

/in /by

Prolonged stress or exposure to trauma can cause a mental crisis. Being in a mental crisis can make everyday activities, such as brushing your teeth or talking to people, that much harder. It can make emotions feel more intense and overwhelming. Whatever your reaction to a mental crisis, it may require help and stabilization. Alter Behavioral Health has a specific facility for you to receive crisis stabilization help.

Crisis Help

If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, you can find immediate crisis help. Sometimes you may not know to plan for a mental crisis, or you may not know what you would do to get help during one. Having preemptive plans, like creating a list of potential people or organizations to call if you are in a crisis, can help you in the minute. This can be a stop gate before you seek further treatment that can help you learn to manage your mental health or mental health disorder.  

How to Find Help for a Mental Crisis

During a mental crisis, finding help can be one of the hardest things to do. Your brain may not be functioning normally, so you cannot think or process as you generally do. When you are in a  more stable mindset, it can be helpful to write a list of things you need from a mental health program. If you cannot make that list, you can ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do they offer crisis stabilization services? 
  • Are there services for after stabilization? 
  • Does the program offer holistic healing? 
  • Do they offer psychiatric support? 

If the program you are looking into does not offer services to help your immediate needs, as well as help you heal from what drove your mental crisis, then they may not be the right place for you. It is important to get help with your immediate crisis, but it is also crucial to get help with what led to the situation. Further therapy support is needed to work through those thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Immediate Treatment for a Mental Crisis

One place to start your mental health care search is Alter Behavioral Health’s crisis stabilization unit in San Diego, California. As an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, they offer a variety of services to help you with your immediate crisis. Their most important goal is to get you stable for immediate help. The strategy for stabilization at Alter Behavioral Health is as follows: 

  1. Define the problem: With the treatment team, work together to identify the problems at the core of the crisis
  2. Ensure safety: Determine what is needed to reach and maintain safety in the program and beyond
  3. Provide support: The core of treatment is providing you with support
  4. Examine alternatives: Brainstorm ways changes can be made in your life
  5. Make a plan: Work to identify what needs to happen to prevent another crisis
  6. Obtain commitment: Make sure you are committed to your plans and treatment and that they work for you

However, Alter Behavioral Health also offers other services, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or residential treatment, for further help working on your mental health. The program team can even help you identify if that is a good next step for you.

Why Does Mental Health Matter?

Mental health affects your thinking, mood, and behavior. Your mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. When any of those are affected by stress or trauma, you may not be able to handle or cope with the situations or feelings.

In addition to stress, mental health also helps you relate to others and make healthy choices. At any stage of life, if you are hurt, overly stressed, or experience trauma, you may experience mental health problems or a crisis. However, you should not be discouraged. Understanding what a mental crisis looks like and what can cause it can help you learn when to ask for help, as there is always help available for you.

Mental Crisis: How You Are Affected

The prefrontal cortex is in the front of your brain. This area is where planning and decision-making occur. When a person is in their adolescence up to their early 20s, that area of the brain is still developing. This can make a younger person respond to stress or trauma differently than an adult would. Exposure to stress, especially prolonged exposure, can have long-lasting effects on a person. This can lead to the development of a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

A mental crisis causes stress. Extreme stress in the body can cause a person to react in a way they may not normally. It can cause a person uncontrollable emotions, an inability to react or plan, or cases of extreme apathy. Without the proper tools to cope, someone who has a mental health disorder and experiences any level of stress can experience a mental breakdown. 

When to Ask for Help

If you are struggling to settle or be okay with your thoughts, memories, and emotions, it can be a sign that there may be something deeper going on. When you grow up with trauma or even experience trauma in adulthood, it can have lingering effects. Sometimes, you need to acknowledge and talk through the problems.

A mental crisis or even an ongoing mental health disorder can cause changes to mood, behavior, and your physical body. You may experience body pains, rapid mood changes, acting out when you are overwhelmed, chronic headaches, and the list can go on. Knowing when to ask for help is up to the individual, but if you are experiencing differences in mood and behavior and you cannot manage them, it may be a good time to ask for help. 

Do you need immediate help with your mental health? At Alter Behavioral Health, our goal is to get people into the treatment they need immediately. Waiting to treat a developing disorder can increase or worsen the symptoms. By calling us at (866) 691-4386, you can talk with our kind and supportive staff about treatment options. Starting with an assessment, you will be placed in the program that is right for you and your needs. Whether you need residential care, outpatient treatment, or crisis stabilization, we have the program for you. Call us today to start treatment. You have the power to change your circumstances; we would be happy to help and support you on your journey. 

What Is the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Skills in Mental Health Treatment?

What Is the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Coping Skills in Mental Health Treatment?

/in /by

When you are learning to live with a mental health disorder, coping skills can help you manage your emotions and feel relief from stress. However, no one really teaches you coping skills. People typically learn them by adult example during childhood.

Without those examples, a person may use unhealthy coping skills to manage difficult situations. They may not even know they are using unhealthy coping skills. However, through therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offered at Alter Behavioral Health’s inpatient and outpatient programs, a person can learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping skills.

What Is Mental Health?

Society has come to give room for mental health; however, what does the term really mean? Mental health can be defined as “emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, you may experience warning signs such as:

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Having low or no energy
  • Experiencing unexplained aches and pains
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

Why Is It Important to Develop Coping Skills?

Sometimes when you have an endless list of tasks to accomplish, work to go to, and family to take care of, it can feel like the only option is to push through. Get things done; then, you can rest. However, by doing that, you ignore your feelings and ignore your mental health.

Ignoring your mental health only increases the feelings of stress. Symptoms of mental health problems, such as those listed above, may worsen. Coping skills allow you to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment. They allow you to manage your feelings, thoughts, and actions by yourself with mental and physical exercises. By doing so, you are able to live your life and find enjoyment rather than constant stress.

How Does a Person Learn Coping Skills?

Learning to manage your emotions and thoughts takes practice and work. Here is an example: a child steals a toy from another child. The child who has the toy stolen from them gets upset and begins crying. An adult steps in to console the crying child and provide options to fix the problem, such as providing comfort, talking to the child that stole, or finding a new toy.

In this example, a child learns that there are options to manage their emotions in challenging situations. Children need to see many interactions like this example. By having an adult help provide alternative options and ways to comfort themselves, they can learn ways to cope.

However, when someone experiences adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which are lasting traumatic events and situations, they may not have gotten the attention and help to learn coping skills.

Unhealthy Coping Skills

Living through ACEs, a person learns to survive and cope in different ways. ACEs are a wide variety of negative experiences, but examples include:

  • Experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
  • Substance use in the home or community
  • Growing up in a home with low education

A child in an unstable household learns to survive in whatever ways are available to them. Those survival methods can work at the moment but, in the long run, be unhealthy.

One of the risk factors for developing substance use disorder (SUD) is ACEs. A person may turn to substances to cope with their memories or feelings. Mostly unknown to them, it is unhealthy since early and prolonged use of substances can develop into SUD.

Another example of unhealthy coping is when someone engages in random sex. There is no shame in a person having a healthy sex life, but when a person does so in unsafe ways, like having unprotected sex to escape their feelings, it can become dangerous. They can get hurt or contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Learning to cope with difficult situations is a strength, especially in a child. However, when a person continues to use unhealthy coping skills, especially if the coping skill is substance use, it can be hard to unlearn that.

Healthy Coping Skills

Every person has their own way of coping with stressful or painful situations and emotions. Coping has to be learned and practiced. You can be practicing coping skills and not even realize it. Coping with stress in a healthy way can be done by:

  • Take breaks from the news or social media
  • Taking deep breathes
  • Connecting with culture, community organizations, or church
  • Talking with a trusted friend

Coping skills can be almost anything as long as it comforts, soothes, and makes you feel safe.

Learning How to Cope Through Treatment

When you begin treatment at Alter Behavioral Health, you will participate in individual and group therapy. Your therapist and group facilitator will use aspects of different therapy modalities, such as CBT. Alter Behavioral Health also offers support services. These can help provide healing, education, or support in other aspects of life, not just the immediate symptoms of addiction. The support services include:

  • Psycho-education groups
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Medication management
  • Treatment and discharge planning
  • Family and community services

With the support of these other services, you will immediately start learning new coping skills and life skills. Within groups, you hear how other people cope in situations to help inform you of options. Your therapist helps you work through problems and past situations to understand how you could have reacted, which helps inform your future actions. Just by being in and participating in therapy, you start to learn coping skills you may not have had before.

Has it seemed like the ways you deal with your life are not working anymore? Repressed and unprocessed emotions and memories can unconsciously affect you in your day-to-day life. Through Alter Behavioral Health’s treatment programs, you can discover how to feel your emotions appropriately and process them without engaging in unhealthy coping skills. We believe every person can heal with the right support; we aim to be that support for you. With three specialized facilities located in California, you can find the right treatment program to meet your individual healing needs. Contact us today at (866) 691-4386 to learn more about our locations and programs. Making the call is the first step in your healing journey.

How Do I Handle Trauma?

How Do I Handle Trauma?

/in /by

Experiencing trauma at any stage in life often comes with stress, fear, and anxiety. These are entirely normal reactions from the body as a response to trauma. However, many people ignore the symptoms caused by traumatic events. When trauma is ignored or left untreated, it can wreak havoc on an individual’s mental health. In fact, a few serious mental health disorders are associated with untreated trauma.

What Disorders Can Trauma Cause?

Stress and fear are just some of the side effects that can result from trauma. However, more serious mental health concerns can often come when people ignore trauma. Below are just some of the most common disorders associated with trauma.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is considered one of the most severe of the many recognized anxiety disorders. Some possible traumatic experiences that have been associated with PTSD include the following:

  • Near-death experiences such as car accidents or physical assault
  • Sexual assault
  • Exposure to a medical-related traumatic experience or prolonged exposure to traumatic environments
  • Traumatic childbirth or other medical-related circumstances
  • Surviving a natural disaster

A multitude of symptoms can accompany PTSD. These include:

  • Re-experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks (reliving the trauma over and over), bad dreams, and terrifying thoughts
  • Avoidance symptoms including staying away from places, events, or things that are reminders of the traumatic experience, and avoiding thoughts/feelings related to the traumatic event
  • Arousal/reactivity symptoms like being easily startled, tense feelings like being “on edge”, difficulty sleeping, and angry outbursts
  • Cognition and mood symptoms involve memory issues of the trauma, negative self-perception, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Dissociation

Long-term exposure to trauma, such as instances of domestic abuse, is the most common cause of dissociation. There are many symptoms involved in an episode of dissociation but can differ depending on the type. Some symptoms include:

  • Experiencing out-of-body situations where individuals may feel like they are watching a movie of themselves
  • Emotionally numb feelings where individuals are detached from personal emotions
  • Depressive symptoms which may develop into major depressive disorder, resulting in even more health concerns
  • Anxiety symptoms or disorders such as general anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or tendencies
  • Significant memory loss due to dissociative episodes
  • Losing a sense of self which can result in a lack of personal identity

Managing trauma-related mental health conditions can help alleviate symptoms and improve one’s overall quality of life.

How Can I Manage the Effects of Trauma?

Recovery from trauma is difficult, but it is available to anyone willing to try. A fulfilled life is worth putting in the effort to overcome trauma. There are many things individuals can do at home to help effectively cope and manage their trauma-related concerns. These are just some of the many beneficial practices that individuals can incorporate into their daily life.

  • Practice calming techniques: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are ways to get centered and grounded
  • Maintain good hygiene: Taking care of oneself can go a long way toward promoting positive mental health
  • Eat healthily: A healthy diet has been shown to improve depression and anxiety
  • Vocalize your thoughts and emotions: Isolation or bottling things up can make symptoms worse
  • Exercise: Staying active releases endorphins which help improve mood and overall mental health
  • Get on a schedule: A daily routine can help ensure that one gets enough sleep and lessens stress when one knows what to expect each day

If symptoms persist, treatment is an effective step to incorporate in addition to the above methods.

What Does Trauma Treatment Look Like?

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop conditions like PTSD, dissociation, or resulting anxiety or depressive disorders. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t treatment available to those who don’t.

Treating trauma, whether it co-occurs with other disorders or not, can help greatly improve quality of life and mental health. Adding professional methods to a self-management plan increases the effectiveness of the things individuals practice at home. When seeking help, it is important to understand the options that are available.

Therapy

Residential (or inpatient) treatment programs have been widely used in treating trauma-related concerns. In such a program, individuals will have access to 24-hour care from healthcare professionals. The benefits of this method include a positive and comfortable home-like environment, full-time access to the best help, and camaraderie. Individuals are able to interact with and enjoy the company of other individuals who are on similar recovery paths. Outpatient therapy offers similar services but is less intensive and allows clients to return home after their treatment hours are complete.

Both inpatient and outpatient trauma recovery plans involve therapy as part of the process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used therapeutic modality in treating trauma. This form of therapy works as a way to problem solve. It teaches the individual how to identify specific triggers and negative thought patterns. The goal is to learn how to work through these issues independently and ultimately retain the brain to a more positive and productive way of thinking, resulting in more well-adjusted behaviors and fewer negative symptoms.

Medication

Treating trauma and its related issues can also require a form of medication. Prescription drugs may be used to alleviate the side effects that trauma can have on an individual. These include depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help by boosting serotonin levels. More serotonin can help regulate mood, appetite, and, in many cases, sleep.

Additionally, antianxiety medications may also be prescribed to aid in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. If insomnia or nightmares persist, prescriptions for sleep can help get individuals back on track for restful nights. Adding treatment to one’s recovery plan is a proactive and effective step toward a life without the challenges of trauma. Finding the right treatment option starts with contacting a mental health facility that specializes in trauma and its effects.

We understand the challenges you face. Trauma isn’t easy and, when ignored or left untreated, it can have serious effects. With the proper treatment, you can overcome your trauma. A bright and happy future is waiting for you on the other side of this difficult phase. Let us help you pull yourself out of and above your trauma so that you can be in control of each and every day. At Alter Behavioral Health, we offer a multitude of options to treat your trauma and related symptoms and conditions effectively and with kindness and care. Call Alter Behavioral Health at (866) 691-4386 for more information about our programs and how they can help.

Is Depression Hereditary?

Is Depression Hereditary?

/in /by

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 280 million people face depression worldwide. A number as staggering as this may raise a few questions. Where does depression come from and how does it happen? In many cases, depression can be passed on genetically. Other times, it develops due to environmental or situational factors.

To understand the complexities of depression and its origins, it is important to first know its recognized types.

How Many Types of Depression Are There?

There are multiple forms of depression. All forms result in constant feelings of sadness, detachment, or fatigue. However, each variant has distinctive qualities that set it apart.

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD): A depressive disorder characterized by persistent symptoms of depression for the majority of each day, lasting at least two weeks at a time. Symptoms usually interrupt the individual’s daily life. In addition, the ability to work, sleep, eat, or interact with others may be affected.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): This disorder presents less severe symptoms of depression compared to major depression. However, symptoms last significantly longer, often at least two years.
  • Perinatal/postpartum depression: Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy. Postpartum depression occurs after delivery. A 2022 study shows approximately one in seven women develop postpartum depression.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depression that comes and goes with the changing of the seasons. Symptoms typically start during late fall or early winter, then recede at the beginning of spring or summer.
  • Depression with symptoms of psychosis: Considered a severe form of depression in which a person experiences psychosis along with depression. Symptoms include delusions and hallucinations.

While there are many distinctive variations of depression, it is essential to seek a proper diagnosis. With the correct information, individuals can receive appropriate care for their unique needs.

What Role Does Genetics Play in Depression?

Of the many forms of depression, MDD is known to be the most common of the disorders. One study reflects that roughly 1 in 5 people will develop MDD at some point in their lives. As such a widespread mental health condition, where does depression come from? A 2021 study performed by the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) mapped out 178 variations of genes that are linked to depression.

While the evidence is clear that depression can be inherited through specific gene combinations, it is not a guarantee. The role that genetic makeup has on people with depression or their risk of developing it is still understudied to date. However, individuals with an immediate family member facing depression are potentially at 2-3 times higher risk for developing it than those who don’t. Additionally, there are many cases where someone develops depression without a family history of it, while plenty who do have a family history of the disorder never develop it.

Are There Other Causes of Depression?

While depression can certainly run in families, there are plenty of other reasons an individual may develop depression. In many cases, chronic illnesses such as cancer, chronic pain, or cardiovascular diseases are associated with depressive disorders. Some other possible causes of depression include:

  • Stressful life events such as divorce, death of a loved one, financial crisis, or termination of employment
  • Loneliness or feeling separated from family and friends
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Personality traits like low self-esteem or being overly-self-critical
  • Regular or excessive alcohol use
  • Drug use
  • Other mental health concerns such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, or psychosis
  • Certain medications may recognize depression as a known side effect

How Is Depression Treated?

Prior to treatment, one must first receive a professional diagnosis. Once the specific depressive condition has been identified, an individual can begin the process of building a personalized treatment plan with their mental health specialist. Therapy and medication are the most common forms of treatment for depression. A combination of the two is often the best option, although in some cases one or the other has been found to be effective.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely used therapy option in the treatment of depression. The primary focus of CBT is on the thought patterns and expectations that accompany depression. Through this process, an individual gradually learns to retrain their brain to adopt a new perspective and create more realistic ways of thinking. Another beneficial form of therapy is interpersonal therapy in which the main focus is on the individual’s relationships with loved ones.

Medication for depression is also widely used. There is a vast variety of prescription drugs available. Through an appropriate trial and error process with a qualified medical professional, an individual can identify the proper medication and dosage for their individual needs. Taking an antidepressant is not always necessary and is prescribed on a case-by-case basis.

The most important takeaway is that depression is treatable, and happiness is obtainable through the right guidance and care.

Depression is a formidable opponent on the battlefield of life. It can make you feel worthless and as if all hope is lost. There is more to life than the depression that you face. Your world can be a beautiful place full of life, laughter, and vibrant colors. You don’t have to bear this alone. At Alter Behavioral Health, we can help you shoulder the weight of your depression until it lifts. With proper treatment, guidance, and care, you can enjoy a much brighter, happier, and healthier life. Our treatment options can help you see past the fog of your depression, whether it was inherited genetically or not. Call us today at (866) 691-4386 to get started.

How Can Exercise Help My Mental Health?

How Can Exercise Help My Mental Health?

/in /by

It’s no secret that exercise is great for your health. We’ve all heard it before. Maybe your doctor’s said it, or your family has mentioned it, but someone somewhere has told you that exercise is the best medicine. Why, though? We know that exercise is great for your physical health but is that it?

Working out, whether walking, lifting weights, or swimming, does great things for you. It stretches your muscles, which increases flexibility, and releases fat cells, which reduces body weight. In many cases exercise has even been proven to help prevent various diseases and illnesses such as cancer or type 2 diabetes.

The benefits don’t stop at physical health though. Exercise has been shown time and time again to help improve an individual’s overall mental health. In numerous studies, participants displayed lower depression levels when they engaged in regular physical activity. Exercising was even shown to help prevent future depression.

What Are Endorphins?

The simple act of physical activity creates a ripple effect in which the body releases hormones called endorphins. Studies have shown that this release also improves stress and anxiety levels.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines endorphins as “one of several substances made in the body that can relieve pain and give a feeling of well-being.” They are “peptides (small proteins) that bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system” and are a type of neurotransmitter.

Endorphins are widely known as the body’s feel-good chemicals. The term “endorphin” comes from a combination of the words “endogenous morphine.” The word “endogenous” means that something comes from within. “Morphine” was chosen due to the opioid painkiller that endorphins mimic the effects of. Therefore, endorphins are pain-killing mood boosters that are made naturally within your body.

Endorphins can be released in the body through a variety of activities. Exercise, laughter, and sunlight exposure are just some of the many easily doable activities that release this feel-good hormone. Any form of exercise can produce endorphins, though sustainable low-intensity movement is often found to be best.

What Kinds of Exercise Should I Do?

You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to reap the benefits of exercise. As long as you exercise on a regular basis, you can enjoy a long-term effect that improves your overall mind and body.

If you are not currently exercising, incorporating it into your routine may seem difficult but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, just walking at a moderate pace can get those endorphins flowing. This could be walking in your neighborhood, at a local park, or taking daily walks on the beach. It is a simple exercise that can greatly improve your mental health.

Hiking is another great exercise to release endorphins. Hiking can expose you to nature. The intensity level of hiking is higher than walking, thus resulting in a higher release. Biking or swimming are other leisurely and enjoyable methods of exercise. They don’t involve heavy lifting or high-intensity training but still leave you feeling better all around. Spending time in the water is also great for chronic pain, a leading cause of depression.

When incorporating exercise into your routine for the first time, try a variety of exercises to narrow down what’s best for you. Maybe biking is not for you. That’s okay! Try walking or swimming. If those don’t work, try core workouts, aerobics, or yoga. The options are endless in the world of exercise and physical activity.

When Should I Seek Help for My Mental Health?

There is no doubt that exercise can improve your mental health. However, some conditions may require more attention. If depression, anxiety, or other concerns are weighing you down and affecting your daily life, professional treatment can help. The right facility can help you get a proper diagnosis and provide you with a variety of treatment options to choose from that suit your needs and lifestyle.

There are multiple treatment options available for the many common mental health disorders that may be of concern. Therapy is just one of them, and it can treat many conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and many others. In addition to therapy, your care team may prescribe certain medications for the management of your condition. Antidepressants and antianxiety medications are among the most common options in treating the aforementioned mental health concerns.

Seeking treatment gives you the right tools, guidance, and care to start your path toward better mental health. You can live a life free of anxiety and depression. You deserve to enjoy a life that’s full of happiness. Don’t let your mental health drag you down. Instead, reach out for help to achieve a strong and bright future with a positive and healthy mental state.

Exercise is an excellent addition to any routine and helps both the mind and the body. When facing conditions like depression, anxiety, or chronic stress, it is important to reach out for help. Treatment can greatly improve your quality of life and overall health. It can provide you with an anxiety-free and stress-free life without the challenges of depression. When you pair exercise and proper treatment together, you have a recipe for a significantly happier and healthier life. At Alter Behavioral Health, our mission is to help you achieve the level of happiness that you deserve. Don’t wait. Reach out to see how Alter can help you improve your overall health. Call us today at (866) 691-4386 to get started.