MOOD AND ADJUSTMENT CONCERNS

Depression

We probably don’t need to tell you about the debilitating effects of depression. It is one of the leading causes of disability in our country. U.S. Health authorities carefully track the links between depression and our nation’s rising suicide rate, which in 2017 was at its highest in 50 years: 14 deaths per 100,000 people.

No one should pay the ultimate price of depression by succumbing to suicide. Nor should you lose the enjoyment of life by simply putting up with chronic depression. Depression is a thief that robs you of your personal and professional fulfillment, causing any number of health conditions to worsen.  

What about medication? This is probably the most common question we get from clients who are suffering from depression. Our standard answer is “it depends.” It is vital to some and definitely not for others. It is important to note that as a psychotherapist, we are not licensed to prescribe or promote medication. Our role is to educate and refer out to specialists, while providing the therapeutic counseling piece.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation? TMS is another new development that uses magnetic pulses pinpointed on key areas of the brain. This treatment stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain without relying on medication, such as SSRIs. It is safe and relatively free of side effects, plus it is covered by most insurances. We are happy to refer you a TMS center.

What about alternative drug treatments for depression? There is promising new research using drugs like cannabis, ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. An abundance of caution should be accorded psychedelics, which carry real risks and are formally designated Schedule I drugs. Still, we remain open-minded to these options, as long as they are being administered by a licensed and trained professional. 

Will I always have to cope with depression? Not all depression is deep-rooted, permanent or pathological. Whether your depression has a physical basis or is a combination of biological, psychological and social factors, there are a variety of treatment options available. We utilize many of our evidence-based therapies in our practice, given their effectiveness treating deep-seated traumas that sometimes manifest as depression.

What role does nutrition play? Last, but not least: We will ask you when you had your last thorough physical. Deficiencies in thyroid function, vitamins d and b can mimic depression, or make the condition worse. We will look at the role that nutrition and exercise play in supporting a healthier and happier you.

Anxiety & Panic

We would like to take a moment to normalize how you may be feeling right now, during the pandemic - anxious, uncertain, worried.

The thing about anxiety and panic is that a certain amount of it is normal, like the moment you lock your keys in the car (panic), or the worry you feel before an important job interview (anxiety). This is could be why only 34% of the 40 million adult Americans with anxiety disorder actually get treatment. 

Fortunately, we have some amazing new tools that work on a biological level to move anxiety-arousing memories out of the brain’s “fear factory” and into the parts of the brain where this information is less disruptive. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Equine Assisted psychotherapy are a couple of the healing modalities that we often recommend in combination with ‘talk therapy’ to retrain the brain. 

It’s important to note that there are physical conditions that can mimic panic and anxiety disorder symptoms:  heart conditions, thyroid conditions, low blood sugar, too much caffeine, or withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. You may also be experiencing a combination of concerns, such as depression and trauma. Don’t worry! We are here to help you sort things out.

The Biomechanics of Panic & Anxiety

As you probably already know, anxiety and panic have a very real, biological basis. You may feel as though you’re having a heart attack, with chest tightening and rapid pulse. You may have trouble breathing and swallowing. Your body kicks into “fight or flight” mode, sending adrenaline through your body creating sweating palms, dizziness, tingling in your extremities. 

But this is actually good news. Physical symptoms show us where the problem is coming from and how best to treat it. Panic and anxiety symptoms originate from the amygdala, that section of the brain responsible for creating the fear response and also storing fearful memories. The amazing amygdala excels at forming new fearful memories after only a few repetitions. This is essential to survival and great if you’re from the Stone Age! Most of us are seldom running away from woolly mammoths,  but may feel as though catastrophe is just around the corner.

When to get help. You may be blaming yourself for being weak, or others may be telling you to “pull yourself together.” However, when feelings of anxiety and panic escalate into attacks so sudden and intense that you’re unable to think or move, or when these feelings persist or occur so frequently, that the fear of them becomes a trigger, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. 

We always favor a “whole person” approach. Proper diet, exercise, relaxation techniques and mindfulness training can go a very long way towards avoiding or reducing the need for medication, while other clients will benefit from a combination of meds and wholistic treatments.

Even though most panic attacks subside in 10-30 minutes, the physical repercussions of unleashing stress hormones in the body can lead to chronic conditions such as a weakened immune system, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, acid reflux, elevated blood sugar and low sex drive. Left untreated, these can lead to heart attack and stroke. Of course, all of this takes away from your mental and emotional wellbeing. Now is the best time to get help!

Life Transitions

Truth be told, our lives are always in transition. Nothing ever stays the same. However, when major life changes occur, or they happen unexpectedly, or several transitions all at once, you may need some help coping. We applaud you for turning to therapy as a healthy and life-affirming support system.

Some life transitions are predictable and bring a mixed bag of both challenging and pleasant aspects; these are things like empty nesting, career changes or adopting a child. Others are unexpected and terribly painful, like losing a child or loved one, or ending an important relationship. 

All major transitions mean that “life as we know it” will never be the same. It’s only natural to resist this change, but resistance rarely solves the problem and only increases feelings of fear, doubt and insecurity. This is where talk therapy along with values-based decision-making can help you affirm who you are, how you will identify yourself, what you can hold on to and what you will allow to adapt to your new circumstances.

Here’s a short list of big life changes:

• Adoption

• Blended families

• Career changes

• Miscarriage and infant loss

• Divorce/separation

• Navigating life during the pandemic

• Grief and Loss

• Interpersonal relationships

• Marriage

• Relocation

• Retirement

Change isn’t easy, but it is always an opportunity to grow, learn, and discover something new. Major life changes can be difficult even in the best of circumstances. Getting the support of a therapist is especially important if you are already under stress physically, financially or without emotional or spiritual support systems in place.

We welcome the opportunity to meet you and would be honored to accompany you in your journey!