In recent years, mental health has been a growing area of discussion; the beginnings of a global acceptance to what has previously been overlooked or pushed aside. Of particular concern, especially in America, is the state of children’s mental health.

While COVID-19 turned the world as we knew it upside down, data from the last several years shows that children’s mental health was already on a downward trend. US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, declared adolescent mental health a public concern stating, “Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade.”

Recent studies show that the pandemic exacerbated this already growing mental health crisis in our youth. In response, many parents and school systems are taking a proactive approach to address these mental health concerns and ensure children are receiving adequate care and attention.

Children’s Mental Health Pre-Pandemic

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prior to the pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. Roughly 1 in 5 children, aged 3 to 17 in the U.S. meet the criteria for a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.

Pre-COVID, teachers, guidance counselors, and school psychologists would identify changes in behavior or symptoms of mental distress and connect those kids to resources, acting as an observer and form of “first responder” who triages and refers.

How COVID-19 Changed The Response

That model proved challenging, however, when schools transitioned to a virtual learning environment. Within the first year of the pandemic, many children who developed symptoms related to their mental health did not receive help right away.

This gap in identification and referral occurred for many reasons. Resources were strained, school staff members were experiencing their own mental health concerns, and more students than not were experiencing mental unrest so it was deemed the “norm considering the circumstances.” In general, school administrators’ focus was on adjusting and adapting to this brand new way of teaching and learning, prioritizing curriculum and content in attempt to raise test scores as they were the lowest they’d been in 30 years.

Luckily, the nation was aware of the crisis and in March of 2021, President Biden passed The American Rescue Plan Act. The law included $170 billion in school funding, a large portion of which was allocated to address and uphold the mental health of students. Just over 6 months later, in October, the Biden administration and U.S. Department of Education released new guidance for schools to better help students’ mental health needs.

Despite the funding, resources, and guidance, however, in December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued the Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health, a document which outlines the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on the mental health of America’s youth and families. Additionally, it discusses the mental health challenges that existed before the pandemic (e.g. the shortage of child psychologists, school guidance counselors, and the disparities of access to school and community-based mental health care).

Especially in this moment, as we work to protect the health of Americans in the face of a new variant, we also need to focus on how we can emerge stronger on the other side. This advisory shows us how we can all work together to step up for our children during this dual crisis.

Current Trends In Children’s Mental Health

Since the onset of COVID-19, children and adolescents have experienced an upheaval of the very things that helped them to feel a sense of safety and security during important developmental stages of their lives.

Many of our youth have experienced unprecedented grief, loss, and hardship over the past several years. They’ve lost loved ones and caregivers, they’ve been isolated and disconnected from their peers and lost the ability to be completely carefree.  They’ve had to worry about catching COVID-19 and had to learn to adapt to their new schooling environment. Many young people and their families witnessed financial insecurities and uncertainties regarding food and necessary household supplies like toilet paper. They have been exposed to images of social injustices, the insurrection of US Capitol, and heart wrenching gun violence in countless settings from malls to concert venues to churches and schools.

In the Fall of 2022, many children returned to a physical classroom bringing with them their experiences from the last few years and many other unseen stressors and traumas. Due to the increasing prevalence and threat of gun violence, students are not only faced with adjusting to new changes, new people and faces, new routines, and COVID-related precautions, but must also learn and adjust to active shooter safety protocols. All the while, many children are exhibiting developmentally delayed social skills and rusty time management and organizational skills.

Initially, school staff and administration thought that returning to school would create long-sought normalcy, yet soon discovered that children were experiencing mental health fallout and residue of the disruptions of the past nearly 3 years. In fact, in the 2021-22 academic year, 76% of US public schools reported increased concerns around students showing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Signs And Symptoms Of Mental Distress In Children And Adolescents

Often, children and adolescents don’t always have the proper language or knowledge of how to articulate their emotions. Subsequently, signs of anxiety, stress, and depression mimic emotional and behavioral disorders that may present (in no particular order) in the following ways:

• Skipping, missing, or walking out of class
• Turning in homework late or not all
• Sleeping in class
• Defiance with authority figures
• Disruptive behaviors like arguing, angry outbursts, or humor at inappropriate times
• Low frustration tolerance, appear to give up quickly
• Disinterest in extracurricular activities
• Hypersensitivity (easily hurt feelings, easily angered and agitated)
• Crying frequently (often without knowing why)
• Changes in appetite
• Insomnia and/or not wanting to sleep alone
• Bed wetting
• Self-deprecating comments
• Isolation and withdrawal
• Somatic complaints of feeling sick and headaches
• Experimental use of mood-altering substances
• Difficulty focusing, staying on task, distractibility, restlessness, and forgetfulness
• Self-harm or hurting others
• Comments of hopelessness, passive death wish or suicide

Suicide: An Increased Concern For Children’s Mental Health

In October of 2021, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry declared the state of children’s mental health a national emergency. Across the nation emergency rooms have seen an alarming increase of self-injurious behavior and thoughts of suicide.

As we see in the news, suicide can seemingly come out of nowhere, so well hidden beneath the victim’s smile and happy demeanor. Families, school systems, and communities must be alert and aware of signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation and passive death wishes. Pediatricians and/or mental health professionals should screen all kids for mental health distress.

New Suicide Helpline

In July of this year, 988 was designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is open and operating 24/7.

When people call or text 988, they will be connected to counsellors who are part of the existing Lifeline network. These mental health professionals are trained to listen with empathy, provide support, and connect the caller to resources if necessary. It is important to note that the previous Lifeline number (1-800-273-8255) will still (and always) remain operational and thus available to people in suicidal crisis.

Continued Mental Health Awareness And Support Is Necessary

During this continued transition to a new normal, we must remember many kids are feeling anxious and struggling to get back into routines. Now more than ever, we must embody the timeless adage: it takes a village. Families, school systems, and communities need to remain diligent and aware of the myriad of mental health challenges plaguing our nation’s young people and commit to providing the support and resources they require.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health, especially as we enter the holiday season, don’t hesitate to get help now. Learn more about online therapy options from the comfort of your own home and take the first step today.

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Begin making positive changes with Online-Therapy.com. Quality online therapy, from the comfort of home.

Answer a few questions to get started.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

The post Back To School: Children’s Mental Health Requires Support appeared first on Addiction Center.

Mikey Tableman, a mental health activist and public speaker, is a proud proponent of open discussions of mental health and treatment. Founder of “A Mind’s Pursuit,” a non-profit mental health foundation, Tableman would strike anyone as someone who is full of life and actively shares his positive energy with anyone he speaks to. His compassion and dedication to destigmatizing mental health are fueled by his own story of mental health, substance use, and healing. 

Tableman began drinking at an early age and started using substances during college. His condition worsened once he entered the Los Angeles nightlife scene, where he found success professionally. His adaptable and energetic demeanor served him well in his ventures in nightlife hospitality, which he began in his early 20s. However, with the intensity of nightlife comes some dark patrons that stay long after the club plays its closing tune. Constant exposure to substances, a nonexistent sleep schedule, and unsustainable workplace expectations led Tableman to some of the lowest points of his life both mentally and physically. 

“The nightlife industry impacted my mental health massively. The whole industry is based on ego, and it’s very cutthroat,” Tableman said. “You have to put on such a facade in nightlife to keep your position and to keep your status, which is awful.”

Tableman struggled with debilitating depression and was “addicted to not feeling,” which led to him using substances like Cocaine and Xanax during this period of his life. There were multiple points in his life where continuing to live did not seem attainable or wanted, but these feelings intensified in 2018 with his first suicide attempt. This event catapulted Tableman to seek treatment with the guidance of his sister and therapist. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255 for 24/7 assistance.

“It took me such a long time to talk about my mental health. I’m 33 years old. I didn’t start opening up and talking about this until I was 28 after my first suicide attempt. Because even though I knew something was wrong, it was so ingrained in me that you don’t speak about this.”

There is an ease with which he shares his experiences now; each sentence serving to reduce stigma around mental health, but this wasn’t always the case. Tableman and other men in the US and across the world often face additional stigma concerning their mental health due to cultural and individual factors. Men are less likely than women to pursue treatment for mental health concerns or substance abuse because of societal norms and a reluctance to voice their concerns. This outdated social and cultural dogma is what Tableman hopes to challenge through his organization, “A Mind’s Pursuit.”

“A Mind’s Pursuit”: Destigmatizing Mental Health

Tableman created “A Mind’s Pursuit” to make a change in the way we talk about mental health. Dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of mental health care and changing the stigma of how mental health is viewed, the organization hosts multiple events to bring individuals together to share their stories in a supportive community and space.  

“So many people feel alone in their suffering, and so many are suffering. “A Mind’s Pursuit” lets others know that it is okay not to be okay, and it is even more okay to talk about it.“

Tableman created a charity event series, “The Alchemy,” to create spaces for individuals to join together to be open and vulnerable and feel safe doing so. The events include activities like gratitude booths, manifestation boards, and live performances from artists hoping to inspire others. Tableman’s candidness about his life positively impacts those who listen to his story and has become a cathartic experience for him as well. 

“I truly believe that you go through life for a purpose. I love helping people; I love being a part of watching it click, but it’s also very healing for me,” Tableman said. “You heal yourself by helping heal others.” 

Lessons Learned Through Mental Health Treatment

Through the guidance of his sister and his therapist, Tableman decided to go to a treatment facility in 2018 to address his mental health concerns and understand the factors that potentially led him to abuse substances.

“It was an opportunity to understand why I felt the need to mask so much of my life, why I felt the need to take drugs to feel anything, and why I felt so empty inside,” Tableman said.  

Through guided meditations, visualizations (also called guided imagery), and therapy, Tableman addressed his depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Guided meditation and visualization techniques can help individuals feel grounded in the moment and better control their emotions, which can be helpful with anxiety symptoms. These techniques, coupled with individual therapy, helped Tableman develop a compassionate, optimistic view of his mental health; he now views recovery as a lifelong endeavor, not something that is “one-and-done.” While he has faced multiple relapses over the years, he overcomes them by “radically accepting” that some of his mental health concerns are things he will continue to live with. He also has an “amazing support system and tribe of people” to support him on the incredibly daunting days. 

“I deal with depression and anxiety regularly, and I still have suicidal thoughts, but the difference is that now they are just thoughts that pass by because I’ve radically accepted my life.”

During his treatment, there was one specific experience that radically changed how Tableman viewed his own life. This experience included partaking in his own funeral through the practice of visualization with a therapist. For some, this experience may be uncouth, but for Tableman, visualizing the scene of him laying in his own coffin and listening to his loved ones read their final remarks was an experience that was “necessary” for his healing.

“It was in that moment that actually made me see how me not being there would affect other people, because I really thought my life didn’t mean anything. I broke down like I have never cried before,” Tableman said. 

The visualization of his funeral helped Tableman understand and “see” that his life had meaning despite the hardships and challenges. 

Recovery Through Art

In addition to the multiple events that “A Mind’s Pursuit” hosts, Tableman continues to work to destigmatize mental health in his own life. Through his upcoming poetry concept EP, “My Manic Maze,” music, and his podcast show, “Chaos Controlled,” Tableman continues to explore what living in recovery with mental health concerns looks like. According to Tableman, “It’s not going to get easier, but you’re going to get better at handling it. Have patience…” Recovery from substance abuse is possible, and resources will always be available. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse concerns, contact a treatment provider here. 

The post Radical Acceptance: Mikey Tableman’s Mental Health Story appeared first on Addiction Center.

Drug and alcohol addiction can affect anyone. However, men face specific challenges when it comes to substance abuse that many are unaware of. Men are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than women for several reasons, many of which stem from cultural “norms” or stereotypes. These factors can all contribute to the negative affect substance use can have on men’s physical health and mental health.

From a young age, many men deal with pressure to suppress or ignore their emotions, often being told to “man up” when they’re struggling their mental health. This causes many to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, which can lead to a severe physical dependence if left untreated.

Men are also at a higher risk for many health conditions related to drugs and alcohol. This can not only complicate addiction treatment but can also make it difficult to spot an addiction in the first place.

Men Are More Likely To Abuse Certain Substances Than Women

Biology plays a significant role in how drugs and alcohol affect both the body and the development of addiction in the brain. Due to the general body composition of men, being larger on average than biological females, men typically require more of a given substance to feel its effects. In the case of alcohol, on average, it takes biological males an average of 7 drinks to become intoxicated, compared to 4 for biological females.

Because of this, men are also much more likely to abuse substances than women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 58% of adult men report drinking alcohol in the last 30 days compared to 49% of adult women. Men are also more likely to binge drink than women, with nearly 21% of men reporting they binge drank in the last 30 days compared to just 13% of women. This pattern of excessive alcohol use directly contributes to the number of men who report having an alcohol addiction, with 13% of adult men reportedly suffering from alcohol use disorder compared to 9% of women.

Alcohol isn’t the only substance that men are more likely to abuse. Across the board, men are more likely to abuse most types of illicit drugs than women. Below is a chart of the rate of illicit drug use between men and women.

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Substance Use Disorders And Infertility

One of the major differences in how drug and alcohol abuse affects men and women is infertility caused by substance use. Both prescription and recreational drugs can impact your ability to create a pregnancy. Fortunately, in most instances, this can be reversed once you’ve stopping using the substance, however, this is not always the case.

There are several substances that can affect both your sexual performance, health, and fertility, some of which may be legal and even necessary for your health, which is why it’s always important to talk with a doctor or addiction specialist before making any decisions about starting or stopping substance use.

Some substances that can affect men’s fertility and sexual health include:

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are not only legal but may be a necessity for your mental health. However, if your goal is to become a parent, you may want to consult your psychiatrist or primary healthcare provider before doing so. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, more commonly referred to as SSRIs, are the most common medications prescribed for depression and anxiety. However, they can cause sexual dysfunction, specifically lack of arousal or inability to preform sexually.

Opioids

Long-term Opioid use can cause a decrease in your body’s testosterone production, which lowers both the quality and quantity of your sperm. Like most health conditions caused by substance abuse, the severity and impact depend largely on the extent to which your substance use has progressed.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids can severely harm male fertility by disrupting the process by which your body produces sperm. Many athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use these drugs to enhance their performance, however, their impact on the body can be detrimental. Fortunately, most people recover sperm production within 12 months after stopping, although for severe users, sperm production may never fully recover.

Methamphetamine

Meth is a highly addictive, dangerous illicit substance that affects your body in many ways, all of which are harmful. Meth use can increase blood pressure and respiratory rates, which can lead to death in some case. While the extent to which Meth use has been researched on fertility is limited, it has been shown in some studies to reduce sperm motility, which can negatively impact the likelihood of pregnancy.

Peer Pressure And Stigma Lead Many Men To Substance Abuse

While many think of peer pressure as something that exclusively effects young adults, the fact of the matter is that many adults face the same pressure to use drugs or alcohol. Friends, coworkers, family members, and even media personalities can all affect a person’s attitudes and decision making.

Your coworkers may invite you out for a drink after work and say ‘Everyone is coming, it’ll be fun.’ In other instances, a television show or movie may portray drinking or drug use to prove “how manly they are.” These subtle, yet harmful, societal pressures lead many men into a life of drug and alcohol use.

Some men are taught from a young age to be “tough” or “emotionless,” often being told that feelings of sadness or insecurity are weak and make them less of a man. Drug and alcohol use can often be a way to escape these pressures. Some men also use drugs or alcohol in social settings to help them relax or feel more comfortable around others, especially those who are using. Others may use drugs or alcohol to suppress pent-up emotions to appear fine when they’re not.

Sadly, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to a lifetime of health complications, many of which are more common among male users.

Don’t Let Substance Abuse Ruin Your Health

The social pressure and stigma that cause many men to turn to drugs or alcohol can be extremely damaging; both to their physical and mental health. Fortunately, this stigma has been chipped away at in recent years, making it easier for men to get the help they need without the fear of being labeled “weak” or “less of a man.”

Addiction is a pervasive disease, affecting not just the person using, but everyone around them as well. Don’t let addiction ruin your health, or the health of those around you. To get the help you deserve, free from judgement, contact a treatment provider for free today.

The post Substance Abuse And Men’s Health appeared first on Addiction Center.

Bright lights, elaborate signs, the sound of cards slapping together, laughter and excited exclamations overlapping to create the lively soundtrack of the evening … there is no question of the allure of gambling. Considerably less glamorous and often glossed over though, is the potential for significant financial loss and the development of an addiction.

According to Debt.org, roughly 15% of Americans gamble at least once a week and more than 5 million people meet the criteria for “problem gambling.” What’s even more astonishing is the average accumulated debt of problem gamblers; for men the total averages between $55,000-$90,000 and for women, it’s around $15,000. In fact, over 20% of individuals with a serious gambling problem file for bankruptcy.

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

How Do I Know If I Have A Gambling Problem?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to assess your own behavior (or that of a loved one) and determine if your gambling is problematic. The following list is not absolute, but can provide a helpful frame of reference.

1. You are preoccupied with constant thoughts about gambling.

If you find yourself continually thinking about gambling, either the last time you went, when you get to go again, or ways you can obtain more money to gamble with, it might be a sign that your relationship with the activity is an unhealthy one. Thinking about it occasionally or every so often is one thing, but when it starts to cloud your vision and take up significant brain space and thinking power, you may have a gambling addiction.

2. You require increasingly more money to reach the same level of thrill as before.

What was once $250 now might become $2,500, $3,000, and higher and regardless of your financial ability to fund this habit, you continue to bet more and increase your risks just to chase that high of winning big.

3. You’ve tried to curb, control, or cut back on your gambling with no success.

When you gamble, do you find that you are able to walk away at any time, regardless of the outcome? Have you gone to many lengths to prevent yourself from gambling just to find yourself circumventing your own obstructions and betting your money anyway?

4. You feel restless or irritable when you try to limit your gambling.

You may feel uncomfortable and on edge if you’re unable to gamble, much like someone with an alcohol use disorder abstaining from alcohol. Your mind and body crave the high risk and chance of reward and when you don’t obey, you feel agitated and tense.

5. You find yourself gambling to avoid your problems or to combat negative feelings like anxiety, guilt, helplessness, or depression.

In the same way people struggling with substance abuse use their drug of choice to escape, using gambling as an emotional coping tool is not healthy. Unlike yoga, meditation, or journaling which help us process and work through challenging feelings and situations, gambling does the opposite and will most likely make you feel worse. Generally, the odds of walking away a winner are only about 30%.

6. You try to win back all the money you’ve lost from gambling.

You realize how much money you’ve gambled away and in hopes of earning it all back, bet even more. However, because so much of gambling is left up to fate and luck with little to no reward, your chances of winning that cash back are slim to none and you’ve created an even deeper financial hole.

7. You lie to the people in your life about your gambling habits.

While it is certainly normal to enjoy our hobbies and interests without telling the world, when you start lying to the ones you love about how and where you’ve been spending your time and money, it might be time to really evaluate your behavior.

8. You go to extreme ends to either hide the money you’ve spent or to obtain more money to gamble.

You tell yourself it’s fine because you can shift money around between various accounts or “borrow” from children, spouses, or parents. Maybe you’ve resorted to criminal activity because the pull of your gambling habit is too strong. Are you neglecting to pay your bills or maxing out your credit cards? These are all signs of compulsive and problematic gambling behavior.

9. You risk losing important relationships and other aspects of your life like your job, school, or possible career-advancing opportunities in order to gamble more.

Prioritizing gambling over all else is a sign that you might be experiencing an addiction. A fun, harmless activity should never jeopardize your relationships, your education, or your career.

10. You’ve had to ask friends or family to help you out of a tough financial situation that came as a result of gambling.

Asking for help is part of what makes us human, but if you’ve found yourself in a place where you’re in over your head and require outside financial assistance, it’s a sign that your gambling might be out of control.

Where Can I Get Help?

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are many resources available to help you. Depending on the severity of your addiction, treatment can vary. The most common approaches include therapy, medications, or self-help groups. If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs of a gambling addiction and considering online therapy options, resources can be found here. It’s never too late to take that first step into a new and brighter life.

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Begin making positive changes with Online-Therapy.com. Quality online therapy, from the comfort of home.

Answer a few questions to get started.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

The post The Top 10 Signs Of A Gambling Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.

The world we live in is filled with screens. Whether it be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer, access to the online world is as easy as a few clicks. While the internet may provide numerous benefits, it also means that accessing X-rated content is easier than ever. Accessing this content is so easy, in fact, that one of the world’s leading porn sites, PornHub, received an average of 115 million visits per day in 2019.

While accessing pornographic materials is not inherently harmful, many people find it hard to stop. Even still, the mental health community has yet to recognize porn addiction as a real, diagnosable mental health condition, like drug or alcohol addiction. This has led to an increased stigma surrounding the condition, and left many people to wonder, is porn addiction real?

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

Is Porn Addiction Real?

To date, the American Psychological Association (APA) has not recognized porn addiction as a “real” psychological condition. Additionally, the Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5), the world’s leading guide on psychological disorders, asserts that pornography, as well as sex addictions, are not psychological disorders.

But does that mean porn isn’t addictive, and that people can’t become addicted to it? Absolutely not. Because the APA or DSM-5 has not “recognized” something does not mean that it isn’t real. As the scientific community continues to learn more about “obscure” or “taboo” addictions, the APA and DSM-5 will adjust their guides accordingly.

For example, unlike alcohol addiction, which was recognized by the APA and subsequently added to DSM-2 in 1968, gambling addiction, the only recognized behavioral addiction, wasn’t officially classified as an addiction until the late 1980s in DSM-3, where it was referred to as “pathological gambling.” Prior to its addition, it stood as a condition that psychologists couldn’t fully understand, and often attributed to personality disorders.

As psychologists’ understanding of pathological gambling continued to grow in the decades that followed, in 2013 it was renamed “gambling disorder” and moved to the Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders category, which includes alcohol and drug addictions.

The decision to move gambling disorder into this category highlights a new understanding of the commonalities between addiction and behavioral conditions like gambling disorder.

Additionally, in 2013 the APA listed internet gaming disorder as a “condition for further study,” meaning it was not an “official” disorder in the DSM-5, but one on which the APA needed more information. Following this, in 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially voted to add “gaming disorder” as an official behavioral disorder.

All this is to say that our understanding of psychological disorders and addictions is always changing. What may be an “unrecognized” disorder or “condition for further study” today may be recognized tomorrow.

Why Pornography Is Addictive

Where pornography differs from other, recognized addictions is how it interacts with the brain. Experts believe that porn activates similar pleasure circuits in the brain as alcohol or Heroin. However, experts found it’s not this activation that causes someone to become addicted.

For example, in a substance like alcohol, while it does activate the same pleasure circuits as porn, alcohol also changes the chemistry of the brain. This is something that porn doesn’t do since it’s not a chemical substance. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be addictive.

Like many other things in our lives, people can develop compulsive, habitual, and obsessive connections to pornographic material, especially if porn is being used to alleviate anxiety or fulfill a sense of loneliness.

This compulsive, obsessive behavior can become even more addictive when you consider how and when most adults consume or engage in sexual activity: in private. Most adults in the United States report accessing pornographic material in private, secretive environments or without context. Furthermore, most of the US has little to no proper sex education, which can further compound feelings or attitudes toward sexual behaviors such as porn consumption such as shame or guilt.

For many, porn consumption may be a normal, otherwise healthy part of their lives. However, for others, it can be difficult to limit how much porn they consume. How much porn is too much, and how can you tell if you have an addiction to pornographic material?

How Much Is Too Much?

While compulsive porn consumption may not be a recognized condition, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a real issue that can carry serious, and oftentimes negative, consequences. With that said, it can be difficult to know where to draw the line on how much is too much, because this metric is different for everyone.

“When people consume pornography at the expense of personal relationships, risk of being terminated in the workplace, to the point where it negatively impacts their ability to engage in sex with partners, or as a way of dealing with problems such as loneliness, I think these are signs the behavior has ventured into unhealthy territory,” said Rory Reid, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, in a recent interview.

Like many other addictions, porn addiction can become severe and affect or interfere with your everyday life, relationships, work, finances, or other areas of your private life. Oftentimes, experts say that people who struggle to control their pornography consumption “almost always” have an underlying mental health disorder, most commonly depression, that requires treatment.

This co-occurring mental health condition can further complicate the difficulties of porn addiction and can cause a lack of social and sexual connections in someone’s personal life. Furthermore, it can cause difficulties when learning or accessing other coping mechanisms during treatment.

While Porn Addiction May Not Be Diagnosable, Treatment Options Do Exist

Like other behavioral health conditions, treatment for porn addiction must address both the addiction and the patterns of behaviors and thoughts that cause the addiction to progress. Many addiction experts agree that people who suffer from a porn addiction benefit from both medically assisted treatment (MAT) and psychosocial treatments like counseling.

Counseling can include a variety of treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and 12-step programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or Porn Addicts Anonymous (PAA). All these treatment methods have also been shown to help recovering porn addicts identify possible triggers that may cause them to relapse.

In cases where addiction to pornographic material becomes severe and is accompanied by a co-occurring substance use disorder, more intensive treatment is required. For these cases, a dual diagnosis facility is recommended to help work through both conditions simultaneously.

Get Help For Porn Addiction Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with a porn addiction, know that there is help available. While it may not be a diagnosable condition, there are programs and treatment options specifically designed to help those with an addiction to pornographic material. To learn more about what online therapy options are available to you, click here.

Try Online Therapy

Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp by phone, video, or live-chat.

Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Begin Therapy.

GET STARTED NOW

Online therapy can help you with long term addiction support. Connect with a therapist from Talkspace anytime, anywhere.

Get matched with a therapist now.

GET STARTED NOW

Begin making positive changes with Online-Therapy.com. Quality online therapy, from the comfort of home.

Answer a few questions to get started.

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.

The post Is Porn Addiction Real? appeared first on Addiction Center.

As we continue to trudge through the COVID-19 pandemic, for just over 2 years now, more and more workers, especially younger ones, are re-evaluating what it is they want out of their employment, particularly when it comes to benefits. What they want, in large part (82% of employed Generation Z workers) are mental health days built into their compensation packages.

The Impact Of COVID-19 On Employee Burnout

Considering the global shutdown and otherwise completely altered way of living since 2020, it’s no surprise that across-the-board, mental health has been less than stellar. Employees are dealing with burnout, fatigue, and other stressors that prohibit them from getting their best work done. TalentLMS and BambooHR recently polled the youngest working generation, colloquially referred to as Gen Z (which includes anyone born between 1997-2012) and asked them about their ideal working conditions. A generation sculpted by technology and the vast interconnectedness of the internet, they are also reporting some of the highest levels of mental duress according to the American Psychological Association (APA). In a 2018 press release, the APA found that 91% of individuals between 18-21 reported experiencing at least 1 physical or emotional symptom related to stress. However, they are also the generation most likely to seek some sort of treatment or assistance for their mental health; 37% followed closely by Millennials at 35%.

The push for more inclusive mental health care is not just coming from Gen Z. Online job seeking platform, Monster, found that nearly 1 in 3 people believe that their work poorly impacts their mental health and overall wellness. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety (2 of the most common mental illnesses) cost the United States roughly $1 trillion dollars in lost productivity every year and if organizations took intentional steps to rectify and maintain mental wellness, overall output and morale might increase. For example, for every $1 that is invested in quality mental health care, the return on investment/general health and productivity is $4 dollars.

Mental Health And Substance Abuse In The Workplace

Many people who struggle with mental health may also struggle with substance abuse issues. Studies show that roughly 1 in 4 adults struggles with both. Substance abuse and mental disorders can occur simultaneously for several reasons, including self-medication to ease the symptoms of certain health conditions or, on a larger scale, the state of the world or workplace stress. However, if untreated, both substance use disorders (SUD) and mental conditions can worsen and deeply affect all aspects of life, including employment. If you or someone you love is struggling, take the first step by reaching out to a treatment provider today.

New Work Culture Warrants New Policies

During the height of the pandemic, amidst closings and quarantines, many companies prioritized the mental health and wellness of their employees by offering mandatory vacation days, flexible or hybrid schedules, and access to apps that promote wellbeing. However, with the worst part of the pandemic seemingly in the past, the emphasis on overall health as a priority has slowly diminished, leaving some workers feeling burned out.

In a survey conducted by Mind Share Partners, it was revealed that 84% of workers (across several demographics) reported workplace-induced mental distress in 2021. The largest contributing factors leading to this steep 84% were emotionally draining work itself, challenges with work/life balance, and a lack of recognition from executives. Historically, United States workers are among the most stressed in the world, certainly exacerbated over the last few years. According to Gallup’s Global Workplace report, 57% of Americans (a makeup of 62% women and 52% men) reported feeling daily stress compared to 43% of the rest of the world. Fortunately, however, there are practices Monster suggests companies could consider implementing to remedy the widespread feelings of burnout and mental unwellness:

1. Invitation To Be Open About Mental Health

Thanks to younger generations and the slow beginnings of a shift in perception surrounding the legitimacy of mental health, it is more common than before to be open in discussing concerns relating to one’s inner wellbeing. One survey reported 65% of employees had discussed their mental health at work in the past year, but in order for this trend to continue, employers need to be cognizant of the ways in which they approach and handle mental wellness as well as provide adequate solutions to address the concerns brought to their attention. If organizations continue to encourage their employees to be honest and transparent with their individual needs, and employees know there is no threat of termination or other negative impacts, mental health and the normalization of its prioritization might eventually become common practice.

2. Monitor The Wellbeing Of Employees Through Regular Check Ins

Though much of the world is operating in a nearly normal capacity, many are still suffering from burnout and other lasting effects from the past few years. By scheduling time to speak with workers about not only their workloads and the feasibility, but also about their overall health and state of mind, employers have the opportunity to create a network of support in which their employees feel truly cared for. This practice could be beneficial in encouraging employees who are hesitant to take time off for their mental wellbeing, too. If higher ups reassure the importance of self-maintenance, those who are unsure of the implications of said time off understand there is no penalty or shame associated with that preservation.

3. Implement Company-Wide Days Off

Many employees fear taking time off for the pile of emails, deadlines, meetings, and any other important information they might have missed while they were away. To combat this, Monster suggests companies schedule time throughout the year where everyone is off at the same time. That way, all employees, from CEO to entry-level, are sure they won’t miss anything.

Mental Health Days In Practice: LinkedIn’s “LiftUp!” Initiative

In the early days of the pandemic, LinkedIn reached out to its employees and asked them how they were feeling. After employees responded with strong feelings of burnout, overwhelm, overall discontent, and other negative experiences, the company launched the LiftUp! program. This new implementation contained a series of policies that fostered a culture of care and concern among all employees. Arguably the most notable of the new policies was titled “RestUp!,” an initiative that included a company-wide, week long closure in April 2021 alongside allocated “Well-Being Days” and Friday half-days throughout July and August.

In an interview with CNN, Chief people advisor for the company, Teuila Hanson emphasized how leaders in the organization approached the current and bizarre work culture:

We looked at our survey results…the executive team put our heads together to figure out how could we systematically address these themes we are seeing with our employees. [LiftUp!] was really intended to figure out, what can we specifically do from a program perspective—benefits, perks to address burnout, work family balance, people feeling alone and isolated—how could we bring some surprise and delight, how can we bring some levity to our employees?

Executives noticed that these programs were incredibly beneficial for the overall morale of the company culture. Vice President of benefits and a lead in initiating the LiftUp! policies, Nina McQueen said, “It has been absolutely incredible to see employees talking about what their experience is and how they feel cared for. We see the sentiment and participation, and we’re measuring things up.”

Other Companies Like Bumble & Hootsuite Have Followed Suit

While LinkedIn may have been the first company to attempt a complete organization-wide shut down, they are hardly the only one. Roughly 2 months after LinkedIn, founder and CEO of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe Heard gifted her company’s 700 employees one full week away with paid vacation; a bonus to the allotted vacation time granted each year. The goal, as with LinkedIn was clear cut: to give workers paid time to themselves without the guilt and burdensome worry that they might return to an even bigger pile of “to dos.”

Research shows that the average person has around 8 social media accounts on various platforms and spends nearly 2.5 hours on social media alone (not including the hours of additional time spent online). In response, Hootsuite decided to stagger a portion of their workforce so the business remained open, while mandating a week off for all other employees. Company founder, Ryan Holmes believes strongly in the “interval training” model in which periods of hard, focused work are offset by time to rest, reset, and recover. Listed as “inaugural” and most likely based on other companies’ collective success, this event provides an interesting thought experiment for those continuing to navigate the work/life balance amidst the ever-evolving societal landscape.

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Mental Health Is Physical Health

Despite the clear and encouraging strides we have made in the realm of mental health over the last decade or so, there is still a long way to go in legitimizing the very real nature of all that goes on inside our minds. Where physical health is often blatant and usually understood, mental health remains largely in the dark theoretical space of presumption and misunderstanding.

Just as you would care for a broken bone or a contagious cold, be sure to care for your mind, too. If you have began or increased the use of drugs or alcohol in an attempt to remedy mental health struggles, take a moment to evaluate the motives behind substance use. While substance abuse may provide a temporary relief, they typically worsen mental health struggles in the long-run. Reach out to a treatment provider to confidentially ask any question you might have and they will help guide you forward.

The post Mental Health Maintenance In The Workplace appeared first on Addiction Center.

Mental illness and its prevalence both across the world and the country is rather well-documented: roughly 1 in 5 Americans live with some form of mental illness. Generally excluded in these conversations and significantly less publicized, however, is the mental health standing of the prison population. Nearly 2 in every 5 prisoners suffers from mental illness; a rate of twice the general adult population and of those individuals, 63% will not receive any form of mental health treatment during their incarceration. Due to the lack of adequate resources in the criminal justice system, 50% of inmates who were taking prescribed medication for their mental health are unable to continue once incarcerated. Considering the intense benefits of both medication and mental health treatment, it is not surprising that those with little or no access act out and end up in solitary confinement or removed from programmed events which only exacerbates the condition.

Interestingly, the numbers vary slightly between prison and jail; the likelihood of mental illness around 37% in state and federal prisons compared to the 44% of jail inmates where 1/3 had been previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder and nearly 1/4 with bipolar disorder.

Other Options Than Incarceration?

Prison reform poses an interesting and complicated dilemma, especially when considering the individual crime(s). Where is the line between humanity and morality when it comes to criminal behavior and should the treatment of the offender reflect the offense? Certainly a difficult and multifaceted issue, the American Psychological Association illustrates some research-based alternatives to the traditional criminal justice model.

Emphasizing Teaching And Treatment

Recognizing the insufficient resources available to those within the criminal justice system, there are scientists investigating alternative solutions. Robert Morgan, PhD, a psychology professor in Texas has developed a program called Changing Lives and Changing Outcomes that is comprised of therapy and intervention. Unlike the traditional model of tossing someone in a cell and expecting them to “learn their lesson,” this approach aims to combat what Dr. Morgan refers to as “criminalness:” the behaviors and patterns often associated with criminal behavior. Because this program couples both care and treatment, the aim is to appropriately prepare those who suffer from mental illness with healthy coping skills.

Reduce Solitary Confinement

Similarly, after studying hundreds of inmates in isolation, psychologist Craig Haney, PhD, aims to reduce the number of prisoners in solitary confinement. Through his research, Dr. Haney has found that those in isolation, completely removed from any meaningful interaction with others, exhibit signs of depression, suffer from memory loss, have difficulty concentrating, and are intensely irritated or angry. Other studies have illustrated that people may experience stress-related symptoms like decreased appetite, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, and more. The human mind is not meant to exist in solitude and over time it adapts to a self-created reality of isolation, making it difficult to ever be comfortable in the presence of other people again. Thus, Dr. Haney advocates for a more humane approach, modeled after a Norwegian system, where the facility seeks to imitate normal daily life as much as possible while emphasizing meaningful connections between inmates and officers who are more like social workers.

The Brain’s Response To Trauma

The relationship between inmates and correctional officers is crucial in the overall wellbeing of the prisoners. Dave Stephens, PsyD, studies the brain’s response to trauma and seeks to help prison officers understand, on a scientific level, the behaviors and actions of inmates. His general approach is to appeal to the humanity of the officers, explaining how prisoners with a history of traumatic experiences or mental illness might react in various situations. The goal is to treat the prisoners with respect, while helping them learn what to expect and how to react in new and different situations. In conjunction, Stephens also advocates for facilities to be forthright with new inmates in explaining the possible psychological experiences and urging prisoners to advocate for themselves should they need for mental care. While he has encountered officers and other prison staff who do not believe it is part of their job description to address the mental health of those in their care, Stephens expressed that they are more receptive after conversations about how the policy/attitude changes that he suggests improve the safety for both inmates and prison workers.

Community Service As Treatment?

Rather than institutionalizing individuals with mental conditions, forensic scientist W. Neil Gowensmith, PhD believes in the power of community service when it comes to nonviolent and misdemeanor offenders. Research from over a dozen states implementing such programs as community outpatient treatment has shown to be nearly as effective as inpatient care at a lesser cost and without sacrificing the safety of a community. Essentially, if individuals remain connected to their communities and are provided the education and opportunity to learn from their mistakes and give back, they are less likely to be arrested again.

Substance Abuse In Prison

While difficult to determine exact statistics, it has been estimated that roughly 65% of the prison population suffers from some form of a substance use disorder (SUD). However, other data shows that approximately 20% of inmates were under the influence of a substance at the time of their crime, though they might not have met the diagnostic criteria for a SUD. Unfortunately, much like the overwhelming lack of resources available to treat inmates struggling with mental illness, the criminal justice system largely neglects the treatment of those with addiction issues, too.

Prisoners As People

For some, it may feel easy to forget that the individuals in prison are still people. While it must require a certain level of discretion and discernment when deciding the fate of those condemned to time behind bars, there must also be at least an awareness of humanity. In order to truly reform a system to function effectively, there needs to be somewhat of a common goal to instruct and treat those already suffering from a mental illness.

Struggling With Your Own Mental Health?

It is important to remember to pay mind to your own mental wellness. Life today requires a significant amount of mental fortitude to get by in even the simplest of circumstances. Try to remember to treat yourself with kindness and take time to relax and put your mental health first whenever possible. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or addiction/abuse concerns, reach out to a treatment provider. Speaking to someone is free and confidential and they will be able to assist and direct you forward.

The post Mental Health In Prison appeared first on Addiction Center.

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the open discourse on mental health has changed drastically over the past decade, there is still a distinct disconnect between men and mental health. The problem goes well beyond the misconception that men don’t want to express their emotions; barriers like stigma, masculine norms, and societal factors directly impact the way men think about, approach, and treat their mental health.

Although all genders are affected by mental illness, it is often overlooked in men as they are less likely in comparison to women to speak of or seek help for their mental health. This is alarming in context to the statistic that in high-income countries, 3 times as many men as women died by suicide in 2018, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report.

These barriers that men often face when addressing and treating mental illness are nothing new. However, expanding conversations on why such barriers exist can bring awareness to the issue and help alleviate the feelings of shame or “otherness” that many men face regarding mental health.

Men’s Mental Health Statistics

According to Mental Health America (MHA), there are 5 primary mental illnessnes that men in the US face, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.

What Is Stigma?

In theory, addressing one’s mental health with others should be similar to discussing a broken bone or any other physical ailment, but stigma silences many men. Stigma not only bars men from speaking to their loved ones about mental illness but also from addressing it themselves or seeking help. Several types of stigma affect men’s relationship with mental health, including social stigma, self-stigma, professional stigma, and cultural stigma.

Social Stigma

Social stigma refers to the negative attitudes or stereotypes directed toward a person or group experiencing a mental illness. An example of this would the negative attitude that “those who have depression are weak.” This external form of stigma is rooted in the misconception that mental illness represents a person’s character. This misconception leads to discrimination, avoidance, and rejection of a person experiencing a mental illness.

Self-Stigma

Self-stigma, also known as perceived stigma, is an internal form of stigmatization that one imposes on themselves. An individual experiencing self-stigma will internalize the negative views and opinions of mental illnesses, which leads to judgment and shame about one’s symptoms.

Professional Stigma

Professional stigma occurs when healthcare professionals perpetuate stigmatization toward their patients through negative attitudes. These attitudes are often based on fear or misunderstandings of the causes and symptoms of mental illness. Additionally, professionals themselves can experience stigma from the public or other healthcare professionals because of their work and connection with individuals experiencing mental illness.

Cultural Stigma

Cultural stigma involves how an individual’s culture interprets mental illness. Culture shapes one’s beliefs, values, and norms, and it directly relates to how people attribute meaning to certain illnesses. Culture also affects whether people seek help, what type of help they seek, and their coping style and support.

Masculine Norms Shape Discussions On Mental Illness

Another barrier for men facing mental health issues is the indoctrination of masculine norms in US culture and society. Masculine norms are the social rules and expected behavior associated with men and manhood within a given culture. The phrases “toughen up,” “man up,” “men don’t cry,” etc., perpetuate the idea that men are not supposed to express sadness, grief, or pain, and to do so is the ultimate sign of weakness or femininity (at times considered one of the same). These masculinity standards contribute to men not seeking professional help for their mental health in fear of their masculinity being diminished.

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Moreover, men are less likely to seek treatment than women due to downplaying their symptoms, a result of self-stigma, and a reluctance to talk about their mental health. Men in America, and throughout many cultures, are often not taught or socialized to discuss their emotions or troubles. If anything, it is discouraged. In contrast, most women are taught how and in what way to express themselves, while most men are left out of the conversation entirely. In context to men’s mental health, this lack of emotional acceptance leaves many in the dark: unable to speak of their troubles, and some are even unable to name them to themselves.

Specific Barriers For Men Of Color And Mental Health

Beyond stigma and masculine norms, men of color face additional challenges and risk factors that have historically affected their mental health and how they approach it. Risk factors that affect men of color include higher exposure to poverty and violence, absence of economic opportunity, and higher incarceration rates. The result is a compounding hit on mental health; between the stigmatization of all men seeking help and unique stressors, men of color are at higher risk for isolation and mental illness. However, this higher risk does not correlate to higher treatment admission rates. In a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 26.4% of Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black men went in for mental health treatments compared to 45.6% of non-Hispanic White men.

Another significant barrier for many men of color is cultural stigma and mistrust of the healthcare system. Historically speaking, documented racism and bias within the healthcare system have led some Black people to be wary of seeking treatment. According to research by the National Library of Medicine and Dr. Neal-Barnett, a leading expert on anxiety disorders among Black Americans, there is a collective mistrust of healthcare and medical providers among Black patients. This mistrust is linked to the abuse Black patients have historically experienced under the guise of medical testing and advancement, like in the case of the US Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee. Factor in the cultural stigma of Black masculinity norms that make it difficult for Black men to be vulnerable and express emotions, and it makes sense why it is difficult for many Black men to pursue professional help for their mental health.

Dual Diagnosis Among Men: Mental Health And Substance Abuse

A dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder, is when an individual has one or more mental health disorders combined with a substance use disorder (SUD). Often, mental health disorders and SUDs concurrently occur because some struggling with a mental illness will use substances to self-medicate, and substance abuse can sharply increase or even trigger new symptoms related to a mental health disorder. While co-occurring disorders can affect anyone regardless of gender, certain substance use disorders are more prevalent among men. 

For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that men are more likely than women to use almost all illicit or illegal drugs. Regarding alcohol use disorders (AUDs), 1 in 5 men will develop alcohol dependence during their lives. Another point of concern is since men are less likely than women to seek treatment for health concerns and substance abuse, the presence of co-occurring disorders among men could potentially be under-reported. 

Moving Forward

Despite the norms, stigmas, and specific risk factors that contribute to men struggling with their mental health and receiving treatment for it, more and more men are coming forward to share their personal experiences. Male athletes and celebrities, like Michael Phelps, Chance the Rapper, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, have come forward with stories about their experiences with anxiety and depression. Speaking up about one’s experiences with mental illness directly challenges the stigma around it, opening the doors for others to come forward.

Regardless of societal, cultural, or even self-expectations, what’s most important is for individuals to receive the help and treatment they may need for their mental health. Asking for help is the first step, and if you’re not sure where to start, contact a treatment provider today for more information.

The post Men And Mental Health Stigma appeared first on Addiction Center.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken more lives in the United States than World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War combined (Hennein & Lowe, 2020; American Psychological Association [APA], 2020). In addition to the death toll impact, there are significant public health impacts in homes and communities on a global scale.

As a substance abuse counselor and employee assistance professional during this time, I have observed several notable changes in mental health and substance use since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

The necessary social distancing and quarantine measures . . . significantly amplified emotional turmoil by substantially changing the social fabric by which individuals, families, communities, and nations cope with tragedy. The effect is multidimensional disruption of employment, finances, education, health care, food security, transportation, recreation, cultural and religious practices, and the ability of personal support networks and communities to come together and grieve.

By now you have seen and/or experienced the impact of the “emotional turmoil” and “multidimensional disruption” as stated above. The impacts include, but are not limited to, social isolation, constant close quarter living, unpredictability of how our lives have changed, collective grief of loved ones, missed celebrations of milestones (e.g., graduations, weddings etc.), stress (work and home), fear,  financial insecurity, job changes, decrease in healthcare insurance for substance use treatment, waiting list for substance use treatment, untreated mental health disorders, changes in access to medication, changes in drug supply, and an exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions. In general, peoples’ eating and sleeping habits, hygiene, activity levels, and daily routines changed. Life changed as we knew it.

As a result, and not surprisingly, several research studies on the effects of the pandemic have found increased anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and substance use in the general population.

Increased Anxiety, Depression, Traumatic Stress, And Substance Use

What did that look like from my role as a mental health provider and substance abuse counselor? By May 2020, some of my clients were already experiencing daily anxiety attacks, insomnia, lack of motivation, energy, and focus, domestic disputes, frequent crying spells, co-worker conflict, decreased appetite, and increased headaches/migraines (just to name a few).

Three months later, my caseload was exploding and was busting at the seams with those in need of services. The intensity and severity of my clients’ presenting problems were growing. Clients were presenting with thoughts of hopelessness and suicide. My colleagues were having the same experience with their clients.

Rehabilitation centers and mental health providers scrambled to safely develop protocols and embrace technology to effectively meet the needs of their patients. Telehealth/telemedicine was an acceptable practice prior to the pandemic; however, it became the go-to modality of care and was backed by the US Department of Health and Human Services to allow for insurance reimbursement.

While providing services via telehealth, my colleagues and I noticed that the symptoms of people with pre-existing mental health conditions worsened and people with no prior mental health conditions were experiencing symptoms for the first time.

Similarly, people with a history of a moderate to severe substance use disorder, in full sustained remission, were facing challenges to maintain abstinence prior to the advent of virtual support groups and people with a mild substance use disorder were increasing their frequency and amount of drinking alcohol, smoking Cannabis, and experimenting with other mood-altering substances often progressing to the point of needing some level of treatment.

A Word On The Overdose Epidemic

In addition to the pandemic, an epidemic, which predated the pandemic, was happening concurrently; the Opioid overdose epidemic. Increases in drug overdoses and overdose related deaths to synthetic Opioids (primarily Fentanyl) accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics indicate that there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the deaths during the same period the year before.

Overdose deaths from psychostimulants such as Methamphetamine also increased in the 12-month period ending in April 2021.

Final Thoughts

It is not my intention to simplify or to conflate all increased drug use or mental health symptoms directly with COVID-19; however, there are undeniably some effects from living through a pandemic.

For example, shifts in drug availability may also be to blame for increased illicit Opioid use deaths; if Heroin isn’t easy to access, someone might begin take Fentanyl, which is much more potent. Another common example is a person turning to alcohol to relieve symptoms of anxiety and promote sleep slowly progressing to increased frequency (sometimes daily and throughout the day) and amount.

Experts agree based on research and clinical observation that pandemic-related strains, from economic stress and loneliness to general anxiety about the virus, and lack of healthy coping skills to manage progressively worsening symptoms, are significant influences for the increases in the observations stated in this article.

The ground is fertile as we continue to learn how we all continue to navigate through this pandemic. Evidence based practices are being researched, developed and implemented for the most effective and safest way to treat mental health and substance use during theses times.

These have been challenging times for us all. I have witnessed the most valiant and courageous efforts in my clients and colleagues. I am grateful to be a part of the community that is striving to make a difference.

Available Resources

For assistance finding a rehab that treats substance abuse or mental health disorders, contact a treatment provider for free information on insurance coverage, treatment methods, and enrollment into a licensed facility.

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

The post The Way COVID-19 Changed Mental Health And Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.