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depression

How Alcohol Affects Depression

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Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect anyone at any time. The symptoms vary in severity and can make life difficult for those who suffer from them. Severe symptoms can be crippling. Many people who have depression struggle with daily responsibilities that can lead to poor job performance, financial problems, and social isolation. Many people who suffer from depression may use alcohol to escape the relentless and endless mental anguish. However, alcohol is a depressant causing drinking to worsen symptoms of depression and increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder or addiction.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is debilitating, paralyzing, and can make those who experience it feel hopeless and lonely. People with depression may decline invitations to social events and family gatherings. Depression makes people disengage from things that they once enjoyed. It also interferes with relationships and can distort a person’s reality. It causes health problems, affects nutrition, disrupts sleep patterns, and leads to decreased work productivity.

Depression increases feelings of self-doubt, lowers confidence, and tears apart spiritual wellness. Symptoms of depression can include unrelenting sadness and anxiety, appetite changes, low mood, disruptive sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in normal daily functions. Depression is usually treated with medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Does Depression Drive You to Drink?

Depression’s symptoms of continually feeling sadness and hopelessness can influence how people think and act. For those struggling with depression, alcohol may be used to suppress symptoms such as irritability, loss of interest, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Drinking can become a way to escape reality and relax. However, using alcohol as a way to cope can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being. 

Alcohol use increases both the severity and duration of depressive episodes. It also increases the likelihood, frequency, and severity of suicidal thoughts. Alcohol can also cause other stressors in life, such as career and family problems that worsen depression. When alcohol is used to alleviate depression symptoms, symptoms are made worse, and drinking may continue or worsen, causing a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break out of. 

Can Drinking Too Much Cause Depression?

In some circumstances, excessive drinking can cause depression. Prolonged alcohol abuse can drastically change and rewire the brain and impact many other chemical balances in the body. The systemic changes that occur when neurotransmitters are altered can cause depression. 

Heavy alcohol consumption alters the brain’s neurotransmitters. Chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine will fluctuate rapidly with alcohol consumption. Serotonin helps balance a person’s mood, while dopamine controls the brain’s reward system. Unusually high or low levels of these chemicals can trigger symptoms of depression, among other health problems.

Other Health Complications Associated With Alcohol Use

Alcohol puts you at high risk of developing a significant health complication to your brain and other major organs in your body. After prolonged use, alcohol can impair the part of your brain that forms new memories. It also interferes with the way the brain functions to keep you alive.

Too much alcohol can lead to a blackout, which is characterized as amnesia during intoxication. During a blackout, there is no recollection of what happened during that time. A blackout stops the memory storage process due to a chemical disruption in the brain’s hippocampus, which is where memories are developed. Unlike passing out, a person who experiences a blackout can talk and move, but their brain loses the ability to form new memories.

Drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over a long period can contribute to cardiovascular problems, liver failure, and pancreatitis. Alcohol consumption can also lead to reckless and risky behavior and can be deadly because it impairs judgment. There are also extensive reviews of research studies showing a strong scientific consensus of a link between alcohol drinking and several types of cancer. 

In its Report on Carcinogens, the National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services lists consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen. The more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time, the higher their risk of developing alcohol-associated cancer. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Based on data from 2009, an estimated 3.5 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States (about 19,500 deaths) were alcohol-related.“

How to Cope With Depression Symptoms Without Alcohol

There are various ways to help improve mental health without alcohol, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet. Good nutrition helps brain function, improves mood, and reduces the risk of diabetes. Yoga enables you to establish connections to yourself. Maintaining mindfulness contributes to the healing of the mind, body, and spirit. 

Deep breathing techniques and mediation are significant components of healing. Breathing incorporates deep sleep relaxation and internal recharging and makes changes in the central nervous system. 

Exercise improves physical health and mental health and decreases the risk of developing organ failure, obesity, heart attack, or death. Good nutrition and regular exercise help improve mindfulness and brain function by increasing blood oxygen levels in the brain and making muscles stronger.

 

Depression is a mental health disorder that can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness and various other symptoms. Many people may use alcohol as a coping method to relieve the symptoms associated with depression. However, alcohol can make depression worse. It worsens symptoms, severity, and the duration of depressive episodes. In some cases, alcohol use can even cause depression. Luckily, there are ways to cope with mental health disorders without the use of alcohol. However, if you are stuck in the vicious cycle of alcohol abuse and depression, there is help available. At Achieve Concierge, our expert medical clinicians are dedicated to patient care and support, learn about a patient, and then offer comprehensive mental health services as part of a total wellness experience. We provide individualized support to help you cope with mental health conditions and difficult life events. We have same-day appointments in person, as well as telemedicine appointments. To find out more information about our services, call us today at (858) 221-0344.

ed

Eating Disorders: When Food Becomes a Problem

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Eating disorders occur when individuals experience severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. People with eating disorders typically become preoccupied with food and their weight. An eating disorder is categorized as a behavioral addiction and is linked to mental health conditions. Eating becomes a problem when it continues despite negative consequences, loss of control, and frequent relapse associated with a behavioral addiction.

Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders come in many forms, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating. In any form, an eating disorder can cause physical deformities, impairment, obesity, heart failure, and early death. People who suffer from anorexia avoid food because they have a distorted perception of how they look to others. The lack of food and nutrition causes extreme weight loss, hair loss, organ failure, and death.

Anorexia can develop in anyone due to many factors but is statistically more prevalent in adolescent women. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states, “The emotional symptoms of anorexia include irritability, social withdrawal, lack of mood or emotion, not able to understand the seriousness of the situation, fear of eating in public and obsessions with food and exercise.” 

When a person has bulimia, they binge and purge or restrict and purge to avoid gaining weight. Bulimia can cause serious health complications, such as acid reflux, dehydration, heart failure, and death. It can also lead to tooth decay from the stomach’s acid that comes up with the food. A person who has bulimia is at risk of developing severe physical impairments and health problems.

A binge eating disorder involves a person who eats large amounts of food within a short time. People with this type of eating disorder eat when they are not even hungry or when uncomfortably full. A binge eating disorder puts a person at high risk of obesity and other physical health impairments.

Health Problems Associated with Eating Disorders

According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety disorders, substance use-related disorders, and personality disorders, are often found in patients with an eating disorder. 

Eating disorders display similar characteristics of a drug or alcohol addiction. These addictive behaviors are self-destructive, harmful, and deadly. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, they lose control and their ability to stop the behavior. Eating disorders are related to some of the psychological effects of starvation, which appear to be similar to symptoms of addiction. They can be irritable, depressed, and overeat or avoid food as a response to stress.

The causes of developing an eating disorder or addiction are very similar to those of substance use disorder. Social pressure, impulsivity, stress, and emotional trauma put a person at risk of behavioral addiction. Eating disorders and addiction develop from stressful situations as a way to cope with emotional problems. 

Co-Occurring Disorders

Seeking help for an eating disorder along with co-occurring disorders is essential to healing. Eating disorders can appear alongside depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. 

Anxiety is a term used to encompass several disorders that affect nervousness, apprehension, and fear. Types of anxiety disorders can include panic disorders, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder can have physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive effects. Eating disorders and anxiety disorders can co-exist. Many people may use eating as a way to cope with the intense feelings that can accompany anxiety. 

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by intense feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt. It can affect many aspects of life, including thoughts, feelings, and overall wellbeing. Symptoms may include low energy levels, feelings of self-hate or insignificance, and changes in appetite. As with anxiety disorders, someone may control their food intake, restrict types of foods consumed, or feel like they must “earn” food to cope with the symptoms of depression. 

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder in which individuals experience repeated thoughts, feelings, sensations, behaviors, or ideas that lead them to engage in a repeated habit or compulsion. Most individuals suffering from OCD often experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, such as irrational fears. OCD is often connected with eating disorders, especially since many behaviors between the two disorders may overlap, such as obsessive thoughts about food or food rituals. 

PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that may develop due to exposure to an event that results in psychological trauma. Such events can include anything that might overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, such as the unexpected death of a loved one or physical abuse. Men or women who have PTSD have an increased likelihood of developing an eating disorder, as eating disorder behaviors can become a means of coping with experiences related to PTSD.

 

Eating disorders occur when individuals experience severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. There are several eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The development of an eating disorder may directly result from a mental health disorder or substance use disorder. Treating both as a dual diagnosis is essential to the healing process. Addressing both conditions simultaneously will help address underlying issues and promote healing. At Achieve Concierge, our expert medical clinicians are dedicated to patient care and support, learning about a patient, and offering comprehensive mental health services as part of a total wellness experience. Providing psychiatric services and care, neuropsychology, adult and child psychology, naturopathic care, yoga instruction, and many other professionals and clinical services, Achieve Concierge can engage each patient from various treatment perspectives. We provide individualized support to help you cope with mental health and difficult life events. We have same-day appointments in person, as well as telemedicine appointments. To find out more about Achieve Concierge and the services we provide, call us today at (858) 221-0344.

stress

Using Psychotherapy to Manage Stress

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Psychotherapy is a type of therapy used by medical providers to treat mental health disorders. Psychotherapy helps most mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. It can also help to manage stress and conflicts that can affect anyone without a mental health diagnosis.

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural part of life that can come in many forms: emotional, mental, or physical. Occasional stress is harmless to an individual’s health and can even be utilized as motivation for important goals. Moderate levels of stress allow the body and mind to respond at a faster speed. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can cause significant mental strain and long-term health problems. 

Everyone perceives and manifests stress differently. However, work is the most common stressor among people. However, anything can cause stress in a person’s life, including divorce, financial obligations, getting married, moving to a new home, chronic illness, emotional problems, and more. 

The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is effective in treating mental health disorders and emotional distress. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing.” Psychotherapy is often combined with medication and other therapies but can produce positive results when done alone.

Medication can be useful in treating severe depression or other psychological conditions. However, taking medication does not teach you new ways to identify solutions to problems or cope with life events. Some people need medication to come to a point where they are comfortable talking about their issues.

People use psychotherapy to cope with life’s stresses, such as the death of a loved one, severe illness or injury, divorce, and job loss. Psychotherapy helps you understand your emotions and thought patterns and identifies ways to conquer negative feelings and fears. Psychotherapy sessions usually last up to one hour and can be short-term or long-term, depending on your specific needs.

Different Types of Psychotherapy   

There are several different types of psychotherapy used by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. The type used depends on each person’s mental health diagnosis and circumstances. Sometimes a combination of fundamentals of different kinds of psychotherapy is used to provide the best outcome.

Play therapy is effective for children who experience trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health or mood disorders. According to Dr. Eliana Gil, who works with traumatized children in play therapy, “the therapeutic relationship is intended to help create this environment of trust and comfort so that the child can do some of the things that they will do naturally if given the time, space, and proper context.” Play therapy uses a child’s natural method of expression to help them articulate their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy used to treat various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, eating disorders, marital problems, and severe mental illness. The American Psychological Association states that many studies show that “CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.” CBT is used to change thinking patterns, develop the ability to use critical-thinking skills to cope with difficult situations, and change behavioral patterns. There are several different forms of CBT, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and self-instructional training. 

Art therapy is a therapeutic healing method and can make a person more comfortable if they struggle to talk about traumatic life events. This type of therapy is beneficial for anyone who has difficulty talking about emotions, thoughts, or experiences. Art therapy helps ease anxiety and allows a person to open up socially. Typically, during an art therapy session, the individual will work on a piece of art. The therapist may observe or intervene to talk about the feelings behind the artistic process. They may also ask about what was easy or difficult in creating the art and what thoughts or memories came up. Some people may find it is easier to express their feelings and experiences with their hands and art therapy breaks through communication barriers.

Why Seek Therapy for Stress?

Since stress is something that everyone experiences, some people may believe they should handle stress on their own. However, some people need more assistance than they can provide for themselves, especially when a mental health disorder accompanies stress. Professional help can give an individual an outlet to talk about their stress and learn to identify the leading causes of stress in their life and how to incorporate tools to reduce their stress levels. 

 

Stress is a common thing faced by almost everybody. However, it can cause emotional, mental, or physical problems that affect everyday life. Stress can be caused by various factors, including mental health disorders. When stress becomes too overwhelming and interferes with the way a person engages in life, they may need professional help. Psychotherapy is a therapy used to treat various mental health disorders and can be used to manage stress and conflicts. There are numerous types of psychotherapy, including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), art therapy, and more. At Achieve Concierge, we offer comprehensive mental health services that include treatments to heal the body, mind, and spirit. We work as a team to help you identify strategies to manage mental health symptoms so you can live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Achieve Concierge offers same-day appointments in person, as well as telemedicine appointments. To learn more about managing stress and how Achieve Concierge can help, call us today at (858) 221-0344.

holistic

Taking a Holistic Approach to Mental Health

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Many people who struggle with mental health disorders may hesitate to get help due to their stigma. Some may also not get help because they are not comfortable taking medication that might produce side effects. If a person has a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, the symptoms can interfere with every aspect of their life. Taking a holistic approach to mental health focuses on treating the whole person instead of just the symptoms of the disorder. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Mental Health Disorder?

A mental health disorder can make it challenging for a person to do the things they usually enjoy. The Mayo Clinic states that mental health disorders can cause different symptoms and affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples of mental health disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.

Struggling with mental health challenges can affect your job performance, create financial hardships and job loss, cause social isolation, and disrupt sleep patterns. Many people who experience mental illness may also experience fatigue, sleeplessness or oversleeping, and decreased nutritional consumption. 

Leaving a mental health disorder untreated can cause physical pain, such as headaches and stomach pains. Some symptoms of mental illness are severe and can be life-threatening. In extreme cases, symptoms can lead to suicidal thoughts. In milder cases, a person can function, go to work, and smile but still feel broken on the inside.

What is Holistic Treatment?

Holistic treatment is designed to help a person heal using therapy that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Mindfulness, a common technique used in holistic therapies, teaches the individual to be present and consciously aware of their experiences as they happen. Yoga and meditation are healthy ways to incorporate mindfulness as the deep breathing techniques typically used with these methods can help increase blood oxygen levels in the brain. We cannot control how we feel, but we can control how we respond to our feelings using mindfulness. An open mind will help establish a central focus on total wellness, physical and mental health, sustainable relationships, and responsibilities.

According to the National Institutes of Health, some scientists believe that mental health disorders originate from problems between neurons in the brain. “For example, the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin is lower in individuals who have depression. This finding led to the development of certain medications for the illness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by reducing the amount of serotonin that is taken back into the presynaptic neuron.” 

Although some medications can help stabilize neurotransmitter activity, the origin of the problem can be more complicated. These complications can include nutrition insufficiency, neural pathway changes in response to trauma, socio-economic factors, or a combination of these factors. When you are mindful, you can be aware of your emotions and respond to them differently. It helps you to listen to your body and stay healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally. Holistic therapy allows you to develop new and healthy ways to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health disorder symptoms.

Neurofeedback or biofeedback therapy is a noninvasive therapy used to help make slight changes in the body and reduce pain. Neurofeedback therapy gives a person the ability to perform new ways to control their body or improve a health condition. This therapy keeps track of brain activity and teaches the brain to reach a point of relaxation. The brain adjusts to environmental changes, helping individuals cope with emotions, form memories, and learn.

Finding Healthy Ways to Cope

Living with a mental health disorder impacts our physical health and breaks our spirit as we suffer from feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, isolation, and lack of confidence. Finding healthy ways to cope with the symptoms and negative thinking patterns associated with mental health disorders can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety of everyday life. Practicing mindfulness and incorporating healthy eating habits daily can improve mood, boost morale, and mend your broken spirit. Exercise is highly recommended for maintaining mental and physical health and gives us the ability to heal from the inside out. You can also try implementing self-care into your routines, such as taking a bath, journaling, or any other activities you find joy in. 

Getting Help for a Mental Health Disorder

At Achieve Medical Center, we realize there is no one-size-fits-all therapy for everyone. While medication can work for one person, it does not always work for everyone else. We work as a team to provide the best-individualized plan so you can feel better mentally, physically, and spiritually. We want to help you manage mental health disorders symptoms and discover ways to cope with anxiety and depression feelings. We offer comprehensive mental health services for the mind, body, and spirit.

Our neurofeedback therapy is a non-invasive approach that can help a patient manage symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems, addiction, disordered eating, trauma, and other mental health disorders. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health disorder, get help today. Do not let the stigma surrounding mental health prevent you from getting the help you need. We want to help you feel better and achieve total wellness for a fulfilling, healthier life. You are not alone and do not have to suffer from mental health symptoms anymore.

 

At Achieve Concierge, we offer comprehensive mental health services that include treatments to heal the body, mind, and spirit. In some instances, a patient may benefit from psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or mindfulness. In other cases, a patient may require medication and life coaching. Our medical professionals learn about a patient and then offer comprehensive mental health services as part of a total wellness experience. Each person who struggles with a mental health disorder responds differently to treatment. We work as a team to help you identify strategies to manage mental health symptoms so you can live a happy, healthy, and meaningful life. At Achieve Concierge, we offer individualized support to help you cope with mental health disorders. We deliver a personalized plan tailored to your needs, so you can achieve total wellness that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. We offer same-day appointments in person, as well as telemedicine appointments. To find out more, call us today at (858) 221-0344.

nutrition

The Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Depression

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Living with a mental health disorder can affect many aspects of a person’s life, such as maintaining a job, attending school, and can interfere with relationships with loved ones. Depression, a common mental health challenge, can cause problems with sleep, intense feelings of sadness, and other wide ranges of symptoms. Another condition known as hypothyroidism can cause symptoms of depression. Hypothyroidism can easily be mistaken for depression due to shared symptoms, but there is a difference between them. Learning how to spot their differences can help you seek the most effective treatment. 

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is located in the lower area of the neck that releases hormones and affects metabolism. When the thyroid regulates metabolism, it affects every cell, tissue, and organ, including muscles, bones, skin, heart, and brain. Organs and internal systems become slower when thyroid hormone levels are too low, leading to a range of symptoms, including depression.

Hypothyroidism can manifest at any time and can be caused by an autoimmune disease, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, or medication. Sometimes hypothyroidism can be caused by a pituitary disorder, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, or congenital condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include:

  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin
  • Puffy face
  • Hoarseness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Elevated blood cholesterol level
  • Pain and stiffness in joints
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Thinning hair or hair loss
  • Slow heart rate
  • Impaired memory

Over 10 million people in America suffer from hypothyroidism. A simple blood test is completed to diagnose this condition. A clinician may also feel a patient’s neck to assess the size of the thyroid glans. They may check for physical signs of hypothyroidism, such as brittle nails and dry skin. 

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that can interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Depression is more than just feeling sad, and a person cannot just snap out of it. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression is “the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.”

The loss of a loved one, losing a job, going through a divorce, financial struggles, and other challenging circumstances can make a person feel sad, scared, and alone. These feelings are normal reactions to many of life’s events. People occasionally feel sad, but for people with depression, the symptoms are much more severe. Depression can be debilitating and paralyzing. When you have depression, enjoying normal activities can be very difficult. In extreme cases, depression can lead to self-harm or thoughts of suicide.

Depression can disrupt standard sleep patterns and make you extremely tired. It can cause feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. Depression can interfere with relationships, increase or decrease appetite, and make you feel anxious. People diagnosed with depression often also suffer from anxiety. 

Similarities and Differences

Hypothyroidism and depression share similar symptoms, such as depressed mood, weight gain, loss of interest in sex, concentration problems, and fatigue. Since these symptoms are identical in both conditions, they can be misdiagnosed. This means that a person who takes antidepressants for depression might need to be taking thyroid medication instead.

More typical signs in patients with depression can include insomnia, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. If an individual is struggling with hypothyroidism, they will not exhibit these symptoms. Symptoms that point to a more likely diagnosis of hypothyroidism include being overly sensitive to cold temperatures, constipation, muscle cramps, hair loss, and slow heart rate.

The Importance of Good Nutrition

Good nutrition is critical in recovery from depression. Developing a sensible eating plan will keep an individual feeling healthy and provide the proper nutrients. Eating vegetables, whole grains, fruits and limiting fat, sugar, and caffeine can boost mood. Depression can cause fatigue, disrupt standard sleep patterns, and lower a person’s energy. A diet with good nutrition can boost energy levels, elevate mood, and benefit physical health.

A person diagnosed with hypothyroidism should avoid foods high in soy protein because significant amounts of soy can hinder the absorption of thyroid hormones. They should avoid too much iodine because it could interfere with thyroid hormone levels. Maintaining a healthy diet makes you feel good and helps the digestive system run efficiently. Good nutrition also keeps your heart strong and promotes a healthy metabolism.

Treatment for Hypothyroidism and Depression

Blood tests can measure thyroid function and determine a hypothyroidism diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is treatable, and thyroid replacement therapy can be tailored to each individual’s needs. Hypothyroidism treatment also depends on a person’s age, medical history, and other factors. At Achieve Concierge, we perform an in-depth patient assessment to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient. 

Treatment is available for depression and commonly includes medication, psychotherapy, light therapy, and exercise. If you or a loved one struggles with hypothyroidism or symptoms of depression, it is best to seek professional help.

 

Hypothyroidism shares some similarities with symptoms of depression, but both require treatment specific to each condition. If you suspect you may be struggling with depression or hypothyroidism, it is best to seek professional help. Our caring and knowledgeable staff at Achieve Concierge wants you to feel comfortable and tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs. We work as a team to help you identify strategies to manage mental health symptoms so you can live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. We deliver a personalized plan so you can focus on achieving total wellness that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Achieve Concierge provides psychiatric services and care, neuropsychology, adult and child psychology, naturopathic care, yoga instruction, and many other professionals and clinical services. We offer same-day appointments in person, as well as telemedicine appointments. For more information on the services Achieve Concierge can provide you, call us today at (858) 221-0344.

sad

Ways to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder and form of depression that usually occurs in the late fall and winter months when the days get shorter and colder. SAD can manifest due to the reduction in sunlight and commonly happens where days are cloudier. Locations that are further from the earth’s equator experience more darkness during the day, putting people at high risk of developing SAD symptoms. However, there are ways to cope with SAD and manage symptoms of depression.

Symptoms of SAD

Symptoms of SAD can happen at any time of the year but are more common during late fall and winter. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD include oversleeping, appetite changes, weight gain, tiredness, or low energy. 

Sunlight increases the brain’s serotonin, which is a hormone linked to boosting mood and energy. It also helps to keep a person calm and focused. Many antidepressants raise serotonin levels, which is why they are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety.

With less sunlight, the brain releases a hormone known as melatonin, responsible for helping a person sleep. When days are shorter during the winter, melatonin levels rise earlier and can lead to mood changes associated with SAD. Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M. explains, melatonin “doesn’t make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening, it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep.”

The Importance of a Healthy Diet to Cope with Symptoms of SAD

Many people who struggle with SAD eat more carbohydrate-rich foods, especially ones that are sweet and starchy. This can contribute to excessive weight gain and weight-related health issues, affecting self-esteem and worsening depression symptoms. However, the body does need certain carbohydrates in moderation. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the main energy source for your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Glucose can be used immediately or stored in the liver and muscles for later use.” Instead of excessively consuming carbohydrate-rich foods, you can implement more high fiber foods into your diet. These can help you feel fuller, prevent intestinal problems, help lower cholesterol, and overall improve how you feel about yourself. 

As days become darker, there is less sunlight, and the sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. This means our bodies might not get a sufficient amount of vitamin D when the days are shorter. Eating fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamin D and can help boost mood, promote good physical health, and regulate sleep patterns.

Stay Physically Active and Exercise

Staying physically active through exercise can help you stay healthy, improve mental health, and elevate mood. Exercise is a physically powerful way to lessen symptoms of seasonal depression. It stimulates the release of brain chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for mood regulation and promote a sense of wellbeing. Exercise can also reduce levels of stress that may contribute to depressive symptoms. When you focus your mind on physical activity, you can get away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression. 

It is not necessary to participate in a rigorous exercise routine to reap the benefits of physical activity. Any type of physical activity that gets you off the couch and moving can help improve your mood. Exercising 30 minutes per day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression symptoms. However, exercising for as little as 10 to 15 minutes can make a difference too. Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood, gardening, or even washing your car. Broaden how you think of exercise and find ways to add small activities throughout your day. 

Engage in Social Activities

Isolation and staying indoors can worsen symptoms of SAD and depression. Although COVID-19 can make in-person connections difficult, reach out to friends and family or check on a neighbor to stay engaged socially. You can even plan gatherings over Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Sometimes talking to others experiencing the same symptoms of SAD or depression can make you feel better.

Join a support group, online forum, class, or other activity of interest or hobby. Staying socially active can improve your mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and give you a sense of belonging.

Treatment for SAD and Depression

Treatment is available for people who struggle with seasonal depression. At Achieve Concierge, we offer psychotherapy and medication to treat mood disorders, such as seasonal depression. We develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and work to deliver total wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. We can teach you how to cope with the symptoms of a mood disorder.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Symptoms can make it challenging to complete daily tasks, go to work or school, and stay active. However, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and socializing with loved ones can help lessen the symptoms of SAD. Often, those who suffer from SAD can also struggle with major depressive disorder and anxiety. If left untreated, a person with SAD or other mental health disorders is at higher risk of using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. We provide adult and adolescent psychiatric services and care, neuropsychology, naturopathic care, nutrition consultations, and many other functional and clinical services. We offer same-day appointments as well as telemedicine appointments. If you have a hard time coping with SAD, it may be time to seek professional help. To find out more about Achieve Concierge’s services, call (858) 221-0344.

adhd

Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly found in children that often lasts through adulthood. Neurodevelopmental disorders are disabilities associated primarily with the functioning of the neurological system and brain. Children with ADHD can have trouble paying attention, staying focused, controlling impulsive behaviors, or be overly active. At Achieve Concierge, we work with patients of all ages to determine the best treatment plan for their ADHD symptoms. 

Childhood ADHD

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines neurodevelopmental disorders as “behavioral and cognitive disorders that arise during the developmental period that involve significant difficulties in the acquisition and execution of specific intellectual, motor, or social functions.” ADHD can affect a child’s school performance and lead to lower grades. A child with ADHD may also have more trouble in social interactions, being accepted by peers, and learning in school. 

It is typical for most healthy children to be inattentive, distracted, and hyperactive at appropriate age levels. A child who is suffering from ADHD has more trouble concentrating and paying attention than a healthy child does at the same age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. According to the Mayo Clinic, children who struggle with ADHD are at increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse and other delinquent behavior and tend to have low self-esteem.

Children who have ADHD can be hard to parent as their constant activity and inattentiveness can be challenging for adults to manage. Common parenting strategies can be ineffective for a child with ADHD. Positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior and showing support can help improve a child’s self-esteem with ADHD. A daily structured routine at home and school also helps the child to know and understand expectations. Identifying strengths and building on them can boost a child’s confidence and sense of accomplishment.

Teens and Young Adults with ADHD

Social problems among peers in childhood can continue into teen years and adolescence. A lack of positive peer relationships in childhood can limit opportunities to practice and refine social skills, worsening existing deficits. Difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships can become increasingly disruptive for a teen with ADHD. 

Teens with ADHD have more difficulty complying with rules and need more frequent reminders and supervision. This need for supervision can be frustrating for the parent and teen and may lead to a cycle of escalating negative interaction. Showing love and support, reinforcing positive behavior, and finding opportunities where the teen can be successful, will help boost confidence and get the most out of their natural talents. 

Many teens with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms in adulthood. An adult who struggles with ADHD may have difficulty organizing things, recalling details, and listening to instructions. ADHD can also make a person forget things, get easily distracted, and seem disorganized. This can make it hard for the person to get along with people at work, home, or school. 

Medications for ADHD

ADHD can be treated with stimulant medications, such as Adderall or Ritalin. Since these medications are stimulants, they can be addictive when not used as prescribed by a medical professional. Adderall and Ritalin raise levels of dopamine in the brain, which improves attention and focus. Stimulant use should be continually monitored by a healthcare professional to avoid the risk of prescription misuse. The misuse of stimulants is linked to psychosis, heart attack, cardiovascular problems, or even death.

Co-Occurring Mood Disorders

According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), “In adults, approximately 38% of ADHD patients have a co-occurring mood disorder. Mood disorders are characterized by extreme changes in mood.” It also states, “Up to 30%t of children and up to 53% of adults with ADHD may also have an anxiety disorder.”

A mood disorder is a condition that affects a person’s emotional state. It can make a person sad, irritable, or depressed. It can also result in extreme happiness or mania. When a person is diagnosed with ADHD and a co-occurring mood disorder, both conditions must be treated simultaneously as a dual diagnosis for the best outcome. With the right treatment, symptoms of ADHD can become more manageable, and a person who lives with a mood disorder can feel more emotionally stable.

Treatment for ADHD

Many people who struggle with ADHD live happy and successful lives. There are many challenges for a person with ADHD may face. However, treatment is available for people of all ages who struggle with ADHD. Achieve Concierge provides medications, psychotherapy, and other ADHD treatments for children and adults. We understand the challenges associated with ADHD and determine the best treatment plan for each individual’s needs. We can design a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

 

ADHD poses significant challenges in children, teens, and adults and can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Developing social skills and maintaining relationships can be difficult for a child or teen living with ADHD. An adult with ADHD can have organizational problems and the inability to stay focused, making it hard to complete tasks at work or home. Often, those who have ADHD can also have an underlying co-occurring mood disorder. At Achieve Concierge, we offer treatment for all ages of people living with ADHD. We provide medications, psychotherapy, and other ADHD treatments and natural remedies tailored to a patient’s individual needs. Our patients experience a continuum of care that addresses not only healing for the mind but the body and spirit as well. While there is no cure for ADHD, treatment is available. We offer same-day appointments as well as telemedicine appointments. If you are struggling with ADHD, there is help available. To get more information about our services, call (858) 221-0344.

addiction

Getting Help for a Behavioral Addiction

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Similar to a drug or alcohol addiction, behavioral addiction is a repeated activity that continues despite negative consequences. A person who struggles with a behavioral addiction engages in an activity, such as compulsive gambling, shopping, sex, work, or eating, and cannot stop. Behavioral addiction is a psychological dependence on an activity and is associated with poor impulse control. According to Ruth C. Engs, RN, EdD, School of Public Health, Indiana University, “Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person’s life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive behavior.”

The Consequences of a Shopping Addiction

A person who struggles with a shopping addiction continues to buy more than what is needed, despite the negative consequences. Compulsive shopping interferes with significant relationships and drains savings. It can obstruct work, school, and home responsibilities. For a habitual shopper, the convenience of the Internet can also lead to unnecessary spending.

Some people who struggle with compulsive shopping can suffer from a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. They experience gratification when shopping or feel relief from symptoms of a psychological illness when they shop. Some individuals are attempting to quell Instead of buying what is needed, a person with a shopping addiction cannot resist the urge to buy more, or believes they will feel “better” after making a purchase.

Defining Exercise Addiction

Exercise is an activity that improves physical and mental health. It helps reduce the risk of severe and sometimes life-threatening physical health complications, such as heart disease, cardiovascular complications, and type 2 diabetes. Exercise is a healthy activity that improves mood, boosts confidence, and reduces stress and anxiety. Despite the benefits of exercise, an individual can become addicted to it.

When a person develops an exercise addiction, they cannot stop working out, even if they begin to experience physical or mental health complications. Exercise becomes a problem when relationships are affected, work is disrupted, and physical and mental health is compromised.

Eating disorders often accompany an exercise addiction. According to the US National Library of Medicine (NIH), “Eating disorders are the most common disorder to co-occur with exercise addiction. Approximately 39–48% of people suffering from eating disorders also suffer from exercise addiction.”

Compulsive Gambling

Compulsive gambling is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. When a person gambles, it means that they are willing to risk something valuable in the hope of getting something of even greater value. A person who compulsively gambles cannot stop gambling, despite negative consequences. Gambling addiction is harmful to relationships because of its priority over responsibilities. It can lead to the loss of a house, job, money, and bankruptcy. Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system, similar to that of drugs or alcohol, which can lead to substance use disorder (SUD). Compulsive gambling is problematic and can destroy lives. Some common signs of compulsive gambling include:

  • Being obsessed with gambling
  • Needing more money to gamble
  • Trying to stop gambling without success
  • Feeling irritable when not gambling
  • Gambling to escape problems
  • Trying to get back lost money by gambling more
  • Lying to hide the extent of gambling
  • Losing relationships, jobs, or work opportunities because of gambling

People who gamble compulsively may also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, substance abuse problems, personality disorders, depression, or anxiety. A gambling disorder may also be associated with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Hypersexual Disorder

The NIH states that sex addiction, also known as hypersexual disorder, is a term generally used to describe someone involved in various sexual behaviors that occur excessively and significantly impact everyday life. Hypersexual behavior can destroy relationships, create financial hardships, and interfere with paying bills on time. The urge for sexual gratification can take priority over daily responsibilities, special events and can affect job performance.

A person who struggles with a hypersexual disorder might pursue gratification at any cost through pornography, online forums, prostitution, or sex hotlines. Hypersexual behavior lacks an intimate element and fulfills a psychological need to relieve depression, anxiety, or tension. 

Hypersexual activities can be detrimental to physical and mental health. A person with sex addiction can be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. Although some diseases can be treated, there is a risk of long-term effects, physical health complications, or even death.

A person’s hypersexual behavior can cause shame, guilt, and remorse and lead to drug or alcohol use to relieve unpleasant feelings. This can increase the risk of developing SUD. Dangerous, compulsive behavior from a hypersexual disorder stimulates the need for more sexual encounters and sexual outlets.

Treatment For Behavioral Addiction

Treatment is needed when any behavior compromises relationships or leads to severe financial problems. A person who suffers from a behavioral addiction may have an underlying co-occurring mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. At Achieve Concierge, treatment is available for impulse control. Our clinicians can use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify what triggers impulsive behavior and replace it with healthy alternatives. If you or a loved one struggles with a behavioral addiction, it may be best to seek professional help.

 

Behavioral addiction significantly impacts every aspect of a person’s life and can make it challenging to engage in everyday activities and fulfill responsibilities. Often, those who suffer from a behavioral addiction can also have an underlying co-occurring mental health disorder. Both conditions should be treated simultaneously as a dual diagnosis for the best outcome in therapy. At Achieve Concierge, we offer individualized support to cope with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Our clinicians will use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify the thoughts and emotions that trigger addictive behaviors and replace compulsive responses with healthy alternatives. We believe in treating the person as a whole with a holistic approach that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. We offer same-day appointments as well as telemedicine appointments. If you are struggling with a behavioral addiction, it may be best to seek professional help. For more information about our services, call (858) 221-0344.