We Accept Insurance!
Categories
depression men's mental health women's mental health

Suicide Prevention: How to Talk About It

Prevention: Talking About Suicide With A Loved One

Prevention: Talking About Suicide With A Loved One

Life can be a whirlwind of responsibilities, and it can be easy to let days or even weeks to go by not checking in on the people we love. But it’s critical to pause and consider how the simplest outreach makes a difference.

 

National Suicide Prevention Week serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of direct and honest conversations with loved ones who may be facing mental health challenges. Talking an often taboo topic out of the dark, and into the light has the power to save a life. 

 

This week underscores the need for open and sincere communication within families and among friends. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. When someone senses that a close friend or family member might be going through a difficult time, taking the initiative to initiate a conversation can be a lifeline.

 

Heading providers and medical staff discuss the topic of addressing suicide and offering their suggestions for starting the conversation, especially when the words are hard to say.

 

The Power of Using the Word

 

“It is important to actually ask the question using the word ‘suicide’,” shared Susan Hogan, a clinical therapist at Heading. 

 

“Sometimes people just want the pain to stop and are looking for a way out for a short time, but they are thinking of  making permanent decisions. Saying the word is important to address it directly.”

 

Detecting signs of emotional distress can be challenging, as individuals often conceal their pain. Therefore, taking the proactive step of reaching out is essential. Often people try to hide their distress to avoid being a burden on their loved ones. Susan suggests letting the person know that their pain is noticeable, and that you care. 

 

As a way to open up the conversation Susan offered a script that may encourage a loved one to open up about their thoughts and feelings, “Tell that person, You are important to me. It seems like you are feeling overwhelmed by your feelings. Your feelings are valid and sometimes our brains get stuck in negative thoughts/feelings I want to make sure that you are safe so I need to ask if you are contemplating suicide or self-harm in any way. Can we talk about this now?”

 

Asking is Always Better Than Not Asking

 

Communicating a desire to listen without judgment and acknowledging a loved ones feelings can provide invaluable support. Be brave, and be direct. By engaging in direct communication with loved ones, individuals become a source of comfort and hope for those feeling isolated and overwhelmed. 

 

“Ask your friend or family member if they have a plan of hurting or killing themselves,” shares Ryan McWhirter, psychiatric nurse at Heading.  “I don’t anyone regrets asking. But many people wish they would have spoken to a loved one if they never did.”

 

It’s important to remember that a simple conversation can save a life. 

 

Know About Resources

 

When someone is considering suicide they may not be considering resources available to help them in a crisis.  Knowing what those resources are, and being willing to share them with a person in need can help.

 

Go-To resources for support include:

 

#988 Crisis Hotline which is available by phone or text.

 

#911 If a mental health crisis becomes an emergency 911 can help.

 

988lifeline.org the Web version of the Suicide and Crisis Hotline

 

NAMI.org/help The National Alliance on Mental Illness help page. 

 

Apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlines The American Psychological Association publishes a page of crisis hotlines along with longer-term resources available by state. 

 

What About When You’re the One Feeling Hopeless?

 

If you’re the one experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available.  Consider using one of the resources listed above.

 

“There will always be someone there to listen, even when you least expect it. Share your internal monologue with someone,” encourages Rae Reynolds, medical assistant at Heading. “People ready to help, and often when we reach out for help we find out that the person on the other end truly understands how we’re feeling and may have even been there themselves.”

 

The impact of compassion and concern should never be underestimated, not just during National Suicide Prevention Week, but throughout the year. Creating a world where no one suffers in silence, and where love and understanding prevail, is a collective endeavor.

 

Visit American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for more information: https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-week/

Categories
anxiety BIPOC Mental health Blog business mental health depression men's mental health Provider

Care Insights: Sex & Therapy with Jestina Franks, LPC-S, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

Talking Sex & Therapy with Jestina Franks, Sex Therapist & LPC-S

February 13, 2023

Psychology, Sex, and Intimacy

Whether it’s framed as a “Hallmark” holiday, or a tradition that couples around the world take seriously as a date to engage or reengage with romance, Valentine’s Day raises feelings, questions, and desires to the surface for almost everyone. When those feelings, questions, and desires feel uncomfortable, painful, or completely new, it can be the very best opportunity to talk to a therapist about sexuality, and intimacy.

 

In this edition of Care Insights Jestina Franks shared her perspective as a counselor and sex therapist on why talking about sex in therapy is an important conversation for deepening personal understanding, and life satisfaction – whether you’re coupled up or not. 

 

So, we talked about sex.

Jestina works with Heading Health, and is a LPC-S and AASECT Certified Sex Therapy who offers virtual therapy to patients in Texas. To kick off the conversation about sex and therapy, Jestina thought it was important to set a baseline understanding of why sexual intimacy is such an important topic even though it’s often ignored or skimmed over in therapeutic settings.

 

 “Sex is an important part of who we are.  We see many images in social media and think this is what my sex life should look like and this is how I should feel when I have sex.  Those images can be further from the truth and can create anxiety.  It’s important to talk with your therapist about these concerns,” Jestina offered.

 

Sex and Satisfaction Beyond Biology

Discussing sex in the world of psychiatry often stops with conversations of physical performance, as mental illness itself and some medications prescribed to treat mental health disorders can negatively impact a patient’s sex life. Be it medication side effects or the impact of long standing stress, mental health takes a toll on intimacy and sex.  Finding a balance between effective management of concerning symptoms of anxiety and depression can come with a trade off. 

 

“There can be some psychological barriers that can impact our sexual functioning. Also some psychiatric medications can have side effects that can affect your sexuality.  It is important to educate yourself how medications can affect your sex life, and ask questions,” suggested Jestina.

 

“While some issues with sex and intimacy may have physical causes, very often psychological causes are at the core. Sexual dysfunction can be caused by anxiety, self-confidence issues, and trauma. These are things that are not just affecting life inside the bedroom, but also everyday. So proper screening can shed light on deeper issues that could easily be overlooked if the right questions aren’t asked.” Jestina shared.

 

The door also swings both ways as well, and collaboration between mental health care and physical health care providers is crucial for optimal care. “Mental health professionals need to collaborate with physical health providers too to ensure that sexual health issues are not medical, “ she noted. “Sexuality is a part of who we are as humans, and it’s not a one size fits all. It’s a unique part of who we are and it’s different from everyone else.  Our sexual health contributes to our overall wellbeing.”

Seeing a Therapist who Specializes in Sexual Health

However, it’s not always that simple as stigma around sex is still a large barrier. Jestina sees a parallel between sex and mental health in the way that culture, and the medical system, has been slow to invite an open dialogue. 

 

“Sex is so taboo. It’s a part of ourselves that we keep hidden and don’t talk about. Mental health was just like that at one point, and still is in a lot of ways. But, what a lot of patients, and even many providers, don’t consider is that sex therapy is a specialization within behavioral health that is focused on sexuality and sexual functioning. While you can talk to your therapist or psychiatrist about sex, getting referred to a provider with specialized training in sex therapy offers tremendous benefit – especially for those who have experienced sexual trauma, or are seeking support surrounding their sexual orientation, sexual identity, or have had a major life experience that has impacted their experience of sex and intimacy” 

 

The conversation can also be much more fluid when speaking with someone trained in sex therapy because the elephant in the room isn’t being ignored; it’s front and center. “Sex therapists are there to educate on communicating openly and honestly with your partner, find the root of sexual issues or challenges and move towards a fullfling, and pleasurable sex life.”

 

Something that many people are surprised to find out is that this work is not just for couples. 

 

 

Sex therapists very often work with individuals, especially when someone is working through a history of abuse or trauma, or when someone is  seeking support for issues of sexual preference, orientation, or identity, or experiencing a big life change like dating after divorce, medical illness, or another large life transition.  “Having a therapist who is sex positive, knowledgeable, compassionate, and empathetic empowers people to take control of their sexual health and wellness, and you don’t have to wait until you’re having sex with someone else or partnered up,” encouraged Jestina.

How to Pick a Sex Therapist

Not every therapist is going to be able to offer the same level of skill as a therapist who has specialized training. For those who feel that their therapist may not able to provide support Jestina suggested asking for a referral. Jestina also empowered people looking for a sex therapist to consider the qualities that would support them best, “Sex therapists are trained to help process concerns such as low libido, mismatched libidos, lack of desire, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, sexuality and identitiy, and alternative relationships such as polyamay or open relationships and a host of other sexual health or wellness concerns,” Jestina explained.

  

“I would encourage people to ask questions and advocate for yourself. You can ask about a therapist’s education and qualifications. For example some sex therapists are AASECT certified which means they have gone through extensive training. You also will want to know if the therapist has had experience working with a population similar to yours.” 


Cultural sensitivity and community experience can have a positive impact in building rapport, and people may with to seek out sex therapists within or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, have experience working with people who have a history of sexual abuse, or  people experiencing issues with sex and intimacy post divorce or loss, and  aging populations may want a therapist who has insight in maintaining a positive sex life in their golden years. According to Jestina sex therapy needs to be culturally sensitive, and inclusive, otherwise it will completely miss the mark.


“There’s a need for therapists who want to get more training in sex and intimacy. For those interested in the field I would encourage them to check their bias at the door. What appeals to a client may not appeal to you, but it’s not your job to judge. Those unique desires and preferences may be key pieces to that individual’s overall identity and experience of the world. It’s a sex therapist’s job to guide and support the healthiest and most authentic experience of sex and intimacy for the person they are helping,” concluded Jestina.


And, for those still nervous to talk about sex during therapy, or unsure of the benefits, Jestina had this to say, “Seeking professional help can give you the tools and resources to process what you have experienced. [Sex therapy in particular] will give you a safe space to process your trauma, learn coping skills, explore ways to feel safe in your body, learn how to create and set boundaries, and use positive communication skills.”

Important skills for everyone – no matter their relationship status. 


For those interested in learning more about sexual health, sex education, and sex therapy, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, couselors, and Therapists has resources for patients and providers at AASECT.org

Take the first step

Want to find out if Heading is right for you? 

Complete our consultation form and an intake specialist will get in touch.


Schedule your consultation
Categories
anxiety BIPOC Mental health Blog business mental health depression men's mental health Provider

Care Insights: Community Health & Black Mental Health with Shaunae Tolson, LPC

Therapy Insights: Community Health & Black Mental Health with Shaunae Tolson, LPC

February 6, 2023

Black Mental Health & Black History Month

In this Care Insights we spoke with Shaunae Tolson, LPC.  Shaunae is a counselor who offers virtual therapy services to Texas, and is part of the care team at Heading Health.


Shaunae shared with us her inspiration for entering the field of mental health, her perspective on providing mental health care and receiving mental health care as a Black woman, and what she feels is the duty of the medical system and those in health care when it comes to not only serving individuals but also being the change she hopes to see for all patients.

February is Black History Month, a month that serves to recognize the contributions and achievements of Black individuals, with special focus on sharing important stories of the people and moments in Black history that have and continue to play a central role in U.S. history, and offers a powerful reminder that Black culture is American culture.  In our conversation with Shaunae, she shared what this month means to her and how Black Mental Health should be part of the conversation, this month and every month.

 

 

“Well, obviously, being a Black woman I grew up black with all the challenges that come with growing up Black. And for me, and many people in my community,  mental health was not mentioned or talked about or acknowledged. The closest thing you get to counsel is ‘go to church’, ‘give it to God’, or you’re told to pray or talk to the pastor,” Shaunae reflects.

 

 

“I think that’s why it’s important to talk about Mental Health when we talk about Black History.”

 

 

Mental Illness, PTSD and Survival

Shaunae grew up in what she called a ‘rough, inner city neighborhood’, and recognized that most people in her community were experiencing significant challenges. Now, as a therapist she is able to empathize with her clients who have been raised in similar circumstances. Shaunae shared that she feels that what may be labeled as ‘mental illness’ is often survival mechanisms and habits for coping.  The impact of living under extreme stress for a prolonged period of time often creates mental and physical health symptoms that aren’t always obvious, because surviving becomes another part of daily living.

 

 

“I was an inner city kid. And I feel like a lot of inner city kids suffer from PTSD. For me, having family members that have gone through the legal system, we suffered, but we had to suck it up. No one really talks to inner city kids about the exposure they have had to really difficult circumstances, and what impact witnessing these things is having on them”

 

 

“What I know now about PTSD, as a counseling professional, is that it’s just survival tactics really.  You’re often forced to learn them and sometimes just don’t have a choice in the matter. It can come with aloofness, a numbing, pretending like you’re unbreakable, or coming across as standoffish or disrespectful. But what people need to realize is that at the end of the day – basic needs always win. You do what you think keeps you safe.” Shaunae shares.

 

 

Shaunae’s personal experience concerning the difficult nature of mental health diagnoses, and even misdiagnoses, when dealing with trauma echoes broader issues of racial disparity in mental health care. A 2018 study from Rutgers University compared the diagnoses given to over 1600 people and concluded that very often Black men with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were much more likely than non-Black individuals with a schizophrenia diagnosis to also qualify for a diagnosis of major depression and PTSD. Yet, the screening for mood disorders and diagnosis of major depression was often not given.  Discussion of this study also noted the finding suggests a bias towards screening Black individuals for psychotic symptoms over mood disorders.

 

 

Undertreated major depression is significant, as it is a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia, in both instances the potential for inappropriate treatment or undertreatment comes with significant health risks.

 

“You know with police brutality, lack of opportunity, crime, and a lot of what happens in rougher neighborhoods relates to people doing what they know to do based on the demands of their environment. And it takes time and perspective, and really the ability to step away, to realize that sometimes coping techniques are dysfunctional, and understand that your feelings do matter.  But it’s hard to form that sort of perspective if you’re stuck or you’re unsafe. You have to survive first. Mental health or emotions are not going to be seen as a priority, because they’re emotions. They don’t feed you, put clothes on your back or keep the electricity on.”

 

The challenge of offering support to an individual when societal factors play a large role in a patient’s suffering is an aspect of her job that Shaunae embraced, ”I think that’s why it’s such a  passion of mine. The work is complicated because I’d often have to say to someone, ‘You’re right, you still have to survive, unfortunately, because of the cards that you were dealt and the situation that you’re dealing with’.” 

Doing Healing Work In a Broken System

The resilience of the people Shaunae supported in her time in community mental health stoked a passion for her career in counseling. When Shaunae reflected on her time in community mental health she shared that one of the most difficult aspects of that work was not being able to change the environment she was sending people back into after their session, but that community centers were the heart of change for neighborhoods like the one where she raised.

 

 

“I’m a huge advocate of community centers,” Shaunae shared excitedly.

 

“I worked in community mental health. So, I dealt with, you know, America’s true people. And I’ve heard a lot of things, and witnessed a lot of emotion that stem from really horrible experiences. Even though I couldn’t necessarily change their experiences or what they were going through, I  saw the impact of just being heard, and having a safe space for letting it all out,” Shaunae remarked.

 

 “We can’t fix the situation. Most times we have to send them back to where they came from and they have to continue to survive. But I don’t think people understand the impact of just having a brief moment of not having to worry.”

 

Community centers are often frontline areas of support for low-income people who live in inner city environments. While the American Affordable Care Act did begin to close the insurance gap, Black individuals still trail behind in coverage, and are much less likely to have private insurance making access to quality mental health care difficult and cost prohibitive. Safe spaces where counseling, support groups, social services, and recreation, become centrally important in providing low cost and zero cost access to meaningful access.

 

 

“When you’re worried about basic needs emotions are not going to be a priority. But there can also be some acknowledgement and support. And that goes a long way. Just a space for releasing is impactful.”

Need for Black Mental Health Professionals

When asked about her perspective on receiving mental health counseling for someone of the same race, Shaunae’s response was nuanced and thoughtful. It was clear this is a topic she’s considered often in her own life and in her career. 

 

“I have a mixed perspective. It’s not always necessary for your therapist to look like you, but sometimes it can help. Some of the greatest therapists I saw were white women. I never felt like they couldn’t help me because they didn’t understand my struggle or that I couldn’t meet with them, but I also will add that at the time I was already studying this work. So I had some awareness. But, in reflecting back, the biggest reason I was able to navigate [having a white therapist] was because growing up my mom always made a way to ensure we were able to go charter schools. I was not a stranger to being in predominantly white environments.”

 

One important aspect of reducing stigma and improving care and access for the Black community relates back to a greater need for diversity in the mental health field in general. The APA reported that as of 2015 the field of psychology was less diverse than the nation as a whole, and that only 4% of professionals in the psychology field identified as Black. While beneficial care is not reliant upon racial, gender, or sexual orientation matching between patient and provider, there are real benefits to care when a patient feels more comfortable building a rapport with someone of their own background. 

 

In Shaunae’s own therapy journey, connecting with a therapist who was a Black woman made a difference for her. She shared, “When I got my first Black therapist, that shifted things for me. I can’t even pinpoint the exact shift, but it took my treatment to a deeper level. Having that connection of culture was significant. A lot of the things that I explore with my current therapist, who is a Black woman, are also things that I explored with white therapists. However, now with that shared connection I’ve been able to revisit those topics and process the experiences more deeply. Her understanding of the Black experience, and being able to ask certain questions about the Black experience and being a Black woman especially, helped.”

 

Rapport is a significant indicator of therapeutic success, even more so than a specific theory or modality used in session. Research on cultural competency and its relationships to therapeutic outcomes is gaining more traction though a precise definition of what it means to offer culturally competent care is still difficult to pinpoint. But, research shows that providers can unintentionally contribute to increased racial and ethnic disparities in care, and on the whole the system needs improvement. Though the fact remains that racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to receive psychological care than the white majority, and in order to meet the need more BIPOC are needed and white providers need to become more immersed in providing care to a culturally diverse patient population.

 

“For Black people who may be resistant to therapy, or nervous to talk, having someone that they immediately feel like they can trust and relate to might make a big difference. Someone of a different race, who’s just very textbook, just not aware and simply feeding what CBT told you to say if a client says a certain thing – that’s a turn off.”

 

 

Given that the overwhelming majority of psychology professions are white there is a tremendous need for learning and education around what it means to offer culturally competent, sensitive, and relevant care. Shaunae shared, “Clients who have come to me after experiencing a white therapist or someone who just wasn’t culturally aware said it was off putting and it made them quit there because to them it’s like, ‘I don’t need you to tell me what the textbook said or to watch calming soothing videos, I don’t need that, I need you to hear me and know what I’m talking about.’”

How Mental Health Practices and Providers Can Support Change

“When it comes to changing Black Mental Health I think first of access. Access provides the opportunity for a powerful trifecta: Awareness, Perspective, and Trajectory. Awareness comes through psychoeducation and therapy to unlock the path to psychological freedom. This leads to a shift in perspective, and that unlocks hope. Hope is needed in order to change the trajectory of one’s life; a life that may have seemed unattainable.”


Facilitating space for hope can be a change with insurance gaps, and difficulties in access – even with the advent of virtual therapy.  When asked what she thinks mental health practices and providers could do to influence systemic change and promote greater access, Shaunae had very concrete ideas of what she’d like to see.


“Educational assistance, and medicaid. I don’t know the logistics behind convincing more companies to accept medicaid, or how to improve the care that comes with it, but when I was working in community mental health accepting Medicaid was huge. Unfortunately when it comes to medicaid, people don’t always get the best care, and we need to change that too. I believe mental health practices and providers have a responsibility to figure it out.”


In the short term, Shaunae challenged practices and providers to align and support organizations already offering care to those who need it. 

“I remember when I was growing up in the projects there was a community center. It was just a place for us to escape. It had recreational activities, and people we could talk to if we needed. Simple things like that. Mental health care practices should support the places in the community that are already doing the work. Centers are monumental because there’s no transportation barrier, and financial barriers aren’t there. Growing up, I didn’t know what yoga or Pilates or meditation was. Community centers are starting to bring some of these things that we, even I, preach to our clients.”


From Shaunae’s perspective an action everyone who cares about improving mental health care equity can do is to find ways to support safe spaces, “We need places where at least you get a break, because we all need a break.”

Take the first step

Want to find out if Heading is right for you? 

Complete our consultation form and an intake specialist will get in touch.


Schedule your consultation
Categories
anxiety BIPOC Mental health Blog business mental health depression men's mental health Provider

Care Insights: Treating Severe Depression & Anxiety with Julie Isaacs, SVP of Operations & Therapy

Therapy Insights: Treating Depression & Anxiety with Julie Isaacs, LCSW

January 24, 2023

The Intersection of Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma

Depression and anxiety disorders are different mental health conditions that can have similar symptoms and can even co-occur. However, they have different causes that often require different types of treatment.

 

Julie Isaacs, SVP of Operations & Therapy at Heading, offered her insight into how depression and anxiety disorders intersect and the role of specializing a therapy practice to address long-standing and extreme stress.

Related Yet Distinct Diagnoses

“Anxiety and depression are like first cousins; they relate very well to one another and often share a lot of similarities. That said, the experience of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also unique to the individual person, and the therapeutic tool kit should be personalized as well,” shares Julie Isaacs

 

Diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders are helpful for research and developing treatments and support, but like other aspects of health problems often coexist. Depression is considered as a mood disorder and is often characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Anxiety disorders are conditions that include excessive and persistent feelings of worry or dread, and typically comes with edginess, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, increased muscle tension and discomfort in the body, and trouble sleeping.  Trauma is a criterion of PTSD and the result is a response or set of responses to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, such as a natural disaster, a car accident, or a violent crime. People who have experienced trauma that results in PTSD experience anxiety and fear,  may have flashbacks and nightmares, and become hypervigilant to situations that remind them of the event or carry a perceived threat. Avoidance of uncontrollable situations and hypervigilance are coping mechanisms that promote personal safety. However, they often snowball into more rigid and isolated ways of being.  Over time, this increase in rigidity and isolation, along with the fear, anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares, can leave those with PTSD at risk of developing depression as well as a substance abuse disorder. 

 

While PTSD can cause depression, depression is less likely to have been brought on by a single traumatic event. Instead, depression’s causes are more varied. It might be set off by a stressful life event that gives rise to sadness with a life of its own. Evidence suggests there may also be biological triggers that can put the condition in motion even in the absence of difficult circumstances. Often, it’s a more complicated combination of factors.

 

“Depression is sometimes experienced as ‘anger turned inward’, and this anger is also  experienced with anxiety disorders and PTSD especially if a person has gone untreated or undertreated for a long time,’” shares Julie.

 

Julie has dedicated her career to the treatment of severe depression and anxiety disorders. Through her years of experience working with individuals struggling with these mental health disorders, she has gained unique insights into the best approaches to helping people find healing and improve their quality of life. She also has vast experience mentoring therapists who want to specialize in these areas and knows firsthand how rewarding and challenging the work can be.

 

Understanding both the intersection of symptoms, and causes are important for appropriate care. However, the skill of understanding what someone is going through is not only a science but also an art as every individual’s personal experience of their mental health is expressed differently.

Naming the Unspoken Symptoms of Mental Illness

While diagnosis is essential for many aspects of treatment, it can come with strong feelings of shame due to the stigma associated with having a mental health condition. 

 

 

“Overcoming shame is a big part of developing the courage to seek treatment, and a therapist needs to know how to not only ask the right questions or identify the right symptoms but also how to build trust and rapport,” Julie points out. “Some patients might tell you right away what they’re going through. But it’s also very common to have a patient who is reluctant to use the words ‘depression’ or ‘PTSD.’ And that could be for many reasons. They may feel it will threaten their job, their standing, or their personal identity.”

 

 

As such diagnostic labels, while necessary and valuable for many medical and therapeutic reasons, carry substantial weight for the individual, which should be seriously considered. 

 

 

Julie also noted that stigma can have a different impact on men and women, especially when it comes to how they express their symptoms and whether they seek treatment. 

 

 

“Men struggling with severe depression or anxiety often seem ‘functional’ by going to work and doing their best to appear ok outside of the home, but when they come home there is often a big shift in their behavior and they might shut down. Men are also more often slow to seek treatment. Women on the other hand are more likely to pull the covers over their head and have a hard time leaving the house, but are more likely to feel comfortable seeking treatment. We have to break through gendered conditioning to really address the heart of the matter – no matter the gender expression or societal norms – all people should feel comfortable seeking help.”

 

 

Unlike a broken bone there’s no x-ray for depression or anxiety. Through experience and training therapists build the skills to hear what’s going on even if a patient has a hard time talking about it. While people may not come right out and say, ‘I have major depression’ or ‘I have PTSD’, they might say other things that indicate they are struggling. For example, they might say  ‘I’m not sleeping,’ ‘I’m having trouble thinking’ ‘No matter what I do, I just don’t feel like myself,’ or ‘I experienced X and just can’t stop thinking about it.’  While it’s gotten better, there’s still certainly shame and stigma around getting help, especially among men, in certain cultures and social circles, and among those with jobs where they need to be perceived as extremely competent or feel a diagnosis could jeopardize their employment.  

 

 

According to one study, 29 percent of male participants said the reason they haven’t spoken to anyone about their mental health is because they are too embarrassed to speak about it.

 

 

Forty percent of men in the study said it would take thoughts of self-harm or suicide to get them to seek help. 

 

Shame will take many different forms depending on the individual, their background, and their lived experience. Shame often comes with feelings of isolation, failure, and embarrassment.  In a traumatic event, or repeated traumatic events, there can be significant fear and shame associated with it as well and which can spur negative thoughts about one’s self. Similarly, with major depression, one might feel guilt or disappointment for not being able to deal with the symptoms ‘on their own’ are common. Trained therapists and psychiatrists are able to help their patients identify these thought patterns in themselves, and dismantle their strong grip.

Addressing the Whole Person in Therapy

Over years of treating patients, Julie notes that, in addition to common mental symptoms, there are also common physical symptoms of both depression and anxiety disorders.

 

“To be honest, no one is sleeping,” notes Julie.  “When we’re dealing with a major mental illness, we’re either sleeping too much with low-quality sleep, or we’re not sleeping enough. But, in truth, no one is rested. And there’s only so much you can do when your body is exhausted. Therapists need to be curious about what’s going on in someone’s body and not just their mind and emotions; depression and anxiety don’t simply exist from the neck up.”

 

The conversation about mental health is becoming less and less siloed from other aspects of health. Mental illness has a strong physical component.   Both anxiety and depression can involve changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels, as well as difficulty concentrating. Studies show that mental illness can even impact our immune systems and cause or exacerbate other physical conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure, and cancer

As such, many people benefit from a holistic approach to healing that includes biological and lifestyle interventions, mindfulness practices, and regular exercise. Additionally, more and more the field of psychiatry is also turning towards interventional treatments like ketamine, and psychedelic research, to address the neural pathways within the brain in ways that traditionally prescribed medications do not.

 

Comprehensive treatment is often needed when depression, anxiety, and PTSD become severe or recurrent. When this happens, it’s particularly helpful to have a team that is highly trained in these specific disorders to deliver personalized treatment.

Improving Therapy & Mental Health Outcomes

The shortage of mental health care providers in the U.S. is a known problem, with a recent survey indicating that 60% of psychologists are unable to take on new clients. Many states, such as Texas,  are also short on psychiatric staff in hospitals and centers.

 

What is less talked about is what this means to mental health of providers, especially those treating patients with severe depression and anxiety. “The stakes are high. And among therapists, burnout is real,” shares Julie. “While it can be an issue for all therapists and providers, those focusing on more severe cases of depression and anxiety may be more likely to experience it.” 

 

Her remarks are well-backed up by recent studies. One report found that 50 percent of behavioral health providers reported feeling burnout out, and that a lack of training was a common source of stress. The consequences for those with severe mental health conditions can be devastating.  

 

“Undertreated mental health struggles can absolutely be lethal,” shares Julie, underscoring the importance of proper staff and adequate training. To address the issue, Julie says we should focus on education. “Providers dealing with more severe cases need access to continued education as well as personal support through supervisors, mentors, and peer groups.”

 

Other mental health professionals feel the same. When discussing the problem of mental health care in rural Texas, Dr. Steve Bain, founding director of the Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives, also highlighted the importance of training. 

 

“Knowing the patterns among diagnoses certainly helps a therapist connect the dots within their patient’s experience, but it’s also important not to jump to conclusions. This is where peer support, continued education, and mentorship relationships within the field can be incredibly helpful. We can’t practice in a vacuum. Making the effort to continue our own education and develop a network of peers and mentors who challenge our thinking improves the quality of care,” notes Julie.

 

“And like in any profession there may be a time when it is helpful to niche ourselves diving deeply into a few disorders to develop the level of quality and experience a patient with severe struggles needs. That can be challenging and it takes time. But I do know that therapists who are willing to go the distance in their education and experience to support severe mental illness can truly save lives.”

Hope For The Future of Mental Health Care

Despite the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD the diagnoses themselves can come with a strong degree of stigma. But as the conversation around mental health continues to make its way out of the shadows and into the mainstream, more people will feel ready to seek help.

 

Julie notes that things are moving in the right direction, “I’ve witnessed a huge shift in the conversation around mental health since I first started as a therapist. Big picture, the fact that more people are talking about mental health is promising. Insurance plans, and employers are also starting to take mental health more seriously which is absolutely needed.”

 

“But, we also have a shortage of mental health care providers nationwide. Caring for people who have severe or longstanding mental illness is a demanding job. Providers need training, support, and resources that allow them to their job effectively, and their patients need access to a dynamic tool kit for care for better outcomes. The future of Mental Health will require tearing down silos around treatment modalities, continuing to embrace technology for improved access and education, and for the medical system to take mental health as seriously as physical health. Change has started and I’m hopeful we’ll get there” Julie concludes. 

Take the first step

Want to find out if Heading is right for you? 

Complete our consultation form and an intake specialist will get in touch.


Schedule your consultation
Categories
anxiety BIPOC Mental health Blog depression LGBTQIA Mental Health men's mental health Provider therapy wellness

Yes, It Matters if You Like Your Therapist. Here’s Why

Yes, It Matters if You Like Your Therapist. Here's Why

January 17, 2023

When searching for the right therapist, you might focus on things like how much experience they have, what conditions they specialize in, and the types of therapy they are trained to provide. 

 

What you may be less likely to prioritize are features that might impact how much you’ll like or connect with them. In some sense, this is perfectly reasonable. Much like seeing a doctor for your physical health, it may seem that all that matters is that they know what treatment to give and how to deliver it. 

 

While this may be true when it comes to your physical health (though it’s questionable even then), there are reasons for thinking that therapy is different. Above and beyond being able to deliver the proper treatment, it matters that patients like, connect, and relate with their therapists. Often talked about in terms like ‘therapeutic rapport’ or ‘therapeutic alliance,’ studies have found the quality of patient-provider relationships to be a significant predictor of how well they respond to treatment. 

 

Explore why this matters, learn some common factors that impact whether patients and providers connect, and check out what you can do if you and your therapist aren’t vibing.

Why It’s Good if You Connect with Your Therapist

There are a variety of reasons why it’s good to relate to and connect with your therapist. Here are some of the most significant ones. 

#1 You’ll Be More Likely To Share Important Information

Therapy often requires patients to bring up and share personal details at the heart of their anxiety and depression. This is an understandably difficult process. Therapy requires a deep sense of trust and psychological safety. If you feel your therapist will understand where you’re coming from and won’t judge you for your experiences and reactions, you’ll have an easier time opening up and delving into what’s bothering you.

#2 You’ll Be More Open to Their Suggestions

While therapists are not typically ‘advice-givers’ they will offer insights and suggestions.  It’s natural to wonder if it will really work for you, and we’re more inclined to seriously consider the suggestions of people that we admire and respect. 

 

Not connecting with your therapist can undermine your sense that they understand how to address your problems or effectively personalize your treatments.

#3 You’ll Be More Likely to Stick with Treatment

While therapy can be rewarding, finding the motivation to stick with it can also be challenging. When you’re on the same page as your therapist, this becomes less of an obstacle. Studies have found that the stronger the therapeutic alliance, the more likely the patient is to adhere to the treatment. 

 

Additionally, if you aren’t taking your therapist’s advice because you don’t connect with them, you may not be seeing the results you were looking for, which can make you wonder whether therapy is right for you.

How to Find a Therapist You’ll Connect With

While the list of factors supporting a solid connection is endless, several common traits are particularly important to look out for. Here are a few.

Style

Remember why you are seeking therapy. It’s not always best to simply find someone that is exactly like you. However, there may be aspects of your life that you may be more comfortable opening up about if the person in front of you seems to have a level of personal understanding. Consider your willingness to be challenged, or your learning style. Do you want someone who is more directive and straight to the point? Or would you like someone who is conversational, and funny? Typically during an intake session you will be asked about your preferences for therapy and that would be a good time to bring up any aspects of therapy that might be important to you.

 

Cultural or Ethnic Background

A shared cultural or ethnic background can help for several reasons. For one thing, different groups are more likely to deal with specific stressors due to their lived experience with issues like racism and oppression. To best help patients develop effective coping mechanisms, it can be important for their therapists to have similar cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

Gender

Gender plays an important role in our experience of mental health and our mental health outcomes. For example, men are more likely to be diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. They are also less likely to seek treatment and more concerned with mental health stigma. A therapist of the same gender may be better equipped to address these and other gender-specific issues.

LGBTQ+ Allyship

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately likely to experience mental health problems. According to The Trevor Project, 45 percent of LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide in 2022. Of those who did not receive mental health care, 43 percent said they did not see a therapist because they feared their concerns would not be taken seriously. Therapists with clear LGBTQ+allyship are desperately needed to help this community.

What Should I Do if I Don’t Like my Therapist?

Let’s say you find yourself in therapy, and despite all your research, you just don’t gel with your therapist. What should you do?

 

There are a few options.

 

Depending on where the disconnect is, you can discuss it with your therapist. Sometimes, you can try resolving disagreements. Speaking up and voicing your opinions may also allow your therapist to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a willingness to adopt new strategies to better suit your needs. 

 

It’s not always possible to close the gap between you and your therapist with some quick conflict resolution. When this happens, it’s time to break up with your therapist. If you are going to end the relationship, it’s best not to ghost them. Instead, open up a conversation where you explain why you want to look for a different provider. Not only does this give the therapist the fix the issues, but it also helps them learn for future clients so that they may avoid whatever mistakes they made in your case. 

 

While this can seem scary, it’s really an easy process. Mental health professionals generally understand the importance of fit and won’t judge you for wanting to find the therapist that works best for you. “Remember, you are under no obligation to stick with a particular therapist,” shares Patricia Hernandez, LPC.  “Whatever your reasons for wanting to find a new one are, they are valid.”

Takeaway

There’s nothing unreasonable about wanting to like your therapist. In fact, feeling connected to your mental health provider may be one of the more vital ingredients in a successful mental wellness journey. From helping you feel comfortable discussing challenging and personal topics to strengthening your ability to stick with therapy, a close patient-provider connection can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes. 

 

When looking for a therapist, check for things that might impact how well you’ll connect. This may include a shared culture or ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+ allyship, and more. If you find you don’t like your current therapist, that’s no problem. You may not get it right on the first try, but fortunately, switching is no big deal. 

Take the first step

Want to find out if Heading is right for you? 

Complete our consultation form and an intake specialist will get in touch.


Schedule your consultation
Categories
Blog LGBTQIA Mental Health men's mental health wellness women's mental health

Mental Health(care) is for Everyone

Mental Health(care) is for Everyone

February 24, 2022

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty, stress, discomfort and periods of isolation has increased across the world. This increased stress has resulted in amplified waves of anxiety, exacerbated depression, and even increased OCD. What many individuals may not realize is that almost everyone struggles with their mental health at some points, not just those who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses. This means that even those without a diagnosable mental illness can benefit from comprehensive mental healthcare and implementing positive coping strategies.


When we find ourselves in these moments of uncertainty, here are a few basic concepts to keep in mind:

 

  • Sharing really is caring: Talking about how we feel is powerful. In many circumstances, speaking to someone who cares about you or a mental health professional can help you to feel supported and less alone. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to sharing your emotions and thoughts, a good place to start is using simple statements such as, “today I feel…” or “when this happens it causes me to feel..”
  • Sleep is your friend: Prioritize a good night’s rest. It’s no secret we aren’t at our best cognitively when we haven’t made time for quality rest. Sleep and mental health are closely linked and frequently affect one another. While it may seem challenging to relax and fall asleep when we have a lot on our mind, things like sticking to a schedule for sleep and ensuring that at least 30 minutes prior you are reducing or eliminating distractions such as TV, phone time, or working on projects can help prepare your body for a much needed rest.
  • Move: Stay active. Physical activity is not only good for your body, it’s also great for your mind. With the increase of online activities over the last few years, it has become increasingly easy to lose sight of the importance of moving our bodies. Staying active can mean anything from taking part in a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout to doing some stretching or taking a quick 10-15 minute walk. As you consistently engage in even just a few minutes of physical activity per day, you will provide increased support to your mental well-being, effectively helping to combat stress, anxiety, depression, or anything else you may be struggling with.
  • Get help when you need: Talking to friends and family, sleeping well, eating well, and physical activity are strong steps that we can take to promote mental wellness. It is important to recognize however, that sometimes we need additional. Mental illness, just like any illness, sometimes requires the care of someone specially trained to treat it. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and a way to show yourself compassion and self-love. Professionals such as therapists and psychiatrists are trained to help you find and implement the best strategies for your unique circumstances and will support you on your journey to recapture your highest quality of life.

To learn more or request an appointment with one of our providers, give us a call at 512-777-2591 or visit us at headinghealth.com.

Take the first step

Want to find out if Heading is right for you? 

Complete our consultation form and an intake specialist will get in touch.


Schedule your consultation