September 24, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Very often when you are faced with dealing with any type of mental health issue or severe stress, it can be easy to isolate yourself and try to handle things on your own. However, one of the best coping strategies is to build a multi-faceted support system that you can access whenever you may need it. Some of this support can come from social relationships, family, professional resources, or support groups.
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September 17, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Having a bout of depression in whatever form that takes, can take a toll on a person’s level of motivation. Sometimes it is not even a lack of motivation, the individual may want very much to get things accomplished, to mark things off of a list, or to meet a deadline. However, depression often makes even the smallest task or responsibility seem impossible.
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September 12, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Many children struggle with mental illness. However, unlike adults, the symptoms are different and can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes parents are unaware of the warning signs of mental illness in children, and if it is recognized, they may not know who to turn to. Mental health issues affect children in school, at home and in the community, and left untreated can cause delays in development in those domains.
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September 10, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Many times in the course of receiving mental health care, an individual may feel like things are not going well, or that they are not receiving the treatment that is most beneficial. However, those same individuals may feel like they are unable to question the mental health professionals who are treating them. Additionally, a person may not have the energy or desire to take steps to demand better care and will go along with whatever treatment that they are receiving. This is especially true in the beginning stages of diagnosis and recovery.
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September 3, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Bipolar Disorder was commonly referred to as Manic Depressive Disorder, and is a mental illness that is characterized by extreme changes in mood from very high or manic, and very low or depressed. It is considered to be one of the more disabling disorders especially when it goes untreated. During manic phases, people can be self-destructive and impulsive which can be difficult for others to deal with. Also during a manic phase, many people living with this illness are likely to “feel great” and might become non-compliant with the treatment that keeps them more stable.
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August 31, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Schizophrenia is one of the more serious mental health diagnoses, and is possibly one of the more misunderstood illnesses. Individuals with this diagnosis often require very close observation and intensive mental health treatment interventions in order to maintain stability. This summary will explore some of the symptoms of the diagnosis, some of the treatment options, and some of the common misconceptions about the illness. There seem to be varying levels of stigma surrounding mental health issues, and schizophrenia suffers as one of the more stigmatized disorders.
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August 30, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
The United States is currently involved in a number of combat situations in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is increasing awareness among researchers and mental health professionals that there are a number of health and mental health problems that returning veterans are experiencing in their return from combat. Many returning veterans are presenting to medical professionals with emotional distress that is primarily being attributed to their experiences in these violent situations. Researchers are beginning to analyze what this means for this demographic, and how to best assist them in navigating the difficulties that they are experiencing.
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August 27, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Anxiety is a common mental health concern. It is defined by Endler (1997), as being an emotion that is driven by fear. Anxiety can interfere with a person’s ability to function in daily activities, and can become so invasive in their lives that they may be unable to deal with work or school. When anxiety becomes this much of a problem, it is important to have strategies to decrease the anxiety.
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August 23, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) was formerly known as multiple personality disorder, and remains to this day as one of the most controversial and misunderstood disorders in the Diagnostic Manual. It is a difficult diagnosis to make, and often is more difficult to treat. It has been the topic of many Hollywood productions which gives laypeople an idea that they understand what it is, but as is often the case in movies and media, there is some sensationalism that occurs. It is not a common diagnosis and is only one of the classified dissociative disorders.
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August 18, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
In the not too distant past, there was a lot of difficulty for individuals needing to access mental health care services. Many health insurance companies treated mental health as a separate and unequal health issue compared with medical health problems. This made it difficult for the mentally ill to get adequate treatment, and to be able to afford that treatment when it was needed. In the last few years, those laws have begun to change, and mental illness is now considered to be equal in regard to insurance as is physical illness.
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