Are You an Emotional Eater?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Often, people turn to food for comfort during times of stress, anger or sadness. However, if you are eating for emotional reasons and not because you are physically hungry, there may be a problem.

Some of the signs of being an emotional eater are:

Eating without hunger
Eating until you are uncomfortable or stuffed

Many people believe that emotional eating is due to a lack of self-control, but this is not the case. There has been extensive research to prove that emotional eating is actually an eating disorder.

The five top things that contribute to emotional eating are:

Unawareness – Emotional eating can be a direct result of not being conscious of what or why you are eating. Unconscious eating is defined as continuing to eat when you have finished your meal and continue to pick at it, slowly eating the remaining portion that you intended to leave behind.
Food as your only pleasure – Do not use food as a reward after a long and hectic day. Although the calming, soothing affects you may feel when you eat ice cream or potato chips are real, due to the opioids they release in our brain, they are a difficult habit to break.
Inability to tolerate difficult feelings –When you do not have the ability to tolerate life’s inevitable bad feelings, you are susceptible to emotional eating. Practice letting yourself experience difficult feelings and keeping in mind that feeling mad, sad, rejected or bored, doesn’t change anything.
Body loathing – Hating your body is one of the biggest factors in emotional eating. You have to stop hating your body before you can stop emotional eating.
Physiology – The best way to leave yourself open to emotional eating is to wait until you are too tired or hungry to eat. When we are too tired or hungry, the body sends strong messages to your brain that signal it to eat, leaving us with an inability to fight off cravings or urges.

In addition these tips listed above, it is always a good practice to eat several small meals during the day and get plenty of sleep. Emotional eating is a cycle that cannot be broken until you make a commitment to reach deep inside yourself to make a change.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

The Mental Health Benefits for Adults Using Coloring Books

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The popularity of adult coloring books has grown rapidly over the past year and the idea that it’s just for kids is fading just as quickly.

Mental health professionals have long utilized art in treating patients because it has a profoundly positive effect on mental well-being. This form of therapy encourages self- exploration and helps in organizing emotions. Although art therapy received from a professional is more effective than coloring on your own; coloring does have several benefits. It has been found that coloring can help adults:

1: De-stress

2: Achieve a state of meditation

3: Reduce anxiety

4: Alleviate less severe symptoms of depression

5: Improve concentration

6: Boost creativity

While coloring can be beneficial; it is important for individuals to note that it is not art therapy and should not be used as a method of self-treatment for mental health disorders. Art therapy differs from coloring because it relies on a patient-therapist relationship. This dynamic is important in helping patients to express their problems to the therapist through art when they are not able to in words.

Creative arts therapy has been an integral part of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for nearly 20 years. For more information about the program or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5575.

Eating Disorders Myths Debunked

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

eating disorder -487759058 “You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them,” “eating disorders are caused by a diet gone too far,” and “only young women are affected” are some of the popular misconceptions associated with eating disorders.

Studies show that despite growing awareness and education about eating disorders, many people still continue to view myths such as these as factual. This is dangerous as misinformation can result in the denial of symptoms and the validation of harmful behaviors.

In an effort to stop the spread of harmful information, we are providing the following myths and facts about eating disorders:

Myth –You can tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

Fact- Many individuals with eating disorders seem healthy in appearance. In several circumstances weight loss or weight gain may not be obvious during the onset of eating disorders. It is also common for sufferers to learn how to hide symptoms of their illness by doing things such as wearing baggy clothing.

Myth- Eating disorders are lifestyle choices or result from diets taken too far.

Fact – Going on a diet is a choice and having an eating disorder is not. Eating disorders are life- threatening illnesses that are associated with psychological, social or emotional distress.

Myth- Only adolescent women are affected by eating disorders.

Fact- Eating disorders do not discriminate by gender or age. In fact it is estimated that 10 million men living in the United States have an eating disorder. More and more people are seeking treatment for these disorders in their twenties and up. There three main groups of people that fit into this category:

Those who secretly struggle with eating disorders for years without seeking treatment.
Those who received treatment earlier in life and are experiencing recurring symptoms
Those who have developed eating disorders as adults

YIKES! Did I Really Do That?

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Whether you’ve accidently tripped over a child underfoot or walked into a doorway with your infant’s head in the lead, you’ve caused a child an accidental injury.

When you accidentally hurt your child, you may feel intense shame, even panic and a sense of self-loathing or blame. Even when your head clears, you may feel like you are a terrible parent.

These feelings are confusing. You may ask yourself, “How could I have done that?” The truth is, children and accidents are synonymous; even the preventable ones.

It is hard to see your child in pain and even harder to know that it is your fault. Your mind will replay the event in your head many times while you are slowly accepting what happened.

In most cases, the child is not badly hurt and you can find comfort in realizing that while accidents happen, most of them are not serious and your child is not quite as fragile as you think.

As you tell the story of what happened to your child, you will realize that most people understand and, in fact, it has happened to the best of parents. At this point, you will find it easier to forgive yourself. Still, you and your child suffered a trauma and it will take time for both of you to heal.

Some reactions to trauma are:

Feeling numb or disconnected
Insomnia
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Sadness or depression

During this time, you should be kind to yourself and keep in mind that you will not always feel this way. After the guilt lessens, you should experience acceptance.

If you are having difficulty coping and the reactions have become prolonged symptoms, you may be experiencing a response to trauma called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If the negative feelings persist, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help from a physician, counselor, clergy member, friend and family member.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. To make an appointment with a physician or licensed professional, call 718-206-7001.

Rare But True:Hyperthymesia

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

This rare condition also known as highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM) causes people to remember just about everything that has occurred in their life. This includes every conversation and emotion ever experienced as well as every person encountered, regardless of how insignificant or minute.

The cause of Hyperthymesia is still unknown but some researchers believe that it is genetic while others think it may be molecular.

There are only 61 people worldwide who have been identified as having hyperthymesia, one of which is actress Marilu Henner, best known for her work on the show Taxi. Watch this TV interview where she speaks about her experience living with the disorder and recalls everything she did on January 17^th 1974.

Dealing With Holiday Depression

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Holiday depression 524928563 The holiday season may be a time of happiness for many but for others it can also be the time of year that they are likely to feel depressed.

Financial stress, increased alcohol or food consumption, Seasonal Affective Disorder and loneliness are common contributors to depression during the holidays.

While the source of depression may vary from person to person, there are chronic behaviors and health problems that are widely recognized as symptoms of the disorder. Some of these include:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Sleeping excessively
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

People who experience bouts of depression during the holidays can reduce these symptoms by:

Asking for help when holiday stressors become overwhelming
Moderating alcohol consumption
Spending time with loved ones
Exercising
Eating a healthy and balanced diet
Getting enough sleep
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation

If symptoms of depression persist or progress into self-harming thoughts, please seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. It is important to remember there is no shame in receiving assistance from mental health professionals; they will help you to identify the source of your depression and offer several options for treatment.

To schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5587.

How “Annual” Is Your Annual Physical?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Joann Ariola

A. Yearly

B. Bi-Yearly

C. When I don’t feel good

D. I don’t do doctors

An annual exam is a good way of tracking your health progress. Some of the benefits are:

Primary prevention
To identify risk factors for common chronic diseases
To detect disease that has no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)
A way for the doctor to counsel people to promote healthy behavior
To update clinical data since your last check-up
To enhance the relationship betweenyou and your doctor

If you are interested in scheduling an exam, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Teenage Depression and Anxiety

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Teen angst -488360124 The term “teen angst” is synonymous with the emotional changes that adolescents experience. It is commonly used to describe unpredictable mood swings and at times unexplained changes in behaviors displayed by adolescents.

Adolescent or teen angst is defined as an “acute feeling of anxiety or apprehension that is often accompanied by depression.”(www.Medscape.com). Occasional bad moods, irritability or periods of sadness are common and expected behaviors. However, if they persist for an extended period of time, it can be an indication that your child is experiencing more than the typical teen strife. They may be exhibiting symptoms of a serious mental health issue such as depression or anxiety.

It is estimated that one in eight teenagers suffer from depression or anxiety and in some cases both disorders. Many of these behaviors are dismissed or overlooked as moodiness. This is concerning because if left untreated depression or anxiety can lead to highly destructive actions such as, drug abuse, self-mutilation, or in extreme situations- suicide.

There are several signs that may present themselves that can help parents recognize if their child is suffering from a depression or anxiety disorder. Some of which are:

Frequent sadness or crying
Persistent boredom or the inability to enjoy activities
Increased hostility, anger or irritability
Frequent absences from school or extracurricular activities they once enjoyed
Extreme fear of rejection or failure
Chronic fatigue or tiredness
Frequent complaints about headaches and stomach aches, without real cause for illness
Poor concentration
Constantly speaking about death or suicide
Persistent social isolation or difficulty with relationships
Major changes in eating or sleeping patterns

If your child is displaying any of these signs, it is recommended that you have a non-judgmental conversation with them. Let them know that you have observed atypical behaviors and that you are concerned. Encourage them to open up. If they are uncomfortable speaking to you about what they are experiencing, offer support gand seek the help of a mental health professional.

For more information of adolescent depression or anxiety or to speak with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7135.

National Depression Screening Observation Day

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

National Depression Screening Day which is recognized as October 8th was started in 1990 as a way to make people aware of this disease and to provide them with mental health information and access to support services. Though many mental health conditions are treatable, many people go through life not seeking help because they haven’t been properly diagnosed. Medical professionals estimate that one in five Americans has a mental health condition in any given year and less than half will receive treatment.
Depression affects one in 10 adults and is more common in women than in men. Depression can be categorized either as Major Depression which interferes with the ability to sleep, eat, work and study or as Persistent Depressive Disorder which lasts for at least two years having varying levels of severity and which does include Major Depression during this time. Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Signs and symptoms of depression include:
• Waking up and feeling exhausted
• Sleeplessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short temper
• Always worrying or anxious
• Lack of energy
• Sadness
Take this quick and to see how you are doing.
(This screening tool © Copyright Mental Health America”
Depression is real and there are ways to treat it. Treatment options include therapy with a trained professional and in some situations medication may be prescribed. If you would like to make an appointment to speak to one of our mental health professionals, please call 718-206-7071

Tips for the Single Parent

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Being a single parent is not easy; it has its own set of challenges.

Couples get together with the very best of intentions, full of hopes and dreams of white picket fences, 2.5 kids.

No one enters into a committed relationship with the intention of uncoupling. Nonetheless, it’s a distressingly common occurrence.

Suddenly, you find yourself a single parent. Even if you have always been an active, involved parent, this is a completely different experience.

In the best of situations, with a support team of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, etc. you may have bouts of frustration and fatigue.

During these times you will have to push through and step-up. There is no substitution for a parent when dealing with a crying toddler, grumpy daughter or a son who failed to make the last out. These are hurdles you and your children will have to scale together.

Some of the most common ways a single parent can cope with and reduce stress are:

Finding a balance – Remember that parenting is about the moment. Take a deep breath and let go of your expectations.
Show your love –Praise your child. Give him or her unconditional love and support.
Create a routine – Structure, such as regularly scheduled meals and bedtimes help your child know what to expect.
Find quality child care – If you need regular child care, look for a qualified caregiver who can provide a safe environment. Do not rely on an older child as your only babysitter and be careful about asking a new friend or partner to watch your child.
Set limits – Explain house rules and expectations to your child, such as speaking respectfully and enforce them.
Don’t give in to guilt – Don’t blame yourself or spoil your child to try to make up for being a single parent.
Make time for yourself – Include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Make time to enjoy alone time or activities with close friends.
Lean on others – It’s okay to join a support group for single parents or seek social services. Call on trusted loved ones, friends and neighbors for help.
Stay positive – Be honest with your child if you’re having a difficult time, but remind him or her that things will get better. Try to keep your sense of humor when dealing with everyday challenges.

Mistakes may be made, but with love and the best of intentions, you’ll make it through.