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Marijuana/Cannabis Addiction, That Can’t Happen, Right?

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Marijuana/Cannabis Addiction, That Can’t Happen, Right?

By: Diane Ulloa                                                                                      

 Cannabis use has been growing as a result of recently imposed laws. Cannabis use disorder or cannabis addiction has grown tremendously in the past few decades. Apart from the glamorization of Cannabis use in popular movies and TV shows, Cannabis has been shown to aid in medicinal practice in order to alleviate patients’ painful side effects from chemotherapy. Cannabis has also been found to alleviate symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome. Despite the common misconception that people cannot become addicted to Cannabis use, “approximately one in ten people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before the age of 18, the rate of addiction rises to one in six.” (samhsa.gov) “Marijuana use, especially frequently (daily or nearly daily) and in high doses, can cause disorientation and sometimes unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia.” Alongside these side effects, cannabis use can also lead to disassociation or temporary psychosis which is when the user does not know what is real and is experiencing hallucinations, paranoia. It can also have long-lasting detrimental mental disorders including schizophrenia (cdc.gov). Users know they are addicted if:

  • They use more marijuana than intended
  • Trying but failing to quit using marijuana
  • Spending a lot of time using marijuana
  • Craving marijuana
  • Using marijuana even though it causes problems at home, school, or work
  • Continued marijuana use despite social or relationship problems
  • Giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana
  • Using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car
  • Continued use of marijuana despite physical and psychological problems
  • Needing to use more marijuana to get the same high
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use

Navigating cannabis addiction can be difficult without help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT] has been shown to tackle the psychological effects of addiction and is considered the most effective form of treating addiction. One approach is called motivational interviewing which helps to turn ambivalence towards quitting into energy to quit. By combining motivational enhancement therapy and CBT, a user can gain a sense of control and clarity that was kept from them because of their addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and/or a cannabis addiction, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources: https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana

https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/mental-health.html https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/marijuana-use-        disorder#:~:text=Behavioral%20therapies%20may%20help%20treat,tangible%20r        ewards%20for%20positive%20behaviors.

Post-Grad Depression

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Depression/Post-College

By: Ingrid Guevara

Everyone knows and acknowledges that depression during college occurs. Statistics show that twenty-seven percent of college students had been diagnosed with depression and twenty-three percent said that depression impacted their academic performance negatively.  When it comes to post-grad students research shows that around twenty percent of student graduating experience depression. Post-grad depression is seen as situational depression. Situational depression is depression caused by a stressful or traumatic event. Post-Grad depression is caused by; pressure of finding a job, moving back in with parents, feeling a failure to launch, changes in friendships (friends scattering, not seeing them), student debt, comparison with friends and being overwhelmed by next steps and changes. Signs of post-grad depression are; lack of motivation, feeling worthless or guilty, loneliness, overwhelm (especially related to the next steps), feeling sad or down, isolation or wanting to isolate oneself, not enjoying activities that were previously enjoyed, poor sleep, appetite change, lower than usual frustration tolerance, feeling sluggish or super jittery and intense fear or expectation things will not go well in the future. Post-grad depression like any depression can really hinder your life so seeking help is suggested in order to properly cope with it. It is also suggested; avoiding comparing yourself with others, practice self-kindness and self-love, reach out to friends,  get some exercise/movement, don’t be too hard on yourself, recognize that transitions are difficult, find a support group/networking group, take care of yourself and confide in trusted family and friends. Depression is common when life is stressful and one feels pressure therefore, it is okay because always remember you are not alone.

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

References

Post-Graduation Depression: Causes & How to Cope
College Student Mental Health Statistics

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9091131/

Anxiety: How to Cope with School and Work Stress

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Anxiety: How to Cope with School and Work Stress

By: Diane Ulloa

For many students attending college and working at the same time, it may be difficult to manage one responsibility after the other. For some, this may be a necessity as college tuitions in the U.S. have grown tremendously since the early 2000’s. Working and going to school may be a hassle because it is difficult to create a good flow of work-life balance. The stress and/or anxiety associated with both school and work can be caused by many factors including homework, time management, test taking/assignments, sleep disruption, etc. A study done in a private Midwestern college concluded, “Work-life balance is an important antecedent of college students’ mental health.”(Sprung & Rogers 2021) They also advocated for institutions to place heavier emphasis on work-life balance and its connection with the mental health of students. To cope with these stressors, students can approach their activities head-on as opposed to skipping class or staying in bed all day; putting things off is actually shown to cause more anxiety overtime. Students can also practice self-care such as good sleep hygiene and a consistent sleep schedule or a limit on daily caffeine intake. Another way would be to set up a good schedule for better time management skills; knowing what your week consists of can aid in managing anxiety associated with stressors like assignments, or tests, or your next scheduled shift. Seeking out resources such as therapy, earlier on have positive outcomes for dealing with anxiety caused by stress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and/or anxiety 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 Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources:

  1. Justin M. Sprung & Anna Rogers (2021) Work-life balance as a predictor of college student anxiety and depression, Journal of American College Health, 69:7, 775-782, DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1706540
  2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-in-college-what-we-know-and-how-to-cope-2019052816729

Toxic Relationships and their effects on Mental Health

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      Mental Health/ Toxic Relationships

By: Ingrid Guevara

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

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

References:

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

Binge Eating Disorder

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Binge Eating Disorder

By: Cosette Verna

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

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

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

If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References:

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

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

Depression: Does Social Media Cause Depression?

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Depression: Does Social Media Cause Depression?

By: Michelle Chinchilla

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

What type of depression can social media be caused by?

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

Prevention

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

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201)368-3700 or (212)722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

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

Anorexia Nervosa

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By: Cosette Verna

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

Emotional Dysregulation Disorder: What is it?

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Emotional Dysregulation Disorder: What is it?

By Sherry Yang

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

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

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

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional dysregulation disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201)-368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

References:

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

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

Postpartum Depression: New Mothers

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Postpartum Depression: New Mothers

By Sherry Yang

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

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

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

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201)-368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

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

Borderline Personality Disorder

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Borderline Personality Disorder

By: Anna Giammanco

Trouble regulating emotions is a core symptom of Borderline Personality disorder. Trouble controlling emotions can cause impulsive actions. It can also negatively influence relationships with others, as well as create a warped self- image.

Other symptoms include:

  •  Intense and unstable interpersonal relationships
  • Strong feelings of dissociation (feeling cut off from oneself, a feeling of observing oneself outside one’s body)
  • Trouble controlling anger and or inappropriate outbursts of anger
  • Suicidal thinking
  • Long lasting feelings of emptiness
  • Intense moods that often vary (these episodes can last for hours or days)
  • Impulsive actions that can often be dangerous (unsafe sex, spending sprees, reckless driving, substance abuse, etc)
  • Acts of self-harm (cutting, etc)
  • Attempts to avoid real or perceived abandonment (quickly getting into an intense relationship or quickly leaving one)

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

References: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder#:~:text=Borderline%20personality%20disorder%20is%20a,impact%20their%20relationships%20with%20others.