mental health

ADHD – How to Be Less Overwhelmed

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

ADHD – How to Be Less Overwhelmed

By: Angy Farhat

ADHD overwhelm often arises when the brain finds it challenging to handle excessive information, numerous tasks, or overwhelming environmental stimuli. This situation is linked to various executive functioning difficulties, such as issues with planning, starting tasks, organizing, prioritizing, managing time, and regulating emotions. Additional factors like sensory overload, frequent task-switching, procrastination, perfectionism, and sleep difficulties can further contribute to this feeling of overwhelm.

When the ADHD brain becomes overstressed, it may react by either shutting down, becoming hyperactive, or spiraling out—much like the body’s response during fight, flight, or freeze situations. Your mind is attempting to cope with the influx of information while trying to process ongoing events. This reaction can manifest in different ways, such as withdrawing, becoming distracted, or feeling irritable. Ultimately, it’s your brain signaling that it has reached its limit.

Experiencing high-stress levels can push you into this uncomfortable state, and it’s important to recognize when that happens. To help reduce overwhelm, we can start by focusing on lowering your stress levels. Stress often stems from feeling overwhelmed or overloaded. Take a moment to examine how much time you spend scrolling through social media, getting distracted by notifications on your devices, or scrambling to meet deadlines. If you’re looking to reduce that overwhelming stress, it’s essential to slow down, identify the areas where you feel most pressured, and make necessary adjustments.

1. Focus on one task at a time: When we multitask, we stress our brains and exhaust ourselves. Multitasking doesn’t really exist in the brain. Instead, opt for single-tasking as often as possible. You may not be able to eliminate all media multitasking habits but, with single-tasking, you’ll feel more productive and less stressed. Plus, you’ll be able to perform better on what you’re doing.

2. Let Go of Perfection: Striving for perfection is an impossible goal that can lead to unnecessary pressure. It’s important to recognize that nobody is perfect. If you’re interested in self-improvement, consider narrowing your focus to one aspect of yourself that you would like to enhance rather than creating an overwhelming list of changes. Think about areas in your life, whether it’s your morning routine, keeping commitments, or meeting project deadlines, where you’d like to experience greater ease. Approach this process with self-compassion, reminding yourself that progress isn’t always linear—two steps forward and one step back still means you’re moving ahead.

3. Prioritize one self-soothing activity per day: It doesn’t matter what this is. What is important is that you create a list of things that help you fill your bucket and feel calm. Repeated stress and ADHD overwhelm wear you down. So, practice self-care in some way each day. Have a quiet cup of tea, a workout at the gym, a walk around the block, and a short meditation. Make a list of 5-10 things that make you feel good and feel grounded. Exercise is very helpful for doing this.

4. Nurture connections: Spending time with people who love and accept you naturally reduces stress. Laughter, lively conversations, sharing fun activities, and feeling supported increase your happy neurochemicals. Plus, when you engage with others, you are more likely to stop thinking about the stressors in your life and pay attention to what’s happening around you. You give yourself a lift and a healthy distraction at the same time.

5. Set realistic expectations for yourself: Instead of concentrating on goals based on compare and despair, use your internal compass to assess how you are doing and what you want. Consider what you can actually handle versus what you think you should do. Rule out items that seem unrealistic or vague; make things as specific as possible. Being more organized is a great goal, but it isn’t precise enough to lead you to do anything differently. Whereas being more organized with your bills, homework, or work presentations are all more exact and will likely result in more success.

If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD, 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 http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/. 

References:

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). ADHD. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/adhd

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). An ADHD diagnosis in adulthood comes with challenges and benefits. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/adult-adhd-diagnosis

Beyond BookSmart. (2024, April 24). ADHD overwhelm: Why it happens & how to control it. Beyond BookSmart: ADHD & Executive Function Coaching Online. https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/adhd-overwhelm-why-it-happens-how-to-control-it

Stigma Surrounding Therapy

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Stigma Surrounding Therapy

By: Maria Koutsothanasis

Therapy is a tool that supports individuals struggling with mental health and different aspects of their lives. Despite the growing conversations about mental health, there continues to be stigma surrounding it. Due to the stigma, individuals find it difficult to seek support through therapy due to fear of judgment, shame, or cultural expectations.

Common Misconceptions about Therapy

  1. Therapy is only for “crazy” people.
    Many people still associate therapy with severe mental illness and believe it’s only for those experiencing extreme mental health conditions. Therapy can benefit any individual, regardless of the severity of their situation. Therapy is about growth, coping with life’s challenges, and improving overall mental well-being.
  2. Therapy takes too long or is not effective.
    Some fear that therapy is a lengthy process that will not have results. While the length of therapy depends on the individual’s needs, many individuals find that even a few sessions can lead to meaningful improvements. Therapy is not a quick fix, but it is an investment in long-term mental health.
  3. Only “weak” people need therapy.
    A common misconception is that seeking therapy is a sign of personal weakness. On the contrary, therapy is a sign of strength and courage. Therapy helps individuals confront their emotions and commit to bettering themselves. Many individuals believe therapy to be an invaluable tool for growth; instead, it promotes emotional resilience.

Breaking the Stigma

Breaking the stigma surrounding therapy is essential for creating a more supportive and open environment for society. The idea of seeking therapy can still feel uncomfortable for many individuals due to the misconceptions that treatment is only for those facing serious mental health issues, with therapy often viewed as something reserved for those with severe problems. These misconceptions prevent many from seeking the help they need. By normalizing therapy and highlighting its benefits, an environment can be created where mental health care is as accessible and accepted as physical health care.

If you or someone you know is seeking 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 & Psychiatric Services. 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/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2017, May 24). Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477

Saporito, J. M., Ryan, C., & Teachman, B. A. (2011). Reducing stigma toward seeking mental health treatment among adolescents. Stigma research and action. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3839682/

Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness. Psychiatry.org – Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination

Therapy: A Lifeline, Not a Last Resort

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Therapy: A Lifeline, Not a Last Resort

By: Angy Farhat

For many years, therapy has been misunderstood, with many individuals associating it only with severe mental health problems. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 50% of individuals with mental health issues don’t seek help, partly due to the stigma that therapy is for “broken” people or those in crisis. This narrative discourages people from reaching out, preventing them from using therapy as a preventative measure. Therapy should be seen as a lifeline—an essential tool for maintaining mental wellness, not a last resort.

Therapy is not just for people in crisis; it’s a vital tool for anyone looking to enhance their emotional well-being. Much like going to the gym for physical fitness, therapy helps strengthen your mental resilience. Regular sessions provide a space to understand your thoughts and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and build coping strategies for life’s challenges. By addressing concerns before they escalate, therapy can prevent issues like anxiety or depression from becoming overwhelming.

Types of Therapy

There are various types of therapy, each suited to different needs:

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
  2. Psychodynamic Therapy – Explores unconscious processes influencing behavior.
  3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Aids in managing intense emotions.
  4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment while committing to actions that align with their values.
  5. Couples or Family Therapy – Improves communication and resolves conflicts.

These diverse approaches allow individuals to choose the therapy that best fits their needs, whether they’re struggling with a specific issue or simply seeking personal growth.

The Lifelong Benefits of Therapy

Therapy offers lasting benefits beyond temporary relief. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. People who engage in therapy often experience improved emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and better-coping mechanisms. The skills you gain in therapy can help you manage stress, navigate life transitions, and maintain mental balance in the long term.

While therapy can benefit anyone, there are certain signs that indicate it might be time to seek help:

  • Persistent Feelings of Overwhelm or Stress
    If daily tasks are becoming increasingly difficult to manage due to stress or anxiety, therapy can help you develop coping skills and regain control.
  • Significant Mood Changes
    If you notice consistent changes in your mood, such as prolonged sadness, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness, therapy can help you address underlying emotional issues.
  • Difficulty Managing Relationships
    Struggles in personal or professional relationships, marked by ongoing conflict or miscommunication, can be a sign that therapy is needed to improve interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Changes in Behavior
    If you’ve noticed significant changes in behavior—such as withdrawal from activities, social isolation, or changes in sleeping or eating habits—it’s important to address these shifts with professional support.
  • Difficulty Coping with Major Life Changes
    Life events such as a breakup, job loss, or the death of a loved one can trigger emotional

If any of these resonate, therapy could be a helpful resource to regain clarity, manage emotions, and improve your well-being.

If you or someone you love is seeking 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 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 http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/. 

References:

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Why therapy works: Therapy and mental health. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/therapy

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Myths about therapy. American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry

Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Cognitive behavioral therapy: A whole-body approach to improving your mental health. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/cognitive-behavioral-therapy

Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 20). Mental health care: Types of psychotherapy. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/therapy/faq-20057886

World Health Organization. (2013, October). Mental health: Strengthening our response. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

Healthy Lifestyle: Promoting Mental Health

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Healthy Lifestyle: Promoting Mental Health

By: Maria Koutsothanasis

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet offers significant benefits for mental health. Physical activity and proper nutrition can enhance mood, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being, improving mental and emotional stability.

The Role of Exercise in Mental Health

Exercise is an effective way to boost overall mental health. When we engage in physical activity, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin; neurotransmitters that play key roles in elevating mood, improving cognition, and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Regular exercise also helps to lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, which can help reduce overall stress.

Exercise can also improve sleep quality, which is crucial for emotional well-being. A good night’s rest enhances cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation. Additionally, accomplishing exercise goals can increase self-esteem and a positive body image, further supporting mental health.

The Impact of Diet on Mental Health

Diet plays an equally important role in mental health. Food provides essential nutrients that support brain function and emotional stability. Food can be a fuel to the body. Healthy and nutrient-filled foods can produce serotonin and dopamine and regulate them. A balanced diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes, which can lead to irritability and fatigue. Foods rich in fiber and probiotics, such as fruits and vegetables, play a key role in emotional regulation.

Exercise and diet together can increase overall mental health. Regular physical activity is a natural treatment for feelings of anxiety and depression. A well-balanced diet provides the energy and nutrients needed to fuel physical activity. Incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet into daily life can significantly enhance physical and mental health. These habits not only improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem, but they also support emotional resilience.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or other mental health issues, 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 & Psychiatric Services. 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/

Diet and mental health. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/diet-and-mental-health

Lifestyle to support mental health. Psychiatry.org – Lifestyle to Support Mental Health. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/lifestyle-to-support-mental-health

Understanding the effects of a healthy lifestyle on Mental Health. Penn State Health News. (2021, May 3). https://pennstatehealthnews.org/topics/may-2021-one-group-blog-mental-health/

Depression: Impacts on College Students

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Depression: Impacts on College Students

By: Maria Koutsothanasis

College is where many students are excited about independence, opportunities, and new experiences. Some students may experience challenges with change and experience feelings of depression. Balancing academics, social life, and financial difficulties can bring anxiety onto a student. These challenges can significantly impact mental health and lead to depression. Depression not only affects a student’s emotional well-being but disrupts all other aspects of their life.

The Impacts

  1. Academic Struggles

      Depression can disrupt a student’s ability to focus, retain important information, and meet deadlines for assignments. Symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and hopelessness can lead to poor attendance and a decline in grades. Without the proper environment and support, depression can consume a student’s daily life and cause academic struggles.

      2. Social Isolation

        Depression can impair a student’s social life and cause them to lose the strong support systems they previously had. The withdrawal from social interactions can worsen symptoms of depression and lead students to feel alone. Depression can consume a student, making it difficult to get out of bed and engage in social activities that other students would enjoy.

        3. Long Term Consequences

        Without the proper support, environment, and treatment, depression can cause long-term effects. Academically, depression can lead students to fail courses and drop out of school which can impact the opportunities that are presented to students in the future. Untreated depression can lead to long-term physical health issues such as heart disease, chronic stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

        Coping and Support

        1. Utilize Campus Resources

          Many colleges offer a wide range of support systems to help students cope with their depression. Counseling services, support groups, clubs, and mental health and wellness workshops are resources that can support students during difficult times.

          2. Establish Healthy Habits

          A routine such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent sleep can improve mood and energy levels. Incorporating mindfulness is a way to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Students can use creative tasks and different outlets students can use to reduce stress and enhance their emotional well-being.

          3. Build support

          Building a strong support system and a positive environment is a way to decrease feelings and symptoms of depression. Reaching out to people who will provide you with the support you need is important. Staying connected with friends and family provides emotional support and stability.

          Depression among college students is an issue that needs awareness and actions to reduce stigma. By prioritizing mental health students can overcome mental health challenges that are constantly experienced. By accessing resources provided by colleges, establishing healthy habits and regular routines, and building a strong support system, students can develop resilience and improve their mental health.

          If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other mental health issues, 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 & Psychiatric Services. 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/

          Kristen Bowe, A. (2023, August 22). College students and Depression. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression

          Luo, M.-M., Hao, M., Li, X.-H., Liao, J., Wu, C.-M., & Wang, Q. (2024, January 25). Prevalence of depressive tendencies among college students and the influence of attributional styles on depressive tendencies in the post-pandemic era. Frontiers in public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10850216/

          WebMD. (n.d.). How common is depression among college students?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/what-to-know-about-depression-in-college-students

          Anxious Thoughts: How to Quite Them with Simple Self-Talk

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Anxious Thoughts: How to Quite Them with Simple Self-Talk

          By: Angy Farhat

          Have you ever noticed how your anxious thoughts can feel like a loud, persistent soundtrack playing in the background of your mind? They might be vague (“Something bad is going to happen”) or specific (“I might crash my car”), but either way, they tend to disrupt your day and leave you feeling tense and worried. What if you could turn down the volume of these thoughts and take back control?

          One powerful technique to combat these overwhelming thoughts is by using self-talk. Anxious thoughts often feel like promises of disaster—dangerous predictions that seem almost certain. But what if you could challenge these thoughts with statements that offer reassurance instead of fear?

          Here’s how it works: When you experience a fearful or anxious thought, you can counter it with a more grounded, calming statement. For example, if your anxious thought is “I am in danger,” you can respond with “I am safe right now.” It’s a simple but effective strategy to shift your mindset from panic to calm.

          Take John, for instance. He’s driving on the highway, and his anxious thoughts spiral: “This is dangerous… anything could happen… I won’t be able to react in time… people crash on highways all the time.” These thoughts feed off each other, growing louder and reinforcing the feeling that disaster is imminent. The more he believes them, the more overwhelming they become. But here is where self-talk can make a difference. Instead of surrendering to the anxiety, John could pause, take a deep breath, and remind himself, “I’ve driven this highway countless times, and I’ve always been fine.” With this gentle challenge to his anxious thoughts, James gains a sense of control and the volume of his fears starts to decrease.

          Think of this like getting rid of an earworm, that catchy song that sticks in your head and won’t go away. When you finally shake it off, you’re left with relief—and space for something more positive. Using self-talk to challenge anxious thoughts is a way to reclaim that mental space. You stop focusing on the worst-case scenario and make room for calmer, more rational thoughts.

          Here are a few more examples of how you can challenge anxiety-driven thoughts:

          • “I am in danger” → “I am completely safe in this moment.”
          • “I am going to fail” → “I have succeeded at many things. I typically figure things out.”

          The key is to remember that you have the ability to influence your thoughts. By gently confronting your anxious monologue with calm, factual responses, you can reduce its power. Over time, this can help you feel less overwhelmed by anxiety and more in control of your emotional state.

          So, next time your anxious thoughts start to rise, try using self-talk to quiet them down and bring yourself back to a place of peace.

          If you or someone you love 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 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 http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/. 

          References:

          https://www.calm.com/blog/negative-self-talk#:~:text=facts%20or%20assumptions%3F-,Reframe%20the%20thought%3A%20Replace%20the%20negative%20thought%20with%20a%20more,distance%20yourself%20from%20anxious%20thoughts.

          Mindfulness: Living in the Present

          GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

          Mindfulness: Living in the Present

          By: Maria Koutsothanasis

          Oftentimes it is easy to feel disconnected or distracted by living in the present. With work, school, or other obligations, it is easy to lose sight of the present time. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future causes increased feelings of stress and depression. Mindfulness can help refocus on the present events to create a calmer and more focused life.

          What is mindfulness?

          Mindfulness is the practice of being fully focused on the present moment. By observing your thoughts and emotions, and removing judgment, mindfulness allows you to stay present and create a deeper connection and understanding of yourself.

          Mindfulness decreases stress and promotes overall emotional well-being and balance.

          1. Reduces stress and anxiety:

            Mindfulness calms the mind and body by shifting attention away from thoughts that increase stress. Mindfulness interventions such as meditation can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and help people manage anxiety better.

            2. Boosts mental health:

              Mindfulness reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It promotes a greater sense of resilience and breaks a cycle of negativity. Through mindfulness, you can manage stress and have control over your mental well-being.

              3. Improves physical health:

              Mindfulness is not only good for the mind but also the body. Regular mindfulness practices have been linked to lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and an overall stronger immune system.

              How to Practice Mindfulness

              1. Mindful Breathing:

                  Spending a few minutes a day focusing on your breath calms your mind and helps reduce mental clutter. If you begin to feel anxious, focusing on breathing can reduce these feelings.

                  2. Engage in Gratitude:

                  Reflecting on things in your life that you are grateful for is a way to shift the perspective of your life in a positive way.

                  3. Being present:

                  Training your mind to stay present on the tasks that you currently engage in is a way to increase focus, reduce stress, and improve overall satisfaction in life.

                  Mindfulness does not require major life changes. It is about being fully present in the moments that make up your day. Incorporating these small changes in your life can lead to reduced stress, improved emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. The small shifts can transform how you experience the world around you and how you feel internally.

                  If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, 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 & Psychiatric Services. 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/

                  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, June 18). Mindfulness for your health. National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health

                  Matthews, K. (2023, June 29). Health benefits of mindfulness: 1stCallHEALTH: Primary care providers. 1stCallHEALTH. https://1stcallhealth.com/health-benefits-of-mindfulness/


                  Why Do People Join Cults?

                  GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

                  By: Tehila Strulowitz

                                  On March 26th, 1997, police entered a mansion in the exclusive Rancho Santa Fe, a suburb of San Diego, California, where they found 39 bodies in matching dark clothes and Nike sneakers, all having died from mass suicide. These people were members of a religious cult called “Heaven’s Gate,” where the leaders taught that suicide would release them from their physical “bodily containers” and arrive on an alien spacecraft that was concealed behind the rare Hale-Bopp comet. The cult was led by Bonnie Lu “Ti” Nettles, who was the nurse of a man named Marshall “Do” Applewhite after he survived a nearly fatal experience. Together, Nettles and Applewhite convinced 20 people from Oregon to join their cult in 1975, coaxing them to leave their lives (family, money, possessions), and move to Colorado. In 1985 Nettles died, and the spacecraft still hadn’t appeared to take the cult followers to the “kingdom of heaven.” However, at the beginning of the 1990s, Applewhite restarted the cult, engaging new followers. After the comet Hale-Bopp was discovered in 1995, the members of Heaven’s Gate were confident that an extraterrestrial spacecraft was on its way, hidden from sight behind the comet. In October 1996, Applewhite began renting a mansion for the cult (telling the owner that they were all angels with Christian faith – Marshall Applewhite preached sexual abstinence, with some of the male members of the group copying him and having castration operations). In March of 1997, Hale-Bopp was the closest to Earth it could ever be, and so Applewhite and 38 cult members drank a mix of vodka and phenobarbital and laid down on beds to die, waiting for their bodies to leave Earth and enter the extraterrestrial spacecraft so they could go through Heaven’s Gate and experience a new, elevated existence.

                                  History is marked with a considerable amount of cults, with several receiving a celebrity level of notoriety and fame, like the Manson Family of hippie youth turned barbaric killers, Good News International Ministries who successfully convinced their followers that they must starve to death to meet Jesus, the Branch Davidians that had the infamous 51-day siege, NXIVM which convinced women to join their exclusive and abusive group hidden within a self-help organization, and sadly, many more. Steven A. Hassan PhD, a psychologist specializing in cults following his own cult experience, explains that the main motivations of cult leaders, which results in them successfully (or hopefully unsuccessfully) recruiting followers, are factors such as “due and undue influence,” narcissistic personalities that thrive on submissiveness, and “systematic social influence processes.” Hassan vitally points out that there are some cults that are okay, but this article focuses more on the dangerous, extreme cults. The main areas of potential followers that cult leaders exploit are the person’s weakness and susceptibility (Hassan), the theory of cognitive dissonance, and obedience (Discovery Magazine). The common thread is social influence, whether it be from the cult leaders themselves or claims of what society does and/or thinks.

                                  It is important to differentiate between cults and religions. While some cults are based on religions or consider themselves religions, they are vastly removed from the functions, definitions, and purposes of religion and what is required to be a part of one. Religions tend to be larger in size and more positively received and accepted, while cults tend to be smaller and shunned by society. Additionally, usually religions are based on faith in the existence of a god and have moral rules to prompt their followers to live a good life, while cults tend to be more focused on extreme loyalty towards the egocentric cult leader. Cult leaders will use devices such as manipulation, deception, and obedience to make their prospective followers and their pledged fundamentalists remain in their loop.

                                  Reactions and susceptibility to cults involve feelings of anxiety, identity confusion, depression, paranoia, and so on. Disorders related to cults include acute stress disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, paranoia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder.

                  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/

                  https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/the-psychology-behind-cults
                  https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/heavens-gate-cult-members-found-dead
                  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10534031/
                  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-mind/202106/understanding-cults-the-basics
                  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178116319941

                  Depression: What is dysthymia?

                  GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

                  Depression: What is dysthymia?

                  By: Josette DeFranco

                  Dysthymia is mild but has more long-lasting symptoms than major depression. Dysthymia is also known as persistent depression disorder because it is continuous and long-term. There is no exact cause of dysthymia but biological differences, brain chemistry, life events, and inherited traits can play a role. It has been demonstrated that those with depression don’t have any family history of this disorder and those with a family history of depression don’t struggle with this disorder.

                  Some noticeable symptoms of dysthymia:

                  • Loss of enjoyment of regular activities
                  • Sadness or depressed mood
                  • Lack of motivation
                  • Tiredness
                  • Sleep problems
                  • Problems with decision-making or concentration
                  • Restlessness and impatient
                  • Low self-esteem
                  • Overeating or eating very little
                  • Suicidal thoughts
                  • Substance misuse
                  • Relationship difficulties
                  • School or work hardships

                  Some ways to help prevent dysthymia:

                  • Reach out to friends and family
                  • Seek medical professional help
                  • Work on reducing stress
                  • Be patient
                  • Be kind to yourself
                  • Practice self-care
                  • Don’t self-medicate

                  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 at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

                  Resources:

                  https://www.webmd.com/depression/chronic-depression-dysthymia

                  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929

                  The Importance of Mental Health: School Systems

                  GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

                  By: Nicole Cutaia

                  The Importance of Mental Health: School Systems

                  The lives of children and teenagers may appear stress-free, but unfortunately, this is not the case for all children and teenagers. Anxiety and depression among young adults is more common than society believes it to be. Children and teenagers do have their own stress factors in their lives such as school work, their appearances, relationships or friendships, and or extra curricular activities.

                  Some children and teenagers may come from a household where mental health is overlooked and not openly discussed. That is why it is extremely important that school systems and districts prioritize mental health and related services. Making sure every student within a school is heard and feels as though they belong is extremely vital in creating a safe space.

                  Other than school counselors, school systems and districts can participate in providing students with school-wide presentations that review mental health. These presentations should incorporate guest speakers as well.

                  Mental health should be mandatory in health classes. The depth of the curriculum and structure of the material will be dependent on the age and academic level of the students. Children and teenagers should be exposed to information that is appropriate for their age.

                  Various children and teenagers view their school as a safe place. It is crucial that we make it known to students that their feelings and emotions are normal and valid.

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