Recognizing Signs of Depression in Your Loved Ones During the Holiday Season

Recognizing Signs of Depression in Your Loved Ones During the Holiday Season

Jenine Lemons, LPC-S, NCC Interim Director of Behavioral Health at LBU

 

As the holiday season approaches, adorned with glittering lights, festive decorations, and joyful celebrations, it's important to acknowledge that this time of year isn't universally merry for everyone. Amidst the cheerful ambiance, some individuals grapple with the shadows of depression, silently battling their inner struggles. During our festive preparations, it's crucial to spare a thought for those who might be navigating through the holiday season under a heavy emotional burden.

There are several signs that a friend may be experiencing depression and in need of help. Some common signs to look out for include:

It's important to remember that everyone experiences depression differently, and not everyone will have all these symptoms. If you are concerned that someone you love may be struggling with depression, the best thing you can do is to talk to them about your concerns in a caring and non-judgmental way. Encourage them to seek professional help, and offer your support and assistance in finding resources, such as a therapist or support group.

If you or someone you know is grappling with thoughts of depression during the holiday season or any time of the year, know that help and support are within reach. At LBU Behavioral Health, our dedicated professionals are here to provide the compassionate assistance you need. Reach out to us, because your mental health matters, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing.

The Behavioral Health Team at LBU is here to help. To book an appointment, call (214) 540-0300.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has launched text and chat services in Spanish. To access the services in Spanish text AYUDA to 988 or call 988.

 

What You Need to Know About the Teen Mental Health Crisis

What You Need to Know About the Teen Mental Health Crisis

Francisco Guzman, Behaviorist at LBU

 

The teen mental health crisis refers to the growing prevalence of mental health disorders among teenagers worldwide. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are increasingly affecting young people, with studies indicating that as many as one in five teenagers may suffer from a mental health disorder. The causes of this crisis are complex and multifaceted, with factors ranging from academic pressure to social media use and trauma. The impact of these issues can be significant, affecting a teenager's social and academic functioning and even leading to self-harm or suicide. It is important to understand the teen mental health crisis and its causes, warning signs, and available treatments to address this pressing issue and help young people lead happier, healthier lives.

The mental health crisis among teenagers is a growing concern worldwide. Here are some important things to know about the issue:

Prevalence

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 20% of teenagers have a mental health disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the mental health crisis among teenagers, including social media and digital technology use, academic pressure, trauma, substance abuse, and family conflict.  Bullying is also a factor that can impact a teen’s self-esteem and sense of safety.

Impact

Mental health issues can have a significant impact on a teenager's social and academic functioning, leading to problems such as poor grades, difficulty maintaining relationships, and even suicide.

Warning signs

Warning signs that a teenager may be struggling with mental health issues can include changes in mood, behavior, and sleep patterns, as well as social withdrawal and feelings of hopelessness.

Treatment

Early intervention and treatment are crucial for addressing mental health issues in teenagers. Treatment may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from family and peers.

Prevention

Prevention efforts can include education on mental health, stress reduction techniques, building resilience, and creating supportive environments at home and in schools.

Stigma

Stigma surrounding mental health can prevent teenagers from seeking help. Raising awareness and promoting open conversations about mental health can help reduce this stigma and encourage more teens to seek the help they need.  Recognizing cultural stigmas is also important, as they can affect how we provide emotional support to our teens.

 

It's important to address the teen mental health crisis to help young people live healthy, fulfilling lives and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out at (214) 540-0300.

 

We’d like to thank our partner @Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for choosing our Behavioral Health Program for a #HealthyKidsHealthyFamilies grant! Together, we will (program goal/accomplishments – not sure what you want to put here).

 

What To Do After a Traumatic Event

Help after a Traumatic Event

Jenine Lemons, Behaviorist at LBU Community Clinic

 

Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can be a harrowing experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Whether you have witnessed an accident, a crime, or a natural disaster, the aftermath of the event can be difficult to navigate. It is important to take care of yourself and seek help in coping with the trauma. In this blog post, we will discuss some steps you can take after witnessing a traumatic event.

Take care of yourself physically

The first step after witnessing a traumatic event is to take care of yourself physically. This means getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated. Trauma can take a toll on your body, so it is important to take care of your physical health.

Seek emotional support

It is natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed after witnessing a traumatic event. It is important to seek emotional support to help you cope with these feelings. This can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking counseling or therapy, or joining a support group.

Practice self-care

Practicing self-care can help you cope with the trauma and reduce your stress levels. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or any other activity that brings you joy and relaxation.

Avoid triggers

Triggers can be anything that reminds you of the traumatic event and can cause you to feel anxious or upset. It is important to avoid these triggers as much as possible. This may mean avoiding certain places or activities, or limiting exposure to news or media coverage of the event.

Seek professional help

If you are struggling to cope with the trauma, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with the tools and support you need to work through the trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Remember that healing is a process, and it takes time. Be patient with yourself and take things one day at a time.

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out at (214) 540-0300.

 

Green flags: Relationship Goals

Green flags

Relationship Goals

Are you and your partner a good fit?

By: Angelina Cantelli

We always here about Red flags in a relationship. Red flags are the things you should stay away from. We hardly hear about the Green Flags that make a relationship work for both partners. Green flags in a relationship are positive indicators that a relationship is healthy and likely to be successful. Some common green flags include:

  1. Honest and open communication: A healthy relationship is characterized by the capacity to discuss feelings, desires, and needs with your spouse in an open and honest manner.
  2. Comparable values and life goals: A relationship can stay on track and give direction if both parties share similar values and life objectives.
  3. Mutuality: A healthy give-and-take dynamic in which both partners feel their needs are being met and their relationship is fulfilling.
  4. Loyalty and trust: In any relationship, romantic or not, trust is crucial. Lack of trust can cause constant argument and be bad for the relationship.
  5. Respect: It's critical to uphold one another's limits, viewpoints, and uniqueness. Your partner shouldn't make you alter who you are in order to live up to their standards.
  6. Flexibility and readiness to compromise: A strong partnership necessitates both of these qualities. Both sides must be willing to make sacrifices for one another while maintaining their own integrity.
  7. Emotional support: An essential component of any healthy relationship is being there for one another during good times and bad.
  8. Effective dispute resolution techniques: It's crucial for every relationship to be able to disagree and argue in a civil manner.
  9. Sense of humor: Laughing and having a good time together helps keep a relationship going strong.

It's worth noting that no relationship is perfect, so it's important to have realistic expectations and to work through issues as they arise. Everyone is different. If you and your partner do not meet all of these green flags, that doesn't mean that your relationship is doomed. What is most important is that you are both willing to put in effort to meet each other’s needs. If you want to see change in one of these areas, try communicating that to your partner in a calm, respectful manner. The first step to change is recognizing the issue.

Know that if your relationship is not making you feel happy, supported, and respected, there is no shame in ending it. Ending a relationship is not a failure, but rather an opportunity for growth and reflection. It is better to value your own comfort than stay in an unhealthy relationship.

 

For more information, or to talk to one of our behavioral health specialists, please call (214) 540-0300