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How To Overcome Negative Body Image In Eating Disorder Recovery

Negative Body Image

Eating disorders are complex psychological conditions that are characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) specifically defines eating disorders as “serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances to a person’s eating behavior.” There are different types of eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Eating disorders often involve intense self-criticism, body dissatisfaction, and perfectionism. While everyone experiences negative thoughts or feeling about their body from time to time, overcoming negative body image and thoughts related to eating disorders can be a particularly challenging process. Body image refers to how an individual perceives, thinks, and feels about his or her own body. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) highlights various suggestions that can help you work toward a more positive body image:

  • Be kind to yourself: Practicing positive self-talk, for example, encourages self-confidence, effective coping, achievement, and a general feeling of well-being. Select a few affirmations, or positive statements about your body and repeat them regularly. Avoid self-criticism, treat yourself with respect, and shift your internal dialogue to replace negative self-talk with more positive and realistic statements.
  • Wear comfortable clothes: Tight or restrictive clothing can exacerbate negative body image thoughts. When you are already feeling particularly self-conscious about various areas of your body, alleviate any added anxiety by wearing clothing that is comfortable.
  • Strengthen social connections: Build a healthy support network that includes people who understand and support your journey towards a healthier body image. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help reinforce a healthier mindset.
  • Make time for self-care: Self-care encompasses activities, practices, and habits intended to reduce mental and physical stress and strain while simultaneously fostering feelings of inner peace and happiness. Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
  • Get rid of your scale: Recovering from an eating disorder will likely involve weight changes. While knowing your weight can be a great exposure therapy tool, having a scale at your constant disposal can sometimes be a distraction from your long-term recovery goals.

Body acceptance and neutrality are difficult concepts for everyone, and especially challenging for those who have a history of an eating disorder. It is essential to be patient and have compassion for yourself, as overcoming negative body image in eating disorder recovery is a crucial aspect of the healing process.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic and debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by abdominal discomfort associated with altered bowel movements. IBS is highly common and is said to affect 9%-23% of the population across the world. Although the symptoms of IBS vary, according to Cleveland Clinic, some of the most common symptoms include the following:

  • Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen.
  • Bloating.
  • Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual.
  • Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two.
  • Excess gas.
  • Mucus in stool (may appear whitish).
  • Incomplete bowel movements.

Recent research has shown that “many symptoms of IBS are related to hypersensitivity of the nerves found in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.” Anxiety and digestive problems often go hand in hand. These two conditions are closely connected, and they often interact in a bidirectional manner:

  • Studies have found that higher anxiety can trigger more severe IBS symptoms.
  • One report suggests that the connection may be due to shared genetic pathways between IBS and anxiety.
  • Chronic stress and anxiety may cause a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach and contribute to low-level inflammation in the body. This may affect the gut lining and exacerbate IBS symptoms.
  • The mind and the gut are closely intertwined in what experts call the gut-brain axis, which is essentially a two-way signaling system between one’s brain and digestive tract. Anxiety and other emotional factors can influence gut function and vice versa. As explained in Impact of Psychological Stress on Irritable Bowel Syndrome, “Stress-induced alterations in neuro-endocrine-immune pathways acts on the gut-brain axis and microbiota-gut-brain axis, and cause symptom flare-ups or exaggeration in IBS.” Hence, changes in gut function can lead to alterations in mood, creating a feedback loop.

It is highly common for IBS and anxiety to co-occur as data indicates that nearly 40% of IBS patients also suffer from an anxiety disorder. While anxiety does not cause IBS, nor does IBS cause anxiety, the two disorders are known to exacerbate each other, leading to what’s often described as gastrointestinal-specific anxiety (GSA). Understanding the connections between anxiety and IBS can inform treatment protocol. IBS is a stress-sensitive disorder and effective treatment for IBS should focus on managing stress and stress-induced responses.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Benefits of Cognitive Therapy for Eating Disorder Recovery

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy is a relatively short-term form of psychotherapy based on the concept that the way we think about things affects how we feel emotionally. In cognitive therapy, a person focuses on present thinking, behavior, and communication rather than on past experiences. It is a therapeutic approach that is oriented toward problem solving, where with the help of a mental health professional, an individual in therapy is encouraged to identify unhealthy thought processes and work to change them. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which combines cognitive therapy and behavior therapy, is the leading evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. CBT was developed in the 1960s by psychiatrist, Aaron Beck. CBT is a structured, time-limited, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that “targets multiple areas of potential vulnerability (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, affective) with developmentally-guided strategies and traverses multiple intervention pathways.” CBT has several benefits in the context of eating disorder recovery:

  • Facilitates cognitive restructuring: Cognitive restructuring aims to help people identify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns and modify them with more reality-based or effective thinking. With eating disorders, this often focuses on targeting people’s unhelpful assumptions and beliefs surrounding food, body image, and emotions.
  • Promotes mindfulness: People with eating disorders often spend a substantial amount of time ruminating about food and body image. Mindfulness training is a tool that can help people connect to the present moment, which disrupts the rumination cycle, and paves the way for healthier behaviors.
  • Encourages behavioral chain analysis: As Verywell Mind explains “when it comes to addressing maladaptive behavior, a chain analysis can be useful for identifying the different factors that contribute to that behavior.” This can highlight various interventions that are more easily designed to target the symptoms associated with disordered eating.
  • Anxiety reduction: Many people with eating disorders experience high levels of anxiety, particularly related to food and body image. CBT provides strategies to manage and reduce anxiety, improving overall mental well-being.
  • Relapse prevention: CBT equips individuals with skills to identify early warning signs of relapse and strategies to prevent relapse (e.g., developing a plan for handling triggers and setbacks, etc.).

CBT is a valuable tool for treating people with eating disorders. Through CBT a person’s unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors are challenged and disrupted, essentially prohibiting one’s ability to maintain dysfunctional eating habits. By helping individuals to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors, CBT can support the development of a nutritional relationship with food.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Importance of Setting Boundaries in BPD Recovery

BPD Recovery

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a chronic mental health disorder that is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). BPD is explained as a mental health condition “in which a person has long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions… [and] these inner experiences often result in impulsive actions and chaotic relationships with other people.” Setting boundaries is crucial in the recovery process for individuals with BPD. While boundaries are vital, they are not always easy to establish, and respecting boundaries can be particularly challenging for people BPD and those close to them. Personal boundaries are physical, mental, and emotional limits and rules that people set for themselves to safeguard their overall well-being. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation explains:

  • Healthy boundaries: help people define who they are to ensure relationships are mutually safe, supportive, and respectful.
  • Unhealthy boundaries: are thoughts or behaviors used to manipulate or control relationships.

Boundaries create a standard by which one’s self-worth and integrity is communicated and are, therefore, based on one’s personal values and needs. There are a variety of reasons why setting boundaries in borderline personality disorder recovery is important. Setting boundaries is a form of self-care that involves prioritizing one’s own needs and well-being, which is essential for anyone but particularly important for individuals recovering from BPD.

Individuals with BPD often struggle with intense and rapidly changing emotions. Boundaries provide predictability and stability that can help regulate these emotions and prevent emotional dysregulation. BPD often involves tumultuous relationships due to fear of abandonment and difficulty trusting others. Setting boundaries can foster healthier, more stable connections with others, reducing the chaos and volatility in relationships. Boundaries help create a sense of expectedness and structure, which can mitigate the instability often associated with BPD, reducing stress and anxiety. Establishing boundaries can help individuals with BPD develop a clearer sense of self. By defining their limits, values, and priorities, individuals with BPD can build a stronger and more stable self-identity and develop improved self-esteem. Further, learning to set and enforce boundaries can inspire personal growth and enhance self-confidence.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

How To Cope With Anxiety-Related Insomnia

Insomnia

The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxiety as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” Anxiety can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Research suggests that anxiety may lead to a state of dysfunctional arousal which often results in persistent sleep-wake difficulties. Insomnia is characterized by “the subjective complaint of difficulty falling or maintaining sleep, or nonrestorative sleep, producing significant daytime symptoms including difficulty concentrating and mood disturbances.” Insomnia, and other serious disturbances of sleep, are well established as a common symptom of anxiety disorders, because people’s worries disrupt their ability to sleep well. Coping with anxiety-related insomnia can be challenging, but there are several strategies and techniques that can help you manage your anxiety and improve your sleep quality, such as:

  • Avoid an erratic sleep schedule: Develop consistent sleep patterns by having a set bedtime and following it every day, as best as you can.
  • Exercise daily: Integrating regular exercise into your routine not only helps with releasing endorphins (the hormones in one’s body associated with feeling pleasure) but can also increase the production of melatonin (the body’s main sleep-inducing hormone).
  • Eat smaller meals in the evening: Eating a large dinner can interfere with your ability to fall asleep, as your body must work extra hard to digest a heavy load. Decreasing portion sizes and switching your larger meal of the day to lunchtime can help you reduce your digestive load in the evenings, which can help you fall asleep more naturally.
  • Create a peaceful sleeping environment: Research has found that the body naturally produces certain chemicals to help increase feelings of calmness and relaxation. When serotonin, known as the “feel-good” hormone, is released in a comfortable and/ or dark environment it is converted into melatonin.
  • Refrain from using electronics at bedtime: One study found that individuals who refrained from using their smart phones and other screen-based devices an hour before bed gained twenty-one extra minutes of sleep at night.
  • Try a weighted blanket: The purpose of weighted blankets is to put additional pressure on an individual’s body while they rest to help generate deep relaxation. The weight of the blanket works by stimulating the deep pressure touch (DPT) receptors of the body, triggering the release of serotonin. This, in turn, helps people achieve more meaningful rest by helping them fall asleep, and remain asleep longer.

Overcoming anxiety-related insomnia does not happen instantaneously, rather it is a process that requires time and patience. If, however, you find that your insomnia is significantly affecting your quality of life, it is advised to seek professional guidance.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Role of Self-Compassion in Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating Disorder Recovery

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) list different types of eating disorders that are respectively categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. Eating disorders are defined as “serious medical illnesses marked by severe disturbances to a person’s eating behavior,” and are characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. The pervasive symptoms associated with any type of eating disorder can cause adverse physiological consequences, interfere with one’s ability to adequately function in daily life, and if left untreated can become life-threatening. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an estimated 30 million U.S. adults will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is defined as “compassion directed inward, relating to oneself as the object of care and concern when faced with the experience of suffering.” Kristin Neff, Ph.D., one of the leading researchers in this field, explains that self-compassion is comprised of the following three central components:

  • Self-kindness versus self-judgment: Being kind and understanding toward oneself rather than being self-critical.
  • Common humanity versus isolation: Seeing one’s fallibility as part of the larger human condition and experience rather than as isolating.
  1. Mindfulness versus overidentification: Holding one’s painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness rather than avoiding them or overidentifying with them.

When these interrelated elements combine and mutually interact, we can cultivate a self-compassionate frame of mind when encountering personal mistakes, failure, perceived inadequacies, and/ or various experiences of life difficulty. Self-compassion plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals overcoming an eating disorder.

Self-Compassion in Eating Disorder Recovery

In addition to increasing treatment outcome, there are a variety of benefits to practicing self-compassion for those recovering from an eating disorder:

  • Reduction in self-criticism: A 2021 paper in the Journal of Positive Psychology, asserts that self-compassion induces a feeling of security and calmness as it produces a chemical response by activating the parasympathetic system, which triggers the release of oxytocin (commonly known as the “love hormone”). This creates a sense of emotional safety that can help reduce the harsh self-judgment that perpetuates disordered eating behaviors.
  • Enhanced motivation for recovery: According to Michigan State University, “practicing self-compassion helps us to accept our own humanness and imperfections with kindness and increases people’s motivation to learn, to change for the better and to avoid repeating past mistakes.”
  • Reduced shame and guilt: Shame and guilt are common emotions in eating disorders. Self-compassion fosters a sense of worthiness and acceptance, reducing the shame associated with food, body image, and past behaviors.

Self-compassion plays a vital role in eating disorder recovery by promoting emotional healing, reducing self-criticism, and fostering a healthier relationship with oneself. Eating disorders often involve intense self-criticism, body dissatisfaction, and perfectionism. Cultivating self-compassion can counteract these harmful patterns and support individuals on their journey to recovery.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Addiction

Anxiety

Anxiety, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), is an “emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Anxiety will manifest differently in different people. The feelings of anxiety can range from mild to severe. While fleeting anxiety is unavoidable, it is atypical for an individual to experience frequent, intense, debilitating, persistent worries and/ or fears related to everyday situations, and such anxiety could be indicative of an anxiety disorder. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) asserts: “Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening.” According to Johns Hopkins Medicine anxiety disorders affect up to 18% of the population, making it the most common mental health condition in the United States.

Substance Use Disorder

Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. Substance use disorder is defined as a “complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of substance despite harmful consequence.” Habitually abusing drugs and/ or alcohol will affect the way one’s brain functions, as one’s body becomes increasingly accustomed to operating with the presence of the abused substance in its system. Since the disease compels an individual to prioritize satisfying his or her substance cravings above all else, he or she will likely experience a plethora of adverse effects, including physical complications, relationship fractures, financial strain, legal challenges, employment issues, and more. Data from 2022 presented by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, indicate that addiction affects over 20 million Americans aged 12 and over.

Anxiety and Addiction

There is a complex and bidirectional relationship between anxiety and addiction, and these two conditions often co-occur. Some individuals who suffer from severe anxiety will turn to drugs and/ or alcohol in attempt to help alleviate the discomforts of their anxiety. Self-medicating cannot only be dangerous but can also lead to a built-up tolerance, increasing one’s risk of developing SUD. Conversely, chronic substance abuse can lead to neurobiological changes in the brain, affecting areas involved in mood regulation, stress response, and decision-making. These changes can increase susceptibility to anxiety disorders. Both anxiety disorders and addiction can have genetic and environmental risk factors. These factors can overlap, making some individuals more vulnerable to developing both conditions. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that people diagnosed with substance use disorder are twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder than the general population.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

How to Manage Anxiety in a High-Stress Job

Manage Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” It is a complex response to real or perceived threats that can involve cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes. It is an unavoidable feeling that every human will undoubtedly experience throughout one’s life. Jobs typically play a significant role in people’s lives, and it is natural to feel anxious about them from time to time, particularly when workplace pressures are especially high. According to Mental Health America’s 2021 Mind the Workplace report, nearly 83% of respondents felt emotionally drained from their work, and about 9 in 10 workers, which is equal to 85%, reported that job stress affected their mental health. Workplace anxiety generally develops in response to stress at work and can present in and outside of the workplace environment. Although some amount of stress and anxiety is to be expected when working in a high-stress employment environment, the symptoms of anxiety can be unpleasant. The U.S. News & World Report offers various strategies to help decrease stress and assuage anxiety when it presents, some of which include the following:

  • Focus on others, not yourself: Switching from an internal to an external focus can be helpful in reducing anxiety.
  • Challenge your negative, anxious thoughts: Identify the anxious thoughts that surface when you think of work, analyze them, and challenge them to discern if your initial reaction is truly how you feel or if you are just assuming the worst.
  • Draw your attention to 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.
  • Breathe: Focus on slowing down your breath to help pull your focus away from your anxiety and onto your breath.
  • Take a break: Carve out time each day to take regular mini breaks where you can conduct a quick body check and see where you may be feeling tension, exhaustion, or any unwanted feelings.
  • Avoid getting overwhelmed: Slow down and do one thing at a time instead of attempting to multitask. By tackling one thing at a time, you can allocate undivided attention to completing each task accurately and efficiently.
  • 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.
  • Arm yourself with a robust supply of relaxation tools and techniques: Test out as many different relaxation methods as you can to figure out what resonates with you best. Consider trying out meditation, yoga, reading, listening to music, journaling, etc. to quiet your mind. Research has found that meditation can help lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improve insomnia, and more.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health

Nutrition in Mental Health

Mental health exists on a continuum, and much like physical health, is intertwined and often informed by behavioral health. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” While one’s mental health encompasses several factors (e.g., one’s biology, one’s psychological condition, and one’s habits) behavioral health examines how one’s habits impact one’s overall physical and mental well-being. Good behavioral health means engaging in behaviors that help to achieve an ideal mental and physical balance. Nutrition, for example, plays a significant role in mental health, as a growing body of research suggests that what one eats can have a profound impact on one’s mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Nutrition is defined as “the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life.” Nutrition comes from a variety of sources such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lipids, enzymes, carbohydrates, and more. Nutrients are substances required by the body to perform its basic functions (e.g., provide energy, contribute to body structure, and/ or regulate chemical processes in the body). These are vital, basic functions that allow us to detect and respond to environmental surroundings, move, excrete wastes, breathe, grow, and reproduce. Essential nutrients are compounds that must be obtained from our diet as the human body cannot make them or cannot make them in sufficient quantity. Essential nutrients are divided into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Nutrients (i.e., carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) that are needed in large amounts for the body to function optimally are called macronutrients. Micronutrients include all the essential minerals and vitamins and are required by the body in lesser amounts. The relationship between nutrition and mental health is complex and multifaceted.

The neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that are responsible for regulating behaviors) in one’s body are controlled by what an individual ingests. Hence, poor nutrition can lead to detrimental physiological outcomes, whereas proper nutrition can enrich an individual’s mental health. Certain foods, for example, can increase the production of dopamine and/ or norepinephrine that boost an individual’s ability to think more clearly, remain more alert, and heighten their focus. Including certain foods (e.g., those rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc.) into one’s diet can provide an individual with the energy and strength required to be physically active, which paves the way to develop a healthy exercise regimen. The Academy of Neurological Therapy asserts that “exercise has been shown to help improve and prevent many conditions, including: weight management, stress levels, emotional regulation/ mood, memory, attention, strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and blood pressure regulation.” Epidemiological studies have revealed that diet impacts mental health, and intervention studies confirm this relationship. Cultivating healthy nutrition habits is essential for any individual as eating a varied and nutritiously balanced diet can inform one’s physiological health and promote mental wellness.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

How To Overcome Anxiety-Related Panic Attacks

Panic Attacks

The Mayo Clinic explains a panic attack as “a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.” Panic attacks most often occur out of the blue and are not always cued by stressors. However, people who experience anxiety are at an increased risk of experiencing panic attacks. The medical definition of anxiety provided in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.” A panic attack is classified when an individual experiences four or more of the following symptoms simultaneously, as provided by Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA):

  • Excessive sweating.
  • Fear of dying.
  • Chest pain.
  • Dizziness.
  • Chills.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Light-headedness.
  • Nausea.
  • Feelings of choking.
  • Trembling.
  • Tingling sensations and/ or numbness.
  • Fear of losing control.
  • Difficulty catching one’s breath.
  • Excessive shaking and/ or shivering.
  • Abdominal distress.
  • Accelerated heart rate.

Panic attacks can range in severity and duration. Typically, panic attacks are short-lived, but the quick onset and the intense symptoms can leave an individual experiencing residual effects of anxiety long after a panic attack has ended.

What To Do

Panic attacks can be highly unnerving. The following suggestions may help to stop or manage anxiety-related panic attacks:

  • Breathe: Focus on slowing down your breath to help pull your focus away from your symptoms and onto your breath. A group of scientists found that slow breathing could improve feelings of relaxation, comfort, and alertness and reduce symptoms of arousal anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion.
  • Guide yourself out of panic: Focusing on the five senses is an effective grounding technique. A quick way to bring one’s attention to the present moment is to actively engage all five senses. Try this by naming 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
  • Get some fresh air: Research suggests that both spending time in nature and visualizing nature can help treat and manage anxiety.
  • Exercise: Experts have found that exercising at 60 to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate for 20 minutes three times per week can help reduce anxiety.

If you are experiencing frequent, recurring, and/ or severe panic attacks it is best to err on the side of caution and obtain an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. At the very least, they will be able to provide you with more pointed guidance for how to best navigate and overcome anxiety-related panic attacks.

Treatment In Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.

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 to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.

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