Depression/ Mood Disorders

Depression vs. Grief: Are you depressed or are you just grieving?

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Depression vs. Grief: Are you depressed or are you just grieving?

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Did you experience a loss of some kind, whether it was a loved one, a job, a pet, or even a relationship? Often times, individuals will think that they are experiencing depression when that may not be the case at all. In fact, depression does not solely occur when a traumatic event has occurred but may occur due to genetics or even your environment. However, it may be hard for individuals to distinguish grieving from depression due to the similarities. This is why psychologists or psychiatrists will often ask for your history to determine treatment. Grieving and depression are both characterized by intense feelings of sadness and may have the same cause of trauma and loss. Some individuals may experience both depression and bereavement, commonly known as a process of grief, which causes significant symptoms and functional impairment and is worse than either depression or bereavement alone.

The Differences between Depression and Grief

Depression is characterized by a variety of depressive disorders, such as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance-induced depressive disorder, medication-induced depressive disorder, and other unspecified and specified depressive disorders. Major depressive disorder is the most common and known type of depressive disorder, as it is the classic condition amongst all the other depressive disorders. It is characterized by depressive episodes that have been occurring for at least 2 weeks and/or longer, which is longer than the grieving process. Major depressive disorder is also more persistent and has more obvious characteristics because individuals will be feeling depressive symptoms everywhere, as opposed to bereavement, which is more of a fluctuating state and varies from person to person. Bereavement entails this grieving process where these negative feelings are accompanied by positive feelings, and as time passes, the wave of negative emotions will spread further and further apart. The grieving process and the associated feelings will also come to an end as the individual fully visualizes their loss through a good recollection rather than a more devastating one.

Treatment options

Despite the differences between the two, major depressive disorder and bereavement are both treatable. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can definitely treat both major depressive disorder and bereavement. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics can also target the symptoms of major depressive disorder, and people find them useful in conjunction with psychotherapy.

All in all, it’s important to be mindful of all the similarities and differences and to take action when needed. Your mental health is just as important as your health; you should not let it derail your life, as there is a way out. Remember that you are not alone, as individuals all over the world are experiencing what you may be experiencing right now.

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief or 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 & 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

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2691160/#:~:text=Most%20bereaved%20individuals%20experience%20intense,both%20bereavement%20and%20major%20depression.

https://www.verywellmind.com/grief-and-depression-1067237

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)

Depression: What Does Your Messy Room Say About You?

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Depression: What Does Your Messy Room Say About You?

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Are you struggling with maintaining a clean room? A messy room may represent a disorganized mind and high stress levels. FMRI scans have shown that disorganization and clutter negatively impacts the way our brains work. Some may even go as far to say that it can be seen as a depressive episode. Depression has been shown to make it hard for individuals to take care of themselves physically, especially when it comes down to cleaning their bedrooms. Individuals with depression also demonstrate lack of motivation doing their daily tasks. It can take significantly more energy and effort to accomplish even the smallest tasks.

What exactly is depression?

Depression is characterized as a mood disorder that causes one to feel constantly low or sad and may even affect your interest to do certain activities. Symptoms in depression can vary from mild to severe and there are psychological scales that can assess the severity of the illness. Depression can affect anyone even children and adolescents and risk factors ranges from brain chemistry to genetics to environmental factors and even to personality. For instance, you can experience extreme lows, which may lead to depression if you receive a poor score on an exam for which you have been studying and expected a higher score.

Is depression treatable?

Depression is in fact treatable and can be treated by the following ways:

  1. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy in which focuses on one’s feelings and past experiences. It may help to talk to someone about your low moments.
  2. Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics may help with symptoms
  3. Hypnotherapy, also known as hypnosis which puts you in a trance-like state to relax you and helps reduce anxiety and stress

And more!

Although cleaning one’s room may be difficult for individuals who are depressed, there is certainly a way through it. Perhaps try cleaning just a small part of your room each day until the entire space is clean. Having your room cleaned might help your depression even more, since a clean environment is proven to improve mood and reduce stress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or 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/

Sources:

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression#section_2

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/what-does-clutter-do-to-your-brain-and-body

https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-clutter-affects-health

Bipolar Disorder: The Impact on Family Dynamics

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Bipolar Disorder: The Impact on Family Dynamics

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Living with a family member who has a mental illness is never fun. Especially when it comes to bipolar disorder, which is a disorder where the individual will have frequent highs and lows. This can sometimes be hard on the family members as they witness their loved one struggle and take it out on the family. Individuals with bipolar disorder often go through many hardships and, unfortunately, may not always want to seek help. This can lead to broken families and trauma for other family members. Some individuals may even go undiagnosed, which leads to more devastating consequences that will derail their lives in significant ways.

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

There are two types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar Disorder I and Bipolar Disorder II. Bipolar Disorder I is more severe than Bipolar Disorder II and usually is characterized by several days of insomnia because of mania. Mania is characterized by increased energy, excessively high moods, extreme irritability, racing thoughts, distractibility, spending sprees, and denial that anything is wrong.  As for Bipolar Disorder II, the disorder is characterized as experiencing hypomanic episodes, but it is also accompanied by severe depression-like symptoms just as severe as Bipolar Disorder I. These disorders are treatable with medications and psychotherapy. Medications may include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics to manage elevated mood and depressed episodes.

What can I do to help a loved one with bipolar disorder?

Although it can be tough to be around someone with bipolar disorder, it is also important to understand the illness and seek out a professional that can help. A person with bipolar disorder usually feels isolated because of the condition and faces obstacles on a daily basis. Supporting a family member who may be suffering from this condition is essential for their recovery. Keep in mind that people with bipolar disorder can still lead fulfilling lives, but strongly depends on their support system and their willingness to get help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder or has a family member with the 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/.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-1-vs-bipolar-2#treatment

https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/bipolar-disorder-effects-on-the-family

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

Grief: Grieving Around the Holidays

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Grief: Grieving Around the Holidays

By Emily Ferrer

As the weather gets colder, the colorful leaves fall off the trees, and the holiday decorations start to light up the night, the feeling of the best time of the year starts to kick in. As merry and cozy as these holidays seem to be, they do not always have the same effect on everyone. Grieving around the holidays can feel extremely lonely, sad, and overwhelming. The first holiday season is always the hardest for individuals and families who have just lost someone close to them, such as a grandparent, parent, sibling, child, or other close relative that they would usually see during the holidays. The empty chair at the dining table during Thanksgiving, or the wonder of who is going to make the Christmas cookies this year can be extremely heartbreaking. Even after you feel as if you have started to feel better through your grieving process, the holidays can dig up more emotion than you have felt since losing your loved one. You may start to feel more down, tired, unmotivated, sluggish, and lonely. You may also start to get flashbacks of your loved one when they passed that may also make you feel as if you are grieving from the beginning all over again. As hard as the holiday season may be for grieving individuals and families, here are some tips to help make your holiday season a bit brighter this year[1]:

  • Surround yourself with people you love and care about. Being with a big group of people during the holidays after losing a loved one can help you feel less lonely and can also be a great opportunity to share stories about your loved one with your family.
  • Do not “cancel” the holiday. As tempting as it may be to forget about the holidays after losing your loved one it is important to keep it going and grieve along the way. Experiencing the holiday season after the death of a loved one is part of the grieving process from which you should not run away.
  • Create new traditions. Finding new traditions can also be a create way to cope during the holiday season. This can include changing the location of where holiday dinner is hosted, picking new family members to carve the turkey or make the Christmas cookies, or even coming up with a new holiday game to play to fill the emptiness that everyone may feel.
  • Practice self-care. Try not to indulge in alcohol or drugs during the holiday season to cope with your grief; instead, try journaling, spending time with friends, or physical activity to boost your mood. It is also important to let yourself feel any emotions that arise and to not fight the conflicting feelings of anger, sadness, joy, and happiness.
  • Seek professional help. It is important to be aware of your feelings during such a difficult time and recognize that if the holiday season is too much for you to handle to seek professional help to assist you during this challenging period.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief this holiday season and wants help, 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources:

[1] https://www.vitas.com/family-and-caregiver-support/grief-and-bereavement/holidays-and-grief/coping-with-grief-during-the-holidays

Emotionally Abusive Relationship: How to Spot the Signs

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Emotionally Abusive Relationship: How to Spot the Signs

By Erika Ortiz

Abuse of any kind must never be tolerated. Whether it is from your boss, spouse, family member, or friend, it should not be taken lightly and must be acted upon quickly before it can escalate to serious issues. However, some forms of abuse are difficult to distinguish and can be especially hard to come to terms with when the abuser is a significant other such as a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend. Physical abuse is a well-known form of abuse; however, emotional abuse has a subtle component, making it very tricky to catch. Here are some signs that you are in an emotionally abusive relationship:

Controlling and manipulative- Your partner may make you feel bad for going out or give you a curfew when you’re out with friends.

Gaslighting- Your partner can make you believe points in their arguments or things you have “said” that never happened.

Humiliation and embarrassment- They may insult you, make fun, and make you feel bad about yourself in front of others.

Silent treatment/Stonewalling- After an argument, they may “shut down” to make you feel abandoned and cut communication.

Threats- They may flat-out threaten you in any way, shape, or form possible.

There is quite a lengthy list of signs of emotional abuse. However, it is crucial to be proactive and seek help. These issues can cause or result in depression, anxiety, suicide, and PTSD. It can even lead to physical abuse if it hasn’t already occurred. Please seek professional help immediately if you see any signs of abuse or feel unsafe or unwell.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotionally abusive relationship or signs of it, 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

 Sources

https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/signs-emotionally-abusive-relationship

https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-mental-abuse#control-and-shame

Hypnotherapy: What is it?

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Hypnotherapy: What is it?

By Emily Ferrer

Hypnotherapy helps clients gain control over unfavorable behaviors, cope with anxiety or pain, or alter their ideas about a certain idea or image. Hypnosis involves a trained psychologist and entails placing the patient into a trance-like state that can make you feel extremely calm, focused, and open to suggestions[1]. Over many years, hypnosis has been found to help many people with issues such as pain control, chemotherapy, hot flashes, behavioral changes, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), addiction, weight loss, and more[2]! In fact, a study done in 1970 found that hypnotherapy has a 93% success rate in less sessions compared to other forms of therapy[3]. The average amount of hypnotherapy sessions needed to see results can be as little as 4 and as much as 15[4]. This is much less than the average number of sessions needed for other forms of therapy, which are usually around 20 or more until you start to see results[5].

You are probably curious what exactly to expect in a hypnotherapy session and how to prepare. There is no preparation needed on your end before your first hypnotherapy session other than an open mind and a willingness to change your behaviors or ideas. The first session will usually not involve any hypnotism, however, the therapist may use this session as an opportunity to get to know you, the problems you are facing, and what you want to change. The second session is usually when your hypnotherapy begins. Your therapist will always explain the process to you and begin by talking in a soothing and gentle voice. The therapist may also start to describe very vivid images to you to create a sense of relaxation and security. Once you are in a relaxed state, your therapist may begin suggesting ways to work towards your goal that you wanted to work on, such as fear, pain, addiction, anxiety, sleep disturbances, etc. This will help you visualize your path to success and believe in your ability to accomplish your goals[6]. Eventually, your therapist will guide you out of your state of relaxation and the hypnosis session will end. Hypnosis can be extremely helpful to those it does work for but suicide/suicidal thoughts is not guaranteed.

If you or someone you know is interested in trying hypnotherapy, 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 certified in hypnotherapy 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:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405#:~:text=Hypnosis%2C%20also%20referred%20to%20as,verbal%20repetition%20and%20mental%20images.

[2] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/january/hypnosis

[3] Barrios, A. A. (1970). Hypnotherapy: A reappraisal. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 7(1), 2–7. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086544

[4] https://thehypnosisclinic.com/blog/how-many-sessions-do-i-need/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610#:~:text=Length%20of%20therapy,Type%20of%20disorder%20or%20situation

[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405#:~:text=Hypnosis%2C%20also%20referred%20to%20as,verbal%20repetition%20and%20mental%20images.

Eating Disorders: How To Catch Them in Your Loved Ones

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Eating Disorders: How To Catch Them in Your Loved Ones

By Emily Ferrer

Eating disorders are characterized by severe and persistent troubles related to eating behaviors, food, and weight[1]. There are many different types of eating disorders; however, the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Nine percent of the entire population suffers from an eating disorder and 10,200 deaths are recorded each year due to an eating disorder[2]. After reading about how common they are, I am sure you are wondering, “How do I know if I or someone I know has an eating disorder?” There are many signs and symptoms associated with eating disorders[3]:

Anorexia Nervosa:

  • Extreme weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Bone weakness
  • Amenorrhea
  • Brittle hair/nails
  • Always feeling cold
  • Obsession with food
  • Depression

Bulimia Nervosa:

  • Frequent trips to the bathroom after a meal
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Dental decay
  • Laxative/diuretic misuse
  • Large amounts of food disappearing
  • Fainting from excessive purging

Binge-Eating Disorder:

  • Weight gain
  • Eating very rapidly
  • Eating until very full
  • Eating even when not hungry
  • Hiding large amounts of food
  • Eating alone on purpose
  • Feeling guilty after eating large amounts of food

Eating disorders can be extremely serious if not treated. It is important to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of different eating disorders so you can find help for you or someone you know as soon as possible. Other general signs of eating disorders to look out for are a sudden obsession with food (cooking it, eating it, watching cooking shows/videos), social withdrawal, drastic changes in mood, new attitudes towards food, new dieting habits, self-harm, excessive exercise, obsession with calorie and step count, repeatedly weighing themselves, and body dysmorphia[4]

If you or someone you know is struggling with an 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

Sources:

[1] https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders

[2] https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/

[3] https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders

[4] https://www.lifeworkscommunity.com/eating-disorders-treatment/how-to-recognise-the-early-signs-of-an-eating-disorder

Intergenerational Trauma: What is it?

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Intergenerational Trauma: What is it?

By Erika Ortiz

            Intergenerational trauma is a term used to describe the difficulties or challenges a family has experienced for generations. Intergenerational trauma can inflict negative feelings and experiences through either an individual or the family as a whole. It usually starts with one family member who has had a traumatic experience. The family members then goes on to either repeat the action that traumatized them or project their feelings onto family members, continuing the cycle of trauma. Historical trauma can catalyze intergenerational trauma. For example, a great-grandmother survived the Holocaust; however, she now behaves in a very reserved and cold manner, so she struggles to express emotions such as love and compassion. Since she raised her children in such a manner, they may grow and have children and display that same type of avoidant relationship. Another example can be that a mother was sexually abused when she was younger, her daughter was also sexually abused, and her granddaughter suffered from that experience. The individual who suffers the trauma can pass down and then project the feelings that were felt at the time of the incident. Since they most likely did not receive the proper care and treatment to manage the mental health issues that they were experiencing, they relayed that same traumatic feeling to the next generation of their family. Hence, it is critical to seek professional help. Here are some ways to cope/deal with inter-generational trauma:

  • Break the cycle- interrupt and prevent the repetition of trauma
  • Hear each other out- although this can be difficult, listening is key to fixing
  • Get the professionals involved- the best way to cope with any mental health issue or fragmented relationship is to get a qualified professional’s help


Source:

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/intergenerational-trauma/

If you or someone you know is experiencing intergenerational trauma or other traumas, 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

The Empty Nest Syndrome

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

The Empty Nest Syndrome

By Erika Ortiz

            There comes a time when parents reach the end of raising their kids to become young adults that have to venture off into the real world. As they prepare to face all of life’s trials and experiences that await them, what’s going on with the parents? Many some parents experience the empty bird’s nest syndrome. It is not a mental disorder or illness of some sort; however, it is a deep and perpetuating feeling of sadness parents temporarily experience when their child finally leaves to create a life of their own. Why does this happen? Parents spend the majority of their time raising their children and investing an immense amount of love and care towards them as well. Mom would wake you up for school; Dad would pick you up from practice; Mom made dinner for the family; Dad made you help him with fixing up something in the house every morning on the weekend. Parents’ entire lives revolve around essentially taking care and nurturing the development of their children. Once the realization the child is now “leaving the nest” parents are left with the question; “What now?”

           A great way to cope with this feeling is to start a hobby or activity. Try taking up running again; try cooking that one meal you saw on the Food Network you always wanted to or read that book you saw in the bookstore. It’s important to now refocus on yourself as parents. Parents sometimes suffer an identity crisis or “mid-life crisis” where they feel they lose themselves individually. Of course, your children will always be your children, and you will always be there for them. But realize that it is also necessary to now invest time in you as well. Another way to cope is to try and rekindle your relationship with your spouse or, for single parents, go out and date. Of course, if this feeling becomes severe or you feel helpless, please consider getting professional help. The empty nest syndrome can easily slip into something serious.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe loneliness or sadness, 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 https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Source

https://www.lifehack.org/809725/empty-nest-syndrome