Mental Health Archives – The Gooden Center

Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category

Alcohol Abuse and Insomnia

Posted on: August 5th, 2018 by emarketed No Comments

Alcohol Abuse for Insomnia

It is common for people who abuse alcohol to experience disrupted sleep and end up in a vicious cycle of insomnia and addiction. Sleep disorders and substance abuse often go hand in hand as mind altering chemicals can make it harder for the body to function normally and get the rest it needs. Sleep problems tend to exacerbate substance abuse and vice versa because the two problems are so closely related.

For someone that doesn’t have a sleep disorder, they will typically experience regular patterns in their periods of sleep and go through the two phases of REM and non-REM sleep. The process of sleep is dictated by an interaction of chemicals in the brain including norepinephrine and serotonin. Alcohol abuse can affect the level of chemicals in your brain which can begin to disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia.

People with insomnia might be able to fall asleep initially be self-medicating with alcohol but over time it will make it harder for them to maintain regular sleeping patterns. Alcohol is actually one of the most commonly used substances for insomnia with 28 percent of those with the sleep disorder using alcohol to help them fall asleep. People with insomnia are also more likely to develop issues with alcoholism.

In order to recover from an alcohol addiction it is important to treat issues of insomnia as the two problems can influence one another. An addict in recovery will need to address their sleep disorder as having disrupted sleep can trigger cravings and a potential relapse. There are many methods for improving sleep patterns such as the use of supplements, relaxation techniques and getting the right amount of nutrition and exercise.

One of the most important things a person can do for their health and their sleep is to maintain their sobriety. Fortunately quitting alcohol abuse and living a healthier lifestyle may significantly improve sleep patterns.

Dealing with Homeless Youth

Posted on: July 26th, 2018 by The Gooden Center No Comments

Dealing with Homeless Youth

Youth homelessness has been on the rise as the cost of living increases and many young people simply can’t afford housing. Even working a minimum wage job can make it difficult to cover the cost of rent in big cities like L.A. Young people that aren’t able to live at home with their parents can end up on the streets because they have nowhere else to turn.

Homeless youth often end up in temporary shelters while going to school and trying to work a part time job. One solution for the homeless youth provided by an organization in L.A. is to provide young people with affordable housing. Jovenes, a non profit group serving homeless youth, is helping alleviate the problem by buying houses and renting out rooms to young people at a price they can afford.

Many of the young people dealing with homeless still have goals and aspirations of becoming independent, finding sustainable careers and being able to afford their own home. Creating affordable housing provides an opportunity to help young people get on their feet until they eventually are able to move forward and reach their goals. Temporary shelters do not provide enough of an opportunity for youth that need a place where they can stay indefinitely until they become more independent.

Creating affordable housing by providing low rent rooms to homeless youth is a long term solution that can have a positive impact on the growing problem of homelessness in cities with high living costs. If young people are able to work, eat and survive then they can grow as individuals instead of falling into the endless cycle of poverty. Jovenes and other organizations working to reduce poverty and the homeless youth population are giving children and young adults a second chance at life.

The Double Standard In Mental Health

Posted on: July 26th, 2018 by The Gooden Center No Comments

The Double Standard In Mental Health

Mental health disorders are a problem that affects millions of Americans every day and yet there remains a deep stigma in our country about mental health and treatment. While other physical illnesses are treated as legitimate issues that need medical attention, people with problems such as depression, anxiety or other disorders are still often ignored and even denied access to the care they need. Mental health problems are frequently seen as something within the individual’s own control or people are simply labeled as crazy.

There is often a double standard when it comes to the way people treat a person with a physical illness versus a mental illness. Health insurance companies are less likely to provide coverage for mental health issues and treatment compared to physical illnesses. People are more likely to offer support and sympathy for someone with visual health issue and might be more judgemental when it comes to mental illness.

It is important for people to be educated about mental illness and the need for medical attention regarding mental health issues. A mental illness can affect the ability of a person to live a healthy and stable life. Mental illness is not a personal failure of an individual, they are often disorders that are inherited through genetic vulnerability or develop as a result of childhood trauma.

A mental illness, like any other disease, is not something that can be easily cured alone. People need access to professional care so that they can treat their disorder and eventually reach a state of better health. Raising more awareness to issues surrounding mental health is crucial in our culture in order to erase the stigma that can sometimes prevent people from getting the help that they need.

PTSD Triggers

Posted on: July 16th, 2018 by The Gooden Center No Comments

PTSD Triggers

People that have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder don’t always experience their most severe symptoms on a regular basis. Their symptoms usually occur when there is a trigger present which causes them to react as a result of their past trauma. PTSD triggers can vary depending on the individual’s experiences and how they cope with their traumatic memories.

Triggers are usually certain thoughts, feelings or situations that bring up symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or panic attacks. When someone experiences a trigger it can be either internal or external. Internal triggers can be related to certain thoughts, memories, or bodily sensations that lead to symptoms. External triggers can be certain people, places or situations that the individual encounters during the course of their day.

PTSD triggers that are internal can occur through natural feelings such as anger, loneliness, vulnerability or simply remembering specific events. A person can experience triggers through external events such as an argument, a news story that reminds them of their trauma, seeing an accident, certain dates such as holidays or anniversaries, or even seeing someone that reminds them of their traumatic event. When these triggers occur they might have physical and psychological reactions that can be uncomfortable and difficult to bounce back from.

People with PTSD can learn how to cope with their triggers through certain techniques that they can learn from a therapist. Relaxation, deep breathing and mindful awareness can all be useful in helping people deal with PTSD triggers. Those who experience anxiety and panic attacks may be able to take medication that will help them if they are confronted with a very severe trigger.

Although triggers can be unexpected and occur in a number of different situations, people with PTSD can still minimize the effects of them through treatment and therapy.

Careers with the Highest Depression Rates

Posted on: July 9th, 2018 by The Gooden Center No Comments

Careers with the Highest Depression Rates

Certain jobs can create more stress, worry and may negatively affect employees who are involved in the industry. Issues such as lack of inactivity at sedentary jobs, high pressure environments, social isolation, and exposure to toxins can all be factors that contribute to depression on the job. Stress is a factor in almost any type of career but jobs that include many of these other factors tend to have higher rates of mental health issues like depression.

Some of the careers with higher rates of depression are in jobs that are very demanding but with relatively low pay such as food service staff and salespeople. This type of job involves a lot of physical exertion and customers can treat employees very rudely. About ten percent of workers in food service reported experiencing a major episode of depression in the last year.

Careers that involve caring for others and helping those in need can also lead to higher rates of depression. Jobs such as working in a nursing home as well as social and healthcare workers all can be stressful and detrimental to a person’s health. Being around people that are sick, helping abused children, or dealing with people experiencing crisis and trauma can take its toll on a person’s well being.

Other very demanding jobs that have high rates of depression include teachers, administrative support staff, maintenance and ground workers, financial advisors and accountants. These jobs can involve a lot of pressure and stress to perform well and cope with complicated problems. Careers with plenty of responsibility, long hours and little flexibility can cause people to develop symptoms of depression.

People may not be aware that the type of career that they choose can impact their mental health. Self-care is important in every career field and taking time off can help minimize the effects of depression.