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Sugar, Mood, and Mental Health: Interview with a Nutritional Therapist

Sugar, Mood, and Mental Health: Interview with a Nutritional Therapist

December 2, 2022

The holiday season is a time of gatherings, gifts, and of course, a gluttonous indulgence in sweet treats.

 

While some sugar consumption is perfectly normal and healthy, a high-sugar diet, even temporarily, can negatively impact one’s mood and mental health. As a result, it’s important to be mindful of your sugar intake during the holidays and as you carry on afterward with your regular diet.

 

To learn about sugar’s connection with mood and mental health and how to adopt healthier habits, we sat down with Austin, Texas-based Registered Dietician Nutritionist Sally Twellman. She is our in-house nutritional therapist here at Heading Health, and she shared experience supporting mental health treatments with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Q & A with Sally Twellman RDN, LD

Are Sugar Rushes and Crashes Real? If So, What Causes Them?

Yes, for sure, and this goes for carbohydrates in general. When we have a large amount of carbohydrates, our blood sugar rises rapidly, which causes an equally sharp increase in insulin. This increase in insulin causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, and that’s when you get that slump, which can make you feel tired, lethargic, and even a little bit irritable. In turn, this can cause sugar cravings and, ultimately, a vicious feedback loop of sugar consumption followed by a crash followed by more sugar consumption, and so on. 

Are There Long-Term Mental Health Consequences of a High-Sugar Diet?

Very much so.

 

For example, a high-sugar diet is correlated with depression. One of the many ways it might contribute to depression is through frequent and erratic fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Some fluctuations are normal, but when the peaks become too large and too frequent, it is very stressful for the body and can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is associated with adverse mental health outcomes.

 

Another way that having a lot of sugar in your diet can impact mental health is through its connection with diabetes. Over time, people who eat a carbohydrate-heavy diet are disproportionately more likely to develop insulin resistance, predisposing them to depression.

The third way having lots of very sugary foods can impact mood is that it changes the gut microbiome. Your body adapts to whatever you eat, and if you mostly eat high carbohydrates and low-fiber foods, the bacteria you will grow more of will be the kind that thrives in that environment. And those bacteria are typically not the ones that are beneficial for maintaining good neurotransmitter production, which your brain needs to send messages chemical messages and, ultimately, to produce good feelings.

Is the Damage Reversible?

Yes. Even a dietary change of two weeks to a Mediterranean-based diet, for example, can have a profoundly positive impact on your gut microbiome. This means that if you’re experiencing a low mood resulting from a high-sugar diet, it’s possible to undo the damage and experience benefits after just a few weeks on a low-sugar, high-nutrient diet.

Does the Sugar Source Matter?

Absolutely. The source matters for a variety of reasons. For one thing, some sources make it much easier to consume lots of sugar than others, which is why I highly recommend people avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. We don’t really get that fullness factor like we do when we eat the same amount of sugar or calories in, say, a cookie. So, we can consume a lot of sugar just by drinking regular amounts of liquid without realizing it.

Also, some sugar sources contain ingredients that help to balance out the sugar and help our bodies break it down. Protein, fiber, and fat are good examples. When sugar comes from a source with sufficient amounts of fat or protein, it’s released incrementally into your bloodstream, which helps to avoid the kind of spikes and dips that are particularly unhealthy. So, if you want a cookie, try having it alongside some yogurt with protein and fat to help balance out your blood sugar.

Does the Type of Sugar Matter (e.g., Glucose vs. Fructose)?

In theory, it should matter because our liver is what’s primarily responsible for breaking down fructose. So, part of why food and drinks containing high fructose corn syrup are dangerous is because they can cause the liver to overwork, resulting in all sorts of problems. For example, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be caused by a high carbohydrate diet and insulin resistance. Over time, a fatty liver becomes inflamed, which can cause inflammation throughout the body, which, again, is associated with adverse mental health outcomes.

Is Fruit Okay?

You might think, “well, I shouldn’t eat fruit because fruit is high in sugar fruit and it’s high in fructose, which is harder to process,” but naturally occurring fructose isn’t the same as high fructose corn syrup. It’s also coupled with fiber and many other nutrients your body needs to break it down. So, for example, your body can break down the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in an apple in a healthy way because it also comes with things like magnesium and fiber, which it needs to support the good bacteria that help process sugar. So, fruit is not bad. It’s separate from things like gummy bears and other high-fructose snacks.

What About Artificial Sweeteners?

I’m not a fan of artificial sweeteners. They have been linked to things like migraines and changes in the microbiome, and they have to be detoxified by our overworked livers.

 

Also, even though artificial sweeteners have zero calories, they can still cause an increase in insulin. This is because part of what causes your body to release insulin is the sweet taste of sugar on your tongue.

 

Whenever you have something sweet, your brain will send signals down to your pancreas saying, “something sweet’s coming down. You better start pumping up insulin.” As a result, your insulin levels will increase, and these spikes can be just as significant as they would be with natural sugar.

So, if you feel like you need to add some sweetness to your beverages, try more natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. These may not taste as sweet as table sugar, but over time your taste preferences will adjust to the lower sweetness levels. Another option is to add natural sugar alternatives, like monk fruit or stevia if you like those.

 

You might think, “well, I shouldn’t eat fruit because fruit is high in sugar fruit and it’s high in fructose, which is harder to process,” but naturally occurring fructose isn’t the same as high fructose corn syrup. It’s also coupled with fiber and many other nutrients your body needs to break it down. So, for example, your body can break down the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in an apple in a healthy way because it also comes with things like magnesium and fiber, which it needs to support the good bacteria that help process sugar. So, fruit is not bad. It’s separate from things like gummy bears and other high-fructose snacks.

What’s a Good Tip for Managing Our Sugar Intake During the Holidays?

My basic recommendation is to be picky about the added sugar you take into your diet. As the holidays continue, it’s important to choose things that you thoroughly enjoy, like really delicious cookies or a great pie. Don’t waste it on sweethearts (unless you really like those, of course). It’s also best to choose something with nutritional value, like dark chocolate, which has antioxidants.

What’s the Best Way to Get Off of a High-Sugar Diet?

The best way is just to go cold turkey. Weaning yourself off incrementally by decreasing the amount of sugar you add to your coffee is generally less effective. Because you get such a robust physiological reward when you have sugar, your body will want more, and you’ll have to endure intense sugar cravings every time. So, it’s best to tough it out for a little while, and you will begin to crave it less.

 

People in Austin, Texas as well as Texans across the state connect with Sally to supplement their mental health care with nutritional support. Those interested in working with Sally are encouraged to reach out to Heading to set up a consultation.

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Patient Perspective: What Spravato® Did for My Anxiety and Depression.


Patient Perspective: What Spravato Did (and Didn't Do) for My Anxiety and Depression

December 1, 2022

This post was written by a member of our team who currently resides in Michigan and receives treatment there. In the interest of transparency, he is not a patient of Heading as Heading serves people in Texas. However, his treatment program and the experiences detailed are similar to those of patients at Heading. We are grateful that he wanted to share his story with us.

 

 

Over the past few months, I have been undergoing Spravato (intranasal esketamine) therapy to address my anxiety and depression. To help others considering or currently incorporating Spravato into their treatment plans, I have been documenting aspects of my experience. After the first few sessions, I described in great detail what the treatments feel like for me so that others can prepare themselves for Spravato’s psychoactive effects. 

 

In this post, I discuss Spravato’s effect on my mental health, including the benefits and residual issues, to provide a clear picture of what it did and didn’t do for me. 

Psychological Benefits

Less Fear and Anxiety

Though I deal with both depression and anxiety, the latter is my primary condition and may very well be responsible for the former. I’ve experienced heightened and unwarranted levels of stress and worry for as long as I can remember and have been diagnosed with several anxiety disorders, from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), to several phobias.

 

These conditions are driven, at least partly, by intense feelings of anxiety and fear. One of the more noticeable effects of Spravato has been that the subjective sensation of anxiety has diminished dramatically. I am far less prone to feel the icy cold tension that ripples through my body when I encounter a situation I perceive as dangerous or threatening in some way.

 

This therapeutic effect of Spravato had a positive downstream impact on other symptoms. For example, phobias are much more manageable as the fear I would typically feel when thinking about or encountering what I’m afraid of is less intense. Though I have not been able to try it yet, I think this change would enhance exposure therapy and allow me to chip away at my fears even further.

 

Increased Empathy

In my previous post, I noted that during my Spravato sessions, I felt more empathetic and compassionate. For example, I often found myself thinking through past debates or arguments and having an easier time seeing things from the other side’s perspective. This effect tends to persist even after the psychoactive effects of Spravato have worn off. I find that I am generally kinder and more agreeable.

 

Resilience/Optimism

As part of my anxiety and depression, I have struggled to bounce back from obstacles and setbacks. 

 

Since starting my Spravato treatments, I have noticed that I am much less likely to get knocked down by an unexpected obstacle. Though I may experience shorter-term stress, it’s generally less intense and tends not to drag me down the way it used to. I’m also much better at actually solving the problems I encounter. Whereas before, I may have viewed a challenge as insurmountable, I’m now much more inclined to feel I have the resources and capacities to think my way through it. 

More generally, I have felt more optimistic. I evaluate situations more favorably and view positive outcomes as more likely to occur. Recent research suggests this may be one of the main ways Spravato® works. Specifically, one experiment found that individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who received ketamine treatments showed an increase in optimism about their personal lives as soon as four hours after their first ketamine dose and that this was correlated with improvements in depression.

 

Openness to New Experiences

I’ve always struggled to get myself to try new things. I like consistency and predictability, and new experiences get in the way of maintaining my desired level of stability.

 

Spravato® has started to weaken this disposition. A notable example of this involves my diet. I’ve been a picky eater my whole life and have always found it difficult to expand my palette. Opportunities to try new foods used to fill me with anxiety. Whenever I overcame this wall of fear, my mind reacted negatively to the novel tastes and sensations. Since starting my Spravato® treatments, my ability to eat and enjoy new foods has seen a noticeable improvement. For example, I tried fish for the first time in my life, which I had all but written off entirely.

 

I still like to stick with what’s familiar, but by and large, I am significantly less thrown off by change and novelty and have a much easier time opening up to new experiences.

Remaining Issues

Rumination

My depressive and anxious tendencies contain both cognitive and affective components. There are feelings of depression and anxiety, but there are also negative thought patterns associated with them. 

 

While the feeling of anxiety has diminished, some cognitive components have stuck around. In particular, my tendency to ruminate remains and continues to interfere with my ability to get things done. When there is something I’m worried about, I still get stuck in negative thought loops about it. While it’s somewhat easier to pull my mind away from the potentially bad outcomes, my negative thoughts remain magnetic, pulling my mind toward them even when I know it would be best to think about something else. 

 

Anhedonia/Lack of Pleasure

One of the hallmarks of depression is the inability to experience pleasure or find joy in activities, also known as anhedonia. Over the past few years, I’ve begun to experience this symptom, albeit to a limited degree. 

 

I was surprised that Spravato® didn’t address this component of my depression, as several studies have found that ketamine is highly effective at treating anhedonia. To understand why it didn’t work in my case, I searched for more detailed research on the topic and came across an interesting finding. Specifically, I discovered that some studies have found evidence that taking benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax, Valium, etc.) while undergoing ketamine therapy appears to decrease the chances that you’ll experience an improvement in your ability to experience pleasure. For example, one study found that none of the participants who found relief from this symptom were taking benzodiazepines.  

 

Because I have been taking Ativan for years before and throughout my Spravato® treatments, this might explain why my anhedonia remains.

 

Takeaway

Spravato® has improved my mental health in several significant ways. I’m less anxious and more empathetic, resilient, and open to new experiences. As I mentioned it also hasn’t completely eliminated all of my symptoms as I still tend to ruminate and am working to regain pleasure and joy from my usual activities. Does the fact that I’m not entirely cured mean Spravato® isn’t a good tool for me? I don’t think so. 

 

I’ve experienced improvement. I am far better off than before and more able to tackle what’s left with therapy or other medications. 

 

Residual symptoms may lead some to question whether it was worth it has more to do with how Spravato®’s efficacy is represented than anything else. Often, it’s depicted as a magical cure-all. While this may be the case for some people, it likely won’t be for many others. There’s always more work to do. But that doesn’t mean Spravato® isn’t a valuable option. 

 

In my case, it will continue to play an important role in my journey to mental wellness.

 

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Black Friday Isn’t Great for Your Mind: 10 Mental Health Alternatives

Black Friday Hype Isn't Great for Your Mind: 10 Mental Health Alternatives

November 21, 2022

As the holiday season kicks into full gear, the pressure to spend on gifts and gadgets steadily increases. 

 

One of the biggest offenders is Black Friday, which encourages shoppers to make impulsive buys on once-a-year sales at big box retailers. Whether due to a desire to snag some cool tech or a more altruistic motive of getting friends and family the best gifts they can, many feel compelled to partake in the Black Friday deals. In 2021, 155 million Americans shopped on Black Friday.

 

Though the impact can be mundane, Black Friday shopping often isn’t the best thing to do for one’s mental health. Whether it be the stress of straining one’s budget or the disappointment that follows an impulse buy, participating in Black Friday can leave you feeling down and depressed. 

 

While Black Friday shopping can seem almost irresistible, the truth is that there are several accessible alternatives.

 

Check out 10 of our favorite options below. 

10 Alternatives to Black Friday Shopping

#1 Focus on Your Financial Health

Instead of stretching your budget on items you may not need or end up using, try using Black Friday as an opportunity to adopt healthier financial habits. Helena Hernandez, a physician assistant at Heading Health, recommends “establishing financial boundaries.” Take some time to review your budget and decide on your limits. Then make a point of sticking to them to maintain your financial wellness during the holiday season.

#2 Volunteer or Donate to a Charity

Studies show that doing good deeds makes us feel good. To improve your mental health while helping those in need, consider volunteering or donating to charity. Check out Charity Navigator to find causes that align with your values, or go to Volunteer Match to find volunteer opportunities in your local area. 

#3 Start a Gratitude Journal

Black Friday pushes us to feel like what we have isn’t enough. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t go out and spend more. Unfortunately, while an extra product or two might temporarily leave you feeling more fulfilled, that sensation is unlikely to last. A better solution is to turn your attention away from what you don’t have and toward what you do. Consider making a list a running list of things about your life that bring you joy and focus on them every morning or whenever you feel a bit down.    

#4 Throw a Leftover Dinner Party

According to the nonprofit organization Feeding America, Americans waste 130 billion meals every year. Instead of buying more products that might also go to waste, consider holding a leftover dinner party to 

make full use of the resources you already have. With a cleaner fridge and a house full of friends, you’ll surely have a better time than waiting in line for another Black Friday deal.  

#5 Celebrate Bright Friday

Another way to combat the waste associated with Black Friday is by celebrating Bright Friday, which was created to raise awareness about textile waste in fashion and e-commerce. Shoppers are encouraged to maximize the value of what they already have by swapping, restyling, and refashioning their clothing.

#6 Connect with Nature

Instead of spending time waiting inside in long lines or at home playing with your new gadgets, use Black Friday as a reminder to tap into nature’s protective effects on mental health

Visit a national park if you can access one, or go to a local nature site. Check out All Trails to find nearby places to hike, mountain bike, camp, and more. 

#7 Talk to Your Kids About the Value of Experiences

A recent study found that, by and large, experiences make people happier than possessions. Lead Author and Marketing Professor Amit Kumar notes:

 

If you want to be happier, it might be wise to shift some of your consumption away from material goods and a bit more toward experiences, […] That would likely lead to greater well-being.

 

Use Black Friday as an opportunity to instill this knowledge in your children. Take them on one of their favorite outings and document the experience so they can re-live the joy of that day and internalize the value of experiences over possessions.  

#8 Wait for Small Business Saturday

In contrast to the big box retailers that are the focus of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is about shopping at small, brick-and-mortar stores. If you’ve got to do some deal hunting, consider saving it for Small Business Saturday and support local business owners in the process.

#9 Go Somewhere That’s Normally Too Busy

With so many people either shopping at home or flocking to retail stores, other services are likely to experience a drop in attendance. Use this as a chance to enjoy an ordinarily bustling activity in peace and quiet. For example, consider going to your local coffee shop, gym, or favorite restaurant. Of course, some of these places might still see heavy traffic, so be sure to call ahead and ask how busy they are.  

#10 Consider What Your Loved Ones Would Say

Even with all these alternative activities in mind, participating in Black Friday might still seem tempting, especially when purchasing gifts for the Holiday season. To help curb its residual pull, consider what your loved ones might say. Would they want you to strain your budget and risk your mental wellness to get them a gift? Reflecting on this fact will likely undermine our more altruistic reasons for doing a bit of Black Friday shopping. 

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How to Support Grieving Loved Ones During the Holidays


How to Support Grieving Loved Ones During the Holidays

Julia Lopez

November 17, 2022

The spirit of the holiday season is one of joy, hope, and gratitude. Yet, for many people, it can also be the most difficult time of the year.

Be it the loss of a loved one, relationship turmoil, distance, or financial instability, there are many reasons why the pressure of get-togethers, transitions, and gift-giving can bring up heavy emotions. It’s likely that you know someone who experiences grief during the holiday season, and it is also likely that we all, at some point in our lives, will experience loss that feels more profound and intense as special dates on the calendar draw near. 

We asked clinical staff at Heading Health, a mental health care service and clinic based out of Austin, Texas, for their thoughts on how to best support loved ones who struggle with grief and loss during the holiday season. 

Be Proactive 

When people experience grief, they may not outwardly make their feelings known. It can be difficult to know exactly what to say and easy to interpret someone’s silence as “ok-ness.” 


Psychiatric Physician Assistant at Heading Health, Helena Hernandez, suggests being proactive when it comes to checking in with someone who may be hurting during the holidays. 


“Make time to talk to your loved one alone. Take time to sit with them at dinner,” Helena shares. She added, “And if your loved one is far away, make time to check on them from a distance.”

Acknowledge that Grief Looks Different for Everyone

The journey through loss has no road map. Acknowledging your loved one’s unique experience and grieving process can convey not only your love for them but also your respect. 


“It’s important to remember there is no ‘normal’ time frame for processing grief and loss,” said Victor Furtik, a licensed professional counselor at Heading who specializes in working with people who experience anxiety, depression, and those navigating big life changes. 


Victor emphasized the importance of asking questions and remaining open to the answers, “A simple question like, “What kind of support would be most helpful right now?’ can help empower your loved one to articulate and identify their needs and let them know that you care.”

Even If it’s Awkward, Reach Out Anyway

Sometimes, in an effort to avoid saying the wrong thing, it can be tempting to not do anything at all. Remember that a simple gesture, outreach, or loving sentiment can go a long way in letting people know they are not alone. 

There are never perfect words to say, but considering what is within your reach rather than what is not can stimulate courage to offer support even if you’re not quite sure of what to say.

 

“Reach out. Offer support within your own limits, but just reaching out helps” suggests Andrea Marquez LCSW, a therapist at Heading Health.


Finally, if you know someone who is dealing with mental illness, grief, or loss and you feel that they are in a dark place, know that help is always available. 211texas.org is a digest of resources, including hotlines for those in crisis. 988 is also the new suicide hotline offering a simple and easy-to-remember three-digit number offering support via phone or text when people need it most.

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4 Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Winter


4 Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Winter

January 12, 2023

When the temperature drops and the daytime is short, some find stress levels rise and mood dips. While it may seem like there isn’t much one can do to stave off the negative impact of these inevitable seasonable changes, this isn’t true.

 

To find out the simplest and most effective tips, we compiled helpful tips and spoke with some experts right here at Heading Health.

 

Here’s what we’ve learned.

Keep Up with Your Appointments

The winter months can make planning and maintaining appointments more challenging. Busier schedules can drain your energy and make it hard to find a time that works.

A cold, dark day can make it tempting to stay inside and cancel an appointment you’ve already made. If your mood has already been negatively impacted by the winter months, a lack of motivation can make scheduling and attending an appointment seem overwhelming. 

 

All of these factors contribute to missed appointments for mental and physical health. It’s no surprise that this can take a toll on your mental health, exacerbating issues if you already have them or putting you at risk of developing them. It’s vital that you keep up with your scheduled appointments despite the extra energy required to do so during the winter. 

Victor Furtick, a clinical social worker here at Heading Health, notes that when it comes to avoiding missed appointments, “keeping organized and establishing a consistent structure is key.” 

 

He recommends:

 

  • Getting ahead of any appointments that need to be rescheduled by communicating in advance with the care team
  • Creating a calendar system to help you track appointments
  • Setting up reminder texts and emails so you don’t forget about your appointments during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season

Stay Physically Active

As colder temperatures make outdoor activities less desirable or feasible, it’s easy to take on a less active lifestyle. While this may seem like a harmless change, you may be making yourself more vulnerable to feelings of depression and anxiety, as studies have repeatedly connected exercise to improvements in mood and stress reduction. Here are a few simple tips for staying active in the winter.

 

  • Remember, even the small stuff counts: Small daily activities, from vacuuming to doing the dishes, can still have a positive impact on mental health. So, instead of thinking that if you can’t get in a “regular” workout, you might as well sit around, remember that even just a little exercise can make a difference.
  • Consider Adding Movement to your Work routine: Working from home has afforded greater wardrobe flexibility. Take advantage of this and try wearing workout clothes during the day. This can help get you in the right mindset to try some at-home workouts. If you work from the office, consider taking walking breaks, walking meetings, and walking lunches. Anything to get up and get moving helps (even if you have to bundle up!)
  • Try winter activities: There’s a saying that goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”  For extreme conditions that may be a stretch. But on average it’s sage advice. Bundling up during the winter and taking advantage of opportunities to stay active is often a matter of a wardrobe and a mindset switch. While the cold of the winter can make exercise more difficult, it can also make it more fun, especially if you live in an area where it gets cold enough to snow. Consider trying things like cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, or ice-skating. Or, simply continue your walking, or hiking routines and embrace the sights and sounds the season can offer. 

Get a Light Box

Regular and repeated exposure to sunlight plays a significant role in maintaining our mental health.

As a result, the lack of sunlight in the winter is one of the main reasons it can strain our mental well-being. As the days grow shorter and we spend more time inside, our time in front of the sun gets smaller and smaller. As a result, we become more prone to experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. 

 

For some people, the impact is so severe that they develop what is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and social withdrawal. The main treatment for this condition is bright light therapy, where people sit in front of a special lamp for 20-30 minutes every morning. Recent research has found that this technique can be helpful for individuals with other mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder

 

If you are experiencing a drop in mood during winter, consider purchasing a bright light box. If you do, be sure to find the right one, as some will be more effective than others. Dr. Richard S. Schwartz, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, recommends looking for a light box that:

 

  • Emits 10,000 lux (a measure of light intensity)
  • Has a screen size of at least 200 square inches
  • Has an ultraviolet (UV) filter, as UV light can be harmful with long-term exposure

More detailed advice on selecting a box can be found here.

 

Maintain Social Connections

Despite or because of all the holiday events, many may find themselves withdrawing from their social connections, which can quickly lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Here are a few tips to help maintain a sense of social connectedness during the winter. 

 

  • Make a winter bucket list: Create a list of activities you’d like to complete before the winter ends and challenge your friends to join you.
  • Start a hobby: Though hobbies can be a solitary activity, they frequently encourage people to get out in their communities, join clubs, meet with other hobbyists, and ultimately form new bonds.
  • Hang out with your pets: Manager of Community Outreach, Anit Kaur, reminds us that bonding with our pets can be a good substitute for human interaction. If you have a furry friend, be sure to spend some extra time with them if the winter if it’s putting a strain on your regular socializing.
  • Don’t forget about virtual gatherings: If an in-person connection isn’t possible, schedule a virtual one. While it may not bring the same benefits as being in the same physical space, virtual gatherings can still combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Try organizing a virtual book club, happy hour, cook-off, or trivia night.

These tips are for general mental wellbeing, and may not be suitable if you are in distress. If you are experiencing mental health challenges that do not resolve in a few days you may want to consider reaching out for help from a therapist or medical professional. And, as always, if you are in a crisis please text #741741 or dial #988.

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Alternative Treatments for ADHD


Alternative Treatments for ADHD

November 14, 2022

Over 1.6 million U.S. adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Characterized by symptoms such as a short attention span, distractibility, forgetfulness, and impulsivity, the condition can pose a significant challenge to maintaining a successful job, managing relationships, and accomplishing personal goals.

 

Stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta are the standard treatments for ADHD. These medications work by increasing chemical messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain’s central nervous system. While highly effective, these medications aren’t the best choice for everyone. Some individuals have other conditions that stimulants can exacerbate, such as:

 

  • Heart problems
  • Glaucoma
  • An anxiety disorder
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • A history of psychosis

 

Even when there are no conflicts with other conditions or difficult side effects, stimulants may not be fully effective. Studies have found that 10 to 30 percent of patients do not respond adequately to stimulants

 

As a result, it’s important for individuals with ADHD to be aware of the alternatives that can either replace or supplement stimulants.

Non-Stimulant Medications

While stimulants are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, they aren’t the only option. Some examples of non-stimulant ADHD medications include:

 

  • Straterra
  • Clonidine
  • Intuniv
  • Qelbree

 

As Heading Health Psychiatrist Dr. Arif Noorbaksh notes, while these medications may be less effective, they are “generally safer and better tolerated than stimulants.”

 

Talk with your physicians to determine whether these non-stimulant alternatives are right for you.

Talk Therapy

Medications aren’t the only way to treat the symptoms of ADHD. For example, research has found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help with procrastination, time management, and planning.

 

Aside from addressing the symptoms of ADHD, therapists can also help with some of the stressors it can cause, such as job losses or relationship problems. They can also treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. 

Coaching

Therapists are not the only types of professionals who can help individuals with ADHD overcome their symptoms. ADHD coaches work closely with clients to help them carry out their daily activities in a focused and organized fashion. They provide feedback and suggestions to help them out with tangible goals. They can also help with accountability by checking in on clients to see their progress.

Behavioral Strategies

Even without a professional to guide you, you can make a range of simple changes to your environment and routine that can help you stay focused. Here are a few suggestions.

 

  • Create a checklist: Having a clear list of what needs to get done can help keep you on track and ensure you don’t forget essential tasks.
  • Decrease distractions: Make a point to limit easy distractions. Make a list of common distractions and avoid them while working on important tasks. Some common anti-distraction strategies may include setting your phone and computer to do-not-disturb mode and avoiding working around your TV. 
  • Try out a fidget device: ADHD can result in excessive fidgeting. Devices designed to channel that fidgeting (e.g., a fidget spinner) can channel it in a healthy way and prevent it from interfering with your ability to concentrate.
  • Set time limits: Though ADHD is associated with distractibility, it can also cause hyper-focused states where individuals zero in on one task for prolonged periods of time. While this can be useful, it can pose a problem if it happens at the expense of other goals. Setting a timer is a quick way to avoid this problem.
  • Create your personal reward system: Positive reinforcement is a well-established technique promoting desired behaviors. Try to give yourself simple rewards, such as a walking break, gold star on a tracking system, or a tasty snack like a piece of chocolate, when you’ve completed a task.  

Support Groups

As with any mental health condition, talking with others who have ADHD can be helpful. Learning that other people experience similar difficulties can mitigate the sense of shame and guilt that individuals with ADHD can experience. Success stories can be a powerful motivator and provide unique strategies for coping with their symptoms and improving overall functioning. Like coaching, support groups can also be helpful for accountability purposes. Knowing that you’ll meet with a group to discuss how you’ve been managing your ADHD may provide additional motivation to stick with your tools and strategies.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes

While nutrition and lifestyle habits may not cause ADHD, specific diets and behaviors can help mitigate the symptoms. Sally Twellman, nutritional therapist at Heading Health, recommends:

 

  • A high-fiber plant-rich diet
  • Brightly colored fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants
  • Avoiding processed foods, especially those high in preservatives and artificial dyes
  • Checking for food sensitivities (e.g., gluten allergies).

Aside from diet, exercise has been investigated as a potential tool for alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. For example, a recent meta-analysis found that exercise improves executive function (i.e., mental abilities associated with memory, organization, planning, attention, etc.). Importantly, they found that exercise intensity did not impact the therapeutic effects of exercise, meaning even moderate exercise can help with ADHD.

 

A good night’s sleep can also have a significant on ADHD symptoms. Though ADHD can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest, a few simple techniques can make sleeping well easier. 

 

Here are some suggestions:

 

  • Avoid napping within four hours of your bedtime.
  • Don’t consume caffeine within 12 hours of your bedtime.
  • Go to bed around the same time every time.
  • Develop a calming bedtime routine.
  • Use a blue light filter when looking at screens close to bedtime.
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Six Tips for Having Supportive Conversations with Veterans


Six Tips for Having Supportive Conversations with Veterans

November 7, 2022

Veterans returning to civilian life often struggle to communicate with civilians about their experience as active military members, leaving them feeling isolated and disconnected. At the same time, civilians eager to engage with veterans may worry about saying the wrong thing, triggering past trauma, or otherwise having an unhelpful conversation.

In our Veteran’s Day speaker series event, Femi Olukaya, a therapist and military veteran, and Teressa Carter, a social worker with experience serving and treating active duty service members, sat down to discuss this issue, among several others. 


Take a deeper dive into their advice and explore six tips civilians can use to have healthy, supportive, and productive conversations with veterans about their experiences in the military below.

#1 Ask Them What They Want You to Know

As Carter points out, an easy way to avoid pressuring veterans to discuss issues they aren’t ready to discuss is to ask them what they want you to know. That way, you’ll only hear what they feel comfortable revealing and believe it would be most helpful for you to know.

# 2 Be Accepting

Military culture often discourages vulnerability. That’s why when a veteran decides to open up about their military experiences, it’s vital that you meet them with love and acceptance.

Aside from a culturally ingrained aversion to vulnerability, veterans are often reluctant to reveal what they’ve gone through because they fear judgment from civilians. Olukoya notes that:

When [veterans] say certain things, they don’t want to scare civilians with what they’ve seen, how they’ve lived, and how they think. So, they have to find a safe space where they can actually express themselves without being judged.


As a result, civilians must create an emotionally safe space for the veteran to speak in. Make it clear that you’ll be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding.

#3 Be Prepared to Discuss Trauma

Veterans may talk about the trauma they experienced as active military members. Civilians looking to engage with military members and learn about their experience must be prepared for this. As Carter points out:

You don’t ever want to knock on their door of trauma and open it if you’re not ready to receive and help them with it. So, while you’re inviting somebody to share their traumatic experience to feed your curiosity, you could be opening a deep wound for them. Are you going to be able to be there to heal it for them once you do?

Of course, civilians don’t need to be trained experts in handling trauma, but they must be prepared to discuss it in a sensitive, compassionate way.

#4 Don’t Minimize Their Experiences or Reactions

When hearing someone talk about a painful experience, you may feel tempted to encourage them to see things in a more optimistic light. While done with good intentions, this strategy is often counter-productive. From the veteran’s perspective, it can feel as though you are minimizing their problems or that you feel they are overreacting.

Instead of dismissing their feelings, validate them. Often, all someone in pain is looking for is a compassionate recognition of their suffering.

#5 Be Sincere

Sincerity is critical to having impactful conversations that help soldiers feel connected, heard, and valued. As a result, it’s important that when civilians ask veterans questions or express their gratitude, they do so sincerely. Veterans can often sense when a civilian’s attempt to engage with them is driven by a sense of obligation rather than genuine interest.

Olukoya points out that the phrase “thank you for your service” is a common example of an interaction that feels inauthentic.

I feel like 70 percent of veterans hate that statement because it feels like such a generic textbook thing to say whenever you meet somebody that’s served, so it turns into something that’s not even sincere.

Instead, he recommends saying, “I appreciate your sacrifice,” which he feels helps veterans feel “seen.”

One way to show sincerity during conversations is by listening actively (i.e., asking meaningful questions that show you are attentive and engaged). However, it is important to balance active listening by letting veterans tell their stories at their own pace and without excessive interruptions.

#6 Remain Mindful of What You Can’t Understand:

When a veteran is opening up about their experiences, Carter suggests it’s best to avoid the phrase “I understand.” But why is this true? Part of the answer is that, as a civilian, complete understanding isn’t possible. Some of their experiences are so drastically different from anything a civilian may have encountered that there is simply no way to truly comprehend what things were like for them or how they feel. As a result, it’s best to be mindful of your gaps in knowledge and understanding and avoid implying that you can really know what active military service was like for them.

If you feel you need to see a mental health professional or could use help deciding which service is right for you, please give us a call at 805-204-2502 or fill out an appointment request here. We have a wide variety of providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and nutritional therapists, who can see you in as little as one day via teletherapy. If you feel a veteran is experiencing a crisis, please call the national suicide hotline (988).

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Speaker Series: Battlefield to Civilian Life

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In this edition of our Speaker Series we sit down with Teressa Carter and Femi Olukoya to discuss mental health and our veterans. 


Many aspects of military life has unique challenges. In this conversation Sally, Teressa, and Femi discuss the difficulties of transition from military to civilian life both from the veteran’s perspective and military family perspectives, the complexity of relationships for veterans transitioning out of military service, why veteran mental health matters to civilians, and how we can do better by those who have served. 


Teressa is a licensed clinical social worker based in Texas, her family has a long history of military service and she has spent many years embedded on base and with military units offering mental health services. 

Femi is a licensed professional counselor and also a U.S. Navy Veteran. Femi’s story is special as he morning he graduated from bootcamp was the morning of 9/11. He draws upon his active duty experience to offer points of connection and care for the active duty and veteran clients he treats now as an LPC. 

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Provider’s Perspective: Veteran Mental Health and the Invisible Wounds of War


Provider's Perspective: Veteran Mental Health and the Invisible Wounds of War

November 4, 2022
Teressa Carter – LCSW

This post was written by Teressa Carter, a therapist at Heading Health with extensive experience serving and treating active-duty service members and their families

 

In celebrating Veteran’s Day, I am honored to create a space to salute all who have served, and the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces and their families to preserve our freedom. This day is very personal for me as my family, and I celebrate the service and sacrifice of both my maternal and paternal grandfather, as well as my father, who all served in the United States Army. My six-year-old son is reminded that his father is a hero, having served in the United States Marine Corps. Aside from my familial connections to the military, I have had the privilege and the honor of providing mental health services to active-duty service members and their families of all branches.

A Military Mental Health Crisis

Veteran’s Day allows us to explore and assess how we can better support our veterans, especially when navigating their mental health. Recent research suggests 11 to 20 percent of veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a given year. Suicide rates of military service members and veterans are also at an all-time high, with deaths by suicide having increased by 25% during 2020.

 

Despite the prevalence of mental health needs, veterans often struggle to find and stick with care. One study found that among the veterans with mental health needs, 55 percent did not seek treatment from Veterans Affairs. Some of the more commonly cited reasons for avoiding or not continuing with treatment include:

 

Given all of this, it’s vital that veterans have the tools to receive and stick with effective care and that clinicians know how to reach out and provide support to service members in need.

Advice for Veterans in Need of Mental Health Care

If you are a Veteran in need of mental health treatment, you are not alone, and great support is out there. I strongly encourage veterans to reach out to someone, whether your medical provider, your VA liaison, family, or friends, who can support and assist them in finding the right mental health treatment for their needs. Here are some other tips:

 

  • Look for clinicians that have either military experience or experience training to treat military-related issues.
  • The VA or Military OneSource are great resources for finding treatment options.
  • Prepare for your first intake. There will be a lot of information gathering. This is also where you have the opportunity to interview the therapist to make sure this is a good fit for you and that you feel comfortable.
  • Remember, mental health treatment is a process and should not be rushed. Prepare for this by viewing your treatment as a journey.
  • Share your feelings, hesitations, limitations, and boundaries with your therapist.
  • Always remember that getting help is a sign of strength and resilience.

Tips For Therapists Treating Veterans

There are several steps mental health professionals can take to ensure they are effectively reaching out to veterans in need and providing them with adequate care. 

Market Your Services to Veterans

The civilian mental health community should ensure they are marketing services to the veteran population. Here are some suggestions.

 

  • Add any military experience or previous work with the veteran population or armed services to your professional online profile.
  • Highlight if you have specialized training to treat conditions prevalent among veterans, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction-related issues.
  • Advertise your services to agencies that cater to the veteran community, such as your local Veterans Affairs office, TRICARE, or Military OneSource. Make your services known and available through the base coordinator that assists Active-Duty service members transitioning to veteran status.
Build Rapport

In my career working with active-duty service members and veterans, I found building an initial rapport centered around trust, understanding, and respect was an absolute must. Here are 10 simple strategies I use to build rapport and develop a strong relationship with service members and veterans.

 

  1. Always thank the service members for their sacrifices.
  2. Share your background and personal experience with the military.
  3. Be honest about where your gaps in knowledge or understanding of the military lifestyle are.
  4. Emphasize your willingness to learn.
  5. Be curious. Inquire about their branch of service, rank, years of sacrifice, and duty stations.
  6. Explain that you are trying to obtain a deeper understanding of their unique service and experience.
  7. Create a safe space. Make sure your clinical area is quiet, private, and free from sudden noises or distractions that could trigger PTSD symptoms. Invite your veteran clients to share as much or as little of their military experience as they are comfortable disclosing.
  8. Allow veterans to speak freely and at their own pace.
  9. Never say, “I understand.” This could trigger the veteran client to be upset if you do not have military experience, especially direct combat experience.
  10. Refrain from using a lot of clinical jargon and acronyms. Veterans are used to clear, concise, and direct communication because of their military experience. Too much clinical jargon may create space for miscommunication and confusion.
Utilize Available Resources

An important aspect of providing mental health treatment to veterans is to have a working knowledge of available resources in the community and helping clients get connected to them. Here are some resources that may be helpful:

 

Address Family Needs 

Mental health providers will also need to address family needs when working with veterans, as families have also served and sacrificed. Additionally, the family is transitioning with their service members. For example, families may be transferring medical, educational, and social services from on-base providers to civilian providers. As a result, they must adapt to new doctors and mental health providers. They may also be moving to new homes in new neighborhoods, meaning the children will be transferring schools and making new friends. Adjusting to these changes can be challenging and added support can be helpful.  

Conclusion

As we gather to celebrate this upcoming holiday, please take a moment to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices of our veterans and active-duty service members. Please be an advocate in your community, workspace, and even your organization for increased support and resources for the veteran community. When you see a veteran, thank them for their sacrifice. Thank you to all who have served and the families that served along with them. 

 

If you know a veteran who may be experiencing mental health issues, please help them get care. You can do this by enrolling in their local VA and requesting mental health services. If you feel a veteran is experiencing a crisis, please call the national suicide hotline (988).

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Can Ketamine Treat PTSD?


Can Ketamine Treat PTSD?

November 3, 2022
health.hardvard.edu

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition caused by exposure to a terrifying or traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable or intrusive thoughts about the event. About eight percent of the population will experience PTSD over the course of their life. This condition is significantly more common among combat veterans, with nearly a quarter developing it during their lifetimes.

 

The standard treatment involves some form of psychotherapy, oral anti-depressants, or some combination. Many psychotherapies (e.g., exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, etc.) require patients to confront aspects of the traumatic event or how they think about it. While these therapies can be effective, they can also be stressful, causing many to stop treatment early.

 

The FDA has approved two medications, sertraline, and paroxetine, for the treatment of PTSD. These medications have several drawbacks. They take four to six weeks to start working. They also come with many side effects that lead many to stop taking them. Even when patients stick with the medications, only around 30 percent achieve remission. While other medicines have been used, the evidence for their efficacy remains questionable. As a result, there is a desperate need for faster, more effective, and more tolerable treatments for PTSD.

Why Test Ketamine for PTSD?

Over the past few years, ketamine has been explored as a potential solution. Researchers have turned to this medication for several reasons. One reason has to do with how ketamine acts in the brain. Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) receptor antagonist. This means that it increases the amount of glutamate (a chemical messenger in the brain) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps neurons grow and form new connections.

Credit: Yang H. Ku/C&EN

Early animal studies indicate that glutamate and BDNF play important roles in PTSD. One study found low levels of glutamate in mice exhibiting PTSD-like behavior after exposure to stress. Other experiments have found that several brain regions associated with fear and mood regulation had shrunk in mice after similar stress tests, suggesting BDNF might help rebuild these atrophied areas.

 

Ketamine is also well-established as a rapid-acting antidepressant. Since depression is a prominent symptom of PTSD, it should help with this part of the condition.

The Studies

Initial Experiments

With all this in mind, researchers turned theory into practice and began testing ketamine as a treatment for PTSD in human participants. In a 2013 study, an army veteran who was given a single infusion of ketamine experienced rapid and robust relief of his PTSD symptoms that lasted 15 days. 

 

Following this finding, another group of researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT), meaning they gave one group ketamine and another a placebo. They found that PTSD levels were significantly lower in the ketamine group 24 hours after the infusion, and the effects persisted for around seven days.  

 

Experimenters, hoping to extend the amount of time before symptoms returned, tried giving subjects repeated infusions of ketamine. In one study, patients received six infusions over two weeks. Eighty percent of patients achieved remission for 41 days on average

 

Ketamine With Psychotherapy

While 41 days is a significant amount of time, more sustained relief would be ideal. Instead of using more ketamine treatments, some researchers have explored whether the effect could be extended when combined with psychotherapy. 

 

One of the commonly cited reasons for doing this is that PTSD is associated with deficits in what is known as  “memory reconsolidation,” which occurs when a recalled memory is changed or altered in some way. Normal memories decay or degrade over time. Some theorists believe that for patients with PTSD, their trauma memories remain as clear and vivid as the day they were formed. Many therapies target this process of reconsolidation. 

 

Ketamine is associated with neurogenesis. Recent studies have found that neurogenesis is important in reconsolidation. As a result, researchers have tested whether therapy might extend the effects of ketamine. One study which combined ketamine with prolonged exposure therapy found that after 90 days, the ketamine group had lower PTSD symptoms when compared to the group that received a placebo. 

Prevention Vs. Treatment

Aside from comparing ketamine with and without therapy, researchers have tested its effects on PTSD when administered at different stages in the PTSD process. A recent meta-analysis compiled all the research on combat veterans and found some surprising results. Most notably, they found that when given during the early stages of PTSD (1-3 months after the traumatic event), ketamine exacerbated their symptoms. However, when administered beyond this stage, ketamine was consistently helpful. Exactly why the timeline is so important is unclear. 

Conclusion

Ketamine appears to be a powerful treatment for PTSD. With that said, there are some caveats. When administered on its own, the effects are short-lasting. Repeated infusions can extend the benefits, but only to around 41 days. Psychotherapy may prolong the therapeutic results further, but more research will need to be done to confirm this. Lastly, the treatment may not work for all PTSD patients, especially those who experienced their trauma more recently.

 

 

If you feel you need to see a mental health professional or could use help deciding which service is right for you, please give us a call at 805-204-2502 or fill out an appointment request here. We have a wide variety of providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and nutritional therapists who can see you in as little as one day via teletherapy.  

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