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Alcoholism: Codependency and Effects on Family

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Alcoholism: Codependency and Effects on Family

By: Maddie Rhodes

Alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder, has drastic effects on the individual, and it also takes a toll on the people surrounding them including their family, friends, and colleagues. Alcoholism always has a financial tie and can easily create instability within a family.

Alcoholism can result in martial conflict, stress, and domestic violence. It is important for a family member or friend to consider their own mental health when supporting someone who has Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). A risk that spouses face when put in this situation is codependency, focusing all of their efforts onto their partner or family member. This forms an unhealthy relationship and may lead to them blaming themselves for the addiction.

 It also has detrimental effects on children living in the household. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 1 in every 5 adult Americans resided with a relative who misused alcohol during their adolescence. They often face strong feelings of anger, anxiety, and confusion with some struggling with friendships, school, and mental health. Living via an alcoholic puts the child at a higher likelihood of developing AUD. It is important to set boundaries with the individual, for example, how much alcohol you are comfortable having in the house.

Considerations:

  • Learn about AUD and how it may affect your loved one
  • Try to avoid enabling them
  • Remove yourself from dangerous situations
  • Have an open conversation
  • Speak to a therapist or licensed professional

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

Sources:

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-Of-Alcoholics-017.aspx

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/support-recovery/family

Eating Disorder: Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

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Eating Disorder:
Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder

By: Maya Weisberg

When someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder,
you may feel at a loss for how to help them. Afraid to say the wrong thing or
push your loved one farther away, you may hold back and say nothing even when
you know they need help and support. While there is nothing you can say that
will magically cure them, there are certain things you can say and do to help.
There are also certain things you should not say or do.


If you start to notice signs that your loved one may be
dealing with an eating disorder, gently encourage them to seek out professional
help. You may face resistance at this suggestion and your loved one may even
get angry with you for suggesting they need help. Remind yourself that they are
not truly angry with you; they are just taking out their frustration on you.
Hold your ground and continue to encourage them when you can, emphasizing that
you only want to help them live their happiest life. 


Outside of professional help, there are several things you
can do that may help alleviate some of the suffering your loved one is
experiencing. First is assuring them that they are not to blame for their
eating disorder nor are they one entity with their eating disorder. Reminding
them that the eating disorder is something they have, not something they are,
is often something that they need to hear. Second, it is important to make sure
that you do not discuss diets, weight, or body shape. Talking about these
things, even if you think it is in a positive light, can be triggering and may
reinforce the eating disorder.  A third action is to help your loved one during meal times. This can take the form of eating with them, helping them stay busy after a meal so they cannot dwell on
it, or making sure that nutrition information is hidden away. Offering to go
grocery shopping or cooking for/with your loved one may also be helpful. Lastly,
if your loved one is responsive, ask them what they would like you to do. Every
eating disorder is different so it’s important to get direct feedback and suggestions
from your loved one.



Sometimes your loved one may reject any outright help from
you. In these cases there are still things you personally can do that may help
even if it’s not explicit. The first is to educate yourself on eating
disorders. Learn about the misconceptions and causes of eating disorders as
well as what the experience is like of living with an eating disorder.  There are many internet resources as well as books and podcasts. Educating yourself will enable you to better understand what
your loved one is experiencing and how you can help. Think about if there are
any behaviors you do that may be enabling an eating disorder. These behaviors
may not be obvious at first but even just talking about how you were so busy
today that you didn’t have time to each lunch can be triggering. Commenting on
a the body of a person you each know is another example of a behavior that may
enable the eating disorder. As you educate yourself, these types of behaviors
will become more apparent to you. Lastly, remember to take care of your own
mental health. Without taking care of yourself, you cannot effectively help
someone else.


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



Source:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/support-someone-else/tips-for-supporting-somebody-with-an-eating-disorder/

Domestic Violence and Sports

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Vector illustration

Domestic Violence and Sports
By: Camillia Ghavami


When we watch sports games many of us feel passionate about whether our teams win or lose. Many find excitement in watching their favorite teams battle it out for the win, others may be terrified.


Tubi’s famous Super Bowl commercial in 2023, that made it seem like someone was changing the channel, is an example of the fear many women live in while watching sports games. Some may have laughed the prank off with their families, while those in more aggressive households were met with terrifying outbursts of violence. One woman described her experience with her boyfriend violently screaming at her to find the remote and then punching a hole in a wall. Another woman who worked at a sports bar described the whole bar screaming profanities at her.

The reaction to this commercial is bringing to light a relationship few know about between sports and domestic violence. More and more studies are showing that there is a relationship between domestic violence and the wins and losses of professional football teams. Empirical analyses show that in the US, there are more domestic violence arrests on Sundays when there are NFL games than on Sundays when there are no games played. This relationship is not just found in the US. In England, domestic violence reports rose by 38% when the national soccer team lost. Even when the team won, domestic violence still rose by 26%. The biggest cause of this rise in domestic violence might have to do with whether the team wins or loses. One study found upset losses (a team loses when it was predicted to win by 4 or more points) led to a 10% increase in domestic violence by men while the rise in violence after other types of losses (like when the games were expected to be close) were small. This rise in violence is even larger when the games are more important.

The problem of domestic abuse is an epidemic that runs rampant in this country. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced any form of physical violence done by an intimate partner. Additionally, 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner. While of course all these instances were not done in reaction to a sports game, imagine if during the next big sports game, famous athletes came together and denounced domestic violence. Maybe this would lead to a new turn in our culture, where the possibility of someone changing the channel during the Super Bowl is not met with violence.


If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, 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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712874/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-sense-chaos/202009/nfl-losses-are-associated-increased-domestic-violence
https://trinitonian.com/2023/03/02/how-sports-culture-is-connected-to-domestic-violence-and-abuse/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20study%20conducted,when%20no%20games%20are%20played
https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS
https://www.themarysue.com/that-viral-tubi-superbowl-commercial-had-some-real-life-consequences-that-cant-be-ignored/


Throwing Up: The Fear of Throw Up

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By Caroline Buchanan

The fear of throw up, also referred to as emetophobia, is a specific phobia that revolves around the fear of vomiting, seeing vomit, watching other people vomit, or feeling sick. Emetophobia tends to leave people in a state of anxiety, overtaking their thoughts and engaging in behaviors that impact their everyday life. For example, you may avoid crowded places, traveling, eating out, or closely monitor your own health in an attempt to reduce the distress you may feel. While this anxiety can feel overwhelming and unbearable at times, this condition can be managed by a therapist.

What causes emetophobia?

Specific phobias tend to develop after a specific incident. As a result of this incident, an association is created between a thing – an object, situation, or an event – and a fear (Psych Central). Specifically in the context of emetophobia, this could involve getting sick in public, someone vomiting on you, having a bad case of food poisoning, or seeing someone else throw up. Emetophobia can also develop without a clear cause, causing experts to believe that genetics and the environment play a role. Regardless of whether you can pinpoint an incident or not, this anxiety can still be managed.

How can emetophobia be managed?

Exposure therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatments. In this type of therapy, your therapist will expose you to your fear at a slow rate. This could involve trying a new food at a restaurant or spinning around until you feel nauseous. With these actions, you will be provided with techniques to help you cope with these feelings of anxiety. The goal is that the more you are exposed to your fear, the more you feel comfortable with it. Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)can also be used to help learn how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns in your anxiety. While it may take some time to find the right therapist and techniques for you, it is worth it to alleviate the distress in your life.

If you or someone you know is suffering from emetophobia, 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/

https://www.healthline.com/health/emetophobia#outlook

Agoraphobia: Locked Inside

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Agoraphobia: Locked Inside

By: Camillia Ghavami

                Agoraphobia is an often misunderstood and unacknowledged anxiety disorder. It is characterized by feelings of intense anxiety and avoidance of situations or places that are believed to be hard to escape. Agoraphobia is most often developed after having one or more panic attacks, leading to a fear of having another attack and thus avoidance of places that are thought to trigger these attacks. This anxiety is caused because of a fear that if a panic attack were to occur, there would be no easy way to escape or get help. These situations can include being in a car or airplane, being alone outside the home, or in crowded areas. While relatively ignored, this disorder affected 0.9% of US adults in the last year and 1.3% of US adults are expected to develop agoraphobia over the course of their lifetime. Adolescents show higher rates of agoraphobia with 2.4% of US adolescents aged 13-18 having the disorder. Additionally, while there is no gender differences of agoraphobia prevalence for adults, adolescent females tend to be afflicted by this disorder more so than men, 3.4% and 1.4% respectively.  

                Treatment for this disorder is similar to treatment for most anxiety disorders. First, psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. CBT teaches people how to be less anxious by altering their thoughts, reactions, and behaviors to situations. An example of this that can be effective for agoraphobia is exposure therapy. Exposure therapy allows people to confront their fears and helps people engage in activities they had been avoiding due to anxiety. Secondly, agoraphobia can also be treated with medications, with the most common being antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta blockers. There are many ways to treat anxiety, and a health care provider can help you choose the best treatment.

If you or someone you know is suffering from agoraphobia, 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/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/agoraphobia#part_2666

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders#part_2223

https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/overcoming-agoraphobia-qa

Couples Helped by Therapy

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Couples Helped by Therapy

By: Maya Weisberg

If you hear someone you know is in couples counseling you might assume they are fighting with their partner, unhappy, and on the verge of breaking up or getting a divorce. But contrary to popular belief, couples therapy can be used simply for maintenance purposes. Couples may want to work on strengthening their relationship, learn strategies to deal with future challenges, or see the sessions as ways to prioritize each other despite a hectic schedule.

Many couples seek out a professional only once they are in an active crisis. Often times, this can cause difficulties in successfully addressing the issue(s) at hand. If a couple begins therapy when they are in a good place, future challenges can often be mitigated and addressed before they become detrimental.  Having scheduled time to talk with each other can also be very helpful in making sure partners are communicating with each other. Many people enjoy therapy with their partner as they get to learn more about each other that they might not have otherwise known.  Additionally, through carving out time to actively focus on their relationship, a couple may already be one step closer to avoiding future conflict.

Eliminating the notion that couples therapy is only for those who are in a relationship emergency is crucial. Many couples who would not classify their relationship as “rocky” or “troubled” can benefit immensely from sessions with a trained professional. Couples who do engage in this maintenance therapy sessions may prevent future problems, grow closer to each other, and feel overall happier and satisfied in their relationship.

If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing couples counseling, 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.marriage.com/advice/counseling/learn-how-couples-counseling-can-be-used-as-preventative-maintenance/

Social Anxiety: The Surprising Ways Parents Contribute to Social Anxiety in Their Kids

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Social Anxiety: The Surprising Ways Parents Contribute to Social Anxiety in Their Kids

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Being a parent means you will have a defining influence on your child’s emotional and social development. From an early age, your child’s distinct temperament will control how they would respond to the environment. Temperament refers to personality traits that determine individuals’ interactions with their environment. While some children are ready for new experiences, others may demonstrate shyness or uneasiness when faced with unpredictable events. Shyness is a feature of childhood; however, children whose shyness, hesitation to engage in social interactions, or other inhibited behaviors are consistent from infancy to adolescence are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety in their teenage years. Discovering this connection could aid you in nurturing your child’s emotional health from birth.

Moreover, a child that shows signs of shyness may hesitate when contacting new people and places, only look down or ignore other children or adults they do not know, and feel uncomfortable to express themselves when participating in social activities. Although, shyness can be temporary, the occurrence of shy behavior in several stages of childhood may mean that there is a need for such a child to have some extra support in their social skills.

Research highlights the crucial role of early intervention as children with shy or cautious natures during their early years have a higher chance of developing social anxiety disorder in their teenage years (Chronis-Tuscano et al., 2009). Researchers considered the possibility that kids who have been shy or anxious from infancy through childhood are more likely to develop anxiety disorders as teenagers (Chronis-Tuscano et al., 2009).

In a similar study, Poole and other researchers followed a group of infants from the age of four months. They monitored their social and emotional development until they were 13 years old. They wanted to know if the infants’ type of response to new situations (positive, negative, or neutral) would influence their behavior and social skills in the future as they grow older. Their research outlined how social anxiety can evolve and how early characteristics may influence these paths (Poole et al., 2022).

For example, if your child’s shyness is why they cannot participate in activities that are part of their day-to-day life or make friends. Then, it may be time to seek the help of a pediatrician or a clinical psychologist. The early intervention could assist in identifying any anxiety that might be the root cause of the problem, and your child will be equipped with the required abilities for a better future. Knowing that temperament from early on can influence mental health later on, one can take active roles in building the child’s development. It’s important to work out open communication with your child and make sure that you pay attention to their emotional needs. The more you do, the better it will be for your child to build these skills and establish valuable social interactions to help children reach their full potential.

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

References:

https://kidsinfinitelearning.com/social-anxiety-in-kids/

Chronis-Tuscano, A., Degnan, K. A., Pine, D. S., Perez-Edgar, K., Henderson, H. A., Diaz, Y., Raggi, V. L., & Fox, N. A. (2009). Stable early maternal report of behavioral inhibition predicts lifetime social anxiety disorder in adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(9), 928–935. https://doi.org/10.1097/chi.0b013e3181ae09df

Poole, K. L., Degnan, K. A., Harrewijn, A., Almas, A., Fox, N. A., & Henderson, H. A. (2022).Trajectories of socially anxious behavior from age 5 to 13: Temperamental and sociocognitive pathways. Child Development, 93(5), 1334–1346. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13767

Social Anxiety in Kids: Common Symptoms & Helpful Tips

Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: Understanding the Differences and Seeking Help

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Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: Understanding the Differences and Seeking Help

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Have you ever felt your heart racing and felt completely detached from the world? Chances are, you may be experiencing a panic attack. Or have you ever felt so irritable and restless to the point where it’s disrupting your sleep? Well, in that case, you may be experiencing anxiety or an anxiety attack. Don’t get the two confused, as there are differences between them.

Panic attacks are intense, unexpected feelings of terror, fear, or discomfort. They are unexpected because they aren’t triggered by specific events and may occur without reason. Panic attacks are typically brief and only last several minutes. Physical symptoms include trembling, tingling, rapid heart rate, chest pain, feeling tightening in arms and hands, chills, etc. Symptoms vary from person to person, but these are the most common.

Anxiety attacks or anxiety are characterized by feeling restless and fearful that something is going to happen. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are triggered by specific events. Some physical symptoms include feeling lightheaded, dizzy, stomach knots, rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, hot flashes, nausea, headaches, backaches, and frequent sweating. Frequent anxiety attacks can indicate a type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety may not always be rational and may just occur because of fearing something bad is going to happen, even though it may just be all in your head.

It’s important to understand how you can differentiate between the two and to seek help when you need it. Often people don’t want to seek help, which can cause symptoms to worsen. Don’t be afraid to seek help, as there are many options available, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself. Remember that you are not alone, and many others have experienced similar symptoms. It’s okay to ask for help and take the steps necessary to manage your anxiety or panic attacks. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome these challenges and live a fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, 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:

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

https://www.self.com/story/anxiety-disorder-symptoms

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-attack-symptoms

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307863

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

REM Sleep: The Consequences of Disrupting your Sleep Pattern

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REM Sleep: The Consequences of Disrupting your Sleep Pattern

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Believe it or not, lack of sleep affects you more than just feeling groggy the next day. In fact, sleep plays an important role when it comes to brain function. Your brain needs the time to rest and prepare for the next day.

There are four stages of sleep: the first three stages are called NREM which stands for non-rapid eye movement and the fourth and final stage is called REM, which stands for rapid eye movement. These stages of sleep cycle multiple times throughout the night. They each last between 90-120 minutes. REM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep and where you might start to experience dreaming.

What people might not realize is that REM sleep is the stage of sleep where memories from the events that happened the previous day are forming and being engraved in your brain. Think of your brain as this filing cabinet where sleep would be the best time for your brain to start sorting all these memories. Even emotions and emotional memories are processed in REM sleep. Making sure you have adequate sleep helps with learning and being able to recall what you just learned. So next time, if you feel like neglecting sleep, think again!

If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeplessness, or mental health, 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/

Sources:

https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/articles/sleep-science/rem-sleep

High Functioning Depression

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High Functioning Depression By: Nicole Sanchez

High-functioning depression, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that can be described by persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, and a lack of pleasure in activities. People that have high-functioning depression may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and/or a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. One of the main differences between high-functioning depression and other forms of depression is the severity of symptoms. Individuals with major depressive disorder may experience highly intense feelings of hopelessness and despair; however those with high-functioning depression may have a more subtle experience of these symptoms. Those with high functioning depression may still be able to fulfill their responsibilities such as work or school, and maintain their relationships, but they may constantly battle with feelings of emptiness and sadness. Another difference has to do with the perception of others. People with high-functioning depression are oftentimes misunderstood and since they appear to be functioning well, others may minimize or dismiss their issues or attribute their feelings to mere moodiness.

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment approach for high-functioning depression. By working with a therapist to identify and transform negative thought patterns, people are able to improve their wellbeing by exploring healthy ways of managing emotions and stress. In some cases, medication may be part of the treatment plan for high-functioning depression. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2023/The-Reality-of-High-Functioning-Depression

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of depression, 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/