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Risks Associated with Self-Medication with Benzodiazepines

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Most mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others are treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. When a person does not seek help from a trained medical professional, they are at increased risk of symptoms worsening. Someone may turn to using substances, such as benzodiazepines, to ease their symptoms. Self-medication is never recommended and poses significant health risks, such as developing a substance use disorder (SUD). 

What Are Benzodiazepines?

People who suffer from mental health disorders are sometimes prescribed benzodiazepines (benzos) to reduce symptoms. Benzos are a class of medication used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. They work to calm or sedate a person by raising the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, in the brain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, common benzos include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam (Klonopin), among others.  

Medication should always be taken exactly as prescribed. When people self-medicate, they get temporary relief rather than a long-term solution to managing mental health problems. People self-medicate as an immediate fix to cope with mental health issues but increase the risk of developing an addiction to benzos.  

Effects of Self-Medicating with Benzos

Benzos provide an immediate, calming effect. If a person self-medicates with benzos, they risk developing a dependence on them, leading to serious health complications, overdose, and death. The combination of tolerance and dependence makes it hard to quit without medical treatment.

Just like alcohol, benzos can cause blackouts. A person does not need to be addicted to benzos to experience a blackout. A blackout is anterograde amnesia and prevents the brain from forming new memories. When a person has a blackout, its risk of occurring again increases.

Benzos are very effective and work quickly but can also be addictive. When people get medication without a prescription, they often do not know how much to take or what other substances may be added to the drug. In an article for the METRO (2017), Katie Baillie and Caroline Westbrook wrote that Lil Peep, a rapper, died from taking six Xanax laced with fentanyl. CBS NEWS reported in 2016 that Prince died with extremely high levels of fentanyl in his system, which is a cheap synthetic opioid that is about 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is commonly found in fake Xanax bars.

A fake Xanax bar is a tablet that looks like Xanax but is a deadly combination of Xanax and fentanyl. To avoid the possibility of an overdose or early death, people who are addicted to benzos must get treatment for addiction and any underlying mental health disorders as a dual diagnosis.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Mental Health Disorders

Some mental health disorders can affect everyday responsibilities and activities. They can also interfere with relationships with loved ones, cause extreme fatigue, and lead to a lack of nutrition. When struggling with mental illness, it can become difficult for you to participate in activities you once enjoyed and cause social isolation. Using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate is not recommended and can have deadly consequences.

There are healthy ways to cope with symptoms of mental health challenges. Exercise is a great physical activity that releases endorphins that can relieve stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and enhance overall well-being. If possible, exercise outdoors when the weather is nice. Being outside and in the sunshine can improve mood and mental health.

Meditation is a deep breathing exercise that promotes mindfulness and allows more oxygen into the bloodstream, which increases brain health. Maintaining a healthy diet will also balance physical and mental health. 

Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges can make you feel helpless, hopeless, and alone. Most are treatable with a combination of therapy and prescription medication. Mental health and SUDs often co-occur and must be treated simultaneously as a dual diagnosis. Do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

At Achieve Concierge, we take a holistic approach to treatment that focuses on healing your mind, body, and spirit for complete wellness in a healthy lifestyle. Each person can react differently to treatment, so our expert clinicians will perform a comprehensive health assessment to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. We will help you restore mental and physical wellness by exploring healthy ways to balance your mental health symptoms.

Our professional team will monitor your progress in your individualized mental health treatment program and can adjust treatment as needed. We want to help you feel stable and improve your quality of life. We will ensure you have the tools to effectively manage mental health symptoms to enjoy a fulfilling, healthy, rejuvenated lifestyle.

 

Self-medication for a mental health disorder is not safe and is never recommended. When you use substances to cope with mental health symptoms, you run the risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD), health complications, overdose, and even death. At Achieve Concierge, we offer a comprehensive health plan for youth and adults to tailor to your needs. Our members experience a continuum of care that addresses healing for the mind, body, and spirit. We work closely with our patients to develop the best options to manage mental health symptoms. We offer mental health services that can help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. We do not want you to wait for help, so we offer same-day, in-person appointments. We can also provide appointments via telemedicine. Achieve Concierge wants to help you by determining the best course of action to restore your total health. To learn more about our treatment plans, contact us today at (858) 221-0344.

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How to Cope With Multiple Mental Illnesses

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Mental illness can affect every aspect of your life and make daily responsibilities very challenging. It can cause disruptive sleep patterns, low job performance, and poor eating habits. When you have a mental illness, you can feel extreme fatigue and lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. While many people struggle with mental health problems, it is possible to be diagnosed with multiple mental illnesses, making coping with symptoms very difficult.

A mental illness, also sometimes known as a mental health disorder, is a condition that affects your mood, behavior, and thinking. Some mental illnesses may occur short-term, and others can be chronic. A diagnosis of two or more mental health disorders is known as a co-morbid condition.

Different Types of Mental Illnesses

Mental illnesses are more common than most people think, affecting one in five adults in the U.S. each year. Some mental health disorders can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. There are different types of mental illnesses, with some being more common than others.

Anxiety disorders make you feel intense fear that can prevent you from performing daily activities. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, anxiety disorders are a common mental health condition that affects more than 40 million adults in the U.S. Many children are also affected by anxiety disorders.

There are five major types of anxiety disorders:

  1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  3. Panic disorder
  4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  5. Social anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorders can vary in severity for each individual. People who have general anxiety may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, restlessness, fast breathing, or rapid heart rate. Although anxiety disorders can be challenging, they are treatable.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that makes a person experience recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last from one day to months. Bipolar causes dramatic shifts in mood and energy and can affect work or school productivity and performance.

The Mayo Clinic describes four types of bipolar:

  1. Bipolar I: characterized by having at least one manic episode preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Sometimes, mania can trigger psychosis.
  2. Bipolar II: classified by a series of depressive and hypomanic episodes
  3. Cyclothymic disorder: periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least two years
  4. Unspecified bipolar disorder: bipolar disorder symptoms that do not fit into the other bipolar categories

During manic episodes of bipolar, a person can feel energized and require less sleep. A manic episode can cause a person to lose their appetite, talk fast about many different things, and engage in risky behavior. Depressive episodes can cause a person to feel down and empty. They can also disrupt sleep patterns, lead to poor concentration, and cause a person to lose interest in activities. Many people who suffer from bipolar have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder, substance use disorder (SUD), eating disorder, or ADHD.  

Major depressive disorder is a common and severe mental health disorder that negatively affects many parts of a person’s life. Depression causes intense and debilitating feelings of sadness with a loss of interest in daily activities. Many people who suffer from major depressive disorder also struggle with other mental health disorders. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is among the most treatable mental illnesses. On average, 80-90% of people with depression respond well to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from the symptoms. The most common co-occurring mental illness with major depressive disorder is an anxiety disorder. Approximately five to nine percent of the general adult population has an anxiety and depression diagnosis.

Healthy Ways to Cope With Mental Illness

Although some mental illnesses can disrupt many aspects of your life, there are healthy ways to cope with symptoms. Exercise is a natural way to relieve stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and enhance well-being through the release of endorphins. Maintaining a healthy diet will also help improve overall health. Regular exercise and healthy eating can help o regulate sleep patterns, lower cholesterol, and increase brain function.

While taking care of your physical body is essential, it is also crucial to take care of your spirit. Take time to engage in self-care activities, such as reading, journaling, gardening, and more. By taking care of yourself, you aim to replenish your soul and care for yourself on a deeper level. Taking the time to connect to yourself can also include meditation and yoga. 

It is also essential to reach out for help when you need it. Keeping in contact with a healthy support system of family and friends can help individuals share their feelings with people they trust. Sometimes, letting out our emotions gives us some relief. You should also not be afraid to seek professional help if you need it. Treating comorbid mental health disorders can be challenging, and a medical professional can help you find the best treatment plan that fits your needs.

 

Many people suffer from more than one mental illness at once. Multiple diagnoses are treatable, and Achieve Concierge offers a comprehensive health plan that we can tailor to fit your needs. We work with our patients to develop the best strategy to manage mental health symptoms. Our panel of expert clinicians is prepared to create the best treatment path just for you. Our members experience a continuum of care that addresses healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Achieve Concierge offers mental health services for children and adults to ease anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. We take your mental health very seriously, so we offer same-day, in-person appointments so you can get help quickly and effectively. We can also provide appointments via telemedicine. We want to help you by determining the best course of action to restore your overall health. Discover more about our treatment options and call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344.

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The Link Between Heart Disease and Mental Health Disorders

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for people in the United States. Heart disease includes several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease. Coronary heart disease transpires when the walls of arteries that carry blood to the heart are constricted by plaque.

Many people may not know this, but there is a link between heart disease and mental health disorders. Many people suffer from mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Mental health symptoms can cause extreme fatigue, inactivity, disruptive eating patterns, and can interfere with daily activities and responsibilities.

A study of more than 221,000 people ages 45 and older without any history of heart disease revealed, on average, “people who had reported high or very high levels of depression and anxiety were more likely to have had a heart attack or stroke than people without those symptoms.” However, according to Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, when a person suffers from psychological distress or mental health symptoms, it does not mean they will develop heart disease. 

How Mental Health Disorders Affect the Heart

Mental health disorders can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life, depending on the severity of symptoms. It affects a person’s mood, behavior, thinking, and ability to socialize with others. Specific mental health symptoms can be debilitating and make it extremely difficult for a person to perform at work or school.

Some mental health disorders can change a person’s eating habits, sleep schedule, and activity level. Depression and PTSD can significantly reduce a person’s motivation and willingness to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Eating unhealthy foods and over-eating can increase a person’s cholesterol, lead to high blood pressure, and cause damage to the heart. This damage creates a significant risk for stroke, heart failure, and abdominal arterial aneurysm. 

People who struggle with mental health disorders are at increased risk of adopting harmful behaviors, such as smoking and failure to take prescribed medications. Many people who drink alcohol also use tobacco products. Alcohol and tobacco are addictive substances that can lead to addiction. They can also cause serious health problems, such as certain types of cancer. One cigarette can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and heavy alcohol use contributes to cardiomyopathy, which is a disorder that affects the heart muscle.

Over an extended period, mental health symptoms can impose physiologicical effects on the body, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, reduced blood flow to the heart, and elevated cortisone levels. These physiologic effects can contribute to a surge of calcium in the arteries, metabolic disease, and heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Mental and Physical Health

Living with a mental health condition can be very challenging, especially when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes. The following changes can significantly improve mental and physical health:

  • Eat healthy foods. Maintaining a healthy diet will improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote heart health. Good nutrition can improve energy levels, help regulate sleep patterns, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
  • Limit or abstain from alcohol. Since alcohol is a depressant, depression can worsen with alcohol intake because it lowers serotonin levels. Alcohol consumption increases blood pressure, which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.
  • Exercise regularly. Staying active and exercising regularly will improve anxiety and depression and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It will also improve cognition, including memory and attention. Staying active will give you a better quality of life and sense of wellbeing.
  • Stop smoking. When you stop smoking, you decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Smoking affects every organ in the body and damages cells that line blood vessels. Smoking also lowers good cholesterol and raises fat in the blood known as triglycerides.

Getting Help for Mental Health

Mental health disorders can make every aspect of a person’s life challenging. Deciding to get help can be difficult for many people due to the stigma behind mental health disorders. However, when you take care of your mental health, you can lower the risk of developing heart disease. With the right treatment, you can feel better mentally and physically.

At Achieve Concierge, we take a holistic approach to treatment for healing the mind, body, and spirit for a complete lifestyle balance. We treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar, and other mental health conditions. We offer comprehensive mental health services that can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and mindfulness. Sometimes, a patient may need medication and life coaching.

Our team of medical professionals will conduct a full health assessment to determine a treatment plan that works best for your needs. We will help you manage your mental health symptoms and explore healthy ways to cope. We also monitor your progress in our mental health treatment program and can adjust treatment if necessary. Our program wants to give you the tools to safely and effectively manage mental health symptoms so you can enjoy a fulfilling, healthy, balanced lifestyle.

 

People who suffer from mental health disorders are at increased risk of developing severe health complications, such as heart disease or stroke. At Achieve Concierge, we offer same-day, in-person mental health services so patients can get help quickly and effectively. We work with our patients to develop the best plan to manage mental health symptoms. Our team of expert clinicians is prepared to plan the best treatment strategies for you. Every person who struggles with mental health symptoms responds differently to treatment and medication. At Achieve Concierge, we offer youth and adult mental health services to help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders so you can have balance in your overall health. Appointments with our clinicians can be made in-person or via telemedicine. We want to help you by determining the best course of action to improve your quality of life. To learn more about our treatment options, call us today at (858) 221-0344.

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Getting Past the Stigma of Mental Illness

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Many people suffer from mental illness and hesitate to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five people in the U.S. is affected by a mental health disorder. However, the stigma surrounding mental illness makes it difficult for some people to ask for help.

Effects of the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness

There are harmful effects associated with the stigma of mental illness that can make symptoms worse. People who have a mental illness can feel hopeless, helpless, and alone, and stigma can have a negative impact on recovery. Common effects caused by the stigma of mental illness can include:

  • Discrimination
  • Hopelessness
  • Lowered self-esteem
  • Worsening psychiatric symptoms
  • Problems with social relationships
  • Difficulties at work or school
  • Difficulty performing daily tasks
  • Social isolation
  • Bullying or harassment

People may avoid seeking treatment because they fear being treated differently due to the stigma of mental illness. The stigma comes from a lack of understanding and misleading information about mental health disorders.

Self-Stigma of Mental Illness

Self-stigma occurs when people internalize public attitudes about mental health disorders and suffer various negative consequences as a result. A way to challenging self-stigma is to promote personal empowerment. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH, “One way to do this is through disclosure, the strategic decision to let others know about one’s struggle towards recovery.”

When a person internalizes the public stigma of mental illness, they can experience adverse emotional reactions, such as low self-esteem and poor self-assurance. Internalizing a mental health disorder can make a person socially isolated, affecting relationships with others. Self-stigma in the form of self-isolation has many harmful effects on a person’s health, well-being, and quality of life. 

Stigma may cause a person to feel ashamed of something entirely out of their control. Most fear that comes from others is due to lack of knowledge despite mental health disorders being the most common health conditions in the U.S. More than 50% of the population will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lifetime.

Ways to Help Manage Mental Health

If you suffer from mental health symptoms, there are ways to help you get past the stigma of mental illness:

    • Get treatment. Admitting you might need help for a mental health condition can be difficult, but medication and treatment can be tailored to your specific needs to restore total health.
    • Never feel ashamed. Do not let the stigma of mental illness refrain you from getting help. Anyone can develop a mental health disorder at any time. Learn about your symptoms. Mental illness does not equate to personal weakness.
    • Do not use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Using drugs or alcohol can increase the symptoms of mental health disorders and are destructive to your mental, physical, and emotional health. Using substances to cope can increase the risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) or other serious health complications, such as heart attack, liver failure, overdose, and death.
    • Join a support group. There are support groups and forums for mental health, and some are for specific disorders. Support groups are a great way to meet others who experience similar mental health symptoms. Listening to others’ experience may also help you create new ways to cope with symptoms. 
    • Do not isolate yourself. Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging people.
  • Practice self-care. Setting time aside to do things you enjoy can help restore spiritual well-being. You may want to consider journaling, reading, gardening, or any other activities you enjoy.
  • Practice good exercise and nutrition. Staying active with exercise regularly can help improve overall health. Exercise helps boost the production of the brain’s feel-good hormones and transmitters, known as endorphins. It also improves sleep, decreases anxiety, and increases energy. Eating nutritious food can make you feel good too. Both exercise and healthy eating can also improve your self-esteem. 

Mental Health Treatment is Available

Mental health challenges can make you feel isolated, helpless, and hopeless while interfering with many aspects of your daily life. Some symptoms of mental illnesses can make it difficult to go to work, attend school, and maintain relationships with family and friends. The feelings can be intense and debilitating. Mental illness can disrupt activities you once enjoyed participating in and cause extreme fatigue. Sadly, the stigma of mental illness prevents many people from getting the help they need.

At Achieve Concierge, we take a holistic approach to treatment for healing the mind, body, and spirit for total wellness. We offer comprehensive mental health services that can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and mindfulness. Sometimes, a patient may need medication and life coaching. Our expert medical clinicians will explore treatment options that work best for your needs. We monitor your mental health treatment program’s progress and ensure you can safely manage your mental health symptoms.

 

Many people suffer from mental health symptoms and hesitate to get help due to the stigma and prejudice surrounding mental illness. At Achieve Concierge, we offer same-day mental health services so patients can get help in a timely and effective manner. We work with you to help you find ways to manage your mental health symptoms. Our team of dedicated and professional clinicians is prepared to develop the best treatment plan for you. Each person who suffers from mental health symptoms can respond differently to treatment. At Achieve Concierge, we offer youth and adult mental health services to help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders so you can have balance in your overall health. Appointments with our clinicians can be made in-person or via telemedicine. We want to help you by determining the best course of action to improve your quality of life. To discover more about our services, call Achieve Concierge at (858) 221-0344.

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Preparing for the Anniversary of a Traumatic Event

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People who have survived trauma may feel like they relive the feelings of extreme sadness, depression, and anxiety on the anniversary of the traumatic event. The anniversary of a traumatic event can invoke intense feelings and emotions associated with the trauma. Some people even struggle with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be overwhelming and take control of physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Everyone reacts and heals differently to trauma. Sometimes, a psychological reaction to different senses can occur that reminds a person of the trauma, such as a particular sound, smell, or season. Reliving the feelings is normal and a natural reaction to the healing process, but sometimes the intensity of the emotions can make it difficult for a person to function at work, school, or home.

What Can Happen?

Anniversary dates of traumatic events can reactivate thoughts and feelings from the actual event, and survivors may experience anxiety and depression. Around the anniversary of a traumatic event, people are likely to remember events clearly, and many will feel emotions more intensely than usual. Reliving the sadness is a very natural part of the healing process. However, there is no one right way to heal. Try not to compare your reactions to those of others. Each person is different, and each individual will find their own way of coping with the memories.

Anniversary Reactions

Anniversary reactions can occur on the anniversary of the date the traumatic event happened – the date itself triggers the memory. For example, the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks were labeled with the date on which they occurred (9/11), linking the date directly to the traumatic event. A traumatic memory can hold onto the information that causes one to be afraid of certain people, places, or things associated with the traumatic event.

People who have PTSD sometimes have flashbacks of the events repeatedly. They may avoid certain places or people and can be easily startled and have angry outbursts. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH, people with PTSD may have an increased risk of coronary heart disease and possibly thromboembolic stroke.

A traumatic event’s anniversary can trigger a distressing memory that produces intense feelings, emotions, physiological reactions, negative thoughts about the world, and protective coping responses. Traumatic memories contain specific information about an event’s seriousness to help people seek safety and protect themselves from similar harm. The memory provides information about what the person should be afraid of, how they should perceive such situations, how to feel in that situation, and what to think.

Mental health is significant to study in the context of disasters – often in such events as 9/11, loved ones are lost suddenly, horrifically, and unexpectedly. Some of the reactions those affected may experience as the anniversary date nears include difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, irritable outbursts, nightmares, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and feelings of detachment from others.

Coping With the Anniversary of a Traumatic Event

The anniversary of a traumatic event or loss can be a time of reflection and can be seen as an opportunity for a person to look back and recognize how far they have come. It can be a time to recognize and appreciate family, friends, and loved ones who supported them throughout the healing process. You may want to consider the following to help you cope with the anniversary of a traumatic event:

  • Prepare for the anniversary in advance. Make plans for healthy distractions.
  • Memorialize the loss of a loved one. When appropriate, make a specific plan related to your loss or traumatic event. 
  • Remind yourself the feelings are temporary. The distressing symptoms of the anniversary should disperse over time.
  • Understand symptoms can appear on other dates at any time. Mental health conditions can worsen on holidays, during winter months, and even birthdays.
  • Find support and ask for help. Do not be ashamed to ask for help and seek treatment, even many years after the traumatic event or loss.

Mental Health Treatment is Available

Everyone copes with tragedy and trauma differently. While some thoughts, emotions, and feelings can be very troubling, it helps to know these reactions are expected after a traumatic event. Sometimes, people have these strong feelings for weeks or months later. Working through trauma takes time and requires physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

At Achieve Concierge, we take a holistic approach to total wellness. We offer same-day access to mental health services so you can collaborate with our medical clinicians to explore treatment options for mental health disorder symptoms without delay. We monitor your progress in our mental health treatment program and ensure you can safely manage your mental health symptoms. We work with you to develop the best treatment plan based on your unique needs to deliver the best results.

 

Preparing for a traumatic event’s anniversary can help you cope with strong feelings and emotions associated with the trauma or loss. With Achieve Concierge’s same-day mental health services, individuals can get instant help to find ways to manage their mental health symptoms. We want to help you find ways to cope with your symptoms, and our team of dedicated clinicians is prepared to develop the best treatment plan for you. Each person who suffers from mental health symptoms responds differently to treatment. At Achieve Concierge, we offer youth and adult mental health services to help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Appointments with our providers can be made in-person or via telemedicine. We take a holistic approach to treatment and want to help by determining the best course of action to treat your mental health disorder. To discover more about our services and treatment plans, call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344.

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Remote Learning and Its Effects on Mental Health

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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many of us who now work remotely. The pandemic has also led to remote learning for our school-aged children and young adults who attend college. Some areas around the country closed schools in March 2020 and have not opened since then. While following COVID-19 protocols is necessary, the absence of being in a school surrounded by peers is taking a toll on our children’s mental health.

The Social Impact of Remote Learning on Children

The shift from in-person to remote learning has been challenging for many children and young adults. Being in school and learning in a classroom setting is more practical for academic and social development. Attending virtual classes has made many kids feel isolated, alone, and even scared. For children who already have mental health complications, remote learning can increase depression and anxiety.

Many children rely on schools for mental and behavioral health services. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before COVID-19, an estimated one in five U.S. children experienced a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. These included anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and disruptive behavioral disorders. However, only about 20% of children receive care from a specialized mental health provider. Without access to these services, mental health conditions and behavioral disorders can worsen.

Many children and adolescents cannot participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs, with school closures. Many kids will not attend events, including prom, school fairs, or school field trips. For many others, school meals may be the only meal they receive throughout the day. Some could be home alone during the day as parents leave for work.

The social impact of remote learning on children can be devastating. Teachers who were able to identify whether a child is abused or neglected at home might have a more difficult time reaching that observation in an online classroom. Mental health can rapidly decline, putting a child at risk of self-harm, depression, and anxiety.  

Mental Health Conditions

Depression is debilitating and can make you feel alone, tired, and unmotivated. When children suffer from depression, they can become withdrawn or show physical symptoms, such as aches and pains. Some of the symptoms of depression in children include:

  • Loss of interest
  • Problems concentrating
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Increase or decrease in appetite
  • Aggression or angry outbursts
  • Hopelessness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Talking about death

Some symptoms of depression can mimic other psychiatric conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety disorders. Before 2020, there was already evidence that young people’s mental health problems were increasing. The 12-month prevalence of a major depressive disorder in U.S. adolescents increased from 8.7% in 2005 to 11.3% in 2014.

Staying energized and motivated in a distance-learning model can be very challenging. Younger children who need supervision can quickly get distracted and not perform well in an online environment. Teens and older children miss socializing with friends as they usually would before the pandemic. Remote learning can make kids feel disconnected and anxious about their future in an educational environment.

Anyone can develop a mental health disorder or behavioral problem. Teens and adolescents who struggle with mental health issues are at high risk of turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Drug and alcohol use can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD). Certain drugs and alcohol can worsen mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Using substances to cope can cause serious health risks, including heart attack, liver failure, overdose, or death.

Ways to Improve Mental Health

Remote learning can make kids less active than they usually would be if they were attending school in-person. Inactivity and sitting still for long periods throughout the day can be difficult, especially for kids who struggle with ADHD. Parents can encourage their children to use time n between classes to stand up, walk around, and go outside for some fresh air if weather permits.

Physical activity can significantly improve a child’s mental health. Young people who exercise regularly have lower levels of depression, stress, psychological distress, higher levels of a positive self-image, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Regular exercise and staying active can also improve behavior, including those with behavioral disorders, such as ADHD. 

Youth Mental Health Services

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts young children and teens, and remote learning makes them susceptible to feeling isolated, putting them at risk of developing mental health complications. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen or last well into adulthood.

Youth mental health services are available at Achieve Concierge. They can include medication, psychotherapy, or both to help a child or teen who experiences depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. Also, alternative therapies like music or art therapy, meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques may be used as part of a mood disorder treatment program for a child or teen.

If social isolation and remote learning affect your child or teen, do not hesitate to ask for help. At Achieve Concierge, we want to help your child or teen find ways to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team of dedicated professionals can help identify a treatment plan based on your child’s needs.

 

Remote learning for children and young adolescents has been necessary for some parts of the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation and distance learning can significantly impact academic and social development, which can increase f anxiety and depression symptoms. We can help your child or teen find ways to cope, and our team of clinicians is dedicated to developing the best option for your child’s needs. Each child who struggles with mental health symptoms responds differently to treatment. At Achieve Concierge, we offer youth mental health services to help ease anxiety and depression. We offer same-day appointments in person, and appointments with all our providers can be made via telemedicine. We take a holistic approach to treatment and want to help by determining the best course of action to treat your child’s mental health symptoms. To find out more about our services and treatment plans, call Achieve Concierge at (858) 221-0344.

ocd

How is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Different from Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes a person to experience uncontrollable and recurring thoughts or behaviors, even when they know they are excessive. While some thoughts and behaviors related to OCD are anxiety-induced, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes a person to worry without engaging in obsessive or compulsive behaviors to cope.

The main differences between OCD and GAD depend on three criteria: the content of anxiety, the adhesiveness of thoughts, and if compulsive behavior is involved. OCD and GAD can significantly interfere with a person’s daily responsibilities, work or school performance, and relationships. 

How OCD Can Affect a Person’s Life

When a person who suffers from OCD tries to stop their obsessive behavior or compulsions, feelings of distress and anxiety can increase, heightening the urge to perform the obsession or compulsive behavior, which amplifies anxiety. The impulsive feelings keep coming back and can lead to more ritualistic behavior. According to the Mayo Clinic, “OCD, usually considered a lifelong disorder, can have mild to moderate symptoms or be so severe and time-consuming that it becomes disabling.”

Some obsessive symptoms can include:

  • Fear of germs
  • Urge to have things orderly and neat
  • Aggressive and unwanted thoughts
  • Intense stress when objects are not orderly or facing a certain way
  • Strong desire to follow a strict routine or ritual
  • Need to check and re-check, such as locking doors or turning off stove
  • Excessive hand washing or cleaning

OCD symptoms can worsen with increased stress. An individual with OCD might turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve symptoms, increasing the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). 

What Causes OCD?

OCD leads to repeated, continuous, and redundant thoughts, urges, or intrusive images and causes anguish or anxiety. Symptoms vary in severity and can begin in early childhood. Routines and rituals are normal and can help stabilize a child’s expectations and worldview; however, when a child has OCD, obsessive thoughts and compulsive habits become severe and interfere with daily activities, relationships, and typical development.

The exact cause of OCD is unknown; however, OCD tends to run in families; it can be caused by genetics. In some cases, streptococcal, a type of bacteria, can lead to infections and may trigger OCD or make it worse. 

OCD is a brain problem that results from not having enough serotonin in the brain. Individuals who were emotionally, physically, or sexually abused or experienced other trauma are susceptible to OCD. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges and substance use disorders are also linked to OCD.

How GAD Can Affect a Person’s Life

Anxiety is normal. It helps us get out of harm’s way and prepare for important events. It warns us when we need to take action. However, if you have persistent, irrational, and overwhelming anxiety that interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.

People with GAD experience persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worries that go on every day, possibly all day. They feel it’s beyond their control. People with GAD also often expect the worst, even when there is no reason for any concern. Their worrying occurs on more days than not for at least six months and often concerns health, family, money, or work. The exaggerated, unrelenting worrying interferes with everyday living. Physical symptoms often accompany it and include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. However, despite the anxiety, those who suffer from GAD do not engage in obsessive and compulsive behavior. 

GAD can affect all areas of life, including social, work, school, and family. According to a national survey conducted by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, seven out of ten people with GAD agreed their chronic anxiety impacted their relations with spouses or significant others. Two-thirds also reported that GAD harmed their friendships.

What Causes GAD?

The exact cause for GAD is unknown. Scientists believe that biological factors, family background, and life experiences are all involved. Stress can also play a factor in developing GAD. Even the stress of positive events, such as buying a new house, can trigger symptoms in those predisposed to the disorder. 

Treatment for OCD and GAD

A doctor may prescribe medication, or the patient may need a combination of different types of psychotherapy, medication, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to effectively treat OCD symptoms. OCD can co-occur with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and SUD. 

At Achieve Concierge, our clinicians may recommend a combination of CBT, mindfulness exercises, medications, and other therapies to treat GAD. In doing so, we help our patients discover the best ways to manage their anxiety symptoms.

 

A well-balanced, healthy lifestyle can help ease symptoms of anxiety and OCD-related compulsions and fear. OCD and GAD can interfere with work or school performance, interrupt relationships, and negatively impact home life. OCD and GAD are treatable, and most people benefit from medication, psychotherapy, and CBT. Our compassionate medical staff at Achieve Concierge is dedicated to the best option for your needs. At Achieve Concierge, we offer treatment to help you manage obsessive thoughts and compulsions. We offer same-day appointments in person and telemedicine appointments if you prefer to stay at home due to COVID-19 protocols. We take a holistic approach to treatment and believe in treating you as a whole person. Our members experience a continuum of care that addresses not only healing for the mind but the body and spirit as well. We want to help you determine the best course of action to treat your OCD or GAD symptoms. To discover more about our services, call us at (858) 221-0344.

Understanding the Difference between Childhood ADHD and a Learning Disability

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Parenting a child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be challenging. Understanding the difference between childhood ADHD and a learning disability can help you prepare and create ways for your child to succeed. ADHD can cause learning difficulties, but it is distinct from a learning disability.

While it is possible to have ADHD alone or a learning disability without ADHD, they can co-occur. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, 30-50% of children with ADHD also have a specific learning disability, and both conditions can intertwine to make learning very challenging.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it hard for a child to focus, pay attention, sit still, and control impulsive behavior. Most children are diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, and symptoms can last through adulthood. ADHD affects approximately three to five percent of children in the U.S. When children have ADHD, they can fall behind academically due to inadequate attention skills and inability to focus. ADHD can affect school or work performance and interfere with socialization among friends.

The cause and risk factors for developing ADHD are currently unknown but can be linked to genetics. Many children who have ADHD also struggle with other disorders, such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, or Tourette’s syndrome.  

What Are the Differences Between ADHD and a Learning Disability?

Children who have ADHD or a learning disability can struggle with confidence, self-esteem, self-image, and rejection from peers. ADHD can lead to aggressive behavior, angry outbursts, and interrupting others, leading to rejection by peer groups and friends. There are three symptoms commonly linked to ADHD: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity or acting without thinking.

According to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, researchers believe that some people with ADHD do not have enough neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that help control a person’s behavior. Some parts of the brain that control behavior were smaller in kids with ADHD than in children without ADHD. A diagnosis for ADHD is based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Symptoms need to significantly impair a child’s performance at school and at home to meet the criteria.

Learning disabilities can occur in children with exceptional intelligence and interfere with one or more learning areas. A child who struggles with a learning disorder can have difficulty with a specific set of skills, despite trying hard to achieve them, making a child frustrated and affecting self-esteem, confidence, and school performance.

Learning disabilities continue into adolescence and adulthood, and although there is no cure for learning disabilities, they can be managed successfully. Children with learning disabilities can get extra help or even qualify for special education in school. Some examples of learning disabilities include:

  • Dyslexia: Reversing letters or numbers
  • Dyscalculia: Difficulty with math
  • Dysgraphia: Problems with handwriting motor skills
  • Non-verbal learning disabilities: Poor coordination and inability to understand facial expressions
  • Reading comprehension deficit: Problems understanding what they read

Learning disabilities can also affect executive functioning, such as organization, strategizing, decision-making, and time management. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a part of U.S. legislation that ensures all children with disabilities receive free appropriate public education to meet their specific needs and prepares them for advanced education, employment, and independent living. 

Tips For Parents of Children With ADHD

Parenting a child with ADHD or a learning disability is challenging and can make parents feel helpless, hopeless, and guilty for their child’s behavior. Often parents feel increased stress, anxiety, and frustration as they come to grips with their child’s condition. Parents sometimes blame themselves for their child’s behavior and wonder if they could have prevented it. Here are some helpful tips for parents of children who struggle with ADHD symptoms:

  • Learn about ADHD. Understanding ADHD and your child’s symptoms can help you discover ways to help your child.
  • Communicate with teachers and educational professionals. Discuss your child’s success and struggles in school and at home.
  • Keep your child on the recommended dose of medication. Do not stop giving your child their medication without consulting the prescribing medical professional.
  • Praise your child’s efforts, no matter how small they seem; this can help boost your child’s confidence.
  • Set clear and concise expectations. When your child knows what is expected of them, they can better understand acceptable behavior.
  • Talk to your child’s therapist about the best ways to discipline your child. Each child’s situation is unique, and what works for one child might not work for everyone.
  • Acknowledge positive behaviors. Compliment your child on their acceptable behavior.
  • Set aside time to spend together on fun activities. Quality time spent with your child can reduce stress for you and your child.

There is no cure for ADHD, but it is treatable with medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy. Natural treatment for ADHD is also available and can be tailored to each person’s own unique needs.

Getting Help For Your Child

Medication is sometimes used to increase the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Stimulant medications that are commonly used in ADHD treatment include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Behavioral therapy is also used in treating children with ADHD and can be used in conjunction with medication or without it. Behavioral therapy can improve a child’s self-control, self-esteem, and behavior.

At Achieve Concierge, our team of clinicians can perform in-depth assessments and develop a treatment plan for your child’s unique needs. Each child responds differently to treatment. If you are a parent of a child who struggles with ADHD, do not hesitate to get help. While there is no cure, treatment is available.  

 

ADHD and learning disabilities share common traits but are treated differently. ADHD can cause disruptions in school performance, interruptions with relationships, and negatively affect life at home. Most children benefit from medication and behavioral therapy. Our expert medical clinicians at Achieve Concierge are dedicated to patient care and support and can provide the best strategy for treating your child. We offer individualized support to help your child cope with symptoms of ADHD so they can be successful in school, develop and maintain friendships, and control impulsive and disruptive behaviors at home. We offer same-day appointments in person, as well as telemedicine appointments. We want to help you and your child by determining the best course of action to treat their ADHD symptoms. To find out more information about our services, call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344.