Mental Health Counseling

If you have had one, you know exactly how they feel.  If you have not, it may be very hard to understand someone who suffers from this mental disorder.   One episode may necessitate a trip to the emergency room. Repeat occurrences may leave the sufferer, family, and friends wondering if a padded room is in order.  So, what are panic attacks anyway?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.”

Have you ever been in a crowded place, should-to-shoulder with lots of other people and you start to feel like you need to get out of there right now?  For some people, black Friday is definitely not the day to go shopping.  If you can imagine such a scenario, now think of what it might feel like times one hundred!

The Real Thing

If you, or someone you love, suffer from panic attacks, the symptoms can be the same as very serious life-threatening medical conditions. With the first attack, a trip to the emergency room is quite common.  It may feel like an oncoming heart attack or something else equally devastating.  The symptoms are:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Tightness in your throat
• Trouble swallowing
• A sense of impending death

The list, compiled by the clinic, is very scary.  No wonder a panic attack feels like you might actually be dying.  It is not hard to imagine why doctors may put you through a plethora of tests.  Yet, they will probably not find any reason for the illness.

You might start to feel better in a matter of minutes.  But, a panic attack is not on the clock.  An episode of panic can last an entire day.  Imagine feel like you are on the verge of death for more than a day, and knowing you are experiencing a panic attack.  No wonder people start to think they have a mental illness.

Reasons for Panic Attacks

Having a mental illness or panic disorder does not mean that you are crazy.  In fact, there is no definitive reason why people suffer from panic attacks.  Some health care professionals think it may have something to do with heredity.  If you have a relative who has the disorder, maybe you will be more likely to also develop panic attacks.

Some doctors may attribute panic attacks to the level of stress in your life.  However, it may not explain the people who will develop agoraphobia.  Oftentimes, if panic attacks become too severe and frequent, a person will simply take a permanent sabbatical from life.  The thought of even leaving the house is impossible.  Sufferers may even have friends do their shopping and run other errands.  They are too afraid of where they will be, or what they will be doing, when the next attack happens.

Another plausible reason for uncontrollable panic attacks is changes in brain function.  In normal situations of high stress and fear, it is normal to panic.  For instance, if you see a tornado heading in your direction, your heart rate will increase rapidly.  A lot of things will be going through your mind and body in a split second.  You have the natural instinct to survive, so you will run to the basement, leave your car and hit the ditch, or whatever you can do to get out of the path of nature’s wrath.

In a panic attack, your brain can go into survival mode without any legitimate reason.  The feelings and bodily reactions may be similar, but you are actually quite safe.  Your intellect may try to tell you that nothing is wrong, but everything else is in hyper drive.  For those who have suffered multiple episodes of panic attacks, it is no wonder it becomes almost impossible to go anywhere or do anything.

Treatment

For those who suffer from panic disorder, they do not have to be without hope.  Medical help is available to ease the symptoms and make life more livable again.  The first treatment for panic disorder is generally medication.  It will help control the overwhelming feelings of stress. The next order of business is psychotherapy for panic attacks.

In the beginning, you may simply be schooled in the potential causes and symptoms of panic attacks.  You will learn what to do, in order to help get the symptoms under control, if you feel a panic attack coming on. You will learn what can be done to help you lead a normal life again.  However, the next step will be much harder.  You will probably have to go through desensitization.

At first, the doctor will probably accompany you on outings-to situations that you have learned to avoid.  If a panic attack is emanate, you will be reminded of what to do, in an effort to regain control.  You may then progress to going out with a trusted friend; going to a friend’s home where you feel safe; and eventually you may be able to venture back out alone.

Panic attacks are nothing less than terrifying.  In fact, they can be totally debilitating.  But, you or someone you care about is not without hope.  Seek professional medical care, so life may be livable again.

Mental illness is no respecter of persons.  Approximately 13% of people have some sort of mental disorder.  According to health care professionals, there are about 200 different known illnesses.  Of course, that does not take into account the varying degrees.  Plus, a lot of people who need treatment never recognize they have a problem in the first place. Many of the mental challenges are stress related.  People do not know how to handle stress, and do not understand how to handle it properly.  One such mental health issue is adjustment disorders.

So, what is adjustment disorder?  Do you or someone you love have major difficulty accepting change and coping with anything new?  If so, it may be an adjustment disorder.  According to Mayo Clinic, the mental illness is:   “a type ofstress-related mental illness. You may feel anxious or depressed, or even have thoughts of suicide. You may not be able to go about some of your daily routines, such as work or seeing friends. Or you may make reckless decisions. In essence, you have a hard time adjusting to change in your life, and it has serious consequences”.

A lot of people do not change, and tend to get stressed when faced with new situations. Actually, it is quite normal.  Most individuals will eventually get used to the new circumstances in a reasonable amount of time.  But, for others, it is totally devastating and leads to depression. It can be hard to resume any normal quality of life.  It may adversely affect personal relationship, or the ability to get a job.

Do I?

Do you or someone you love have adjustment disorder?  The symptoms are persistent.  It is not just a temporary depression for a few days or weeks.  Acute adjustment disorder can last up to six months.  If it lasts long than that, it is considered chronic adjustment disorder.  Either way, it can ruin a good quality of life by making it hard to keep a job, maintain relationship, and all of the other normal aspects of life that are always subject to change.

So, if you suspect an adjustment disorder, the Mayo Clinic says to look for these emotional signs:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Lack of enjoyment
• Crying spells
• Nervousness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Anxiety
• Worry
• Desperation
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling overwhelmed

Anyone can suffer from adjustment disorder, but it seems to be more pronounced in children.  A big clue is to think about any major changes that have taken place within the last three months.  If the symptoms started about that time, it may be a sign that an adjustment disorder may be making life miserable.

Sadly, there are also behavioral clues to adjustment disorder, especially in minors.  For parents, it may seem like you child has been replaced by a clone with a different personality.  He/she may start acting out through:

• Fighting
• Reckless driving
• Ignoring bills
• Avoiding family or friends
• Poor school or work performance
• Skipping school
• Vandalism

Clueless

If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms of adjustment disorder, it can be a very confusing time for you as well.  You are naturally full of questions and concerns.  Most parents are quick to blame themselves, and wonder why their child cannot accept change, when other kids seem to hope for something different and exciting to happen.  Unfortunately, doctors are still not sure why some people are ruled by the desire for sameness.  Maybe it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics, temperament, or something that has happened in the past.

What Next

If you can see the signs of adjustment disorder in yourself or someone you care about, it is time to get some help.  It is okay to have a normal adjustment period, but when it goes on for months, and is underscored by behavioral changes, you need to find some help.  People who do not seek professional care are more likely to sink into a life of depression, fall into the trap of drug and/or alcohol abuse, or even get to the point of contemplating suicide. Before it gets to that point, get help.

The Cavalry

No one has to live under the weight of an adjustment disorder. Psychotherapy is one treatment that can be effective.  Being able to talk about it on a personal level is great for learning about the disorder and how to cope with it on a daily basis.  Also, group therapy can be helpful.  Knowing other people have the same disorder, and no one suffers alone, can be very healing.  Of course, the doctor can also prescribe medication to help his/her patient deal with the stress and depression.

In short, adjustment disorders are not a problem that most people discuss over a cup of coffee.  But, many people have a difficult time adjusting to changes in life.  Simply recognizing the problem is half of the battle. With help, the rest of the battle can be won, and adjustment disorder sufferers can move on to lead a good quality of life.

Someone you love continues to lose weight.  She eats like a bird begrudgingly.  Constantly worried about her body shape, she has also begun to exercise to the point of obsession. At first, it seemed like a phase that would go away in time.  But, she is getting so skinny; it is scary.  So, now it is time to think about the possibility and learn the symptoms and treatment of anorexia Nervosa.

Of course, you do not want to approach your daughter about having an eating disorder, unless you have exhausted other possibilities.  Sometimes, it can be very hard to tell there is a problem, because your teen may go to great lengths to disguise the problem.  However, the Mayo Clinic has a list of things you can look for, if you are worried about your child:

• Skipping meals
• Making excuses for not eating
• Eating only a few certain “safe” foods, usually those low in fat and calories
• Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing
• Weighing food
• Cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat
• Repeated weighing of themselves
• Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
• Wearing baggy or layered clothing
• Complaining about being fat

Although the disease is not gender specific, girls are usually the ones who suffer from this mental health challenge.  Although it is centered on weight issues, Anorexia is much more than an eating disorder.  It is often about the need to be in control. Weight is something your teen can be in command of, even if the rest of the world seems out of order.

In truth, you may notice emotional changes, before you ever notice any of the physical symptoms.  Knowing there is something to really worry about can be difficult, because many parents attribute the change to simply being a teenager, and maybe it is just a phase they will grow out of pretty soon.  While that may be the case, if it continues for two long, it may signal anorexia nervosa.  Again, Mayo Clinic has compiled a list of behavioral and emotional symptoms:

• Refusal to eat
• Denial of hunger
• Excessive exercise
• Flat mood, or lack of emotion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Preoccupation with food

Unfortunately, this disease also has many physical symptoms.  With the manifestation of these signs, it also means that there are complications that can result in other major health issues.  So, it is also imperative to recognize the signs.  Some will be up to you to recognize, and some be found by the doctor, and it will add up to one big problem.  For example:

• Extreme weight loss
• Thin appearance
• Abnormal blood counts
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Brittle nails
• Hair that thins, breaks or falls out
• Soft, downy hair covering the body
• Absence of menstruation
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Intolerance of cold
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Osteoporosis

As you can see, anorexia nervosa is not simply the refusal to eat, in order to lose weight. Although most people are diagnosed in their teens, it does not go away when they reach adulthood. Also, you cannot simply talk to someone who suffers from anorexia, discuss the problem, and then they start eating again and everything is fine.

Given the proper help, an individual with anorexia nervosa can get better and develop healthy eating habits.  But, it may be something they have to deal with for a lifetime. It is a psychological, emotional, and physical disorder than can manifest from a variety of causes. Thus, the disorder of anorexia nervosa is a disease that you cannot fix.  Professional help is required.

For example, the mental health issue may result from biological sources.  Although the specific reasons are not yet clear, individuals with a sibling or a parent that also has anorexia have a greater chance of being diagnosed as well.  It may have something to do with the levels of serotonin in the brain.  Whatever the reason, if you or another family member has also dealt with this health concern, it is a big red flag.

If not biologically bases, personality has a lot to do with anorexia.  Many sufferers also have obsessive-compulsive disorder tendencies.  They may be perfectionists.  Yet, self-esteem is extremely low.  They are driven to fix themselves or gain control, and food intake is a way they can take charge.

Sadly, culture has a lot to do with anorexia nervosa.  Girls watch television and see all of these successful and famous girls and ladies that are pencil thin.  Society is simply more accepting of people who are thin.  A girl with a few extra pounds can become very self-conscious and also treated unkindly by her peers.

In short, if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms of anorexia nervosa in your daughter, seek professional help.  Even if you daughter makes an excuse or gets really mad, just do it!  If you are wrong, the doctor may still find a health issue related to the symptoms.  Someday, your girl will realize that you have sought help only because of your love and care.