Thursday, September 10, 2015 is World Suicide Prevention Day – a day when people around the globe come together to raise awareness about suicide and how it can be prevented. This year’s theme is Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is responsible for organizing Suicide Prevention Day each year, but its effects reach around the world. Hundreds of organizations work to raise awareness in collaboration with the IASP, and we here at Recovery Now, Inc, are happy to join those efforts.
Suicide Rates and Risk Factors
The burden of suicide is tremendous – especially here in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, which tracks mortality rates and causes in the U.S., more than 41,000 people took their own lives in 2013. It was the 10th most frequent cause of death in America, claiming the life of 112 people every day.
Though not all people who commit suicide fit a particular risk profile, there are certain factors that are more common among victims. For example, four men take their lives in this country for every one woman. In fact, white men representing 70 percent of all the suicides that occurred in 2013. Of course, this does not take into account the much higher rates of unsuccessful suicide attempts, which are especially common among youth and women. Females attempt suicide three times as often as males, and approximately 25 teenagers attempt suicide for everyone successful attempt. Additionally, middle-aged individuals and elderly people over age 85 carry the highest age-related risk of suicidal tendencies, representing nearly 40 percent of all suicides in the U.S.
Several lifestyle, relational and mental health factors also contribute to a person’s individual risk of committing suicide. Links between substance abuse and suicide are especially high, as is the association between depression and other mental health disorders. This is especially true when a person faces barriers to accessing professional treatment, whether due to physical, financial or emotional reasons. Other suicide risk factors include family history of suicide, impulsive tendencies and diagnosis of a fatal or long-term illness.
Recognizing the Signs of Suicidal Tendencies
In honor of Suicide Prevention Day, our goal is to shed light on the preventive nature of suicide – especially when friends and loved ones are aware of its signs. Unlike physical illnesses, which are prevented by healthcare providers, suicide prevention is a social issue that rests on the shoulders of friends and family. It is important to know the warning signs, which may include:
Withdrawal and isolation
Increased abuse of drugs or alcohol
Poor sleep habits
Talking about being a burden to others
Discussing feelings of rage or desiring revenge
Expressing feelings of hopelessness
If you feel that a loved one may be having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, do not wait to take action. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends addressing your concern directly, asking your loved one if he or she is considering suicide. A person who is having suicidal thoughts or tendencies should never be left alone or within easy access to lethal weapons or substances.
Anyone who is displaying signs of suicidal thoughts or tendencies should seek professional treatment immediately. For more information about suicide signs and prevention, contact us here at Recovery Now.
Jennifer Chokemesil is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has experience working with clients struggling through grief/loss, substance abuse, childhood trauma, abusive relationships, codependency, depression, anxiety and relational difficulties. Jennifer uses Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to work with children and adolescents from diverse ethnic and cultural groups. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with PTSD, trauma related to abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, grief and other traumas. She assists clients with overcoming whatever difficulties they may be having by building on their strengths versus being limited by their weaknesses.
San Pedro Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist Adults & Families
“Mental health Professional for over 15 years with specialty training as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) & Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT) ”
Eugenie Boiadjieva is Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, serious mental illness, impulse control issues, trauma, parenting anxieties and underperformance. Her training is diverse and extensive and includes a strong foundation in humanistic and psychodynamic therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness Based therapies and certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist from the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. As a result, she is able to blend different approaches and customize her work to fit the client’s needs and comfort level. She works with clients at all stages of recovery so that they can tap into their strengths, creativity and resources to bring about growth and change that goes beyond relieving distress and leads to fulfilment and well-being. Eugenie also designs and delivers trainings for other professionals in the mental health field, college and university students.
Specialty Experience:
Anxiety:
I help individuals experiencing a wide-range of anxiety issues that interfere with their ability to enjoy life and inhibit their ability to realize their full potential. These include parenting and performance anxiety as well as overwhelming anxiety disorders that disrupt one’s life and could be debilitating when untreated. Most of my clients make significant gains after ten to twelve sessions.
Trauma:
Experiencing trauma can lead to deep suffering and the perception of inescapable threat. When I work with clients who experienced trauma I provide a safe environment, take time to understand their unique experience and their current circumstances. I give my clients treatment options to choose from and guide them as they reclaim their lives.
Depression:
Every depression has its own footprint and generally involves sense of loss, disappointment and diminished sense of self-worth. When treating depression I often blend Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness Based Therapy. I guide my clients as they start with small changes that over time will result in greater self-acceptance and well-being.
Serious Mental Illness:
Symptoms of serious mental illness often develop in individuals in their late teens or early twenties and can be devastating. Comprehensive treatment usually includes medications and psychotherapy. I have worked with clients diagnosed with serious mental illness for over fifteen years. Each individual path to recovery is different but with the right help people with serious mental illness can significantly improve the quality of their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
I have been utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for more than ten years. CBT is the most researched therapy, proven to be effective with many disorders and concerns. The CBT approach examines interactions between life experiences, emotional reactions, behaviors, physiology and beliefs which are key factors. CBT is effective and efficient. It teaches clients tools and skills to become their own therapist.
Substance Abuse:
Substance use often exacerbates and complicates other problems leaving family members in distress. I work with clients struggling with substance use or co-occurring disorders individually and with their families. I assist clients reducing harm related to substance use and achieving sobriety by offering a flexible, integrative approach that addresses the underlined issues.
Professional Experience:
Mental Health America of Los Angeles Wellness Center Therapist
Delivers individual and group psychotherapy blending cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, acceptance commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and humanistic models and techniques. Provides supervision and consultation to other therapists and interns.
Mental Health America of Los Angeles Village Integrated Service Agency Social Worker, Team Leader & Program Associate Director
Assessed clients and provided supportive counseling and individual therapy for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness and/or dual diagnosis with drug and alcohol issues. Assisted individuals with achieving sobriety or reducing harm around substances by utilizing a variety of approaches including Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction. Conducted DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) skills training groups. Collaborated with family members and significant others to provide support and education about mental illness treatment options and pathways to recovery.
California State University, Dominguez Hills and Mental Health America Team Leader and Instructor Jump Start Fellowship
Oversees a twelve-week, full time post-bachelors fellowship program. Teaches group facilitation, principles of human behavior, active listening, treatment planning, documentation and core mindfulness skills.
Education
California State University, Long Beach, California
Master of Social Work
Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
Master of Arts in Psychology
Teacher’s College, Sofia, Bulgaria
BA Early Education
License and Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSC #21744)
Certified Cognitive Therapist, Diplomat of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Seeking Safety Certification
Certified Clinical Supervisor
“I create a safe, nurturing and comfortable space that allows my clients to access deeper understanding of their problems and to identify the obstacles that prevent them from fulfilling their potential. I guide my clients to access untapped inner strengths and resources to remove these obstacles and to live life to the fullest.”
Women are vulnerable to mood disorders – specifically depression – during the postpartum period. Also known as PPD, this disorder is often confused with the ‘baby blues’, which are a normal, but mild feeling of general weepiness and stress experienced in the first few days following delivery. However, postpartum depression is very different from the baby blues, though many women and their families are unsure how to differentiate the two.
For that reason, Postpartum Support International has declared May as Postpartum Depression Awareness Month. The proclamation is designed to raise awareness of postpartum depression as a serious mental health problem affecting an estimated 15 percent of all women in the weeks and months following the birth of a child. Understanding the difference between the baby blues and PPD can directly affect whether a woman seeks help for her illness or continues living with its symptoms.
What are the Baby Blues?
The baby blues affect approximately four in five women and are widely contributed to sudden postpartum hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the activity that surrounds the birth of a child. Most women with the baby blues feel happy most of the time, with only sporadic moments of sadness, crying, irritability or confusion. These symptoms are typically very mild, peaking approximately 5 days after delivery and disappearing within two weeks after birth. Women with baby blues often feel relief when they take time for themselves, leave their homes for a few minutes each day, and accept help from friends and family with the new baby.
PPD: When Baby Blues Don’t Stop
When a woman experiences symptoms that worsen and the amount of time depressed persists past two weeks anytime during the first year postpartum, she is likely to have postpartum depression. Women with PPD have strong feelings of sadness that are ongoing and can last for a long period of time. Though it often begins in the first few weeks after delivery, postpartum depression can affect a woman at any point up to a year after a child’s birth.
Women with postpartum depression often feel they are bad mothers or alone in their feelings. The truth is 1 in 7 women develops some form of PPD. Women with a history of depression or a family history of mood disorders are at a heightened risk for developing PPD, as are women experiencing stressful life events or who feel little support from friends or family after the birth of a child.
It is important for any woman feeling strong feelings of sadness after delivery to speak with a doctor about PPD. Treatment is available, and many women feel better after seeking help. Left untreated, postpartum depression can worsen, resulting in physical, emotional and relational problems. The sooner a woman gets treatment for PPD, the faster she can begin feeling better for herself and her baby.
Definitively, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers moderate drinking to be no more than one drink per day in women and two drinks per day in men. This definition applies to day-to-day consumption – not an average of drinking overall. Therefore a man/woman who drinks a couple of six packs on the weekend and abstains the rest of the week is outside the boundaries of moderate consumption.
Since 1956, the American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a disease that progresses and may become terminal if left untreated over time. The AMA’s classification of alcohol dependence puts it in the same category as other diseases, such as diabetes, since alcoholism is associated with both lifestyle and genetic factors. There is a wide gap between moderate drinking and alcohol dependence, although the lines are often blurred for people with a poor understanding of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. A person with alcohol dependence consumes alcohol despite negative consequences and at the more severe end of the alcohol dependence continuum experiences physiological withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol. These individuals are likely to experience strong cravings for alcohol. Alcohol dependence may be causing problems physically, mentally, financially and with family, friends and work relationships.
It is important to recognize that people who exceed moderate drinking limits do not necessarily have alcoholism, but instead may be exhibiting patterns of alcohol abuse, which includes heavy drinking and binge drinking. This type of behavior can lead to dependence in some individuals who continue to abuse alcohol long-term.
Learning to Consume Moderately
Countless resources are available to individuals with alcoholism. However, it is more difficult for a person to manage this disease once he or she has reached dependency. Instead, it is important to recognize the beginning stages of problem drinking and take steps to enforce moderation.
These programs tend to be more successful for problem drinkers, as they recognize binge drinking or excessive drinking to be a learned behavior, rather than a disease. They teach problem drinkers how to consume alcohol moderately and responsibly instead of requiring abstinence. People who participate in Moderation Management programs tend to feel empowered and personally responsible for their health and wellbeing, as well as that of others.One organization – Moderation Management – supports early intervention programs, which are generally shorter, more affordable, and less rigorous than rehabilitative programs for alcoholism. The program is comprised of several steps, much like an abstinence program. However, those steps involve education about moderate consumption, as well as goal-setting and self-management exercises.
Because some problem drinkers eventually develop alcohol dependency, approximately 1 in 3 people who attend moderation programs go on to participate in abstinence programs such as the 12-steps program of Alcoholics Anonymous or S.M.A.R.T. recovery. However, people who are not affected by alcoholism can learn to drink responsibly before the problem becomes more severe.
Every April for the past 29 years, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has put the spotlight on alcohol abuse, raising awareness of its dangers and effects in national, state and community campaigns. The goal of Alcohol Awareness Month is to educate the public about the dangers and accessibility of alcohol, as well as encourage those struggling with alcohol abuse to seek professional help.
This year, the NCADD is highlighting the importance of early education about alcohol abuse among teens and young adults with the theme, “For the Health of It: Early Education on Alcoholism and Addiction.” According to studies on underage drinking, children who begin drinking before age 15 are at four times greater risk of developing alcoholism as a person who waits until the legal drinking age of 21. Furthermore, teens and young adults are more likely to binge drink than any other group, contributing to the 5,000 deaths related to underage drinking that occur every year.
Teens choose alcohol more than any other substance, including illegal drugs. Unfortunately, adolescence is a time when teens are more likely to take risks and less likely to make informed, rational decisions. Underage drinking has been closely linked with traffic accident-related deaths, violent acts, poor school performance, overdosing, and even suicide. However, teens and young adults who are educated about its physical and societal effects may be less likely to abuse alcohol or exhibit problem behaviors associated with it.
This year’s Alcohol Awareness Month is an opportunity for communities, schools, government and organizations to come together in a coordinated effort to reduce underage drinking and provide support for those in need of intervention or rehabilitation. The NCADD and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also encourage adults to evaluate their own alcohol use and determine whether their current drinking patterns may be affecting their health, productivity or relationships. An NCADD self-analysis to determine problematic drinking habits can be found here.
Depression may not be genetic or a result of poor nutrition, obesity or other causes, a new study indicates. Rather, major depressive disorder may be caused by parasites and bacteria, and one psychology professor wants the disorder re-classified as an infectious disease and suggests research for a vaccination.
With an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the population that claims to be depressed at one time or another, a prominent psychology professor says major depressive disorder may be attributable to parasitic invasion and could possibly be cured by a vaccination.
Several examples are given by Turhan Canli, PhD, associate professor of Psychology and Radiology at Stony Brook University that back up his claim that depression may be caused by bacterial, parasitic or viral causes.
In his study, called “Biology of Mood and Anxiety Disorders,” Canli said that despite decades of research efforts, major depressive disorder still remains among the most prevalent of mental disorders. Canli says that pharmacological approaches have not changed and have brought only temporary relief to patients. The recurrence rate of depression is 50 to 80 percent in patients, indicating illness goes untreated, he wrote.
The study indicates that research shows markers present in patients, and in the postmortem brains of mood-disordered patients, are consistent with those that ward off pathogens produced by microorganisms.
Parasites, bacteria and viruses have been proven to impact brain function, as several previous studies point out.
A parasite that lives in cat excrement has been proven to change the brain functions of rats and mice so they lose their fear of the smell of cat urine. A study conducted by UCLA showed that women who consumed probiotics found in yogurt showed altered brain function while in a state of rest, Brain Balancers reported.
A virus, called ATCV-1, which was found in algae, has proven to slow brain functions, specifically in people who were taking tests that required visual processing, according to Science Mag.
“It would be worthwhile to conduct large-scale studies of carefully characterized depressed patients and healthy controls, using gold-standard clinical and infectious disease-related study protocols, as have already been developed for bacteria and viruses,” Canli wrote. “Such efforts, if successful, would represent the ‘end of the beginning,’ as any such discovery would represent the first step toward developing a vaccination for major depression.”
Many people live in codependency for many years or even decades with realizing the unhealthy nature of their relationships. In its simplest form, codependency is a behavioral pattern in which a person becomes reliant upon the approval of others. People in codependent relations typically have a low sense of self-worth and find their identity in meeting the needs of others rather than from themselves. In fact, most feel their entire sense of purpose comes from another person, which often spurs an intense desire to control the other person’s actions or responses within the relationship.
There are many symptoms of codependency, all of which may manifest in different ways. People within codependent relationships may feel as though their intense ‘need’ for one another is a sign of strong love, when it is actually an unhealthy relationship rooted in control and neediness.
Codependent relationships are made up of two types of people: takers and caretakers. Takers are controllers who use anger, neediness or other emotions to manipulate those close to them. They are often attracted to caretakers, who put their own needs aside for the sake of caring for others. By making these sacrifices, the caretaker believes he or she will gain approval, love and acceptance. They stay in unhealthy relationships believing that eventually their disregard of self will lead to a positive result.
Symptoms of caretakers in codependent relationships include people who feel:
Extreme desire for approval or recognition
Responsible for the needs of others
Difficulty with confrontation
Lack of trust in others
A fear of abandonment
While anyone can become codependent, people with a history of abuse or neglect are at an increased risk. In many cases, codependency is a learned behavior passed on from a parent or caregiver who themselves were codependent. For example, a person who was yelled at, abused and neglected as a child may have developed ‘caretaker’ tendencies in response to the ‘taker’ behaviors of the parent. This can establish a life-long pattern of earning love or affection from other people.
People within a codependent relationship may love each other, but they will find that the prevailing emotion within the relationship is always anxiety. Ultimately, codependent relationships enable dysfunction and prevent personal growth and development.
Developing Healthy Relationships
The first step in developing a healthy relationship is recognizing codependency for what it is and where it comes from. A person who finds themselves in one or more codependent relationships does not always have to end those associations, but instead must learn to set boundaries and find happiness in individuality.
Codependent relationship expert, Pia Mellody, claims that the origins of all forms of codependency are found in childhood, whether because of physical, emotional or sexual abuse. She believes that codependent people can go onto to have healthy and satisfying relationships once they find healing for their ‘inner child’.
According to Melody Beattie, another codependency expert, people in codependent relationships must stop consuming themselves with other people and instead redirect that attention to themselves. She reinterprets the famous 12-step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and adapts it to people with codependency issues. This course of action highlights the need to reconnect with oneself and establish healthy limits in existing and future relationships.
Anyone experiencing codependency issues should seek help from a professional. Treatment often involves therapy, communication with partners, and even time apart from other people or obligations to establish a sense of independence. A codependent person may also benefit from broadening new relationships and finding new individual hobbies. With help, anyone can have healthy relationships and lead a mature life free of codependency.
Buddha once said, “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Unfortunately, most people do not live in the moment – they live in their heads, directly affecting the way in which a person experiences life. Constant worry about the future or scrutiny over the past creates a never-ending personal dialogue that diverts healthy growth and distracts from what is happening now.
Few people live fully present in every moment of every day. As a result, several areas of life suffer, including emotional health, physical health, weight and productivity. Many people spend their lives chasing quantity – the next vacation, promotion or stage of life – rather than pursuing quality of time in the present. By instead living in the moment, each minute is fully appreciated, prolonging its value and making it more meaningful.
3 Tips for Living in the Moment
It isn’t easy for a person to be fully present. It requires a state of consciousness and awareness that a person must practice with intention. Living in the moment is about giving undivided attention to every person and complete focus to every task. Everything – including rest – should be fully embraced and savored.
Don’t dwell on the past.
Concentrating on the past can rob you of the moment at hand. Living in the past and its difficulties robs you of trusting the present and future. It is impossible to change any past event. The only way of coping with past hurts and experiences is by accepting them, learning from them, and moving on with life.
Avoid worrying about the future.
It is impossible to live in the moment if you are worrying about the outcome of that moment or of some future event. Fears about the future are common and often stem from wrong thinking or past experiences. It is difficult to be fully present if you are fearful of going broke, losing a loved one, experiencing failure or being rejected. While some fears are natural, allowing them to control life experiences, modulate behaviors or limit your dreams is a tragedy.
Slow down
One of the easiest ways to begin living in the moment is by slowing down and enjoying the process, rather than the destination. Learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation, to help focus your mind and quiet the ‘noise’ around you. Take time to notice your surroundings, and make it a point to listen attentively to conversation, the sounds of nature, or even silence.
Embrace Every Moment
Learning to live in the moment is a process worth undertaking. Over time, you’ll feel less as if though life is passing you by and much more connected with yourself and other people. You may also experience a greater appreciation for life and less fearful or anxious about the circumstances behind and ahead of you. It does not mean you fail to set goals for the future or reflect upon the past; but rather that you allow yourself to feel every moment as it unfolds.
New Year’s Day is a time to turn over a new leaf and resolve to do the things we wish we would have been doing all along. Americans love making New Year’s resolutions, perhaps because January 1st signifies the beginning of a clean slate. But after the ball drops and the confetti has fallen, the dust settles on an uphill climb toward personal ambitions and the desire for self-improvement.
Unfortunately, many of those goals are difficult to attain and sometimes completely unrealistic. It is not so much that the goals themselves are bad, but that the means by which a person plans to achieve them are impractical and unlikely to produce success. Many people hit the ground running day one, only to run out of steam within months, weeks or even days of the New Year. According to research from the University of Scranton, approximately half of Americans make resolutions each year, yet only 8 percent succeed in reaching their goals.
The list of specific resolutions varies from person to person, but there are some widespread commonalities between most Americans. Of the top 10 most common resolutions, the majority are related to improving personal health and relationships. Examples include:
Losing weight
Staying fit or healthy
Quitting or moderating use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products
Spending more time with family
Falling in love
Helping others
Achieving New Year’s Resolution Success
Only you can determine whether you reach your New Year’s goals, though there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success. If you are planning to make changes in the upcoming year, follow these tips to improve your chance of reaching your goals.
Set realistic goals. New Year’s resolution lists should not be a mile long or filled with over-the-top goals that that are impossible to achieve. The American Psychological Association recommends starting small. Perhaps this means smoking two less packs of cigarettes per week or going to the gym three days a week instead of seven. The APA also cautions against reassessing every area of life you desire change in. Instead, pick one thing to change, and focus all of your resolution efforts toward achieving that one, manageable goal.
Break big goals into smaller goals. When a big goal is broken up into smaller goals, it is much easier to measure success along the way. For example, if you have a goal of losing 50 pounds in the coming year, create 10-pound milestones, and celebrate those smaller achievements. The creation of small objectives within a larger goal provides a measure of success and forces you to evaluate your achievements according to the progress you are making throughout the year.
Make a plan. Planning is another important element of successfully holding to your New Year’s resolutions. A resolution almost always involves modifying behaviors that have become habitual. Changing bad habits takes time, and there are sure to be slip-ups along the way. Instead of holding yourself to impossible standards, anticipate the areas you are most likely to make mistakes, and take steps to avoid them. Perhaps that means packing a healthy snack to eat when hunger strikes at work. Maybe it means setting aside one or two specific nights every month to have dinner with family or friends. Whatever your goal, a plan should emphasize your strengths while limiting your exposure to moments of weakness.
Thursday, September 10, 2015 is World Suicide Prevention Day – a day when people around the globe come together to raise awareness about suicide and how it can be prevented. This year’s theme is Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives. The International Association for Suicide Prevention is responsible for organizing Suicide Prevention Day each year, but its effects reach around the world. Hundreds of organizations work to raise awareness in collaboration with the IASP, and we here at Recovery Now, Inc, are happy to join those efforts.
Countless resources are available to individuals with alcoholism. However, it is more difficult for a person to manage this disease once he or she has reached dependency. Instead, it is important to recognize the beginning stages of problem drinking and take steps to enforce moderation.
