What is Self-Harm?

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Self-harm is when a person intentionally hurts themselves. Generally, people who self-harm do not intend for their actions to kill them. They may act in this way for a wide variety of reasons, such as to help them cope emotionally with distressing thoughts or feelings or to communicate to others non-verbally that they are in distress and need support.

People self-harm in many different ways, including:

Cutting or scratching to break skin
Burning themselves with objects such as lit cigarettes, heated sharp objects, or chemicals
Physical trauma, such as hitting themselves with an object or hitting objects in ways that cause harm to themselves (for example, punching a wall)

These forms of self-harm can leave different kinds of marks on the body, such as bruises, burns, and scars. A person may try to cover these marks up with long-sleeve clothing, even in hot weather, and may explain the presence of any visible marks as the results of accidents. New marks may appear with some degree of frequency.

Certain factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing self-harming behaviors. Some of these factors include:

Abuse or traumatic childhood experiences
Age (self-harm most often begins between the ages of 12 and 14, potentially continuing for many years)
Being non-cisgender (people who identify with a gender other than the sex assigned to them at birth face a higher likelihood of facing bullying, abuse, and trauma)
Being non-heterosexual (people belonging to sexual minority groups self-harm at a higher-than-average rate due to an increased likelihood of abuse and trauma)
Social isolation

Self-harm can lead to potentially serious and permanent medical complications, including infection, nerve damage, scarring, severe injury, and death. It can also negatively impact social relationships, feed into a negative self-image, and increase a person’s risk of suicide, particularly if their self-harming behaviors become worse over time.

If you or someone you know engages in self-harm, it can help to have someone to talk to about what you’re thinking or feeling in a non-judgmental setting. Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic provides individual psychotherapy services to people of all ages who are experiencing mental health problems. You can reach the clinic to schedule an appointment by calling (718) 670-5562. Additionally, you can dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If a medical emergency occurs due to self-harm, please dial 911 immediately.

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.

Anxiety Triggers

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Flushing Hospital

Anxiety is defined by the National Library of Medicine as, “a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.” Having these feelings occasionally is normal; however, they become a health concern when they are excessive and interfere with the ability to live a normal life.

The exact cause of anxiety is still not fully understood, but it is believed that the following factors play a role:

Genetics
Environmental stress
Brain chemistry
Certain medical conditions

Although the exact cause of anxiety is unknown, certain triggers such as life events, lifestyle changes, or daily habits can lead to or worsen this response. These include:

Financial insecurity
Traumatic experiences
Caffeine consumption
Alcohol consumption
Meeting new people
Stress
Relationship problems
Exposure to violence
Taking certain medications
Substance misuse
Loneliness or isolation

Anxiety triggers are unique to each individual. However, the most important steps anyone affected by anxiety can take is identifying what their triggers are and learning how to cope with them. Here are a few tips for coping with anxiety:

Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
Exercise
Use stress management or relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
Maintain good sleep health
Try to minimize negative thoughts and think positively
Journal or write down your thoughts
Speak to someone about how your feeling
Adhere to your treatment plan

Anxiety affects many people, and no one should feel ashamed if they struggle with the disorder or other mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is affected by anxiety, consult a mental health professional to explore possible causes and treatments. Your mental health provider may recommend lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, or medication.

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

When Does Depression Become An Emergency?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

People often associate going to the emergency room (ER) with treating physical emergencies; however, it is important to know that the ER is also equipped to treat mental health emergencies.

One of the most common mental health conditions treated in the ER is severe depression which requires immediate care.

Severe cases of depression should be taken as seriously as any other physical, life-threatening health condition, especially when an individual is expressing the desire to harm themself or others, or is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Depression should also be treated as an emergency when:

A person who has been diagnosed with clinical depression has an acute change in their mood that persists for weeks
A person is unable to care or has stopped caring for themself
There are new symptoms presenting such as psychosis, hallucinations, mania, or delusions

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 right away. If there are concerns about suicide, you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call, text, or chat 988.

How Can Stress Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Stress is a common trigger for rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, during which symptoms such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness worsen for a temporary period of time. The factor most closely linked to the onset of flare-ups is the inflammatory response of your immune system to stress. Inflammation is the primary means by which rheumatoid arthritis damages your joints over time.

Once a flare-up has been triggered, your arthritis symptoms may contribute to the amount of stress you experience, creating a cycle that causes both issues to worsen over time and disrupts daily activities and movement.

There are certain steps you can take to manage your stress levels and reduce the frequency of your rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. These include:

Following a regular exercise routine: Regular physical exercise can be significantly helpful for both stress reduction and increased joint mobility. Your routine should include strength exercises, cardio, and stretching to improve flexibility and reduce your chances of injury.

Targeting work-related stress: Twenty-five percent of Americans report that their workplace is the number one cause of stress in their lives. Make sure to pace yourself with periodic breaks throughout your work day, take time to move around and stretch, and make a point of tackling any specific problems that are stressing you out (such as a delayed project or a dispute with a coworker) directly in a calm, reasoned way.

Talking to a doctor: If you experience symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should work with a rheumatologist to manage your physical symptoms and find the most effective treatment approach for you. Additionally, if you experience chronic stress, you should work with a psychiatrist to determine the root causes and the best way to approach them.

You can schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486. You can also find a psychiatrist at our Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5562.

Differences Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Taking care of your mental health and well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing anxiety or other symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of a licensed professional.

Mental health professionals can help you to assess challenging life events and explore how they may be affecting you. They are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide the tools needed to manage emotions, phobias, compulsions, or addictions.

There are several types of mental health professionals available to help with your concerns. The most common are licensed mental health counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. Understanding the key differences in their training and the delivery of their services can help with deciding what is best for you.

Psychologists- have advanced, doctoral degrees in the study of the human mind and behaviors. They are qualified to provide counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and treat mental health disorders. Psychologists are not medical doctors; therefore, they generally (except for a few states) do not prescribe medications and cannot perform medical procedures.
Psychiatrists– are medical doctors who are trained in the field of psychiatry (the branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and emotional disorders). Psychiatrists typically treat more complex mental health disorders than psychologists and are trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical issues that present symptoms similar to psychiatric conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications and other medical treatments as part of a patient’s treatment plan.
Licensed Mental health counselors- have master’s degrees in a field of study related to mental health such as counseling or psychology. They work with individuals, couples, or families to identify triggers, improve overall mental well-being or cope with mental health issues. They are not medical doctors; therefore, are unable to prescribe medications.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.

3 Mental Health Tips for Online Dating

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

If you’re looking for love this Valentine’s Day, you may be using online dating apps as part of your search. The odds of success may be in your favor, as most couples today first meet online, but if you aren’t careful, your approach to online dating could be harmful to your mental health.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may experience symptoms as a result of the way many major dating apps work. Most apps display photos of users along with information about their personalities. Users may develop negative thoughts about their body image or about themselves in general if they aren’t getting many responses to their profile.

On the other hand, while a high number of responses may provide an initial sense of validation, it can quickly turn negative if potential connections or conversations come to a quick or unexpected end. Negative feelings can also occur after first dates if the person you met decides to “ghost” you, never responding or asking to go out with you again.

To stay mentally healthy despite these potential bumps in the road of your online dating journey, you should:

Set limits on the time you spend on each app: The unhealthy effects of online dating apps can increase as you spend more time on them at the expense of other activities. Set a time limit of about 30 minutes each day or limit your number of swipes for each app. Take a break to do something else after finishing your time with one app if you plan to use another.

Make genuine connections your goal: It can be easy to swipe thoughtlessly on a high volume of profiles, resulting in either a low number of matches or conversations that lead nowhere. Don’t swipe just to see how many matches you can get; use online dating apps as a tool to meet people you can genuinely connect with based on your true personality.

Avoid online dating on bad days: If you are in a negative frame of mind due to the events of your day or are experiencing sudden symptoms of a mental health condition, avoid online dating apps for that day entirely, as they can do more harm than good to your self-esteem and self-image in these moments.

If you’re experiencing mental health problems that are interfering with your ability to make connections with other people, romantic or otherwise, you can find help from a therapist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 670-5562.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that often begins during the fall, continuing through the winter before subsiding during the spring and summer seasons. Some cases of SAD, however, can follow an opposite schedule, occurring during the spring and summer and ending during the fall and winter.

Millions of people may potentially experience SAD without realizing they have this condition. People who experience SAD can present many symptoms typically associated with other forms of depression such as moodiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. SAD that occurs during the spring and summer is particularly associated with irritability and anxiety. Symptoms of both forms usually begin during young adulthood.

Several factors may contribute to your risk of developing SAD, including low serotonin levels, disrupted melatonin levels, changes in sunlight exposure, and family history. Additionally, people who experience bipolar disorder or major depression are at an increased risk of developing this disorder. SAD is also much more common in women than men, and is more frequently experienced by people living in northern regions that receive less sunlight during the winter.

SAD is often treated through a variety of approaches. Many people may experience improvement in symptoms from regular exercise and adjusted sleeping schedules that ensure adequate sleep and increased exposure to sunlight. Light boxes also often improve symptoms within days or week with few side effects.

People who experience severe symptoms associated with SAD or who also have a condition such as bipolar or major depressive disorder may require treatment through psychotherapy and medication. These can help you develop strong coping mechanisms, build healthy habits, and manage physiological factors that may contribute to your symptoms.

You can receive mental health care for SAD at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5562. If you begin to contemplate suicide or self-harm, please dial 988 immediately to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

How to Cope with Holiday Depression

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

While the holiday season is a typically cheerful time of year, many people may feel the opposite, particularly those who suffer from mental health conditions such as chronic depression. However, even people without existing mental health problems may feel the “holiday blues” for two common reasons: loneliness and stress.

A variety of factors may cause many people to isolate themselves from friends and family during the holiday season. This can take a toll on someone mentally, particularly if they are repeatedly subjected to social media posts, movies, and other imagery depicting other people enjoying their own holiday gatherings.

Even people preparing for gatherings with large numbers of loved ones, however, may find themselves experiencing symptoms of depression, particularly if they’re responsible for hosting their group. Whether you’re striving to meet the high expectations of your family, friends, or yourself, cleaning, preparing food, and picking out the right gifts can create a significant amount of stress. If this stress builds up too much, it may cause you to start feeling depressed as you take on a negative view of yourself or look for an escape.

Regardless of the causes of your holiday depression, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and enjoy the season to the best of your ability. These include:

Getting out of the house: This may be your first holiday season without some or all of your family and friends. However, this does not mean you have to spend it alone at home. Whether it involves contacting family members or friends you haven’t spoken to in a long time or treating yourself to a restaurant dinner, make a plan that involves being in the company of other people during the holidays.

Accepting your best instead of “perfect:” If you’re preparing to join or host a gathering of loved ones for the holidays and are responsible for any part of the celebration, don’t judge yourself or your efforts according to the expectations of others or a “perfect” image of your results. Instead, treat both yourself and others with kindness and patience; you are making the best effort you can as an act of love to the people around you, and that is good enough.

Check in on friends and family members: You are most likely not the only person experiencing symptoms of depression during this time of year. Certain friends and family members, even those who appear happy and content, may be feeling the same way you do. Remind them you care by contacting them to find out how they are doing and wish them well for the holidays.

If your depression symptoms worsen during the holiday season, you can talk to a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic by calling (718) 670-5562.

If you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms such as thoughts or actions of self-harm or are contemplating suicide, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s confidential, 24/7 National Help Line at 1-800-662-4357 immediately.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) defines tardive dyskinesia (TD) as, “a movement disorder that causes a range of repetitive muscle movements in the face, neck, arms and legs.”

TD often develops as a side effect of long-term use of certain medications (most commonly antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health disorders). Tardive dyskinesia may also develop as a result of prolonged use of medications used to treat nausea and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms of TD are beyond a person’s control and can affect their quality of life. Symptoms may include uncontrolled:

Jerky movements of the face
Neck twisting
Smacking or puckering the lips
Tongue movements
Chewing
Frowning
Eye blinking
Hand and leg movements

Some people are more likely to develop TD than others. You may have a higher risk if you:

Are born female at birth
Misuse drugs or alcohol
Are Asian American or African American
Are of the age of 55
Have gone through menopause
Have a family history of TD

If you are experiencing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, your healthcare provider may run a series of tests to rule out other movement disorders.

Treatment for TD involves monitoring medications and making adjustments when needed. In some cases, your physician may recommend that you stop taking certain medications. If symptoms persist, other treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, deep brain stimulation, or medications used to treat movement disorders may help.

Building Mental Resilience

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as, “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” In other words, it is our ability to effectively manage our psychological health and adapt to challenging life events.

Building mental resilience or strength helps us to cope with loss, trauma, stress, or other difficulties in a healthy way. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Resilience can help protect you from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.”

Here are a few tips you can try to help build mental resilience:

Have a positive mindset
Build strong and positive relationships
Practice mindfulness
Practice meditation
Practice stress-reducing techniques
Accept change
Take care of yourself
Take a break
Be proactive
Remain hopeful
Build self-esteem

It is important to remember that being resilient does not equate to being unaffected by stressors in life. You may still experience emotions that correlate with challenging events; however, resilience can help you to better adapt or recover.

Building resilience will take some time and practice; therefore, being patient is key. Everyone’s experience with building resilience is unique. What may work for one person, may not work for the other.

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health provider. To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Department at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.