Category Archives: Mental Health

What is Dry January?

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New Year’s has come and gone, and we are all trying to stick to the resolutions we made. For some, a common resolution is giving up alcohol.  

Heavy social drinking can often be considered binge drinking. Binge drinking is when a man drinks five or more drinks and a woman drinks four or more drinks in one sitting.  

This is why many people commit to Dry January, which is when a person gives up drinking alcohol for the entire month.  

Dry January has become a very popular New Year’s resolution over the past few years. Recent research indicates that younger Americans are generally drinking less than previous generations. According to a poll released last summer, conducted by the analytics company Gallup, the percentage of Americans who said they drink fell to a record low of 54%. This is one percentage point lower than the previous record low in 1958. 

There are several health benefits to participating in Dry January, including: 

  • Increased energy levels 
  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate 
  • A decrease in liver inflammation 
  • Clearer skin and decreased facial puffiness and bloating 
  • A decrease in calorie consumption 
  • It helps shift your perspective and understanding of your relationship with alcohol 

There are many tips to help you succeed during Dry January, including: 

  • Reduce your alcohol consumption by half before you start 
  • Write down the goals you want to achieve and document your progress 
  • Abstain from drinking alcohol longer if you can  
  • Ease back into drinking alcohol if you choose to go back to drinking, and drink in moderation 
  • Surround yourself with supportive friends and family 
  • Be mindful of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include: 
    • Abdominal cramping 
    • Anxiety 
    • Dizziness 
    • Headaches 
    • Nausea 
    • Shaking 
    • Sweating  
    • Vomiting  
  • Avoid any situations that may tempt you to drink 
  • Participate in hobbies and other interests that don’t involve drinking alcohol 
  • Seek out extra help and resources if you need them 

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, our Psychiatry Department features a Division of Addiction Services where you or your loved one can receive comprehensive assessments and treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency. For more details about our unit, contact us at (718) 670-5693 or (718) 670-5540, or for additional information about our Reflections treatment program, please get in touch with us at (718) 670-5078. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How to Set Healthy Weight Loss Goals

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Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a difficult and sometimes daunting experience. There are many factors that can affect a person’s weight management, such as medical conditions, certain medicines, stress, age, genes, hormones, and environment.  

However, maintaining a lifestyle that consists of a good nutritional diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and proper sleep can support a healthy weight. Additionally, people who lose weight gradually, which is about one to two pounds a week, are more likely to keep the weight off than those who lose weight more quickly.  

If a person is not at a healthy weight, moderate weight loss can help improve their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Just a 5% to 10% reduction of their current weight may lower their risk for some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Other benefits of moderate weight loss include: 

  • More energy  
  • Better mobility  
  • A boost in self-confidence 
  • Improved fitness 

Starting a weight loss journey can be challenging. However, having and following a plan can help make the journey easier. Here are five steps that can help guide you to a healthier weight: 

  • Consider the reasons why you want to lose weight. Writing down your reasons and posting them where you can see them can help remind you why you are making this change and keep you focused on your weight loss goals 
  • Keep track of where you are as you begin your weight loss journey. You can keep a journal of your nutrition to help you keep track of what you eat and drink in a day. Make note of your physical activity by including the time of day you exercised, what activities you did, and for how long. Maintain a chart of your sleep schedule, including what time you went to sleep and woke up, and the number of hours you slept. Monitor your stress levels and the healthy ways you are reducing your stress. You can also track how you felt during your meals, when you exercise, and any lifestyle challenges that have affected your progress 
  • Set specific and realistic goals. Creating short-term goals with rewards can help prevent you from feeling frustrated when there is a setback. When setting short-term goals, focus on two or three goals at a time 
  • Find a good support system. Surround yourself with family or friends who are supportive of your weight loss goals. If they have similar goals, they may share resources that have helped them on their weight loss journey 
  • Stay up to date with your progress throughout your weight loss journey. Regularly evaluate your progress by revisiting the goals you set. Determine what has been working well and what hasn’t been, and use this information to make any changes to your goals and weight loss plan. If you are consistently meeting a particular goal, you can reward yourself for achieving your goals. It is important to recognize and be proud of your progress as you meet your goals. Rewarding yourself helps to keep you motivated and on the right path 

Please note that before you start your weight loss journey, speak with your healthcare provider so you can decide whether or not it’s a good time to set a weight loss goal. 

And if you do go on a weight loss journey, don’t get discouraged if you aren’t losing weight as quickly as you had hoped. Remember that sustainable weight loss takes time.  

For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Services at Flushing Hospital or procedures performed by our doctors, please call 718-408-6977 or 718-670-8908. 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Winter Dehydration

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Dehydration in the winter may seem less likely than in the summertime, but it is still a risk. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended amount of daily fluid intake is around 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 for women. For many of us, it might be harder to reach these quantities during the winter months.

Some causes of winter dehydration include:

  • Indoor heat
  • Bundling up in too many layers
  • Lack of thirst
  • Fluid loss from respiration
  • More frequent urination

There are many signs of dehydration, including:

  • The color of your urine
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth and chapped lips
  • Dry skin
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • A rapid heart rate

Here are some tips for staying hydrated in the winter:

  • Drink warm fluids if it is too difficult to drink cold water when it’s cold outside.
  • Infuse plain water by adding flavorings such as a wedge of lemon or lime, other pieces of fruit, or unsweetened water enhancers.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle with you to encourage daily hydration.
  • Eat homemade soups and water-rich fruits and vegetables to help increase fluid intake.
  • Avoid drinking caffeine as it can contribute to dehydration.
  • Swap drinking an alcoholic beverage for a mocktail.
  • Make hydration a routine by drinking a certain amount of water daily.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications and potentially death. For less severe cases, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

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For many people, the holiday season can be a stressful time. Whether you’re experiencing financial difficulties, relationship issues with loved ones, or health problems that interfere with your ability to enjoy the holidays, it’s important to have effective ways to manage these causes of stress to prevent them from disrupting your holiday season. Some steps you may consider taking include:

Setting reasonable expectations for yourself: Circumstances such as cost or availability may sometimes make it difficult to accomplish certain things during the holiday season, such as getting an expensive gift for someone or hosting a big family dinner. To avoid stress, don’t over-extend yourself; instead, recognize what you can reasonably accomplish with the time and resources you have. Set realistic expectations for any gift-giving, hosting, or other holiday responsibilities you have.

Learning to de-escalate (or avoid) conflicts: Some holiday gatherings may bring family members together who don’t get along well. Conflict at these gatherings can create negative experiences for everyone involved, so it’s helpful to consider ways to de-escalate them. If you’re hosting, try to steer the conversation into a more friendly direction; if the conflict escalates, remove the involved members from the gathering. Alternatively, it can help to remove yourself from the situation, particularly if you’re directly involved in the conflict.

Keeping up with therapy: If you regularly attend therapy sessions for your mental health, try to maintain this schedule during the holiday season. While this part of the year can become extremely busy for many people, therapy can be an outlet for stress, as well as a tool to help you learn coping mechanisms throughout the holidays.

If you need a psychiatrist to help you manage mental health problems, such as severe stress, that worsen during the holiday season, you can schedule a therapy appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry by calling (718) 670-5562.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Marijuana Addiction

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Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder (CUD), is a complex mental health condition that involves a problematic pattern of cannabis use.   

Cannabis refers to all products that come from the Cannabis sativa plant. This includes its dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds. The plant itself contains over 500 chemical substances. 

Cannabis use disorder mainly involves THC-containing substances, such as marijuana.  

Marijuana is part of, or products from, the Cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical that creates the “high” feeling.  

CUD is a spectrum, which can be mild, moderate, or severe, typically involving an overpowering desire to use cannabis, increased tolerance to cannabis, and/or withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped being taken.  

CUD can significantly impact a person’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life.  

Cannabis use disorder can be mild or moderate, with the most severe form being marijuana addiction. This is due to continued marijuana use despite negative consequences. Marijuana addiction occurs when the reward system in the brain takes over, increasing compulsive marijuana-seeking.  

CUD is common. Researchers in 2021 estimated that 5.8%, or about 16.3 million people, in the U.S. 12 years or older have a cannabis use disorder in the previous 12 months.  

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the signs of cannabis use disorder include: 

  • Taking cannabis in larger amounts and for a longer period than you intended 
  • Having a strong desire or urge to use cannabis 
  • Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control cannabis use 
  • Spending a lot of time getting or using cannabis or recovering from its effects 
  • Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home due to cannabis use 
  • Continuing to use cannabis even when it causes problems in relationships 
  • Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of cannabis use 
  • Using cannabis repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger 
  • Continuing cannabis use despite an ongoing physical or psychological problem that cannabis is likely causing or making worse 
  • Developing tolerance, which is the need for increased amounts of cannabis to get the same effect 
  • Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms, which you can relieve by taking more of it 

It is essential to seek medical care as soon as you have signs of cannabis use disorder. 

There are other symptoms and behaviors of cannabis use disorder. They include: 

  • Memory issues, such as confusion 
  • Difficulty learning 
  • Hallucinations and/or delusions 
  • Sudden changes in your mood and behavior, such as withdrawing from friends and family 
  • Hostility or denial when someone confronts you about your excessive cannabis use 
  • No longer caring about your physical appearance as much as you used to 
  • Secretive behavior, such as hiding your cannabis use 

There is a progression to cannabis use disorder that often follows a pattern that includes: 

  • Experimental use 
  • Occasional use 
  • Heavy use 
  • Substance use disorder 

The progression of cannabis use disorder is complex, and several factors can contribute to the development of substance use disorder, including: 

  • THC’s effect on brain chemistry: marijuana sends massive surges of dopamine, the neurotransmitter and “feel good” hormone, through the brain, causing the user to seek out experiences that reward them with good feelings 
  • Genetics: studies show that genetic factors are responsible for 40%-60% of the vulnerability to any substance use disorder 
  • Mental health conditions: about half of people who experience a mental health condition will also experience a substance use disorder, such as CUD, and vice versa, which is known as a dual diagnosis. Substance use disorders and other mental health conditions happen because of overlapping factors such as: 
  • Genetic vulnerabilities 
  • Issues with similar areas of the brain 
  • Environmental influence 
  • Access and exposure to cannabis: having access to cannabis is a major environmental factor that can increase the extent of exposure and the opportunity. Other factors can include: 
  • Use of cannabis by a member of your household 
  • Use of cannabis by your peers 
  • Having a medical marijuana certificate in states where it is legal 

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing CUD, including: 

  • Age: People who begin using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop CUD than adults 
  • The potency of marijuana: Using marijuana with a higher potency may increase your risk for CUD. In addition, some methods of using marijuana, such as dabbing or vaping concentrates, may deliver very high levels of THC to your body 
  • Frequency of use: In one study, 17% of people who used cannabis weekly and 18.8% of people who used cannabis daily met the criteria for cannabis dependence  
  • Depression: Having depression may increase your risk of developing CUD 
  • Sex: males are more likely to develop CUD 
  • Other substance use: using or misusing other substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or hallucinogens may increase your risk of CUD 

Cannabis use disorder can’t be diagnosed with a single test. Healthcare providers instead rely on a thorough evaluation of your medical history and behaviors surrounding cannabis use. They may also order drug tests.  

A healthcare provider will also ask about your mental health history, as it is common to have CUD and some type of mental health condition.  

Treatment for cannabis use disorder depends on the severity of the disorder and is highly individualized, and you may need different types of treatment at different times.  

Treatment for CUD often requires continuing care to be effective because it is a chronic condition with the potential for both recovery and relapse. 

People with CUD often have co-occurring mental health conditions, and it is generally better to treat them together rather than separately.  

There are two main forms of treatment for CUD. They include: 

  • Detoxification 
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapies 

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Dealing with Depression During the Holiday Season

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The holidays are a time when we spend joyous and happy moments with friends and family. However, for some, the holidays can bring a lot of sadness, loneliness, and even depression. This is called holiday depression.  

Holiday depression can feel a lot like regular depression; however, it is triggered by the onset of the holidays, large family gatherings, and attending or hosting social events. Holiday depression is like the “winter blues”, but it may come and go in quick bursts as one event ends and another begins, or it can linger for days or weeks leading up to and beyond the holiday season.  

Holiday depression can disrupt relationships, mental health, and the ability to manage everything that comes with the holiday season.  

Holiday depression can affect anyone at any time, and it can be hard on a person’s mental health, as it can be triggered by various things, including: 

  • Stressful schedules 
  • Putting pressure on yourself 
  • Separation from loved ones 
  • Loneliness 
  • Family dynamics 
  • Seasonal depression 
  • Social anxiety 
  • Holiday trauma 

There are several signs of holiday depression. They can include: 

  • Feeling depressed and hopeless for more days than not 
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy 
  • Constantly feeling anxious, nervous, or on edge 
  • Trouble sleeping over an extended time 
  • Intrusive thoughts that are difficult to manage on your own 
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

Holiday depression can feel daunting as you navigate the season. However, there are many ways to cope with and find support and emotional stability that can help you get through this difficult time of year. They include: 

  • Remembering a loved one 
  • Setting boundaries 
  • Staying connected with friends and family 
  • Limiting social media use 
  • Sharing happy memories 
  • Setting realistic expectations for the holidays 
  • Taking care of yourself 
  • Seeking support and help 

If you are having harmful thoughts, such as thoughts about suicide, or believe you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 through phone, chat, or text, go to the hospital, or call your local 911 hotline and your doctor right away to get the help you need. 

No one should face their mental health challenges alone. To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

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November is observed as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This month recognizes the importance of understanding what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can take to care for your brain.  

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history. 

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.  

Different types of dementia include: 

  • Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease 
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease 
  • Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease 
  • Frontotemporal Dementia 
  • Huntington’s Disease 
  • Korsakoff Syndrome 

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. They include: 

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life 
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems 
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks 
  • Confusion with time and place 
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing 
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 
  • Decreased or poor judgment 
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities 
  • Changes in mood and personality 

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can follow to care for your brain, including: 

  • Breaking a sweat: regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. 
  • Eating healthy: eating a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, such as the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, may help reduce the risk. 
  • Catching some ZZZs: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking. 
  • Taking care of your mental health: Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress. 
  • Stumping yourself: Challenge and activate your mind. Try building a piece of furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits for your brain. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Type 3 Diabetes

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Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it produces effectively. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which develops exclusively in pregnancy when blood sugar levels are too high.  

However, another type of diabetes, type 3 diabetes, has been linked to Alzheimer’s. 

Insulin helps control blood sugar levels by enabling glucose to enter cells. Insulin also affects metabolism, nerve cells, how neurons communicate, and the brain’s cognitive functions.  

When a person develops insulin resistance, it can reduce the supply of glucose to the brain and cause changes to the protein involved in the development of dementia called tau. Additionally, the brain can become damaged, and the connection between the regions of the brain can be weakened when it doesn’t receive a sufficient amount of glucose.  

Type 3 diabetes occurs when the brain becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. This insulin resistance is believed to lead to symptoms that are commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  

It is important to note that type 3 diabetes isn’t officially recognized by the American Diabetes Association and other major health organizations. However, some experts have called Alzheimer’s disease type 3 diabetes because of the pathological implications that address a major decrease in glucose levels and how that affects brain cognition and memory.  

Researchers call Alzheimer’s type 3 diabetes due to the similar features that are present in diabetes, memory deficits, and a decline in thinking abilities in older adults. A study in 2020 listed the potential risk factors for developing type 3 diabetes, such as: 

  • A diet that is high in calories, sugar, and fat, but low in fiber 
  • A low socioeconomic status 
  • Exposure to stress 
  • Race and ethnicity 
  • A lack of physical activity 
  • Genetics 
  • Family history 
  • Birth weight 

The study also indicated that high blood pressure and impaired lipid, or fat, transportation play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Society notes that diabetes is a risk factor for developing dementia.  

Although there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, treatment for the disease includes medications that slow the progression of the condition or treat its symptoms.  

It is important to note that there is another type of diabetes known as type 3c diabetes mellitus that occurs when endocrine dysfunction affects the pancreas, such as damage to the exocrine glands, which harms the endocrine glands. This condition is distinctive and shouldn’t be confused with type 3 diabetes. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Family Caregivers Month

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Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. Today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care.  

November is observed as National Family Caregivers Month. It is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the selfless individuals who provide essential care and support to ill, disabled, or elderly loved ones. National Family Caregivers Month was established to recognize their significant contributions and raise awareness about their challenges. President Bill Clinton officially proclaimed in 1997 that November would be a time to honor and support caregivers across the country.  

Celebrating family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month involves: 

  • Raising awareness of family caregiver issues 
  • Celebrating the efforts of family caregivers 
  • Educating family caregivers about self-identification 
  • Increasing support for family caregivers 
  • Reducing feelings of isolation 

There are several ways to get involved and show your support for family caregivers during National Caregivers Month, including: 

  • Express your gratitude 
  • Offer your assistance 
  • Join support groups 
  • Advocate for caregiver rights 
  • Donate to caregiver organizations 

Family caregivers should be celebrated every day. Taking care of a family member who is elderly, infirm, sick, or physically disabled can be emotionally and physically demanding. We must recognize and honor caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and work to increase support for our nation’s caregivers. 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

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Postpartum refers to the time after childbirth. Postpartum mothers may experience mental health changes or challenges after giving birth, including mood disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that happens after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of women, involving emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety. A postpartum mother may have trouble caring for their baby or themselves.

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a mental health emergency that affects a postpartum mother’s sense of reality, causing hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or other behavior changes. In severe cases, postpartum mothers with PPP may attempt to harm themselves or their newborn.

Postpartum depression is common. A mother who has just given birth may experience baby blues, which affects between 50% and 75% of women after delivery. Up to 15% of them will develop postpartum depression. Postpartum psychosis is rare, as experts estimate that it affects between 0.089 and 2.6 out of every 1,000 births. In the United States, that means it happens in between 320 and 9,400 births each year. Globally, that means it happens between 12 million and 352.3 million births.

A mother can experience postpartum depression for up to one year after their baby is born. However, this doesn’t mean that they will feel cured in one year.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

· Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, or guilty

· Worrying excessively or feeling on edge

· Loss of interest in hobbies or things you once enjoyed

· Changes in appetite or not eating

· Loss of energy and motivation

· Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time

· Crying for no reason or excessively

· Difficulty thinking or focusing

· Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead

· Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby

· Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby

It is believed that hormonal changes are linked to postpartum depression; however, more research is needed to determine the link between the rapid drop in hormones after delivery and depression. The levels of estrogen and progesterone increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop sharply after delivery. When a mother is three days postpartum, levels of these hormones drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes associated with having a baby increase the risk of postpartum depression. Examples of these changes include physical bodily changes, lack of sleep, worries about parenting, or changes to relationships.

Experts don’t know why postpartum psychosis happens, but suspect it involves a combination of factors, including:

· History of mental health conditions

· Number of pregnancies

· Family history of mental health conditions, especially PPP

· Sleep deprivation

· Hormone changes

· Other medical conditions

Hallucinations and delusions are the two main symptoms of postpartum psychosis. However, there are several other common symptoms, including:

· Mood changes, such as mania and hypomania or depression

· Depersonalization

· Disorganized thinking or behavior

· Insomnia

· Irritability of agitation

· Thoughts of self-harm or harming others, especially their newborn

Researchers have organized the symptoms of PPP into three types: depressive, manic, and atypical/mixed.

The depressive subtype of PPP is the most common, making up about 41% of cases. It is also the most dangerous. Research shows that depressive symptoms and psychosis are almost always a factor in cases that involve self-harm or harm to a child, especially hallucinations or delusions that command a person to harm their child or themselves. The rate of harm to a child is about 4.5% with this subtype, about four or five times greater than with the other subtypes. The rate of dying by suicide is about 5%. Symptoms that are most likely experienced with this type include:

· Anxiety or panic

· Delusions and hallucinations

· Depression

· Feelings of guilt

· Loss of appetite

· Loss of enjoyment related to things they usually enjoy

· Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming their child

The manic subtype is the next most common of the types, affecting about 34% of cases. The risk of self-harm or harm to children is lower but still possible, happening in about 1% of cases. Symptoms can include:

· Agitation or irritability

· Disruptive or aggressive behavior

· Talking more or faster than usual, or both

· Needing less sleep

· Delusions of greatness or importance, such as believing your child to be a holy or religious figure

The atypical/mixed subtype makes up to 25% of cases. This can mix the symptoms of manic and depressive subtypes. It can also involve symptoms where a person seems much less aware or completely unaware of the world around them. Symptoms can include:

· Disorganized speaking or behavior

· Disorientation or confusion

· Disturbance of consciousness, where a person doesn’t appear to be awake or isn’t aware of activities or things taking place nearby

· Hallucinations or delusions

· Inappropriate comments, behaviors, or emotional displays

· Catatonia or mutism

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses postpartum depression. A healthcare provider will evaluate you at your postpartum visit, which may include discussing your health history, how you have felt since delivery, a physical exam, a pelvic exam, and lab tests. They may also perform a postpartum depression screening or ask a series of questions to assess if you have postpartum depression.

Postpartum psychosis can be diagnosed by a mental health provider who can determine either by observation or what you describe whether you have the condition or not. They may also perform physical and neurological exams and order blood, urine, or imaging tests.

Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, and support group participation.

Treatment for postpartum psychosis may include medications to treat depression, anxiety, and psychosis. You may also be admitted to a treatment center for several days until you’re stable. To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.