Mental Health Articles
WHY TOUGH LOVE ISN’T THE ANSWER
By Alanna Hilbink
Your child, parent, sibling or friend struggles with addiction. You’ve worried, begged, cajoled and tried to help. Nothing has seemed to get through or make a difference so far. So is it time for tough love? Is it time to find treatment that will offer the same?
1 “Impact of Substance Abuse on Families.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2004. Accessed 8 May 2018.
2 Engel, Beverly. “How Compassion Can Help You Support an Addicted Loved One.” Psychology Today. 3 Oct. 2016. Accessed 8 May 2018.
3 Bartlett, Robin, et al. “Harm Reduction: Compassionate Care Of Persons with Addictions.” Medsurg Nursing: Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. 2013. Accessed 7 May 2018.
4 “Principles of Effective Treatment.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. Jan. 2018. Accessed 7 May 2018.
4 MYTHS ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIA & THE FACTS BEHIND THEM
By Kathryn Millán, MA, LPC/MHSP
Schizophrenia is an often-misunderstood mental illness that impacts about 1.1 percent of all U.S. adults, which adds up to approximately 2 million people over the age of 18.1,2 Chances are, you have met someone with schizophrenia at some point in your life, but thanks to modern treatments and awareness, most people with this disorder live normal lives just like anybody else.
Despite these modern advances, many people are still unsure of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Media portrayals of this illness compound misconceptions, and schizophrenia is often confused with a host of unrelated conditions and behaviors. These misunderstandings can lead to missed diagnoses, missed treatments and unnecessary guilt and shame surrounding the disorder.
Separating Fact From Fiction
So let’s talk about some common myths about schizophrenia, along with some useful facts that may help you better understand this condition and its treatments.
Finding Help for Those With Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder that often carries a great deal of stigma. However, its symptoms are treatable, and the right treatment plan can make an incredible difference in the life of anyone who suffers with this disorder. Greater public education can help increase access to effective symptom management, while encouraging people who struggle with this condition to accept treatment so that they can live happier lives.
1 National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. February 2016.
2 National Alliance on Mental Illness. Schizophrenia; Public Attitudes, Personal Needs. June 2008.
3 Burton, N. A Brief History of Schizophrenia. Psychology Today. September 8, 2002.
4 Psychology Today. Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). March 26, 2018.
5 Mayo Clinic. Schizophrenia. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
6 Houston Methodist. Treatable condition could be mistaken for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. ScienceDaily. December 13, 2017.
7 Swanson JW, et. al. Alternative pathways to violence in persons with schizophrenia: The role of childhood antisocial behavior problems. Law and Human Behavior. June 2008.
9 WAYS GRIEF MANIFESTS ITSELF (AND HOW TO COPE)
Death — It’s one of the hardest inevitabilities of life that everyone has to deal with at some point. It differs as far as the when, where and how goes, but one thing remains the same about it no matter who you are: it is never, ever an easy thing to deal with.
Grief is something that will always come with it. How it manifests may differ from person to person, but the struggle is always very real.
Fortunately, despite the obstacles that may arise, there are also many ways to handle an end of life experience.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
Sometimes life feels too heavy to handle on your own and you need someone to help you through. We want you to know that it’s okay to ask. Taking the first step can be difficult, but Holly Hill is here for you. We promise that our assessment counselors will meet you with compassion and without judgment. No matter where you are, it’s never too late to reach out.
It all starts with a no cost, confidential assessment, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll walk you through every step of the process. You don’t have to be alone. Let us help. Call 919-250-7000 or complete our online contact form.