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Social Media: The Impact on Mental Health

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Social Media: The Impact on Mental Health

By: Maria Koutsothanasis


Social media plays a significant role in shaping how we connect, communicate, and even view ourselves. While social media has its benefits, it can also have a detrimental impact on mental health. Social media can negatively affect our mental well-being through constant comparisons, unrealistic expectations, and exposure to harmful content. By being intentional about what we engage with, we can use social media as a tool to enhance our lives and protect our mental well-being.

One of the main drawbacks of social media is the tendency to compare ourselves to others. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are often filled with images of people’s “perfect” lives, highlighting their achievements, beauty, and happiness. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, especially when we find ourselves measuring our lives against these unrealistic portrayals. Social media comparison can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even body image issues. The more we focus on the idealized versions of others’ lives, the more likely we are to forget that what we see online isn’t always an accurate reflection of reality.

The positive aspect is that we can decide what content we engage with. By intentionally following accounts that promote positivity, self-love, and well-being, we can counteract the negative effects. Following fitness influencers who focus on health rather than body perfection, or mental health advocates who offer advice and share stories of resilience, can create a more positive environment. By engaging with content that aligns with our values, we can shift our mindset toward growth and self-empowerment.

Social media often highlights negativity, which can significantly affect our mental well-being. Platforms frequently highlight drama, conflicts, and extreme opinions, contributing to constant criticism and judgment. Posts that focus on problems, such as failed relationships, mental health struggles, or societal issues, can evoke anxiety or feelings of hopelessness. Viral content that spreads negativity, such as gossip or inflammatory comments, often gains attention, while positive messages may not receive the same recognition. This constant exposure to pessimism can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the positive aspects of life.

While social media has its negative aspects, it’s possible to transform how we interact with it to protect our mental health. By being mindful of the content we consume and consciously seeking out positive, uplifting posts, we can create an online environment that nurtures our well-being. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, education, and personal growth if used intentionally. Ultimately, it is important to remember that we control our social media environment and can shape it to support our mental health.

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or 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/. 


UC Davis Health. (2024, November 27). Social Media’s impact on our mental health and tips to use it safely. health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/social-medias-impact-our-mental-health-and-tips-to-use-it-safely/2024/05

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

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/

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.

Pink Cocaine: What to Know

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Pink Cocaine: What to Know

By Madison Gesualdo

There have been a lot of unfortunate headlines in the news recently, with two of the most prominent being the P. Diddy case and the recent death of One Direction star Liam Payne. Both of these unfortunate developments have a common denominator: they involve the presence of a designer drug commonly referred to as “pink cocaine.”

Pink cocaine, better known to certain users by its street name of tusi, very rarely contains actual cocaine. It is a synthetic substance that can contain a wide variety of drugs including methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), opioids, and occasionally cocaine. The one drug that typically is consistently included in pink cocaine is ketamine. The mixture is usually dyed pink using dye or food coloring, yielding its pink color and name. All of the drugs in the mixture are, essentially, crushed up to form a concoction that users can snort. The ratios of the different drugs in pink cocaine can be adjusted on a user-by-user basis so that the drug is ultimately tailored to fit the desires of each individual user. Therefore, there is no universal formula for the making of pink cocaine.

With the many different formulas of pink cocaine come the many variations in the effects it can have on users. Depending on how much of a certain drug is present in pink cocaine, users of this drug can experience the following potential symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations/delusions
  • Nausea
  • Agitation
  • High blood pressure
  • Shallow breathing
  • Changes in breathing pattern
  • Low body temperature
  • Seizures
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in personality
  • Issues with memory/attention
  • Depression and anxiety

Although this is a fairly new designer drug, it is still contains several highly addictive and dangerous substances. If you or a loved one is suffering from substance use or abuse, it is important to get necessary help to prevent future use of drugs like this and the lasting effects that drug use can have.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, addiction, 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/

Glasner, S. (2024, October 30). Pink cocaine is hitting headlines and clubs. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/navigating-addiction-recovery/202410/pink-cocaine-is-hitting-headlines-and-clubs

Juarez, L. (2024, October 22). What is ‘pink cocaine’? Designer drug linked to Liam Payne and named in Diddy lawsuit. ABC7News. https://abc7news.com/post/what-is-pink-cocaine-designer-drug-linked-liam-payne-sean-diddy-combs/15451752/ Wiginton, K. & Begum, J. (2024, May 22). What is pink cocaine? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-pink-cocaine

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

Depression: Postpartum Depression

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Depression: Postpartum Depression

By: Josette DeFranco

Postpartum depression is a vulnerable time for a woman’s health. Many women are experiencing mood changes and are expected to have an amazing transition into motherhood. However, many women struggle with mental health issues after giving birth. It’s important to spread awareness and show support to the women who are struggling with postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression symptoms start to occur four to six weeks after giving birth and can gradually decrease as time goes on. Nonetheless, depression can reoccur within three years after pregnancy or giving birth. Some common symptoms of postpartum depression can be intrusive, unwanted thoughts and postpartum rage.

Here are some ways to help someone you know or who is struggling with postpartum depression:

  • Seek help from a licensed mental health professional
  • Look for a community to help you in both emotional and practical ways
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation therapy
  • Use positive affirmations and be more kind to yourself
  • Practice skin-to-skin care which can help with reducing the stress hormone cortisol
  • Avoid alcohol or recreational drug use
  • Eat healthy
  • Prioritize rest for yourself
  • Gaining more knowledge about postpartum depression

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 set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

Resources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202306/how-to-improve-postpartum-mental-health

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction

By Madison Gesualdo

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) refers to a decline in neurocognitive function from a patient’s baseline functioning that occurs in individuals who undergo surgical processes and are put under anesthesia. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction complicates a patient’s central nervous system, delaying their neurocognitive recovery process as a whole. Individuals who endure POCD typically experience issues with their attention span, memory, learning, perception, executive functioning, and motor skills. POCD is not to be confused with postoperative delirium; while postoperative delirium is an acute state of neurocognitive functioning lasting approximately 1-3 days post-surgery, POCD typically persists longer, lasting weeks, months, or in some cases, years.

While POCD is not yet a formal psychiatric diagnosis, it is characterized by the DSM-5 as a mild neurological disorder, falling under the cognitive impairment classification. POCD occurs in roughly 10-54% of patients within the first few weeks of surgery.

A variety of risk factors for POCD have been identified, including advanced age, severity of the surgery being performed, type and amount of anesthesia being used, electrolyte imbalance, and pre-existing conditions (such as dementia and diabetes). These factors are examples of factors that would put a patient at higher risk for suffering from POCD after his or her surgery.

Although no specific treatment exists for postoperative cognitive dysfunction, different treatment methods have proven to reduce the effects of the condition. These methods include, but are not limited to:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Biologically active substances
  • Surgical techniques and anesthesia best suited to fit the specific patient being operated on
  • Improving a person’s cognitive functioning prior to surgery

If you or someone you know is struggling with 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/

References:

Brodier, E. A., & Cibelli, M. (2021). Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in clinical practice. BJA Education, 21(2), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjae.2020.10.004

Spriano, P. (2024, September 9). What do we know about postoperative cognitive dysfunction? Medscape Medical News. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/what-do-we-know-about-postoperative-cognitive-dysfunction-2024a1000g9b?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_240909_etid6816496&uac=445328CY&impID=6816496

Zhao, Q., Wan, H., Pan, H., & Xu, Y. (2024). Postoperative cognitive dysfunction-current research progress. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 18, 1328790. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1328790

Depression: Do Genetics Play a Role in Depression

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Depression: Do Genetics Play a Role in Depression

By: Josette DeFranco

Major depressive disorder is a condition that affects many individuals. Major depressive disorder can range from being clinically mild and short-lasting to recurring over and over again, to being highly chronic and treatment-resistant. Depression is known to run in families indicating that there are genetic factors. It can be a combination of life experiences and environment. Genetics plays a mild role in depression. Also, families with certain genetic patterns lived eight years shorter than average. As depression may range from transient to debilitating it is expected that many different sets of genetic alterations are involved. Some genes are associated with weight and body, neuron development, and brain inflammation and another group is associated with proteins that tell the immune system which cells are friendly and which are not. This means that our genetics can not only influence our physical characteristics but also how our brain functions and our immune system interacts and identifies with different cells in the body. Your environment can modify the genetic factors that play a role in depression.

If you are concerned about a strong history of depression in the family and are scared about it affecting you or your future children a study suggests that even with a high tendency for depression, psychotherapy or behavioral activation therapy can reduce it. Individuals need to understand the life-changing impact their environment can have on their mental health. Our emotions are generated by our thinking which may serve as an influence on our behaviors. You may have had genetic roots of depression, a difficult upbringing, or a terrible tragedy that has currently occurred but if you change your thinking then your emotions will change as well.

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/

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201603/depression-new-research-shows-genetics-are-not-destiny

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-the-people/201804/massive-study-clarifies-genetic-risks-major-depression

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-three-minute-therapist/202007/overcoming-genetically-based-depression