Parental Controls

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The week of May 2nd-8th is Screen-Free Week, this means that you take a break from all technology including the TV! The purpose of a screen-free week is to reinstate the joy of life outside of technology. 

Why is screen-free time important? This is because too much screen time can have harmful effects on children’s development. Here are some negative effects screen time can have: 

  • Children are rapidly learning the language at ages 1.5 to 3 years old. Studies show that these children learn better from a person than from a television show. Statistics have shown that those children who watched more tv than adult interactions performed less on reading tests in Elementary school. 
  • For children three or young, screen time can take away a crucial part of their development by limiting their exposed experiences and observations of the real world.
  • Premature thinning of the cortex in the brain using technology seven or more hours a day. This region is essential for cognitive functioning and is not supposed to start thinning until later development. 
  • Screens also impact the circadian rhythm and the production of melatonin. This is due to the blue light screen inhibiting melatonin production, decreasing sleep. 

What parental controls can be in place for safe screen time?

  • Watch TV shows with your child and add comments along the way to add personal commentary to help enable learning
  • Choose media-appropriate apps for your child
  • Keep meal-time, family time, and bedtime a screen-free space
  • Limit your own screen time because your child will modal after you
  • Set clear boundaries with all types of technology
  • Set specific time limits 
  • Plan ahead with consequences if technology rules are broken

Start today with monitoring and limiting technology use for you and your children. Challenge your family to participate in Screen-Free week May 2nd-8th 

Resources 

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Connected and content: Managing healthy technology use. American Psychological Association. Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/healthy-technology-use

Coping with screens: 12 tips for balancing children’s mental health and technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and Screens. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.childrenandscreens.com/media/press-releases/coping-with-screens-12-tips-for-balancing-childrens-mental-health-and-technology-use-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Save this to read later. Send to email 11 Min Read •Children’s Health. (2021, November 3). What does too much screen time do to kids’ brains? NewYork-Presbyterian. Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

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

Top 3 Mental Health Diagnoses in Women

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By: Hailey Robertson

The top 3 mental health diagnoses in women are Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

  1. Anxiety and other specific phobias: women are twice as likely to have a panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and specific phobias than men. 
  2. Depression: Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. 
  3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with PTSD following a traumatic event than men. 

What is Anxiety?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is marked by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events for no obvious reason. 

Symptoms include: feeling restless, easily fatigued, irritability, constant feelings of worry, etc. 

  • 1 in 5 women develop anxiety in the United States

What is Depression? 

Major Depressive Disorder is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. 

Symptoms include: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, angry outbursts, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, lack of energy, reduced appetite, trouble thinking, etc.

  • 1 in 8 women develop depression in the United States

What is PTSD? 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that is triggered by a traumatic event. 

Symptoms include: recurrent unwanted distressing memories, reliving traumatic events, upsetting dreams or nightmares, severe emotional distress, etc.

  • 10% of women have PTSD sometime in their lives

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

3 most common mental health disorders in America. Access Community Health Network. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://www.achn.net/about-access/whats-new/health-resources/3-most-common-mental-health-disorders-in-america/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/

Impacts of the War and Violence on Mental Health

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By: Kristin Trammell (Therapist/Training Specialist)

Today, war and large tragedies may be happening over 1,000 miles away, but with the common use of cell phones and social media the war and other tragedies’ impact can feel much closer to home. Many times, people with social media or access to live-feed news sources can constantly seek updates or monitor various situations. This compulsive behavior of constantly checking and monitoring is called doomscrolling. Doomscrolling initially can serve as a coping mechanism, because having constant information can help people feel reassured or feel a sense of control in uncertain situations (Liu, 2022). Although doomscrolling is a coping mechanism, it can quickly become unhealthy and become a barrier to mental health due to the access it provides to images, content, sounds, and stories regarding violence, war, and tragedy. It is not uncommon now to see videos and hear stories of families being separated, of bombings/shelling, and of people being critically injured, dying, or dead. Unfortunately, these events occur often throughout the world, but have become more prevalently witnessed due to the usage of cell phones and social media. 

Vicarious Trauma:

Witnessing war, violence, and other tragedies through secondary sources, such as television and social media, can lead to symptoms relating to vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma, otherwise known as secondary trauma, has historically been discussed as what people in helping professions can experience when serving others with first-hand trauma, but with the high intake of online content regarding trauma events, others can experience vicarious trauma, as well (Vicarious Trauma, 2022). Vicarious trauma means that people who witness or hear about the trauma secondhand can experience traumatic effects or stress responses. It is important to note that children, adolescents, and adults all can experience vicarious trauma, but symptoms may present differently according to age. 

Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma:

Children and adolescents can often experience stomach aches or headaches, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, increased emotional reactions, such as tantrums or feeling more irritable or sad, as well as experiencing changes in interests or avoidance of others (Torres, 2022).

Adults can often experience a change in worldview, distressing intrusive thoughts or images, increased feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness/helplessness, difficulty at work and with relationships, as well as changes in sleep patterns and appetite (Torres, 2022). 

Coping with Vicarious Trauma: 

For children and adolescents with vicarious trauma, we want to limit access to content that continuously presents war, violence, and tragic events. We then want to be open and curious in helping them understand events and their related reactions. It is okay to ask questions regarding if something is upsetting them. We can then validate and normalize the child’s feelings regarding traumatic events. We let them know that it is okay to be scared, concerned, sad, or angry and assure them that they can talk with a safe adult whenever they have questions. We can also search for ways to increase hope and resiliency with the child by exploring ways they can help others, no matter how small. It is also important to discuss how the child is currently safe, if they are concerned about their own safety. 

For adults with vicarious trauma, it is important to also limit access to content that continuously presents war, violence, and tragic events. For peers who are experiencing vicarious trauma, we want to provide support to them by offering a judgement free, listening ear. We want to validate their feelings and ask if there is a way we can help them through this time. We can offer a snack, a break, or a change in schedule, if needed. If we are the ones experiencing vicarious trauma, we want to step back and remind ourselves that it is okay to feel confused or upset and it is okay if we need time to take a break to gather ourselves. It is okay to ask for help from safe individuals. It is also helpful to remember that the basics go a long way; ensuring that we eat well, drink water, and practice healthy sleeping habits. 

If you, a friend, coworker, or a loved one are experiencing distress that hinders day to day tasks or are having difficulty managing strong emotions and intrusive thoughts, seeking professional help through counseling, peer support, or skills building is recommended and can be beneficial in the path to healing. If you would like further information in seeking help, go to https://gahope.org/ or call 706-279-0405. 

References

Joyful Heart Foundation. (2022). Vicarious trauma. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/learn/vicarious-trauma 

Liu, J. (2022, March 3). How to stop Doomscrolling when tragedy strikes-and what you could focus on instead. CNBC. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/25/how-to-stop-doomscrolling-when-tragedy-strikeswhat-you-could-focus-on-instead.html 

Torres, C. (n.d.). Psychologist offers mental health advice for kids, adults amid Ukraine-russia war. https://www.wbay.com. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.wbay.com/2022/03/21/psychologist-offers-mental-health-advice-kids-adults-amid-ukraine-russia-war/ 

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/

Facts About Sexual Assault and How to Prevent It

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By: Megan Eckles (Therapist/Training Specialist)

What is considered sexual assault?

According to the US Department of Justice, sexual assault is defined as means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center mentions that the are several forms of sexual violence, which include:

  • Rape
  • Child sexual assault and incest
  • Sexual assault by a person’s spouse or partner
  • Unwanted sexual contact/touching
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual exploitation and trafficking
  • Exposing one’s genitals or naked body to other(s) without consent
  • Masturbating in public
  • Watching someone engage in private acts without their knowledge or permission
  • Nonconsensual image sharing

Who is impacted by sexual assault?

Victims of sexual violence include people of all ages, races, genders, and religions — with and without disabilities.

  • Nearly one in five women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape some time in their lives.
  • In the United States, 1 in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape.
  • An estimated 32.3% of multiracial women, 27.5% of American Indian/Alaska Native women, 21.2% of non-Hispanic black women, 20.5% of non-Hispanic white women, and 13.6% of Hispanic women were raped during their lifetime (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2022).

The Facts:

  • Victims often know the person who sexually assaulted them.
  • People who sexually abuse usually target someone they know.           
    • Nearly 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew
    • 1 out of 5 were committed by a family member (RAINN, 2022). 

How to seek help:

National Sexual Assault Hotline:

1-800-656-4673

What can be done?

  • Raising awareness
  • Supporting survivors 
  • Getting involved to help change laws and policies regarding crimes of sexual violence and how survivors are treated

Resources:

https://www.nsvrc.org

https://www.rainn.org

https://www.nsvrc.org/about-sexual-assault

Signs of Child Abuse and How to Help

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By: Megan Eckles (Therapist/Training Specialsit)

What are the facts?

  • 1 in 7 children experienced abuse of neglect within the last year (CDC, 2022). 
  • In 2020 Georgia ranked 38th in the nation for child well-being (Georgia Division of Family and Children Services).

Types of Abuse

  • Physical Abuse: injury or death inflicted upon a child by a parent or caretaker other than by accidental means​
  • Neglect: parent or caretaker allows a child to experience avoidable suffering or fails to provide basic essentials for physical, social, and emotional development​
  • Emotional Abuse: parent or caretaker creates a negative emotional atmosphere for the child ​
  • Sexual Abuse: any adult or older or more powerful child employs, uses, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any minor to engage in any form of sexual intercourse​
  • Endangering a Child: a person intentionally allows a child under the age of 18 to witness the commission of a forcible felony, battery, or family violence, and/or a person knows that a child under the age of 18 is present and sees or hears the act, commits a forcible felony, battery, or family violence (Georgia Division of Family and Children Services).

Warning Signs of Abuse

Mayo Clinic notes multiple signs and symptoms of abuse.

  • Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
  • Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
  • Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
  • An apparent lack of supervision
  • Frequent absences from school
  • Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn’t want to go home
  • Attempts at running away
  • Rebellious or defiant behavior
  • Self-harm or attempts at suicide

What can I do?

As a mandated reporter, you are required to make a DFCS report. According to GA law, failure to report abuse can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

How to Report:

Child abuse and/or neglect reports are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A report can be submitted on online via the portal or by paper and faxed in.

1.855.GACHILD (+1 855-422-4453)

Resources:

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services: https://dfcs.georgia.gov

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20370864

http://www.pcageorgiahelpline.org