mental wealth

ADHD A CEO’s Path to Mental Focus and Clarity

A successful 43-year-old CEO of a well-known sports talent agency was having trouble with anger outbursts, which had been progressively worsening over the past few years. He was often seen yelling at other motorists and had been involved in several public confrontations that almost led to physical altercations. Additionally, his temper was causing problems at home with his wife, putting a strain on their previously satisfying marriage. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that these outbursts were a result of several major life events that had occurred over the years. The CEO had lost both his parents and his youngest daughter had recently left for college. Furthermore, the company he managed was facing unique challenges that demanded more leadership than ever before. During the evaluation, it was also revealed that he had experienced learning difficulties as a child. Although he had overcome these issues with hard work and intelligence, they had left him with a sense of humiliation since he grew up in a family of high achievers. These difficulties included trouble sustaining attention, being easily distracted, clowning around in class, and procrastinating with homework assignments that he found boring. Despite these challenges, the CEO had completed graduate school and become quite successful in his profession. Psychotherapy and medication were initiated, along with recommended changes to his work environment. His medication included Adderall, which helped him improve his focus, but it did not help with his organizational difficulties or his tendency to misplace important items. Strattera was also added to his medication regimen, which had a significant impact on enhancing his organizational abilities. Additionally, he was taught better time management skills, including reading the book, “Taming the Email Beast.” During the course of therapy, the CEO expressed sadness and anger over his younger daughter leaving for college and the “empty nest” syndrome it created. He also realized that he was angry at his father, who had been a demanding perfectionist and lacked his son’s passion and creativity. As a result of the therapy, the CEO became more satisfied with his life, was able to process things more clearly, and became more effective as a leader. He started to find humor in situations that used to provoke his anger, and he experienced more joy in his life. Additionally, he began spending quality time with his wife during date nights and visiting his daughter at college every three weeks. At Journey Psych, we specialize in providing personalized care to help patients overcome the challenges of ADHD and other mental health issues. Our team has years of experience in understanding the nuances of each ADHD medication and its effects on our patients. ADHD medications work by increasing the levels of important chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve the symptoms of ADHD, including increasing attention span, reducing hyperactivity, controlling impulsive behavior, and managing executive dysfunction. However, it’s important to note that each person’s response to medication may vary, and what works for one person may not be effective for another. At Journey Psych, we take a personalized approach to treatment and may need to try different medications and doses to find what works best for you. We will carefully observe your response to medication and adjust the dose as needed to find the right balance between the benefits and side effects. It’s essential to inform your provider about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as combining certain medications can have a harmful effect on the body. During your initial evaluation with us, we will review your medical history, conduct an assessment, diagnose your condition, and explain the different ADHD medications available. If diagnosed, we will prescribe medication on the same day. To book your ADHD initial evaluation with Journey Psych, you can visit our website at www.journeypsyche.com or call us at 800-955-0167. We are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and support on your journey to better mental health.

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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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