Benefits and Challenges of Peer Support in Behavioral Health

In behavioral health, individuals facing mental health challenges can find solace and understanding in the compassionate guidance of their peers. Peer support, which entails individuals with similar experiences assisting each other on their recovery journeys, has emerged as a valuable resource in the mental health landscape. 

Benefits of Peer Support in Behavioral Health:

• Empowerment and Validation: Peer support gives individuals a sense of empowerment as they connect with others who have navigated similar struggles. Engaging with peers who have overcome similar challenges can instill hope and inspire confidence in one’s ability to recover. Sharing experiences and receiving validation from others who understand their struggles can be profoundly validating, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Shared Understanding and Relatability: Peers possess firsthand experience living with mental health conditions, allowing them to offer unique insights and a deep understanding. Unlike healthcare professionals who provide clinical expertise, peer supporters can empathize with those seeking support’s emotions, thoughts, and day-to-day experiences. This relatability forms a powerful foundation for building trust and meaningful connections, enabling individuals to discuss their concerns openly.
• Encouragement and Motivation: Peer support groups create a supportive environment where individuals can share their achievements, setbacks, and aspirations without fear of judgment. Peers can offer encouragement, motivating each other to set and achieve goals and fostering a sense of progress and purpose. Being part of a community celebrating even small victories can inspire individuals to persist in their recovery journey.
• Reduction of Stigma: Peer support is vital in combating mental health stigma. By openly discussing their experiences, peers challenge societal misconceptions and stereotypes. Witnessing others’ stories of recovery can inspire hope and provide evidence that mental health challenges do not define a person’s worth. Peer support encourages a compassionate and inclusive society where individuals are embraced for who they are beyond their mental health condition.

Challenges of Peer Support in Behavioral Health:

• Lack of Formal Training and Supervision: One of the critical challenges in peer support is the potential absence of formal training and supervision for peer supporters. While lived experience is valuable, it is essential to balance sharing personal insights and offering evidence-based guidance. Comprehensive training and ongoing management can ensure peer supporters have the necessary skills to provide adequate support while maintaining boundaries.
• Emotional Toll and Self-Care: Peer support roles can be emotionally demanding, as individuals often encounter distressing and triggering situations. Peer supporters must prioritize their own mental well-being and practice self-care. Without adequate support mechanisms, there is a risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. Peer support programs must invest in self-care resources and provide opportunities for debriefing and emotional support for peer supporters.
• Limited Access and Resources: The availability of peer support programs may be limited in some geographical regions, leaving some individuals needing access to this valuable resource. Furthermore, lacking funding and resources for peer support initiatives can hamper their scalability and reach. It is essential to advocate for increased investment in peer support services and integrate them into mainstream mental health systems to ensure broader availability.

Peer support in behavioral health offers many benefits that complement traditional treatment approaches. Empowerment, shared understanding, and motivation are just a few advantages individuals can gain from participating in peer support programs. However, addressing the challenges associated with peer support is crucial, including the need for training, self-care, and improved accessibility. By harnessing the potential of peer support and addressing any obstacles.

 

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The Future of Behavioral Health: Emerging Trends and Innovations to Watch

In recent years, behavioral health has been remarkably transformed, driven by advancements in technology, changing societal attitudes, and a growing emphasis on mental well-being. As we venture into the future, it becomes increasingly evident that behavioral health is poised for groundbreaking innovations. Some emerging trends and innovations are reshaping the landscape of behavioral health, offering new possibilities for improved care and enhanced well-being.

Teletherapy and Digital Interventions 

Teletherapy and digital interventions have gained tremendous popularity and acceptance in recent years. The accessibility and convenience of virtual therapy sessions have proven invaluable, especially during the global pandemic. As technology advances, we can expect more sophisticated platforms for teletherapy, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. These immersive technologies can create personalized and engaging therapeutic environments, expanding treatment options and reaching individuals facing barriers to traditional in-person therapy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diagnosis and Treatment 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly making its way into various aspects of healthcare, including behavioral health. AI algorithms can analyze great amounts of data and identify patterns that may elude human observation, leading to more accurate diagnoses and allowing for more personalized treatment plans. Machine learning algorithms can also help predict the risk of mental health disorders, enabling early intervention and prevention. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are in the developmental stages. They may provide on-demand support and guidance, offering additional assistance and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

Precision Medicine and Genomic Research 

Advancements in genomic research are revolutionizing our understanding of mental health disorders. The field of precision medicine aims to tailor treatments to an individual’s genetic makeup, considering factors such as genetic variations and biomarkers. This personalized approach holds promise for more targeted and effective interventions, reducing the trial-and-error process often involved in finding the proper treatment for a particular condition. Genomic research also has the potential to uncover the genetic underpinnings of mental health disorders, leading to discoveries and novel therapeutic targets.

Integrated Care and Collaborative Models 

In behavioral health’s complex and interconnected nature, there is a growing emphasis on integrated care models that bring together various healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists. By promoting collaboration and communication across disciplines, integrated care models aim to provide comprehensive and holistic support to individuals with mental health concerns. This approach ensures that mental health finds treatment integral to overall well-being.

Digital Therapeutics and Wellness Apps

The rise of digital therapeutics and wellness apps offers a range of self-help tools and interventions that individuals can access anytime, anywhere. These apps often employ evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and meditation to promote mental well-being. They can also track mood, behavior patterns, and sleep, providing valuable insights to individuals and their healthcare providers. As these apps become more sophisticated and refined, they hold tremendous potential to empower individuals to manage their mental health and foster resilience.

The future of behavioral health is promising, with emerging trends and innovations set to transform how we approach mental well-being. These advancements have the potential to enhance accessibility and improve accuracy.

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Building Positive Habits

Habits are all around us, and it’s hard to break them. We tend to start each day at the same time, get coffee in the morning, and brush our teeth at the same time. It takes a lot of work to make new healthy lifestyle changes.

According to behavioral scientists, many people make resolutions that are not feasible. For instance, we make bold statements about wanting to lose weight or exercise, but we do not follow through with the necessary steps to reach this goal. Several tips can help people develop new healthy habits.

Tie New Habits To Old Ones

According to experts, the best way to start a new habit is by tying it to an existing one. They suggest looking for patterns in your life and using them to create new positive habits.

One of the most important factors people can consider when developing new habits is their morning routine. For many people, this is their strongest habit. For instance, a cup of coffee can help them start a meditation practice. On the other hand, while brushing your teeth, you can take advantage of the opportunity to do some balance training.

We tend to fall into end-of-day patterns. For instance, try doing a yoga pose daily if you are always on the couch after work.

Begin With Small Habits

According to B.J. Fogg of Stanford University, a person usually needs a high level of motivation to make a significant change in their behavior. He suggests starting small, and doing so will allow them to make the desired changes easily. For instance, if people take a short walk every day, they can improve their health.

Make it Daily

A new habit should be practiced every day. A study by British researchers asked participants to choose a simple routine they would like to start, such as drinking water at lunchtime or walking before eating at dinner. The researchers noted that the average time it took for people to become automatic was around 18 to 24 days.

The key to making new habits stick is starting with something easy to do, which will help you develop a lasting and effective practice. For instance, instead of trying to go to the gym three times a week, people can start doing small exercise routines such as walking or yoga every day.

Make it Easy To Do

Researchers believe that people are more likely to start new habits when they can clear out the obstacles that prevent them from making the desired changes.

Celebrate Your Success

A critical aspect of habit formation is to reward yourself. For instance, brushing your teeth can be an immediate reward, but some rewards, such as weight loss, can take a long time to show up. This is why it is vital to build rewards to help people develop their habits. For instance, if you’re running, try listening to audiobooks while doing so or watching a cooking show on the treadmill.

This article was originally posted on Herrick Lipton’s website.

Four Methods for Preventing Negative Stress

Stress is something that can put you in a tough spot in life. Many people have noted that stress makes it more likely for them to develop anxiety symptoms and severe stress can even cause you to have heart problems. Knowing this, it’s going to be important to prevent negative stress as much as you can in life. Examine the following four methods for preventing negative stress that should assist you.

Try to Maintain a Positive Attitude

Trying to maintain a positive attitude is one way to help yourself feel less stressed out. If you are encountering a stressful situation, then it’ll be easier to get through it if you have a positive mindset. Practice positive self-talk by telling yourself that you can accomplish your goals. Avoid negative thinking patterns and try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones as often as you can.

Take the Time to Rest

Taking the time to rest is going to help you very much. People can’t just work all the time and you need to understand the limits of your body as well as your mental health limits. Spend time relaxing so that you can recharge your batteries and bring your stress levels down. Getting enough sleep at night, spending time meditating, and just relaxing with your partner are all things that can be quite beneficial.

Get Some Exercise

Exercise can actually help you to feel better about yourself and the world around you. It’s well known that exercise can act as a type of natural antidepressant and it’s also great at alleviating stress. You’ll feel positive endorphins enter your bloodstream as you work out and it’ll help you to wash that stress away. It’s good to try to make time for regular exercise as a way to manage your stress levels.

Enjoy Your Hobbies

Hobbies are perfect when you’re trying to prevent negative stress from building up. Everyone should have hobbies that they can turn to when they are starting to feel overly stressed in life. Some examples of good hobbies that you could participate in include playing sports, reading a book, gardening, playing musical instruments, and going out on a hike. Whatever type of hobby you like to do is fine; you just need to make sure that it makes you feel good.

Originally published on Herrick Lipton’s website.

The Science of Dreaming

Dreaming is thought to be a universal part of the human experience. Dreams can be unremarkable and unmemorable. They can perplex, bring joy, or even terrify. Sometimes they recur for years on end. Some people even feel haunted by their dreams.

For as long as people have been dreaming, they’ve been trying to figure out the meaning, purpose, and process behind dreams. The meaning and purpose remain a mystery, though there are many often competing theories. However, there are some answers as to how dreaming occurs.

To understand how dreams work, it is important to understand the basics of how sleep works. Sleep occurs in a total of four stages and two types.

Stage one is light, short sleep. Eye movement is slow and theta waves happen in the brain. In stage two, the muscles in the body relax. The brain experiences rhythmic waves called sleep spindles, and short high-amplitude waves called K-complexes. In stage three, the brain experiences delta waves and responds less to outside forces, making it harder for a person to be woken up. These three stages make up the first the of sleep, called non-rapid eye movement sleep. Stage three is the deepest stage of NREM sleep.

Stage four is the most active stage of sleep and the stage where most dreams occur. It is called REM sleep, after its primary characteristic, rapid eye movements. Eye movements aren’t the only source of activity during this stage. A brain in REM sleep is as active as an awake brain. There are also physiological changes in breathing, heart rate, body temperature regulation, and blood pressure during this stage. It is possible to also dream during NREM sleep, but those dreams tend to be less vivid and less memorable than dreams during REM sleep.

There are some people, approximately 1 in 250, who claim that they do not dream at all. It is believed that most of these people dream and simply don’t remember it. This lack of memory could be due to the hippocampus, the portion of the brain responsible for memory creation and retention, being less active during sleep. It could also be due to changes in levels of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine that occur during sleep.

This article was originally published on HerrickLipton.net

Is Your City Nearing An Endemic?

An endemic is when an illness constantly threatens a place, but the problem is in a controlled environment. During this COVID-19 pandemic, a city can have an endemic if the sickness does not have fatal effects but is controlled and treatable. In many cities, vaccination is ongoing, but many people have yet to get the shot. Places like San Francisco have the highest numbers of vaccinated people, and some Corona regulations are no longer in use. When people are indoors or in areas with less than a hundred people, they don’t have to wear face masks. However, in some other places like New York City, wearing a mask in public is mandatory. A city nearing an endemic has a few changes implemented in the day-to-day living of the society. Discussed below are some of them.

Functions such as parties and meetings will require proof of vaccination for everyone present, and no one in the crowd should have had a recent infection of the virus. Venues should also be well ventilated, thus allowing the attendees not to wear masks. Children, however, cannot be allowed into such gatherings due to their high vulnerability. In the case of businesses, employers may choose to impose the wearing of facemasks on their employees due to the many people they interact with daily.

Since an endemic does not mean the end of the pandemic, policies in the city might not go back to how they were before COVID-19. Some of the regulations may now become permanent to ensure the safety of the citizens. However, even when the city leaders adjust some rules, the workplace may need extra precaution. Masking and vaccination will be a constant reminder to keep employees safe at the place of work.

Even when the city rules change, employers need to keep the employees on high alert concerning new infections. All existing staff should receive enlightenment on the company’s policies despite any relaxation outside the workplace. New employees should also have orientation and tests to keep others safe. Therefore, it is critical to foresee the changes on the way and take the required measures. If the city is moving towards an endemic, protecting oneself becomes a personal duty rather than an enforced regulation. Many cities are looking towards a situation where they can live with the COVID-19 virus like any other flu.

This article was originally published on HerrickLipton.net

Passive Aggressive Phrases to Avoid

Passive-aggressive language may feel like you are saying the right thing by disguising how you really feel. Unfortunately, it does more harm than good when people pick up on your true feelings. Using certain phrases can also chip away at your loved one’s self-esteem while making them question your honesty. Watching out for these common passive-aggressive phrases helps you to communicate more clearly.

“I Don’t Want to Be Rude, But…”

Just the fact that you are saying this tells the other person that you know you are being rude. This phrase also turns the negativity into the other person’s problem by making them feel like getting upset is wrong since you supposedly are just trying to help. If you feel the need to say this, then stop for a moment and think about whether or not the person needs to hear what you are about to tell them.

“You’re So Lucky to Win That Award”

There are times when being lucky is good. Winning the lottery is an example of having luck over earning an achievement through hard work. However, you never want to attribute someone’s promotion, sports award, or other achievements to pure luck. Try to mention something that you’ve noticed contributed to the success. At the very least, say that you are proud and congratulate them on their achievement.

“Stop Being so Sensitive”

This comment comes up as one of the most commonly used phrases that people say to their spouse or other family members. Saying this makes the issue the other person’s fault and discredits their emotions. It is normal for people to get upset or even cry during a disagreement. Asking why they are upset and working together to find ways to solve the problem works better than making them feel ashamed of their emotions.

“Well, if That’s What You Want to Do”

You can catch yourself using this phrase by listening to your tone. Not only are you likely using a snarky tone of voice, but this phrase is laden with judgment. You’re essentially saying that you don’t agree with the other person’s choice at all but will tolerate it. You’ll get a better result by stating your disinterest in an activity but letting the other person know you’ll do it. Or, you can ask them for alternative ideas until you find one that you can both agree on.

No one’s perfect, and it is likely that you’ll catch yourself saying these phrases occasionally. When you do, acknowledging the problem and rephrasing your thoughts works well for helping you to improve your communication. With some practice, you’ll soon notice the results of watching what you say as your relationships become more positive.

Visit NHCC.us for more on New Horizon Counseling Center and Herrick Lipton!

This article was originally published on HerrickLipton.com

Diagnosing Adult ADHD

There are many things about living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that people don’t realize. This diagnosis conjures up images of a little child who isn’t able to be still. Most believe children eventually outgrow symptoms of ADHD. It is time for people to realize ADHD is a complicated disorder. Individuals will experience symptoms long into adulthood. It is common for individuals who had ADHD symptoms as a child to never be diagnosed or receive treatment. Experiencing ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for an adult.

Executive Function Disorder

It is possible to describe ADHD symptoms as an executive function disorder. This is often referred to as the brain’s management system. It is what helps an individual to make priorities, set goals, and create plans then persist until they are completed. Executive function consists of three main components. They are the ability to control, the ability to pay attention, and prioritize. Individuals with ADHD struggle with each of these components.

Cause

The cause of ADHD is believed to be a deficit in the neuro-transmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. This condition causes individuals with ADHD to try to make up for the deficit by regularly engaging in behaviors that are dopamine-stimulating. They then experience constant mental or physical restlessness. ADHD is a condition that individuals are usually born with.

Subtypes

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

• Inattentive-disorganized individuals who want mental stimulation
• Individuals with impulsive ADHD who try to obtain stimulation within their physical environment
• Individuals with a combination of ADHD subtypes and try to obtain stimulation with a mixture of the other two

Underemployed

It is common for individuals with ADHD to be underemployed based on their abilities. They may often struggle to perform at a position that fits them. These people struggle to keep up because they can’t multitask. They may not get projects done on time because of being distracted by a phone call or email, and more. People with ADHD are usually too busy trying to engage in mental or physical stimulation or exhausted from the effort to control their impulses. They often have no energy to focus.

Any person who believes they may have adult ADHD should try to get an evaluation. When this is done, people feel better. They can then develop ways to work through their struggles. There is a lot of confusion concerning how ADHD appears in adults. People who feel they may have ADHD need to find an expert who has significant experience with evaluating adults for ADHD.

Visit NHCC.us for more on New Horizon Counseling Center and Herrick Lipton!

This article was originally published on HerrickLipton.com

The Specifics of Popular Stress Management Methods

Whether making simple, everyday decisions or life-changing ones, everyone encounters stress in their life. It’s important to know how to cope and manage those feelings so that you can continue to thrive and stay healthy. The hardest part is figuring out which method of stress relief works best for you, as there are many to choose from. So, not only are some simple tips provided below, but included with them are how the techniques actually lower your stress levels so you can make the most informed decision possible and get back to feeling yourself one more.

Sipping a Steaming Cup of Tea

People have been reaping the benefits of this tasty drink for centuries, enjoying both its taste and comforting qualities. Luckily, it isn’t a placebo that gives tea its magic – it’s actually scientifically proven. There is a two-fold process that lowers the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, in your body when tea is involved. The first is the methodical process of brewing the tea, and the second is drinking the natural compounds in the tea itself. Combined, these basic steps help you relax and drown out some anxiety you are feeling.

Giving Your Pet Some Love and Attention

We all love our furry family members – big or small, they have become integral to our lives in more ways than one, but did you know they combat stress too? Just giving your animal some well-deserved pets has shown to decrease your cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and even give you a small boost of serotonin, too. They have all the ingredients necessary to help you lead a lower-stress life, and they’re cute to boot.

Embracing the Great Outdoors

Listening to the soothing sounds of nature can help some people sleep, but they also have the ability to help when you’re awake as well. The soft sound of rainfall or birds chirping perhaps, both could attribute to relaxation by refocusing your mind away from stressful thoughts and onto the beautiful nature that surrounds us. With nature sounds keeping us out of our heads, we allow ourselves to take a deep breath and enjoy the present moments.

Visit NHCC.us for more on New Horizon Counseling Center and Herrick Lipton!

This article was originally published on HerrickLipton.net

Supporting a Loved One with Depression While Dealing with Depression

Your friends and family members are there to help support you when you are feeling down, and you’re likely happy to return the favor. Yet, what happens when both of you are dealing with depression and have limited resources for helping one another? Figuring out ways to support a loved one with depression is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when you are also struggling with your mental health. Creating an action plan gives you more control over your mental wellbeing and relationship.

Establish Healthy Boundaries

Two people who are depressed can easily start to drag each other down. Start by deciding what you can agree on for boundaries. For example, you might want to establish that it is okay for either of you to tell the other that they need a break from hearing them vent. You may also want to make it clear that it is okay to say no to an activity or making plans when you aren’t feeling your best.

Be Open About Your Mental Health Status

Many people still find it hard to talk about their mental health. If you don’t feel okay saying that you are depressed, then try using other words such as telling your loved one that you are also having a hard time. Opening up about your depression can let your loved one know that you struggle mentally, too.

Invite Them to Join You in Self-Care Activities

There are times when you may want to be alone, but it also helps to bring your loved one along on your journey. If you’ve signed up for an art class or other activity, then ask them if they want to join in. You can also invite them for a walk or hike. Getting them involved in an activity that you enjoy can help both of you to improve your mental health.

Seek Mental Health Treatment

Serious depression needs professional treatment. Seeking help from a therapist or counselor helps you to learn techniques that make you a better friend or family member. In therapy, you can also talk about your challenges with supporting someone with the same mental health condition that you have. Talking it out makes things seem less frustrating, and you can use your new strategies to continue strengthening your relationship.

In a perfect world, two close friends or family members wouldn’t be depressed at the same time. While you can’t fix the timing of your mental health challenges, you can take charge of improving everyone’s well-being by being proactive and willing to talk about how you feel mentally and emotionally.

This article was originally published on HerrickLipton.net