Month: March 2021

Alcohol Usage Increase during Covid-19

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

By. Alexis Yennie

Alcohol consumption has been rising consistently since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. Having people see alcohol as an “effective pain killer”, women’s rates of consuming alcohol are much higher than men’s; due to the increase of work stress and also domestic duties (childcare, homeschooling, and being in charge of the household), Experts are becoming gradually more concerned with individuals and the choices they are making about how they choose to ease the pain during the pandemic. During this pandemic, times are uncertain; including things such as death and unemployment.

A survey that was done by the RAND Corporation and overseen by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) compared different drinking habits from 2019 to the present day with a collection of 1,540 participants. The results showed that both men’s and women’s rates have been dramatically increasing since the pandemic began. It also showed an increase in binging episodes as well. The results also showed that it was on average, five more drinks for men and four more drinks for women, within a couple of hours; women’s consumption amount increase by at least half.

The study that was done did not only show the amount of excess drinking that occurring but also showed the psychological impact that binge drinking has created for a majority of people.  Emotions such as guilt, shamefulness, and depression, have all been a common theme of emotions between individuals. A lot of individuals feel that there is no better option and it was an easy way to cope with the new “norm”. Unfortunately, there are new innovative ways of obtaining alcohol from the comfort of your home through liquor store home delivery apps; only adding more fuel to an already big fire.

If you or someone you know is struggling with high levels of alcohol usage, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professionals who deal with drug and alcohol problems. We have psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and psychotherapist Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy is located in Paramus, NJ, and Manhattan, NY you can reach us at (201)-368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/alcohol-consumption-rising-sharply-pandemic-women/story?id=73302479

Image Source: https://www.recoveryintune.com/drug-and-alcohol-abuse/

 

Is an Emotional Support Animal Right for You

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

    By Eleanor Kim

    Pets have brought joy and comfort to pet owners for hundreds of years. The sheer presence of a happy-go-lucky dog or cat is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The benefits of pet ownership can go beyond mere companionship or responsibility, in fact, emotional support animals are able to, as their name indicates, provide emotional support and other mental health benefits.

    Common ways in which emotional support animals could support their owners are:

    • Fostering emotional connectivity
    • Helping people during times of crisis
    • Lowering anxiety
    • Offering trauma support
    • Improving physical health (Lower blood pressure, decrease respiration rates, improve ability to cope with pain, etc.)
    • Lowering feelings of loneliness or depression
    • Reciprocating feelings of love and care

    It is important to indicate the difference between emotional support animals and service animals. Service animals also provide emotional support to their owners; however, service animals undergo intensive training to perform specific tasks necessary to aid their owners’ needs. In contrast, emotional support animals do not need formal training and simply need to receive a certification from the state registry. In order to qualify for an emotional service animal, individuals must acquire a prescription from a licensed mental health professional indicating that the presence of an emotional support animal is necessary for the mental health of the patient.

    In a time when all of us are at home and may be in need of more emotional support, emotional support animals may provide the help you need. If you are interested in receiving emotional support, whether that be through a support animal or through a mental health professional, we here at Arista Counseling are here to assist you.

    If you or someone you know is looking for emotional support, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

    References:

    Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals

    https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-an-emotional-support-animal-4171479#definition

    Picture Source:

    https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/can-cats-dogs-live-together-peacefully

    Gaining Familial Support through Therapy

    GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      By Eleanor Kim

      Starting therapy is a crucial step towards achieving emotional and psychological wellbeing. Therapy in conjunction with support and love from family members provides a sense of familiarity and comfort while receiving professional help. As the individual continues their therapy, it may be beneficial for all family members to consider family therapy as a means of familial support for their loved one during what may be a difficult or challenging time for the individual.

      Family therapy is a form of therapy that allows family members to express their care for a family member who may be dealing with mental health or substance abuse disorders while also strengthening their own familial relations through proper communication. Family therapy will also allow family members to receive the support they may need while they learn how to best help their loved one and to address any questions or concerns they may have regarding their condition.

      Family therapy is not limited to families dealing with psychological or addiction issues. In fact, family therapy is a great option for all families, especially for those who are seeking professional guidance while navigating through situations that may cause their family stress, anger, grief, or conflict. Possible matters include, but are not limited to, marital issues, loss, illness, grief, life style changes, and other environmental stressors. Family members will work on strengthening their empathy and understanding for one another as therapists assist individuals to express their needs or concerns in an open and non-judging environment. Family therapists will also guide family members throughout the process of understanding what their loved one is experiencing, as is the case in individual therapy. It is beneficial for both parties to communicate with one another in ways in which they can help one another throughout the recovery process.

      At Arista Counseling, we have many therapists who are ready to help you and your family through any psychological conditions, substance abuse issues, or otherwise troubling matters that may currently be affecting your family.

      If you or someone you know is seeking familial support or has considered family therapy, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

      References:

      http://www.acenterfortherapy.com/family_issues.php

      Image Source:

      https://www.seekpng.com/ipng/u2a9o0y3w7e6w7a9_family-counseling-clipart-marriage-and-family-therapist-clipart/

      Schizophrenia: Signs and Symptoms

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      Schizophrenia: Signs and Symptoms

      Ziara Pena

      Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel and behave clearly. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetics, environment, altered brain chemistry and structure might play a role.

      People who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia often show symptoms through their behavior, thoughts, mood, speech and psychological awareness. The common symptoms are as followed:

      Behavior

      • Social isolation, disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, compulsive behavior, excitability, hostility, repetitive movements, self-harm, or lack of restraint

      Cognition

      • Thought disorder, delusion, amnesia, belief that an ordinary event has special and personal meaning, belief that thoughts aren’t one’s own, disorientation, mental confusion, slowness in activity, or false belief of superiority

      Mood

      • Anger, anxiety, apathy, feeling detached from self, general discontent, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, elevated mood, or inappropriate emotional response

      Psychological Awareness

      • Hallucination, paranoia, hearing voices, depression, fear, persecutory delusion, or religious delusion

      Speech

      • Circumstantial speech, incoherent speech, rapid and frenzied speaking, or speech disorder

      Other common symptoms:

      • Fatigue, impaired motor coordination, lack of emotional response, or memory loss

      Schizophrenia needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional as it is chronic and can last for years or be lifelong. Although medication may help, it does not cure the disorder.

      If you or someone you know is struggling with schizophrenia, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

      Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Schizophrenia&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel

      Photo Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-schizophrenia-2953120

      Depression & Anxiety: Overcoming toxic positivity

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      By Veronica Oquendo

      Have you ever been through a bad event, like a break-up or loss of a family member, and then have someone say “stay positive” or “everything happens for a reason?” These are both examples of toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is an attitude that focuses on staying only positive, and rejecting any negative thoughts or emotions. It is especially relevant during the pandemic, with people brushing off the negative realities of Covid-19, and say it’s “just extra time for you” or “it’ll be over before you know it.” These people are failing to recognize the emotional exhaustion Covid-19 has brought upon us, with death of loved ones, prolonged social isolation, and anxiety over health concerns. It is usually not helpful to be toxically positive, as it can be detrimental to mental health.

      The individual fails to process their emotions healthily, is forced to stay quiet over their struggles, and not feel connected to others. It is important to feel a full range of emotions, including the unpleasant ones.  Toxic positivity can leave you feeling shame or guilt over your feelings. One should instead, give oneself permission to feel painful emotions and remember that your feelings are significant and valid. One can manage the negative emotions in a way that does not deny their existence.

      Toxic positivity is not helpful to others going through a dilemma. People that are utilizing toxic positivity are most likely minimizing the feelings of the one going through pain for their own comfort. Telling someone “stay positive” when they are going through one of the darkest periods of their lives, invalidates their suffering. Most people need someone to show support by listening to them, without judgement or advice, and being told their feelings are valid.

      If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and anxiety please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

      Sources:

      https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958

      https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-man-cave/201908/toxic-positivity-dont-always-look-the-bright-side

      The Stigma of Mental Health Therapy

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      By Veronica Oquendo

      Those with psychological disorders have to suffer more than just the symptoms of their diagnoses. They also deal with societal negativity that are associated with someone who have a mental disorder, for example social disapproval and disgrace. Less than half of adults needing treatment delay it for their mental disorder for this reason, or do not seek treatment at all. The stigma creates unfair stereotypes and prejudices that cause discrimination in different facets of life including: the workplace, housing access, universities/school, family, and friends. One can be bullied, denied acceptance, ostracized, have limited opportunities, and be harassed. This also leads to self-stigma which is internalized negative attitudes and shame that people with mental illness have about their own condition.

      There are ways to battle the stigma of mental illness:

      • Get treatment
      • Talk openly about mental health
      • Don’t isolate or feel shame
      • Join a Support Group
      • Choose empowerment over shame
      • Call out others perpetuating mental health stigma

      Although, there is far less stigma in Western countries among the educated, there is still progress to be made. It is suggested in review by The Lancet that to reduce stigma  requires “large-scale contact-based interventions in high-income countries—involving service users as a core element, with sustained funding and engagement.” Early intervention with children and teenagers through an educational setting would also be helpful. Most importantly, access to mental healthcare as well as an increase in overall quality of treatment would be most beneficial.

      If you or someone you know needs quality mental health therapy to help reduce the consequences of associated stigma, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

      Sources:

      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477

      https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

      https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)00687-5/fulltext

      Self-Motivation during Covid-19

      GalleryJudy Gurfein 1 Comment

      By: Devorah Weinberg

      Teamwork and a conducive work environment are essential for prosperity. Due to Covid-19, many people are working from home, which means more distractions and less motivation.   Recognition, achievement, and interactions with peers are factors that contribute to one’s work motivation. Now that we are working from home, these factors have been undermined.

      However, “The best motivation is self-motivation.” Self-motivation is our internal drive to achieve and succeed. It increases productivity.

      Here are a few tips to boost your self-motivation during these difficult times:

      1- Write goals

      2- Create a plan for each individual goal

      3- Reward yourself for accomplishments

      4- Keep a positive attitude

      Another issue that people working from home are encountering is the endless stack of work. When working in an office, you leave at a set time. Now, stopping to work at a specific time and taking a lunch break become difficult. Setting an alarm is a great solution for this and helps avoid clock watch.

       If you or someone you know needs mental health support throughout the pandemic, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

      Sources:

      https://dictionary.apa.org/work-motivation

      https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/self-motivation-in-the-workplace

      Image source: https://colormagazine.com/tips-for-self-motivation-and-moving-forward-in-your-career/

       

       

       

      Addiction: Ways to Overcome it

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

       

      Addiction: Ways to Overcome it

      By: Daniela Vargas

      Falling into addiction can feel like you have lost control of your life. But, you can gain that control back. Addiction can involve different substances like alcohol, gambling, drugs like cocaine and heroin. Now, you may ask how addiction starts or why people continue using these substances? The reason for this is that when you take a substance or do a certain behavior it makes you feel good and stress free. That “good feeling” is a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that your brain releases when you feel pleasure or satisfaction.

      Psychotherapy:

      Psychotherapy can help one overcome addiction. Psychotherapy has many ways which therapists can use depending on the situation. Here are some that can help with addiction.

      • Supportive Psychotherapy: Can help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences and troubles. A therapist can be a strong guide throughout your journey and give advice to help you push through.
      • Coping- focused psychotherapy: This method can teach patients ways to cope with substance abuse. This method, combines individual therapy with a Relapse Prevention programs.
      • Exploratory Psychotherapy: It is important to find the root of the problem. This type of psychotherapy can help uncover connections with your addiction.

      Medication:

      Medication or a combination of both medication and Psychotherapy can help overcome addiction.

      • Naltrexone: can help reduce craving of alcohol
      • Buprenorphine: this medication can help reduce Opioid withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine helps to block and activate the opioid receptors in the brain.
      • Methadone: Can also reduce Opioid withdrawal symptoms
      • Bupropion: can reduce withdrawal symptoms for nicotine addiction. This medication is also prescribed for people battling with depression.

      If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

      Sources:

      https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/addiction

      https://www.mentalhelp.net/substance-abuse/psychotherapy/

      https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/evidence-based-approaches-to-treating-adolescent-substance-use-disorders/addiction-medications

      Image: https://www.google.com/search?q=addiction&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS752US752&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi88tufv6juAhXjct8KHR3ZAF0Q_AUoAnoECBAQBA&biw=1434&bih=687#imgrc=qyOm9dPoiVdWaM

       

      Anxiety: An Everyday Occurrence

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

       

       

      Anxiety: An Everyday Occurrence

      By: Daniela Vargas

      “One-third of adults in the U.S. will grapple with out-of-control anxiety at some point during their lifetime” It is common for people to get anxiety before an upcoming event like the first day of classes or before giving a presentation, however when you are anxious constantly and have excessive stress you might have an anxiety disorder.

      Living in constant fear can stop you from living your everyday life. Your work, school and personal life can all be affected. It can affect you when you’re going to a party where there will be a lot of people, or getting into an elevator. In extreme cases being scared when leaving your house. Reasons that could have led to anxiety can be early trauma, parents being overprotective or even social media. Both therapy and medication can help relieve your everyday anxiety.

      Types of Therapy:

      Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of therapy is very commonly used treat anxiety. It examines your negative thoughts and how you react to certain situations that can give you anxiety.

      Exposure Therapy: This type of therapy exposes you to the situations that make you anxious and by repeating them your anxiety starts to diminish and you start to feel control over your body and thoughts. This can be done in real life or through imagination.

      Exercising and relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety as well.

      Medication:

      Benzodiazepines: These types of medication can help relax your muscles and mind. Some sedatives are Xanax, Valium and Librium.

      Buspirone: This medication can help to regulate chemicals in your brain. This medication is for both short and long-term anxiety.

      If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

      Sources:

      https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm

      https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anxiety

      https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-drugs#betablockers

      Image: https://www.google.com/search?q=anxiety&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS752US752&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwii94fc1KjuAhXyQ98KHSY3Al8Q_AUoAnoECBgQBA&biw=1434&bih=687#imgrc=k-Z_yXWvwrZaNM

       

       

       

      Autism: How it affects the Parents

      GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

      Autism: How it affects the Parents

      By: Daniela Vargas

      Finding out about your child having Autism can be very difficult for parents. It can affect them mentally, emotionally, financially and their marital relationships.

      Parents can get very stressed out when they find out their child has Autism. This stress can lead parents to have anxiety and depression because they sometimes feel like things seem out of control and they can get very frustrated. This can also happen if parents are not giving their 50%. If one parent is paying more attention to their child it can cause a lot of stress and also partner relationship issues.

      Usually it is the mothers who are more engaged with their child and because they invest all of their time into helping their Autistic child they lack on their social and relationship life. They want their best for their child and sometimes this can mean only one parent works while the other stays at home taking care of the child. Not only is this more stress on the stay at home parent but it can affect couples financially.

      Having only one income source and having to pay for therapy and classes can start to mount up. Out of pocket expenses every week can become an economic burden. A study showed that “mothers with children with ASD earn an average of 56% less than the mothers of children with no health limitation” That’s a reduction in earnings of over 50%.

      To reduce parent stress, anxiety and depression there are different types of support groups and interventions.

      If you or someone you know is struggling with parental stress due to Autism please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

      Sources:

      https://www.longdom.org/open-access/impact-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-on-family-44919.html#:~:text=Having%20a%20child%20with%20Autism,the%20family%2C%20poor%20sibling%20relationships%2C

      https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/autism

      Image: https://www.google.com/search?q=autism&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS752US752&sxsrf=ALeKk00w9ZuRZcsS-4bl8KLKQtI_CNU6BA:1611939032854&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi4k8_rzMHuAhXpEVkFHS0bCsgQ_AUoAnoECCQQBA&biw=1026&bih=687&dpr=2#imgrc=Qb7KME6GQ2uHYM