No one appreciates being left out. This applies to any age but especially has damaging effects on children. Children with special needs or intellectual disabilities are often left out in social settings. These environments range anywhere from school, sports, afterschool activities, and social gatherings
Growing up, we were taught to include everyone and never leave anyone out. But unfortunately, this ideology does not have value or significance to some. Kids can especially be mean or judgemental to others who may not look and act exactly like them. This is why bullying and stigma rates towards special needs individuals are so high.
I believe there are children who could benefit from learning about special needs and intellectual disabilities at school and at home so they are aware and knowledgeable on the topic. It is also very considerate to involve individuals who may not always have the opportunity to be included.
Everyone has a right to feel like they belong in their community and amongst their peers. Because they do belong.
It can be difficult to see a loved one or caretaker struggle with mental health. If you or a family member are struggling with 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, and 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/
Caretaker: How to Take Care of Yourself When Taking Care of a Loved One
By: Josette DeFranco
Participating in caregiving can come with a lot of stress and responsibility. Many individuals believe that they have to handle it all on their own which can lead to exhaustion and anxiety. Family caregivers at any age have reported that they experience a terrible sleep schedule, poor eating habits, failure to stay active, and failure to make medical appointments for themselves. If you are experiencing this, it is okay to let go of the load you are carrying and know that you are not alone. Caregiving can be an emotional roller coaster that may trigger the same hormonal and neural mechanisms that cause stress chemistry. However, it is noted that those who are caregiving for a loved one find this a rewarding experience.
Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself:
Prioritize sleep
Eat well
Acknowledge your feelings
Set boundaries
Take on fewer tasks
Ask for help
Practice Mindfulness
Treat yourself
Let go of guilt
Be honest with yourself
Here is a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish. To take care of others you have to take care of yourself first. Caring for you is the most important tip because we can’t share our assistance if we lack it in ourselves. Be kind to yourself. You may tell yourself “I never do anything right” or “There’s no way I can find time for myself.” Our brains are a reflection of us meaning your brain will start to believe what you are saying. Instead, try positive affirmations like “I am doing a good job at taking care of my parents” or “I will take at least 15 minutes for myself each day.”
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 https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
As the autumn leaves fall, everyone copes with the seasons changing differently. Some embrace the changes, while others may have difficulty with the adjustments. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons. Typically, Seasonal Affective Disorder is most common in the fall and winter months when there is reduced sunlight. The lack of sunlight affects the body’s internal clock, hormone levels, and chemical messengers, Various symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder range from feelings of sadness, low energy, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite.
Multiple treatments are available for managing Seasonal Affective Disorder such as light therapy, counseling or psychotherapy, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Additionally, there are coping methods individuals can try at home. The methods include going outside to get natural sunlight, eating vitamin D-enriched foods, taking vitamin D supplements, avoiding stressful situations, and consuming a healthy and balanced diet. Other methods one can try are getting plenty of outdoor and indoor exercise, talking to family and friends about Seasonal Affective Disorder, making your space as light and airy as possible, and sleeping for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.
It can be difficult to see a loved one struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you or a family member are struggling with 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, and 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/
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition, is a type of conduct disorder in which an individual exhibits frequent patterns of irritable mood, defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. ODD can be specified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on whether the symptoms of the disorder occur only in one setting, at least two settings, or three or more settings, respectively. For an official diagnosis of ODD, individuals must meet the diagnostic threshold of the behavior lasting at least six (6) months, and being evidenced by at least four (4) symptoms of the disorder; additionally, the individual’s disturbance in behavior must exist within the context of social distress, and negatively impact his or her social, educational, or occupational functioning. The individual’s behavior must not also occur as a result of a psychotic, depressive, substance use, or bipolar disorder, and must not fall under the category of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Once all of these criteria are met, a diagnosis of ODD can be made.
Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder:
The DSM-5 mandates that, as part of the diagnostic criteria for ODD, an individual must exhibit four (4) or more of the following symptoms. It is important to note that these symptoms should be frequent and persistent, exceeding the normal limit of this type of behavior in individuals. Symptoms of ODD include:
Frequent loss of temper
Is often touchy or easily annoyed
Is often angry and resentful
Often argues with authority figures (or, for children and adolescents, with adults)
Often does not comply with rules or requests from authority figures
Often deliberately annoys others
Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
Has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past six (6) months
If you or someone you know is struggling with oppositional defiant disorder or with mental health in general, 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:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Social anxiety disorder is a persistent and intense fear of social settings. People who have social anxiety are afraid of being judged by others or humiliated. This disorder can affect an individual’s daily life such as work and school. Being able to do daily things such as eating or using the bathroom can cause an individual to have an intense amount of anxiety.
Here are some symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
Avoiding eye contact and speaking in a soft voice
Feeling self-conscious or feeling others are always judging you
Sweating, trembling, shaky voice, and rapid heartbeat when in social settings
Worrying about upcoming events or activities
Some treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive behavioral therapy-This therapy helps individuals learn how to think, behave, and react to social situations to help reduce anxiety
Medications are also helpful for social anxiety. The best types of medications for this disorder are SSRIs and SNRIs. SSRIs increase serotonin levels while SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
Hypnotherapy is a great way to help reduce anxiety. Individuals who choose hypnotherapy will learn how to get into a state of relaxation. This will allow them to learn how to relax their mind without feeling anxious.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or 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 https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Are you feeling overwhelmed due to the lack of balance in your work and personal life?
Work-life balance is important because it affects you, your family, and others. You need the time and energy to participate in your own personal interests, family, and community activities. A workplace that supports employees’ well-being and allows their employees to focus on their mental health is an excellent way for them to avoid burnout.
Here are some healthy work-life balance tips:
Take breaks
Set boundaries
Learn to say no
Prioritize your mental health
Set goals
Practice Mindfulness
Create a flexible work schedule
Seek support
It is important to acknowledge how this balance can benefit you. It’s easy to get caught up in your job and neglect your wants and needs. These are just a couple ways having a work-life balance can help you; create healthier workplace relationships, improve your mental health, enhance your physical health, and have better productivity at work.
If you, your child, or someone you know is experiencing back-to-school anxiety, social anxiety, or other anxiety disorders or mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan offices respectively, at 201-368-3700 or 212-722-1920 to set up an appointment. Please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ for more information.
The Apalachee High School vigil on the school’s football field was attended by students, school faculty, and community members. People held up candles or lights in remembrance.
By: Tehila Strulowitz
Coming right after students ran along the newly waxed floors, parents were absolutely certain that there were no more 1” binders at Target, and the fumes from the fresh coats of paint in the hallways were still in the air, a student asked the teacher to go to the main office to speak with someone, hid in the bathroom, removed an AR-15 assault rifle and a knife from his backpack, and snuck through the hallways before unleashing a spray of bullets. September 5, 2024, is a day when we add another school shooting to the growing list and write four new names among those who have already died while trying to learn or teach.
The recent horrific events at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, have caused a surge in fear and mental health concerns among children and adults. As a 2021 study by researchers Kira E. Riehm, Ramin Mojtabai, Leslie B. Adams, and their colleagues shows, high levels of fear and anxiety immediately following a school shooting or any form of extreme violence in a school cause children and teenagers to experience symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, even though these experiences are somewhat vicarious. Dr. Aradhana Bela Sood, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University, said that while all children could display these kinds of signs following a shooting, researchers have identified younger children as having an increased likelihood of developing signs that meet the criteria for disorders like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The difference, said Sood, is that younger children haven’t built up shields and space to mentally process traumatic experiences or news because they don’t have as much life experience, leaving them with fewer opportunities to practice those mental processes. Dr. Sood and her fellow researchers also highlighted the dangers of high amounts of social media usage and constantly reading news reports about mass shootings, noting that, at the very least, they can create short-term psychological issues for children living in communities that are not the site of the shooting, with issues like elevated fear and a perception of reduced safety.
Dr. Sood’s message to parents and guardians of children directly or indirectly affected by a mass shooting is that it is crucial for those around the child to be aware and perceptive so that they can be encouraging, caring, and acknowledge the ups and downs that accompany grief. Some tips Sood suggests are giving the child a predictable routine, allowing them to talk about the experience without judgment, and limiting the news they consume about the tragic event. Lastly, parents and guardians should be aware of their own mental health and seek help for themselves if needed.
Most importantly, remember that children of all ages are remarkably resilient. They might initially experience feelings of trauma because of the news, but time heals, and these feelings will decrease.
Disorders related to school shootings, whether experiencing one directly or indirectly, are: acute stress disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorder.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma-related issues or with mental health in general, 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://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
A question you don’t hear enough but should be asked more is “What is grief?” Grief is the terrible pain that accompanies loss. Since grief is a reflection of our love, it can feel suffocating. There is no time limit for healing the pain that comes along with loss. Many individuals try to suppress their pain and agony causing them to feel guilt and stagnant. Many individuals may experience grief in short passes where the feeling of distress and sadness comes and goes. Meanwhile, others may experience grief for a long period, such as months or years. It’s important to remind yourself and others that you can grieve at your own pace.
In addition, children experience grief and loss in many different ways. Children are like sponges; they take in information through observation and learned behavior. Although they are young they have deep feelings and can understand their own emotions more than it is perceived. When children grieve it can be a confusing time for them and parents. Do you tell the truth? Or do you rationalize and give simple answers such as “Grandpa is just sleeping.” Being present with them allows you to grieve as well. When children see that their parents can be vulnerable and compassionate it allows them to express themselves and be who they really are.
Here are a couple of ways to help children cope with grief:
You can tell children the truth, even though you might not include all the specific information. Mentioning to them that Grandpa is sleeping may cause them to feel afraid to go to sleep or telling them he is in heaven may make them pack their belongings and find heaven. Be clear, honest, and simple.
Allow them to ask questions. You can’t protect them from the truth but you can give them your empathetic support and love.
Attending the funeral or keeping children home. Ask your child and allow them to decide. If they say yes, have someone who will be present with them and can keep them occupied in case being around sad adults gets overwhelming. If they say no, you can offer another way to remember or honor the person such as showing pictures or lighting a candle.
Give reassurance.
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 https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Going back to school can be exciting for students of all ages. Along with the feelings of newness and back-to-school excitement, feelings of nervousness and social anxiety can also arise. Students may feel nervous or anxious starting a new school year. All of the new people students will be around and the new environment they are placed in can cause them to feel socially anxious, unsure, or nervous about the new changes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about an estimated 31.9% of young people experience at least one anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
Social anxiety is a fear of social situations. Those with social anxiety are usually more shy, quiet, and overall socially reserved. Some physical symptoms students with social anxiety may feel are: shortness of breath, a churning sensation in the stomach, palpitations, out of body experiences, muscle tension, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy sensations. Some psychological symptoms students may face are: a constant feeling of being judged in social settings, always worrying that you will embarrass or humiliate yourself, having a crippling fear of interacting socially with others, avoiding an event or interaction where you feel you are the center of attention, and constantly being critical of and judging oneself.
If back-to-school anxiety persists longer than the first couple weeks and if you notice that it is causing distress to the daily life of the student, meeting with a therapist may be beneficial to help the student better manage their symptoms and help them go back to school comfortably. This may increase their confidence in school or other social settings, and help them feel more comfortable and confident in their new social environments.
If you, your child, or someone you know is experiencing back-to-school anxiety, social anxiety, or other anxiety disorders or mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan offices respectively, at 201-368-3700 or 212-722-1920 to set up an appointment. Please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/ for more information.
Social Anxiety: The Impact of Social Media on Social Anxiety
By: Josette DeFranco
Social anxiety is very common and can be a part of your everyday living whether it is online or offline. Social anxiety means you have persistent fears about being in social situations. Social media has become society’s major way of communicating. It has allowed users to create their own distinctive profiles and content to share with others. It has been found that social media use has caused unrealistic goals and expectations. This can create low self-esteem and a lack of in-person interactions. This may lead to anxiety because you may feel like you don’t live up to your social media image. Nonetheless, it may cause you to feel judged by your choices or appearance. It is important to pay attention to your emotions when logged onto social media and to remember that others experience similar thoughts.
Should you take a break from social media?
Social media can affect individuals differently. However, if you notice social media is causing damage to your mental health, self-esteem, social interactions, and making your moods worse then you may want to consider a social media break. Having a social media break even for a week or a month could enhance your mental state, allowing you to reflect and focus on your mental health needs. It has been noticed that individuals felt more grounded and less anxious, isolated, and depressed.
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 https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
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