Effects of Community Violence on Mental Health

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Community violence has been recognized as a major public health problem impacting both youth and adults. Some studies show that between 50% and 96% of urban youth have witnessed some type of community violence in their lifetime. Exposure to community violence is associated with a variety of emotional and behavioral problems including: PTSD, anxiety, depression, internalizing symptoms, suicidal behaviors, antisocial behavior, social withdrawal, substance use, and academic problems.

What is community violence? Community violence is the violence that happens between unrelated individuals, generally outside the home. Some examples of community violence can be:

-Assaults

-Shootings

-Fights among groups

Ways we can prevent community violence:

-Changing social norms through street outreach/violence interruption programs 

-Changing the physical environment through Crime Prevention organizations

-Preventing future risk and lessening the harms of violence exposure through hospital- community partnerships

-Strengthening economic support through job training and job programs

-Connecting youth to caring adults and activities such as mentorships

Ways to cope with community violence:

–Know the facts. Do not get caught up in rumors!

–Minimize media. Its okay to take a step back from the news for a mental and/or emotional break. Reading or watching the news too much can make you feel worse. 

–Make a plan with loved ones. Talk with friends and family about what to do in case of an emergency. Having a plan can help you feel more at ease and in control. 

–Distract yourself. Do things that you can control like working, exercise, socializing with f riends/family, etc.

-Be healthy. Stress can affect your health, so take care of your body with adequate meals, exercise and sleep!

Top 3 Mental Health diagnosis in Men

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By: Hailey Robertson

In the United States, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health problem each year (www.NAMI.org). The top 3 mental health diagnosis in men are Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder. 

Depression: 

  • Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. (www.mayoclinic.org)
  • Over 6 million men suffer from depression each year. Men typically experience symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work, rather than feelings of sadness or worthlessness. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that occurs following witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event (www.mayoclinic.org)
  • According to the VA, six out of every 10 men experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. PTSD can develop weeks, months, or even years after the experience. 
  • Trauma related accidents are more likely to occur in men than women.

Substance Use Disorder: 

  • Substance Use Disorder is characterized by excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications, or illegal drugs. It can lead to physical, social, or emotional harm.
  • According to the CDC, men are twice as likely to binge drink than women. 
  • One in 5 men develop alcohol dependency during their lifetime. This results in men having a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths. 

Resources for help: 

  • Psychiatry: A psychiatrist can allow you to get the medications needed to treat your disorder. 
  • Therapy: A therapist can allow you to process your diagnoses and receive techniques available to use for treatment  
  • Support: A Client Support Specialist can allow you to build skills needed to help reduce the effects of your disorder 

Resources & References

https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

Statistics for Mental Health Disorders in LGBTQI Community

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By: Megan Eckles

According to NAMI (2022) LGBTQI stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex. This community of people make up a wide range of gender identification and sexual orientation. 

The Facts:

  • Those in the LGBTQI community are twice more likely to experience a mental health condition, compared to that of heterosexuals
  • According to a 2013 survey, 40% of LGBTQI adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend (NAMI, 2022). 
  • A 2019 school climate survey showed that 86% of LGBTQI youth reported being harassed or assaulted at school, which can significantly impact their mental health (NAMI, 2022).
  • High school students who identify as LGBTQI are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to peers who identify as heterosexual.
  • 40% of adults who identify as transgender have attempted suicide, compared to the 5% of the general US population.

How can you help?

  • The Trevor Project- this program offers 5 key programs to help fight against suicide in the LGBTQI community. The programs include:
    • Crisis Services 
    • Peer Support
    • Research
    • Public Education 
    • Advocacy
  • SAIGE (Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities)- is a division of the American Counseling Association, that strives to educate and help those in the LGBTQI community. They offer courses and certifications for mental health professionals. 

Hotline Numbers 

  • LGBT National Hotline- 888-843-4564 Provides confidential peer support, information, local resources and more, for all ages.
  • LGBT National Youth Talkine- 800-246-7743 Provides youth with confidential peer support, information, local resources and more, for callers though age 25. 
  • LGBT National Senior Hotline- 888-234-7243 Provides senior callers, ages 50+ confidential peer support, information, local resources and more.

Resources:

http://www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources?s=Talking+about+Suicide

Self-Care and Coping Skills for Mental Health Disorders

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By: Taylor Pemberton

Living with a mental health disorder can be difficult, frustrating, and exhausting. Research shows that medication and psychotherapy treatments can be very helpful, however, some individuals may need more day-to-day supports to feel more like oneself. Finding coping mechanisms may be time consuming but, with patience, also rewarding. 

Here are a few self-care supports and coping skills that may be helpful to add to your toolbox:

  1. Deep Breathing. Although breathing may sound cliché, it is one of the best skills to utilize in times of anxiety and panic. The repetition of the breathing helps send signals to the brain that everything will be okay by slowing down the heart rate. (NAMI.org)

-Some examples of this include the 5 3 7 method which suggests breathing in for 5 seconds, holding the breath for 3 seconds, and releasing the breath for 7 seconds. 

  1. Opposite-to-Emotion Thinking. This technique is exactly how it sounds…act in the opposite way that your emotions are telling you to act. 

-If your brain is upset and you feel the urge to isolate, then the opposite of this is to interact with others or be around others. If you are feeling anxious, combat the nervousness with calming techniques such as meditation or listening to music. If you are feeling manic, turn to something that can help stabilize you like daily routines. (NAMI.org)

  1. The 5 Senses. This is an effective way to utilize the physical space around you to ground you through times of high emotion or crisis. (NAMI.org)

-Think of 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste…or any variation of the 5!

  1. Get Active! Get physical, change up your environment, meditate, engage in your favorite activities, socialize with friends/family, etc. (Med.upenn.edu)
  1. Engage in Self-Care Strategies. Keep a journal, read a new book, go for a walk, gardening, DIY projects, art creations, take a nap, go for a relaxing bath, listen to music, etc. Self-care is most important when it is personalized to you! (Med.upenn.edu)

Resources

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/january-2019/self-help-techniques-for-coping-with-mental-illness

https://www.med.upenn.edu/bbl/assets/user-content/Strategies%20for%20Coping%20and%20Self-Care_Schmidt_PERC_15Jun2020.pdf

How to Maintain Mental Health Over Summer Break

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By: Taylor Pemberton

Although summer can be a time of fun and relaxation, many individuals report that summer can be difficult when dealing with mental health issues. Those who deal with anxiety and stress may find summer more overwhelming due to its “care free” nature and less structure of time and schedules. 

Some tips to help with taking care of your mental health this summer include:

  • Get active! Summer is a great time for heading outside, enjoying the sunshine, and getting those endorphins flowing. Some summer activities may include swimming, hiking, playing sports, going for a walk, rock climbing, and more. 
  • Don’t forget your goals. Goals are a great way to keep you motivated and on track towards something you want. Setting goals can also help you feel more structured during the summer where things may feel more chaotic.
  • Change of scenery. Changing up your environment can help your body take in new things and feel refreshed and recharged. This can be big, like going for a vacation, or small, like going on a walk or drive somewhere new!
  • Spend time outside. It is scientifically proven that being outside, getting fresh air, and taking in sunlight is good for you both mentally and physically. This can increase endorphins and serotonin levels leaving you feeling more happy, relaxed, and an overall increase in mood and attitude. 
  • Mindfulness and meditation. Stress and anxiety can take us out of the daily swing of things, and leave us feeling worried, nervous, and on edge. Practicing mindfulness and/or meditation can get us back in the present moment to feel more relaxed and at ease. Meditate using a cool app or practice mindfulness to your favorite music! 
  • Enjoy your time off. During the summer, it can be easy to get caught up in the things you need to do, or have been putting off; however, it is important to remember to make time for things you enjoy!
  • Create structure through scheduling. Many people, especially children, thrive on routine. Find something that keeps you or your family in routine to help promote less stress or anxiety. This can look like scheduled playdates, outings, daily chores, and more!

Resources

https://www.inspirewellness.com/post/how-to-maintain-good-mental-health-for-kids-during-summer-break

https://www.unh.edu/healthyunh/blog/psychological-health/2019/07/how-take-care-your-mental-health-summer

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

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By: Hailey Robertson

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts individuals’ ability to regulate their emotions. This disorder is marked by instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning. 

In the United States, Borderline Personality Disorder is only present in 1.6% of the general population and 20% in the inpatient psychiatric population. 

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorders include: 

  • Wide mood swings that last hours to a few days, this can include intense happiness, irritability, shame or anxiety
  • Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image that include shifting goals and values
  • Intense fear of abandonment, even taking extreme measures to avoid real or imagined separation or rejection
  • A pattern of unstable intense relationships, such as idealizing someone one moment and then suddenly believing the person does not care enough
  • Impulsive and risk-taking behaviors 
  • Ongoing feelings of emptiness
  • Intense anger, losing temper, sarcastic, or having physical fights
  • Suicidal threats or behavior or self-injury, often in response to fear of separation or rejection 

If you or someone you know has symptoms or a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder here are resources for help:

  • Psychiatrist – A psychiatrist can help with diagnosing and providing medication that may be needed for treatment
  • Therapist- A Therapist can help you understand the diagnosis and help you process your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. 
  • Client Support Specialist- A Client Support Specialist can help support you through treatment and equip you with the skills necessary for everyday life. 

Resources

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019, July 17). Borderline personality disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20370237

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Borderline personality disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Personality Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/personality-disorders

Understanding PPD and PPA

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By: Hailey Robertson

Postpartum Depression is defined as a severe, long-lasting form of depression after the birth of a baby. 

Most new mothers experience a form of postpartum called “baby blues” that last typically one to two weeks after the baby is born. Postpartum depression is a more severe form of the “baby blues” with more severe and long-lasting symptoms.

Baby Blues symptoms:               vs.              Postpartum Depression symptoms:

  • Mood swings                               
  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Irritability
  • Feeling Overwhelmed 
  • Crying 
  • Reduced Concentration
  • Appetite Problems

Postpartum Depression is not limited to just mothers; fathers can also develop postpartum depression, especially new fathers. The symptoms present the same as they do in mothers. 

Risk factors for Postpartum Depression for men: 

  • Young
  • History of Depression
  • Relationship problems
  • Struggling financially 

Postpartum Anxiety commonly occurs alongside Postpartum Depression. But Postpartum Anxiety comes with its distinct symptoms. 

Postpartum Anxiety symptoms include:

  • Cannot feel relaxed
  • A constant sense of worry
  • Constant thoughts that something terrible will happen to the baby
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Dizziness or nausea 

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Treatment

Postpartum Depression or Anxiety can be treated through various options: 

  • Reach out to medical provider with PPD or PPA concerns
  • Seek professional through Mental Health providers for Therapy or support from a Client Support Specialist

Resources 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, September 1). Postpartum depression. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617 

Statistics on Asian Pacific American Individuals in Mental Health

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By: Megan Eckles

The Facts:

  • Over 24 million Americans, or 7.3% of the U.S. population, are considered Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI; NAMI, 2022)
  • APPI encompasses 50 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages, with connections to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries.

Barriers to Mental Health: 

  • Asian Americans do not access mental health treatment as much as other racial/ethnic groups do, perhaps due to strong stigma related to mental illness. Emotional problems are viewed as shameful and distressing which may limit help-seeking behaviors. Asian Americans with mental health problems tend to rely on family to handle problems. (Asian American Suicide Prevention & Education, 2022).
  • Some AAPIs do not seek help due to fear of immigration laws and possible deportation (NAMI, 2022). 
  • The is the lack of competent care for those in the community. 
  • Language barriers, roughly 32.6% AAPIs are not fluent in English, and those over 65 make up 60% of that (NAMI, 2022).

Seeking Culturally Competent Care:

Culturally competent care means to understand a person’s values, experiences and personal beliefs, while making strides to provide services that support their goals and are in alignment with their cultural values. 

Ways to provide/find culturally competent care:

  • The Asian Mental Health Collective connects AAPI clients with AAPI therapists
  • Asian American Psychological Association offers a Graduate Leadership Institute (GLI), which offers students a deeper understanding about the AAPI community, and self in relation to the community
  • According to NAMI (2022), traditional/non-western medicine or indigenous healing practices, which often emphasize the integration of mind and body in maintaining health and promoting healing, remain popular forms of mental health intervention in some AAPI communities. These practices include, but are not limited to:
    • Traditional Chinese medicine
    • Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India)
    • Japanese herbal medicine
    • Tibetan medicine
    • Acupuncture
    • Massage therapy
    • Folk nutritional therapy
    • Energy healing exercises (such as tai chi and qi gong)
    • Guided meditation
    • Spiritual healing

How to Help:

Asian LifeNet Hotline provides help with suicide for AAPI. They provide services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Fujianese. 1-877-990-8585

Resources:

https://aaspe.net/index.html

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Asian-American-and-Pacific-Islander

Medication Adherence and the Impact on Mental Health

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By: Kristin Trammell (Therapist/Training Specialist)

Taking prescriptions for mental health needs is a very common practice in America. While medication may not solve or be a complete cure, it can help give people a leg up in being able to regulate themselves and cope with stressors. Medication, however, can only be as effective as we help it to be; meaning that we want to take it regularly, timely, and want to avoid foods, drinks, or activities that may contraindicate the medication’s effectiveness. 

Experiencing mental health difficulties can be a barrier in taking medication regularly and as prescribed. Often times people may not take their medication as they should due to forgetfulness, stigma, denial that they need it for their health, lack of understanding, expense, side effects, or feeling like they do not need it anymore. 

Here are a few tips in maintaining medication adherence to enable further mental health recovery:

  1. Be honest with your doctor about concerns of the medication regarding side effects, necessity of the prescription, or if you feel you do not need it any longer. 
  2. Seek payment assistance for prescriptions through local medbanks or non-profit programs, such as Salvation Army. Utilize non-profit pharmacies, such as Good Pill Pharmacy, https://www.goodpill.org/, and discount programs, such as GoodRX, https://www.goodrx.com/.
  3. Set an alarm on your phone, watch, or clock, or set a reminder in your schedule/calendar each day at the same to ensure you take the medication on time every day.
  4. Eat healthy foods and limit foods that can contraindicate the medication. Two foods that can contribute to anxiety and depression are sugar and caffeine, so it is a good idea to limit or avoid these. 
  5. Exercise daily: Go for a walk, complete a chore, lift weights, stretch, play with your pet or child. Anything to help us get moving is a good place to start! Exercising can help trigger pleasure and happy chemicals in the brain that can have a positive impact on overall mood and health. 
  6. Be honest with your doctor or therapist regarding possible stigma of taking prescriptions for mental health. Remind yourself mental health prescriptions are a resource to assist you in coping, and taking them does not mean there is something wrong with you. Many people in America take some type of medication for physical or mental health every day. Our brains and bodies operate with chemicals and electrical impulses, and sometimes these chemicals can become imbalanced, which medication can support us in balancing out chemicals within the body to help our overall health. 

References

Chisholm-Burns MA, Spivey CA. The cost of medication nonadherence: Consequences we cannot afford to accept. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2012;52(6):823-826.

Jimmy B, Jose J. Patient medication adherence: measures in daily practice. Oman Med J. 2011;26(3):155- 9. DOI: 10.5001/omj.2011.38. PubMed PMID: 22043406; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3191684.

National Aliance on Mental Illness. (2016). Medication plan adherence. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/Medication-Plan-Adherence

Common Co-Occurring Diagnoses with Alcohol Addiction

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By: Anna Fortune, Director of Substance Use Services and Anna Giddens, Community Support Specialist

Individuals who have both a mental health and a substance use diagnosis are said to have a co-occurring diagnosis (or dual diagnosis). One-third of individuals who have an alcohol use disorder also have a mental health disorder. There are many mental health conditions that can co-occur with alcohol use disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), three mental disorders most commonly comorbid with alcoholism are major depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder.

Alcohol Use Disorder can cause symptoms and behaviors of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis both during intoxication and withdrawal. On the other hand, mental health diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and childhood trauma can create an increased risk of someone developing an alcohol use disorder. Co-occurring diagnoses can occur simultaneously or sequentially, yet it is important to note that there is not always a causal factor between the two. There are also many instances where intoxication and withdrawal look like a psychiatric disorder that is not actually there.  

When seeking treatment for co-occurring issues, it is imperative to treat both and not neglect one of the conditions while focusing on the other. This should be a standard part of every alcohol treatment program as the relationship between the two diagnoses can impact each disorder’s symptom severity and frequency. 

Most common symptoms of a dual diagnosis include:

  • Isolating oneself from family and friends
  • Changes in appetite, such as eating more or less than usual
  • Loss of energy and motivation
  • Trouble concentrating or completing tasks
  • Neglecting personal or professional responsibilities 
  • Increased irritability, anger, or anxiety
  • Rationalizing excessive alcohol consumption

References:

https://www.alcohol.org/co-occurring-disorder/Dual diagnosis. Alcohol Rehab Guide. (2022, February 24). Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/dual-diagnosis/