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We can help with the following issues :
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Issues
What are adjustment disorders? They are the result of certain stress situations that cause emotional or behavioral problems to develop within three months of the onset of the situation. They affect both children and adults, and can be a reaction to things like divorce, death, job loss, moving, health problems, etc. What to look for... An adjustment disorder is likely when one of these stressful experiences causes a negative reaction over and above what you would usually expect. Stress that has a considerable impact on a person's ability to function normally in a routine setting, such as at a party, on the job, or in the classroom, is another signal that a problem may exist. Since adjustment disorder is usually a short-term illness, symptoms should disappear within six month so the end to the stressful situation or its consequences. What can you do? Since the disorder is usually a reaction to a specific event, counseling with a qualified professional is the treatment of choice. The counselor should provide treatment in a supportive, non-judgmental environment that encourages growth. Together, the counselor and client will consider new behaviors intended to help deal more effectively with the specific problem. Often the therapist acts as a partner, helping the client find new and more effective coping skills and develop a better understanding of the issues in their life. While the type of therapy may vary, it will emphasize the importance of social support, alternative activities, and better methods of dealing with stress. Relaxation training and techniques may be used to help reduce stress. Family therapy may also be necessary, especially when dealing with a child or teenager. many people find that education about the disorder helps the family understand the nature and seriousness of the illness, and the prognosis for the future. Couples therapy is recommended when a romantic relationship is negatively affected by the disorder. Many communities also have support groups that allow people to share their feelings and talk about their experiences. The social support found in these groups can help lead to a quicker improvement and can be a vital part of the road to recovery. Definition Moderate "preparation anxiety", like the feeling students have before a big exam or a hostess has before a big party, is normal and helps us get energized to deliver our best effort. The emotional tension we refer to as anxiety becomes a problem when the anxious feeling is magnified beyond a level that allows us to live a normal life. Anxiety then becomes an anxiety disorder. Signs and Symptoms Emotional signs include fear and nervousness that prevent people from participating in normal life. They may begin to avoid certain situations, such as flying on an airplane or going into dark places. Physical signs range from difficulty breathing and a racing heartbeat to excessive sweating and lightheadedness. Some people experience muscular tension and even physical shaking as a result of anxiety. Recommended Course of Treatment Try some simple tips to lower your anxiety level. Breathe deeply and slowly to stop the physical symptoms of anxiety. Change your catastrophic predictions about what's going to happen when you're anxious. Change your thinking during an anxiety attack from "Oh my gosh! What am I going to do?" to "I can get through this." In addition, instead of thinking about the worst that could happen, focus on a time when you felt self-confident and happy. If the above tips fail to change your feelings of anxiety call us. At Serenity Mental Health Services, we will help you deal with your feelings of anxiety and, in cases of severe disorders, recommed a physician's assessment regarding the need for medication. What are anxiety disorders? A group of illnesses that produce a mental tension or anxiety that has no apparent cause. People with anxiety disorders have a heightened sense of anxiety and/or panic. The anxiety might be intense and focused, as in panic disorder, or continual and spread out, as in generalized anxiety disorder. Other types of anxiety disorders include phobic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people develop a biological susceptibility to anxiety disorders. In others, the condition may be inherited. These illnesses are most commonly diagnosed in the 20 to 30 year-old age groups, but may appear earlier. What to look for... Signs and symptoms may vary, depending on the type of disorder. Panic disorder - those who experience panic attacks suffer sudden overwhelming terror for no apparent reason. Their heart flutters, they feel dizzy, start sweating, are short of breath, and may have other physical symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder - people suffer from unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worry about life circumstances. Phobias - a persistent, abnormal, or irrational fear of specific things or situations that compel people to avoid the feared stimulus (i.e. driving instead of flying in a plane, etc.). People who suffer from this illness feel terror, dread or panic when confronted with the feared object or activity. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - a chronic condition signaled by obsessions (repeated, intrusive and unwanted thoughts that cause distress) and by compulsions (repeated involuntary ritualistic behaviors). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - occurs in anyone who experiences a severe physical or mental trauma. This can create an emotional wound or shock that causes substantial, lasting damage to psychological development. Symptoms may include depression, inability to sleep, poor memory, lack of concentration, nightmares or flashbacks, emotional numbness, or excessive alertness. What can you do? People with anxiety disorders do not get over the illness on their own - they need professional help. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are the most common and the most successfully treated form of emotional illness. Treatment of these disorders often involves a combination of medication and therapy techniques. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Definition Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name given to a behavior problem when a child has trouble paying attention, is constantly fidgeting, and acts impulsively under certain circumstances. ADHD usually affects children, often boys, beginning at four or five years of age. Signs and Symptoms Typically, the warning signs are fist discovered in school when the child has trouble staying on task and is often in trouble with the teacher. In the preschool years, ADHD children are much more active than other kids the same age. They are constantly running and climbing on things, frequently shifting from one activity to another, and are often described as "always having the motor running." ADHD children may become easily frustrated and throw "temper tantrums." In older children, symptoms include constant fidgeting and restlessness, inattention during school or similar setting, and failure to complete homework assignments. Without the proper help, ADHD children may end up with low self-esteem and could suffer from a variety of behavioral and vocational problems as adults. Recommended Course of Treatment Parents who suspect their child has ADHD should contact the family doctor or a counselor at Serenity Mental Health Services. We are trained in dealing with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Treatment usually begins by educating the child, parent, and other family members about the illness. A typical treatment plan will also include counseling in a group, family, or individual setting; psychological testing; and medication monitored by a physician. What is bipolar disorder? It is a medical illness producing emotional symptoms. Bipolar used to be called manic depression and is characterized by episodes of "highs" (manic) and "lows" (depression). The manic or depressive symptoms are not due to any other physical or mental disorder, or caused by drug or alcohol use. Extreme sadness, extreme excitement, or a combination of both marks the changes in mood. In the depression phase, there is an abnormal degree of sadness. In the mania phase, bipolar patients are abnormally elated and have an increased level of activity. What to look for... Common symptoms are changes in thinking, energy, daily activity, sleep patters, appetite, speech, sex drive, self-esteem, and interpersonal relations. Irritability may be seen in both depressive and manic states. People in the manic phase experience euphoria (an exaggerated sense of well-being) and an increased rate of thinking. They find they have an increase in activity and require little sleep. They also often have a loss of judgment and self-control, a false sense of their abilities, and will make impulsive decisions. During periods of depression, people with bipolar disorder feel extreme sadness, tearfulness for no reason, and hostility. Loss of energy, fatigue, and loss of interest in usual activities may also occur. The ability to think or concentrate is diminished, and feelings of unfounded guilt and worthlessness may grow. What can you do? Because this is a medical problem, an effective treatment plan treats the medical symptoms and encourages the patient to recognize the signs and symptoms of the illness. They are encouraged to develop methods of coping through professional counseling. More than 75% of individuals with bipolar respond well to treatment. If untreated, episodes tend to recur and may continue throughout life with increasing frequency and severity. Modern effective and safe medications can help those with a recurring bipolar disorder live a useful and productive life. The American Medical Association has recognized that alcoholism is a serious, chronic disease. Alcohol and drug addictions are progressive diseases. In most people the using begins slowly but over time the victim’s life becomes progressively unmanageable. Repeated efforts to gain control of their use of drugs or alcohol or what ever they are addicted to i.e., gambling, working, sex…fail, which results in a life that has begun to fall apart. The lives of the addict and his/her family’s life, work, school, spiritual life and health are often reflected in the consequences of the use. In spite of the consequence of their use and failed attempts to cut down or quit the addict continues to use alcohol or drugs. Addiction affects people of all professions, races, intelligence levels and religions. As with other addictions, there is no cure for alcoholism but with treatment, an alcoholic can return to a normal and satisfying life.
The addict most often is able to quit using for a while. It is this loss of control to predict if they can quit and not go back to these destructive lifestyles that indicates dependency. In order for an addict to stop for good and reclaim their life, most need some type of professional help. What can you do? The addicted individual needs to be assessed to determine the best level of care. Some will do well in an intensive outpatient program while others need a sheltered environment that takes them out of the daily stress and pressure to help them focus on their recovery so that they can rebuild their lives. Outpatient treatment can be a very good option for those who can focus on treatment to address their addiction and not have to leave work or their families. The healing process begins as the patient and their family gain an understanding of their disease. The patient will develop the necessary skills to maintain a recovery program as they learn about how their use has impacted their lives. Most people report that they are able to maintain long term sobriety if they participate in some form of aftercare and regularly attend AA or some other 12 step meeting. What are cognitive disorders? They are organic mental disorders and are either temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by neuralgic diseases, general medical conditions, or chemicals. The illnesses commonly diagnosed as cognitive disorders are delirium (deterioration of the intellectual function) and dementia (the deterioration of intellectual ability, forgetfulness, and severe memory impairment). What to look for... Delirium produces a temporary state of mental confusion and clouded perceptions that can result from high fever, intoxication, shock, or other causes. Anxiety, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, trembling, and incoherent speech can all characterize delirium. Chronic dementia, such as that found in Alzheimer's patients, is the result of deterioration of intellectual function, concentration, and judgment caused by an organic disease or a disorder of the brain. This is a progressive and chronic illness that always includes two symptoms: loss of cognitive function and memory impairment. This serious mental disorder impairs a person's capacity to function normally and safely and is often accompanied by emotional problems and personality changes. What can you do? A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is required for diagnosis. Delirium usually requires short-term medication and close supervision. People with dementia need medication and a highly structured environment. As the illness progresses, they need increased structure in their lives. For instances at the onset of the illness, many Alzheimer's patients may be able to live at home with family and require visits from a home health nurse or participation in a day treatment program. As time passes, they may reach a point where round-the-clock care from a nursing home or similar facility is required. What are conduct disorders? They are behavioral problems that occur in children and teenagers. These young people have a hard time following rules and behaving in socially acceptable ways. Because they are often viewed as "bad" or "delinquent," they receive a negative reaction from others and will often behave even worse. Causes of these conduct disorders are unknown but may include brain damage, child abuse, growth defects, negative family and social experiences, and failure in school. Some children with a conduct disorder also have an attention deficit disorder or depression. What to look for... Children with conduct disorders will often pick a fight or argument with other children and adults. They often bully, threaten and intimidate others, and are sometimes cruel to animals. They have a major problem with appropriately expressing anger. They often lie, steal, destroy property, violate rules, try to "con" others, and exhibit sexual misbehavior. The future of these youngsters is likely to be unhappy unless they and their families can receive early, ongoing and comprehensive treatment. Without treatment, many are unable to adapt to the demands of adulthood and continue to have problems with relationships and holding a job as they grow older. They will also often break the law and may continue to behave in an antisocial manner. What can you do? Treating children with conduct disorders is difficult because the illness is complex and each child is unique. Fear and distrust of adults and an uncooperative attitude add to the treatment challenge. Counseling geared towards changing behavior and thinking patterns is usually needed to help the child learn how to appropriately express an control their anger. Youngsters with learning disabilities may require remedial education, and parents may need expert assistance with special behavior management and education programs at home and school. Medication may be used, especially with children who have difficulty paying attention and controlling themselves or those with depression. Because new attitudes and behavior patterns take time, treatment is rarely brief. However, treatment does offer a good chance for improvement in the present and hope for a more successful and happy life in the future. Definition Depression is a feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of energy. It is often a response to loss such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or moving away from friends and family. In some cases, a long-term condition is associated with a biological cause. Signs and Symptoms Mild depression can affect nearly everyone at one time or another and will usually last just a few days. Clinical depression can be mild or severe and last anywhere from a few weeks to several years. It is more than just "feeling blue." The following are some warning signs that a more serious from of depression may have developed:
Recommended Course of Treatment Begin by talking about your feelings with someone you trust. If the depression is caused by the prospect of taking on an overwhelming task, break the project into several smaller jobs that you can easily handle. Also, push yourself to get involved in activities you enjoy. If the above suggestions fail to lift your spirits, contact Serenity Mental Health Services to speak with a counselor trained in dealing with depression. For people suffering from depression that is a reaction to a personal loss, only four to ten sessions of counseling may be needed. Other patients with more severe or longer term depression may benefit from counseling and medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or physician. How serious is depression in children and teens? Feeling a little sad and sorry for themselves isn't uncommon for children or teenagers, but parents should not dismiss all bouts of the blues as innocent problems. According to a recent report from the Surgeon Genera, 10 to 15 percent of children and adolescents have some symptoms of clinical depression at any given time, and five percent have full-fledged major depression. For teens in the mid-adolescents years, suicide is the third leading cause of death and suicide rates for 15 to 19 year-old males have tripled since the early 1960's. The suicide rate for native American males in that same age group is almost four times higher when compared to white teenagers. What to look for... When children are under stress, or when they have recently experienced a loss, parents should watch for warning signs of depression. Acting out in school, withdrawal from friends, and drug or alcohol abuse are also indicators that something is wrong. Your son or daughter may need professional help if they show one or more of the following symptoms:
What can you do? Depression is a real illness that requires professional help, so contact a school counselor, your family doctor, or Serenity Mental Health Services to speak with a mental health professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are key elements in helping depressed children. With treatment, children usually recover from depression. Treatment options include counseling, however, in cases that are more serious, a physician or child psychiatrist may determine that medication is needed to help children fully recover. Definition The difference between family counseling and other counseling services is that family counseling focuses on the strengths of the whole family and the stresses that accompany this unique relationship. Contrary to individual or group therapy, no one person's problem is singled out. Family counseling may be appropriate for both married and non-married couples, parents and their children, and any others who consider themselves part of a family. Signs and Symptoms While all families go through some rocky periods, the real need for counseling services arises during times of extreme emotional distress. The following are some warning signs that may indicate counseling is needed:
Recommended Course of Treatment Families facing serious or persistent problems should contact Serenity Mental Health Services to talk with a licensed mental health professional. An early step in family counseling is to shift the blame from the child or anyone else considered the family "scapegoat" and to concentrate on the family as a whole. The goal is to change the way the family interacts, communicates, and solves problems while focusing on the future. What are mood disorders? They are a group of illnesses that negatively affect an individual's state of mind. More than 20 million people in the United States will be affected by mood disorders in their lifetime, which can be described as either low (major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder) or a combination of high and low (bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder). What to look for... Each of the disorders mentioned above has different criteria for diagnosis, however, individuals may experience changes in some of the following areas:
Major depressive disorder - a depressed mood lasting at least two weeks that cannot be accounted for as bereavement (i.e., the death of a loved one). Dysthymic disorder - a generally depressed mood for two years in adults, one year in children and adolescents. Bipolar disorder - also called manic depression, individuals bounce between extreme highs and extreme lows. Cyclothymic disorder - symptoms similar to bipolar disorder are present for at least two years in adults, one year for children and adolescents. However, the manic and depressed episodes are not as severe. What can you do? A combination of medical treatment and professional counseling is used to assist the patient in recognizing illness patters and developing coping techniques. With modern, effective and safe medications, most individuals with mood disorders can live useful and productive lives. However, if left untreated, episodes tend to recur and may continue throughout life with increasing frequency and severity. Oppositional Defiiant Disorder What is ODD? A disruptive behavior disorder that affects children and adolescents. ODD is characterized by a continuing pattern of negative, hostile, and defiant actions lasting at least six months. Problems between child and parent often go hand in hand with ODD. What to look for... Signs of this disorder are disobedience, defiance and rule breaking. ODD children lose their temper frequently, often argue with adults, actively defy them, and refuse to comply with their requests. They do not follow the rules, will deliberately annoy others, and are easily annoyed themselves. They blame others for their own mistakes or misbehaviors and are often angry, resentful, spiteful and vindictive. If four or more of these behaviors occur more frequently than seems typical for age and developmental level, ODD may be indicated. These children often develop learning problems, are sometimes hyperactive, experience depression, and may have an erratic antisocial personality. ODD seems to be more common in boys than girls and can be linked with chemical abuse or addiction. What can you do? ODD is relatively persistent. Parent training on behavioral techniques is the central focus of treatment and can be done in a group setting or in family therapy. Parent management training teaches the parents productive techniques for handling the child's opposition and defiance. This training provides parents with specific behavior management techniques to help improve their chances of maintaining control in the relationship with the child. Behavioral monitoring and reward programs can also help to shape the child's behavior into a more age-appropriate behavior. Parent support groups can help single parents or those having an especially difficult time with a child. Local community support groups can also prove helpful to the family. Mental health professionals can aid and guide the family in finding the right path of treatment. Medication is usually not recommended as an option since very little research has been done regarding its use for this disorder. Medication may be used when the ODD coexists with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), depression, or other disorders helped by medication. What are personality disorders? Essentially, they are a group of disorders involving personality traits that are not flexible. This inflexibility can cause distress and make it difficult for the person to function. What to look for... Diagnosis usually occurs during adolescence or early adulthood. The common personality disorders are:
What can you do? Recommended treatment varies from illness to illness, however, in all cases it is critical to seek evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. Structured interventions, case management services, and sometimes medication are necessary in treatment of these disorders. What is schizophrenia? It is now considered a group of mental disorders rather than a single illness. Schizophrenia is characterized by thought disorder (a diminished ability to think clearly and logically), delusions, and hallucinations. People are born with this emotionally devastating illness that is usually inherited. Schizophrenia is relatively common with an estimated one percent of our population diagnosed with it over the course of their lives. It is not caused by personal weakness or bad parenting and is not a "split personality." That is a rare and very different disorder. What to look for... Symptoms include lack of emotional expression, apathy and social withdrawal. A person with schizophrenia may not realize that he or she is ill, so the task of seeking treatment often falls to a relative, a friend or a caregiver. While the first psychotic episodes usually occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, it can happen to anyone at any point in life. Symptoms appear gradually and may not be noticed at first, but as the illness progresses, changes occur and symptoms become more bizarre. Schizophrenia is often signaled by a marked change in personality and habits and/or by withdrawal from relationships and retreat from society. Focus turns inward to self. Aloofness and difficulty in communicating with others is common. Delusions can occur, resulting in the belief that there are conspiracies against them or that they possess great wealth, intellect or power. Hallucinations often take the form of voices that are heard only by the affected person, but hallucinations also can be smelled, seen or felt. What can you do? Seeking professional help from a doctor or qualified mental health care counselor is critical in determining diagnosis. There is no known cure, but schizophrenia is very treatable. Treatment can include case management and medication management with anti-psychotic drugs that can dramatically improve function. Acute cases may require hospitalization. Day programs, rehabilitation facilities and outpatient resources can be utilized when appropriate. The majority of cases respond to treatment. Some people recover completely and many others improve to a point where they live independently, often with drug therapy maintenance and supportive services. Because the support of family and friends is crucial to recovery, education about the illness is essential. Definition Stress is an emotional, physical, and mental response to an event or situation perceived as threatening or excessively challenging to an individual's sense of well-being. Causes Several key areas can leave an individual feeling stressed, including major changes in family life or life-style, emotional issues, and work expectations. Signs and Symptoms Stress frequently brings with it anxious feelings, worry, self-critical thoughts, inability to sleep, and altered eating habits. For some people, stress increases a sense of agitation, which becomes evident in increased aggression or violence. For others, self-blaming takes over; they withdraw from friends and family and experience a decrease in work performance. When this happens, depression will often set in. Recommended Course of Treatment If you feel stressed, try some simple steps to lower your stress level, such as frequent exercise and a healthy diet. If that doesn't work, contact Serenity Mental Health Services to help you prioritize the list of stressors in your life, based on the degree of negative impact to you, and develop a plan for keeping stress at a manageable level. The tragic results from suicide have taken the lives of someone in every age group, all races, both sexes, and every income bracket. In the United States suicide hit an all time high in 1932, during the last phases of the Depression, and in recent years ahs climbed to alarming proportions. Suicide has consistently been one of the leading causes of death for most of this century, especially among the elderly and teenagers. Causes People in danger of acting on suicidal thoughts are usually under a great deal of stress stemming from experiences like the loss of a spouse or lvoed one through divorce, sparation or death; failure in school; losing a job; or suffering a humiliating incident. They begin to feel the stress will never let up and, as a result, suffer from a strong sense of depression or anxiety. Eventually, suicidal persons feel there is no reason to go on living, without proper intervention they end up taking their own lives Warning Signs When someone may be thinking of killing himself, there are a number of possible warning signs including the following:
Recommended Course of Treatment If you think someone close to you may be thinking of killing himself, immediately contact Serenity Mental Health Services. If you are unable to reach a counselor or if the person is on the verge of acting on an impulse to take his/her own life, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.
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Diana Smith, MA, LPC-MH, CCDC III Diana owns and operates Serenity Mental Health Services and is licensed by the National Board of Certified Counselors. License number is LPC-MH2025 and she follows the ethical guidelines described by the NBCC found below and at their web site www.nbcc.org/webethics2. Diana is a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Certification Number 43911. In addition, she is also a member of the American Counseling Association, Member ID# 5140627. Online counseling can help you right now. Research has made it clear that this manner of offering therapy is effective and those who've experienced it have said they would seek it out again.
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