LifeStance Looks At . . .

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...

This content has been updated from previous article on February 15, 2021. The intersection of eating disorders and OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, stands out as a significant and intricate crossroads. Although commonly understood as separate conditions, these two disorders often share a common thread, revealing intriguing insights for both understanding and intervention. Even as far back as the 1930s, scientists have recognized a clear connection between OCD and eating disorders. This article uncovers the intricate dynamics between the two, aiming to enhance awareness and inform more effective health practices. Deconstructing Stereotypes of OCD and Eating Disorders Common misconceptions cloud our understanding of both ea...

This content has been updated from previous article on February 10, 2022. Many people hold off on getting the mental health care they need including therapy and counseling because they don’t think it will be covered by their insurance. While that may have been true years ago, things have changed quite a bit in September 2022. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have mandated that mental health and substance use disorder services be covered by insurance plans at the same level as medical and surgical services. This means that insurance plans are generally required to provide coverage for mental health treatment, therapy, counseling, and sometimes prescription medications. This means insurers must treat financial requirements equally. For example, an insurance company can’t charge a $60 copay for office visits to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist if it only charges a $10 copay for most medical office visits. Below we will review a simple check to help you make sure you can get the insurance coverage you need. By following these helpful steps listed below, you can get the most out of your insurance policy and get coverage for the mental health co...

This content has been updated from previous article on March 19, 2021. 800,000 new mothers are affected by a maternal mental health disorder each year in the United States. One in five new moms is affected but 75 percent of those women go without professional evaluation and treatment. Untreated maternal mental health disorders impact the mother, baby, family, and society as a whole and contribute to the incredibly high rate of suicide and overdose in postpartum moms. Aftermath of COVID-19 and Postpartum Mental Health The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of mental health disorders in our pregnant and postpartum moms. Social isolation and lack of access to support, as well as fin...