Monthly Archives: April

April is STD Awareness Month, in an effort to bring attention across America to the prevention, testing, and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).  Sexually transmitted disease is a societal concern that if not addressed nationally, it can have a greater impact for individuals that can lead to other medical and mental health concerns.

With the increase of STDs on the rise, it is imperative that people have a clear understanding about the different diseases, measures needed to prevent contracting a STD, and becoming knowledgeable about the STDs that are curable and treatable.    Studies have shown that an individual’s mental health affects one’s ability to prevent and control the spread of STDs.

According to the MAYO Clinic “women with STDs experience frustration, anxiety, anger, fear of rejection, isolation, guilt, embarrassment, shame and feelings of physical filth or contamination. These negative psychological effects are potentially more important than the medical effects of the disease.”

Certain STDs if left untreated can cause mental illness and even death.  Taking charge of your sexual health is important.  So, if you are sexually active, you are encouraged to get tested for STDs.  Knowing your status is better than not knowing all.

Written by therapist – Kim Homes

It is no secret that there is a lot of stigma associated with mental health and wellness. People find it hard to talk to a provider about their struggles with issues like depression and anxiety. Taking care of our mental health is so much more than taking medications for these concerns. Treatment should include regular visits to a psychiatrist and therapist or counselor who can help us work on skills building, emotion regulation and effective communication.

People who belong to racial, ethnic, religious and sexual minorities often struggle to get mental health help. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2017), there are many reasons that this struggle might exist:

• Transportation issues, difficulty finding childcare/taking time off work
• The belief that mental health treatment “doesn’t work”
• The high level of mental health stigma
• Language barriers and an insufficient number of providers who speak languages other than English
• A lack of adequate health insurance coverage

There are many ways that we can help our friends and neighbors of minority groups get the help they need:

• Encourage mental health organizations to include minorities on staff.
• Share information you’ve learned about accessing quality care to others.
• Try to be more open and understanding towards what minority communities might be experiencing that you might not.

Here at Exult Healthcare, we specialize in helping those who belong to a number of different minority groups. Whether language, culture, religion, ability or sexual orientation differences, we strive to have diverse providers who create an environment of trust and support. If you or someone you know is looking for a safe place to access help for your mental health needs, call us at 469-714-0006.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2017/Disparities-Within-Minority-Mental-Health-Care

By Cynthia Dsauza, Ph.D., LMFT-S

Almost everyone has heard the phrase “cyber bullying”, this is intentional, repeated, aggressive behavior that is meant to cause harm to a targeted person over some kind of electronic means (like computer or cell phone). Cyber bullying can be done over social media, texting and other internet sites. Research shows that cyber bullying has been shown experienced by a large percentage of high school and middle schoolers (some studies show 75% of people have experienced this). Cyber bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress and suicidal thoughts.

The truth is that children and adults experience cyber bullying and sometimes we engage in this behavior ourselves. People justify hurtful behaviors because its “on the internet” or because they are “just joking”. It is important for us to pay attention to our own behavior on the internet and on social media to figure out whether we might be the perpetrators of such behavior ourselves. Here are some more ideas for what you can do to help if you find out that someone else is being cyber bullied:

• Reach Out.Be kind to those who are treated badly or left out and help resolve conflict.
• Say “Stop.”Help those who are hurtful stop, accept personal responsibility, and remedy the harm.
• Report Concerns.Report serious concerns to someone who can help.
• Stop, Own it, and Fix It.Avoid being hurtful and if you were, stop yourself, accept responsibility, and remedy the harm.
• Demand cyber bullying policies in school.Make sure that your school/office has a policy on cyber bullying or talk to them about making this change.

Here at Exult Healthcare, we are committed to helping create a safe environment for all. If you or someone you know is looking for a safe place to get help due to cyber bullying or for your mental health needs, call us at 469-714-0006.

By Cynthia Dsauza, Ph.D., LMFT-S

http://www.embracecivility.org/

https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/cyberbullying/

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month; a time were national attention is made to bring awareness to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.  According to the National Statistics on Child Abuse, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S. annually and over 3 million children receive an investigation or response from Child Protective Services.

Child abuse and neglect are identified by most States as physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation, and emotional abuse.  Some States recognize abandonment and parental substance abuse as a form of abuse and neglect.  The first steps to helping abused and neglected children is learning to identify and recognize the warning signs.  Some signs of child abuse and neglect are, but not limited to:

• Sudden changes in the child’s behavior.
• Medical issues have not been addressed
• Learning problems that are not attributed to any physical or physiological issue
• Lack of adult supervision
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Abuses pet or other animals
• Seem frightened or jumpy around parents
• Frequent absences from school
• Stealing or begging for food and/or money
• Difficulties walking or sitting
• Sudden changes in appetite
• Refuses to change for gym
• Bedwetting/Nightmares
• Running away from home
• Lacks parental attachment
• Quick attachment to strangers
• Developmentally delayed
• Parent express their dislike or lack of concern for the child’s well-being
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.

To protect children from the risk of abuse and neglect, families will need to be supported and educated, while increasing public awareness and implementing prevention programs.  This can be obtained through the support and action from State/Local government and community involvement.

If you suspect abused and/or neglect of a child, contact the local Child Protective Services agency at 1-800-252-5400.  Your call can be anonymous.  Making the call can save the life of a child!

Written by – Kim Holmes- Therapist

Alcohol – is a social norm, so why then can it be considered a disorder?  Are you at risk of becoming an Alcoholic?  Just like any medical condition, there are a few factors to consider; biological disposition, nurture – learned coping skills and culture of Alcohol.

A good story was told to me about two brothers in court before a judge as one had got a DWI.  The judge was curious as to why one brother was viewed as a criminal and the other brother retained an attorney to represent himself.  The two brothers were raised in the same home; with a typical middle-class American upbringing.  The judge asked the brother who had abused Alcohol and when did this start?  The brother responded, “Well my father was an Alcoholic, he worked and would drink after finishing his work day, so I watched him and started to do the same.”  The judge then understood that what we learn from an early age influences and shapes our thinking; as well as genetic traits/predispositions from our family members.  The judge then turns to the other brother and asks, “Well what was different for you?”  The other brother simply stated, “I also learned by observing my father’s drinking habits.”

Alcohol is considered an acceptable social and cultural norm within most work and home environments in the U.S.  The question becomes when do your patterns and behaviors of alcohol use become a problem in your work life, family life, ability to cope with stress without Alcohol? Also, when it becomes shameful and a secret.  At this moment it is more than just having a drink, it has now escalated to an addiction.  Once an addiction has taken hold of your thinking, your behavior and your life then you are powerless to change without seeking professional help outside of yourself.

Written by – Jeanette Holland – Director of Intake

April is National Stress Awareness Month. “National Stress Awareness Month has been held every April to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. According to the Mental Health Foundation 74% of American adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope”.

Stress can be damaging to both your physical and mental health. Millions of people throughout the world suffer from the negative side effects of stress including “such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety” (WebMD, 2019). When we are able to relax, we improve both our mental and physical health. Use these six pieces of stress-free living advice to unwind this National Stress Awareness Month!

1. Spend time in nature.
2. Enjoy a conversation with a friend or loved one.
3. Listen to music that makes you happy.
4. Watch a movie that makes you laugh.
5. Play with your pet.
6. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea.

Don’t forget to take care of your mental health this April. If you begin to feel overwhelmed practice some of the techniques or give us a call at (469) 714-0006 and schedule an appointment with a counselor who cares!

References:

“The Effects of Stress on Your Body.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/effects-of-stress-on-your-body

Mort. “Welcome To Stress Awareness Month–April 1-30, 2019.” – Official Site, 1 Dec. 2018, stressawarenessmonth.com/.

Written by Aly Bowles – Social Media Coordinator

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time were national attention is made to bring awareness to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.  According to the National Statistics on Child Abuse, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S. annually and over 3 million children receive an investigation or response from Child Protective Services.

Child abuse and neglect are identified by most States as physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.  Some States recognizes abandonment and parental substance abuse as a form of abuse and neglect.  The first steps to helping abused and neglected children is learning to identify and recognize the warning signs.  Some signs of child abuse and neglect are, but not limited to:

• Sudden changes in the child’s behavior.
• Medical issues have not been addressed
• Learning problems that are not attributed to any physical or physiological issue
• Lack of adult supervision
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Abuses pet or other animals
• Seem frightened or jumpy around parents
• Frequent absences from school
• Stealing or begging for food and/or money
• Difficulties walking or sitting
• Sudden changes in appetite
• Refuses to change for gym
• Bedwetting/Nightmares
• Running away from home
• Lacks parental attachment
• Quick attachment to strangers
• Developmentally delayed
• Parent express their dislike or lack of concern for the child’s well-being
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.

To protect children from the risk of abuse and neglect, families will need to be supported and educated, while increasing public awareness and implementing prevention programs.  This can be obtained through the support and action from State and local government and community involvement.

If you suspect abused and/or neglect of a child, contact the local Child Protective Services agency at 1-800-252-5400.  Your call can be anonymous.  Making the call can save the life of a child.

It is no secret that there is a lot of stigma associated with mental health and wellness. People find it hard to talk to a provider about their struggles with issues like depression and anxiety. Taking care of our mental health is so much more than taking medications for these concerns. Treatment should include regular visits to a psychiatrist and therapist or counselor who can help us work on skills building, emotion regulation and effective communication.

People who belong to racial, ethnic, religious and sexual minorities often struggle to get mental health help. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2017), there are many reasons that this struggle might exist:

• Transportation issues, difficulty finding childcare/taking time off work
• The belief that mental health treatment “doesn’t work”
• The high level of mental health stigma
• Language barriers and an insufficient number of providers who speak languages other than English
• A lack of adequate health insurance coverage

There are many ways that we can help our friends and neighbors of minority groups get the help they need:

• Encourage mental health organizations to include minorities on staff.
• Share information you’ve learned about accessing quality care to others.
• Try to be more open and understanding towards what minority communities might be experiencing that you might not.

Here at Exult Healthcare, we specialize in helping those who belong to a number of different minority groups. Whether language, culture, religion, ability or sexual orientation differences, we strive to have diverse providers who create an environment of trust and support. If you or someone you know is looking for a safe place to access help for your mental health needs, call us at 469-714-0006.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2017/Disparities-Within-Minority-Mental-Health-Care

Written by –

By Cynthia Dsauza, Ph.D., LMFT-S

April 8th through April 12th is recognized as National Youth Violence Prevention Week. According to SAVE, the Students Against Violence Everywhere group, “this week-long national education initiative will involve activities that demonstrate the positive role young people can have in making their school and community safer.” During this week, teachers, parents, and principals come together to prevent potential violence that children may suffer throughout the year. To help keep the children in our community safe this week, let’s follow the four E’s of the SAVE movement and:

• Educate – “educate students about the effects and consequences of violence as well as safe activities for students, parents, and the community. “
• Empower – “empowers youth with knowledge and skills necessary to provide service to their community and school.”
• Engage – “engage students in meaningful violence prevention efforts within their school and community.”
• Encourage – “positive peer influences within the school and community through violence prevention efforts.” (SAVE, 2019)

Large organizations such as SAMSHA also advice the use of the talk app with the tag line “Talk. They hear you.” According to SAMHSA “when parents and caregivers talk, children do listen. This app uses avatars to help parents practice starting- and continuing – the conversation.”

References:

“Encourage.” SAVE Promise Clubs, nationalsave.org/what-we-do/encourage

“Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.” SAMHSA, www.samhsa.gov/

Written by Aly – Social Media Coordinator

According to CNBC “There are more than 97 million people with obesity in the U.S., and that number is set to increase by nearly 3 percent annually on average” with obesity rates in the United States on a regular increase, many Americans are turning to their general practitioner for advice on how to shed extra weight, and how to do it quickly. CNBC found however that “Not enough doctors treat obesity as a disease that requires drugs, and too few insurers offer coverage.”

General medicine is viewing obesity the wrong way, and doctors are failing to treat their patients effectively. There is however hope for those who suffer from obesity because “As many as six new drugs to combat obesity may hit the market in the coming years and improve heart health as well as provide weight-loss benefits.” (CNBC, 2018). With the release of these prescription drugs, physicians would be able to take an entirely new look at treating obesity, and the 160 million Americans who suffer from obesity could receive some effective release and see long-lasting results.

These prescriptions drugs, however, would do so much more than help individual lose weight. These drugs would help patients gain better heart health, lower cholesterol and “dramatically decrease the risk of kidney disease.” Physicians will still be asked to prescribe a balanced diet and regular exercise with the drugs. As medicine advances, physicians are gaining more knowledge on the treatment of obesity and learning new ways they can best help their patients.

References:

McKinley, Edward. “As Obesity Rates in America Soar, New Weight Loss Drugs Are in the Offing That Offer Hope.” CNBC, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2018, www.cnbc.com/2018/12/12/new-obesity-drugs-are-coming-but-doctors-and-insurers-are-hurdles.html

Written by Aly Bowles – Social Media Coordinator