17 December 2023

UNMASKING MENTAL WELLNESS IN CALIFORNIA

Unmasking Mental Wellness in California

Did you know that the name “California” has its origins in a book of knightly romance published in 1510? The book described an island paradise near the Indies where the beautiful Queen Califia ruled over the country. Moving on to a serious issue, mental health is a significant concern for residents of California. Despite the increasing availability of online psychiatric resources, many individuals with serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are still not receiving the treatment they need. It’s essential to understand the realities behind mental health in California to help those in need. We will look at some statistics on anxiety and depression in California to provide a better understanding of the issue. It’s crucial to address mental health issues as they can have a significant impact on one’s well-being. According to the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), as of 2021, nearly 1 in 5 adults in California were diagnosed with a mental health disorder. However, the actual numbers could be higher as many individuals with these disorders remain undiagnosed due to factors such as stigma, lack of access to health care, or inability to recognize their symptoms. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. In California, 1,243,000 adults have a serious mental illness. More than half of Americans report that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health. In February 2021, 46.1% of adults in California reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. In a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it was revealed that around 2.2 million adults in California experienced a major depressive episode in 2022, which accounts for 8.8% of the state’s adult population. The number was even higher for those suffering from anxiety disorders, with approximately 15.4% of the adult population or nearly 3.9 million individuals reporting anxiety. What’s more concerning is the rising prevalence of these disorders among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 12.4% of children aged 3-17 years in California were diagnosed with anxiety in 2022, while approximately 8.5% were diagnosed with depression. These figures have nearly doubled in comparison to statistics from the early 2010s. The data clearly illustrates a pressing need for a comprehensive, integrated mental health system that can effectively address these issues. Yet, as per the CHCF, in 2021, only about half of Californians with mental health needs received treatment. This gap in care is a serious concern, as untreated mental health issues can lead to serious outcomes like self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. At Journey Psyche we believe that everyone has the potential to achieve optimum mental health and wellness. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental illness, give us a call or Book and appointment today.  Let us help you unlock that potential with our compassionate approach to mental health care.

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Depression-seek help from a mental health professional.

Sunday Blues or Depression?

Do you ever feel a bit down or uninspired as the weekend draws to a close? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience what’s commonly known as Sunday Blues Depression. You may find yourself putting off tasks, feeling fatigued, or lacking motivation to spend time with loved ones. Thoughts of the upcoming work week or other obligations can bring on feelings of depression or anxiety. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to take a closer look at your mental and emotional state. While it’s normal to feel a bit down when the weekend or vacation is over, it’s important to distinguish between normal emotions and something more serious like clinical depression. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM 5) is widely used to diagnose mental health conditions, including depression. If your mood drops for a short period and then usually rises back up, it may just be a temporary adjustment to returning to work mode. However, if you find that most of your mood is related to dreading an unpleasant habit, such as getting up early or dealing with stress at work, it may be a sign that you need to make some changes in your life. If you suspect that your blues are more serious or if you’re having trouble going about your daily activities, seeking professional mental health services may be a good option. Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders are complex and multifaceted. A mental health professional can help you identify the root cause of your emotions and provide you with tools to manage them.In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help alleviate the Sunday Blues. Try practicing mindfulness exercises or other contemplative activities to help redirect your thoughts to the present moment instead of worrying about the future. If you find yourself caught up in depressing ideas or thoughts about upcoming obligations, try changing your inner monologue to something more positive and empowering. Finally, make the most of your remaining free time by doing something that makes you feel good. Spend time with friends and family, pursue a hobby, or simply relax and recharge. Whatever you do, be kind to yourself and remember that it’s okay to take a break and prioritize your mental and emotional health. At Journey Psyche, we understand that each person’s experience with depression is unique, and that’s why we personalize our treatments to suit your individual needs. Our team of experienced professionals can help you find the right combination of treatments that work best for you. Book an appointment with us today.

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WHY DO I HATE SHOWERING WITH ADHD?

Why Do I Hate Showering With ADHD?

Why Do I Hate Showering With ADHD? People who suffer from a condition known as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) hate showering, but experiences can vary greatly among individuals. Some people with ADHD may struggle with certain aspects of showering due to the symptoms and challenges associated with the condition. If someone with ADHD is struggling with showering or any other aspect of daily life, it can be helpful to seek support from healthcare professionals or ADHD specialists who can provide guidance and strategies tailored to their specific needs. According to a survey report, it was estimated that around 15% of individuals suffer from ADHD every year. Our team at  Journeytelepsych.com, are available to support your support you in every step you take.  In this blog post, you’ll look at the reasons why taking a shower can be particularly challenging for people with ADHD and talk about some possible solutions. Six Reasons Why Showering is Difficult with ADHD 1. Sensory Overload Sensory overload is a common occurrence in people with ADHD. It can result from the overpowering sense of water, the sound of flowing water, and the feeling of dampness on the skin. Your brain receives this sensory information more intensely or longer than normal. This overload may make you uncomfortable and anxious to concentrate on the current task.  2. Absence of Motivation Showering with ADHD seems tedious and time-consuming, similar to going through a room full of mismatched socks. The easiest things need an excessive amount of work and energy. Difficulties with motivation and executive functioning are hallmarks of ADHD. Showering necessities, such as setting up and sticking to a schedule, may take a lot of work to initiate and complete the bathing procedure when there is a lack of intrinsic drive. 3. Time Management Poor time management abilities and trouble accurately calculating time are linked to ADHD. This may lead to two outcomes: rushing through the showers, skipping necessary hygiene procedures, taking an excessively long time, and delaying daily obligations.  Studies have shown that activity levels in multiple brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, are related to the perception and estimation of time. Reduced activity in these brain areas could influence how poorly time is perceived. 4. Boredom and Monotony Routine tasks can easily become tedious and repetitive for those who suffer from ADHD. Because taking a shower is a repetitious task, one could find it difficult to focus, which makes you want to rush through it or skip it entirely.  5. Challenges with Executive Functioning Planning, organizing, and sequencing are among the executive functioning skills frequently hampered by ADHD. These abilities are necessary for finishing a showering routine, which entails some actions like undressing, changing the water’s temperature, shampooing, and rinsing. Confusion and irritation may ensue from organizing and scheduling these procedures incorrectly.   6. Inattentiveness and Distractibility Individuals with ADHD find it challenging to stay focused and pay attention. Their thoughts may wander when showering, making it problematic for them to focus and remain in the moment. This may cause one to take longer than necessary, forget where they are going, or become easily sidetracked by other ideas and stimuli. Strategies to Overcome Showering Challenges To overcome showering challenges associated with ADHD, here are some strategies you can opt for help: – 1. Establish a Routine Establishing a regular shower schedule can give structure and boost the probability of following through. Assign a fixed time each day to take a shower and make sure it fits into your routine. Starting and finishing a task might be aided by following a regular schedule.   2. Employ Visual Reminders Reminding and urging people with ADHD to take a shower can be accomplished with the help of visual signs. Sticky notes or visual cues like bathroom mirrors or doors should be placed in conspicuous places to act as a visual cue to start the showering procedure. 3. Divide Tasks Into Smaller Processes Showering requires several processes, which can be too much for those with ADHD to handle. The procedure can be more realistic by dividing it into smaller, more doable parts. Make a list of all the steps involved in showering or use a visual aid. This can aid in work organization and sequencing. 4. Set Timers or Alarms Effective time management can be difficult for those with ADHD. People with ADHD may find staying on task easier and reducing shower time by setting timers or alarms. Ensure you allot enough time for the activity by setting a timer or alarm to reflect how long you want to shower. 5. Employ Sensory Modifications Try different sensory adjustments to improve the comfort of taking a shower. For instance, turn down the water’s temperature until it’s comfortable and calming. To discover the water pressure setting that suits you best, consider using a showerhead with adjustable settings. Another way to improve and prolong the sensory experience is to use scented soaps or shower gels. They’re easily available in the local market. 6. Make Shower Fun Look for methods to add more stimulation and engagement to taking a shower. While taking a shower, play your favorite music or tune in to podcasts or audiobooks. This can keep you interested and improve the quality of the encounter. To add intrigue to the sensory experience, you can experiment with different shower products and textures, such as sponges or loofah. 7. Seek Assistance Speak with someone like Journey Psyche who specializes in treating ADHD They can help, coping mechanisms, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and talk therapy. They will provide you advice and methods to aid with showering difficulties. Remember that you may need to experiment a little before you find what works best for you. Have patience with yourself and acknowledge your little accomplishments as you go. Showering may be made more fun and doable with the correct techniques and perseverance. Conclusion Individuals with ADHD may face distinct obstacles when taking a shower, such as heightened sensitivity to stimuli, issues managing their time and motivation, boredom, and deficits in

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HOW TO COPE WITH ANXIETY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

How to Cope with Anxiety this Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many people. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. According to a Healthline survey, most of us experience stress during the holidays, with common stressors including overspending, difficult family members, lack of time, commercialism, and travel woes. The first step in managing holiday anxiety is to acknowledge that it’s present and affecting your life. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re feeling. It’s important to recognize that you don’t have to manage on your own. To help manage your anxiety, identify what parts of the holiday are causing stress. Is it making phone calls to book travel arrangements? Can someone else help you with this? Are you worried about what food will be available? Do some research ahead of time to prepare yourself. Stick to your routine as much as possible during the holidays. Making time for things you enjoy, like exercise, can help regulate your mood and reduce anxiety. Also, try to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake and allow yourself time to relax. If you’re struggling with anxiety or low mood frequently, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. Journey Psyche is here to help you live your best life this holiday season. They can direct you towards the right treatment, whether it’s talk therapy or medication. Additionally, practicing mindfulness, being aware of your surroundings and focused on the present moment, can help you stay in the moment and improve your mental well-being. Remember to focus on enjoying the holiday for what it is and not what you expect it to be. Acknowledge that the holiday will be a unique experience and try not to set impossible expectations for yourself. By taking care of yourself and seeking support when you need it, you can manage your holiday anxiety and enjoy the season.

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