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It’s that time of year again when big yellow buses can be seen driving around the neighborhood and school bells begin ringing. Going back to school can definitely be an exciting time for parents and children. But for some kids, especially younger ones, going back to school after a summer break can feel overwhelming and […]
It’s that time of year again when big yellow buses can be seen driving around the neighborhood and school bells begin ringing. Going back to school can definitely be an exciting time for parents and children.
But for some kids, especially younger ones, going back to school after a summer break can feel overwhelming and scary. While this can be fairly common, there are some things parents can do to help their child prepare for the new school year ahead:
Check Your own Emotions
Parents of young children may also find it a bit sad to send their child off to the first day of kindergarten or first grade. Your child will pick up on your emotions so be sure to put on a good face and show them good energy.
Shop and Talk
Young children that are very nervous about starting school may not want to talk about it. It’s a good idea to take your child shopping for their school supplies and clothes and use this time to try and discuss their feelings about things. Having an activity to do can often help a child express themselves better. Also, while you want your child to be able to express their fears and worries, try and steer the conversation towards things they may be looking forward to as well. Encourage them to recognize that although change is scary, it can also be really great and fun!
Practice
Summer was most likely filled with days and nights that did not fit a tight schedule. Your child may have been able to stay up longer and sleep in later. It will be a shock for them to suddenly have to go to bed early and get up to an alarm clock. Practice getting back into the proper sleep routine before the first week of school.
Connect with Future Classmates
If your child will not know anyone in their class, try to see if you can have a playdate before the school year begins so they can meet some new friends. This will make it much easier come that first day of school when they see a friendly and familiar face or two.
Get Guidance
If you feel the stress of starting a new school year is overwhelming and your youngster and you are having a hard time handling things on your own, seek expert advice from a mental health professional who can help both of you cope.
If you’d like some help with your child’s anxiety, please call us at 801.399.1818 and we’d be happy to discuss treatment options.
SOURCES
https://psychcentral.com/news/2006/08/07/control-back-to-school-anxiety/160.html
By Alesa Van Dyke What is a Drug Half-Life? A drug half-life is the approximate amount of time it takes your body to metabolize a specific drug. According to drugs.com, “the half-life of a drug is an estimate of the period of time that it takes for the concentration or amount in the body of […]
By Alesa Van Dyke
A drug half-life is the approximate amount of time it takes your body to metabolize a specific drug. According to drugs.com, “the half-life of a drug is an estimate of the period of time that it takes for the concentration or amount in the body of that drug to be reduced by exactly one half (50%)”.
For example, if 100mg of a drug with a half-life of 60 minutes is taken, the following is estimated:
• 60 minutes after administration, 50mg remains
• 120 minutes after administration, 25mg remains
• 180 minutes after administration, 12.5mg remains
• 240 minutes after administration, 6.25mg remains
• 300 minutes after administration, 3.125mg remains.
In theory, we can see that after 300 minutes, almost 97% of this drug is expected to have been eliminated. Most drugs are considered to have little effect after four-to-five half-lives. The actual half-life of a drug varies from person to person, because it depends on many variables.
Substances that have a shorter half-life tend to act very quickly, but their effects wear off rapidly. These drugs need to be taken several times a day to have the same effect, creating a tolerance, and leading to a higher chance of addiction.
Substances with a longer half-life may take longer to start working, but their effects persist for longer, and they may only need to be dosed once a day, once a week, or even once a month.
When considering drugs with a high addiction or dependence potential, those with a short half-life are typically harder to withdraw from than those with a long half-life. For this reason, drug treatment programs often switch a person from a short-acting drug to a long-acting equivalent from the same class, in order to improve the withdrawal process.
• a short half-life = more withdrawal problems
• a long half-life = fewer withdrawal problems
Often, recovery starts by switching drugs, then tapering the dose. This switch helps people avoid the rush and the high, and the taper allows people to take smaller and smaller amounts of the drug, until they’re taking no drug at all. A tapering program can be difficult, but it might be the best way to ensure a long-term recovery.
A person reading this information may feel empowered to simply switch drugs and start tapering on their own, but we strongly advise against this. Many drugs cause very serious, painful withdrawal side effects. It is best to undergo a drug taper with the help of a medical professional. If you would like to know more, or need help with addiction, please call Aloha Behavioral Consultants at 801-399.1818.
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your body and feelings in the present moment. If you’re silent for a moment, you will notice the subtle smell of your freshly washed clothing, the sound of your breathing, and watch a small leaf blow past your window. Mindfulness is an incredibly calming, relaxing practice that […]
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your body and feelings in the present moment. If you’re silent for a moment, you will notice the subtle smell of your freshly washed clothing, the sound of your breathing, and watch a small leaf blow past your window. Mindfulness is an incredibly calming, relaxing practice that can help adults in numerous ways, and it may surprise you that it can help children, too.
Studies have shown that children who learn mindfulness practices showed better grades, increased patience and improved coping skills. When taught in schools, mindfulness increases optimism in classrooms while decreasing bullying and aggression.
It can be remarkably simple to teach a child mindfulness. Here are four exercises to get started.
Teach your child to become aware of their body with a muscle awareness exercise. Sit down on the floor and do some exercises where they focus on one muscle at a time. They can point their toe and hold, and as you do the same ask them what they feel and where exactly they feel the tightening of their muscle. Hold for a few seconds and release, then repeat with other muscles.
Have your child lie on her back with a favorite stuffed animal on her belly. Have her watch the stuffed animal, which will naturally rise and fall as she breathes in and out. Teach your child to breathe in through their nose slowly, to hold their breath for a few seconds, then slowly release the breath as they watch their stuffed animal rise and fall to match their breaths.
Take a mindful walk around the block or at a local park with your child. Take in the sights, sounds and smells. What does your body feel like as you’re walking? What muscles do you feel working the most? Notice sounds you may hear, especially subtle sounds like a leaf skittering across the grass, or the crunch of a leaf as you step in. This will help them relax, get in a little bit of exercise and learn to appreciate all their body does to keep them moving.
Have a mindful meal or snack with your child. As you eat, do so mindfully. Focus on the food. What are the colors? How does it taste and smell? Have your child describe what happens when they chew and swallow. Have them notice what muscles are moving as they eat or bring the food to their mouth.
Children learn what they see at home, so by modeling mindfulness practices yourself, you will benefit them greatly.
Are you a parent looking for unique ways to cope with challenging parenting issues? A licensed therapist can provide the support and guidance you need. Give Aloha Behavioral a call today and let’s schedule a time to talk.
Affecting nearly 40 million adults in the United States, anxiety is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are highly prevalent amongst those who suffer from anxiety disorder. If you have trouble falling asleep, it may heighten or trigger your anxiety, and vice versa. While it can be […]
Affecting nearly 40 million adults in the United States, anxiety is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are highly prevalent amongst those who suffer from anxiety disorder. If you have trouble falling asleep, it may heighten or trigger your anxiety, and vice versa. While it can be difficult for an anxiety sufferer to fall asleep, it’s not impossible; read on for five ways to get a better night’s sleep.
1. Exercise
Physical activity is an important component for overall health. Exercise will produce chemicals in your brain that will help elevate your mood and decrease your stress or tension, which will provide some relief for your anxiety. Exercise will also help you sleep. Not only will the physical exertion improve the quality of your sleep, it will help insure you’re able to sleep without interruption.
2. Daylight
Daylight helps set sleep patterns, so try to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors during the day time. Daylight sun exposure is critical if you have trouble falling asleep, because it helps to regulate the body’s circadian clock.
3. Healthy Habits
Studies have shown that people who make unhealthy food choices are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances. Healthy balanced meals will keep your energy stable which will help you manage your mood and improve your sleep habits.
It’s also important to avoid big meals or alcohol for several hours before bedtime. Smoking is another bad habit that can cause many health problems, which will negatively affect your sleep in a number of ways.
4. Night Time Routine
Create a routine that you execute nightly, an hour or two before bedtime. Minimizing screen time will help calm your mind and prepare you for sleep. Change into your pajamas and do some light reading, or find other ways to charge down and get ready to sleep. Make sure you go to bed around the same time every night too, including weekends.
5. A Comfortable Bedroom
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, without distractions. Have a window open to keep the room cool and the air smelling fresh. A clean room and clean linens will make your bedroom more inviting. Make sure you have a good quality mattress and pillow to maximize your comfort.
Are you struggling with falling or staying asleep, and need help maintaining healthy sleep habits? A licensed professional can help. Call Aloha Behavioral Consultants office today at 801.399.1818 to schedule an appointment.
As we head into July, many people are already getting their backyards and patios ready for big family BBQs and holiday get-togethers. Summer is definitely a time for relaxing and having some fun with the people you love most. But the summer holiday get-togethers can be extremely hard to handle when you are grieving the […]
As we head into July, many people are already getting their backyards and patios ready for big family BBQs and holiday get-togethers. Summer is definitely a time for relaxing and having some fun with the people you love most.
But the summer holiday get-togethers can be extremely hard to handle when you are grieving the recent death of a loved one. Many people aren’t sure how to handle the dichotomy of wanting to be around those they love, and yet feeling the sadness for their loss.
If you are wondering how to deal with your grief during the upcoming summer holidays, here are some tips:
Feel Your Pain
Recognize that grieving is an important part of healing. Stuffing your feelings down will only prolong your grief. If your instinct is to avoid all get-togethers in an effort to not feel your pain, you may want to rethink your decision.
Choose Wisely
While you shouldn’t completely avoid being social with your loved ones, you don’t have to attend every summertime get-together. Choose the events that you think you can handle and say “no” to the ones that may bring you to a very dark place. Be firm with loved ones who may try and convince you to attend, thinking it will be good for you. Ultimately, you are the only one who knows how you feel and what you can handle.
Have an Escape Plan
Be sure to drive yourself to the event if you can so you can leave when you want or need. If you must get a ride, try to get one with someone who will take you home when you need to go. You may also want to download the Uber or Lyft app as another option.
Honor Your Loved One
Find news ways to keep the memory of your loved one alive during the summer holidays. You could make their favorite dish or baked item to bring to the BBQ. You could also light and release sky lanterns. Creating unique ways to memorialize your loved one will help you keep their memory with you during this time.
It may also help to speak with someone over the summer months. A therapist can offer tools to cope as well as guide you along your grieving path to wellness. If you’re interested in treatment options, please contact Aloha Behavioral Consultants at 801.399.1818. We are here to help.
Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait. But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone […]
Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait.
But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone with “acute physical, mental, and emotional responses to external (social, environmental) or internal (intra-personal) stimuli.”
The bad news is, being highly sensitive can make many “normal” life situations feel awkward and downright uncomfortable. But fear not, there are some benefits to being highly sensitive, and I’ll share those a little later in this post.
If you are curious whether you may be part of the population that is highly sensitive, here are 10 signs to look for:
As I mentioned earlier, while being a HSP can cause you to feel awkward or overwhelmed at times, there are some definite perks to being highly sensitive. For starters, you are someone who can enjoy subtle sensory detail that a majority of the population misses. You get pleasure from noticing the end of day light play. You’ll notice subtle shades of color and texture and feel immense pleasure at the complexities of Indian cuisine.
You’re also someone others like being around because you are aware of others’ feelings, needs and emotions. Because of this natural empathy, HSPs make great teachers, managers and leaders.
HSPs are also incredibly creative. Many artists, musicians and famous actors are highly sensitive people who have gifted the world with their talent and insight into what it means to be human.
As you can see, if you can manage the negative aspects of being a highly sensitive person, you can reap some pretty great rewards.
If you suspect you are a HSP and would like to explore treatment options to manage your sensitivity and grow your strengths, please call Aloha Behavioral Consultants at 801.399.1818 to schedule an appointment. We can help.
The nation’s opioid epidemic is a topic that’s frequently addressed on television and in social media, and for good reason. According to 2018 data gathered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people in the United States die every day after overdosing on opioids. Opiates are a highly addictive type of drug, […]
The nation’s opioid epidemic is a topic that’s frequently addressed on television and in social media, and for good reason. According to 2018 data gathered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people in the United States die every day after overdosing on opioids.
Opiates are a highly addictive type of drug, and are commonly prescribed to alleviate pain. Prescription pain killers such as oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine and fentanyl are among the many known types of opiates. Heroin, an illegal street drug, is also classed as an opiate. Because opiates are prescribed to alleviate pain for legitimate reasons, and because of its highly addictive nature, it’s possible to become addicted to opiates unintentionally.
If you’ve been prescribed an opioid to cope with pain, and you’re worried about becoming addicted, here are some signs to look out for
Developed a Tolerance
If you begin to abuse your opioid prescription, even without realizing you’re doing so, you will develop a tolerance to the drug. You’ll gradually need larger doses of the medicine in order to experience the same benefits.
Withdrawal Symptoms
As your tolerance for the medication grows, you’ll become physically dependent on the drug. If you haven’t taken your medicine, you’ll start feeling the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms.
Inability to Control Use
Impaired control over your use of opioids is another symptom of opiate addiction. As you begin to take more medication than prescribed, you may ask for (or steal) medication prescribed for someone else, such as a family member or friend. You may shop for doctors, trying to find another doctor to prescribe you more of the same medication.
Strong Desire for Opioids
Continued opiate abuse creates a psychological dependence, which will cause cravings of the drug. If you have a strong desire to take opioids, you may be in the throes of opiate addiction.
If you’re concerned that you may have developed an addiction to opiates, it’s important that you see your healthcare provider immediately so you can receive a proper diagnosis. An addiction specialist or healthcare professional can provide you with treatment options that can help.
Are you struggling with an addiction, or need help and guidance in recovering from one? We can help. Call Aloha today at 801.399.1818.
By Carrie Collins You may have heard recent buzz around EMDR therapy for the treatment of trauma. This exciting approach has gained significant traction in recent years because it is proven to quickly produce results. But, what is EMDR therapy and how does it work? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy […]
By Carrie Collins
You may have heard recent buzz around EMDR therapy for the treatment of trauma. This exciting approach has gained significant traction in recent years because it is proven to quickly produce results. But, what is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.
Although there are 8 phases to EMDR therapy, a key differentiator from traditional talk therapy is that the person being treated with EMDR is asked to recall distressing images while the therapist directs the person in one type of bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements or hand tapping.
When a person experiences a traumatic event, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time,” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interfere with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to completely process experiences that are causing problems. EMDR produces a learning state that allows problematic experiences to be digested and stored appropriately in the brain. What is useful to the person from an experience will be learned and stored with appropriate emotions in their brain. The inappropriate emotions, beliefs, and body sensations will be discarded.
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress. However, clinicians have also reported success using EMDR in treatment of the panic attacks, dissociative disorders, phobias, addiction, sexual abuse, body dysmorphic disorders, and personality disorders.
The amount of time the complete treatment will take depends upon the history of the client. Complete treatment of involves a three pronged protocol with 8 phases that are needed to alleviate the symptoms and address the complete clinical picture.
For additional information and references, please visit https://www.emdria.org
By Alesa Van Dyke Do you find it hard to be kind, loving, and respectful to yourself? Can you show yourself the same kind of respect and compassion that you show other people? We are so often willing to give others kindness and respect, but we find it much more difficult to give ourselves. We […]
This article was originally published by Sean Evans with Men’s Health and has been edited by Aloha Behavioral Consultants. Our mental health is inseparable from our physical health. Not a revolutionary concept, but what is astounding is the stigmatization that still surrounds men who dare to talk about their mental struggles. As Mental Health Awareness […]
This article was originally published by with Men’s Health and has been edited by Aloha Behavioral Consultants.
Our mental health is inseparable from our physical health. Not a revolutionary concept, but what is astounding is the stigmatization that still surrounds men who dare to talk about their mental struggles. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, we can change these stigmas.
Men who are vocal about any kind of mental issues can be dismissed as weak. As inferior. As flawed, broken guys who are more likely to be ostracized for their honesty, instead of rewarded for their bravery. Instead of affording a fellow man compassion, we mock, belittle, and turn a blind eye. We freely spit the phrase, “Man up,” as though your gender alone should suffice to guide you through your darkest times.
Or worse: we nonchalantly respond, “Well, that sucks,” then change the subject because talking about feelings is just too real.
What’s real is the fact that 9 percent of men experience depression on a daily basis. That’s more than 6 million men. Even if we understand what depression feels like, we rarely admit that’s the culprit. We lie and say we’re tired or just cranky. More than 3 million men struggle with anxiety daily. Of the 3.5 million people diagnosed as schizophrenic by the age of 30, more than 90 percent are men. An estimated 10 million men in the U.S. will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. (Men’s Health Style and Grooming Editor Louis Baragona eloquently and touchingly shared his battle with bulimia.) We retreat from friends and instead drown sorrows in numbing substances. One out of every five men will develop an alcohol dependency during his life.
Male suicide is rising at such an alarming rate that it’s been classified as a “silent epidemic.” It’s the seventh leading cause of death for males. That’s a staggering statistic. Drill down into the numbers and suicide is the second most common cause of death for every age group for men 10 through 39.
Our mental problems are literally killing us. And that has to stop.
This macho attitude of stuffing your feelings down, or ignoring them, is antiquated and downright dangerous.
It’s okay to not have it all together. It’s okay to feel depressed. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to be anxious. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to not have everything figured out, to feel a wave of uncertainty come crashing over you and not know which way is up, or when your next gulp of air will come. These are perfectly normal feelings that every man experiences. And it’s okay to talk about it.
What’s not okay is suffering in silence.
A few courageous men have led the charge, exposing their plights to the rest of us. Singer Zayn Malik openly discussed his struggle with anxiety and his battle with an eating disorder. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love penned an op-ed entitled “Everyone Is Going Through Something,” chronicling his panic attacks.
When Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently revealed his battle with depression after his mother attempted suicide when he was a teenager, his words struck a chord with us:
“[It] took me a long time to realize it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You’re not alone.”
Together, our voices can fight the stigma that real men don’t talk about their troubles. In doing so, we can usher in a positive conversation to replace the longstanding, detrimental silence.
For general information on mental health and to locate treatment services in your area, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).