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Month: June 2023

How to Process Trauma in Therapy

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
doctor teaching client how to process trauma in therapy

Processing trauma in therapy involves creating a safe space where individuals can explore and understand their traumatic experiences. With the guidance of a qualified therapist, individuals can use various techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or narrative therapy to work through emotions, memories, and develop coping strategies. It’s important for the therapy to be paced appropriately to avoid retraumatization. Reports suggest that 6% of Americans, over 8 million, will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to research, traumatic experiences included 49% sexual assaults, 32% physical assaults, 16.8% serious accidents, and 15.4% shot or stabbed. In addition, 14.3% lost a loved one, 10.4% were parents of children who are dying, 7.3% witnessed violence against another person, and 3.8% survived a natural disaster. It’s important to mention that over 300 million war survivors worldwide have PTSD. Symptoms can interfere with daily functioning at work, school, and home. If you or someone you …

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Who is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy

More than 17 million adults in America alone have a diagnosable depressive disorder. It is estimated that one-third of this group experience resistance to treatment. Despite trying multiple methods of treatment involving medications and behavioral therapies, they do not find relief.  Treatment-resistant depression can make you feel hopeless and like there is no solution to your problem. Worsening depression can lead to suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Ketamine therapy helps those with treatment-resistant depression and erases thoughts of suicide for many people. It may be a good solution for you also. Keep reading to learn more about who is and who is not a good candidate for Ketamine therapy. Considerations for Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy When considering treatment options for depressive disorders, your psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to ensure you can benefit from Ketamine therapy. Treatment considerations include the following: Severity of depressive …

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How to Cope with Bipolar Disorder

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman reading book on how to cope with bipolar disorder

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are many ways for those with bipolar disorder to continue living a productive, satisfying life personally, professionally, and socially. Mental health professionals can help you develop a bipolar disorder treatment plan based on your needs, including medication, behavioral therapies, education, and family support. In this article, we explore what bipolar disorder is, diagnostic criteria, and how to cope with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder Explained Statistics today show that 5.7 million Americans over 18 have bipolar disorder, the sixth leading cause of disability. Nearly 2.6% of the population must learn to cope with bipolar disorder. The first step in coping is to understand the illness completely. Someone with bipolar disorder experiences changes in their mood, oscillating between depression, normal mood, and mania. Each person with bipolar disorder may experience different highs and lows for different time …

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The Link Between Depression and Insomnia

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man experiencing symptoms of depression and insomnia

There is a clear link between depression and insomnia. The Sleep Foundation reports that 80% of people with depression experience insomnia. At the same time, 40% of those with insomnia report having depressive symptoms. The connection between sleep and mental health is undeniable. For example, sleep disturbances are a symptom of depression, or sleep deprivation can trigger the onset of depression.  Other reports on mental health and sleep claim that people with depression who improve their sleep quality also improve their mental health. Information like this makes you question which comes first, depression or insomnia. The answer varies depending on individual risk factors. To learn more about the link between your depression and insomnia, learn as much as possible about each separately. What is Depression? The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as a mood disorder that makes people have persistent sad feelings. Sadness sticks around for two weeks or longer …

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Celebrating Pride Month 2023

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pride month

By Ashley Barnes What is Pride Month? LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which transpired in New York at the end of June 1969. Resultantly, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the positive impact LGBTQ+ people have had on culture and society as well as accomplishments they have achieved. Further, Pride Month commemorates the ongoing pursuit of equal rights and justice for the greater community as well as sub communities within the LGBTQ+ sphere.  Great ways to celebrate pride month include attending pride events, having open conversations, and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and art. Messages from our team. The Mental Health Center supports and appreciates the LGBTQ+ community, not only in the month of June but every day. Our company strives to make the patient experience inclusive and sensitive to patient needs, honoring all identities. Speaking more on the …

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