Wellness Posts by rschlauch

Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With The Victims And Families in Newtown, Connecticut....But Are We Doing Enough To Prevent Future Tragedies?

2012-12-17T22:09:22Z

Wellness.com - Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With The Victims And Families in Newtown, Connecticut....But Are We Doing Enough To Prevent Future Tragedies? by rschlauch

I wonder if I am the only one who questions the following: Are we, as Americans, Parents, and Christians doing enough to prevent terrible tragedies like the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school? As a clinician in the helping profession, I am extremely saddened and affected by the news that 27 people died today. The tragedy is even worse and horrific in nature as the majority of the victims were children. Why? Why do these events seem to be increasing in frequency in today's society?

I recall another time that I felt like this following the Columbine school shootings. Since then, there have been many other similar tragedies, with the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting happening less than six months ago. I write this post not to ignite political debate or polarize the issue, but to ignite the true horror, revulsion, anger, and sadness deep in our hearts that these mass shootings continue to happen. My fear is that this shooting will not be the last - and even worse, that there will come a time that tragic events like the one in Newtown, Connecticut will not resonate the appropriate feelings of shock and horror, but one of feeling numb and apathetic to the point of becoming detached, unaffected and ultimately desensitized. At that point, I fear we will have truly lost our humanity.

Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With The Victims And Families in Newtown, Connecticut.
Please join me in not only keeping the victims and families in Newtown in your thoughts and prayers, but to keep those you love safe and hold them close. Tell them you love them - as often as possible.

Author's note: I will leave comments for this post open. Please be considerate of others when posting....no haters, spammers or comedians.....this is not the time, place or forum for that. I am truly interested in how this has affected others. It is also my hope and intent that when enough people get behind an important issue or cause such as this one, then change for the better can happen.

Sincerely,
Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
http://palmettocounselingconsultingblog.com/wordpress/?p=448

Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC is proud to host.... 2012 Breakfast Club Lecture Series [in the PM]

2012-07-28T00:12:14Z

Wellness.com - Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC is proud to host.... 2012 Breakfast Club Lecture Series [in the PM] by rschlauch

The Breakfast Club is a series of workshops designed to provide professionals
with education and training on today's behavioral health issues.

Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Networking Opportunity 5 pm - 5:30 pm

"New Trends in Substance Abuse"
Presented by Robert E. Martin, J.D., CEAP

Attendees of this lecture will learn:
Biological, psychological, and social modalities
Theories of addiction
Current area substance abuse trends
What new substances are being abused
Recognizing the effects of new drugs of abuse
Resources for identifying new drugs of abuse

Robert E. Martin, J.D., CEAP, received his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law and his Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY-Empire State College. He has over 19 years of substance abuse treatment experience. Bob is a certified Employee Assistance Professional and has spoken at the EAPA national conferences. He has worked for various community substance abuse programs, most recently serving as Program Director for CMC-Mercy Horizons for the past 14 years.

For reservations, email palmettocounseling@gmail.com [803] 329-9639

This presentation will be held in the Business Technology Center [BTC] Conference Room, 454. S. Anderson Road, BTC Suite #115, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Seminars are free and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. This seminar is pending approval for C.E.U. credits (PDH and CSAC). Certificates will be given for attendees of the seminar.

Horizons Outpatient Services / Behavioral Health Centers www.behavioralhealthcenters.org

Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Learn How To Challenge Negative Thinking

2012-07-28T00:10:42Z

Wellness.com - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Learn How To Challenge Negative Thinking by rschlauch

As part of my counseling practice, I counsel clients on the destructive impact of how negative thinking can contaminate our feelings and behavior. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I frequently work with people who are trapped in a cycle of engaging in catastrophic and negative thinking that contribute to intense feelings of depression, anxiety, or anger.
As noted in the recent article, "CBT Cuts Relapse Rates in Persistent Depression," the author notes that the use of Rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in treating depression showed a "significant lowering of residual depressive symptoms severity, as shown with a 50% or more decrease in baseline score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD)." Brauser, 2011

Similar to the article referenced above, many other articles discuss the benefits and use of CBT in treating mental health conditions. One of the the primary tenets of CBT is that before we can learn to control our emotions, we must first learn how to control our thoughts - thus, it is important to keep the following in mind:
-Our thoughts have a direct influence on our feelings and behavior.
Although this idea is hardly new or novel, individuals who often dwell on the 'worst case scenario' of various situations in their lives (i.e., 'expect the worst to happen') and use this as a defense coping mechanism to protect them from experiencing intense feelings of disappointment, hurt, or pain.
The problem with this kind of negative thinking is that it is not without consequence....namely, that because we 'think or believe the worst may happen'....these thoughts can actually lead to physiological changes in our bodies in which we experience internal feelings of dread, apprehension, worry or even anxiety. It is as if our negative thoughts 'trick or fool' our bodies into believing the 'worst-case scenario' have already happened!

So how can a person change a lifetime pattern of negative thinking? Is it possible that instead of seeing the 'glass being half-empty' a person can change their perspective and begin to search for the positives in life and view the 'glass as being half-full'?
The answer is YES!
As part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, your therapist will help you challenge negative thoughts and begin to replace with more realistic and positive thoughts. Please stop by again for more tips that can help you experience and practice the power of positive thinking.....

Modifying Automatic Thoughts
Examining The Evidence
Assessing Symptoms of Anxiety
Psycho-education on the CBT Model
Cognitive Therapy: The Case of Tim
The Secret & Law of Attractions
Warm Regards,

Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
454 S. Anderson Road
BTC Suite #115 Rock Hill, SC 29730-3392
Phone (803) 329-9639
www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com
email: info@palmettocounselingconsulting.com

Addiction and Impact On The Family

2012-07-28T00:09:36Z

Wellness.com - Addiction and Impact On The Family by rschlauch

In this issue, we feature a Book Review from our very own, Ms. Jean Earhart, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that there is help available - For more information, please visit Palmetto Counseling's website or call (803) 329-9639 to schedule an appointment.

In working with families in recovery I find several self-help books to be very helpful. When a spouse has codependent traits I often refer to one of my favorite authors, Melody Beattie.

In 1987, she wrote the book "Codependent No More." It is as applicable today as it was 25 years ago. When working with families who suffer from addictions, the family system generally tries to find someone to take responsibility for other people's behaviors. When that happens individuals try to compensate by controlling others, often at the expense of their own needs.

Codependent No More addresses this issue and suggests ways that help individuals to stop focusing on others and start taking care of themselves and their own needs. One of the biggest problems with codependents is they don't have healthy boundaries and don't know or how to set boundaries. This interferes with their relationships within the family, at work, and in the community. They need to learn to ask themselves the question, "Whose problem is this?" If it is not their problem they need to let it go and move on. While the addict must focus on recovery from their addiction, the codependent must focus on their addiction to the addict's problem and learn to distinguish the difference between the two by focusing on their emotional, physical, and spiritual health instead of the addict's problem.

Other helpful books by Melody Beattie are: Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All The Time; The Language of Letting Go: Daily meditations for Codependents; Codependents' Guide to the Twelve Steps.

Authored by Jean Earhart, MSW, LCSW July 9, 2011

Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC

454 S. Anderson Road
BTC Suite #115 Rock Hill, SC 29730-3392
Phone (803) 329-9639
www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com
email: info@palmettocounselingconsulting.com

Anxiety: Strategies to Reduce Excessive Worry and Irrational Fear

2012-07-28T00:08:21Z

Wellness.com - Anxiety: Strategies to Reduce Excessive Worry and Irrational Fear by rschlauch

Anxiety can be defined as experiencing intense feelings of fear, dread or apprehension that have not been connected to a specific danger or identified threat. The word “anxiety” originates from the Latin word anxius, which is a state of agitation and distress (Brantley, 2003).

Most all of us experience feelings of anxiety or nervousness on occasion. This is perfectly normal. However, when excessive fear causes significant impairment in daily functioning, a person may consider scheduling an appointment with a mental health provider to evaluate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:
-Excessive / uncontrollable worry about events
or activities (such as work or school performance).
-Feeling on edge or keyed up
-Worry excessively about acting / speaking more
aggressively than you should
-Being easily fatigued
-Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
-Irritability
-Muscle tension
-Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying
asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
-Is afraid of being around other people
-Has fear of performing
-Tries to avoid social situations (If unavoidable,
feels awful)
-Fear interferes with (sleep, school, activities)
-Feels very uncomfortable because of fear
-Feels that behavior does not make sense (e.g.,“why do I have to worry about this when it seems like other people don‟t”)

Phobic object/situation: When confronted with object/situation:
-Gets uptight and scared, can‟t move
-Cries, clings to parents, throws tantrums
-Avoids object/situation
-Becomes nauseated, feels faint
-Fear interferes with (sleep, school, activities)
-Feels super uncomfortable because of fear
-Is more scared of object/situation than peers
-Fear seems silly to person
Strategies To Cope with Anxiety
According to The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH 2011)
Psychotherapy: involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor to discover what caused an anxiety disorder and how to deal with its symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): is very useful in treating anxiety disorders. The cognitive part helps people change the thinking patterns that support their fears and the behavioral part helps people change the way they react to anxiety-provoking situations.
As an example, CBT can help people with panic disorders learn that their panic attacks are not really heart attacks and help people with social phobia learn how to overcome the belief that others are always watching and judging them.
When people are ready to confront their fears, they are shown how to use exposure techniques to desensitize themselves to situations that trigger their anxieties. People with OCD who fear, dirt and germs are encouraged to get their hands dirty and wait increasing amounts of time before washing them. The therapist helps the person cope with the anxiety that waiting produces; after the exercise has been repeated a number of times the anxiety diminishes.
People with social phobia may be encouraged to spend time in feared social situations without giving in to the temptation to flee and to make small social blunders and observe how people respond to them. Since the response is usually far less harsh than the person fears, these anxieties are lessened. People with PTSD may be supported through recalling the traumatic event in a safe situation, which helps reduce the fear it produces. CBT Therapists also teach deep breathing and other types of exercises to relieve anxiety and encourage relaxation.
Exposure-based behavioral therapy has been used for many years to treat specific phobias. The person gradually encounters the object or situation that is feared. The object or situation that is feared perhaps at first through pictures or tapes, then later face-to-face. Often the therapist will accompany the person to a feared situation to provide support and guidance. CBT is undertaken when people decide they are ready for it and with their permission and cooperation. To be effective, the therapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and must be tailored to his or her needs. There are no side effects other than the discomfort of temporarily increased anxiety.
CBT or behavioral therapy often lasts about 12 weeks. It may be conducted individually or with a group of people who have similar problems. Group therapy is particularly effective for social phobia. Often homework is assigned for participants to complete between sessions. There is some evidence that the benefits of CBT last longer than those of medication for people with panic disorder and the same may be true for OCD, PTSD, and social phobia. If a disorder recurs at a later date, the same therapy can be used to treat it successfully a second time. Medication can be combined with psychotherapy for specific anxiety disorders, and this is the best treatment approach for many people.
Medication: will not cure anxiety disorders, but it can keep them under control while the person receives psychotherapy. Medication must be prescribed by physicians, usually psychiatrists who can either offer psychotherapy themselves or work as a team with psychologists, social workers or counselors who provide psychotherapy.
The principal medications used for anxiety disorders are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers to control some of the physical symptoms. With proper treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives.
Antidepressants: were developed to treat depression but are also effective for anxiety disorders. Although these medication begin to alter brain chemistry after the very first dose, their full effect requires about 4 to 6 weeks before symptoms start to fade. It is important to continue taking these medication long enough to see them work.
SSRIs: Some of the newest antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. SSRIs alter the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which like other neurotransmitters helps brain cells communicate with one another.
Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa) are some of the SSRIs commonly prescribed for panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and social phobia. SSRIs are also used to treat panic disorder when it occurs in combination with OCD, social phobia, or depression. Venlafaxine (Effexor), a drug closely related to SSRIs, is used to treat GAD. these medication are started at low doses and gradually increased until they have a beneficial effect.
SSRIs have fewer side effects than older antidepressants, but they sometimes produce slight nausea or jitters when people first start to take them. These symptoms fade with time. Some people also experience sexual dysfunction with SSRIs, which may be helped by adjusting the dosage or switching to another SSRI.
Tricyclics are older than SSRIs and work as well as SSRIs for anxiety disorders other than OCD. They are also started at low doses that are gradually increased. They sometimes cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain, which can usually be corrected by changing the dosage or switching to another tricyclic medication. Tricyclics include imipramine (Tofranil), which is prescribed for panic disorder and GAD , and clomipramine (Anatranil), which is the only tricyclic antidepressant useful for treating OCD.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the oldest class of antidepressant medications. The MAOIs most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders are phenelzine (Nardil), followed by tranylcypromine (Parnate) and isocarboxazid (Marplan), which are useful in treating panic disorder and social phobia. People who take MAOIs cannot eat a variety of foods and beverages (including cheese and red wine) that contain tyramine or take certain medications including some types of birth control pills, pain relievers (such as Advil, Motrin or Tylenol) cold and allergy medications, and herbal supplements; these substances can interact with MAOIs to cause dangerous increases in blood pressure. The development of a new MAOI skin patch may help lessen these risks. MAOIs can also react with SSRIs to produce a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which can cause confusion, hallucinations, increased sweating, muscle stiffness, seizures, changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
Anti-Anxiety Drugs: high-potency benzodiazepines combat anxiety and have few side effects other than drowsiness. Because people can get used to them and may need higher and higher doses to get the same effect, benzodiazepines are generally prescribed for short periods of time, especially for people who have abused drugs or alcohol and who become dependent on medication easily. One exception to this rule is people with panic disorder, who can take benzodiazepines for up to a year without harm. Clonzepam (Klonopin) is used for social phobia and GAD, lorazepam (Ativan) is helpful for panic disorder, and alprazolam (Xanax) is useful for both panic disorder and GAD.
Some people experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking benzodiazepines abruptly instead of tapering off anxiety can return once the medication is stopped. These potential problems have led some physicians to shy away from using these drugs or to use them in inadequate doses. Buspirone (Buspar), anzapirone, is a newer anti-anxiety medication used to treat GAD. Possible side effects include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Unlike benzodiazipines, buspirone must be taken consistently for at least 2 weeks to achieve an anti-anxiety effect.
Beta-Blockers such as propranol (Inderal), which is used to treat heart conditions, can prevent the physical symptoms that accompany certain anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia. When a feared situation can be predicted (such as giving a speech), a doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker to keep physical symptoms of anxiety disorder under control.

Before taking medication for an anxiety disorder….
-Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the drug.
-Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications you are using.
-Ask your doctor when and how the medication should be stopped. Some drugs can’t be stopped abruptly, but must be tapered off slowly under a doctor’s supervision.
-Work with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you and what dosage is best. Be aware that some medications are effective only if they are taken regularly and that symptoms may recur if the medication is stopped.
Medication and Psychotherapy: it is important to note that although helpful, medication will not completely cure anxiety disorders. Instead, medication may be used to help improve an individual’s ability to cope with anxiety provoking situations.
Psychiatrists often prescribe medication to help ease anxiety symptoms while the person works with a therapist to learn more adaptive ways of coping with triggers to their anxiety.
For more information, please visit….
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/treatment-of-anxiety-disorders.shtml
Warm Regards,

Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
454 S. Anderson Road
BTC Suite #115 Rock Hill, SC 29730-3392
Phone (803) 329-9639
www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com
email: info@palmettocounselingconsulting.com

Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing Symptoms, Triggers, & Aspects for Treatment

2012-07-28T00:06:37Z

Wellness.com - Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing Symptoms, Triggers, & Aspects for Treatment by rschlauch

Now that we are in the full swing of summer, it is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. Summer time provides us with the opportunity to take that overdue vacation, relax, and decompress from our hectic lives and enjoy ourselves! However, for some, this time may trigger feelings of sadness and loss as they may serve as painful reminders of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Perhaps you have suffered a major loss such as a breakup, divorce, separation, or experienced the death of someone close to you? These negative life events can be extremely stressful and difficult to cope with. But how can you tell if you are just 'down-in-the-dumps' and 'feeling blue' or may be experiencing something more serious like Major Depression?
Major depression is considered a serious medical condition and may be present when five (or more) of the following symptoms occur within the same 2-week period (or longer) and represent a significant change in functioning:
Symptoms of Major Depression
-Depressed Mood, Sadness, Feelings of Worthlessness, Emptiness, or Hopelessness
-Inappropriate Feelings of Guilt, Overly Sensitive to Criticism / Feelings of Rejection, Uncontrollable Crying, Loss of Self-Esteem or Self-Blame
-Irritability, Agitation, Increased Feelings of Restlessness, Difficulty Controlling Temper
[Note: In children and adolescents they may present with symptoms of irritable mood rather than depressed or sad mood]

-Apathy, Lack of Motivation, Boredom, Loss of Interest in Friends, Family or Lack of Enjoyment in Activities that were Previously Enjoyed
-Unexplained or Increased Body Aches / Pains
-Isolation, Avoidance, or Social Withdrawal
-Poor Appetite or Overeating; Change in Appetite with Weight Loss or Gain
-Insomnia or Excessive Sleeping
-Fatigue, Lethargy, Excessive Tiredness, Loss of Energy, Decreased Sex Drive
-Difficulty Concentrating, Forgetfulness, Poor Memory, or Indecisiveness
-Significant Decrease in Work / School Performance, Trouble Completing Tasks, Neglect of Responsibilities, Hygiene or Appearance
-Passive Thoughts of Suicide / Comments about Death / Excessive Feelings of Guilt (e.g., "I wish I was never born", "I am bad", or "Everything is my fault")
-Suicidal Thoughts, Comments, or Threats (e.g., "It would be better if I was not here", "I want out", or "No one cares if I live or die")
-Specific Plan for Committing Suicide or Suicide Attempt
-Self-Injury or Reckless Behavior

*NOTE: Seek Help Immediately if You or Someone You Know Has Thoughts of Suicide - call 911 or report to Emergency Room and inform them that you need immediate assistance.

National Suicide Prevention Lifelines:
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
1-888-SUICIDE (1-888-784-2433)
1-877-SUICIDA (1-877-784-2432) (Spanish)
Common Triggers of Depression
Death of a loved one
Divorce
Job Loss
Financial Problems
Change in Health
New Baby in the Family
Move / Relocation
Change in Job / School
Family Conflict
Retirement
Substance Abuse
Isolation
Aging
Family History of Depression
Organic Causes
Low Levels of Serotonin, Norepinephrine, or Dopamine
Postpartum, Pre-menstrual, and Postnatal Hormone Changes
Genetic Basis / Positive Family History of Depression
High Levels of Cortisol
Prescription Drugs such as Reserpine, Beta-Blockers, Alpha-Methyldopa, Levodopa, Estrogens
Substance Abuse / Substance Dependence
Toxic-Metabolic Conditions such as Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Hypercalcemia, Hyponatremia, Diabetes Mellitus
Neurological Conditions such as Stroke, Subdural Hematoma, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain Tumor, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's Disease, Uncontrolled Epilepsy, Syphilis, Dementia
Nutritional Deficiencies

Treatment for Depression
Anti-Depressant Medication: can ease symptoms of depression and allow you to return to normal functioning. However, it is important to note that medication alone will not cure the root cause(s) of your depression.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is an empirically supported treatment that focuses on patterns of thinking that are maladaptive and the beliefs that underlie such thinking. People who seek CBT can expect their therapist to be active, problem-focused, and goal-directed.

Visit Your Doctor: It is important to evaluate whether your depression may be caused by an underlying medical condition; which will require an evaluation with a licensed mental health practitioner, psychiatrist, or medical doctor to assess your treatment needs. Because depression can vary in severity, your depressive symptoms may require treatment involving a combination of medication management and mental health counseling. For severe depression, this may require more intensive treatment such as hospitalization or intensive outpatient / partial hospitalization.

Patience with Anti-Depressant Medication: This can be difficult for some people as they are initially tried on anti-depressants and work with their physician to find the right medication, dose, or combination of anti-depressant medication.
You may experience some initial side effects; which are typically mild and eventually lessen over time. Regular communication with your healthcare provider will ensure that the medications are working to ease your symptoms. Keep in mind that anti-depressants need time to build up in your system before they reach therapeutic levels...it may take up to 4 - 6 weeks before you begin to feel better and experience a lessening of your depressive symptoms.
Medication and Counseling - The "Gold Standard" Although medication can quickly relieve some of the symptoms of depression, research has shown that other treatments, including counseling, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet can also be effective in treating symptoms of depression. If you decide to try anti-depressant medication, please remember that medication works best when augmented with counseling as well.

Lifestyle Changes To Help Depression
Exercise: is an effective way to prevent the symptoms of depression. Regular exercise helps boost serotonin, endorphins, and other neurotransmitters that help regulate your moods by triggering the growth of cells and connections within the brain, similar to the way anti-depressant medications work.
Social Support: People who suffer from depression may isolate themselves or withdrawal from family and friends; which can exacerbate symptoms of depression. While you are depressed it is important to surround yourself with family and friends. Consider volunteering, joining a class, or a depression support group to ensure that you receive sufficient support and enhance your social interaction with others.
Sleep: has a significant impact on our mood. Depression can worsen if we do not get enough restorative sleep. If you become sleep deprived (or sleep too much), this can increase feelings of irritability, mood instability, and general fatigue. To ensure that you are getting enough rest, try to get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night.
Reduce Stress: Make necessary changes in your life to ensure that you find healthy ways to effectively manage stress. Excessive or prolonged stress can worsen your depression and tax your immune system.

Nutrition: is important for both your physical and mental well-being. Eating small, well-balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day will help maintain your energy level and keep your moods stable.

Warm Regards,
Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW

Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
454 S. Anderson Road
BTC Suite #115 Rock Hill, SC 29730-3392
Phone (803) 329-9639
www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com
email: info@palmettocounselingconsulting.com

Antidepressants in primary care: Is this how to treat depression?

2012-07-28T00:05:35Z

Wellness.com - Antidepressants in primary care: Is this how to treat depression? by rschlauch

Interesting article from the LA Times and follow-up video on YouTube..."Antidepressants are now the third most-prescribed medication by Primary Care Physicians in America."

Although the article and You Tube video is hardly flattering in terms of their criticism and suggestion that physicians are providing less-than adequate care by perhaps over-prescribing antidepressants to their patients for conditions other than clinical depression....however; this may also be a reflection of our current times [i.e., more Americans than ever are experiencing very high levels of stress due to the current state of the economy / loss of jobs / financial hardships and the toll it has taken on the American family].
Not that I agree with this practice or believe it should continue, but it may also reflect that Primary Care Physicians [PCP's] are merely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients presenting with symptoms of depression and it is far easier for the physician to just give the patient a script and send them on their way [rather than referring the patient for a thorough assessment with a Licensed Clinician or Psychiatrist who is trained in treating mental health disorders and can assess whether the patient may benefit from alternative forms of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, behavior modification, stress management and stress awareness, change in diet and adhering to a healthy life style before medication / antidepressants are tried].
Regardless, I am glad that the Times did this article as this issue clearly needs more attention / discussion as depression is a serious medical condition; which requires frequent follow-up and collaboration of care between providers [e.g., Clinician, Psychiatrist, and PCP] on the patient's behalf.
Warm Regards,

Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
454 S. Anderson Road
BTC Suite #115 Rock Hill, SC 29730-3392
Phone (803) 329-9639
www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com
email: info@palmettocounselingconsulting.com

Stressed-Out? Practical ways to cope with stress and anxiety

2012-07-28T00:04:35Z

Wellness.com - Stressed-Out? Practical ways to cope with stress and anxiety by rschlauch

Stressed-Out? Here are some easy and practical ways to cope with stress and anxiety:

-Get up 20 minutes early
-Don't rely on chemical aids to help you feel better
-Prepare for the morning the night before
-Don't rely on your memory.....write it down!
-Set priorities in your life
-Say 'no' more often and set healthy boundaries in your life
-Stop saying negative things about yourself
-Set goals for yourself
-Be responsible for your feelings - don't blame others for how you feel
-Take a chance and do something you've never done before
-Say something nice to someone
-Schedule 'down time' and make time for play
- Call up a friend and catch up
-Stop what you are doing, take a deep breath, stand up and stretch
-Keep a journal
-Exercise
-Eat a healthy diet
-Get enough sleep
-Practice breathing slowly
-Take a shower
-Take a vacation
-End a bad habit
-Stop trying to 'fix' other people
-Stop trying to please everyone
-Take stock of your achievements
-Talk less and listen more
-Learn to meet your own needs
-Unclutter your life
-Develop / Maintain your sense of humor
-Visualize yourself winning / completing a positive accomplishment
-Envision positive things happening in your life
-Break large tasks into smaller, bite-size portions
-Request help when you need it
-Ask a friend for a hug
-Don't know all the answers
-Look at challenges or problems differently
-Pray
-Find support from others
-Ask someone to be your 'vent partner'
-Believe in yourself

Warm Regards,

Rich Schlauch, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
454 S. Anderson Road
BTC Suite #115 Rock Hill, SC 29730-3392
Phone (803) 329-9639
www.palmettocounselingconsulting.com
email: info@palmettocounselingconsulting.com