Mental Health News Points
Effort vs. Talent
Professor Nancy Darling of Oberlin College studies how adolescents shape and are shaped by their social relationships. In her article Raising Quitters she discusses the issue of childhood effort vs. natural talent in determining intelligence levels.
Darling cites an NPR article on psychologist Carol Dweck from Stanford University to illustrate some current viewpoints on intelligence.
Dweck’s work makes two critical points:
- If people believe that performance is due to effort, they work harder when things get difficult.
- Praising children for effort, not ability, after they experience initial success causes them to work harder when given a difficult task. Kids praised for their ability quit because failing at the hard task would make them look bad.
Darling says, “Kids who believe that their performance is due to effort and who believe that ability increases through hard work (like exercising a muscle) actively seek out harder tasks so that their abilities will continue to develop. They love a challenge, because stretching themselves now means they’ll do better in the future.”
Darlings personal goals as a parent are teach her children to:
- To be nice
- Believe in hard work and sought out a challenge.
Listen to the NPR podcast with Dweck here. . .
Get Psyched Week
Discovery Channel: Health is running its “PsychWeek” May 2 – 7, 2010.
This is an excellent series of psychological studies. The short programs offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals and families suffering from a host of psychological problems.
My wife and I watched Bipolar Mysteries last night. It was interesting to see the effects of childhood bipolar disorder on the families and learn about the treatment options available.
Other issues explored in the week-long series are:
- Rage (Intermittent Explosive Disorder)
- Childhood Bipolar Disorder
- Childhood Schizophrenia
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Anxiety
- Understanding Stress
- Compulsive Hoarding
- Strange Addictions
This series is a great step in the destigmatizing psychological disorders with the general public. Illustrating the severity of these disorders by showing their effects on seemingly normal families is a powerful way to raise public awareness.
Kudos to the Discovery Channel for their efforts.
*Note: SharkWeek is awesome too…
Mental Health News Points
Kick Procrastination and Addiction
I waited until the last-minute to start and complete my last three projects for school. A combination of work, school, and preparing for the Mississippi College Graduate Program has left me more than a little burned out.
Why the last-minute?
I sit down at my desk to read for 5 classes, type out discussions, and work on projects. I also spend a large portion of my weekend working on these things as well. Yes, I am a slow worker, but it is important to me that my work and grades are “A” caliber.
I try to start working on a project early, but the energy feels like it is not there. I can not get fired up or stir up the inspiration I need to get going. So I wait until the last-minute.
The last-minute is potentially addictive. It comes with a powerful rush and adrenaline flow. I have ideas coming faster than I can type. I actually accomplish the amount of work in the amount of time I consider appropriate.
No fiddling, no distractions, full steam ahead.
This system is not without fault, however. Often my work can suffer from poor grammar and editing. Sometimes I rush conclusions and summaries.
Procrastination is not a healthy habit. I have decided to use the following article to address my procrastination before it progresses into an addiction-like problem.
In a recent article, Dr. Bill Knaus, EdD discusses the relationship between addiction and procrastination. Dr. Knaus says the connection between the two is, “Both processes are triggered by an inner pressure. There is a common corrective action. You can make a radical shift toward self-control when you accept urges to use or procrastinate as time-limited.”
Dr. Knaus uses Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy methods apply to curbing both substance abuse and procrastination.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy methods used to treat procrastination are:
1. Simultaneously Deal With Procrastination and Substance Abuse
2. Challenge BS Excuses
3. Don’t Fool Yourself with Reactance
4. Take on Self-Handicapping
5. Separate Real from Specious Rewards
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy methods apply to curbing both substance abuse and procrastination. The above is a sample of a few rational concepts and their application. If you want to know more about this system and how to use it to end substance abuse, visit SMART Recovery.
Create Your Brand for the Job Market
Setting yourself apart is essential in today’s job market. Presenting yourself in the best possible light will increase the chances that your resume will not go directly into the “Not a candidate” file.
Kathryn Brooks, Ed.D. works with college students to help them identify their career needs. In a recent article Ms. Brooks discusses the important of creating a positive image of yourself when seeking a job. The practice is known as “Branding.”
Ms. Brooks references Dan Schawbel as an expert in branding. She says, “his branding blog now has a Student Branding Blog worth checking out.”
Ms. Brooks primary tip for developing a personal brand is to create strategic planning process. Ms. Brooks uses the SWOT Method to analyze your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, or SWOT Analysis as it is commonly know.
A Personal SWOT analysis with a free worksheet is available for download here.
Ms. Brooks suggests the following when filling out your SWOT Analysis:
- The Strengths and Weakness sections apply to you personally (internal factors)
- Opportunities and Threats sections will be outside your control (external factors).
Ms. Brooks has a recent article, Ten Career Questions for Psychology Majors, that will be interesting for some of you following my blog.
Mental Health Centers in the Greater Jackson, MS Area
Mental Health Centers in the Greater Jackson, Miss. Area
View Mental Health & Psychiatric Services: Greater Jackson, Miss. Area in a larger map
In this post I will identify five mental health and psychiatric service facilities in the Greater Jackson, Miss. Area. I have added a short description and comment on each facility to provide a brief overview of the programs and services available.
There is a large number of mental health and psychiatric service facilities located in the Greater Jackson, Miss. Area. Please consult the Mississippi Treatment Centers web site for a list of services offered statewide.
Imagine Behavioral Health Clinic
Imagine Behavioral Health Clinic is a group or health-care and counseling professionals who are, “committed to alleviating the suffering caused by addictions, behavior disorders and mood disorders.”
Imagine Behavioral Health Clinic is an outpatient facility focusing on the treatment of adults and adolescents.
Two primary programs offered by Imagine Behavioral Health Clinic are:
Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program for 14-17 year old males and females with substance abuse/addiction, mood disorders and general lostness.
Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Program for 18-25 year old males and females with substance abuse/addiction, mood disorders and aimlessness.
Individual and family therapy sessions are also provided to address mental health, co-occuring psychiatric issues, and substance abuse issues.
Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services
Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Mississippi was established in 1984 as a non-profit organization and has become known as one of the nation’s top treatment centers.
Pine Grove mission is, “to be a leader in healing and changing lives by providing the highest quality behavioral health services.”
Mental illness and chemical dependency outpatient and inpatient treatment programs for adults, teens, children are offered. Pine Grove also provides clients with the opportunity to participate in Specialty Programs to treat the specific problems they are facing.
The Next Step Men’s Program is a 12 ½ week intensive curriculum designed to treat men facing chemical dependency with services including: Evaluation, Twelve Step, Spiritual, Intervention, and Aftercare.
The Pine Grove Women’s Center is designed to address the needs of women facing eating disorders, chemical dependency, and a combination of the two. The Pine Grove multi-disciplinary team provides a comprehensive treatment program with psychiatric, socio-cultural, feminist, and 12-step programs.
Gentle Path is a 6 week intensive curriculum for treating clients coping with sexual addiction, anorexia, relationship, and trauma. The program is gender specific to offer a safe, communal environment to develop healthy sexual behaviors and compulsions. Many patients also suffer from chemical dependency and mood disorders. Pine Grove specialists work together to treat such co-occuring disorders.
Harbor House Chemical Dependency Services
Harbor House Chemical Dependency Services is a non-profit addiction treatment program located in Jackson, Miss. Harbor House was established in 1973 to provide the community with affordable care and access to substance abuse treatments. Harbor House is based on a Twelve Step Program to treat chemical dependency and addiction.
The Harbor House mission statement is to “Offer a continuum of high quality, affordable and effective chemical dependency treatment services and programs for adults and their families, including those who cannot afford private treatment facilities.”
Harbor House believes chemical dependency is a treatable disease. Harbor House focuses on the biological, psychological, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of each client to design recovery and treatment plans to fit the unique needs of each client.
St. Dominic Behavioral Health
St. Dominic Behavioral Health is a treatment facility for individuals and their families suffering from mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse. Hospital staff include: psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors working together to provide comprehensive patient care.
Medical detoxification programs are offered upon admission to protect the safety of patients suffering from chemical dependency issues. Psychiatric services are composed of group, individual and family therapy sessions. Inpatient treatment programs are developed on an individual basis to address specific client needs and concerns.
Programs included, but are not limited to: Chemical Dependency, Dual Diagnosis, Psychiatric Services, Inpatient Treatment, Aftercare, and Family Programs. Detailed information can be found at the St. Dominic web site.
COPAC
COPAC Mississippi was established in 1979 with a focus on treating patients who will benefit from intensive residential treatment.
COPAC treats young adults, legal and medical professionals, patients who have relapsed,; as well as, people suffering from sexual, eating, gambling disorders.
COPAC uses a 5 phase program to treat patients and work towards a long-term, successful recovery.
Phase I is a 30 day residential program focusing on the evaluation and stabilization of patients to establish goals and objectives to meet the patient’s specific needs. Patients are provided disease education, coping skills, Twelve Step Programs, group and individual therapy.
Phase II is a 60 day residential program geared towards the implementation of the patient’s treatment plan . In the second phase of treatment, patients participate in addiction education, group and individual counseling, non-chemical coping skills, Twelve-Step meetings, ropes/adventure therapy, and continuing psychiatric evaluations.
Phase III is a 30 day residential program focusing on teach patients to become responsible for their own recovery and prepare to return to life outside of the treatment center. This is an important phase in integrating daily activities and continuing recovery. Patients will stay in a recovery residence. In the sober environment, patients are assigned service opportunities. Group and individual therapy, as well as Twelve-Step meetings are required.
Phase IV is a Secondary Outpatient Service 90 day program. Patients completing Phase III typically move into the fourth phase. During this phase, patients begin working or continuing school. Mandatory Twelve Step Programs and therapy sessions are required. This multi-intensity service is designed to help patients learn to continue the recovery process in an outpatient setting.
Finding a Treatment Facility Near You
Seeking treatment for mental health and substance abuse problems is the first step in the recovery and healing process. If you or someone you know is suffering from psychiatric or chemical dependency problems, please contact a treatment facility near you. Local treatment facilities and providers can be found at The Department of Health and Human Services National Mental Health Information Center web site, located here.
Money Woes Equal Marital Troubles
Listen to the full Podcast Here…
For many of us, day-to-day life can seem stressful enough without adding more problems and concerns. The current economic recession is an additional stressor that causes significant difficulties for a large number of people.
Unfortunately the additional stress associated with money troubles is often marital and relationship problems. One reason is problems associated with the recession, like the loss of a job, need practical solutions.
Money Problems in the Marriage
Speaking with Imagine Behavioral Health Substance Abuse and Family Counselor Larry Butts regarding money problems and marriage, Mr. Butts says:
“I think money problems are very common in marriage. I think the seriousness of the money problems has increased. People always squabble it seems over children or money, and with the recession and loss of jobs there are not nearly as many solutions to it. These are things that you can’t just cognitively work out. You have to get into practical solutions.”
Potential for Divorce
Money issues often create resentment and hostility between the individuals in the marriage. When those feelings are not addressed separation and divorce are common. Mr. Butts says:
“There is no doubt that money problems increase the chances of divorce because that is generally the one topic that families fight over anyway.”
The Deal Breaker
The seriousness of money problems is increasing because of the recession. For couples on the verge of separation, the added stress associated with money problems often leads to divorce. Mr. Butts believes,
“Money problems are really the deal breaker for couples on the verge of divorce. . .they lead to the point where they just can’t deal with the stresses anymore. So, I think divorce is the inevitable result.”
Stress and Anxiety in the Marriage
Our ability to deal with stress and anxiety is often compromised when a particular stressor becomes so large that it impacts day-to-day life.
Imagine Behavioral Health Clinic Director Baxter Hogue believes money is a common problem in relationships. Mr. Hogue does not believe the amount of money is the primary issue when it comes to financial problems in marriages.
Mr. Hogue suggests deeper concerns about security and support are the real root of added stress in the relationship:
“The amount of money is almost irrelevant, it has more to do with the security, support. It has more to do with the level of stress in the relationship than necessarily even the amount of money.”
Domestic Violence and Dangerous Behaviors
Money problems are a significant source of anxiety and stress in marriages. Added financial pressures have increased the likelihood of financial arguments resulting in divorce, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Domestic violence and substance abuse are examples of dangerous behaviors that often result when a person’s feels excessively out of control or powerless over their own lives. Mr. Butts states:
“I think domestic violence increases because the male sometimes is the one who has lost his job, and either he drinks too much or he is angry at the world. He comes home and takes it out on his wife. She feels powerless, he feels powerless, and that just creates an atmosphere for domestic violence.”
Coping with Money Problems
An essential step in protecting your marriage is finding ways to cope with the money problems causing you and your spouse unnecessary and harmful anxiety. Seeking counseling or therapy services is an excellent way to get the best type of assistance, the kind that helps you work through your own problems.
We must process and work through issues like lost jobs, resentment, or other stressors associated with money problems. Mr. Butts believes the primary focus of therapy for couples dealing with money problems is to work on communication skills.
The Importance of Communication
Describing the importance of communication in the therapy process and marriage in general, Mr. Butts believes:
“As far as dealing with couples therapeutically that are dealing with money problems, I think communications is the ultimate key. Because a lot of resentment builds up over sense of entitlement, the wife feels like she’s entitled to go shopping, the husband feels like he is working too hard to provide the money, or vice versa. The wife maybe the one making the money and feels like she can spend it any way she wants to, with disregard for the family bills.
Mr. Butts helps clients open the lines communication to prevent emotions and feelings that are potentially harmful to marriages:
“But, communications opens up the possibilities of finding some solutions within the marriage, where they can work out the details of what is important and what is not important and move beyond this as a stressor in the marriage.”
Final Thoughts
Money problems are generally an issue for all couples at some point in their marriage. The current recession has increased the pressure on relationships. Failure to communicate and find solutions within the marriage leads to a greater amount of stress and anxiety in the relationship.
Hope for a successful and healthy marriage is not lost because of the financial downturn. Communicating and working together will lessen the chances of money problems damaging your marriage. Seeking counseling services to facilitate your coping and communications skills is a great first step in protecting your marriage and family from financial stress and anxiety.
Professional Services
The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitution for professional assistance. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance click on the following link…counseling services.
Please see the United States Department of Health and Human Services link here for a national search engine to find a licensed counselor and treatment facilities near you.
Mental Health News Points
Can Political Unrest Lead to Violence?
The polarization of political opinion might lead to violent acts according to an article in the New York Times. In recent months the political scene has been rife with anger. Movements such as the Tea Party Patriots are becoming increasingly aggressive. Both political parties have implied the other is partially responsible by fanning the flames and encouraging radicals to act. Some recent incidents, not limited to the Tea Party, include threatening phone calls, verbally abusing and spitting on Congressmen. While the acts of aggression and violence are worrisome, the group dynamics play an important role. Clark McCauley, a professor of psychology at Bryn Mawr College says, ““As long as there is some possibility of getting results by political means, the chances that any group will turn truly radical are small, and maybe vanishingly small.” He also suggests, however, that if those results are not achieved, the chances increase. Kathleen Blee, a sociologist at the University of Pittsburgh, says, “Once you take that step to act violently, it’s very difficult to turn back. It puts the group, and the person, on a very different path.” Read more…
Better Living Through Commitment
In his blog on CounselingResource.com, Dr. George Simmons says, “. . .cautiously making and fervently honoring a commitment can be a one of life’s most rewarding experiences.” He discusses academic and marital commitment as being especially rewarding. Part of what makes a commitment satisfying is the difficult involved in keeping the commitment, as well as, giving priority to people and things other than yourself. It is these self-sacrifices surrounding a commitment that make it a process that allows you to grow and develop into a better person. Read more. . .
Is an affair just an affair, or are there different types of infidelity?
In his blog, The New Resilence, Dr. Douglas LaBier examines the nature of the affair in society and relationships today. With a string of celebrity infidelities in the news, we see to be living in a time when affairs are common place, and the cultural attitude towards infidelity is changing.
Dr. LaBier says affairs can be classified into six non-judgmental sub-categories:
- The “It’s-Only-Lust ” Affair
- The “I’ll-Show-You” Affair
- The “Just-In-The-Head” Affair
- The “All-In-The-Family” Affair
- The “It’s-Not-Really-An-Affair” Affair
- The “Mind-Body”Affair
The article focuses on the types of affairs, their effects on those involved, and how they can be beneficial in some ways. Dr. LaBier takes a stance on affairs that may be very controversial to some readers; however, it is important to remember that as a clinical therapist, his job is not to judge the unfaithful partner, but help them use their mistakes to address their problems and foster personal growth. Read more. . .
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Follow Up
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after a person has witnessed or experienced a traumatic life threatening event.
PTSD and the Military
Many people associate PTSD primarily with war, with a particular emphasis on the soldiers who have fought, or are currently engaged in the middle eastern conflicts.
A photograph taken of Army Spc. Joseph Patrick Dwyer in 2003, rescuing a young boy during the invasion of Iraq moved many Americans.
When Patrick returned home from the war, he fell victim to the stress and anxiety associated with returning to civilian life after the traumatic events he encountered during the war. He began to suffer from PTSD. He eventually turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his disorder, and sadly he overdosed and died in 2008.
PTSD is not isolated to military service men and women.
Civilians and ordinary citizens who witness or experience traumatic events can also develop PTSD.
The September 11, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center also caused a significant number of people to develop PTSD.
For many of these individuals, the events did not directly cause them physically harm; however, witnessing others experiencing pain, physical harm, life threatening events can also trigger PTSD.
The loss of loved ones and co-workers was a common cause of 9/11 related PTSD; however, the nature and magnitude of the traumatic event caused many Americans to experience symptoms of PTSD without developing the disorder.
Natural disasters are also a common cause for PTSD.
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most significant and devastating natural disasters in history.
The intense trauma associated with the struggle to survive in the face of life threatening conditions; as well as, events like witnessing others in threatening situations, losing a loved one and home are major factors that can trigger the on-set of PTSD symptoms and the disorder.
Children can also suffer from PTSD.
PTSD is not isolated to adult cases alone, children are especially susceptible to PTSD. Natural disasters, physical and sexual abuse can have devastating effects on children in their developing years.
Children may have a better chance of recovery if their disorder is recognised and treated early after the trauma occurred.
PTSD is a real disorder and its effects can have a life-long impact on those suffering from the disorder, and fortunately there are treatments available.
Presently, the most important goals for mental health workers regarding PTSD are:
- Reduce the negative stigma attached to the disorder
- Training health and social workers to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and refer individuals to treatment.
- Creating programs that will recognize PTSD in its early stages and offer effective, comprehensive treatment options.
Additional Information
To learn more about PTSD, please visit the National Center for PTSD.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from PTSD symptoms or who may have PTSD, please refer them to a treatment facility or licensed therapist for an evaluation.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Lecture Coverage
To follow my lecture coverage please click on the link below…
I will be covering a lecture video from The Doctors Videos web site on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sunday afternoon, April 4, 2010. If you would like to view the lecture before reading my commentary or to watch and follow along in real-time, the link is located here.
I will be using the CoverItLive program to comment on the lecture. Please feel free to visit my blog and join in on the discussion or simply follow my commentary.
See you Sunday!
Mental Health News Points
Women Who Drink Coffee can Reduce Aging Effects on the Brain
Researchers have linked drinking coffee to the prevention of cognitive deterioration. MRI brain scans on women who drank at least three cups of coffee per day revealed they had lost more white brain matter. Because the loss of white brain matter begins to occur after age 50, the study’s findings have implications for preserving tissue and prolonging the cognitive deterioration that can lead to disease such as Alzheimer’s disease. Read more…
Talk Therapy is Only Part of the Equation
Therapist Susan Pease Gadoua discusses how the effects of talk therapy may be limited. She believes the weekly sessions may not be enough to change life long habits clients need to change.
Because change is hard, she suggests the following tools for therapists looking to increase and improve the productivity of the counseling relationships with their clients:
- Have longer sessions
- Give homework
- Write out postcards
- Utilize free community resources
Learn more about Susan Pease Gadoua’s counseling and talk therapy tips here…
Test Performance & Your Expectations
Dr. Art Markham discusses a study conducted by Weinstein & Roediger (2010) to examine the underlying factors that can influence how a person believes they performed following the administration of a test.
The study found the difficulty and ordering of questions directly influenced the test takers prediction of their performance. Test takers predicted their worst performance after taking exams composed of randomly ordered questions of varying difficulty. Test takers believed they performed the best after taking exams that began with easy questions and progressed to more difficult. Read more…
Mental Health News Points
Is sex addiction real?
Just an hour and a half from my home in the town of Hattiesburg, Miss. is Pine Grove Behavioral Center. Pine Grove is one of the top treatment facilities for sex addiction in the US, and also reportedly the treatment facility for super star golfer, Tiger Woods. The Pine Grove Treatment program for sexual disorders, called “Gentle-Path,” is headed by Dr. Patrick Carnes and Dr. Susan Campling.
Sex addiction has been a controversial topic in psychology for some time, but the recent media attention given to Wood’s incident has renewed the fervor surrounding the debate. Sex addiction is not currently recognized as a disorder by the current Fourth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), which is the standard reference manual for mental health workers. Hypersexual disorder will, however, reportedly be included in official recognized in the DSM-V 2013 release. Read more. . .
Are you a love addict?
A post on the blog Healthy Connections: Ending destructive Life Patterns written by group therapy director Ann Smith, discussed love addiction. Love addiction is characterized by a reliance on others and a propensity to fantasize about Hollywood-style romances and harbor unrealistic expectations about how love is the only way to positively change their lives. People suffering from the disorder also tend to perpetuate relationships that are unhealthy, and suffer from periods of depression and low self-esteem when not involved in a relationship. To take a short quiz to see if you might have symptoms associate with love addiction, as well as, to learn more about the treatments and reasons behind love addiction click here. . .
Talk Therapy is helpful for bipolar treatment
The ABC News online mental health page features a report on bipolar treatments by Dr. Dost Ongur, Clinical Director, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Program, McLean Hospital.
Dr. Ongur discusses the benefits of incorporating Talk Therapy (a primary method of Mental Health Counseling) citing the primary benefits as:
- Talk Therapy allows individuals suffering from bipolar disorder to continually discuss life problems and work through issues before they become unmanageable, as well as, developing effective plans for preventing manic and depressive episodes.
- People in Talk Therapy are more likely to stay on the medication and pharmaceutical treatment program prescribed to control the drastic mood swings between depression and mania characteristic of the disorder.
While Dr. Ongar stresses he does not believe Talk Therapy alone is an effective treatment for bipolar disorder alone, when combined with pharmaceutical treatment programs he believes Talk Therapy is an essential part of a comprehensive treatment program for bipolar disorder.
To watch Dr. Ongur’s report click here. . .
Additional Note: ABC News has an excellent web page for bipolar information which is continually updated and a great reference for those suffering from the disorder, have a close relationship with someone with bipolar disorder, or for those who would like to learn more about the disorder.
For answers and information on bipolar disorder from ABC News’ Dr. Timothy Johnson and the other leading experts click here. . .
Mental Health Counseling Mississippi and Beyond 