Every month, Carrier Clinic brings you an Empowered Moment. This series will address commonly asked mental health questions that we are all faced with on a daily basis…but are not comfortable to discuss in public situations.
Goal Setting
Every year, millions of people make New Year’s Resolutions - and many are broken by February.
Too often, goals are set that are unattainable for many reasons. Instead of taking an all-or-nothing, once-a-year approach to making big changes in your life, resolve to completing smaller, positive actions that you can work on slowly.
Keeping your goals SMART, which is: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Bound, greatly increases the chance of achievement. Keeping short-term goals small not only gives more opportunities for success, but serves as ongoing motivation for larger, longer-term goals.
If you feel overwhelmed or are finding it difficult to accomplish your daily responsibilities, please call your doctor today.
Too often, goals are set that are unattainable for many reasons. Instead of taking an all-or-nothing, once-a-year approach to making big changes in your life, resolve to completing smaller, positive actions that you can work on slowly.
Keeping your goals SMART, which is: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Bound, greatly increases the chance of achievement. Keeping short-term goals small not only gives more opportunities for success, but serves as ongoing motivation for larger, longer-term goals.
If you feel overwhelmed or are finding it difficult to accomplish your daily responsibilities, please call your doctor today.
--Valerie Rawls, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Carrier Clinic
Schizophrenia & Thought Disorders
Schizophrenia, a common type of Thought Disorder, affects over 2 million adults. Often misdiagnosed and misunderstood, Schizophrenia interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, and may cause symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking and speech.
Schizophrenia and other Thought Disorders respond well to a treatment plan that includes a combination of medications, community support and psychotherapy.
If you think you or a family member may have a thought disorder, you can improve your quality of life by calling your doctor today
--Lynnette Peoples, an Advance Practice Nurse at Carrier Clinic
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a long-term brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Often accompanied by substance abuse, bipolar disorder may be difficult to recognize or diagnose.
Once identified, however, it is important to work closely with a doctor and communicate openly about treatment options and concerns. In most cases, proper ongoing treatment-even when someone feels well- can help reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes and can help people with bipolar disorder maintain a good quality of life.
--Dr. Anthony Marino, clinical psychiatrist at Carrier Clinic
Adolescents/ Pain Medication
A growing number of adolescents ages 12-17 are using prescription drugs, such as pain relievers, stimulants and sedatives, to get high. In fact, prescription drugs have become the second most abused drug behind marijuana.
Adolescents can easily obtain prescription drugs, often from friends and family members, but incorrectly believe that using these drugs provides a “safer” way to get high. Misused prescription medication can alter the brain’s activity and lead to life-threatening health problems and result in physical or psychological dependence.
Become an informed parent. Talk with your children about the dangers of using both legal and illegal drugs, and call your doctor if you have any questions about prescription medication abuse.
Adolescents can easily obtain prescription drugs, often from friends and family members, but incorrectly believe that using these drugs provides a “safer” way to get high. Misused prescription medication can alter the brain’s activity and lead to life-threatening health problems and result in physical or psychological dependence.
Become an informed parent. Talk with your children about the dangers of using both legal and illegal drugs, and call your doctor if you have any questions about prescription medication abuse.
--Dr. Elizabeth Hill, Clinical Director of Blake Recovery Center at Carrier Clinic
Mental Health Month
Every May, we celebrate Mental Health Month as a way to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all.
If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness, it is important to know that staying physically and mentally active can help you and your healthcare provider manage your illness. Connecting with others, getting routine medical care and managing stress are all very important to your wellbeing.
In addition, sticking to a regular sleep and exercise schedule, along with a healthy diet, can improve your health and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. This month, find 30 minutes a day to do something you enjoy.
If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness, it is important to know that staying physically and mentally active can help you and your healthcare provider manage your illness. Connecting with others, getting routine medical care and managing stress are all very important to your wellbeing.
In addition, sticking to a regular sleep and exercise schedule, along with a healthy diet, can improve your health and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. This month, find 30 minutes a day to do something you enjoy.
--SDr. David Greenspan, Medical Director at Carrier Clinic
Alcohol Abuse
While moderate alcohol use is generally not harmful, approximately 1 in 13 do use alcohol in a way that could be considered dangerous.
Alcohol misuse is serious – and possibly deadly, and can increase the risk for certain cancers, liver problems and brain damage.
If you or a loved one are unable to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities due to recurring alcohol-related issues, please seek professional treatment. Calling your doctor today is the first step towards a healthier, more rewarding life.
Alcohol misuse is serious – and possibly deadly, and can increase the risk for certain cancers, liver problems and brain damage.
If you or a loved one are unable to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities due to recurring alcohol-related issues, please seek professional treatment. Calling your doctor today is the first step towards a healthier, more rewarding life.
--Dr. Hugo Franco, Director of Addiction Services at Carrier Clinic
Seasonal Affective Disorder
The long , cold days of winter may contribute to a lack of entergy or some minor weight gain for some people.
However, if you suffer from the Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, the arrival of winter with its decrease in sulight hours brings more serious concerns as energy levels plummet and emotional wellbeing is affected.
Craving sweets adn carbohydrates, having difficulty concentrating and sleeping of sleeping more than usual and avoiding social situations may signal SAD.
A call to your doctor can help identify Seasonal Affective Disorder, and start you or someone you love on a successful treatment regimen that might include light therapy, psychotherapy, or medication.
However, if you suffer from the Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, the arrival of winter with its decrease in sulight hours brings more serious concerns as energy levels plummet and emotional wellbeing is affected.
Craving sweets adn carbohydrates, having difficulty concentrating and sleeping of sleeping more than usual and avoiding social situations may signal SAD.
A call to your doctor can help identify Seasonal Affective Disorder, and start you or someone you love on a successful treatment regimen that might include light therapy, psychotherapy, or medication.
--Shaun Sweeney, RN, Unit Director at Carrier Clinic
Depression
In 2008, approximately 19 million people will suffer from some type of depression.
And while it is quite normal for some people to get the “holiday blues” at this time of year, it is not common to feel persistently sad, anxious, fatigued or emotionally “empty.”
Many people who have depression know something is wrong, but don’t know what to do about it. Fortunately, depression is one of the most treatable of all mental illnesses. Psychotherapy, antidepressants or a combination of both can be very successful at making people feel good again.
Make a resolution to feel better this year! Talk to your doctor today if you or someone you love may be showing signs of depression.
And while it is quite normal for some people to get the “holiday blues” at this time of year, it is not common to feel persistently sad, anxious, fatigued or emotionally “empty.”
Many people who have depression know something is wrong, but don’t know what to do about it. Fortunately, depression is one of the most treatable of all mental illnesses. Psychotherapy, antidepressants or a combination of both can be very successful at making people feel good again.
Make a resolution to feel better this year! Talk to your doctor today if you or someone you love may be showing signs of depression.
--Dr. David Greenspan, Medical Director at Carrier Clinic
Holiday Stress
This holiday season, many people will find themselves stressed, anxious and depressed.
The ongoing pressure to “do it all, be it all and buy it all” can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health.
Help reduce holiday stress by planning ahead, setting realistic expectations, exercising & eating healthy, and saying “No” to invitations that may drain your time & energy.
If the combination of stress from the holidays, work, troubled relationships or health problems is so overwhelming that it interferes with your life, or extends past the holidays, it may be time to call your doctor to discuss different treatment options.
The ongoing pressure to “do it all, be it all and buy it all” can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health.
Help reduce holiday stress by planning ahead, setting realistic expectations, exercising & eating healthy, and saying “No” to invitations that may drain your time & energy.
If the combination of stress from the holidays, work, troubled relationships or health problems is so overwhelming that it interferes with your life, or extends past the holidays, it may be time to call your doctor to discuss different treatment options.
--Margo Tarasov, Director of Clinical Social Services at Carrier Clinic
Schizophrenia & Thought Disorders
Schizophrenia, a common type of Thought Disorder, affects over 2 million adults. Often misdiagnosed and misunderstood, Schizophrenia interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, and may cause symptoms such as delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, and hallucinations.
Schizophrenia and other Thought Disorders respond well to a treatment plan that includes a combination of medications, community support and psychotherapy.
You can improve your quality of life by calling your doctor today if you think you or a family member may have a thought disorder.
Schizophrenia and other Thought Disorders respond well to a treatment plan that includes a combination of medications, community support and psychotherapy.
You can improve your quality of life by calling your doctor today if you think you or a family member may have a thought disorder.
--Dr. Bohdan Cehelyk, Chief Medical Officer of East Mountain Hospital, at Carrier Clinic
Self Medication
Anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder are common mental illnesses that encourage self-medicating in order to feel immediate relief of symptoms. Self medication occurs when an individual purchases over-the-counter or illicit drugs to treat a real or perceived physical or psychological illness.
Physical illnesses such as pain and sleeplessness are also frequently self-diagnosed and treated by an individual without a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, over a period of time, it may take increased doses of medication to achieve the same relief, which could lead to addiction or dependence.
If you or a loved one has been self-medicating to treat a lasting or chronic illness, a call to your doctor can help recognize any long term complications from self-medication, or identify an alternate treatment that may provide improved relief.
Physical illnesses such as pain and sleeplessness are also frequently self-diagnosed and treated by an individual without a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, over a period of time, it may take increased doses of medication to achieve the same relief, which could lead to addiction or dependence.
If you or a loved one has been self-medicating to treat a lasting or chronic illness, a call to your doctor can help recognize any long term complications from self-medication, or identify an alternate treatment that may provide improved relief.
--Dr. Joseph Pecora, physician at Blake Recovery Center of Carrier Clinic
Older Adult Life Changes
Many older adults experience sadness, social isolation or loneliness when faced with normal life changes such as a spouse’s death, loss of independence, or declining health.
And while these feelings are entirely normal, depression is not a normal or necessary part of the aging process. Real depression is characterized by a persistent mood that does not lift, or interferes significantly with ordinary life functions or activities.
In older adults, depression can be brought on by a number of psychological, or physical factors, as well as certain medications. A visit to the doctor’s office can help identify which changes are normal during the aging process and when it might be time to seek additional help.
And while these feelings are entirely normal, depression is not a normal or necessary part of the aging process. Real depression is characterized by a persistent mood that does not lift, or interferes significantly with ordinary life functions or activities.
In older adults, depression can be brought on by a number of psychological, or physical factors, as well as certain medications. A visit to the doctor’s office can help identify which changes are normal during the aging process and when it might be time to seek additional help.
--Dr. Umesh Mehta, Psychiatrist at Carrier Clinic
Back to School Stress
Going back to school is usually an exciting time for most parents and their children, but some start feeling anxious when returning to the classroom.
Although a little nervousness in a new situation is common, anxiety can interfere with school, family, and other responsibilities.
If your child is having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, having nightmares, is complaining of stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, or shows signs of irritability or poor concentration, it may be time to call your pediatrician.
With the help of a professional, child and adolescent anxiety can be treated successfully through talking, relaxation techniques, medications, or a combination of therapies.
Although a little nervousness in a new situation is common, anxiety can interfere with school, family, and other responsibilities.
If your child is having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, having nightmares, is complaining of stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, or shows signs of irritability or poor concentration, it may be time to call your pediatrician.
With the help of a professional, child and adolescent anxiety can be treated successfully through talking, relaxation techniques, medications, or a combination of therapies.
--Dr. Claire Marsh, psychiatrist at Carrier Clinic
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is anxiety based.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, affects nearly 2 ½ million adults. People with OCD have persistent, upsetting thoughts or obsessions and use rituals or compulsions to control anxiety. Common rituals may include checking, touching or counting things to the extent that the repetition of those actions interferes with daily responsibilities. When severe enough, OCD can keep people from going to work and enjoying life’s simple activities.
OCD generally responds well to a treatment plan that includes medication and psychotherapy. Call your doctor today if you think you or a loved one may be suffering from OCD.
-Dr. Indira Cidambi, psychiatrist at Carrier Clinic
Common Anxiety Disorders affect over 40 million adults every year.
Common Anxiety Disorders such as Panic, Post Traumatic Stress, & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affect over 40 million adults every year.
Characterized by feelings of fearfulness, anxiousness or an overwhelming sense of dread or worry, those affected may find it extremely difficult to function on a day-to-day basis.
Effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders does exist, and those who are treated with the proper combination of medications and psychotherapy can lead productive, fulfilling lives.
If you or someone you know has these feelings, a call to your doctor will help determine the best course of treatment that will enable you to live comfortably again.
-Kathy Crescenzi, Advance Practice Nurse at Carrier Clinic
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a long-term brain disorder that causes periods of highs and lows, known as mania or depression, that affect a person’s mood, energy and ability to function.
Severe episodes of mania or depression can cause hallucinations or delusions that make it difficult for a person to realize they may need professional help. Drug and alcohol abuse is also common, as those affected will often self-medicate to feel better.
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but once identified, can be treated with a long-term strategy of medications and psychosocial treatment thatleads to a healthy and productive life, increased mood stability, improved functioning and less in-patient care.
-Dr. Paul Goodnick, clinical psychiatrist at Carrier Clinic
Alcoholism is a complex disease – “a little willpower” is not a cure.
Although moderate alcohol use is generally not harmful to most adults, approximately 1 in 13 are alcohol abusers.
Alcohol misuse is serious – and possibly deadly. In addition to an increased risk for certain cancers, liver cirrhosis and brain damage, there is also a higher risk of death from automobile crashes and on-the-job injuries.
If you or a loved one are unable to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities due to recurring alcohol-related issues, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Admitting there is a problem will increase your chances for a successful recovery and a healthier, more rewarding life.
-Dr. Elizabeth Hill, Director of Blake Recovery Center at Carrier Clinic
Depression can affect anyone.
This year alone, approximately 19 million people will suffer from some type of depression, and while it is quite normal for people to feel down from time to time, it is NOT common to feel persistently sad, anxious, fatigued, or emotionally empty.
Depression can affect anyone at any age. Many people who have depression know something is wrong, but don't know what to do about it. The good news is depression is one of the most treatable of all mental illnesses.
Psychotherapy, antidepressants, or a combination of both can be very successful at making people feel good again. Don't think that your problems are yours alone. Talk to your doctor today if you or someone you love may be showing signs of depression.
-Doctor David Greenspan, Medical Director at Carrier Clinic
You and your family deserve the best treatment available. A call to Carrier Clinic's Access Center will put you in touch with a specialist experienced in behavioral health services. Call 1-800-933-3579. The Carrier Clinic: We're Here For You, And That's All We Do!