310-601-9999

mental health

The Impact of Pets on Mental Health

by

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Pets have long been a source of comfort and companionship, but in recent years, there has been increasing scientific recognition of the significant positive impact they have on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving emotional well-being, the relationship between humans and animals is powerful and deeply beneficial. Let’s explore how pets, particularly emotional support animals (ESAs), can enhance our mental health and the many advantages of pet ownership. The Link Between Pets and Mental Health Research has shown that pets offer emotional support that helps reduce feelings of loneliness, alleviate stress, and even combat more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that pet owners often experience lower blood pressure, reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), and increased levels of …

Read more

Music and Mental Health: A Creative Way of Healing

by

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, transcending boundaries of time and geography. Music evokes emotion, fosters connection, and provides comfort. Beyond this, music is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in mental health therapy. Recent research highlights the profound benefits of music therapy in addressing mental health issues, offering patients a creative outlet for emotional expression and a pathway to healing. Let’s explore the role of music therapy in mental health treatment, its therapeutic benefits, and how it’s being used in innovative ways to support emotional well-being: What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Trained music therapists work with individuals or groups to facilitate healing, using a variety of musical techniques …

Read more

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

by

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, …

Read more

7 Healthy Habits for Mental Health

by

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 …

Read more

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

by

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 …

Read more

Verify Approval for www.mentalhealthctr.com