Understanding Mental Health

My heart starts racing as well as my thoughts. My muscles tighten and I get nervous and nauseous. Sometimes there is tingling and numbness in my hands and feet What is going on with me, am I losing my mind or having a heart attack?

The answer may be more simple than you think: Anxiety Disorders can take shape in your body in many different forms: both physically and psychologically (triggering the fight, flight or freeze response) The truth is everyone experiences anxiety in some form or another, and in small increments, anxiety can help us positively navigate stress. However there are other times these symptoms are cued hyperactively, becoming more of a hinderance than a helping tool

The symptoms listed above are some of the most common ways anxiety manifests itself in the body. Treatment can consistent of psychotherapy, meditation, medications, deep breathing, mindfulness, mild to moderate exercise, healthy diet, and/ or proper sleep hygiene

What about excessive sleeping, diminished pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, lack of concentration, a lack of motivation, weight loss or weight gain and persistent sadness? These symptoms (and more) note Depression Disorders which can develop within a person based on a myriad of factors: genetics, low self- worth, exposure to trauma and chronic illness/pain to name a few.

Treatment for depression may involve a combination of exercise, medication, psychotherapy, health sleeping and eating patterns as well as repeated social interactions where appropriate

How many of my readers have experienced a car accident, imprisonment, (unexpected or expected) death of a loved one, abuse, assault, job loss, significant other (parent, siblings, etc) abandonment, witnessing a crime, natural disaster, serious illness?

These crisis oriented events may spur the onset of Trauma. Trauma is marked by any distressing event or series of events where a person’s ability to cope has been compromised or diminished in some capacity Some individuals will naturally develop Acute Stress Disorder, followed by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (when symptoms last longer than one month). Such symptoms include flashbacks, mood swings, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, nightmares, and avoidance.

The good news is you do not have to go it alone There are many contemporary and classic approaches to managing trauma related conditions. Consider the following types of therapeutic approaches: EMDR (eye movement de-sensitization and reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), exposure therapy, (ACT) acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive reprocessing therapy. Psychiatric medications, trauma sensitive yoga or acupuncture are additional avenues available.

By acknowledging, accepting and formulating an action plan, symptoms can be addressed, treated and managed in order to create a more balance lifestyle.

Visit:

National Alliance of Mental Illness (1 800 950 6264)

National Helpline Database for additional resources and support National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, Psychology Today Database

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (1.800.662.4357)