Treatment Bergen County NJ

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

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is CBT?

                Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying and changing dysfunctional and intrusive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. CBT is influenced by the idea that thoughts influence behavior; therefore, the job of the psychotherapist is to talk to the patient and help uproot negative and irrational beliefs, and then change them into newer and more positive ones. CBT is distinct from other therapies because it focuses on the present, rather than the past. What are you thinking right now? Are there any harmful thought patterns that usually emerge? What are you thinking when you begin to feel anxious?

                This form of psychotherapy is appropriate for all ages including children, adolescents and adults. A clinician or therapist will likely practice CBT with a patient when the patient is demonstrating severe symptoms of anxiety, stress, and negative and disturbing thoughts or beliefs about their lives. A patient who engages in severe negative self-talk or low self-esteem due to negative beliefs about themselves or about life can tremendously benefit from CBT. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can also treat patients with conditions such as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, phobias, and substance use disorder. CBT is also beneficial for people looking to improve their relationships and overall wanting to engage in a happier, healthier lifestyle.

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/

Eating Disorders: What Motivates Recovery?

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Eating Disorders: What Motivates Recovery

By: Brianna Millier

Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can have severe physical, emotional, and social consequences. While the road to recovery may be challenging, understanding the factors that support and motivate recovery is essential for promoting healing and well-being. The motivating factors mentioned should be tailored to meet individual personalities and preferences. In this article, we explore the nature of eating disorders and delve into the evidence-based strategies and supports that can empower individuals along their recovery journey.

The Role of Social Support:

Research published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders highlights the importance of positive social relationships, such as family support, peer networks, and therapeutic alliances. These support systems provide encouragement, understanding, and practical assistance, reinforcing the individual’s motivation to recover. Supporting pro-recovery beliefs and lifestyle changes (e.g., not talking negatively about weight), building hope for the future (e.g., writing inspiring notes), and by discussing and working toward goals that conflict with the ED (e.g., volunteering, having children) are helpful suggestions (Venturo-Conerly et al., 2020). 

Cultivating Self-Compassion:

A review by Tosca Braun et al., highlights self-compassion’s positive impact on body image, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Practicing self-compassion involves acknowledging and accepting one’s struggles while cultivating a non-judgmental and nurturing attitude towards oneself. Incorporating self-compassion exercises, such as mindfulness and self-affirmation, can strengthen motivation and resilience throughout the recovery journey.

Embracing Individualized Treatment:

Personalized treatment may involve a combination of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT focuses on challenging distorted thoughts, building coping skills, and promoting self-acceptance. These factors all contribute to motivation and sustained recovery. Family therapy is particularly helpful in treating adolescents and improves communication, reduces blame, and fosters a supportive environment, enhancing the individual’s motivation to engage in treatment and sustain recovery. Participants in one study often described medical professionals as the first people who made them feel heard and understood (Venturo-Conerly et al., 2020). Professionals offer validation and safety while also providing a continuation of specialized support and a means to monitor progress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, 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

References:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.03.003.

https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23331

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.

Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia: What is it?

By: Anna Giammanco

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 16 and 30. The way a person thinks, feels, and behaves can be highly affected by Schizophrenia. Symptoms of this disorder can make functioning and performing everyday tasks very challenging. Symptoms of Schizophrenia can often differ between patients. Symptoms usually fall into three different categories (psychotic, negative, and cognitive).

Psychotic: Symptoms include changes in behavior and a person’s perception of the world. Symptoms vary on how often they occur. For some, symptoms can be less frequent or more frequent.

  • Hallucinations: Hallucinations can occur in several forms. One can experience hallucinations visually, aurally, and through perceived taste or smell. Despite feeling very real, these hallucinations aren’t actually happening.
  • Delusions: Delusions are powerful beliefs that a person with Schizophrenia has that are untrue and somewhat illogical.
  • Ex: believing, voices on TV and Radio are sending special messages.
  • Thought disorder: Unusual and nonsensical ways of thinking. Having trouble organizing thoughts and speech. Abnormal pauses in the middle of talking while concentrating on a thought.
  • Movement disorder: Abnormal body movements such as repeating movements over and over.

Negative:

  • Feeling a loss of motivation or lack of interest in daily activities, Isolating oneself and withdrawal from social life, having trouble functioning.
  • Symptoms include: trouble sticking to tasks, feeling pressure in everyday life, having low energy, avoiding social interaction.

Cognitive:

  • Having problems with memory and concentrating, having trouble processing information and using information after learning it.

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/schizophrenia

Anxiety Coping Skills

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Anxiety Coping Skills

By: Anna Giammanco

Dealing with anxiety is often a lot easier said than done. It’s common to find yourself feeling powerless. Coping skills can not only provide a relief but can also give you more confidence when dealing with your anxiety.

When trying to use different anxiety coping skills, it is important to remember that some things can work better or worse for different people. It is also important to remind yourself to not be discouraged when a coping skill does not work right away. It can take practice to master these types of skills.

Some helpful anxiety coping skills:

  • Distraction; Whether it’s listening to music, watching a TV show, doing a physical activity, or any other activity that can occupies your mind, distraction can be a simple way to focus your mind on something less stressful.
  • Deep breathing; Practice focused deep breathing (breathe in for four counts and breathe out for four counts. Try this for a few minutes).
  • Progressive muscle relaxation; Find a private, quiet location. Close your eyes and slowly tense each of your muscles from your head to your toes. Hold for a few seconds each and then release. This technique can help loosen and relax muscles that become tense due to anxiety.
  • Grounding techniques; Grounding techniques can help someone struggling with anxiety to get out of their head and re-anchor themselves to reality. An example of a grounding technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. It includes listing 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
  • Communicating/expressing anxiety; Sometimes, clearly expressing your anxieties through words (whether through writing or vocalization) can help you fully understand your anxiety and help you let go of it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatric, 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

References:

https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/coping-skills-for-anxiety#emotional-methods

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies