Anorexia #NationalEatingDisorderAwarenessMonth

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that involves severe calorie restriction and often a low body weight based on personal weight history. It is a complex condition that has mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

People who have anorexia often have a strong fear of gaining weight and may think they’re overweight, even if they are not. To prevent gaining weight or to continue to lose weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat. They do this by restricting the number of calories they consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and usually, but not always, a very low body weight.

Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to malnutrition. If left untreated, weight loss can get to a point where people with anorexia are at high risk of serious physical harm or death. Anorexia has the second-highest death rate of any mental illness, surpassed only by opioid overdoses. Most anorexia-related deaths stem from heart conditions and suicide.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa based on eating behaviors:

Restrictive anorexia– the person severely limits the amount and type of food they eat

Binge-purge anorexia– the person greatly restricts the amount and type of food they eat. However, they also have binge-eating and purging episodes where they eat large amounts of food in a short time and then intentionally vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of what they consumed.

Anorexia involves physical, behavioral, and emotional and mental signs and symptoms.

Emotional and mental signs of anorexia include:

Intense fear of gaining weight
Body dysmorphia
Obsessive interest in food, calories, and dieting
Fear of certain foods or food groups
Being very self-critical
Denying the seriousness of your low body weight and/or food restriction
Feeling a strong need to be in control
Insomnia

It is common to have other mental health conditions alongside anorexia, you may have additional mental and emotional symptoms.

Behavioral signs of anorexia include:

Changes in eating habits or routines, such as eating foods in a certain order or rearranging foods on a plate
A sudden change in food preferences, such as eliminating certain food types or food groups
Making frequent comments about feeling “fat” or being overweight despite weight loss
Purging through intentional vomiting and/or misusing laxatives or diuretics
Going to the bathroom right after eating
Misusing diet pills or appetite suppressants
Compulsive and/or excessive exercising
Continuing to limit calories even when your weight is love for your sex, height, and age
Wearing loose clothing and/or wearing layers to hide weight loss and stay warm
Withdrawing from loved ones and social events

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia can include:

Significant weight loss over several weeks or months
Not maintaining an appropriate body weight based on your height, age, sex, stature, and physical health
Unexplained change in growth curve or body mass index (BMI) in children and still-growing adolescents

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia that are side effects of starvation and malnutrition include:

Dizziness and/or fainting
Fatigue
Abnormal heart rhythm
Low blood pressure
Feeling cold all the time
Absent periods or irregular menstrual periods
Bloating and/or abdominal pain
Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
Dry skin, brittle nails, and/or thinning hair
Poor wound healing and frequent illness

Anorexia is a complex condition with no singular cause. Research suggests that a combination of certain factors may be responsible, such as:

Genetics
Brain changes
Trauma
Environment and culture
Peer pressure
Emotional health

Anorexia nervosa affects all gender identities, races, ages, incomes, and body types. It is also more common among teenagers, although people of any age can develop anorexia. Teens can be more at risk due to all of the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They also face peer pressure and can be more sensitive to criticism or casual comments about weight or body shape. Certain factors can raise the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders, including:

Family history
A history of weight bullying
A history of dieting
Transitions

A healthcare provider can diagnose anorexia nervosa based on the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The three criteria include:

Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to gain weight. This results in a significantly low body weight based on your age, sex, height, and stage of growth.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
Having a distorted view of yourself and the seriousness of the state of your health

If you have signs and symptoms of anorexia, a healthcare provider will do a complete medical history and physical exam. They will ask questions about your:

Dietary history
Exercise history
Psychological history
Body image
Purging frequency and elimination habits (use of pills, laxatives, and diuretics)
Family history of eating disorders

Treatment for anorexia varies depending on the person’s needs. They may receive treatment through inpatient or outpatient care based on their current medical and mental state. Treatment for anorexia most often involves a combination of:

Individual and group psychotherapy
Medication
Hospitalization

A person with anorexia or any eating disorder will have the best recovery outcome if they receive an early diagnosis. If you or someone you know are experiencing signs and symptoms of anorexia, be sure to talk to a provider as soon as possible.

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.

Making Your Mental Health a Priority for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that many people face daily. As we begin a new year, it is important to identify any mental health issues you are experiencing, the potential causes of those issues, and what you can do to improve them.

Some steps you can take to make positive changes for your mental health include:

Improving your physical health – your mental and physical health are closely connected as they can impact each other. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep can greatly improve your mood, outlook, ability to focus, and cope more effectively when mental health challenges arise.
Recognizing the positive things in your life – if you begin to have negative emotions or thoughts, it is important to recognize and be grateful for the positive things you have in your life.
Developing healthy and effective coping mechanisms – coping mechanisms are an important tool for those who experience mental health issues. They allow you to adjust how you process things that distress you, making them easier to deal with. Some healthy coping mechanisms include:
- Finding ways to resolve what is causing the distress
- Looking at the problem(s) from a different point of view
- Talking to someone in your support system

You can make positive, effective changes to improve your mental health this year with help from the outpatient mental health services at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. 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.

Coping with Depression during the Holiday Season

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The holiday season is filled with bright lights and festive cheer. However, this time of year can, unfortunately, bring feelings of loneliness, isolation, grief, and sadness for both those with clinical depression as well as those who aren’t depressed.

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

There are several causes of holiday depression including:

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

Signs of holiday depression may 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 more often
Trouble sleeping over an extended period
Intrusive thoughts that are difficult to manage on your own
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

No matter the cause of your low mood or negative feelings, several healthy coping strategies can help you prepare for and get through the festive months when you’re managing depression. Here are some coping strategies to consider this holiday season:

Seek support and help from a mental health professional
Stay active and get outdoors
Share how you’re feeling with trusted loved ones
Assess your relationships and set boundaries
Limit social media use
Set aside time for yourself and prioritize self-care
Practice relaxation
Consider volunteering throughout the holiday season
Remember a cherished loved one who passed on
Create a coping sheet or depression toolkit

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.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can use to take care of 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
Frontotempotal Dementia
Huntington’s Disease
Korsakoff Syndrome

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, here are 10 early signs and symptoms:

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 take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

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.
Fueling up right: Eat 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 like Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help.
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 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.

Tips To Cope With Loneliness

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Xavia Malcolm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines loneliness as, “an emotion that comes from a lack of social connection.”

Almost everyone will experience feeling lonely at some point in their lives. In fact, data from a 2020 survey concluded that approximately 60% of adults living in the United States experienced loneliness that year.

Loneliness can affect our health in different ways:

It can lead to mental health issues such as depression
It can affect concentration
It can affect sleep health

What can you do to combat loneliness? The CDC has the following suggestions to help you cope:

Start a conversation.

Call, video chat, or text message friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Write a letter or postcard.

Use social media and virtual technology.

Use your time online to connect and interact with others instead of scrolling through posts. Set limited timeframes for reading the news.

Try virtual volunteering to provide support in your community.

Many organizations, including faith-based organizations, offer online/virtual volunteer opportunities which can give you the chance to contribute to something that you find important.

Practice self-compassion and self-care.

Be gentle with yourself. Take time for yourself. Read, listen to music, exercise, or learn a new skill. Acknowledge your successes and give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can.

Seek help from a professional if your loneliness becomes overwhelming or feels unmanageable.

Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling.

To speak with a mental health provider at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5316.

Tips For A Successful Telemedicine Mental Health Appointment

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Michael Hinck

The COVID pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we approach several aspects of our lives. Many of the things we were accustomed to doing in-person are now being performed virtually, including how we receive mental health care. Even now, as we emerge from the pandemic, many mental healthcare providers and patients still prefer to use telemedicine technology for its convenience.

While the advent of telehealth technology has greatly benefitted many patients, some might still find the concept awkward or uncomfortable. If you fall into this category, Flushing Hospital has provided the following tips to help you navigate your next telehealth experience and get the most out of your visit.

Some of the things you can do to enhance your telehealth visit beforehand include:

Troubleshoot early- Find out what technology will be used and make sure you know how to use it prior to your appointment. If you are unfamiliar with an app, test it before your appointment to troubleshoot any potential issues.
Set an alert – Setting your calendar to send you an alert 5-10 minutes prior to your virtual session can give you the time needed to gather questions and to prepare yourself mentally.
Choose a quiet setting – Select a private location, preferably behind closed doors (such as a bedroom) to eliminate distractions. Try to minimize any background noises, such as the TV or a barking dog. Also consider using headphones to improve sound quality and maximize privacy.
Be prepared – Make a list of the symptoms you want to address and write down any questions you want to ask beforehand. Make sure to have your complete medical and psychiatric history available, including a list of any medications you are taking.

Once the appointment begins, there are a few keys to making sure that you get the most out of it, including:

Take notes – Sometimes your provider will record the session, but if he or she does not, it is always a good idea to take notes to help you remember important insights and recommendations.
Speak clearly – Make sure your provider can understand what you are saying. Check in periodically to make sure that what you are communicating is being understood and that you clearly understand what is being communicated to you.
Pretend your visit isn’t virtual – Treat your telehealth therapy session as if you are meeting with your doctor in person. Avoid engaging in any tasks you wouldn’t do if you were at his or her office, such as folding laundry, smoking, or cooking.

By following these helpful tips, you can maximize your next mental health visit.

Learn The Facts About Kleptomania

Posted on March 26, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder characterized by the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items. If left untreated, kleptomania can result in severe emotional, family, work, legal and financial problems.

Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder. Those with impulse control disorders have difficulty resisting the temptation to perform an act that is excessive or harmful to themselves or others. In fact, unlike typical shoplifters, people with kleptomania don’t compulsively steal for personal gain. They steal simply because the urge is so powerful that they cannot resist it.

In addition to the inability to resist the urge to steal, those with kleptomania may also exhibit the following symptoms:

Feeling of increased tension, anxiety or arousal leading up to the theft
Feeling pleasure, relief or gratification while stealing
Feeling terrible guilt, remorse, self-loathing, shame or fear of arrest after the theft
Return of the urges and a repetition of the cycle

Episodes of kleptomania generally occur spontaneously, usually without planning and without help or collaboration from another person. Most people with kleptomania steal from public places, such as stores and supermarkets. Often, the stolen items have no value to the person with kleptomania and the person can afford to buy them. Urges to steal may come and go or may occur with greater or lesser intensity over the course of time.

While the cause of kleptomania is not known, there are several theories suggest that changes in the brain may be at the root of kleptomania, including:

Low serotonin levels.Serotonin is a naturally occurring brain chemical that helps regulate moods and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are common in people prone to impulsive behaviors.
Addictive disorders.Stealing may cause the release of dopamine (another neurotransmitter). Dopamine causes pleasurable feelings, and some people seek this rewarding feeling again and again.
The brain’s opioid system.Urges are regulated by the brain’s opioid system. An imbalance in this system could make it harder to resist urges.

Treatments are available that may help to minimize the urge kleptomaniacs have to steal and live without addiction and shame. This typically involves medications and psychotherapy, or both, sometimes along with self-help groups. However, there is no standard kleptomania treatment, and researchers are still trying to understand what may work best.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms consistent with kleptomania, xx Hospital’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services can help. To make an appointment please call 718-670-5562.

Dealing With Holiday Stress

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Flushing Hospital

During the holiday season, many of us struggle to complete an extensive list of tasks in what often feels like very little time. We run rampant decorating our homes, attending social gatherings, shopping for loved ones, volunteering, traveling or cooking. These activities are often added to our already busy schedules, which can make us feel overwhelmed.

Contrary to what we may think, these activities which should make us feel happy can actually increase our stress levels.

Although there are various factors such as unrealistic expectations or financial strain that contribute to holiday stress, finding ways to avoid stressors or minimize their effects is very important. If stress is not managed well, it can have a significantly negative impact on our health.

Mental health professionals at Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers five tips to help you cope with holiday stress and maintain good mental health:

Set realistic goals– Unrealistic goals often equal added pressure and expectations that cannot be met. If these goals are not met, they can lead to negative feelings such as inadequacy or hopelessness.
Know when to take a moment for yourself (Take a break) – We are often pulled in multiple directions during this time of the year. Know when to take a breather to decompress and clear your mind.
Communicate- The added pressures of the holidays are clearly overwhelming and one of the ways that people sometimes deal with this is to isolate themselves. This is not recommended; instead, reach out to loved ones or a trained mental health professional to communicate how you feel.
Do not neglect healthy habits– Taking good care of your health can help combat holiday stress. Moderating your food intake, fitting in a few minutes of exercise and getting adequate amounts of sleep can be profoundly beneficial for your health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy daily routine can help take your mind off holiday demands.
Ask for help- We live in a time where multitasking has become the norm but if you begin to feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Soliciting the help of friends or family can alleviate some of the holiday pressure. The holidays can also trigger depression; if you are experiencing symptoms of depression ask for help from loved ones or seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

The holiday season can be overwhelming; however, by applying these helpful tips you can take the steps needed to minimize stress and make this time of year more enjoyable. If you find that you continue to experience elevated levels of stress or symptoms of depression, it is recommended that you seek the help of mental health professional immediately.

To schedule an appointment with the Mental Health Clinic at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5562.

Getting Help for Mental Health Issues is Nothing to be Ashamed Of

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

Mental illness affects millions of Americans, yet not surprisingly, many of those who need help do not receive it. There are many reasons why – it could be due to limited availability of services, or a strong distrust of others, or those who are mentally ill might have such a sense of hopelessness that they do not seek care.

While all of these are factors as to why someone doesn’t seek support, perhaps the biggest single reason is a sense of fear and shame associated with admitting help is needed. This sense of shame is very common and it is only reinforced by society, which has attached stigmas to mental illness. The beliefs the public has about mental illness leads those who need help to avoid it so they are not labeled as “crazy” and have their condition negatively affect their personal relationships and career goals.

Getting society to overcome the stigmas associated with mental illness is the key to having more individuals come forward, but unfortunately negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. These stigmas can lead to obvious and direct discrimination, such as someone making a negative remark about mental illness or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding an individual because they assume they could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to mental illness.

Those with mental illness should never be ashamed of their condition and here are some reasons why:

According to the World Health Organization, one out of four people will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives.
Shame is pretty much guaranteed to make things worse. Feelings of shame are proven to have detrimental effects on our mental and physical health
Mental illness is no one’s fault. No one asks to have a mental illness and it is definitely not a choice we make.
We’re not ashamed when our bodies get sick, so why should we be ashamed when our minds aren’t in top form.
There is no normal – our minds are complex things and no single brain is the same
Our mental health doesn’t define us. Don’t let your mental illness become who you are, it is just one aspect of you.

It’s time to speak out against the stigmas associated with mental illness and reframe the way we see it. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength.

Flushing Hospital advises anyone who feels they need help to get it. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief and help you in life.

To make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Outpatient Mental Health Center, please call 718-670-5522.

Caring For A Loved One With Mental Illness

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Joann Ariola

mental illness, caregiver, depression, bi-polar, panic disorder, anxiety, obessive compulsive disorder, depression

Clinical diagnosis for mental illness such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression can be difficult. It is especially difficult when it is a loved one that is experiencing these conditions.

When a loved one has mental illness, family members can often feel emotions of embarrassment, anger, worry, self-blame or grief. Parents, specifically, can feel powerless over the disease and at a loss for what the best course of treatment for their child.

The focus becomes the person with mental illness, but studies have shown that it is just as important to maintain your own health while caring for a person with mental illness.

Some ways to maintain your health while being a caretaker are:

Maintain relationships with other family members
Seek professional support for yourself and your family
Participate in groups and family sessions with your loved one
Make time for yourself
Ask for help to lighten your responsibilities
Address one issue as a time to avoid burnout

As the caregiver, you are the tie that keeps everything together. The more educated you are about the disease your loved one is facing and the time you set aside for yourself will be what helps you navigate the obstacles.

If your loved one has mental illness and you are seeking professional help as a caregiver, call the Mental Health Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 718-670-5562 to schedule an appointment.

For more information for caring for a loved one with mental illness, visit American Phychological Association .