Norman, Author at Suzanne Wallach

What Is Art Therapy?

British artist, Adrian Hill, coined the term ‘art therapy’ in 1942 after discovering the healthful benefits of drawing and painting while recovering from tuberculosis. Art therapy is currently recognized as an alternative form of psychotherapy that incorporates creative methods of expression by way of visual arts media. The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” In short, art therapy acts as another means of communication. Unlike many traditional psychotherapeutic modalities, art therapy encourages participants to explore self-expression, emotions, and challenges through various art media rather than relying on one’s ability to accurately articulate verbally. Art therapy has been woven into treatment practices across the country and is often used in prisons, nursery schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and more. Art therapy allows individuals to process emotions and explore solutions to whatever they are experiencing through artistic expression.

Uses

Nowadays, art therapy is utilized in many areas of society, and depending on one’s needs, is considered a viable method of treatment for individuals ranging in age from toddlers to geriatrics. Art therapy may be used as a form of treatment for individuals with any of the following conditions:

Anxiety
Eating disorders
Emotional difficulties
Ageing-related issues
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substance use disorder
Family and/ or relationship problems
Depression
Cancer
Psychological issues

Art therapists are trained mental health clinicians that are educated in human development, clinical practice, psychological theories, and fine art. Art therapy sessions can be conducted in an individual or group setting. Art therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapeutic treatment modalities.

Benefits

The mere fact that art therapy is a technique rooted in the notion that creative expression can foster healing and mental well being directly correlates with its efficacy. The benefits of art therapy are extensive. Some examples of the benefits of art therapy include, but are not limited to the following, as provided by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association:

Promotes self-reliance, personal independence, and self-sufficiency
Enables an individual to verbally and nonverbally communicate emotions that may otherwise be abandoned
Facilitates illuminating positive perspectives on one’s life
Encourages the development of health coping strategies
Promotes self-expression and self-discovery
Acts as an emotional release
Provides stress relief
Improves self-esteem
Increases resilience

Many individuals can be shy, or uncomfortable with their ability to properly articulate their emotions. Art therapy can serve as a language for those who need another way to identify, express, process and/ or work though challenges, thoughts, and emotions.

Disclaimer:

The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above as a means to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

Norman In Anxiety

How To Deal With Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. Anxiety will manifest differently in different people. The feelings of anxiety can range from mild (e.g. fluttering in one’s stomach) to severe (e.g. racing heart). Some individuals, however, will experience severe, debilitating anxiety and this could be indicative of the presence of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders involve excessive feelings of nervousness, anxiousness, fear and anxiety. According to the American Psychiatric Association there are several different types of anxiety disorders, some of which include: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia). It is important to note that while all people will experience stints of anxiety every now and then, not every person that experiences anxiety will go on to develop an anxiety disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

In order to effectively deal with anxiety it is helpful to be aware of how it can manifest. When an individual experiences a sudden and intense episode of fear and anxiety it is known as an anxiety attack. Medical News Today provides the following examples of signs and symptoms that can be the result of anxiety, many of which are commonly associated with anxiety attacks:

Loss of concentration
A rapid heart rate
Restlessness
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Dry mouth
Chest pain
Being easily startled
Sleep disturbances
Fear
Muscle aches and pains
Irritability
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Feeling of choking
Worry and/ or distress

Anxiety attacks can range in severity and duration. Each person is unique and as such different triggers can initiate the onset of anxiety and/ or anxiety attacks in different people. Typically, the symptoms of anxiety attacks come on suddenly, and the intense symptoms can leave a person with residual effects of anxiety long after (e.g. hours, weeks, or even months) an anxiety attack has subsided.

Helpful Tips

It is helpful to arm oneself with a variety of coping strategies to navigate anxiety when it arises. In order to better deal with anxiety consider the following tips:

Explore relaxation methods: try out different relaxation tactics (e.g. meditation, journaling, listening to music, etc.)
Exercise: regular exercise can not only help you remain physically fit, but also provides a natural release of endorphins, elevating your mood
Get creative: engaging in creativity can be an excellent emotional outlet; consider taking a painting class, try out ceramics, take a cooking class
Breathe: focus on slowing down your breath to help pull your focus away from your symptoms and onto your breath.
Acknowledge your feelings: although it may seem that your anxiety will last forever, it won’t; by acknowledging and naming your feelings you can help diffuse your angst.
Focus on external stimuli: look around you and notice tangible items in your surroundings; this can be both grounding and helpful in gaining perspective over your anxiety

If you are experiencing frequent and/ or severe bouts of anxiety it is best to err on the side of caution and obtain an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. At the vary least, they will be able to provide you with more pointed guidance regarding how to most effectively deal with your anxiety.

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Norman In ADHD

ADHD Treatment For Children In Los Angeles

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as neurological disorder. ADHD is characterized by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Most children with ADHD experience all three symptoms. Prior to 1994 a teen with the main symptom being inattention would have been diagnosed with ADD, whereas now the formal diagnosis for this is: ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type. It may also be referred to as ADHD without hyperactivity or Inattentive ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is extremely common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 3.3 million children between ages 12-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms that can occur in a child with ADHD can begin in children as young as five years old. Symptoms will often range in severity and can differ depending on one’s gender. Below are examples of common symptoms that could arise in a child with ADHD, provided by the American Psychiatric Association (APA):

Failure to meet deadlines (e.g. does not complete homework on time)
Inattention to detail
Unable to engage in activities that require prolonged attention
Mind constantly wandering/ does not listen when directly spoken to
Misplaces belongings frequently
Regularly and mindlessly fidgeting
Little or no patience
Easily distractible
Organizational difficulties
Excessive talking
Restlessness

A young person who is diagnosed with ADHD will exhibit at least five of the symptoms from the above list, lasting for six months long or longer, in multiple settings. The symptoms associated with ADHD that are experienced by a child will interfere with his or her ability to appropriately function in his or her daily life.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis process for ADHD is rather complicated, as there is no single test for diagnosis, and symptoms will vary from child to child. The number of young people that are incorrectly diagnosed and subsequently prescribed medication for ADHD in America is huge. For example, it is not uncommon for symptoms of anxiety to appear as manifestations of ADHD, when in reality they are due to an anxiety disorder. The medications that are prescribed for teens that have ADHD versus those who suffer from anxiety disorders are vastly different. Furthermore, the types of medications that are often prescribed to a young person with ADHD can be detrimental to a child who has an anxiety disorder that does not require medication. It is essential to have a mental health professional evaluate a child that may be struggling with ADHD in order to obtain the proper diagnosis, so as to ensure the most effective treatment.

Treatment

There are many treatment options available in Los Angeles, California for a young person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The best place to start is to consult your child’s pediatrician. Most pediatricians will be able to point you in the right direction and connect you with a mental health specialist that is within their professional network. Additionally, word of mouth recommendations can yield positive results, so it may behoove you to check with your family and friends and see if anyone has any recommendations. There are also a variety of online resources (e.g. Psychology Today) that can help you find a mental health provider specializing in ADHD in California. Every child is different and will require a customized treatment plan.

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Norman In

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic mental health condition. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) explains that social anxiety disorder is “characterized by persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others.” The exact cause for developing an anxiety disorder remains unknown. Research suggests that it is likely due to a combination of contributing factors such as psychological, environmental, genetic, and developmental factors.

Signs and Symptoms

Every individual is unique and will have his or her own set of challenges with regards to social anxiety. Anxiety is a normal and healthy reaction to stress.

While fleeting anxiety is unavoidable for the vast majority of humans, an individual with social anxiety disorder will experience symptoms that interfere with his or her ability to function in his or her daily life. Common examples of signs and symptoms that an individual with SAD may exhibit could include any combination of the following, as provided by the Mayo Clinic:

Muscle tension
Agitation
Fast heartbeat
Excessive worry and or fear
Sweating
Irritability
Shaking
Poor eye contact with others
Low self-esteem/ low self-worth
Blushing
Sadness
Crying
Nausea
Dizziness or lightheadedness

In addition to the above, people with social anxiety disorder may have frequent self-deprecating thoughts and/ or constant thoughts of inadequacy. It is important to note that social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time.

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis process for social anxiety disorder typically includes several components such as a physical exam, reviewing one’s symptoms, completing a self-report questionnaire, and meeting the diagnostic criteria provided in the DSM-5. The diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for social anxiety disorder include:

Persistent, intense fear or anxiety about specific social situations due to fear of possibly being judged, embarrassed or humiliated
Avoidance of anxiety-producing social situations or enduring them with intense fear or anxiety
Excessive anxiety that is out of proportion to the situation
Anxiety or distress that interferes with one’s daily living
Fear or anxiety that is not better explained by a medical condition, medication or substance abuse

In order to ensure proper treatment, it is imperative to be thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional.

Treatment

There are many treatment options for SAD. Every person is different and will require a customized treatment plan, as each will respond distinctly to various treatment options. Treatment plans for social anxiety disorder will typically consist of a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), expressive arts therapy and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It is not uncommon for medication to be incorporated in one’s treatment plan in conjunction with psychotherapy. There are several different types of SSRIs that are often prescribed for individuals with SAD. SSRIs are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Some of the common SSRIs that are often prescribed for social anxiety disorder include Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate), Zoloft (sertraline), and Prozac (fluoxetine). If left untreated, social anxiety disorder can lead to a plethora of short and long-term effects.

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Norman In Marriage Counseling

Most Common Marital Problems

Every relationship has challenges, and most individuals understand that when entering into a marriage they are exposing themselves to a whole slew of potentially difficult to navigate experiences, also known as marital problems. The marital problems that have the propensity to manifest could range from mild to extreme, and anywhere in between. Some of the most widespread martial problems include the following, in no particular order:

Division of labor: research indicates that when both spouses work outside the home, the responsibility of chores and housework usually falls on the woman. An imbalanced division of labor can foster resentment.
Infidelity: infidelity includes short and long-term emotional affairs and physical cheating, and can corrode a marital relationship.
Communication issues: communication in a relationship encompasses both verbal and non-verbal cues. Lacking the ability to effectively communicate (e.g. listening without interrupting) or falling into a habit of engaging in improper communication can fester in a marriage.
Finances: arguing about money is highly common and can be particularly frustrating when a couples view on finances is not aligned.
Power inequality: power can be held in many areas (e.g. parenting power, decision-making power, financial power, etc.) and when there is power inequality in a marital relationship one spouse is likely to feel powerless over time.
Children and childrearing differences: every person comes with his or her own worldview and perspective, which directly inform their respective parenting styles. Raising children can be highly stressful and when conflicting parenting styles clash it can affect a married couples relationship.
Boredom: the beginning of relationships are new and exciting, but without putting in effort, as time progresses relationships can stagnate and become void of excitement.
Different love languages: in 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a well renowned book called The Five Love Languages. In it he defines five different ways people give and receive love (e.g. touch, time, acts of service, words of affirmation, and gift giving). If both individuals in the couple speak different love languages, it may lead to partners feeling underappreciated and/ or unloved in their relationship.
Sex: every person has different sexual desires and needs, and many couples struggle with sexual compatibility.
Abuse: there are several forms of abuse (e.g. verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, etc.) and allowing any kind of abuse in a relationship can be severely damaging to the health of each individual, separately and as a couple.

If you experience any of the above marital problems, you are in good company. The fact is that no marriage is void of marital problems, as they will develop at some point during the relationship. Marital problems exist and they should not be stigmatized. Enduring and resolving relationship challenges can provide couples with an opportunity to learn from their experiences while simultaneously deepening and strengthening their relationship.

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Norman In Anxiety

Anxiety Treatment For Children

Preadolescence and adolescence can be incredibly challenging periods in a young person’s life. It is both normal and unavoidable for a young person to experience bouts of anxiety, especially during their teenage years. However, severe and frequent levels of anxiety that interfere with a young person’s ability to complete everyday tasks could be indicative of an anxiety disorder. In some cases, it can be difficult to discern normal levels of anxiety from debilitating anxiety levels, especially as children endure the countless physiological changes that occur during the preadolescence and adolescence stages. It is generally best to err on the side of caution when it comes to a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing. In situations where a child’s anxiety becomes increasingly problematic to the point that it interferes with his or her ability to function socially, occupationally, and/ or educationally in daily life it is best to pursue guidance from a qualified mental health professional. Every child is different and will respond distinctly to the varied methods of treatment for anxiety.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a common mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of fear, worry, and/ or distress. There are several different types of anxiety disorders. Children with anxiety disorders are likely to have one or more of the following:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Selective mutism (SM)
Panic disorder
Phobias
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Separation anxiety disorder

Research has discovered that anxiety disorders are more prevalent in females than males, of all ages.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and each have their own respective set of symptoms. Some of the more general signs and symptoms that span across most anxiety disorders could include, but are not limited to, any combination of the follow, as provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Difficulty falling asleep
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Muscle tension
Behavioral problems
Excessive worry
Strong startle response
Nervousness
Nausea
Sweating
Fear of being alone
Nail biting
Frequent urination and/ or bedwetting

The Child Mind Institute has pointed out that, unfortunately, nearly eighty percent of young people with anxiety go untreated.

Treatment

There are many different therapeutic modalities that can be used to treat children with anxiety. With the help of a qualified mental health professional, the nuanced mental health needs of each child will be considered and used to develop a customized treatment plan. The specific components of a child’s anxiety treatment plan could consist of a combination of different therapeutic approaches. It is highly common to include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in one’s treatment plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment approach. Through CBT a child can learn to replace and adjust negative self-views through behavior modification. Other treatment options that could be included in a child’s treatment plan may be creative arts therapies, group therapy, exposure therapy, and medication. It is important to note that though medication is always an option, for some children it may be unnecessary.

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Norman In Couples Therapy

What Are Couples Therapy Worksheets?

Talkspace explains couples therapy as “a type of psychotherapy in which a therapist with clinical experience working with couples, most often a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), helps two people involved in a romantic relationship gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions.” There are many components of couples therapy, and each is intended to markedly contribute to assisting a couple achieve their relationship goals. The work that occurs during couples counseling sessions is entirely guided by the needs of the couple.

Couples Therapy Worksheets

Couples therapy worksheets can be a useful and effective tool, provided both parties are committed, honest, and willing to put in the needed effort. Couples therapy worksheets generally prompt uncomfortable topics. In order for them to work, it is important to carve out ample time to spend on thoughtfully completing the worksheets. While a couple’s counselor may assign couples therapy worksheets, there are also many online resources available, should a couple wish to begin tackling couples therapy worksheets on their own. Feel free to check out any of the following couple therapy worksheet resources:

Relationship evaluation checklist worksheet: completing a relationship evaluation checklist is an excellent worksheet to begin with as it can serve as a diagnostic test as well as help both parties understand the current state of their relationship. It is a relatively simply worksheet that requires yes or no answers to a variety of questions. Once both parties have independently completed this worksheet, the couple can compare answers and go on to develop relevant goals based on their findings.
Boundaries worksheets: completing a boundary worksheet can help provide a framework for broaching the topic of boundaries within one’s relationship, and create space for each party to advocate for their respective needs and comfort levels.
Communication worksheets: communication worksheets can help couples discover effective communication skills. For example, the assertive communication worksheet addresses traits of assertive communication (e.g. confident body language, listening to others without interrupting, holding eye contact, etc.), provides tips, and offers hypothetical scenarios to practice assertive communication skills.
Conflict resolution worksheets: effectively navigating conflict is an essential life skill, and for some cultivating this skill does not come easily. Unlike many of the other worksheets that are formatted akin to a questionnaire, relationship conflict resolution worksheets typically provide a list of appropriate conflict resolution skills.

There are specific couples therapy worksheets that can, respectively, help couples navigate a plethora of common relationship obstacles.

Why Do Couples Therapy Worksheets?

Couples therapy worksheets provide an alternative means of processing, communicating, and expressing the information touched upon during therapy sessions. They can provide each party with an additional platform to express his or her feelings surrounding a certain topic addressed in or out of a couples therapy session. Although the specific reasons why a couple decide to attend couples therapy is distinct to the couple, by nature of attending every couple that participates in couples therapy has made the choice to actively work on their relationship. This work can take on many forms, one of which could be completing couples therapy worksheets. The worksheets that are assigned by a providing clinician are done so purposefully and are intended to help address the needs and achieve the goals of the couple.

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Norman In Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy In Los Angeles

Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is intended to help couples improve their relationship. Couples therapy is focused helping each party learn to effectively work through challenges, gain a deeper understanding of their relationship, and cultivate healthier ways of relating to and communicating with one another. A couple’s therapist will provide an emotionally safe environment and work with the couple to better their relationship by challenging unhealthy dynamics and enhance the couple’s ability to recognize and resolve conflicts by introducing, teaching and facilitating healthy methods of communication and effective conflict resolution tactics. At times, the work that occurs during couples counseling can be emotionally charged, provoke difficult to face feelings and seem arduously exhausting. For most, the benefits greatly outweigh the challenges, as the skills, tools, and emotional awareness that can come from actively participating in couples counseling can be both empowering and insightful.

Why Go To Couples Counseling?

There is a wide array of reasons why a couple may decide to go to couples counseling. Psychology Today provides the following potential reasons why a couple may seek couples counseling:

Diminished emotional intimacy
Poor and/ or lack of communication
Trust has been broken
Feelings of unease in the relationship (i.e. being aware that something is wrong but being unable to pinpoint the issue)
Diminished sexual intimacy
Conflicts regarding child rearing and/ or blended families
Infidelity
Consistently becoming dysfunctional during conflict (one or both members)
Addressing and/ or sharing difficult to talk about information with the partner
Feeling stuck in unhealthy and/ or undesirable patterns
Processing situational circumstances that have devastated the relationship (i.e. loss of a child, prolonged unemployment, being diagnosed with a long-term illness, etc.)

Some couples choose to attend couples counseling in order to gain a better understanding of their partner. In reality, there are countless nuanced reasons why a couple may elect to go to couples counseling.

How Do I Find One?

There are a plethora of couples counselors in Los Angeles, which for some can make the search for locating one, seem like an overwhelming feat. The process of selecting a couple’s counselor may be innately anxiety provoking, depending on the reason for attending, but it does not have to be challenging. There are fantastic online resources that offer curated lists containing qualified couples counselors, serving the Los Angeles area (e.g. Psychology Today). Often the best recommendations come by word of mouth. An excellent place to start your search is to consult your primary care physician as they should be able to point you in the right direction, and many may even offer recommendations from within their professional network. For some, openly discussing the possibility of couples counseling with family and friends may not be comfortable, but for those that are open to broaching the topic with outsiders, asking family and friends for couples counselor recommendations could be beneficial. It is, however imperative to be mindful of the fact that all couples are unique, and each therapist practices with his or her own distinct style, so be sure to thoroughly conduct your due diligence prior to commencing.

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Norman In Eating Disorders

How To Treat Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa, often referred to as anorexia, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as an eating disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, anorexia is “characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight.” Though anorexia can manifest at any age, research suggests it most commonly develops during adolescence. Individuals that struggle with anorexia engage in a cycle of self-starvation that often results in malnutrition including a lack of essential minerals and nutrients. The list of adverse short and long-term effects of anorexia is extensive, and without proper treatment anorexia can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Diagnostic Criteria

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential to the recovery process for any mental health illness. Though the symptoms of anorexia can become visibly evident, a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa is reached through a thorough physical and psychological exam. Further, the evaluating provider considers the diagnostic criteria for anorexia, provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). To be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, according to the DSM-5, the following criteria must be met:

Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health. Significantly low body weight is defined as a weight that is less than minimally normal, or for children and adolescents, less than that minimally expected.
Intense fear of gaining weight or of becoming fat, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight.
Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

Atypical anorexia is diagnosed when an individual meets the above criteria but despite significant weight loss, is not medically considered underweight. It is important to note that an individual may still be struggling with a serious eating disorder even if all of the DSM-5 criteria for anorexia are unmet.

Treatment

Every individual is different and will require a tailored treatment plan when it comes to recovering from anorexia. Treatment plans often include a multidisciplinary approach. According to the Mayo Clinic a clinical treatment team for an individual diagnosed with anorexia could include doctors, mental health professionals and dietitians. Depending on the nuanced needs of the individual, the treatment process could include any combination of the following components:

Inpatient treatment: intensive, inpatient treatment can help address severe malnutrition and other physical health complications that have developed from one’s eating disorder, settings could include:
- Hospitalization
- Inpatient facility
Psychotherapy: there are a variety of therapeutic modalities used to help treat individuals with anorexia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, creative arts therapies, and more.
Medications: certain medications (e.g. antipsychotic: Zyprexa) can be prescribed to help with weight gain
Nutrition counseling: used to help individuals learn how to restore normal eating patterns and teach a healthy approach to weight and food

The Mayo Clinic asserts, “One of the biggest challenges in treating anorexia is that people may not want treatment.” Although anorexia is a considered to be a chronic disorder, with proper treatment an individual can learn how to effectively manage its symptoms and go to on lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

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Norman In Covid-19, Mental Health

Covid’s Impact On Mental Health

man wwearing a mask suffering from mental illness

The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, is a new disease that has not previously been seen in humans. Clinical Microbiology and Infection (CMI) asserts that COVID-19 “is associated with a respiratory illness that may lead to severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).” The fact that the method of transmission, severity of symptoms, and long-term affects of coronavirus-19 were largely unknown not only caused worldwide panic and but also initiated the surge of a global pandemic. In efforts to slow the spread of the virus, states all across America instituted social distancing guidelines, implemented sporadic stay-at-home orders for all non-essential workers, prohibited in-restaurant dining, closed schools, theaters, exercise studios, museums, public libraries, and more. Many hospitals around the country prohibited individuals that were not there for treatment from entering the building (e.g. loved ones of patients). Further, due to its highly contagious nature a strict no visitor’s policy was established both in healthcare settings (e.g. designated COVID-19 unites) as well as in the general public (e.g. mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days) for those that tested positive for the virus. Sadly, this too meant that for individuals who became terminal from COVID-19 they would be unable to be in the company of loved ones in their last living moments.

Mental Health Impact

Nearly every person in America has experienced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in rare situations where an individual does not have a direct connection to someone who has contracted COVID-19, the pandemic could still negatively affect their mental wellbeing. For example, extroverted individuals that thrive on social interaction were required to adhere to the stay-at-home orders and social distance mandates for extended periods of time, which surely affected their mental state. Some individuals lost family members and/ or loved one’s to COVID-19 and were unable to visit with them, see them or be by their side as they passed, which could gravely imprint an individual’s psyche. Depending on the individual, when contracted, the physical toll the virus can take on an individual can be immense, and the recovery process from COVID-19 can leave an individual vulnerable to lingering adverse effects. Having to deal with newfound, seemingly long-term physical complications can contribute to one’s mental state, and could ignite any dormant mental health ailment. The fear surrounding the unknown was palpable, not only in the United States, but all over the world. There is an endless list of all of the known ways COVID-19 impacted society: individuals developed thorough/ obsessive cleaning rituals to avoid unnecessarily contracting the virus, people spent months on end inside their homes, people stopped obtaining medical services for pre-existing conditions for fear of contracting the virus, and many, many more. Every individual living through these unprecedented times is bound to experience a slew of emotions, some of which may be difficult to navigate as they are directly related to unparalleled times. There are countless layers of how COVID-19 could impact an individual’s mental health. Much like many of the long-term effects of contracting the virus itself remain unknown, the long-term mental health effects of living through this pandemic are unknown yet are sure to be both extensive and profound.

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Norman

What Is Art Therapy?

Uses

Benefits

How To Deal With Anxiety

Signs and Symptoms

Helpful Tips

ADHD Treatment For Children In Los Angeles

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Most Common Marital Problems

Anxiety Treatment For Children

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Treatment

What Are Couples Therapy Worksheets?

Couples Therapy Worksheets

Why Do Couples Therapy Worksheets?

Couples Therapy In Los Angeles

Why Go To Couples Counseling?

How Do I Find One?

How To Treat Anorexia

Diagnostic Criteria

Treatment

Covid’s Impact On Mental Health

Mental Health Impact

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