LifeStance Looks At . . .

This content has been updated from previous article on October 8, 2020. When people have cancer, they see oncologists. When they are pregnant, they see OB/GYNs. And when people have trouble with their hearts, they go to cardiologists. You get the gist, when we have specialized health problems, we see specialized medical providers. So why is it that so many people continue to seek psychiatric care from providers who do not specialize in psychiatric care? People often turn to their family doctor or primary care physician (PCP) when experiencing mental health issues for several reasons. First, there’s a preexisting relationship of trust and familiarity with these healthcare providers. Patients may feel more comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with someone they already know. Second, there’s a perceived stigma surrounding mental health, and some individuals may be reluctant to seek specialized psychiatric care, fearing judgment or discrimination. Additionally, family doctors and PCPs can provide initial assessments and prescribe basic medications, offering a convenient first step in addressing mental health issues....

This content has been updated from previous article on October 4, 2020. In the realm of mental health and emotional well-being, seeking communal support and guidance has become increasingly popular and effective. Group settings offer unique environments for individuals to share experiences, find solace, and work through personal challenges. Two common forms of group settings, often used interchangeably but with distinct purposes, are Group Therapy and Support Groups. Understanding the differences between these two can significantly impact the type of assistance one seeks and the benefits one receives. So, what’s the difference? And how can someone determine which type of group best fits their needs? To find out, we chatted with licensed therapist Aimee Smrz, PhD. Dr. Smrz works in our offices in Massachusetts and helps patients cope with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, depression, childhood trauma, and relationship problems. After earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, Dr. Smrz completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Harvard Medical School and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. She then continued her work at Harvard Vanguard until transitioning to PCA/CFPS recen...

This content has been updated from previous article on October 25, 2020. Mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all type of healthcare. Much like with physical health issues, people with mental health conditions need varying levels of care based on the severity of their symptoms. However, it can be hard for people to determine the right level of care for a loved one in a mental health crisis. The standard level of care often entails weekly appointments with a therapist and periodic medication management check-ins, but it may not suit everyone’s needs. In cases where an individual’s mental health condition poses an immediate threat to their physical well-being, a more intensive care plan becomes imperative. Such situations could involve severe, acute conditions like active suicidal ideation, intense self-harm behaviors, or psychosis. In these instances, a higher level of care, such as inpatient hospitalization or a day program, may be necessary to provide immediate support, safety, and specialized treatment to stabilize the individual’s mental health and prevent harm....

This content has been updated from previous article on December 15, 2020. When you’ve lived with a mental illness for a long time, you can start to believe that you will always have negative thought patterns. For example, people with chronic Anxiety disorders may assume they will always worry a lot. People with depression may not see a way to be consistently happy or even content. Trauma survivors may believe that they will forever be on-edge. With a mindset like that, it’s easy to lose all hope. One relatively new, hard-to-pronounce concept offers optimism: neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, can benefit virtually everyone. It’s not limited to specific groups; rather, it’s a fundamental property of the human brain. People of all ages and backgrounds can harness neuroplasticity to enhance cognitive abilities, recover from injuries, or overcome various challenges. It’s particularly valuable for stroke patients, those with learning disabilities, individuals seeking to improve memory or motor skills, and even those looking to optimize cognitive function. Brain training exercises, therapy, and mindfulness techniques can all tap into neuroplasticity’s...

This content has been updated from previous article on December 1, 2020. It’s impossible to tell exactly how many people are in codependent relationships of some sort. But some experts estimate that up to 90 percent of Americans show some signs of codependency. Some of those signs lead to full-blown codependent relationships, which are unhealthy for everyone involved. Healthy relationships are built on mutual love, trust, and support. Healthy interdependent relationships distinguish each individual’s needs, and each partner makes an effort to support each other’s emotional and physical need without being demanding or controlling of the other. Healthy boundaries are also set between each partner, and communication styles clearly defined. How can you know if any of your relationships are codependent? First, it’s important to understand what “codependency” really means and compare your relationships to some common examples. Then ask yourself a few key questions to determine if you could use more independence in your important relationships....

This content has been updated from previous article on December 20, 2020. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) earned its name due to its historical position on the “borderline” between neurosis and psychosis, reflecting its complex and variable nature. This terminology originated in the mid-20th century when clinicians noticed patients displaying symptoms that didn’t neatly fit into established diagnostic categories. BPD belongs to the family of Personality Disorders, a group characterized by enduring and maladaptive behavior patterns. However, what sets BPD apart is its hallmark traits: unstable relationships, self-identity disturbances, impulsive actions, and intense mood swings. While sharing some features with other personality disorders, BPD has its unique profile and challenges, making it important for clinicians to distinguish it for accurate diagnosis and treatment. It’s estimated that 1.4% of the adult U.S. population has BPD, making it a relatively rare condition, and nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are people assigned female at birth (AFAB). BPD looks unique in each person, and the full list of symptoms is lengthy. However, all borderline personality disorder symptoms can be grouped in...

Panic attacks can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for those who suffer from them, and if you have a friend or loved one dealing with panic attacks, knowing how to help them can make a world of difference. Panic Attack 5 Step Emergency Guide If your loved one is in the middle of a panic attack now, stay as calm as possible and take the following five steps: Ensure their physical safety Speak calmly and say reassuring things Ask if they have prescription medication for panic disorder Try clinically proven therapeutic techniques Avoid taking specific actions that can worsen the symptoms If the person knows what panic attacks feel like and insist this is different, call 9-1-1. Panic attack symptoms can look very simi...