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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is well-known as one of the forms of depression that remains mostly treatment-resistant. As a result, many mental healthcare professionals are recommending Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to treat the mood disorder for the long-term.

In this article, we’re going to discuss how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation compares to traditional treatments (such as medication management) as well as its potential side effects.

Read on to learn more.

TMS vs. Medication Management

With depression, psychopharmacology is typically part of the conversation as it has been long considered the go-to treatment associated with depression in all its forms.

Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants to relieve the symptoms of depression and other associated mood disorders such as anxiety. The goal is to correct the chemical imbalances of the brain’s neurotransmitters causing these negative mood states.

With more severe forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), it often takes a period of trial-and-error involving a regimen of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. This also requires ongoing medication management, and sometimes invasive treatment including ketamine, esketamine, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

So, what makes TMS the better option compared to medication management?

Its side effects (or, lack thereof) and effectiveness in long-term treatment.

The Side Effects

Mood disorders in the realm of MDD are often treatment-resistant to multiple medications. That’s why medication management is required in the first place, as each new regimen requires consistent patient monitoring.

Not to mention, antidepressants alone come with some pretty severe side effects, especially when taken over a longer duration. Those side effects vary but often include insomnia, anxiety, agitation, nausea, bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, higher cardiovascular risks, dizziness, weight gain, fatigue, and much more.

TMS, on the other hand, produces relatively mild side effects—which mainly include minor headaches, scalp discomfort, lightheadedness, and tingling post-procedure. These side effects are typically short-lived, which a 2007 study confirms.

The Effectiveness

Older clinical studies and trials found TMS to be effective but slightly lacking on its own. For a long time, it was believed to be more effective when combined with an antidepressant regimen for patients with treatment-resistant MDD.

However, more recent clinical studies involving the newer FDA-approved TMS procedure referred to as SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) have seen remarkable results.

This new protocol for TMS showed that 90% of the subjects with severe depression experienced remission by the end of the study, as in they were no longer clinically depressed or having suicidal thoughts.

Conversely, the research on anti-depressants shows that they’re only effective for up to 40% of patients due to a variety of different factors. Additionally, up to 75% of patients that undergo medication management experience a depression relapse after achieving a positive response to their regimen.

If you or someone you care for suffers from MDD or another severe mood disorder, reach out to us today to learn more about TMS and the other psychiatric services we provide.

They’ll make me gain weight

They’ll dull my personality

They don’t actually work

Everyone will judge me

These are just some of the common myths regarding antidepressants.

Antidepressants are arguably the most understood medications of all time. Many people who struggle with depression are reluctant to even talk to their doctor about starting a regimen.

That’s why we’re going to take the time to discuss antidepressants and the myths that follow them everywhere they go.

Read on to learn more.

Antidepressants 101

So, what exactly are antidepressants?

Simply put, antidepressants are prescription medications that work by balancing out the chemicals in your brain—aka, the neurotransmitters—which directly affect your moods and emotions.

In medical and scientific communities, antidepressant medications are referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Some more common examples include Zoloft, Lexapro, Bupropion, and the famous Prozac. Other categories include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-Is).

In addition to correcting your moods and emotions, antidepressants can also help you sleep better as well as help to regulate your appetite and improve your cognitive function—three other things that are also affected by depression.

Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that depression is associated with physical brain changes. For example, there’s a loss of volume in the hippocampus, which affects memory. Additionally, the stress hormones that depression produces in the body can negatively affect the brain’s ability to generate new neurons.

By taking antidepressants—as prescribed by a doctor—the brain’s structure and proper functions can be restored over time. This means eventually, the individual taking them can slowly stop taking them when the time is right and continue to live a healthy and happy life.

Antidepressant Myths Vs Facts

Now let’s bust the most common antidepressant myths wide open:

Myth 1: Antidepressants will are addictive

Antidepressants are neither physiologically nor psychologically addictive. However, they can cause something called discontinuation syndrome, which is what happens when an individual abruptly stops taking their medication. Symptoms typically include vertigo, anxiety, insomnia, and odd sensations like tingling in the skin.

Myth 2: Antidepressants will change my personality

Trust us, we wish there were medications out there that could fix certain peoples’ personalities! However, antidepressants work to alter your mood—not who you are.

Moreover, antidepressants aren’t “happy pills” that supply you with artificial happiness. They work with your brain chemistry to reduce the symptoms that are weighing you down to allow your neurotransmitters to function as they should. That way, you can live a normal life.

Myth 3: Antidepressants Don’t Work

Antidepressants have been around for quite a while, and rightfully so. Studies show that they’re up to 60% effective at relieving symptoms of depression.

Unfortunately, many patients who start taking antidepressants as part of their treatment stop taking them because they don’t experience an improvement in their moods. However, this is because antidepressants need time to work.

They also need to be taken for as long as prescribed in order to work to their fullest potential. It’s very common for individuals to stop taking them once they notice a slight difference—which is not advisable.

Additionally, for some patients, there’s a trial and error process involving dosage and medication type. We understand that this trial and error process isn’t fun, and it gives antidepressants a bad rap, but it’s a necessary process to ensure that the individuals struggling with depression receive the right medication that will better their lives in the long run.

The truth is, there are many different forms of depression and there are many more myths regarding antidepressants. We’re here to dispel any myths and quell your concerns. Contact us today to learn more about effective treatments for depression and other mood disorders.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is categorized as a specific type of brain stimulation therapy. It is sometimes referred to as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or deep transcranial magenetic stimulation (dTMS).

One of the most important things to understand about TMS is that it’s a non-invasive treatment. TMS therapy is conducted using electromagnetic pulses meant to stimulate nerve cells, which is believed to improve the various symptoms of neurological and mental health disorders.

As of right now, TMS is primarily used to treat depression. It has proven successful in helping individuals who don’t respond to psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. However, there is burgeoning evidence that TMS helps with other disorders, including OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, smoking cessation, schizophrenia, and even Parkinson’s disease.

How Does it Work?

As mentioned above, TMS therapy utilizes electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells. The therapy itself is done by a TMS technician or physician, and it’s an outpatient procedure, which means there are no overnight hospital stays involved.

Before the procedure, the patient will be advised to remove any jewelry and other items that may be sensitive to magnets. Earplugs will also be provided to reduce the “clicking” noises generated by the magnetic impulses.

The procedure is conducted while the patient is awake, seated upright in a comfortable chair. The technician will take measurements of the patient’s head to determine the appropriate location to place the magnetic coil and another measurement to customize the settings on the TMS device.

The technician will then position a magnetic coil above the front area of the patient’s brain. Once the treatment starts, magnetic impulses are released, which generates that aforementioned clicking noise. The patient may also feel a slight tapping sensation beneath the coil.

The entire procedure can be as brief as a few pulses to 20 minutes long. Once it’s finished, the patient can drive himself or herself home and get back to their everyday activities.

TMS therapy is usually repeated for five days each week for up to six weeks. Of course, the exact length varies based upon each individual’s condition and response to the treatment.

What Are the Benefits?

While clinical studies are ongoing, TMS has proven to have a high success rate when it comes to treating several disorders, especially conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), where roughly 30 percent of patients don’t respond to medications or psychotherapy.

The one thing that mood disorders, compulsive disorders, and other neurological disorders have in common is the connectivity and activity that exists in the prefrontal cortex.

According to one recent study, individuals who suffer from OCD typically have increased activity happening between the prefrontal cortex and striatum. Other studies show that individuals with anxiety and PTSD also show increased nerve cell activity in the same area, while other disorders such as depression show decreased nerve cell activity.

While it’s important to remember that TMS therapy has mostly been studied and used as a treatment for depression, its long-term success rates have fallen between 30 and 64 percent.

If you or someone you love is currently suffering from a mood disorder and in need of more advanced treatment, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation so you can get the care that you deserve.

The therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, specifically lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) began in the 1950s. Today there’s an entire range of psychedelic drugs that are recognized as conscious-altering being used in both clinical and non-clinical settings as research for psychiatric practices.

For centuries, Indigenous communities throughout the country have used psychedelics, such as peyote and ayahuasca, for both therapeutic and religious purposes. With the increased legalization of certain psychedelic substances, the rest of the Western world is finally beginning to catch up.

Want to learn more about the role psychedelics play in psychiatry? Then keep reading.

What Exactly Is Psychedelic Therapy?

Psychedelic therapy, also sometimes referred to as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is a psychiatric technique that involves using psychedelic substances to aid patients in their therapeutic processes.

These processes are typically combined with talk therapy, and the substances most commonly used include MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms).

Despite the experimental use of psychedelic drugs blossoming during the 1950s and 1960s, these substances were still made federally illegal here in the United States. However, over the last few decades, the belief that psychedelic substances had the potential to treat a range of conditions including depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, and PTSD, has fueled tons of clinical trials—with permission, of course.

Generally speaking, psychedelics are incredibly powerful in terms of producing profound mind-altering effects. It is believed that they work by mitigating the neural circuits within our brains that produce the neurotransmitter serotonin.

The benefits of using these substances in certain doses include:

• feelings of tranquility and relaxation
• an improved sense of self and well-being
• increased feelings of connectedness both socially and environmentally
• more introspection
• spiritual experiences

Of course, it’s important to understand that while there are plenty of positive benefits that come from using psychedelics, there are other common effects such as an altered sense of time, a distortion of reality and perception, intense emotions, paranoia, and sensing things that aren’t there or actually happening.

The Effects of Psychedelic Therapy

As mentioned earlier, psychedelic therapy has shown a great deal of promise when it comes to treating a variety of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Clinical studies have shown that for mood disorders, such anxiety and depression, psilocybin-assisted therapy has been associated with an increased quality of life. That would include an increase in optimism, reduced anxiety, and a lower mortality rate. Additionally, roughly 80% of all participants continued to shower improvement for up to six months later.

Another study surveying the real-world effects of LSD and psilocybin on music festival goers reported that the participants recreationally ingesting the psychedelic substances reported to feel more socially connected and better in terms of mood. It was also reported that these effects continued long after the effects had worn off.

Lastly, several clinical trials using psychedelic substances—specifically MDMA—to treat PTSD noted that 54% of the participants “no longer met the criteria for the PTSD diagnosis following the treatment.”

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that while psychedelic therapy is considered to be safe, there are still potential risks to consider. There are also certain types of people that do not meet the criteria for this type of treatment, particularly those with more severe forms of PTSD and addictive personality types.

If you’d like to learn more about the various psychiatric treatments available for mood disorders or PTSD, reach out to us today.

If you feel that your mental health is declining, you’re not alone. One in five Americans is diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and more than half don’t receive proper treatment. The shortage of quality care and access to care across the country is to blame. There’s also the fear of social stigma that keeps people from seeking out treatment.

The mental health community is beginning to realize that they need to redefine health care to successfully address the mental health issue on a national level.

Enter: telemedicine.

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is simply defined as remote health care. It’s divided into three categories:

• Interactive and synchronous which allows physicians and their patients to communicate in real time while maintaining HIPAA compliance
• “Store and forward” which allows providers to share patient information with a practitioner in a different location
• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) which allows remote caregivers to monitor their patient at home by using mobile medical devices that monitor vitals, etc.

Telemedicine isn’t a complete virtual clinic solution, however, as it’s still in its early stages. As of right now, telemedicine in its least complex form requires secured HIPAA compliance software and video call capabilities.

The Role of Telemedicine in Mental Health

According to a 2016 survey conducted by the PwC Health Research Institute, 72% of patients from 18 to 44 years of age responded with a yes to receiving their mental health care virtually as opposed to in-office visits.

Mental health treatment relies on conversation, emotional connection, and validation, making telemedicine a game changer in the field. There are a few fundamental ways in which telemedicine, or telepsychiatry, is revolutionizing mental health care:

• It alleviates the shortage of mental health care professionals
• With telepsychiatry on the rise, mental health care professionals can now virtually treat patients that live hundreds of miles away, closing the gap between location disadvantages and available treatment
• Accessibility encompasses more than just a person’s geographic location. Telemedicine opens the door to treatment for those who are mobile-challenged, lack transportation options, and are recovering at home. As long as the patient has internet access, they’ll have access to treatment.

It Helps Destigmatize Mental Health Treatment

While mental health treatment has become normalized, there’s still a heavy stigma attached to it. Mental health treatment isn’t directly destigmatized by telepsychiatry, but it contributes to the comfortability of seeking help because it allows for patients to get treatment from the privacy of their own homes, as opposed to going to an office where someone might feel uncomfortable.

It’s Revolutionizing Addiction Treatment

Opioid addiction is at an all time high, especially in rural areas with little to no access to mental health treatment. This is something that calls for greater addiction treatment reform, which has been implemented in the form of telemedicine as a means to provide the necessary resources to the areas with the greatest need.

Telemedicine is elevating mental health treatment into something that’s not only 100% accessible, but also destigmatized.

Your mental health is essential to your well being. At Elevate Psychiatry we offer accessible and cutting edge care. Our virtual therapists are ready and waiting to help you achieve the mental health that you deserve. Contact us to learn more about our services or to book your first virtual appointment.

Transitional surgeries, better known as gender affirmation surgeries, are on the rise and making life much more manageable for transgender and gender diverse individuals.

However, what most people don’t realize — and aren’t told — is that the surgeries themselves don’t fix the mental health issues that usually accompany a life of hiding, misconception, and bigotry.

In this article we’re going to discuss gender affirmation surgery and the concept of mental health behind it.

What Is Gender Affirmation Surgery?

Gender affirming surgery is a surgery that changes the sexual characteristics of an individual to better reflect their overall gender identity.

For many transgender and gender diverse youths, these types of surgery are necessary for their mental health and well being. Primarily, these surgeries provide relief from gender dysphoria.

Gender dysphoria is the clinical term the extreme distress that individuals experience when their gender identity does not match the sex they were born with.

In addition to increasing the safety and comfort of transgender and gender diverse individuals, gender affirmation surgery also lessens or completely eliminate the need for hormone therapies.

There are a number of gender affirming surgeries available today, including top surgery and bottom surgery — which generally refers to the upper body and lower body. Individuals may choose to get one or more of the surgeries, depending on their situation and their needs.

Gender Affirmation Surgery and Mental Health

The link between gender affirming surgeries and mental health is a double edged sword.

Research has shown that of all the transgender and gender diverse people, 9.3% visited their doctor with a mood disorder, 7.4% visited their doctor with anxiety, and 29% were taking prescribed antidepressants.

It is believed that these mood disorders and anxieties are directly related to the feelings of gender dysphoria. That means that at least half the transgender and gender diversepeople out there have a need for gender affirming surgery while the other half is content with their gender identity role.

According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, gender affirming surgeries are often the last step taken inthe treatment process for gender dysphoria.

Additionally, according to recent research published by The American Journal of Psychiatry, individuals suffering from gender dysphoria who underwent gender affirming surgery saw significant improvements in their mental health over time.

However, shortly after, the editors of the journal had to reprint a correction. That correction stated: “the results [of the gender affirming surgeries] demonstrated no advantage of surgery in relation to subsequent mood or anxiety disorder-related health care.”

As it turns out, the benefits of the surgeries make up an incredibly small number compared to those with a darker outcome. However, it’s not the surgeries that are causing the issues. The mental health issues that existed prior to the surgeries are the issue.

For example, the study mentioned earlier noted that transgender and gender diverse individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria were more like to have a mood or anxiety disorder, be prescribed antidepressants and antianxiety medications, andare more likely to attempt suicide.

Although these mental disorders are clearly linked to gender dysphoria, it’s important to remember that the gender affirming surgeries only change the physical experience — it does not fully address the mental experience.

Additionally, these same studies have found that individuals who have undergone these transitional surgeries were also less likely to seek out further mental health treatment for their depression and anxiety disorders.

If you or someone you know is transitioning and also has a history of mental health issues, it’s important that action is taken to follow up with you or their mental health.

That’s what we’re here for. Reach out to us today to learn more about our accessible psychiatric services or to book an appointment

Learning about ADHD will help you understand why you or a loved one might experience things such as:

• Not being able to focus on a task you are given, even disregarding it and moving onto something else.
• Having a hard time socializing with others because you interrupt conversations and become easily distracted.
• Struggling with schoolwork or business-related tasks, and sometimes flunking or losing a job.

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. When a child is diagnosed earlier in life, he or she can begin on a treatment path that will encourage success in school, relationships, and the child’s personal life. Even if the diagnosis doesn’t come until adulthood, treatment can begin to improve the individual’s situation. It’s important that you recognize the signs of ADHD syndrome so if you’re struggling, you can get an assessment, get diagnosed, and get on the right path to a more manageable life.

The following are some signs of ADHD in kids and adults:

1. THE NEED TO BE IN CONSTANT MOTION

A common sign of ADHD in adults, you might feel a need to be in constant motion. Maybe you feel that you have an internal motor that just won’t stop. If you can’t get up and move, it might cause you to feel anxious and frustrated. You might pace, go on lots of walks, tap your feet or hands, change seats often, or shift around in the seat you’re in.

2. DIFFICULTY PAYING ATTENTION

Many individuals dealing with this disorder have a hard time paying attention. You might not be able to pay attention to a teacher, boss, or another superior. You might not be able to pay attention to your children. Those who have difficulty paying attention often get distracted during class and at work, which tends to affect grades and job security. They are also often not trusted by others because those other individuals don’t feel they are being listened to.

3. HYPERACTIVITY

Someone experiencing hyperactivity might appear to be in constant motion. Children might have a hard time staying seated, will often squirm and fidget, and will have a hard time controlling themselves. All children with ADHD are hyperactive. Adults dealing with hyperactivity might seem to be extra sensitive to sounds, activities, conversations, and situations happening around them. They will often try to insert themselves into those activities and conversations, only to not be able to stay still for the duration of the event.

4. IMPULSIVITY

Impulsivity is something that makes many adults suspect they’re dealing with ADHD. You might interrupt others when they’re speaking or say socially inappropriate things. At work or in your social circles, you might rush through tasks without thinking about the consequences of your actions. Sometimes the simple fact that you’re an impulse shopper when you can’t afford it could indicate you should be assessed.

5. FREQUENTLY MAKING MISTAKES AND MISSING DETAILS

People with ADHD often miss details, which causes them to make mistakes. This could be skipping over a question on a homework assignment or skipping a step on a professional project. Adults might have a hard time in relationships because they don’t see or hear what their loved ones are telling them or showing them, so they make relationship mistakes more easily.

6. THE INABILITY TO SUSTAIN A CONVERSATION

Because they bounce around so much and seem to be constantly in motion, individuals with ADHD will often have a hard time sustaining a conversation. Perhaps they’ll get distracted and not even listen, or maybe they’ll interrupt so much that the other person will cease to engage in the conversation themselves. Children with this symptom will often have to be reminded that they’re in a conversation, as well as what the conversation was about.

7. THE INABILITY TO COMPLETE A TASK OR FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

In some cases, someone with ADHD will simply avoid having to do a task because it requires too much mental effort. In other cases, he or she might begin a task, only to move onto something else before the first task was done. If you suspect you have this disorder, you might have a hard time following instructions, no matter how hard you try to focus.

8. BECOMING EASILY SIDETRACKED

There’s a lot of noise and commotion in the world, and someone with ADHD will have a hard time focusing on any of it for an extended period of time. The second something starts happening around them, they are easily sidetracked and will begin paying attention to the thing they’re not supposed to be paying attention to.

9. THE INABILITY TO ORGANIZE ACTIVITIES OR MANAGE TIME

You can’t often trust people with ADHD to organize an activity or manage time when there’s an important task at hand. Because they can get easily sidetracked and have a hard time sustaining conversations, the planning and organizing simply will not get done. Children with ADHD often get poor grades because they can’t mentally figure out how to prioritize assignments and other school projects.

10. THE INABILITY TO KEEP BELONGINGS IN ORDER

Someone with ADHD will often have a home that is out of order. It’s not that they enjoy clutter or don’t want to be organized, but moving from one task to another before the first task gets finished means that chores don’t get done and hobbies aren’t seen through to the end. Children with this disorder often have messy bedrooms.

11. FREQUENTLY LOSING THINGS

Moving from one thing to the next is going to cause people to lose things. Children with ADHD will often lose their toys or forget where they set their homework. They might come home from school without jackets or backpacks because they set them in the wrong location at school and haven’t been able to locate them yet.

12. FORGETTING THINGS YOU DO REGULARLY

Walking into a room and completely forgetting why you’re there is something everyone does from time to time, but someone with ADHD will do it frequently. Even though you water the plants every morning, you might also forget every morning that it needs to be done. You might forget about commitments you made to get together with friends for lunch or a date you made with a significant other.

13. THE NEED TO FIDGET

Many children with ADHD have pent-up energy that needs to get out, and if they’re in a situation in which they’re getting in trouble for moving, they might fidget a lot. You might notice someone with ADHD twirling a ring on his or her finger, or pulling out and swirling his or her chewing gum. Children will often wiggle, squirm, fidget, shake, and bounce in their chairs if they aren’t allowed to work out their need to fidget on a larger scale.

14. THE NEED TO TALK FAST OR NON-STOP

You might have noticed that someone simply can’t stop talking. Maybe you have a loved one who keeps talking, even when you ask him or her to stop. Maybe your loved one wants to tell an entire story, so when he or she gets interrupted, the talking gets faster and louder. All of these signs point to ADHD.

15. THE NEED TO INTERRUPT OTHERS

Without realizing it, some people with ADHD have an inner need to interrupt others. Maybe it’s because they’re seeking more attention than their peers, or maybe it’s because they thought of something that would fit into the conversation and they don’t want to wait.

CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

At Elevate Psychiatry, we have a team of professionals looking out for you and your loved ones. If you have noticed one or more of these signs and have begun to ask yourself, “What is ADHD?” or need to know “When do ADHD symptoms appear” then give us a call today at (305) 908-1115 to schedule an appointment.

This should help you understand some of the important things you can do, both short- and long-term, to curb and treat anxiety, including:

• Creating a network of people to support you in your time of distress.
• Making temporary and permanent lifestyle changes that include diet, exercise, and positive thinking.
• Understanding when it’s time to seek more professional assistance with therapy, support groups, and medication.

Anxiety is something that most people will experience at one time in their lives, but several people experience the issue long term. If this is something you’re dealing with, you might be nervous about seeking help, but you have professionals and loved ones available if you’re willing to accept the assistance.

Wondering “how can I reduce stress and anxiety” this year? Here we offer some short-term and long-term methods that will help.

SHORT-TERM ANXIETY KILLERS

Sometimes you need to just kick that anxiety to the curb right now because you’re about to embark on something in life, and you can’t have it in the way. Perhaps you know more long-term solutions you need eventually, but you’re just looking for a way to get past the anxiety today. Some of our best recommendations for short-term anxiety killers are turning to a support person, exercising, accepting your emotions, sitting up straight, and repeating an affirmation.

Turning to a Support Person

If you’re starting to feel anxious and don’t have time to do something drastic, you can simply call a friend you have previously confided in. You should have several individuals as part of your support system so you can turn to them in these situations. Explain how you’re feeling and let your support person know what you need at that moment. If you have a little time to plan, you might consider having a support person join you for a particular event in your life, so he or she is already there when you start to feel distressed.

Exercising

When we say you should exercise, we don’t mean you have to do a full hour of heavy cardio or weight lifting. Simply getting your heart rate up will encourage your brain to release the hormones required to improve your mood. If you can, go outside and take a quick walk around the block. If you’re stuck indoors, jog up and down the stairs a few times, and you should start to feel better almost immediately.

Accepting Your Emotions

When you’re in the middle of an anxious episode, you might try to stifle your feelings and wait to deal with them at a later time, but that often makes the situation worse. Instead, set a 60- or 90-second timer on your watch or your phone. For that minute or minute-and-a-half, breathe as deeply as you can while you wallow in your anxiety. Accept what you’re feeling and the emotions you’re experiencing. As soon as that timer goes off, make the decision to let those feelings and emotions stay in the past. Move on by telling yourself that you had an opportunity to have your emotions, and it’s time to let go.

Sitting Up Straight

When you feel distressed, you often tremble, sweat, slouch, and physically shut yourself off. Your posture actually has a lot to do with how you’re feeling, so this practice can be detrimental when you’re having an anxious episode. Push yourself to sit up straight. Open your shoulders and put out your chest so that when you take a deep breath, you can feel your lungs fill up. If you’re in a position where it’s appropriate, hold your arms in the shape of a “V” above your head, looking upward and letting the sunlight hit your face.

Repeating an Affirmation

Instead of giving in to your anxiety, tell it to go away. You don’t have to say it out loud, though there is power in hearing your own voice; repeating an affirmation can help you temporarily get through something difficult. It can be as simple as repeating, “I am a warrior with strength unknown,” or as complicated as memorizing and repeating a favorite poem that lifts and inspires you.

LONG-TERM ANXIETY KILLERS

Certain individuals will do great with short-term solutions for anxiety. With these easy steps, they can de-stress, so their everyday tasks are easier. While this will work for some, it won’t be sufficient for everyone. Anxiety and depression are becoming more widely accepted as health conditions, which means there are more and more solutions to help individuals who are suffering. If you, a loved one, or your doctor feels you could benefit from long-term anxiety killers, you might consider eliminating bad habits, living a healthier lifestyle, seeking therapy, joining a support group, and possibly utilizing proper medication.

Eliminating Bad Habits

Many bad habits that are considered addictive are such because they contain stimulants and depressants that mask what you’re going through. Unfortunately, alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine users feel like they are creating a solution to get rid of the pain when they’re really just numbing it temporarily. If you want a long-term solution to anxiety, eliminating bad habits, such as smoking and drinking, will surely help. Most of the time, you’ll need professional help if you’re an addict, and there’s no shame in looking into a treatment program.

Living a Healthier Lifestyle

Small changes in your lifestyle can dramatically affect your issues with anxiety. Sugary foods like cereal, candy, and soft drinks cause your blood sugar to spike, which is sure to make you anxious. Eliminating these from your diet and loading up on vegetables, legumes, and whole grains will balance your body so you can relax.

It’s also important to add daily exercise to your lifestyle. Yes, a quick walk around the block can help as a short-term solution, but when your body is given a routine daily workout, it will treat you better, and that includes calming the stress.

Seeking Therapy

Not everyone is able to handle the stress of their anxiety at home by themselves. If you are in a position in which you feel like there is no hope for your situation, it may help to visit with one of our therapists. Through an evaluation, we can help you discover what route you should take for more long-term treatment. Our therapy sessions are highly individualized, ensuring you receive the care you truly need and helping you make the changes that are necessary for your success.

Joining a Support Group

Although many who deal with anxiety just want to shut themselves off from others, a support group is a great way to find strength. You can create a support group of your own loved ones, or you can seek a group elsewhere. If you are working with a therapist, you might already be part of a group. If you’re not part of a group, your therapist likely knows where you can find the support you need.

Utilizing Proper Medication

Depending on the severity of your issue and how you’re able to handle it at home, we sometimes recommend medication. We monitor and manage your medication to ensure it’s working as it should and that you’re experiencing the right effects and benefits. When changes need to be made, we come up with a plan to adjust the dose as needed or desired.

HELP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY

At Elevate Psychiatry, we are committed to each client we treat for anxiety and other psychiatric issues. Whether you’re looking for more short-term solutions to reduce anxiety now or feel you could benefit from therapy or another long-term treatment option, we’re only a phone call away. Give us a call today at 305-908-1115 to speak with someone who can help.

Obesity is a very common and serious condition that affects 42% of all adults in the United States.

Those who struggle with keeping a weight loss routine often turn to bariatric surgery to combat their obesity for a healthier life. Unfortunately, a healthier life post-surgery isn’t always the case.

In this article, we’re going to discuss the link between mental health and weight as well as how bariatric surgery can affect an individual’s mental health years later.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is more or less an umbrella term for a number of surgical weight loss procedures.

While each weight loss surgery slightly differs from the other, the goal is the same: to treat obesity via surgically inducing weight loss. These surgeries include gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding (e.g., lap band), and sleeve gastrectomy procedures.

To qualify for bariatric surgery, an individual must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. If the individual has other medical conditions, their BMI must be 35 or greater.

However, before moving forward with one of the appropriate bariatric surgery procedures, doctors are typically advised to take a behavioral treatment approach with their obese patients. This is in addition to a change in diet and lifestyle.

If this doesn’t work, bariatric surgery is the next viable option.

How Weight Affects Mental Health

Research has shown that obesity is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder. This means that obese individuals are usually more likely to suffer from a mental health condition.

The real question is whether or not obesity is the direct cause of mental health issues in overweight individuals or vice versa.

It all comes down to the individual. For some people, emotional distress or trauma may lead to overeating as a coping mechanism. For others, excessive weight gain leads to a negative self-image and feelings about one’s self.

Additionally, those who are obese often find it difficult to participate in positive activities, regardless of whether they involve exercise or not. This can make it even more challenging to cope with negative emotions, thus perpetuating the cycle of eating to feel better and feeling worse for continuing to eat for comfort.

How Bariatric Surgery Affects Mental Health

Weight loss is often associated with positive mental health affects, including a better body image. The weight loss followed by bariatric surgery is known to improve mood, at least initially.

However, the research is somewhat conflicting in terms of predicting an individual’s post-surgical psychological and behavioral changes.

For example, some research shows that depression scores in bariatric surgery patients fell as much as 40%. Other research saw the bipolar disorder and suicide rates in post-surgery patients sky rocket within just a few years of their surgery date.

This is largely attributed to the bariatric surgery candidates that have a history of mood disorders and anxiety. It’s also attributed to the psychological challenges that come with obesity, as well as disappointment with the results of the surgery.

While the overall causes remain hazy, they continue to pose a risk for individuals undergoing bariatric surgeries. Having said that, it’s critical that bariatric surgery patients are provided with the necessary mental health care before and long after their surgery date.

If you’ve recently undergone a bariatric surgery or are considering it, let us help you with your mental health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the accessible services we offer.

Treatment for mental illness and chronic stress requires a holistic approach. Many people who struggle with depression, stress, and anxiety benefit from a combination of therapeutic support and pharmaceutical remedies. However, self-care measures and stress relief provide an important piece of the puzzle as well. Review these ten ways to boost your mood and your wellbeing when you feel stressed, depressed, or lacking self-confidence!

Go For a Walk

According to the Mayo Clinic, moving your body can stamp out stress even if you don’t usually participate in athletic activity. Exercising increases the levels of endorphins and other nervous system chemicals that improve feelings of wellness and enhance mood. Research also shows that working out helps you sleep better and feel more confident.

Walking works wonders if you feel out of shape, even if you start at a slow pace and a short distance. Other great options include lifting weights, swimming, cycling, gardening, jogging, practicing yoga, or even cleaning your house at a brisk pace. Aim for just 30 minutes a day on most days of the week and extend the amount of time as you gain strength and stamina.

Exercising outdoors is especially beneficial, so consider strolling through your local park or finding a hiking trail nearby. Stanford University research found that study participants who spent time in nature for 90 minutes had fewer ruminating (ongoing negative) thoughts than participants who walked in an urban environment for the same amount of time.

Stop Using Nicotine

While you may feel that smoking or vaping relieves stress, nicotine actually adds to the body’s physical load by decreasing blood flow and breathing rate while increasing physical arousal. The UK Mental Health Foundation reports that using nicotine as a stress reliever can make it difficult to cope with the underlying factors that lead to stress. If you have been diagnosed with depression, talk to your doctor. It could be more difficult for you to quit smoking, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms that affect your mood.

Try Herbal Supplements for Stress and Anxiety

Clinical research has identified many natural remedies for anxiety and stress. According to a study published by the journal Medical Science Monitor, lemon balm can have a calming effect for individuals who have anxiety.

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been used to promote memory and healthy brain function. In a study of medical students published by the peer-reviewed journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, participants reported approximately a 20% decrease in symptoms of anxiety after taking this supplement.

The Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Science published research associating the antioxidants in green tea with higher levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that has beneficial effects on anxiety and stress. Try adding a cup of green tea to your morning routine to take advantage of this effect.

Kava kava has increased in popularity in the U.S. and Europe after a long history of use in the South Pacific. This pepper-related extract has been associated with sedative properties in animal studies.

Practice Meditation

You don’t have to be an expert to explore the benefits of meditation, even if it can seem a bit overwhelming when you first start practicing. When you meditate, you remain in a still, comfortable position and attempt to quiet both your body and your mind. Many apps and websites can help you get started with meditation with guided imagery and visualization.

Deep breathing exercises can often calm feelings of panic in minutes, and you can do them anywhere if you begin to feel anxious. If you are intimidated, start with just five minutes of silence in a quiet, comfortable place. The APA says that even a short-term mindfulness meditation program can improve experiences of mental health symptoms.

Set Small Goals

When you struggle with anxiety and depression, you may find your productivity goes way down. You may not have the energy to get coffee with friends or complete necessary tasks at home. As time goes on, you start to become overwhelmed by work, school, and relationships.

Instead of pushing yourself to get back out there all at once when you feel down, try setting just one or two obtainable goals each day. For example, don’t plan to clean the entire house from top to bottom. You risk setting yourself up for failure. Instead, plan to clean just one closet. You might find that the momentum from that small win keeps you moving.

Maintain Your Social Circle

The American Psychology Association reports that having a strong network of family and friends can help you weather times of stress. Research indicates that both giving and receiving emotional support to members of your network can help reduce your own negative emotions and promote feelings of happiness and self-esteem. Laughter with friends also has proven benefits for mental health and mood. Connecting with a friend or loved one periodically becomes even more important if you tend to isolate yourself when you feel depressed.

Develop Good Sleep Habits

Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of good sleep to stave off depression and anxiety. If you take psychiatric medications, you may experience insomnia that interferes with your mood. You can improve sleep quality by:

• Limiting daytime naps
• Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
• Keeping your room dark, cool and quiet
• Powering off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime

Experiencing stress during the day also affects your ability to sleep well, so using some of these methods to reduce stress might also improve your nightly rest.

Start Chewing Gum

It might sound silly, but clinical studies show that chewing gum can boost your mood. Data gathered by a team at Swinburne University associated the act of chewing gum during challenging situations with higher performance, increased alertness, lower cortisol levels, and lower levels of stress and anxiety. Another study, appearing in Physiology & Behavior, associated chewing gum with serenity and contentment. Some scientists think that this effect results from increased blood flow to the brain.

Consider Aromatherapy

Certain scents have calming properties that can even boost serotonin levels in the brain for a relaxing effect. Healthline recommends using these essential oils in your aromatherapy practice:

• Geranium
• Orange blossom
• Ylang ylang
• Sandalwood
• Frankincense
• Neroli
• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Vetiver
• Rose

Invest in an essential oil diffuser or dab a few drops of a skin-safe scent on your wrists.

Eliminate Caffeine

Drinking coffee or soda can worsen symptoms of stress and anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, the caffeine in these beverages and foods like chocolate is linked with sleep problems that can exacerbate mood disorders. To complicate matters, however, you can become depressed if you regularly drink caffeine and quit suddenly. In this situation, talk to your doctor or gradually lower your daily intake of soda or coffee.

Visit Our Experienced Staff at Elevate Psychiatry

In addition to these natural self-care measures, treatment for mental illness often requires a clinical approach. At Elevate Psychiatry, we strive to help our patients overcome these issues with the latest evidence-based methods, medications, and modalities. If you live in the Miami area, contact us today to schedule your virtual consultation with our health care providers.

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