Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc. As the #COVID-19 #pandemic stretches into its third year, countless people have experienced varying degrees of uncertainty, #isolation and #mentalhealthchallenges. However, those who have had #COVID-19 have a significantly higher chance of experiencing #mentalhealthproblems, according to researchers at #WashingtonUniversity School of Medicine in St. Louis and the #VeteransAffairs St. Louis Health Care System. Such disorders include #anxiety, #depression, and #suicideideation, as well as opioid use disorder, illicit #drug and #alcohol use disorders, and disturbances in sleep and cognition. In a large, comprehensive study of #mentalhealth outcomes in people with SARS-CoV-2 infections, researchers found that such disorders arose within a year after recovery from the #virus in people who had serious as well as mild infections. Overall, the study found that people who had #COVID-19 were 60% more likely to suffer from #mentalhealthproblems than those who were not infected, leading to an increased use of prescription medication to treat such problems and increased risks of substance use disorders including opioids and nonopioids such as #alcohol and illicit #drugs. The findings are published Feb. 16 in the journal The BMJ. We know from previous studies and personal experiences that the immense challenges of the past two years of the #pandemic have had a profound effect on our collective #mentalhealth. But while we've all suffered during the #pandemic, people who have had #COVID-19 fare far worse mentally. We need to acknowledge this reality and address these conditions now before they balloon into a much larger #mentalhealthcrisis."Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, senior author, clinical epidemiologist, #WashingtonUniversity More than 403 million people globally and 77 million in the U.S. have been infected with the #virus since the #pandemic started. "To put this in perspective, #COVID-19 infections likely have contributed to more than 14.8 million new cases of #mentalhealthdisorders worldwide and 2.8 million in the U.S.," Al-Aly said, referring to data from the study. "Our calculations do not account for the untold number of people, likely in the millions, who suffer in silence due to #mentalhealth #stigma or a lack of resources or support. Further, we expect the problem to grow because cases seem to be increasing over time. Frankly, the scope of this #mentalhealthcrisis is jarring, frightful and sad. "Our goal was to provide a comprehensive analysis that will help improve our understanding of the long-term risk of #mentalhealthdisorders in people with #COVID-19 and guide their post-infection health care," added Al-Aly, who treats #patients within the VA St. Louis Health Care System. "To date, studies on #COVID-19 and #mentalhealth have been limited by a maximum of six months of follow-up data and by a narrow selection of #mentalhealth outcomes -; for example, examining #depression and #anxiety but not substance use disorders." The researchers analyzed de-identified medical records in a database maintained by the U.S. Department of #VeteransAffairs, the nation's largest integrated health-care delivery system. The researchers created a controlled dataset that included health information of 153,848 #adults who had tested positive for #COVID-19 sometime from March 1, 2020, through Jan. 15, 2021, and who had survived the first 30 days of the disease. Few people in the study were vaccinated prior to developing #COVID-19, as vaccines were not yet widely available at the time of enrollment. Statistical modeling was used to compare #mentalhealth outcomes in the #COVID-19 dataset with two other groups of people not infected with the virus: a control group of more than 5.6 million #patients who did not have #COVID-19 during the same time frame; and a control group of more than 5.8 million people who were #patients from March 2018 through January 2019, well before the #pandemic began. The majority of study participants were older white #males. However, because of its large size, the study included more than 1.3 million #females, more than 2.1 million #Black participants, and large numbers of people of various ages. Compared with those in the control groups without any infections, people who contracted #COVID-19 were 35% more likely to suffer from #anxietydisorders and nearly 40% more likely to experience #depression or #stress-related disorders that can affect #behavior and emotions. This coincided with a 55% increase in the use of antidepressants and a 65% growth in the use of benzodiazepines to treat anxiety. Similarly, people who had recovered from #COVID-19 were 41% more likely to have #sleepdisorders and 80% more likely to experience neurocognitive decline. The latter refers to forgetfulness, confusion, a lack of focus, and other impairments commonly known together as brain fog. More worrisome, compared with people without #COVID-19, those infected with the #virus were 34% more likely to develop opioid use disorders and 20% more likely to develop nonopioid substance use disorders involving #alcohol or illegal #drugs. They were also 46% more likely to have #suicidalthoughts. "People need to know that if they have had #COVID-19 and are struggling mentally, they're not alone, and they should seek help immediately and without shame," Al-Aly said. "It's critical that we recognize this now, diagnose it and address it before the opioid crisis snowballs and we start losing more people to #suicide. "There needs to be greater recognition of these issues by governments, public and private health insurance providers, and health systems to ensure that we offer people equitable access to resources for diagnosis and treatment," he added. To better understand whether the increased risk of #mentalhealthdisorders is specific to SARS-CoV-2 virus, the researchers also compared the #COVID-19 #patients with 72,207 flu #patients, including 11,924 who were hospitalized, from October 2017 through February 2020. Again, the risk was significantly higher -; 27% and 45% -; in those who had mild and serious #COVID-19 infections, respectively. "My hope is that this dispels the notion that #COVID-19 is like the flu," Al-Aly said. "It's so much more serious." #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com Because hospital stays can precipitate #anxiety, #depression and other #mentalconditions, the researchers compared people who were hospitalized for #COVID-19 during the first 30 days of the infection to those hospitalized for any other cause. #Mentalhealthdisorders were 86% more likely in people hospitalized for #COVID-19. "Our findings suggest a specific link between SARS-Co-V-2 and #mentalhealthdisorders," Al-Aly continued. "We're not certain why this is, but one of the leading hypotheses is that the #virus can enter the brain and disturb cellular and neuron pathways, leading to #mentalhealthdisorders. "What I'm absolutely certain about is that urgent attention is needed to identify and treat #COVID-19 survivors with #mentalhealthdisorders," he said. Source: #WashingtonUniversity in St. Louis Journal reference: Xie, Y., et al. (2022) Risks of #MentalHealth Outcomes in People with #COVID-19. BMJ. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-068993. Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/05/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-covid-19-survivors-more-likely-to-suffer-from-mentalhealthproblems/

Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc. As the #COVID-19 #pandemic stretches into its third year, countless people have experienced varying degrees of uncertainty, #isolation and #mentalhealthchallenges. However, those who have had #COVID-19 have a significantly higher chance of experiencing #mentalhealthproblems, according to researchers at #WashingtonUniversity School of Medicine in St. Louis and the #VeteransAffairs St. Louis Health Care System. Such disorders include #anxiety, #depression, and #suicideideation, as well as opioid use disorder, illicit #drug and #alcohol use disorders, and disturbances in sleep and cognition. In a large, comprehensive study of #mentalhealth outcomes in people with SARS-CoV-2 infections, researchers found that such disorders arose within a year after recovery from the #virus in people who had serious as well as mild infections. Overall, the study found that people who had #COVID-19 were 60% more likely to suffer from #mentalhealthproblems than those who were not infected, leading to an increased use of prescription medication to treat such problems and increased risks of substance use disorders including opioids and nonopioids such as #alcohol and illicit #drugs. The findings are published Feb. 16 in the journal The BMJ. We know from previous studies and personal experiences that the immense challenges of the past two years of the #pandemic have had a profound effect on our collective #mentalhealth. But while we've all suffered during the #pandemic, people who have had #COVID-19 fare far worse mentally. We need to acknowledge this reality and address these conditions now before they balloon into a much larger #mentalhealthcrisis."Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, senior author, clinical epidemiologist, #WashingtonUniversity More than 403 million people globally and 77 million in the U.S. have been infected with the #virus since the #pandemic started. "To put this in perspective, #COVID-19 infections likely have contributed to more than 14.8 million new cases of #mentalhealthdisorders worldwide and 2.8 million in the U.S.," Al-Aly said, referring to data from the study. "Our calculations do not account for the untold number of people, likely in the millions, who suffer in silence due to #mentalhealth #stigma or a lack of resources or support. Further, we expect the problem to grow because cases seem to be increasing over time. Frankly, the scope of this #mentalhealthcrisis is jarring, frightful and sad. "Our goal was to provide a comprehensive analysis that will help improve our understanding of the long-term risk of #mentalhealthdisorders in people with #COVID-19 and guide their post-infection health care," added Al-Aly, who treats #patients within the VA St. Louis Health Care System. "To date, studies on #COVID-19 and #mentalhealth have been limited by a maximum of six months of follow-up data and by a narrow selection of #mentalhealth outcomes -; for example, examining #depression and #anxiety but not substance use disorders." The researchers analyzed de-identified medical records in a database maintained by the U.S. Department of #VeteransAffairs, the nation's largest integrated health-care delivery system. The researchers created a controlled dataset that included health information of 153,848 #adults who had tested positive for #COVID-19 sometime from March 1, 2020, through Jan. 15, 2021, and who had survived the first 30 days of the disease. Few people in the study were vaccinated prior to developing #COVID-19, as vaccines were not yet widely available at the time of enrollment. Statistical modeling was used to compare #mentalhealth outcomes in the #COVID-19 dataset with two other groups of people not infected with the virus: a control group of more than 5.6 million #patients who did not have #COVID-19 during the same time frame; and a control group of more than 5.8 million people who were #patients from March 2018 through January 2019, well before the #pandemic began. The majority of study participants were older white #males. However, because of its large size, the study included more than 1.3 million #females, more than 2.1 million #Black participants, and large numbers of people of various ages. Compared with those in the control groups without any infections, people who contracted #COVID-19 were 35% more likely to suffer from #anxietydisorders and nearly 40% more likely to experience #depression or #stress-related disorders that can affect #behavior and emotions. This coincided with a 55% increase in the use of antidepressants and a 65% growth in the use of benzodiazepines to treat anxiety. Similarly, people who had recovered from #COVID-19 were 41% more likely to have #sleepdisorders and 80% more likely to experience neurocognitive decline. The latter refers to forgetfulness, confusion, a lack of focus, and other impairments commonly known together as brain fog. More worrisome, compared with people without #COVID-19, those infected with the #virus were 34% more likely to develop opioid use disorders and 20% more likely to develop nonopioid substance use disorders involving #alcohol or illegal #drugs. They were also 46% more likely to have #suicidalthoughts. "People need to know that if they have had #COVID-19 and are struggling mentally, they're not alone, and they should seek help immediately and without shame," Al-Aly said. "It's critical that we recognize this now, diagnose it and address it before the opioid crisis snowballs and we start losing more people to #suicide. "There needs to be greater recognition of these issues by governments, public and private health insurance providers, and health systems to ensure that we offer people equitable access to resources for diagnosis and treatment," he added. To better understand whether the increased risk of #mentalhealthdisorders is specific to SARS-CoV-2 virus, the researchers also compared the #COVID-19 #patients with 72,207 flu #patients, including 11,924 who were hospitalized, from October 2017 through February 2020. Again, the risk was significantly higher -; 27% and 45% -; in those who had mild and serious #COVID-19 infections, respectively. "My hope is that this dispels the notion that #COVID-19 is like the flu," Al-Aly said. "It's so much more serious." #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com Because hospital stays can precipitate #anxiety, #depression and other #mentalconditions, the researchers compared people who were hospitalized for #COVID-19 during the first 30 days of the infection to those hospitalized for any other cause. #Mentalhealthdisorders were 86% more likely in people hospitalized for #COVID-19. "Our findings suggest a specific link between SARS-Co-V-2 and #mentalhealthdisorders," Al-Aly continued. "We're not certain why this is, but one of the leading hypotheses is that the #virus can enter the brain and disturb cellular and neuron pathways, leading to #mentalhealthdisorders. "What I'm absolutely certain about is that urgent attention is needed to identify and treat #COVID-19 survivors with #mentalhealthdisorders," he said. Source: #WashingtonUniversity in St. Louis Journal reference: Xie, Y., et al. (2022) Risks of #MentalHealth Outcomes in People with #COVID-19. BMJ. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-068993. Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=9415

Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com When #kids have big reactions to stressful events Hannah Sheldon-Dean What You'll Learn What are the different kinds of #adjustmentdisorders?What is the difference between an #adjustmentdisorder and #PTSD?What helps #kids who have #adjustmentdisorders? Quick ReadFull ArticleWhat do #adjustmentdisorders look like?What kinds of events can lead to #adjustmentdisorders?#Adjustmentdisorders vs. #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD)How are #adjustmentdisorders treated?How can #parents support #kids with #adjustmentdisorders? It’s normal for #kids to get upset when they go through a big change like a move or a divorce. But sometimes #kids under #stress have unusually strong reactions to events like these. These kinds of responses are called #adjustmentdisorders and they’re some of the most common #mentalhealthchallenges in #kids of all ages. #Children who have an #adjustmentdisorder act or feel very different than they did before the stressful event. Their symptoms get in the way of daily life. The symptoms themselves vary a lot and depend on what kind of #adjustmentdisorder the #child has. It might look like #anxiety, #depression, #behaviorproblems, or some combination. The symptoms usually start right after the stressful event and stop within six months of the #stress going away. The events that might lead to an #adjustmentdisorder can be very different for different #kids. Some common ones include moving, changing #schools, and family changes like divorce or a new sibling. #Adjustmentdisorders are related to #PTSD, but the symptoms are not as severe as #PTSD. Additionally, kids with #PTSD have gone through very dangerous or life-threatening events, while #kids with #adjustmentdisorder are reacting to less extreme events. Treatment can be very helpful for kids with #adjustmentdisorders. The best kind of treatment depends on the child’s symptoms, but #CBT (#cognitivebehavioraltherapy) is often appropriate. Families can also help by taking the child’s concerns seriously and talking openly about feelings at home. For example, you could say: “I see how hard this change is for you. It’s okay to be upset, and we’re going to get through this together.” It’s normal for #kids to get upset when they go through a big change. A move, a divorce, a new sibling — any stressful event in a child’s life can affect their mood or #behavior. But sometimes #kids under #stress have very strong emotional or #behavioral reactions that seem to be out of proportion to the events they’re experiencing. When the distress begins to interfere with the child’s daily life, they may have an #adjustmentdisorder. #Adjustmentdisorders are some of the more common #mentalhealthdisorders in #children. What do #adjustmentdisorders look like? #Adjustmentdisorders always occur in response to a stressful event of some kind, followed by an unusually strong reaction to the event. #Children who have an #adjustmentdisorder will act or feel noticeably different than they did before, and their symptoms cause them serious problems in their day-to-day lives. The symptoms themselves can vary a lot from #child to #child. “It can skew in the direction of more #anxiety-related symptoms, or toward depressive symptoms, or centered around disruptive #behavior and conduct problems, or some combination of the three,” says Erika Rooney, PsyD, a clinical #psychologist at the #ChildMindInstitute. Because of the variety of reactions that #kids might have, there are six distinct subtypes of #adjustmentdisorder to help better guide diagnosis and treatment: With depressed mood: Feeling extremely sad or hopeless, low energy, crying frequently.With #anxiety: Feeling very worried or jittery, #separationanxiety, physical symptoms like stomachaches.With mixed depressed mood and #anxiety: Some symptoms of both #depression and #anxiety.With disturbance of conduct: Disruptive #behavior, anger, getting into fights.With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: Some emotional symptoms (like #depression or #anxiety) as well as some #behavioral ones.Unspecified: Reactions that don’t quite fit the other subtypes but that nonetheless interfere significantly with the child’s life. These symptoms start within the first three months of the stressful event, and they usually don’t last for more than six months afterward. #Kids with previous #mentalhealthdiagnoses can also be diagnosed with an #adjustmentdisorder, but only when the symptoms that show up after the event are much different than the symptoms they experienced before. For example, a #child with #ADHD who has previously had #behavior problems might be diagnosed with an #adjustmentdisorder if they develop #anxiety after moving to a new town. #Adjustmentdisorders can be diagnosed at any age (including in #adults), and they are common in both #children and #adolescents. #Boys and #girls are diagnosed with #adjustmentdisorders at about equal rates. What kinds of events can lead to #adjustmentdisorders? Any event that a #child experiences as particularly stressful or upsetting can be a cause of #adjustmentdisorder. These events are not generally dangerous or life-threatening. Common examples include: MovingChanging #schools#Parents divorcing or remarryingA new sibling or other change in family compositionBeing diagnosed with a health condition or having a family member be diagnosedSocial stresses (like falling out with a friend or a breakup)#School or extracurricular struggles (like failing a class or being cut from a sports team) Different #kids find different events stressful, and individual differences and cultural norms also play a role in shaping kids’ experiences of life changes. “It’s not a prescribed set of circumstances that can cause an #adjustmentdisorder,” says Dr. Rooney. “Sometimes it might not be something that’s obvious to the #parent.” The key factor is that a #child with #adjustmentdisorder is more upset about what they’ve experienced than would normally be expected for a #child of their age and circumstances. Regardless of the specific #stress the #child is dealing with, it usually makes sense to reevaluate #kids with an #adjustmentdisorder whose symptoms last longer than six months. A clinician can determine whether the child’s symptoms are still mainly a reaction to a stressor or if a different diagnosis, like an #anxietydisorder or a mood disorder, would make more sense. #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com #Adjustmentdisorders vs. #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD) #Adjustmentdisorders are related to #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD), but there are a few key differences between the two. Timing, type of event, and severity of symptoms are key factors in determining the diagnosis. One big distinguishing feature is the kind of event that the #child is reacting to. #PTSD develops in response to a real or perceived threat of harm or death to oneself, or by seeing or hearing about a loved one going through that kind of event. Examples include violence, abuse, natural disasters, #sexualassault, abrupt separation from a caregiver, serious accident or illness, or the unexpected or violent death of someone the #child is close to. The same is true of acute #stressdisorder, which may be a precursor to #PTSD if left untreated #Adjustmentdisorders, on the other hand, are unusually strong reactions to non-threatening, relatively normal life stressors and circumstances. The symptoms are also different between the two disorders. “#Adjustmentdisorder shares some of the symptoms you might see with #PTSD, but not all and they might be less severe,” says Dr. Rooney. For example, a #child with #PTSD or acute #stressdisorder might experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event and be completely overwhelmed with fear, while a #child with #adjustmentdisorder might be more preoccupied with worry or sadness. Additionally, the child’s symptoms need to continue for at least a month before being diagnosed with #PTSD, because it’s normal to be very upset right after a life-threatening event. Adjustment disorders can be diagnosed sooner, but they don’t continue for as long after the event. “If a clinician is unable to collect enough information about the child’s symptoms or life history, or if they don’t have time to do a full evaluation, for example in an emergency room, it may be unclear whether or not the #child is experiencing #PTSD,” Dr. Rooney notes. In those cases, #adjustmentdisorders are sometimes used as temporary diagnoses that might be updated once the clinician has more information. How are #adjustmentdisorders treated? Even though #adjustmentdisorders don’t usually last for long, professional support can be very helpful for #kids who are experiencing them. In treatment, #kids can learn to handle difficult feelings and manage life #stress, which makes it less likely that they’ll continue to experience #mentalhealthchallenges going forward. Treatment for #adjustmentsdisorders is often brief, lasting only a few weeks or months. Because the symptoms of #adjustmentdisorders vary so much, treatment also looks different for the different subtypes. “Treatment is tailored to the primary symptoms that the #child is presenting with,” says Dr. Rooney. “If it’s more of a disruptive #behavior problem, for example, then it would be geared toward collaborating with #parents on effective limit-setting, and helping the #child with perspective-taking or impulse control, those kinds of things. If it’s #anxiety, then you’d focus it differently. It’s really specific to how they present.” In many cases, the appropriate treatment is #cognitivebehavioral therapy (#CBT), which helps #kids understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and #behavior. “Most #kids with #adjustmentdisorders respond well to the core components of #CBT, which involves building up a set of effective coping skills, such as managing intense emotions, reframing unhelpful thoughts, and learning relaxation skills” Dr. Rooney says. If a #child with #adjustmentdisorder is experiencing especially intense #anxiety or #depression, a #doctor might prescribe them a low dose of an antidepressant medication. The medication can help ease the child’s symptoms enough for them to engage in therapy and get through the most challenging phase of coping with the stressful event. How can #parents support #kids with #adjustmentdisorders? If your #child has been diagnosed with an #adjustmentdisorder, it’s important to take their symptoms seriously, even though they’re reacting to what might seem like ordinary life #stress. “The diagnosis is telling you that their symptoms are impairing enough to impede their functioning and quality of life, and as such, worth clinical attention,” says Dr. Rooney. “Moreover, the symptoms could get more intense if the #child doesn’t get therapeutic support.” At the same time, it can help keep things in perspective to remember that their condition is likely to be temporary and may not be related to any longer-term diagnosis. “If someone says your #child has #adjustmentdisorder with depressed mood, for example, it doesn’t mean that they actually have major depressive disorder,” she adds. Validation often goes a long way in helping #kids through challenging times, whether or not their symptoms reach the level of a clinical diagnosis. Even if your child’s reaction seems out of proportion to you, knowing that you see their pain and are there to help them navigate it can help #kids cope more effectively. For instance, you might say: “I see how hard this change is for you. It’s okay to be upset, and we’re going to get through this together.” Dr. Rooney also notes that #parents who use effective coping skills themselves give #kids a model for how to do the same. A lot of the events that might cause #adjustmentdisorder for #kids are hard for the whole family — if you’ve recently moved, lost a job, or had a new baby, for instance, chances are that you’re dealing with plenty of #stress of your own. By finding ways to relax as a family and talking openly about feelings at home, you can let #kids know that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes and that there are things they can do to feel better. “It’s always good to make it a family activity, if one can,” says Dr. Rooney. “You can have regular check-ins to see how everyone is coping, to model open communication and reinforce the skills that your #child is learning in treatment, which will ultimately help them and the family.” Topic: Trauma & Grief, Supporting Healthy Development Hannah Sheldon-Dean Hannah Sheldon-Dean, MSW, is a staff editor and writer at the #ChildMindInstitute. Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/05/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-what-are-adjustmentdisorders/

Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com When #kids have big reactions to stressful events Hannah Sheldon-Dean What You'll Learn What are the different kinds of #adjustmentdisorders?What is the difference between an #adjustmentdisorder and #PTSD?What helps #kids who have #adjustmentdisorders? Quick ReadFull ArticleWhat do #adjustmentdisorders look like?What kinds of events can lead to #adjustmentdisorders?#Adjustmentdisorders vs. #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD)How are #adjustmentdisorders treated?How can #parents support #kids with #adjustmentdisorders? It’s normal for #kids to get upset when they go through a big change like a move or a divorce. But sometimes #kids under #stress have unusually strong reactions to events like these. These kinds of responses are called #adjustmentdisorders and they’re some of the most common #mentalhealthchallenges in #kids of all ages. #Children who have an #adjustmentdisorder act or feel very different than they did before the stressful event. Their symptoms get in the way of daily life. The symptoms themselves vary a lot and depend on what kind of #adjustmentdisorder the #child has. It might look like #anxiety, #depression, #behaviorproblems, or some combination. The symptoms usually start right after the stressful event and stop within six months of the #stress going away. The events that might lead to an #adjustmentdisorder can be very different for different #kids. Some common ones include moving, changing #schools, and family changes like divorce or a new sibling. #Adjustmentdisorders are related to #PTSD, but the symptoms are not as severe as #PTSD. Additionally, kids with #PTSD have gone through very dangerous or life-threatening events, while #kids with #adjustmentdisorder are reacting to less extreme events. Treatment can be very helpful for kids with #adjustmentdisorders. The best kind of treatment depends on the child’s symptoms, but #CBT (#cognitivebehavioraltherapy) is often appropriate. Families can also help by taking the child’s concerns seriously and talking openly about feelings at home. For example, you could say: “I see how hard this change is for you. It’s okay to be upset, and we’re going to get through this together.” It’s normal for #kids to get upset when they go through a big change. A move, a divorce, a new sibling — any stressful event in a child’s life can affect their mood or #behavior. But sometimes #kids under #stress have very strong emotional or #behavioral reactions that seem to be out of proportion to the events they’re experiencing. When the distress begins to interfere with the child’s daily life, they may have an #adjustmentdisorder. #Adjustmentdisorders are some of the more common #mentalhealthdisorders in #children. What do #adjustmentdisorders look like? #Adjustmentdisorders always occur in response to a stressful event of some kind, followed by an unusually strong reaction to the event. #Children who have an #adjustmentdisorder will act or feel noticeably different than they did before, and their symptoms cause them serious problems in their day-to-day lives. The symptoms themselves can vary a lot from #child to #child. “It can skew in the direction of more #anxiety-related symptoms, or toward depressive symptoms, or centered around disruptive #behavior and conduct problems, or some combination of the three,” says Erika Rooney, PsyD, a clinical #psychologist at the #ChildMindInstitute. Because of the variety of reactions that #kids might have, there are six distinct subtypes of #adjustmentdisorder to help better guide diagnosis and treatment: With depressed mood: Feeling extremely sad or hopeless, low energy, crying frequently.With #anxiety: Feeling very worried or jittery, #separationanxiety, physical symptoms like stomachaches.With mixed depressed mood and #anxiety: Some symptoms of both #depression and #anxiety.With disturbance of conduct: Disruptive #behavior, anger, getting into fights.With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: Some emotional symptoms (like #depression or #anxiety) as well as some #behavioral ones.Unspecified: Reactions that don’t quite fit the other subtypes but that nonetheless interfere significantly with the child’s life. These symptoms start within the first three months of the stressful event, and they usually don’t last for more than six months afterward. #Kids with previous #mentalhealthdiagnoses can also be diagnosed with an #adjustmentdisorder, but only when the symptoms that show up after the event are much different than the symptoms they experienced before. For example, a #child with #ADHD who has previously had #behavior problems might be diagnosed with an #adjustmentdisorder if they develop #anxiety after moving to a new town. #Adjustmentdisorders can be diagnosed at any age (including in #adults), and they are common in both #children and #adolescents. #Boys and #girls are diagnosed with #adjustmentdisorders at about equal rates. What kinds of events can lead to #adjustmentdisorders? Any event that a #child experiences as particularly stressful or upsetting can be a cause of #adjustmentdisorder. These events are not generally dangerous or life-threatening. Common examples include: MovingChanging #schools#Parents divorcing or remarryingA new sibling or other change in family compositionBeing diagnosed with a health condition or having a family member be diagnosedSocial stresses (like falling out with a friend or a breakup)#School or extracurricular struggles (like failing a class or being cut from a sports team) Different #kids find different events stressful, and individual differences and cultural norms also play a role in shaping kids’ experiences of life changes. “It’s not a prescribed set of circumstances that can cause an #adjustmentdisorder,” says Dr. Rooney. “Sometimes it might not be something that’s obvious to the #parent.” The key factor is that a #child with #adjustmentdisorder is more upset about what they’ve experienced than would normally be expected for a #child of their age and circumstances. Regardless of the specific #stress the #child is dealing with, it usually makes sense to reevaluate #kids with an #adjustmentdisorder whose symptoms last longer than six months. A clinician can determine whether the child’s symptoms are still mainly a reaction to a stressor or if a different diagnosis, like an #anxietydisorder or a mood disorder, would make more sense. #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com #Adjustmentdisorders vs. #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD) #Adjustmentdisorders are related to #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD), but there are a few key differences between the two. Timing, type of event, and severity of symptoms are key factors in determining the diagnosis. One big distinguishing feature is the kind of event that the #child is reacting to. #PTSD develops in response to a real or perceived threat of harm or death to oneself, or by seeing or hearing about a loved one going through that kind of event. Examples include violence, abuse, natural disasters, #sexualassault, abrupt separation from a caregiver, serious accident or illness, or the unexpected or violent death of someone the #child is close to. The same is true of acute #stressdisorder, which may be a precursor to #PTSD if left untreated #Adjustmentdisorders, on the other hand, are unusually strong reactions to non-threatening, relatively normal life stressors and circumstances. The symptoms are also different between the two disorders. “#Adjustmentdisorder shares some of the symptoms you might see with #PTSD, but not all and they might be less severe,” says Dr. Rooney. For example, a #child with #PTSD or acute #stressdisorder might experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event and be completely overwhelmed with fear, while a #child with #adjustmentdisorder might be more preoccupied with worry or sadness. Additionally, the child’s symptoms need to continue for at least a month before being diagnosed with #PTSD, because it’s normal to be very upset right after a life-threatening event. Adjustment disorders can be diagnosed sooner, but they don’t continue for as long after the event. “If a clinician is unable to collect enough information about the child’s symptoms or life history, or if they don’t have time to do a full evaluation, for example in an emergency room, it may be unclear whether or not the #child is experiencing #PTSD,” Dr. Rooney notes. In those cases, #adjustmentdisorders are sometimes used as temporary diagnoses that might be updated once the clinician has more information. How are #adjustmentdisorders treated? Even though #adjustmentdisorders don’t usually last for long, professional support can be very helpful for #kids who are experiencing them. In treatment, #kids can learn to handle difficult feelings and manage life #stress, which makes it less likely that they’ll continue to experience #mentalhealthchallenges going forward. Treatment for #adjustmentsdisorders is often brief, lasting only a few weeks or months. Because the symptoms of #adjustmentdisorders vary so much, treatment also looks different for the different subtypes. “Treatment is tailored to the primary symptoms that the #child is presenting with,” says Dr. Rooney. “If it’s more of a disruptive #behavior problem, for example, then it would be geared toward collaborating with #parents on effective limit-setting, and helping the #child with perspective-taking or impulse control, those kinds of things. If it’s #anxiety, then you’d focus it differently. It’s really specific to how they present.” In many cases, the appropriate treatment is #cognitivebehavioral therapy (#CBT), which helps #kids understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and #behavior. “Most #kids with #adjustmentdisorders respond well to the core components of #CBT, which involves building up a set of effective coping skills, such as managing intense emotions, reframing unhelpful thoughts, and learning relaxation skills” Dr. Rooney says. If a #child with #adjustmentdisorder is experiencing especially intense #anxiety or #depression, a #doctor might prescribe them a low dose of an antidepressant medication. The medication can help ease the child’s symptoms enough for them to engage in therapy and get through the most challenging phase of coping with the stressful event. How can #parents support #kids with #adjustmentdisorders? If your #child has been diagnosed with an #adjustmentdisorder, it’s important to take their symptoms seriously, even though they’re reacting to what might seem like ordinary life #stress. “The diagnosis is telling you that their symptoms are impairing enough to impede their functioning and quality of life, and as such, worth clinical attention,” says Dr. Rooney. “Moreover, the symptoms could get more intense if the #child doesn’t get therapeutic support.” At the same time, it can help keep things in perspective to remember that their condition is likely to be temporary and may not be related to any longer-term diagnosis. “If someone says your #child has #adjustmentdisorder with depressed mood, for example, it doesn’t mean that they actually have major depressive disorder,” she adds. Validation often goes a long way in helping #kids through challenging times, whether or not their symptoms reach the level of a clinical diagnosis. Even if your child’s reaction seems out of proportion to you, knowing that you see their pain and are there to help them navigate it can help #kids cope more effectively. For instance, you might say: “I see how hard this change is for you. It’s okay to be upset, and we’re going to get through this together.” Dr. Rooney also notes that #parents who use effective coping skills themselves give #kids a model for how to do the same. A lot of the events that might cause #adjustmentdisorder for #kids are hard for the whole family — if you’ve recently moved, lost a job, or had a new baby, for instance, chances are that you’re dealing with plenty of #stress of your own. By finding ways to relax as a family and talking openly about feelings at home, you can let #kids know that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes and that there are things they can do to feel better. “It’s always good to make it a family activity, if one can,” says Dr. Rooney. “You can have regular check-ins to see how everyone is coping, to model open communication and reinforce the skills that your #child is learning in treatment, which will ultimately help them and the family.” Topic: Trauma & Grief, Supporting Healthy Development Hannah Sheldon-Dean Hannah Sheldon-Dean, MSW, is a staff editor and writer at the #ChildMindInstitute. Photo by samer daboul on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=9412

Kathy Coppola and Susan Racher It’s expected that, after two years of multiple disruptions caused by the #COVID-19 #pandemic, there would be repercussions on our collective #mentalhealth. As recent research has shown, it is heavily impacting #children and #teens. Since 2009, #youth and young #adult rates of #suicide have been on the rise. #Depression, #hopelessness and #suicideideation among our #youth are alarmingly widespread, a trend that is challenging families across the country, including in Miami-Dade County and the Keys. #MayisMentalHealthAwarenessMonth. It is more important than ever to become educated about #mentalhealth and warning signs of ill #health and #suicide risk. The #isolation, #stress and loss of #parents and family members resulting from the #COVID-19 #pandemic exacerbated a worrisome trend. The statistics are alarming. In 2020, the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention reported that #suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and ninth among all age groups. In 2021, a #CDC survey showed that about 20% of #highschoolstudents and 40% of #LGBTG #youth said they had contemplated #suicide. Although #children and #teens are disproportionately affected by this #mentalhealthcrisis, #adults, particularly #peopleofcolor, are also feeling the effects. Most #mentalillness goes untreated, especially in #communitiesofcolor. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned, in an advisory issued in December 2021, that young people are facing “devastating” #mentalhealth effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation, including the #pandemic. Resources are available We know that people do not know where to turn for help. The psychological and financial blows of the past two years have increased the urgency of outreach and education efforts at the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness in Miami. We also know that resources to help people who need support are stretched thin. But it is imperative that we work together as a community to raise our literacy about #mentalhealth, substance use and #suicideprevention. #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com There are resources to help those in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, including those who are uninsured. Thriving Mind South Florida, funded in part by the Florida Department of Children and Families, is an outstanding organization that oversees an extensive network of #mentalhealth and substance use providers, including facilities for those in crisis operated by Banyan Health Systems (Miami-Dade) and by Guidance Care Center (Monroe County). In addition, #NAMI Miami-Dade, the local affiliate of the largest peer led #mentalhealthorganization in the U.S., offers #mentalhealthprograms, such as support groups, peer mentoring, educational classes and outreach. From #suicideprevention training for families and peer education and support, #NAMI has a broad portfolio of programs to help us gain #mentalhealth literacy. These programs are always offered at no cost to participants, led by trained peer-leaders and confidential. #Mentalhealth is essential to our well-being. Individuals can recover from a #mentalhealthcondition and lead a gratifying and balanced life. Let’s work together to end the silence about #mentalhealth and help all who are struggling realize that they are not alone. For more information and to learn about #NAMI and community #mentalhealthresources, join us on May 21 for the Miami-Dade Walk for #MentalHealthAwareness. More at NamiMiami.org. The #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is 800-273-8255. Kathy Coppola is the executive director and Susan Racher is the board president of #NAMI Miami-Dade.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/05/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-depression-and-suicide-among-children-and-teens-are-alarming-in-post-pandemic-era/

Kathy Coppola and Susan Racher It’s expected that, after two years of multiple disruptions caused by the #COVID-19 #pandemic, there would be repercussions on our collective #mentalhealth. As recent research has shown, it is heavily impacting #children and #teens. Since 2009, #youth and young #adult rates of #suicide have been on the rise. #Depression, #hopelessness and #suicideideation among our #youth are alarmingly widespread, a trend that is challenging families across the country, including in Miami-Dade County and the Keys. #MayisMentalHealthAwarenessMonth. It is more important than ever to become educated about #mentalhealth and warning signs of ill #health and #suicide risk. The #isolation, #stress and loss of #parents and family members resulting from the #COVID-19 #pandemic exacerbated a worrisome trend. The statistics are alarming. In 2020, the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention reported that #suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and ninth among all age groups. In 2021, a #CDC survey showed that about 20% of #highschoolstudents and 40% of #LGBTG #youth said they had contemplated #suicide. Although #children and #teens are disproportionately affected by this #mentalhealthcrisis, #adults, particularly #peopleofcolor, are also feeling the effects. Most #mentalillness goes untreated, especially in #communitiesofcolor. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned, in an advisory issued in December 2021, that young people are facing “devastating” #mentalhealth effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation, including the #pandemic. Resources are available We know that people do not know where to turn for help. The psychological and financial blows of the past two years have increased the urgency of outreach and education efforts at the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness in Miami. We also know that resources to help people who need support are stretched thin. But it is imperative that we work together as a community to raise our literacy about #mentalhealth, substance use and #suicideprevention. #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com There are resources to help those in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, including those who are uninsured. Thriving Mind South Florida, funded in part by the Florida Department of Children and Families, is an outstanding organization that oversees an extensive network of #mentalhealth and substance use providers, including facilities for those in crisis operated by Banyan Health Systems (Miami-Dade) and by Guidance Care Center (Monroe County). In addition, #NAMI Miami-Dade, the local affiliate of the largest peer led #mentalhealthorganization in the U.S., offers #mentalhealthprograms, such as support groups, peer mentoring, educational classes and outreach. From #suicideprevention training for families and peer education and support, #NAMI has a broad portfolio of programs to help us gain #mentalhealth literacy. These programs are always offered at no cost to participants, led by trained peer-leaders and confidential. #Mentalhealth is essential to our well-being. Individuals can recover from a #mentalhealthcondition and lead a gratifying and balanced life. Let’s work together to end the silence about #mentalhealth and help all who are struggling realize that they are not alone. For more information and to learn about #NAMI and community #mentalhealthresources, join us on May 21 for the Miami-Dade Walk for #MentalHealthAwareness. More at NamiMiami.org. The #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is 800-273-8255. Kathy Coppola is the executive director and Susan Racher is the board president of #NAMI Miami-Dade.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=9409

I did a radio show last week on #TheTicket Dallas Sports Radio on KTCK FM 96.7 and 1310 AM with host, #NormHitzges. James Donaldson with Norm Hitzges on The Ticket Norm was on of the play by play guys, when I played for the #DallasMavericks, and now he hosts one of the most popular and award winning sports radio shows in the business. We talked about my personal experiences with #mentalhealthissues, and how, over the last 5 years, I've worked so hard to make my way through all of that. We talked about #DakPrescott, quarterback of the #DallasCowboys, and his public statements about his #depression. And, how #mentalhealthissues can affect everyone and anyone at any stage of life, no matter who you are. Enjoy the listen, and check out my website #www.yourgiftoflife.org to see the work I do and how you can support. Thanks, James Donaldson James Donaldson on Norm Hitzges on The Ticket
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2020/10/listen-to-jamesdonaldson-talking-about-mentalhealth-on-theticket-dallas-sports-radio-ktck-fm-96-7-1310-am-september-30th-2020/

DEREK OSWALD EDITORIAL With May being #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and in light of the recent #suicides of high-profile musicians (such as AVICII, #ChrisCornell, #ChesterBennington, and #Naomi Judd), we wanted to let you know you’re not alone. According to the #NationalCenterforHealthStatistics (#NCHS) National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), #suicide has been a leading cause of death in the #UnitedStates for several years. Each year on average, 44,000-47,000 #Americans die by #suicide. Forty-six thousand died in 2020 alone. Globally, that number averages 700-800,000, or one death every forty seconds. Worse, the number of people who think about or attempt #suicide is even higher. These statistics are a heartbreaking reminder that #mentalhealth is a serious issue. We need to do more to address it.  Too often, people struggling with #depression, #anxiety, or thoughts of #suicide feel like they are alone. Sometimes, they feel like they are a burden to their friends and family members. Sometimes, they do not know where to turn for help.  For a long time, I have battled with #anxiety or #depression. Likewise, my family has dealt with #mentalillness in varying degrees, from the #suicide of extended family members decades prior to #depression, #anxiety, and other means.  Because of my issues, I have had problems with #stress-based health issues (weight, digestion, elevated blood pressure) for years. In 2021, after years of doing nothing to help myself, I reached out for help. I started seeing a #therapist. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has driven me to want to share my experiences to assist others because, speaking from personal experience, I know how it feels. #Mentalillness affects many people, yet so many suffer in silence. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, I want to use Altwire’s platform to talk about how to get help if you are struggling with #mentalhealthissues. We will also discuss some celebrities who have lost their lives to #suicide and provide information for the #Suicide Helpline at the bottom of this post. Additionally, if you are unsure if you are depressed, there are many ways to quickly test #mentalhealth. Finally, if you feel lost or hopeless, please reach out for help. You are not alone. How does this tie into Altwire? Well, over the last few decades, there have been several high-profile #suicides by celebrities that have shocked and saddened their fans worldwide. Whether it is the recent 2022 death of #NaomiJudd or the losses of #ChrisCornell, #RobinWilliams, #KurtCobain, and others, we are losing many great celebrities far too young. These losses are particularly heartbreaking, given that they involve individuals who had such an enormous impact on culture and popular opinion. One of the most well-known losses was #ChesterBennington, the lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park. Chester died by #suicide in 2017 at the young age of 41, leaving behind a great legacy within both music and entertainment. Within his 17-year career in the public eye, Chester had spoken about his struggles with #depression and addiction. Yet, his death nonetheless came as a shock to fans worldwide. In the wake of his loss, his widow Talinda Bennington created a foundation called 320ChangesDirection, dedicated to reforming the discussion around #depression. Also, his surviving bandmates created the One More Light Fund, a charity dedicated to raising money for #MentalHealthAwareness. Another publicized #suicide was dance music producer AVICII, who died by #suicide in 2018 at 28 years old. Despite his meteoric rise to fame at a very young age, he struggled with #anxiety and chronic #mentalhealthproblems throughout much of his career. He had retired from live performances years before his death due to its toll on his mental state. His death sent shockwaves through the music industry. However, the disgusting and irresponsible way the media covered his death, with explicit details being leaked in the press, proves the media needs to do much better in handling #suicide.  It is critical to consider the media’s role in elevating #suicide rates across the country after these artists’ passing. It is essential for us as journalists to understand how cautious we must be when reporting on deaths to avoid sensationalizing them and assisting in #SuicideContagion. #SuicideContagion, also known as #suicideclustering or the Werther effect, is a phenomenon where those struggling with #mentalillness are often driven to self-harm after a highly publicized #suicide. The phenomenon, as mentioned earlier, can be widespread among young people who may be vulnerable and impressionable and can have a significant impact on individuals struggling with #depression or other issues. Research has shown that several factors contribute to #suicidecontagion. For example, media coverage of #suicide tends to focus on sensationalized details such as the method of #suicide, the gruesome details, and the emotional pain experienced by the deceased. Places like TMZ will often play up gory details for clicks, failing to acknowledge the dangers they post by airing said content. These details can be very triggering for those at risk. They may even cause them to copycat the #Suicideattempt or think of #suicide themselves. Additionally, #suicide is often portrayed as a solution to emotional distress in popular culture, further normalizing this #behavior for susceptible individuals. This is unacceptable, and it is a significant contributor to the problem. Despite these challenges, it is vital for those struggling to seek out support from family members or #healthcareprofessionals when feelings of #suicidalideation arise. In addition, many online resources can connect people with support groups or therapeutic interventions that can help those in danger. With proper care and support, those struggling can overcome their #suicidalthoughts and get the help they need. If you are reading this article to try and learn ways to overcome your #depression, you have already started down the road to #mentalwellness. I am pleased to see you, and I know how difficult it is. Here are several things you can do to get started and learn how to heal yourself. IMAGE CREDIT: NAMI.ORG #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com 1. Talk to your #doctor about your #mentalhealthissues if you feel you are struggling. One of the most important things I heard go around after the death of #ChesterBennington was the oft-repeated phrase from his bandmate Mike Shinoda: “We need to talk about #mentalhealth the way we do physical health” If you think about it, you see a #doctor if you feel like you have the flu or break your leg. If your back is hurting you for an extended period, you see a specialist to ensure sure there is nothing worse going on. Still, society has such a #stigma around this topic that many people suffer in silence and do not seek help when it is crucial. #Mentalhealthissues can be as severe as physical health issues. They can have a significant impact on your quality of life. #Depression is more than feeling down or sad. It is an actual medical condition that affects your mood, thoughts, body, and #behavior. Prolonged #stress can lead to a greater risk of diabetes, a rise in blood pressure, weight gain, muscle aches and pain, digestive issues, and more. Being depressed can impact your motivation to do even the most menial tasks. It can affect hygiene and one’s ability to take care of oneself on a fundamental level. So why does society not take it more seriously? The effects of our mind on our body are so significant that it’s unfortunate many do not put this on the same pedestal as diet and exercise. In seeking help, it is essential to understand that #depression is not something you can quickly “snap out of.” You may have heard from ill-informed colleagues that you should “stop being sad” and that you have “so much to be happy about.” Yet, in reality, it is not that simple. It’s the same with #anxiety. #Anxiety is more than being nervous or stressed. It is an actual medical condition that can manifest in physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating in severe cases. Finally, thoughts of suicide are not attention-seeking #behavior. If you have thoughts of #suicide, it is essential to get help. #Depression and #anxiety are genuine medical issues. It is vital to give these issues the medical attention they deserve as you would with an illness or injury. #MentalHealthproblems are real, they are common, and they are treatable. Navigating these issues can be complex, but there is no shame in seeking help. Talking to your #doctor is the first step toward getting the help you need to feel better. 2. Ask for a #mentalhealth referral to a #therapist or #counselor. When seeking help for #depression or #anxiety, it can often be challenging to know where to start. Many people find that asking for a referral seems daunting, but this can be an excellent first step. This is because there are many benefits to speaking to a #therapist or #counselor, including access to expert advice and guidance and the opportunity to develop new insights and strategies for managing your symptoms. Whether you have struggled with #depression or #anxiety or want to explore other options for managing your mental well-being, speaking to a #therapist can offer valuable insight and support. #Therapists are trained to work with individuals on various #mentalhealthdisorders, including #depression and #anxiety. They can also help you understand the underlying causes of these problems and develop strategies for dealing with them. In addition, working with a #therapist can give you a safe space to explore your feelings and emotions without judgment. Every #therapist has their unique approach, and some may assist through cognitive #behavioraltherapy, homeopathic remedies, or other means of healing. While insurance plans can and should cover treatment, look at your work’s benefits. Some jobs offer an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), which may afford you a few therapy sessions for free. This can be a huge benefit. In your journey to better #mentalhealth, you may have to go through a few different #therapists before you find the right fit. But, it is important not to get discouraged. Finding a #therapist you can trust and who feels right for you can make a world of difference. You deserve to heal! Be patient with yourself. Your issues are not your fault. So if you are struggling, do not let uncertainty about where or how to start get in the way – take that brave step today by reaching out and asking for a referral. With the right help and support, you will be on your way toward living a happier, healthier life! 3. Find a support group to connect with others struggling with their #mentalhealth. #Depression and #anxiety often cause feelings of #isolation, making it seem like you are alone in your struggles. Yet, this could not be further from the truth, and finding a support group is one of the best ways to prove that to yourself by connecting with others who are going through the same thing. These groups provide a safe space where individuals can share their experiences, offer advice and encouragement, and build a sense of community with people who understand what you are going through. Additionally, like with therapy, support groups serve as a valuable resource for coping strategies and helpful resources for managing #depression, #anxiety, or other conditions. Many groups are centered around specific issues or challenges, such as #depression or #anxiety. But, some groups also focus on particular populations, such as grieving #parents, people dealing with a chronic illness, or those who have suffered trauma or abuse. No matter what type of group you join, being able to discuss your challenges and feelings with others who understand what you are going through can be an empowering and healing experience. It is crucial to remember that you are not alone. Countless others have experienced similar feelings and are working through them with the support of others. You can too. When #ChesterBennington died in 2017, I witnessed the strength of community and togetherness. The reports of Chester’s death prompted many at-risk fans to fall into despair and #suicidalideations. Fans spent hours on #socialmedia connecting with distressed fans, offering their support and affection, and perhaps saving lives in the process. Following the death of AVICII, Linkin Park fans also demonstrated their strength in the days that followed, when they reached out to AVICII’s followers and offered comfort and support. It is impossible to exaggerate how beneficial a support network can be. Additionally, suppose you are someone who struggles with #socialanxiety. In that case, it may be easier for you to talk to someone online. For example, Reddit’s R/#MentalHealth subreddit is a leading #mentalhealth forum made to speak to others who are struggling. It is moderated by the “South Asian #MentalHealth Alliance (SAMHAA), a non-profit society dedicated to #mentalhealth #stigma reduction through skill development and community building.” At the end of the day, however, a support network is not a replacement for speaking with a professional. I recommend doing so in addition to professional therapy (if you need it) rather than replacing a #therapist.  Whether you are starting your journey towards #mentalwellness or if you have been struggling for years without much progress, finding support, among others, is important. You may be amazed by the impact that connecting with others can have on your #mentalhealth – both now and in the long run. 4. For better #mentalhealth, take care of your physical health. When you are struggling with #anxiety or #depression, it is vital to take care of your physical health. This means eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health will not only make you feel better in the short term, but it will also help improve your overall health in the long term. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and reduce #stress. Even if you do not feel like working out, try to do something active for at least 30 minutes a day. For example, you can go for a walk, run, bike ride, or take a yoga class. If you do not have time for a full workout, you can also do some great exercises at home. Eating a healthy diet is also vital for managing #anxiety and #depression. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, for example). If you don’t eat meat, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are also good. Getting enough sleep is essential. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. If you are not getting enough sleep, your #anxiety and #depression can worsen. Make sure to create a bedtime routine that will help you wind down before going to sleep. If you find yourself struggling to get proper sleep, consider scheduling an appointment with a sleep #doctor. Getting adequate rest is a crucial step toward promoting proper mindfulness. 5. Reduce #stress in your life Before you read the above in bold and proclaim aloud in a sarcastic tone, “wow! less #stress! Wish I would have thought of that”, hear us out. Suppose you are struggling with #anxiety or #depression. In that case, it is crucial to reduce #stress in your life through healthy means. This means learning how to say “no” when feeling overwhelmed and taking time for yourself—lessening your access to #socialmedia, which can foster stressful environments. Also, setting boundaries (especially with family and friends) can go a long way toward lowering #stress. Why Setting Boundaries Is Important #Stress is a normal part of life, and it can even be helpful in small doses. #Stress can motivate us to meet deadlines, finish projects, and accomplish goals. Despite how it may seem, it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate #stress from your life. Even those who appear to be at their most “zen”, will find #stress in certain situations. However, too much #stress can be overwhelming and harmful to our #mental and physical health. Therefore it is important to find a healthy balance between good #stress and bad #stress. Part of eliminating bad #stress is separating yourself from toxicity. Toxicity can come in many forms: toxic relationships, toxic work environments, and toxic family dynamics. Sometimes, the only way to reduce #stress is to cut out the toxicity. This may mean setting boundaries with people who are not supportive or leaving a job that is causing too much #anxiety. But be careful. It’s important to be careful not to move too quickly or shut everyone out. When we’re at our lowest, we need a support network of family and friends who can help us through tough times. Often, those who feel they are at their breaking point will do the opposite, and attempt to isolate themselves. This is because #stress can cause us to make rash decisions, so it’s important to deal with the obvious #stress points first, but keep an open and patient mind. Be careful not to shut everyone out—sometimes the people who love us the most are the ones who can help us heal. This doesn’t mean you should deal with #behavior from others that causes hurt. Setting firm limits on what you will and will not accept in relationships and responsibilities can help you create a more supportive environment to focus on your own needs and well-being. However, it is also important to practice mindfulness and listen to those around you to make sure you are giving proper attention and helping create healthy relationships. Healthy relationships are two-sided, equal effort, and not based around a single party’s desires and opinions. Have you ever found yourself trying to answer someone before they finished speaking? Next time, try to listen and then respond. Be mindful. It may avoid an argument. Doing all of this can assist you in making better choices about the risks and rewards of specific interactions or situations. Lowering #stress in your life is essential for maintaining good #mentalhealth and living a happier, more fulfilling life.  Furthermore, finally, remember… 6. It is A Marathon, Not A Sprint When you seek help, it can often feel hopeless if you are trying to get better but feel that you are making no progress. Do not get discouraged! Remember that all journeys take time and that the finish line, no matter how far away it may seem, will come. #Mentalhealthconditions can range from mild to severe, and they can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Furthermore, #mentalhealthconditions may need ongoing care, like physical health conditions. Developing healthy coping mechanisms and establishing a solid support system can take years. I will leave you with an analogy my #therapist gave to me one day when I felt like I was not getting anywhere and that I would never get better: Nobody is perfect. Even professional athletes, paid millions of dollars to perform at the top of their game, have bad days.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/05/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-suicide-mentalhealthawareness-5-safe-ways-to-get-help/

DEREK OSWALD EDITORIAL With May being #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and in light of the recent #suicides of high-profile musicians (such as AVICII, #ChrisCornell, #ChesterBennington, and #Naomi Judd), we wanted to let you know you’re not alone. According to the #NationalCenterforHealthStatistics (#NCHS) National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), #suicide has been a leading cause of death in the #UnitedStates for several years. Each year on average, 44,000-47,000 #Americans die by #suicide. Forty-six thousand died in 2020 alone. Globally, that number averages 700-800,000, or one death every forty seconds. Worse, the number of people who think about or attempt #suicide is even higher. These statistics are a heartbreaking reminder that #mentalhealth is a serious issue. We need to do more to address it.  Too often, people struggling with #depression, #anxiety, or thoughts of #suicide feel like they are alone. Sometimes, they feel like they are a burden to their friends and family members. Sometimes, they do not know where to turn for help.  For a long time, I have battled with #anxiety or #depression. Likewise, my family has dealt with #mentalillness in varying degrees, from the #suicide of extended family members decades prior to #depression, #anxiety, and other means.  Because of my issues, I have had problems with #stress-based health issues (weight, digestion, elevated blood pressure) for years. In 2021, after years of doing nothing to help myself, I reached out for help. I started seeing a #therapist. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has driven me to want to share my experiences to assist others because, speaking from personal experience, I know how it feels. #Mentalillness affects many people, yet so many suffer in silence. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, I want to use Altwire’s platform to talk about how to get help if you are struggling with #mentalhealthissues. We will also discuss some celebrities who have lost their lives to #suicide and provide information for the #Suicide Helpline at the bottom of this post. Additionally, if you are unsure if you are depressed, there are many ways to quickly test #mentalhealth. Finally, if you feel lost or hopeless, please reach out for help. You are not alone. How does this tie into Altwire? Well, over the last few decades, there have been several high-profile #suicides by celebrities that have shocked and saddened their fans worldwide. Whether it is the recent 2022 death of #NaomiJudd or the losses of #ChrisCornell, #RobinWilliams, #KurtCobain, and others, we are losing many great celebrities far too young. These losses are particularly heartbreaking, given that they involve individuals who had such an enormous impact on culture and popular opinion. One of the most well-known losses was #ChesterBennington, the lead singer of the rock band Linkin Park. Chester died by #suicide in 2017 at the young age of 41, leaving behind a great legacy within both music and entertainment. Within his 17-year career in the public eye, Chester had spoken about his struggles with #depression and addiction. Yet, his death nonetheless came as a shock to fans worldwide. In the wake of his loss, his widow Talinda Bennington created a foundation called 320ChangesDirection, dedicated to reforming the discussion around #depression. Also, his surviving bandmates created the One More Light Fund, a charity dedicated to raising money for #MentalHealthAwareness. Another publicized #suicide was dance music producer AVICII, who died by #suicide in 2018 at 28 years old. Despite his meteoric rise to fame at a very young age, he struggled with #anxiety and chronic #mentalhealthproblems throughout much of his career. He had retired from live performances years before his death due to its toll on his mental state. His death sent shockwaves through the music industry. However, the disgusting and irresponsible way the media covered his death, with explicit details being leaked in the press, proves the media needs to do much better in handling #suicide.  It is critical to consider the media’s role in elevating #suicide rates across the country after these artists’ passing. It is essential for us as journalists to understand how cautious we must be when reporting on deaths to avoid sensationalizing them and assisting in #SuicideContagion. #SuicideContagion, also known as #suicideclustering or the Werther effect, is a phenomenon where those struggling with #mentalillness are often driven to self-harm after a highly publicized #suicide. The phenomenon, as mentioned earlier, can be widespread among young people who may be vulnerable and impressionable and can have a significant impact on individuals struggling with #depression or other issues. Research has shown that several factors contribute to #suicidecontagion. For example, media coverage of #suicide tends to focus on sensationalized details such as the method of #suicide, the gruesome details, and the emotional pain experienced by the deceased. Places like TMZ will often play up gory details for clicks, failing to acknowledge the dangers they post by airing said content. These details can be very triggering for those at risk. They may even cause them to copycat the #Suicideattempt or think of #suicide themselves. Additionally, #suicide is often portrayed as a solution to emotional distress in popular culture, further normalizing this #behavior for susceptible individuals. This is unacceptable, and it is a significant contributor to the problem. Despite these challenges, it is vital for those struggling to seek out support from family members or #healthcareprofessionals when feelings of #suicidalideation arise. In addition, many online resources can connect people with support groups or therapeutic interventions that can help those in danger. With proper care and support, those struggling can overcome their #suicidalthoughts and get the help they need. If you are reading this article to try and learn ways to overcome your #depression, you have already started down the road to #mentalwellness. I am pleased to see you, and I know how difficult it is. Here are several things you can do to get started and learn how to heal yourself. IMAGE CREDIT: NAMI.ORG #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com 1. Talk to your #doctor about your #mentalhealthissues if you feel you are struggling. One of the most important things I heard go around after the death of #ChesterBennington was the oft-repeated phrase from his bandmate Mike Shinoda: “We need to talk about #mentalhealth the way we do physical health” If you think about it, you see a #doctor if you feel like you have the flu or break your leg. If your back is hurting you for an extended period, you see a specialist to ensure sure there is nothing worse going on. Still, society has such a #stigma around this topic that many people suffer in silence and do not seek help when it is crucial. #Mentalhealthissues can be as severe as physical health issues. They can have a significant impact on your quality of life. #Depression is more than feeling down or sad. It is an actual medical condition that affects your mood, thoughts, body, and #behavior. Prolonged #stress can lead to a greater risk of diabetes, a rise in blood pressure, weight gain, muscle aches and pain, digestive issues, and more. Being depressed can impact your motivation to do even the most menial tasks. It can affect hygiene and one’s ability to take care of oneself on a fundamental level. So why does society not take it more seriously? The effects of our mind on our body are so significant that it’s unfortunate many do not put this on the same pedestal as diet and exercise. In seeking help, it is essential to understand that #depression is not something you can quickly “snap out of.” You may have heard from ill-informed colleagues that you should “stop being sad” and that you have “so much to be happy about.” Yet, in reality, it is not that simple. It’s the same with #anxiety. #Anxiety is more than being nervous or stressed. It is an actual medical condition that can manifest in physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating in severe cases. Finally, thoughts of suicide are not attention-seeking #behavior. If you have thoughts of #suicide, it is essential to get help. #Depression and #anxiety are genuine medical issues. It is vital to give these issues the medical attention they deserve as you would with an illness or injury. #MentalHealthproblems are real, they are common, and they are treatable. Navigating these issues can be complex, but there is no shame in seeking help. Talking to your #doctor is the first step toward getting the help you need to feel better. 2. Ask for a #mentalhealth referral to a #therapist or #counselor. When seeking help for #depression or #anxiety, it can often be challenging to know where to start. Many people find that asking for a referral seems daunting, but this can be an excellent first step. This is because there are many benefits to speaking to a #therapist or #counselor, including access to expert advice and guidance and the opportunity to develop new insights and strategies for managing your symptoms. Whether you have struggled with #depression or #anxiety or want to explore other options for managing your mental well-being, speaking to a #therapist can offer valuable insight and support. #Therapists are trained to work with individuals on various #mentalhealthdisorders, including #depression and #anxiety. They can also help you understand the underlying causes of these problems and develop strategies for dealing with them. In addition, working with a #therapist can give you a safe space to explore your feelings and emotions without judgment. Every #therapist has their unique approach, and some may assist through cognitive #behavioraltherapy, homeopathic remedies, or other means of healing. While insurance plans can and should cover treatment, look at your work’s benefits. Some jobs offer an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), which may afford you a few therapy sessions for free. This can be a huge benefit. In your journey to better #mentalhealth, you may have to go through a few different #therapists before you find the right fit. But, it is important not to get discouraged. Finding a #therapist you can trust and who feels right for you can make a world of difference. You deserve to heal! Be patient with yourself. Your issues are not your fault. So if you are struggling, do not let uncertainty about where or how to start get in the way – take that brave step today by reaching out and asking for a referral. With the right help and support, you will be on your way toward living a happier, healthier life! 3. Find a support group to connect with others struggling with their #mentalhealth. #Depression and #anxiety often cause feelings of #isolation, making it seem like you are alone in your struggles. Yet, this could not be further from the truth, and finding a support group is one of the best ways to prove that to yourself by connecting with others who are going through the same thing. These groups provide a safe space where individuals can share their experiences, offer advice and encouragement, and build a sense of community with people who understand what you are going through. Additionally, like with therapy, support groups serve as a valuable resource for coping strategies and helpful resources for managing #depression, #anxiety, or other conditions. Many groups are centered around specific issues or challenges, such as #depression or #anxiety. But, some groups also focus on particular populations, such as grieving #parents, people dealing with a chronic illness, or those who have suffered trauma or abuse. No matter what type of group you join, being able to discuss your challenges and feelings with others who understand what you are going through can be an empowering and healing experience. It is crucial to remember that you are not alone. Countless others have experienced similar feelings and are working through them with the support of others. You can too. When #ChesterBennington died in 2017, I witnessed the strength of community and togetherness. The reports of Chester’s death prompted many at-risk fans to fall into despair and #suicidalideations. Fans spent hours on #socialmedia connecting with distressed fans, offering their support and affection, and perhaps saving lives in the process. Following the death of AVICII, Linkin Park fans also demonstrated their strength in the days that followed, when they reached out to AVICII’s followers and offered comfort and support. It is impossible to exaggerate how beneficial a support network can be. Additionally, suppose you are someone who struggles with #socialanxiety. In that case, it may be easier for you to talk to someone online. For example, Reddit’s R/#MentalHealth subreddit is a leading #mentalhealth forum made to speak to others who are struggling. It is moderated by the “South Asian #MentalHealth Alliance (SAMHAA), a non-profit society dedicated to #mentalhealth #stigma reduction through skill development and community building.” At the end of the day, however, a support network is not a replacement for speaking with a professional. I recommend doing so in addition to professional therapy (if you need it) rather than replacing a #therapist.  Whether you are starting your journey towards #mentalwellness or if you have been struggling for years without much progress, finding support, among others, is important. You may be amazed by the impact that connecting with others can have on your #mentalhealth – both now and in the long run. 4. For better #mentalhealth, take care of your physical health. When you are struggling with #anxiety or #depression, it is vital to take care of your physical health. This means eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health will not only make you feel better in the short term, but it will also help improve your overall health in the long term. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and reduce #stress. Even if you do not feel like working out, try to do something active for at least 30 minutes a day. For example, you can go for a walk, run, bike ride, or take a yoga class. If you do not have time for a full workout, you can also do some great exercises at home. Eating a healthy diet is also vital for managing #anxiety and #depression. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, for example). If you don’t eat meat, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are also good. Getting enough sleep is essential. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. If you are not getting enough sleep, your #anxiety and #depression can worsen. Make sure to create a bedtime routine that will help you wind down before going to sleep. If you find yourself struggling to get proper sleep, consider scheduling an appointment with a sleep #doctor. Getting adequate rest is a crucial step toward promoting proper mindfulness. 5. Reduce #stress in your life Before you read the above in bold and proclaim aloud in a sarcastic tone, “wow! less #stress! Wish I would have thought of that”, hear us out. Suppose you are struggling with #anxiety or #depression. In that case, it is crucial to reduce #stress in your life through healthy means. This means learning how to say “no” when feeling overwhelmed and taking time for yourself—lessening your access to #socialmedia, which can foster stressful environments. Also, setting boundaries (especially with family and friends) can go a long way toward lowering #stress. Why Setting Boundaries Is Important #Stress is a normal part of life, and it can even be helpful in small doses. #Stress can motivate us to meet deadlines, finish projects, and accomplish goals. Despite how it may seem, it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate #stress from your life. Even those who appear to be at their most “zen”, will find #stress in certain situations. However, too much #stress can be overwhelming and harmful to our #mental and physical health. Therefore it is important to find a healthy balance between good #stress and bad #stress. Part of eliminating bad #stress is separating yourself from toxicity. Toxicity can come in many forms: toxic relationships, toxic work environments, and toxic family dynamics. Sometimes, the only way to reduce #stress is to cut out the toxicity. This may mean setting boundaries with people who are not supportive or leaving a job that is causing too much #anxiety. But be careful. It’s important to be careful not to move too quickly or shut everyone out. When we’re at our lowest, we need a support network of family and friends who can help us through tough times. Often, those who feel they are at their breaking point will do the opposite, and attempt to isolate themselves. This is because #stress can cause us to make rash decisions, so it’s important to deal with the obvious #stress points first, but keep an open and patient mind. Be careful not to shut everyone out—sometimes the people who love us the most are the ones who can help us heal. This doesn’t mean you should deal with #behavior from others that causes hurt. Setting firm limits on what you will and will not accept in relationships and responsibilities can help you create a more supportive environment to focus on your own needs and well-being. However, it is also important to practice mindfulness and listen to those around you to make sure you are giving proper attention and helping create healthy relationships. Healthy relationships are two-sided, equal effort, and not based around a single party’s desires and opinions. Have you ever found yourself trying to answer someone before they finished speaking? Next time, try to listen and then respond. Be mindful. It may avoid an argument. Doing all of this can assist you in making better choices about the risks and rewards of specific interactions or situations. Lowering #stress in your life is essential for maintaining good #mentalhealth and living a happier, more fulfilling life.  Furthermore, finally, remember… 6. It is A Marathon, Not A Sprint When you seek help, it can often feel hopeless if you are trying to get better but feel that you are making no progress. Do not get discouraged! Remember that all journeys take time and that the finish line, no matter how far away it may seem, will come. #Mentalhealthconditions can range from mild to severe, and they can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Furthermore, #mentalhealthconditions may need ongoing care, like physical health conditions. Developing healthy coping mechanisms and establishing a solid support system can take years. I will leave you with an analogy my #therapist gave to me one day when I felt like I was not getting anywhere and that I would never get better: Nobody is perfect. Even professional athletes, paid millions of dollars to perform at the top of their game, have bad days.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=9345

Join James Donaldson on Standing Above the Crowd sports talk radio show Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10am (PST) Special Guest this week is Former NBA Player Sam "Big Smooth" Perkins Sam "Big Smooth" Perkins Listen to the show live at 347-205-9631 or Call in and submit your questions to the live show at 347-205-9631   Sam "Big Smooth" Perkins brief information Personal informationBornJune 14, 1961 (age 60)Brooklyn, New YorkNationalityAmericanListed height6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)Listed weight235 lb (107 kg)Career information High schoolSamuel J. Tilden(Brooklyn, New York) Shaker(Latham, New York)CollegeNorth Carolina (1980–1984)NBA draft1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overallSelected by the Dallas MavericksPlaying career1984–2001PositionPower forward / CenterNumber41, 44, 14Career history1984–1990Dallas Mavericks1990–1993Los Angeles Lakers1993–1998Seattle SuperSonics1998–2001Indiana PacersCareer highlights and awardsNBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)NCAA champion (1982)2× Consensus first-team All-American (1983, 1984)Consensus second-team All-American (1982)3× First-team All-ACC (1982–1984)ACC Tournament MVP (1981)ACC Rookie of the Year (1981)No. 41 honored by North Carolina Tar HeelsUSA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1984)First-team Parade All-American (1980)McDonald's All-American (1980)Career NBA statisticsPoints15,324 (11.9 ppg) Listen to the show live at 347-205-9631 or Call in and submit your questions to the live show at 347-205-9631 James Donaldson has complied quite a list of accomplishments over the years. Washington State University graduate '79, Small business owner for 28 years, 40 years involved in his community with youth programs, education, mentoring, women and minority business advocate, political candidate and a 20 year professional basketball, including 14 years in the NBA with an All Star appearance in 1988!   Currently, James is an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention as he is the Executive Director of his own non profit 5013c foundation Your Gift of Life Foundation     Now join James Donaldson as he hosts his own sports radio talk show with a variety of intriguing, inspiring and interesting guest each and every week.   Every Saturday at 10am (PST)?Contact James Donaldson Here
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/05/tune-in-and-listen-saturday-may-28-2022-at-10ampst-to-standing-above-the-crowd-with-james-donaldson-with-special-guest-this-week-is-former-nba-player-sam-big-smooth-perkins/

Amanda Pérez Pintado, USA TODAY The arrival of #COVID-19 brought a rise in #mentalhealth concerns and most #Americans say the country faces a crisis. Older #adults haven't been exempt from the mental toll of the #pandemic, which has left them with increased rates of #depression. The #stigma surrounding #mentalillness has contributed to the perception that #depression is a normal part of aging and makes it harder for older #adults to seek professional help, said Marcia Ory, a regents and distinguished professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. "#Depression is common in old age, but aging is not in itself a factor in who's going to be depressed or not," Ory said. Estimates put the rate of #depression among older #adults at or below 5%, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention. That rate, however, rises among older #adults who are hospitalized – 11.5% – or need home healthcare – 13.5%. Older #adults are at a higher risk of #depression, in part, due to the relationship between the #mentalillness and other conditions. The #CDC estimates about 80% of older #adults deal with at least one chronic health condition. Factors like other medical conditions, #loneliness and #socialisolation, lack of physical activity, sleep problems and functional limitations can be related to #depression, but do not necessarily cause #depression, according to the National Institute on Aging. "When there's new onset of #depression for older #adults, it's brought on by the many changes that they're going through, as they get older," said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of the National Council on Aging's Center for Healthy Aging. What are signs of #depression? Common symptoms of #depression include feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time, according to the #CDC. Some other signs of #depression are changes in appetite or sleep, irritability, fatigue, feelings of #hopelessness, and loss of interest in once pleasurable activities. "#Depression often manifests itself differently in older people, where they don't say they're sad and blue, but they lose interest or they don't sleep as well or they're not eating as well," Ory said. "The symptomatology is unique for every single person." #Suicidalthoughts may be symptoms of #depression. #Adults ages 75 and up account for fewer than 10% of all #suicides, but have the highest rate, according to the #CDC. Older #men have the highest #suicide rate compared to other groups. "Older #men, particularly, they tend to be more stoic and have kind of succumb to the #stigma associated with #mentalhealth and don't seek help," Cameron said. ?#Suicideprevention: Self-care tips, true stories on how survivors cope When to talk to a #doctor Older #adults who recognize signs of #depression that last for more than two or three weeks should consult with their primary care #doctor to rule out whether the symptoms may be caused by other factors, such as medication or medical conditions, said María P. Aranda, a professor of social work and gerontology at the University of Southern California. "It could be something else that's occurring that may be precipitating the the #anxiety or the #insomnia," Aranda said. "It'd be important that they consult with their #physician to identify how it started, the severity of the symptoms, what type of evaluation or assessment would they need to rule out any other things." Aranda said older #adults experiencing #depression shouldn't lose hope, as there are effective treatments for the condition, such as medication and psychotherapy. In cases of #suicidalideation, it's important to seek help as soon as possible, Ory said. "Immediately somebody starts expressing #suicidalideation, you want to get them help right away, which usually the first thing would be calling a #suicidehotline and then making an appointment with their healthcare provider," Ory said. ?Helping through the hard to hear: Thousands of messages show what it really means to help someone who’s suicidal #James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book, Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com What family and friends can do Family members, Ory said, can sometimes pick up first on whether a person's mood has changed over time and there are things they can do to help an older #adult in their lives experiencing #depression. "They're not clinicians, so they can't treat #depression, particularly the more serious and long lasting #depression, but they can offer support," Ory said. If an older loved one is showing signs of #depression, here's what you can do: Start the conversation. Show empathetic concern about the changes you have noticed in them, experts suggested. Ory recommended avoiding using the word "depressed" outright and instead talking about the signs they have noted. Aranda suggested family and friends communicate they want to be supportive and "they're in their corner."Help set up a medical appointment and accompany them. Family members and friends can encourage loved ones to seek medical treatment. "But it's not just saying, 'Oh, I think you should talk to your #doctor,'" Ory said. "(It's) 'Let me make an appointment and go with you.'"Participate in activities the person enjoys. "Going out on outings with their grandchildren, getting together with friends," Cameron said. "Better understanding what the older person wants to achieve in their life will help to seek out some solutions and help the person get to the place where they're back to doing those things that they truly enjoy."Keep in mind that it might take more than one try for them to open up. "It might take multiple times to have that conversation," Cameron said. "You don't want to alienate the person that you tried to have the conversation with if you're pushing too much, so don't give up. Keep going back but sometimes you have to do it in a kind of in a gentle manner." If you or someone you know is struggling with #suicidalthoughts, you can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or chat online any day or time. If your or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorders, you can call the Substance Abuse and #MentalHealthServices Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/05/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-talking-about-anxiety-and-depression-with-older-loved-ones-can-be-hard-heres-how-to-start/