Month: December 2016

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S.  We all experience depression at one point or another.  Situational depression may be in relation to unemployment, loss of a loved one, prolonged illness, etc.  But chronic prolonged depression is a serious mental health issue that may require therapy and/or medication management.

Definition.  Depression is an emotional regulation disorder characterized by depressed mood and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.  Severe depression may impair one’s ability to preform regular daily activities.

Subtypes.  There are several different forms of depression, such as:

• Persistent depressive disorder – a chronic form of depression that lasts for at least 2 years
• Postpartum depression – major depression experienced after childbirth
• Psychotic depression – occurs when symptoms of psychosis (delusions or hallucinations) accompany feelings of depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – depression that coincides with the winter months, when there is decreased natural sunlight

Cause.  Depression is believed to be caused by an imbalance of serotonin and epinephrine, two of the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Symptoms.  Depression may be associated with feelings of anxiety, irritability, guilt, and hopelessness.  Physical manifestations of depression may include changes in sleep habits or appetite, decreased energy level, inability to focus, and loss of self-esteem.  In the worst cases, depression may be associated with thoughts of suicide.

Diagnosis. Psychological testing is the primary means of diagnosing depression.

Management.  If feeling depressed, practice self-care techniques such as exercising regularly, eating healthy, and getting plenty of sleep.  Make time for relaxing activities such as listening to music, reading a book, or taking a long walk.  Identify a hobby that you enjoy, and find ways to incorporate it into your schedule.  Also avoid isolation by spending time with loved ones.

People who suffer from depression often find psychotherapy with a psychologist or clinical social worker beneficial.  These mental health professionals can teach you skills to help manage negative thoughts and behaviors.  Other support systems to consider are support groups, close friends & family, and/or a spiritual adviser.

Medications. If still struggling with depression despite putting these skills into practice, your doctor may suggest trying a medication to help.  Antidepressants are the medication of choice.  There are several different types of antidepressants available, and a doctor can help determine which one may be best to treat your symptoms.  If started on an antidepressant, it is important to remember that it may take up to 6 weeks to start experiencing any improvement in your mood.  Additionally, if you decide to stop taking your antidepressant, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor so that they can help you safely wean off it over time.

Depression may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.  There is no shame in having depression or any other mental illness.  It does not mean that you are weak or that something is “wrong” with you.  If experiencing any of the symptoms above, I encourage you to seek help so that you can manage your symptoms and be your best self.

If ever experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Stress.  It’s something all of us experience to varying degrees at one time or another.  And while low levels of stress are normal, persistent and/or high levels of stress can impact both our physical and mental health.

Definition: In the simplest terms, stress is “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.”  Stressors are the things in our life that cause stress.  Common stressors include financial strain, family problems, work/school responsibilities, battling illness, and dealing with loss or death.

Effects: Possible physical effects of stress include physical pain (i.e. headache, muscle cramps), GI upset, increased blood pressure, chest pain, weakened immune system, nervous habits (nail biting, pacing, nervous twitches), decreased sex drive, and even certain types of cancers.  Emotionally, you may experience irritability, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, lack of sleep.  Additionally, stress may also lead to behavioral changes such as increased or decreased appetite, increased drug/alcohol use, frequent crying, and social withdrawal.

Coping:  Studies have shown that it is not the stress itself that leads to declines in health, but rather it is our response to stress.  A persistently negative or unhealthy response to stress will ultimately lead to a negative effects on your health.  Positive ways to management your stress include:

• Exercise – regular exercise helps to improve both our physical and mental health.  Strive for 150 minutes each week.
• Assertiveness – learn to say “no” when people try to put too much on you.  Additionally, begin to practice establishing boundaries with people who contribute to your stress.
• Diet – improving your diet can help to improve your mood.  Try to increase your intake of fruits & vegetables, high-quality protein, and healthy fats (i.e. omega-3-fatty acids).
• Time – learn to set aside time for yourself each day, even if only for a few minutes.  Use that time to relax, do one of your hobbies, listen to your favorite song, or treat yourself with your favorite snack.
• Breathing – practicing deep breathing helps you to relax and also slows your heart rate.
• Rest – try to get some quality sleep.
• Socialize – talk to close friends and family about what you’re going through.  If you don’t feel comfortable talking to any of them, consider seeking out a therapist or spiritual adviser.
• Relax – find a relaxation technique that you enjoy.  Options include listening to music, reading a book, taking a hike or walk on the beach, massage therapy, reflexology, and aromatherapy.
• Medication – if you’ve tried all of the tools above, and are still having difficulty, your doctor may try a medication if (s)he suspects an underlying disease such as depression or anxiety.

Remember, before you can be any good to anyone else, you must first be good to yourself.  Identify your stressors, and then do what you can to eliminate them.  Take time for yourself to relax and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Otitis media, more commonly known as an ear infection, may or may not require antibiotics, depending on the source of the apparent “infection.”  Otitis media with effusion (OME) occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the middle ear without signs of infection such as pain, redness, pus, or fever.  The most common causes of that fluid buildup include allergies, irritants such as certain chemicals or cigarette smoke, and changes in air pressure due to airplane travel.

Acute otitis media on the other hand is a true infection and may be caused by either a bacteria or virus.

Risk Factors.  Children under the age of 2 and exposure to air pollution or cigarette smoke are the greatest risk factors for an ear infection.

Symptoms.  Particularly with children, the most common symptoms of an ear infection include pulling at the ears; excessive crying; fluid draining from the ears; sleep disturbances; fever; headache; temporary hearing loss; irritability; and difficulty with balance.

When to seek Medical Care.  Visit your doctor or local urgent care clinic if you experience a temperature >100 degrees, blood or pus in the ears, or symptoms that have not improved within a few days.

Treatment.  Most ear infections will heal on their own.  Tylenol and other OTC pain relievers can be used to treat  associated pain and fever.  Antibiotics such as amoxicillin will be needed for those infections truly caused by bacteria.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria infects the urinary tract.  In the worst cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys, requiring hospitalization for treatment.

Risk Factors.  Females are at a higher risk of getting a UTI due to our anatomy.  Other potential risk factors include a previous UTI, being sexually active, pregnancy, increased age, decreased mobility, urinary incontinence, and a history of kidney stones.

Symptoms.  Pain/burning while urinating, frequent urination, low fever (<101 degrees), cloudy/bloody urine, and cramping are common symptoms of a UTI.  Kidney infections may causes more serious symptoms such as low back pain, high fever, nausea/vomiting, mental status changes, chills, and night sweats.

When to Seek Medical Care.  You should seek medical care if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

Treatment.  As UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually needed.  If you are prescribed an antibiotic, you should take it as directed and be sure to finish the full course of therapy even if you start to feel better.  Also be sure to stay well-hydrated and urinate frequently to help flush the bacteria out of your system.  Avoid douching, and using sprays, deodorants, powders, etc in the vagina as these may actually worsen your infection.