Author: Judy Gurfein

Toxic Relationships and their effects on Mental Health

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      Mental Health/ Toxic Relationships

By: Ingrid Guevara

A relationship where the behaviors of one person in the relationship are emotionally and, in some cases physically damaging to the other, is what is defined as a toxic relationship. In a toxic relationship you see behaviors like: constant belittlement, guilt-tripping, extreme jealousy, blaming and using manipulation to fulfill personal desires. Such behaviors take a tremendous toll on a person’s mental health. Toxic relationships lead to decline in self-esteem, energy levels and your overall happiness. Being in a toxic relationship creates feelings of insecurities and self -doubt which also leads the person to live in extreme caution while in the relationship. Realizing that a relationship is toxic is a crucial step in prioritizing and protecting your mental health. Then comes taking steps to setting boundaries, seeking support from loved ones or professionals and engaging in activities that bring you joy, all things that promote healing and personal growth. Always keep in mind that everyone deserves a nurturing and healthy relationship. It is okay to step away from relationships that negatively affect your mental health because your mental health is crucial and should always be put first.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, 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:

https://primebehavioralhealth.com/how-toxic-relationships-affect-your-mental-health/#:~:text=Toxic%20relationships%20can%20severely%20affect,navigate%20the%20relationship%20with%20caution.

Binge Eating Disorder

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Binge Eating Disorder

By: Cosette Verna

Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by consuming extreme amounts of food and feeling unable to stop eating. This is different than overeating at a meal- BED is driven by a compulsion to continue eating and being unable to resist the urges, despite extreme fullness and cognitive awareness of overeating.

Behavioral symptoms of BED include (but are not limited to) feeling like eating behaviors are out of control, binging on unusually large amounts of food in a short time frame, eating despite feelings of fullness, eating in secret, deep feelings of shame, disgust, depression, and/or guilt surrounding eating, and eating rapidly during binges.

Emotional and behavioral signs of BED include (but are not limited to) frequent dieting, extreme concern around body weight, disruption in normal eating behaviors, frequent body checking (e.g., obsessively looking in the mirror to check appearance) the development of food rituals (e.g., using particular cutlery, excessive chewing), eating alone out of shame or embarrassment, and feelings of low self-esteem. Physical signs of BED include noticeable weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal pain, and difficulties concentrating.

If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, 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:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bed

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is CBT?

                Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying and changing dysfunctional and intrusive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. CBT is influenced by the idea that thoughts influence behavior; therefore, the job of the psychotherapist is to talk to the patient and help uproot negative and irrational beliefs, and then change them into newer and more positive ones. CBT is distinct from other therapies because it focuses on the present, rather than the past. What are you thinking right now? Are there any harmful thought patterns that usually emerge? What are you thinking when you begin to feel anxious?

                This form of psychotherapy is appropriate for all ages including children, adolescents and adults. A clinician or therapist will likely practice CBT with a patient when the patient is demonstrating severe symptoms of anxiety, stress, and negative and disturbing thoughts or beliefs about their lives. A patient who engages in severe negative self-talk or low self-esteem due to negative beliefs about themselves or about life can tremendously benefit from CBT. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can also treat patients with conditions such as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, phobias, and substance use disorder. CBT is also beneficial for people looking to improve their relationships and overall wanting to engage in a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Depression: Does Social Media Cause Depression?

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Depression: Does Social Media Cause Depression?

By: Michelle Chinchilla

Around 4.62 billion of us are engaging on social media platforms. You can like someone’s post or share a picture or video- there is always a new update or post. After endless amounts of scrolling it can be pretty tiring. Social media as a whole can make a person feel so many different ways: meaningful, euphoric, isolated, and even depressed.

What type of depression can social media be caused by?

Social media isn’t inherently harmful to your mental health, especially if it doesn’t replace other forms of healthy social interaction. However, exposure to harmful behavior and rhetoric through social media can impact your mood and even cause depressive symptoms. Comparison, jealousy, addiction, and many more are reasons to feeling down.

Prevention

Do you notice you’re feeling more sad, lonely, isolated, or depressed when you spend time on social media? Or do you walk away feeling recharged, or like you have spent your time meaningfully? If you have an iPhone, consider using the “Screen Time” feature to track how you’re using your phone. When social media becomes too distracting, consider turning off notifications for a while or removing the app from your phone until you feel like you’re in a better place to log in again.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, 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 Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 or (212)722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Reference: https://psychcentral.com/depression/does-social-media-cause-depression#tips

Anorexia Nervosa

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By: Cosette Verna

Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) is an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, distorted perception of weight, and intense fear of weight gain. These distortions may cause behavioral symptoms in those suffering from anorexia, including excessive exercise, severe restriction of food intake, calorie counting, and abuse of diuretics, laxatives, or enemas.

Anorexia is typically a manifestation of one’s emotional issues and feelings of inadequacy, to which one strives for extreme thinness as a measure of self-worth. Physical symptoms of anorexia include (but are not limited to) extreme weight loss, loss of menstrual cycle, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness/fainting, constipation, hair breakage, irregular heart rhythms, dehydration, growth of body hair, and dry and/or yellowish skin.

Though anorexia is typically associated with extreme low body weight, those suffering from Atypical Anorexia Nervosa are not to be overlooked. Atypical Anorexia Nervosa patients have all the symptoms of anorexia aside from extreme thinness, and have typically been overweight historically. Though they may physically appear to be in a healthy weight range, their body is under extreme stress in order to maintain a weight that is not healthy for the individual. Atypical anorexia is just as serious as anorexia- percentages of those hospitalized with atypical anorexia is similar to hospitalizations from typical anorexia.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anorexia nervosa, 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:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591

https://childmind.org/article/what-is-atypical-anorexia-nervosa/

Emotional Dysregulation Disorder: What is it?

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Emotional Dysregulation Disorder: What is it?

By Sherry Yang

Emotional dysregulation disorder (EDD), also known as borderline personality disorder, is a mental illness that is characterized by severe emotional instability. Those with EDD are constantly changing their feelings about themselves and others, and only feel emotions on extreme levels. EDD significantly affects impulsivity, self-image, and relationships. It can be caused by family history, brain structure, or environmental factors such as trauma. Symptoms may include:

  • A pattern of unstable relationships with loved ones
  • Distorted and unstable sense of self
  • Impulsive and possibly dangerous behaviors
  • Self-harming or suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulties controlling anger
  • Feelings of dissociation
  • Intense and unstable moods and emotional episodes
  • Problems with real or perceived abandonment

Although EDD may appear similar to another mental illness, bipolar disorder, these two are notably different. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings with emotional highs and lows; the highs are feelings of mania and the lows are feelings of depression. This disorder does not have as much emphasis on relationships and self-image, which are key to EDD.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional dysregulation disorder, 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 and 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

References:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

Eating Disorders: What Motivates Recovery?

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Eating Disorders: What Motivates Recovery

By: Brianna Millier

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can have severe physical, emotional, and social consequences. While the road to recovery may be challenging, understanding the factors that support and motivate recovery is essential for promoting healing and well-being. The motivating factors mentioned should be tailored to meet individual personalities and preferences. In this article, we explore the nature of eating disorders and delve into the evidence-based strategies and supports that can empower individuals along their recovery journey.

The Role of Social Support:

Research published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders highlights the importance of positive social relationships, such as family support, peer networks, and therapeutic alliances. These support systems provide encouragement, understanding, and practical assistance, reinforcing the individual’s motivation to recover. Supporting pro-recovery beliefs and lifestyle changes (e.g., not talking negatively about weight), building hope for the future (e.g., writing inspiring notes), and by discussing and working toward goals that conflict with the ED (e.g., volunteering, having children) are helpful suggestions (Venturo-Conerly et al., 2020). 

Cultivating Self-Compassion:

A review by Tosca Braun et al., highlights self-compassion’s positive impact on body image, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Practicing self-compassion involves acknowledging and accepting one’s struggles while cultivating a non-judgmental and nurturing attitude towards oneself. Incorporating self-compassion exercises, such as mindfulness and self-affirmation, can strengthen motivation and resilience throughout the recovery journey.

Embracing Individualized Treatment:

Personalized treatment may involve a combination of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT focuses on challenging distorted thoughts, building coping skills, and promoting self-acceptance. These factors all contribute to motivation and sustained recovery. Family therapy is particularly helpful in treating adolescents and improves communication, reduces blame, and fosters a supportive environment, enhancing the individual’s motivation to engage in treatment and sustain recovery. Participants in one study often described medical professionals as the first people who made them feel heard and understood (Venturo-Conerly et al., 2020). Professionals offer validation and safety while also providing a continuation of specialized support and a means to monitor progress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, 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 Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 or (212)722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

References:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.03.003.

https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23331

Postpartum Depression: New Mothers

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Postpartum Depression: New Mothers

By Sherry Yang

Giving birth to a child is a major life change for any new mother. 1 in 9 new moms will experience postpartum depression, which impacts those with a personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder, as well as those with life factors that have already put them at risk of depression. Affected mothers may have feelings of intense depression and emptiness that significantly interfere with their lives and motherhood for longer than 2 weeks after childbirth. Insecurities, stress, mood swings, and feeling sad or overwhelmed are relatively common, but if these symptoms are severe and do not pass within a few days, they are likely signs of something more serious. Symptoms of postpartum depression may include:

  • Lack of interest or connection with the baby
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby
  • Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad mother
  • Lack of energy, motivation, or focus
  • Self-isolation and loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed
  • Poor eating and sleep patterns
  • Difficulty taking care of yourself or your baby

If left untreated, effects can continue to impact the baby’s childhood, the mother’s later parenting, and their relationship. Some mothers with postpartum depression might avoid seeking help out of embarrassment or guilt for feeling this way after the birth of a new child. However, this absolutely does not mean someone is a bad mother, and reaching out to professionals can provide a path to effective treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, 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 and 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Reference: https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

PTSD in Military Veterans

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PTSD in Military Veterans

By: Mercedes Renter

What does PTSD stand for? Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder which often develops after someone goes through or sees a life-threatening event. The symptoms of PTSD tend to start soon after the traumatic event but may not appear until months or years later. There are four common symptoms of PTSD. The first symptom is reliving the event which can feel very scary and real. Nightmares can occur as well as flashbacks and you may see, hear, or smell something that can remind you of the event. The second symptom is avoiding things that remind you of the event. For example, for veterans they may avoid gun ranges when they are not deployed because it can trigger past emotions. The third symptom is having negative thoughts and feelings which did not occur before the traumatic event. An individual suffering from PTSD can feel numb or may think the world is full of danger and have a hard time with trusting anyone. The fourth symptom is feeling on edge which can lead to having a hard time falling asleep, find it hard to concentrate, or even become startled by a loud noise or surprise.

There are lifestyles changes that can help a veteran cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. Interacting with trauma survivors and other veterans who have experienced PTSD can be beneficial. Additionally, exercising can be helpful by providing a steady schedule into your everyday life. Eating healthy and spending more time with loved ones are also healthy habits that can help cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. These are all helpful changes for an individual suffering from PTSD because it allows a positive change in their daily life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Post-traumatic stress disorder please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrics, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny/com

Reference: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp

Facilitating Medication Compliance

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Facilitating Medication Compliance

By: Irene Tussy

No matter how effective a medicine is, it will only work for a patient if it is taken properly. Patient health outcomes are evaluated based on the eradication or recurrence of symptoms, emergency room visits, hospitalization, readmission rate, morbidity, and mortality. Medication noncompliance contributes to all these factors, as well as an increase in the cost of healthcare and increased spending on healthcare.

Education is the most effective tool to combat medication noncompliance, and it is equally important that all involved in a patient’s care are educated. The responsibility for compliance is shared by both patient and doctor. Prescribers need to be aware of the importance of communicating clearly with their patients about the medicines they prescribe.  This includes having a conversation about what they are treating and why, as well as addressing not only the side effects of the medicine but the effect of not taking the medicine as well. Prescribing instructions need to be clear and should be reviewed with the patient before dismissal, in writing if at all possible. 

Another important factor for prescribers to review with their patients is the dosage regimen. Patients may be more likely to adhere to a single-dosing approach than they are to a multi-dosing approach. Extended release medications are a great option to consider. If a single-dosing regimen is not possible or is more efficacious, the prescriber needs to make sure that the patient understands the potential repercussions of missing doses.

Pharmacies also play an important role in medication compliance. Automatic refills or refill reminders should be offered to all patients. Text messaging or automated phone calls are viable options. If a patient cannot afford medicine, pharmacies should make available patient information pamphlets from drug companies that often provide a sliding scale or other options to make their drugs more available to those in need. For their part, drug companies need to offer price reductions or sliding scale options to their patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds.  They should also evaluate dosing schedules and try to offer more extended release options on a regular basis. Creating multiple formulations may be useful, such as pills, capsules that tend to be easier to swallow, or liquid for those with dysphagia.

Ultimately, the responsibility for medication compliance lies with the patient, after all, it is their health and well-being that is at risk. A regular medication regimen needs to be set up at home, while on vacation, or on a business trip. Patients should never leave their doctor’s office with unanswered questions about their medications, and if any arise after the visit, a phone call needs to be made to the office as soon as possible, before the question is forgotten. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with medication compliance, 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 Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 or (212)722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498383/