Money Doesn’t Equal Happiness or Depression?

A traditional saying tells us as that money can’t buy happiness and most people agree that having everything doesn’t make you happy. But in many cases, a person’s income can determine how and when they are able to heal. People with depression or anxiety are not always able to afford treatment, especially some of the more costly options available to those with a higher income.

People with more money are not necessarily happier, but they do have more opportunities to pay for mental health recovery. When a person is simply struggling to survive and is worried about their financial situation, they may not have the luxury of working on their mental health. For people with severe depression and other mental health issues, money can be an obstacle that prevents them from getting the treatment that they need.

When someone has a higher income they will find it easier to pay for a highly qualified therapist without worrying about their insurance or being put on a waiting list. They can also afford more alternative kinds of treatment that insurance may not cover such as acupuncture, energy healing and other methods. They aren’t necessarily less likely to be depressed, but they do have a wider range of options to help them recover.

Recognizing financial obstacles in getting help is important in improving the overall state of mental health for people in the U.S. Providing more affordable options for treatment is crucial so that everyone can have equal access to recovery from mental illness. For many people, mental health is a luxury that they cannot afford to focus their energy or finances on.

Mental health should not be a privilege but unfortunately that is the case for many people. More mental health programs for low income individuals may be able to help improve the situation and make it possible for people to get the help they need.

 

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/money-doesnt-equal-happiness-or-depression/

Stopping Your Downward Spiral

For people that struggle with mental health issues, and even people who are simply dealing with a lot of stress they might be familiar with the downward spiral. When you start to have negative thoughts and emotions that start small, they can begin to spiral into bigger and bigger problems in your mind. This is a common issue for people with anxiety and depression who allow their negativity to spiral out of control.  

The subconscious mind can cause a downward spiral because of deeper wounds and insecurities that become triggered by something in the present. In order to cope with the tendency to spiral it is helpful to learn to identify triggers and recognize the beginning of feelings of shame as soon as possible. When feelings of shame come up you can try to give yourself compassion and reassurance instead of continuing the cycle of shame and guilt.

If you are able to stop some of your negative thoughts and feelings you can try to reclaim your power and get back on a more positive path. You can start to assess the situation and regain your sense of mental balance by recognizing which of your feelings are legitimate reactions in that moment. If you are really struggling to get back on track then it might be a good idea to call a friend or reach out for help from someone that you trust.

The most important way to stop a downward spiral is to try to focus on positive things. Feelings of gratitude for even the most basic things that you have in your life – your health, your family etc can all generate a more positive mindset. Trying to find something positive to keep you grounded can prevent a downward spiral from progressing and get you back on track quickly.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/stopping-your-downward-spiral/

Alcohol Induced Cirrhosis

Alcohol abuse is something that not only takes its toll on someone’s personal life but it can also cause very serious damage to the body. Alcohol is a dangerous toxin that, when consumed in large amounts over a period of many years, can lead to physical health problems. The liver is one of the areas of the body that is most damaged by alcohol and many alcoholics even develop cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is a liver disease that is most often linked with alcohol abuse and the effect that drinking has on the liver. The liver’s job in the body is to filter out toxins, break down proteins, and create bile to help absorb body fat. Heavy alcohol consumption taxes the liver and starts to replace healthy tissue with scar tissue resulting in cirrhosis.

Over time and with continued alcohol abuse, cirrhosis can cause the liver to stop functioning properly due to the increasing scar tissue. Cirrhosis typically develops when the person is between the ages of 30 and 40 as they start exhibiting symptoms such as jaundice or yellowing of the skin, hypertension resulting in increased blood pressure, and skin itching. An alcohol will start to develop cirrhosis after drinking heavily for about eight years or so.

Cirrhosis can lead to complications such as a buildup of fluid in the stomach, encephalopathy or mental confusion, internal bleeding and other problems. Although cirrhosis cannot be completely reversed, the progress of the disease can be slowed so that some of the more severe symptoms don’t appear. The first step in treating cirrhosis is for the individual to stop drinking alcohol and detoxify their body from their dependency.

Some types of medication and better nutrition can improve some of the symptoms of cirrhosis but the most important thing is to stay sober permanently for better health.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/alcohol-induced-cirrhosis/

When Imposter Syndrome Leads You to Depression

A form of anxiety known as “imposter syndrome” is something that affects many high achieving people. Essentially, imposter syndrome is a deep feeling that a person is not as competent as others perceive them to be. They may feel that they are not as smart, talented or capable as others believe even though they might have achieved a certain level of success.

Beneath imposter syndrome is a sense of anxiety and perfectionism that causes the person to feel like a phony or a fraud. They may be in a social situation and fear that the other person will find out that they are socially awkward or inept. They might be in a performance situation and feel that they don’t belong there because they aren’t talented or skilled enough.

These “imposter” feelings can be strong linked to anxiety and depression as the individual never really feels able to accept themselves as worthy. Feeling like an imposter can lead to hopelessness, worry, the desire to isolate themselves and other issues. They may spiral into a serious depression because they feel they can’t reach the level of competence that they want to have.

In some cases, imposter syndrome can fuel feelings of motivation to achieve but for others it may lead to depression and even giving up. People who are struggling with imposter syndrome and depression can move past these problems by talking to a therapist and getting help. Opening up about these feelings can help relieve some of the pressure that someone with this issue often puts on themselves.

In therapy, someone with imposter syndrome can learn to develop a more accurate view of themselves and their abilities and accomplishments. They can learn to stop comparing themselves to others and accept that they provide value to people by being who they are.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/when-imposter-syndrome-leads-you-to-depression/

Why Addicts Lie

When someone has an addiction, their behavior may change dramatically and they will begin to act in ways they never had before. They might lie, steal, cheat or break the law because they will do anything to be able to continue their addictions. Addicts usually develop a habit of lying to loved ones because they are looking for ways to avoid having to reveal the extent of their problem and be forced to change their ways.

One of the major issues that causes addicts to lie is that they are trying to avoid confrontation with the people around them. They often haven’t developed coping strategies to deal with the stresses of life such as conflict with others. The easiest way out for them is to simply lie so they won’t have to deal with an argument or cope with a problem.

Addicts tend to lie about the extent of how much they are abusing drugs because they don’t want other people to express their concern or try to convince them to quit. They might lie about going to the bar or meeting up with their dealer because they don’t want to have to explain their behavior to others. Their ultimate goal is to continue using drugs and they will say and do what they feel is necessary to keep going.

Another reason that addicts tend to lie is because deep down they feel ashamed about their behavior. Even though their addiction forces them to continue using drugs, they may feel embarrassed for people to know what they are doing. They are afraid of being judged or facing up to their own mistakes so they will lie to others to avoid confronting their own shame.

Going along with an addict’s lies can be a form of enabling so it is important to eventually speak directly to them about getting help through an intervention.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/why-addicts-lie/

Mental Health Care in the ER

Although the emergency room typically deals with physical health issues like injuries and illness, there are also mental health emergencies that need to be addressed in the hospital. When someone is having a mental health crisis, often the ER is the best place to get immediate assistance so that they are not a danger to themselves or others. Being safe during a mental health emergency should be the highest priority and the ER is able to provide basic mental health care to patients in need.

At the ER, staff are trained to handle mental health emergencies by asking certain questions to evaluate the severity of the situation. They can assess what type of issues you are dealing with and either recommend that you see a mental health professional or have you transferred to a treatment center that can provide you with the help you need. In some cases they might have a patient admitted to the hospital for a few days if they believe they are a danger to themselves.

The ER can admit patients who are struggling with mental health issues such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or any other problem that has escalated into a crisis. A mental health emergency usually means that the person has reached the point of a break down and may have become violent, has the intent to harm themselves or others or has attempted suicide. The ER is a place to keep you or your loved one safe until they can be provided with proper mental health treatment.

Although the ER is equipped to deal with a crisis temporarily, it is important for the patient to follow up and receive long term treatment and care at a mental health facility. After a stay at the hospital, they may consider enrolling in a residential recovery program to treat their disorder.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/mental-health-care-in-the-er/

Work-Induced Anxiety

Some people suffer not necessarily from general anxiety but situational anxiety having to do with specific people, places or events. For many people, the workplace can induce intense feelings or worry and stress that they don’t experience anywhere else. Work anxiety can be difficult to overcome as we spend much of our lives at the workplace and need to do so in order to survive.

For some people who fear that their workplace is too anxiety-inducing it could be time to look into changing jobs. For those who aren’t willing or able to find another job, they can focus on different techniques to reduce their anxiety and make work more manageable. Feeling anxious at work can be normal but it doesn’t have to mean that you struggle every day with painful feelings at the office.

Mindfulness and self-awareness can both be effective techniques at dealing with anxiety. If you understand the root causes of your anxiety you can be aware of when triggers come up and learn to cope with them. Practicing mindfulness or relaxation methods can help minimize anxiety and allow you to work through anxious feelings.

Sometimes talking about your anxiety with someone can help ease your fears. You can talk with another coworker and see if they are experiencing the same feelings or a loved one who might have the same problems at their own workplace. Sharing your emotions with others and getting valuable feedback from can help reduce some of your anxiety.

If your anxiety about work is building up it may be a good idea to take some time off. Go on vacation for a few days or take a “mental health day” so that you can recharge. Everyone deserves a break from work stress especially if it is affecting your well being and causing too much anxiety.

 

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/work-induced-anxiety/

Is It ADHD or Something Else?

Disorders like ADHD are complex and often misunderstood by people looking for a diagnosis for certain symptoms. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis for something like ADHD as taking the wrong kind of medication or not getting proper treatment can be harmful to a person’s well-being. Different disorders can often share certain symptoms so a complete evaluation is necessary for issues like ADHD.

Some possible problems that may share symptoms with ADHD include high or low IQ, oppositional defiant disorder, personality disorders, mood disorders or even medical conditions that cause inattention and impulsivity. It can be difficult to tell which issue a person is experiencing especially with young children who may be having trouble focusing or are having behavior issues. Children who are restless or impulsive may be exhibiting normal age-appropriate behavior but others may have underlying problems.

Children who have trouble paying attention in class can potentially have low IQs that are affecting their ability to function well in educational settings. On the other hand, high IQs can have the same effect because gifted children may feel under-stimulated and bored in their environment. In many cases, the children may have an average IQ but be suffering from a disorder that causes them to be disruptive or defiant.

Children or even adults with ADHD may behave in ways that show issues with focus, mood and discipline. Emotional outbursts may be common or hyperactive behaviors that make it difficult for them to be good students. Even though you may identify certain symptoms that may look like ADHD, there are many other possibilities to consider.

Evaluation and diagnosis is critical to the health of a person that may have ADHD or any other issue that affects their attention. Getting treatment specific to their particular issue can help ensure a faster recovery.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/is-it-adhd-or-something-else/

Chronic Illness and Depression

One of the most common complications that goes along with a chronic illness is the tendency to suffer from depression simultaneously. When someone has a chronic illness, they are dealing with sickness and pain that lasts a long time and often cannot be fully cured. This kind of physical discomfort that goes along with chronic illness can cause sufferers to become depressed.

Examples of chronic illnesses include problems like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, lupus, HIV and multiple sclerosis. People suffering from these kinds of illnesses are coping with multiple physical symptoms every day that can interfere with their lives. It is estimated that up to one third of people with a chronic illness are also dealing with symptoms of depression.

When someone develops a chronic illness they are suddenly dealing with intense life changes that can limit their functioning, mobility and independence. It can make it difficult for the sufferer to do the things they used to enjoy and they may have to adjust their lifestyle because of their illness. The inability to continue their lives as they used to can cause people to feel hopeless and depressed because of their illness.

People with both chronic illness and depression can start to isolate themselves or become less motivated to try to manage their issues. It is important for people with these two problems to get help for both in any way that they can. For many chronic illnesses, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise as well as medication can help them manage their symptoms and minimize the impact on their lives.

Getting treatment for mental health issues can help decrease the pain that a person with a chronic illness experiences on a daily basis. Managing depression and chronic illness can be challenging but working on both can be beneficial for overall health and well-being.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/chronic-illness-and-depression/

Making Amends in Recovery

One of the most well-known steps in a twelve step recovery group is that of making amends to those you have wronged. People are familiar with this step because it is one of the most difficult but important elements of recovering from an addiction. An addict may have hurt people in their lives or damaged relationships and they need to address these issues if they want to remain sober.

Making amends consists of both step eight and nine in an AA program and most members of the group will already have worked through many other issues before they reach this point. Step eight asks the addict to make a list of all the people they have harmed and become willing to make amends with them. Step nine asks them to make direct amends to the people on the list in whatever way possible.

This process can be challenging and delicate and will usually require the help of a sponsor or a counselor who can help the addict prepare for what they will say and do. Making amends can be complex because it involves more than simply apologizing for something that you have said or done. It means restoring justice to the person who has been wronged in any way possible, either directly or in a symbolic way.

Making direct amends may not be possible in all cases but the addict may find a way to do something positive that gives back or restores what they have harmed. A sponsor or counselor can assist you in thinking of ways to make amends that will help others and repair some of the damage caused by your addiction. Making amends opens doors to bring back old friendships and relationships to your life so that you don’t have to avoid or feel guilty about the people you have hurt.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/making-amends-in-recovery/

Trouble Finding a Job After Rehab

After recovering from an addiction, it is important for former patients to get back into the workforce as soon as possible. Having a job gives people a sense of purpose and prevents distraction and too much free time that can be dangerous for newly recovered. However, there can be many obstacles and setbacks that can make it hard for someone in recovery to find a job.

Those new in recovery may feel uncertain about finding employment because they have certain issues which may look bad on their resume or on their background check. They could have a long gap in their employment history due to issues of abuse, losing a prior job or spending a long time away in treatment. They could also have negative aspects of their background such as arrests, jail time or a DUI.

In spite of these issues, many people in recovery are still able to find regular employment by companies that are willing to hire people with histories of abuse or even past legal issues. It can be helpful to talk to a counselor about how to improve your resume or explain gaps in employment to a potential employer. You can figure out how to highlight certain skills or experience that may minimize other aspects of your resume that may seem like red flags to a new job.

A good place to start when looking for a job is to use your connections to get you through the door. If you haven’t worked in a while you can ask friends, family members or even old coworkers if they know someone who is hiring. This can help you bypass some of the hiring politics so that you are able to get started with a new job quickly.

It can be helpful to have reasonable expectations about your employment. You may even consider starting at a lower level job and working your way up so that you can rebuild your resume and focus on your sobriety.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/trouble-finding-a-job-after-rehab/

What You Should Know About Antipsychotic Medication

Certain mental illnesses may cause symptoms of psychosis or psychotic episodes which can be debilitating and even life-threatening for the sufferer. Psychosis is a problem in which a person’s thinking becomes distorted so that they lose their sense of reality. People with psychosis can experience delusions and hallucinations that may cause them to behave erratically or even violently.

For an individual struggling with psychosis, one of the most essential ways to manage the symptoms is through antipsychotic medication. This type of medication is prescribed most often to people with mental illnesses like schizophrenia which causes hallucinations and psychotic episodes or bipolar disorder which can include manic episodes with symptoms of psychosis. People with bipolar disorder may take them temporarily when they are experiencing an episode while other psychotic disorders may require long term use.

Antipsychotics help manage symptoms of psychosis by blocking the activity of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Psychosis can occur when dopamine levels in the brain are too high. The medication effectively reduces dopamine so that hallucinations subside in a few days and delusions are reduced within a couple of weeks.

The use of antipsychotics can also help stabilize a person’s mood and may be used for a number of other mental illnesses. Many can cause short term side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and vomiting but the symptoms usually subside during long term use. Some neurological side effects can occur such as spasms, tremors and restlessness but these sometimes go away once dosage is dropped.

Whenever this type of medication is used, it is important for the patient to be closely monitored to gauge side effects and determine if it is effective at reducing psychosis. Antipsychotics can be potentially life-saving for people suffering from psychosis but they should be taken with the help of a professional to assess their effectiveness.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/antipsychotic-medication/

Are All Alcoholics Impulsive?

Everyone who develops alcoholism has their own circumstances, personal history and other factors that caused their substance abuse problem. However, there are certain traits that many people with addictions tend to share such as the tendency to act impulsively. For alcoholics, impulsivity is one of the classic characteristics of people susceptible to dependency.

It is important for alcoholics to be aware of their impulsive nature, especially when they are in recovery and need to be vigilant about preventing a relapse. Alcoholism and impulsive behaviors have almost always been linked and many studies have found that the risk for both issues are connected. People that are impulsive are often seeking novelty or new sensations which can also lead to alcohol abuse.

In a sense, alcoholism itself is a type of impulse control issue that can never fully be resolved except by removing the substance from the person’s life. People with impulse control issues tend to act self-destructively and engage in harmful behavior that impairs their functioning. Alcoholics behave the same way but much of their impulsive and harmful actions center around alcohol.

Studies have revealed that alcoholics have an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain which can cause impulsive behavior. Alcohol use can actually increase the effects of the neurotransmitters that cause impulsivity. Many alcoholics already have impulsive behavior due to their brain structure and drinking only increases those tendencies.

This is one of the reasons why alcoholics can only recover if they remain completely abstinent from any alcohol use. Their impulsive nature may always be present to a certain extent but they can learn to channel it and avoid using alcohol as an outlet for their compulsions. Sobriety can also help decrease impulsivity and make it easier for alcoholics to moderate their behavior as much as possible.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/are-all-alcoholics-impulsive/