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Reentering the Void: The Emotional COVID Coaster of Lockdowns and Reopens

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The world seems to be oscillating between “bouncing back” and locking down. This back and forth can cause exacerbated stress, anxiety, and depression for introverts and extroverts alike. If you enjoy your space and silence, you may feel a little nervous about heading out to dinner with friends after spending the last 18 months tucked away in your apartment or home. Recharging that social battery can be distressing and can take some time.

Inversely, maybe you’re a social butterfly, and you’re ready to see your friends and loved ones again. However, you’re weighing the desire to experience the world again against concerns about potential variants and enclosed spaces. No matter your personality type, the pandemic roller coaster has been daunting and stressful for everyone.

Uncertainty, Anxiety, and Guilt 

If you’re concerned about going back into the world, you aren’t alone. A study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association showed that nearly half of Americans surveyed felt anxious about returning to “normal life.”

If you find yourself excited about heading out but are cautious about potentially harmful variants or feel you are a little rusty with the small talk, you are one among many. After binge-watching your favorite shows for a year and tossing together late-night recipes you found on Google, the idea of dinner with friends may seem like a Herculean task.

However, humans thrive on social connections. When you pin that biological need against the possibility of getting yourself or others sick, the anxiety and uncertainty compound.

It can also be easy to feel guilty for deciding to go out. Even though the world seems to be reopening in parts of the country, there are many factors you might be mulling over as you try to unwind with friends or family. All of this can exacerbate issues you may be struggling with, but it is essential to remember that you are not alone in feeling this way.

Safely Recharging Your Social Batteries 

Getting an invite from a friend may have filled you with excitement and happiness at one point, but after spending copious amounts of time distanced from others, you may feel as though you don’t have much to say. That’s perfectly natural. Your concerns are not irrational nor illogical; however, it is safe to say that many people feel the same way.

Going out with friends safely may feel challenging at first, but it is essential to your mental and emotional health to spend time with others. Many people are reentering the void with shaky legs, so it’s okay if the topic of conversation sits on how many times you rewatched The Office.

Keeping Tabs On Your Triggers

You may have found yourself struggling mentally and emotionally during the pandemic, and you aren’t alone. Reentering social settings may be difficult at first, but it’s essential to remember that many people are out and about on wobbly legs. If you suddenly feel anxious or nervous upon entering a social setting, that’s completely normal.

Being mindful of the things that cause you to worry or become upset is one of the many things you can do to keep yourself calm when reentering social settings. Your mental health is important. If you’re one of the many Americans living with a mental health or substance abuse issue, the concept of reopens and especially potential lockdowns can exacerbate these issues. However, keeping tabs on your triggers can help you ease back into “normal” life.

Lockdowns, Reopens, and Sobriety 

The pandemic has hit everyone hard in various ways, including those in recovery and struggling with substance use disorder. Several studies over the past 18 months have shown that binge drinking and recreational use of prescription drugs increased. Prolonged bouts of isolation and boredom can be potentially disastrous for sobriety efforts.

The thought of the world reopening may also weigh on your mind if you are in recovery. Many people are flocking to bars and restaurants after long periods indoors. Being mindful of your triggers can help you deal with the potential of being out and around others while they are partaking in alcohol use and the possibility of future lockdowns.

Staying Mentally Healthy in the Midst of Uncertainty 

No matter your personality type or personal struggle, it’s imperative to your overall well-being to try and stay mentally healthy. It doesn’t help when people drone on about staying “positive.” However, we can do our best to be mindful of how we react to both good and bad news and how watching world events unfold 24/7 can impact our minds. We can do our best to compartmentalize what we can control and what we cannot control.

Lockdowns and reopens have been stressful for everyone. Loss, grief, and loneliness can be particularly stressful for you if you already struggle with your mental health. It doesn’t matter if you’re an extrovert excited to be back out with friends and family or an introvert concerned about recharging your social batteries; the pandemic affects everyone differently. You are not alone. If you find that the world’s constant changes are causing you mental and emotional distress, reach out to Achieve Concierge today. Our team of professionals and experts is trained to help you build and maintain healthy habits during stressful times. We are committed to providing the highest level of mental wellness care with personalized service that is second to none. If you feel as though you need to speak with a caring professional, we offer Telemedicine services and same-day services. Achieve Concierge is here to help. Call us today at (858) 221-0344.

Healthy Habits: How to Make Your Addictive Personality Work For You

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We know that addiction is a disease. Treating it isn’t as simple as saying, “No more for me, thanks.” Drug and alcohol abuse changes your prefrontal cortex, which makes it difficult for you to make rational decisions, even basic ones like “No, I don’t want to use today.”

We also know the pitfalls, perils, and problems associated with addiction. Maybe you, like many others, have lost out on friends, missed opportunities, experiences, and money chasing a bit of relief from pain. While addiction can be challenging to deal with, what if there was such a thing as a positive addiction?

The Science Behind Saying “No” 

Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, states, “When the frontal cortex isn’t working properly, people can’t make the decision to stop taking the drug—even if they realize the price of taking that drug may be extremely high, and they might lose custody of their children or end up in jail. Nonetheless, they take it.”

Couple this with an addictive personality, and you can see why it can be challenging for people to kick bad habits. However, what if we could replace bad habits with good habits? Kick the harmful addictions out and replace them with positive addictions?

Is There Such a Thing as a Positive Addiction? 

William Glasser was an American Philosopher and Psychiatrist who wrote about the mind and its inner machinations. Glasser wrote heavily on the nature of addictions and addictive personalities. Addictions are chemical habits that, over time, stop being unconscious choices you make and start becoming psychological and physiological needs. There are steps that you can take when working on overcoming your addiction that can allow you to create, as Dr. Glasser describes them, “positive addictions.”

Positive addictions are more than just things you enjoy doing. Having a hobby that makes you happy and allows you to spend your time in healthy, productive ways is good for the human body and psyche. To turn your addictive personality into something that can benefit you requires some essential steps.

Creating “Positive Addictions” 

There are four steps to help yourself create positive addictions:

#1. First, think of something that you love doing. Something that maybe, as time an addiction wore on, you lost interest in.

#2. Refamiliarization is the second step. In the same way that you familiarized yourself with drugs, alcohol, and the lifestyle associated with those things, you’re going to want to refamiliarize yourself with that hobby. Meditation, art, sports, music, writing, etc. What made you fall in love with it? If you can answer that question, you are well on your way to building a new, positive addiction.

#3. Once you’ve rekindled your love for that old hobby or found a new one, you will need to set aside time each week to engage in that hobby. As someone who struggles with addiction, you set aside time to use. However, setting a time to engage in your new healthy habit satisfies that “ritual” part of the brain that is often associated with addiction processes.

#4. Once you’ve gotten your new, healthy habit settled, keep at it. Many activities such as yoga have been proven to have calming, endorphin-rushing side effects that don’t come at the cost of your mental and physical health.

Healthy Habits for Someone in Recovery 

There are many healthy habits you can create for yourself in recovery. Some of these may include:

  • Good sleeping habits: A good night’s sleep can help your body heal from the damage caused by addiction. Good sleeping habits can also help reduce the possibility of relapse.
  • Self-care habits: Creating a life without drugs or alcohol involves re-establishing even the simplest self-care routines, such as taking a shower, going for a jog or a run, meditating, or putting on makeup. When creating healthy habits, do anything that can make you feel better and take your mind off the pressure of maintaining sobriety.
  • Active habits: Being physically active has positive outcomes for your physical health and can also benefit your mental health by serving as a way for you to release stress and depression. Exercise can also help you focus on something more worthwhile than your cravings.

The Benefits of Positive Habits 

Addiction doesn’t always have to exist as a pejorative. We can become obsessed with wonderful things. Building healthy habits is a great way to ease the burdens that come with kicking unhealthy habits. By practicing healthy habits and building positive addictions, you are not only keeping yourself occupied with something you love, but you are also investing in both your present and future self.

Treat yourself with kindness. The world can be an unforgiving place at times. It helps to forgive yourself and treat yourself with compassion, love, and adoration. When you find yourself shackled with harmful addictions and you want to free yourself from them, building positive addictions is a great way to start.

Many people struggle with substance use disorder. When you’re in the throes of addiction or a mental health emergency, it can feel as though there is no way out. At Achieve Concierge, we take a comprehensive approach to substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of caring professionals wants to help you defeat your addictions and build healthy habits. Our members have access to a variety of services, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to recommended medications. If you have COVID-19 concerns, we offer telemedicine services that can be scheduled and arranged in the comfort of your home. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs immediate help, we offer same-day services as well. Don’t wait or hesitate. Achieve Concierge is here to help you build the better life that you deserve, free from the shackles of addiction. Call us today for more information on the programs we offer at (858) 221-0344.

Partying or Problem? When College Drinking Goes too Far

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College is an exciting time in every young person’s life. Not only are you building towards a new career, but you are also thrust out of the confines of your parent’s home and into a world where you are exposed to different people and different lifestyles.

A term you often hear in the United States is “the college experience.” The college experience can vary from person to person, but in general, this turn of phrase usually refers to late nights, new friends, and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Drinking at college has become a ritual that students often see as an integral part of their higher education experience. Unfortunately, the environment of college can lead to unhealthy drinking habits that can be detrimental to your mental and physical health.

When you’re in college, a fine line between partying and a problem can manifest at any time. How do you know if you’re just socializing and experimenting or potentially developing unhealthy habits with drugs and alcohol?

Crunching the Numbers 

A nationwide survey conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that “almost 53 percent of full-time college students ages 18 to 22 drank alcohol in the past month and about 33 percent engaged in binge drinking during that same time frame.” The NIAAA defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. For men, this typically means consuming five drinks or more on one occasion and four drinks or more for females.

However, some college students drink at least twice that amount, a behavior that is often called high-intensity drinking. Within the cultural and social traditions of college in America, heavy drinking is expected. Within Greek life communities, heavy and high-intensity drinking is often condoned and endorsed.

If you are attending college and worried about your level of drinking, it may be worthwhile to keep a mental note of how many drinks you are having and how often. The norms and traditions of the “college experience” can sometimes be detrimental to your physical and mental wellbeing.

Being Aware of Your Habits 

If you have ever had a drink before, you know that alcohol acts as a “social lubricant” for many people. You may feel friendlier, funnier, more confident, etc. This type of “social lubrication” can come in handy when you leave your hometown and attempt to thrust yourself into a new social dynamic in a new city. Add the stress of studying and final exams to the equation, and it is no surprise that many college students engage in binge and high-intensity drinking.

This juxtaposition of a stressful environment combined with a “let-loose” set of cultural norms and traditions can be a recipe for disaster for substance abuse. However, being mindful of your habits and level of consumption can help you maintain your mental and emotional wellbeing while you are in school.

Stay Mindful 

If you are soon to start your college career or are currently attending college, you may ask yourself, “Do I have a problem with drinking?” at some point. The stressful environment and norms associated with the American collegiate lifestyle can sometimes cause us to rationalize heavy drinking as “a part of the experience.” However, in doing so, we are discounting our future selves.

Adjusting to a new city and way of life while also coping with the complex subject matter and rapid-succession deadlines can exacerbate the average college student’s desire to engage in binge drinking and high-intensity drinking. However, for the sake of your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, it is essential to be mindful of how you socialize and cope.

If you are often engaging in binge drinking, you may be developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Being mindful of your alcohol consumption can prevent you from developing these unhealthy habits.

The Difference Between Partying and a “Problem” 

Everyone has a different story and set of experiences when they first attend college. What may work for you may be too much for another person and vice-versa. Some people leave college without developing unhealthy drinking habits, while others enter college with unhealthy habits. Everyone is different when it comes to substance abuse.

However, regardless of biological and emotional differences and limits, when alcohol begins to interfere with your everyday life and obligations, the line between partying and a problem has effectively been crossed. If your grades are slipping and you find that you are prioritizing alcohol over studying, you may be beginning to develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

College is a wonderful time in many people’s lives. It’s where many people meet their best friends, business partners, and lifelong connections. In college, it is often seen as normal to participate in parties and drink significant amounts of alcohol. However, the stressful late nights and fun-filled weekends can wear on your physical and mental wellbeing. If you feel like you are beginning to develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, Achieve Concierge is here to help. Our team of experts and professionals works with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our members have access to a full range of services. From TMS to cognitive behavioral therapy, Achieve Concierge can help you work towards leading a happier, healthier life. If you find that alcohol is becoming a detriment to your studies, we are here to help. Call us today to learn more about the services we offer at (858) 221-0344.

What Is a Functioning Addict?

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One of the more prevalent terms you may hear in the world of substance abuse tropes, be it on TV or in books, is the term “functioning addict.” The term is usually reserved for a person who is perceived as being in the throes of addiction but manages to live their day-to-day lives with little to no interruption. You may consider yourself a functioning addict or know someone who uses the term to describe themselves. However, what does being a functioning addict actually mean?

The Functioning Addict in Media

A common trope you may see in movies, and TV is the glamorization of the mixture of professional life and substance abuse. Maybe a busy corporate go-getter makes deadlines by abusing stimulants, or a college student studying late at night and overdrinking. There are many examples of the “functioning addict” that you may see, but the romanticization of these characters is a part of the story.

Substance use disorder does not occur in a 90-minute window and is not always a part of a grander story. In fiction books, movies, and television, the life of the functioning addict may be presented as a part of the overall story. It would not always make sense to delve into the litany of ways that “functioning addicts” are not functioning at all. Over the years, as you watch these shows or movies and read these books, you may find yourself identifying with the trope of the functioning addict.

Defining the Functioning Addict 

When you think of a functioning addict, what characteristics come to mind? Maybe they have gainful employment, a place to live, a network of family and friends they regularly associate with, etc. The problem with this definition lies in the implications of the term “functioning” and whether or not a person can maintain a level of function as an addiction wears on and takes its toll.

Identifying a Functioning Addict

The consequences of substance abuse in functioning addicts may not always be evident to others — at least for a while. While the negative impact of substance abuse may be subtle in the functioning addict, there are a few signs that may identify a substance use disorder, including:

  • A high volume of consumption: When drinking socially, one drink often leads to several drinks every time or enough times that drinking seems to become “out of control.”
  • Using substances as a reward: A functioning addict may defend their use of substances by claiming they “earned it” for working so hard.
  • Using substances to cope: The functioning addict may use substances to cope with the challenges of work or family life. However, avoidance of the stress and obligations leads to further pressures and substance abuse to cope and escape.
  • Socializing always involves substances: An individual suffering from addiction is more likely to socialize only with others who use substances, attending social events that typically focus on substance use.
  • Rough mornings: The functioning addict may begin to show up for work most mornings with a headache or might be grumpy or ill. They may use excuses to hide the cause.

How Long Can You Function? 

Looking at both the fictionalized versions of functioning addicts and the clinical definitions and studies of functioning addicts, on the surface, they might not seem that different. However, the issue lies within adverse health effects and the likelihood of a person struggling with substance use disorder sliding into the “nonfunctioning category.”

Gainful employment and adequate housing are essential for overall stability and crucial to mental and emotional wellbeing. However, the toll that drugs and alcohol take on the body over time can lead to many issues that are not conducive to maintaining a good job, housing, and a network of family and friends.

From Functioning to Non-Functioning

High-functioning addicts are usually distinguished by their ability to maintain a “normal” life while addicted to substances. At first, substance use disorder may share many similarities with other debilitating diseases; you can mostly maintain a level of normalcy and function despite your illness. However, as the disease progresses, life becomes much harder, and maintaining that level of normalcy becomes near impossible.

Even in high-functioning addicts who seem to have little to no interference in their day-to-day lives, substance use disorder causes various problems in practically every aspect of human life. Struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders, while popular tropes in TV and books, is a very complicated and stressful set of circumstances.

The burdens of addiction can weigh on you in various ways. It may be the case that you can maintain your work-life balance and pay your rent. However, substance use disorder can inevitably lead to a variety of issues that can manifest over time. As time goes on, your priorities may become more centered around the substance, and thus your level of functionality is diminished.

Many people who struggle with addiction fit into the category of the “functioning addict.” Despite substance abuse, they maintain a sense of normalcy in their everyday life; they can keep a job, have a home, and have a family. However, substance use disorder can weigh heavily on every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional lives. Whether you fit into the category of the functioning addict or not, substance use disorder can eventually take a toll on your mental and emotional health. At Achieve Concierge, we strive to offer our members quality service and care. Our team of medical professionals and experts is here to provide you with the tools and help you need to overcome addiction. Substance use disorders and mental health disorders are manageable. Our members have access to same-day mental health services, telemedicine services, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and more. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, call Achieve Concierge at (858) 221-0344.

 

Hygiene and Mental Health: From Obsession to Neglect

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Talking to others about the inner workings of your personal struggles can be a difficult thing to do. One of the many “open secrets” about mental and emotional health struggles is centered around personal hygiene. Depression, anxiety, and other issues can affect the day-to-day routine of our lives in various ways. One of these is how we take care of ourselves.

How Mental Health Can Affect Hygiene

For some, depression and anxiety can make even the most mundane and routine hygienic tasks seem near impossible. Maybe you forget to brush your teeth in the mornings or skip out on showers. It’s not that you don’t care; it’s just that keeping up with your hygiene has taken a backseat to your struggles.

For others, hygiene and cleanliness become an obsessive activity that causes more stress and strife. Constant cleaning and grooming become a part of the anxiety cycle. You may find that talking about this aspect of your mental health struggle is difficult due to the stigma associated with maintaining your hygiene in a responsible, healthy way.

Hygiene Neglect and Mental Health 

On one end of the spectrum, misery and anxiety can cause many problems with your hygiene routine. On the “neglect” end of the spectrum, suffering through mental health crises like depressive episodes may make it difficult for you to keep up with things like brushing your teeth, showering, and maintaining a clean living space.

If you suffer from major depressive disorder or are in the throes of a depressive episode, your interest in activities and hobbies may be diminished. You may find that you stay inside more and spend less time working on things you enjoy; this also hurts your hygiene routines.

Fatigue and a general lack of interest and energy make it difficult to do the things you love, let alone keep track of your cleanliness. As a result, you may let your hygiene deteriorate out of exhaustion. You may stop showering and brushing your teeth. You may find that getting ready for work in the morning is more challenging than usual, and your living spaces’ general level of cleanliness may also deteriorate.

Hygiene can be challenging to discuss with others, as personal hygiene is seen as a basic requirement of day-to-day life. However, your loved ones most likely want to help you in your mental health journey. In some cases, those struggling with personal hygiene and mental health issues find that they don’t realize they have been neglecting their hygiene until reminded by a friend or family member.

Obsessive Cleanliness and Hygiene Rituals 

On the other end of the spectrum, you may find that some people who suffer from mental health issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety treat cleanliness and hygiene like a ritual. OCD isn’t always about cleanliness — and even when it is, it’s often misunderstood. OCD involves obsessions (distressing thoughts that you can’t stop thinking about) and compulsions (rituals or actions you take to reduce your distress).

With OCD, obsessions can be about hygiene, but they can also be a fear like burning down your house, hurting someone or yourself, or angering God. When it does involve hygiene rituals, like washing your hands, the fear might be about germs, but it can also be about something else.

You may find that your hands can never be clean enough or that your living space needs to be reorganized constantly. These compulsive rituals may cause you more stress and strife in your day-to-day life because if you don’t do them, you feel anxious, uncomfortable, and upset.

The connection between OCD and obsessive cleanliness lies within how those who suffer from OCD struggle with their specific rituals and habits. Cleanliness and impulses like obsessive reorganization are just different rituals that people who struggle with OCD may find themselves practicing. The need for everything to be in its rightful place, spotless, and perfect can stem from various issues. As these issues worsen, they can interfere with your daily life in a variety of ways.

Being Mindful of Hygiene

Mental health issues can affect your hygiene routines in many ways. Being mindful of these changes in your routines can help you determine if they are worsening and beginning to affect your life negatively. If you are struggling to shower and maintain cleanliness, or you’re obsessively scrubbing and washing, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help.

You Aren’t Alone 

Regardless of whether or not you are unable to maintain your hygiene routine or obsessed with cleanliness, it’s essential to know that you aren’t alone. There is help available for the underlying mental health issues you are experiencing that may be affecting your hygiene routine. With a combination of medication, traditional therapies, and holistic therapies, you can heal.

Many people struggle with hygiene in different ways. Some people become too depressed to shower, brush their teeth, and maintain their living spaces. Others compulsively clean, scrub and reorganize their homes out of ritualistic need. These interruptions of daily life can sometimes be caused by underlying mental and emotional issues, and they can be challenging to address and talk about. What’s important to know is that you are not alone. Achieve Concierge is here to help. Our team of professionals and experts tailor treatment plans to help our members regain control of their lives. Our litany of services includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychopharmacology, and others. If you have COVID-19 concerns but still want to reach out to a professional for help, we also offer telemedicine services to our members. If you feel you are struggling with your mental and emotional health, please do not wait or hesitate. Reach out to us today at (858) 221-0344.

5 Warning Signs of a Depressive Episode

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Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won’t go away, you may have depression. Depression is a common mental health disorder. An estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2017.

Whether you have not been diagnosed or have been treating your depression for years, you may still experience a depressive episode. No matter how hopeless you feel when experiencing a depressive episode, you can get help. By understanding the warning signs of a depressive episode, you can take the first steps towards seeking help and overcoming the problem.

#1. Losing Interest in Hobbies and Activities 

Have you ever suddenly, or over a short period of time, lost interest in something you enjoy doing? Maybe you skip out on practicing a sport or instrument, or you start to bail on plans with friends more often. It’s not that you have more pressing matters to attend to; it’s that you simply don’t have the mental, physical, or emotional energy to engage in a hobby or spend time with friends.

The clinical term for this loss of interest is anhedonia. There are several theories about how this symptom functions in the brain. Many believe that depression “shuts down” the brain’s pleasure circuits. They believe depression reduces the capacity to feel joy.

Others believe anhedonia comes not from a reduced capacity to experience pleasure but from an inability to sustain good feelings over time. They believe joy is experienced fully, but only briefly — not long enough to maintain interest or involvement in life’s good things.

#2. Sudden Loss of Energy and Excitement 

Constantly feeling fatigued can be a symptom of other issues. However, it is no secret that depressive episodes and chronic exhaustion often go hand in hand. Depressive episodes can affect our natural sleep patterns in a variety of ways.

You may have trouble getting to sleep at night and thus lose out on a full eight hours, or you may find that you’re sleeping more than usual but still feeling exhausted. Both a lack of sleep and excessive sleep can be byproducts of a depressive episode. These issues coincide with the loss of interest in hobbies and socializing, which can exacerbate the feelings of sadness and unfulfillment that are creeping in.

#3. Low Sex Drive and Aversion to Intimacy 

If you find that your libido has suddenly taken a dive or that you are reluctant to be intimate with another person in any way, you may be in the throes of a depressive episode.

Researchers are still studying the connection between depressive episodes and sudden libido changes. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that depressive episodes and chronic depression both have a negative impact on our sex drives.

Low libido can be challenging to address with your partner, as you may not want to make them feel unwanted or hurt. Thus, the issue compounds, and you feel worse and are maybe less likely to reach out to a professional for help. If you do reach out, you may find that discussing your sex life with your therapist is difficult; this is understandable. However, it is worth it to discuss this issue.

#4. Irritability and Impatience 

When you’re suffering from a depressive episode, another common symptom is irritability. If you find you are struggling with depression symptoms combined with shorter patience with others, you could be experiencing a depressive episode.

Irritability and impatience with loved ones can cause us to alienate ourselves out of guilt or frustration with our actions, which can exacerbate feelings of sadness and loneliness.

In men with depression, irritability is common. However, men are less likely to reach out and seek help from a professional, which can cause more problems. That’s why it is essential to seek help when you feel you are struggling with your mental and emotional health.

#5. Engaging in Risky and Destructive Behavior 

Self-destructive behavior is closely linked with various mental health issues. During a depressive episode, you may try to shake up the misery and mundanity by acting out in multiple ways.

Substance abuse is one of the more significant examples of self-destructive behavior that is associated with depressive episodes. Many people attempt to self-medicate through substance abuse as a means to cope with their depression. If you find that you are drinking a bit more than usual or are engaging in other risky behaviors, you may be going through a depressive episode.

Many people struggle with depression and depressive episodes. Whether you have never been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or have been treating your disorder for years, a depressive episode can occur. Looking out for common signs of a depressive episode can help you recognize when it is time to seek help. Achieve Concierge is here to help you work through depressive episodes as they come through a variety of different tactics and strategies. Our staff has years of experience working with people who struggle with their mental and emotional health. Our team is prepared to help you whenever a depressive episode comes on, from same-day mental health services to telemedicine. We tailor each treatment plan to meet the different needs of each patient. You can rest assured that you are getting the comprehensive care that you need and deserve. To learn more about how we can help you overcome depressive episodes, call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344.

Unwanted Intrusions: What are Intrusive Thoughts and What Do They Mean?

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Have you ever been out with friends? Maybe you’re reminiscing, sharing some laughs over dinner. Suddenly, for no reason whatsoever, a thought enters your head: “I could flip this table over right now. I could ruin dinner for everyone and make a huge scene.”

You don’t do it, and you never would, but the thought is suddenly there, and it weighs on your mind for a brief moment before leaving as quickly as it came. What gives? Just a moment ago, you were having a good time, and now you suddenly have the urge to lash out. While you may be worried, it’s essential to remember that these thoughts are common and do not always indicate a more significant problem.

Some Types of Intrusive Thoughts 

Intrusive thoughts can be highly distressing. They can be mild and fleeting, a self-critical insult like “You can’t wear that, you would look stupid.” Or “Why did you even come here? No one likes you anyway. Just go home.” Often, intrusive thoughts can border on sudden, violent flashes like imagining a car accident while driving. It is estimated that over six million Americans struggle with distressing, frightening intrusive thoughts that can spiral into panic attacks if left unchecked.

Understanding Intrusive Thoughts 

Intrusive thoughts may be something you rarely experience, or they may be a common occurrence. They can come at any time and be gone just as quickly, or they can linger over time, causing distress and discomfort. The causes of intrusive thoughts are not well understood, but these types of thoughts are commonly found in people with PTSD and OCD.

A common misconception about intrusive thoughts is that you feel them because you, on some deeper level, want to act out on them. However, this is counterintuitive thinking. What makes these types of thoughts “intrusive” is proof that we don’t want to act out on them. We understand that these thoughts are caustic and antithetical to who we are as people, so how could we want to act out on them if we are repulsed by their presence? A violent intrusive thought doesn’t make you violent, and an insecure intrusive thought doesn’t mean that you aren’t loved by the people around you.

How Intrusive Thoughts “Stick”

When you experience an intrusive thought, your intuitive response may be to dwell on it, try to understand why you feel it, isolate its origins, etc. Unfortunately, this knee jerk response can exacerbate the panic caused by intrusive thoughts.

Your thoughts are not always indicative of who you are as a person. Your thoughts and who you are at your core can be mutually exclusive, and sometimes, can be at odds with one another. In the case of intrusive thoughts, many times, the things that may pop into our heads are unimportant, irrelevant, and not worth reflecting on.

Intrusive Thoughts and Conscious Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts exist without you bringing them into existence, meaning you are not responsible for them. They are not on par with remembering your grocery list, remembering to get gas before work, or deciding to go for a run after a long day of work. These are decisions that we consciously make.

Intrusive thoughts are merely unwanted, unimportant occurrences that do not need to be dissected and mulled over every single time that you experience one. It is easy to try and “shove” the intrusive thoughts out of your mind, which can cause them to stick and linger. You may also feel that these intrusive thoughts are too disturbing or unnatural, and thus you may feel compelled to keep them as secrets. However, keeping intrusive thoughts as secrets can also exacerbate the issue and cause you more distress down the road.

Compartmentalizing Your Thoughts

When struggling with intrusive thoughts, it is essential to remind yourself that these types of thoughts are common, and your immediate rejection and dismissal of them is proof that these thoughts are not indicative of who you are as a person. Understand that, like a flat tire or catching a cold, intrusive thought are bound to happen.

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies, and in the process, we try to hyper-fixate on these thoughts in an attempt to rid ourselves of them. Intrusive thoughts are going to happen, but they do not define you or your character. The decisions that we accept as parts of our lives are drastically different from intrusive thoughts.

By compartmentalizing your thoughts and accepting that intrusive thoughts are a part of being human, you can set yourself up for success in the future when those intrusive thoughts inevitably come back.

Many people suffer from intrusive thoughts. They are distressing, confusing, and frustrating, but they are nothing to be worried about. They can, however, sometimes be indicative of other underlying mental health disorders that may be unresolved. Chronic intrusive thoughts that may plague your day-to-day life can stem from past traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, and other problems that sometimes require outside help. Don’t put off talking to a professional. At Achieve Concierge, our team of professionals and experts are here to assist our members in identifying the causes of intrusive thoughts and how to remedy them through cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. We specialize in a holistic, collaborative approach to treating a variety of mental health conditions. Achieve Concierge is committed to providing the highest level of mental wellness care with personalized service that is second to none. To learn more about the services we provide, call Achieve Concierge today at (858) 221-0344.

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