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How To Balance Life And Work

Being a workaholic can have its benefits and disadvantages. When you work a lot in the office, there is a high possibility that you will be promoted to a higher position. At the same time, you may also have a high opportunity to earn more compared to those who do not work well. However, it can also have adverse effects on your lifestyle if you do not know how to balance the time that you spend in the office as well as the time you spend with the ones you love.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Chelsi Day, PsyD said that achieving a work-life balance can be challenging, but it does not mean that you can never do it. Keep in mind that in everything you do, it is necessary on your part to find the balance. Failure to do this can be problematic on your part because you may miss out on a lot of things. Below are some of the things that you need to consider:

 

Exercise Regularly

 

Even if you are busy at the office, make sure that you still find time to perform physical activities. Take note that exercise must be a big part of your daily routine. The more you do this, the happier you may become. As such, it can always put you in a good mood. Aside from this, being fit and healthy can also increase the energy levels in your body. As a result, you will have the right amount of energy to get things done in the office as well as to meet with some friends or spend time with your family.

 

Source: pexels.com

 

Separate Work And Personal Issues

 

If something is bothering you at the office, find a way not to let it affect your relationships with the people around you. As much as possible, do not let anyone’s concerns in the office be a significant issue in your personal life. Otherwise, you will only end up bringing stress and anxiety in your life. Whenever something bad happens in the office, make sure to let it stay there. Resolve all the work-related issues at the place of work. Never make the mistake of bringing it after office hours because you might end up sending negative vibes to your friends and family members. At the same time, find a way to hang out with your work colleagues without talking about the office tasks. Josephine S. Minardo, PsyD notes “Rubbing elbows with colleagues is vital.”

 

Take A Break

 

Another thing that you must never forget is the significance of taking a break or vacation from your work. Stop making your work the only and most important part of your life. Instead, treat it as an opportunity to provide you with what you need so that you can have better days. If you think that you are already too stressed in the office, make sure that you find time to rest for a little while. No matter how busy you are, never sacrifice your own welfare by overworking. You have to understand that there is so much more than the life you have in the office. Go out of your comfort zone and travel to a new city or country. It may seem like a big leap, but it is exactly what you need right now.

 

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Finding the perfect balance in life and work must be your number one priority. According to Marisa Alter, PsyD, “If you don’t feel like participating in your favorite activities, a therapist can help you figure out why.”

 



Tips On How To Choose Your Friends

There are many things that you need to remember when it comes to choosing your friends. Keep in mind that the quality of people that you surround yourself with can have several effects in your life. Because of this, it is crucial on your part to choose whom to make friends with. Failure to do this can make life a little more difficult for you. Aside from this, it can also expose you to several challenges and struggles that can be tough to survive. In this article, we are going to provide you with some tips and tricks on how to be smart in choosing your friends.

 

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Here are the top things to keep in mind:

 

Know Who You Are

 

The first and most crucial thing that you need to focus at this point is to get to know yourself. Make sure that you know what kind of person you are so that you will not end up establishing connections with people who are entirely different from who you are. Take note that as long as you have no idea who you are, it will be challenging on your part to welcome new people in your life. Keep in mind that you must never compromise your values just to make friends with other people. If you do this, there is a high tendency that your friendship will not last long.

 

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Notice The Little Things

 

When it comes to determining who should stay in your life, be sure that you consider taking note of the little things that the other person does. Do not be afraid to be mindful of what happens whenever he is around. Aside from this, you must also look at his actions and words. The purpose is for you to know the kind of influence that he brings into your life. If you do not like these little things, make sure to learn how to say goodbye to the other person. Do not put yourself in a very compromising situation wherein you will accept the other individual even if you do not have any similar interests. Keep in mind that the little things can tell you if the friendship is worth fighting for.

 

Source: pexels.com

Be Wary Of The Fake Ones

 

Are you aware that there are several people in your life that you need not connect with? Do not be afraid to cut ties, especially once you discover that a person is faking your relationship with each other. Remember that life is too short to invest your time and efforts into an individual who does not treat you as a real friend. Otherwise, you will only be wasting your energy to the wrong person. The best or ideal thing to do is to be brave enough to let go of this kind of relationship or friendship. It may be difficult or hard in the beginning, but it is worth it. What matters the most is that you were courageous enough to take the first step in saying goodbye to the other person. Never blame yourself for failed friendships. Whether you like it or not, some people are just not meant to be by your side.

 



Culinary Art Therapy: Using Culinary For Mental Wellness

What is culinary therapy?

Here’s the quick answer: culinary art therapy is a way to use food to address a person’s mental health conditions. It’s a form of art therapy — no cooking experience required.

culinary as therapy
Source: flickr.com

Culinary therapy has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I thought of seeing a culinary therapist after a psychologist diagnosed me with mild depression. Taking antidepressants was out of the equation since I refused to even take medicine to treat flu or fever. Allow me to share my positive experience with using cooking therapy to solve familial relationship problems.

Therapy, in general, was new to me, especially using culinary arts as a tool. How is cooking related to mental health treatment? Is culinary therapy an enjoyable practice?

Culinary As Therapy

Therapy – Culinary

This is a story of my journey through therapy using the culinary arts – how culinary therapy helped alleviate my depression that somehow leads to stress eating disorders, what mindfulness programs were offered in the cooking center, and how this type of therapy became one of my favorite pastimes to improve mental health. But first, a quick description of art therapy: art therapy is a therapy technique that uses arts of any kind to help a person with mental health conditions.

For example, when I serve salad or other dishes to my friends, I’m putting my mental health at a better state. I eliminate the risk of a mental breakdown or relapse. I feel good and functional. A high-quality diet plays a big role in your mental health, as well as a good cooking process. After a session, eat a good meal afterward to keep your brain healthy.

The Therapist

Armed only with my faith in my friend’s words, I went to set up a culinary therapy appointment with the recommended licensed mental health counselor. The woman I met looked like she was in her 50s. Being offered the choice to sit on the couch or the chair in front of her desk was already a massive plus for me. I thought, “Hmm, she’s nice.”

We exchanged pleasantries, and then the therapist allowed me to talk about how I felt during that individual session. Then, the first words that came out of her mouth afterward were, “Is there any activity that you hate doing because you find it tedious?” I didn’t know where the conversation was headed, but I replied, “Yes. Cooking.” And that’s where culinary therapy came into the discussion. Cooking somehow encourages me to have that secured self esteem, it focuses to address emotional feelings, and increases my sense of accomplishment.

The cooking therapist said, “Before I help you understand cooking therapy, I would love for you to start learning cooking arts first – particularly cooking first. Sometimes, it helps to make ourselves do things that we’re not used to. It can be a simple form of therapy.”

Then, the first words that came out of her mouth afterward were, “Is there any activity that you hate doing because you find it tedious?” I didn’t know where the conversation was headed, but I replied, “Yes. Cooking.”

Should I Cook Or Not?

I left the culinary therapist’s clinic with that question in mind about the culinary therapy. I still stand by my initial opinion of culinary therapy as a troublesome activity. I love to eat, but I don’t like cooking my food, or anything culinary.  My reason is that I can always buy ready-made stuff or order something from my favorite restaurant so I got doubts about culinary therapy.

Nevertheless, since cooking therapy was a mental health professional’s suggestion, I gave cooking a shot. I found a simple recipe online for pasta that merely asked for a few prep ingredients that I already had at home. It tasted bland, but the therapeutic experience wasn’t too bad. I tried making an omelet for my man the next day, and he praised me for it. I was happy to inform my therapist. I never thought culinary therapy can make such a difference.

I love to eat, but I don’t like cooking my meal, or anything culinary.  My reason is that I can always buy ready-made stuff or order something from my favorite restaurant so I got doubts about cooking therapy.

The more I engaged with the therapy, the more I managed to let go of my issues. When I went back to the therapist, she asked, “How are you?” I smiled and talked about how my life has changed since I started cooking. I gained self esteem. We still went through several cooking therapy session after that, but I knew that it would not have been possible if I didn’t listen to the therapist’s first individual’s personal recommendation, particularly this culinary art therapy.

According to the Chicago School, culinary therapy is a type of professional psychology similar to dance therapy and drama therapy. It uses the power of food and cooking to improve personal cultural and familial relationships with food, help people cope with psychological problems faced, and encourage mindful eating. It is based on the belief that the act of preparing at present moment and eating food can be fun and that the quality of our relationship with food reflects the quality of our lives.

Culinary therapy is a relatively new cultural field that uses the act of cooking mindfully and baking using the principles of gastronomy as a task or act to help persons heal moment-to-moment. The smell of cooked food has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of issues, from improving moods and managing stress to helping people with chronic illnesses. The research of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology on culinary therapy is still in its early stages, but the potential mental, emotional, and physical benefits are already evident in using arts, cooking, gastronomy, and more to create a therapeutic technique.

Source: flickr.com

Culinary Arts Therapy

With regards to treatment that is culinary-related, the thing I also find interesting is finding the best cookware for beginners. I have always been aware that there are different pots and pans for every dish, but I had no clue as to what to get for myself when I was starting out. I had no experience whatsoever in the culinary art. Arts? Cooking? Not my wheelhouse. In case you are in the same boat as I was, here are some tips for you as recommended by my therapist.

the culinary experience as therapy
Source: pixabay.com

Commonly Used Culinary Ware In Culinary Therapy

Skillet

Skillets are lifesavers when you wish to fry an omelet or meat without the extra oil. My brand of choice for this is Cuisinart because most of their pans are non-stick and therefore let me eat healthily. The one I currently use is the 12-inch Open Skillet with Helper Handle.

Dutch Oven

The Dutch Oven is a particular favorite in the culinary world. In culinary programs, it is used by seasoned cooks.

Lodge L8DD3 Double Dutch Oven

The Lodge L8DD3 Double Dutch Oven brings a lot of convenience to me every single time that my entire family comes over, and I have to cook for no less than 15 adults. Its size is incredible, as this can hold a large ham or turkey. Since the cast iron allows heat to be distributed evenly, anything I prepare with this over a campfire, a stovetop, or an oven is cooked so well. This has made my culinary journey even more exciting, and I am so grateful for its healing effects.

Since cast iron allows heat to be distributed evenly, anything I prepare with this over a campfire, a stovetop, or an oven is cooked so well. This has made my culinary journey even more exciting…

Final Thoughts On Using Cooking As Treatment For Mental Health Problems

Cooking, in my opinion, is a valid form of treatment that not everyone talks about. Even so, it helps with emotional and psychological problems and can also utilize an individual’s personal, cultural, and social history to create a therapeutic experience. They can even share with their family — a meal is a universal language to people. You should try culinary therapy if you still haven’t. It is an effective method that may not be common but is definitely worth your free time and effort.

Culinary therapy is such an interesting tool for your psychological well-being. It helps with boosting self-esteem, eliminates anxiety, assists mood problems, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Cooking So Calming?

Why is cooking good for mental health?

Can cooking cure depression?

How is cooking related to psychology?

Is cooking a stress reliever?

How is culinary therapy related to psychology?

What food is a natural antidepressant?

Is cooking a form of mindfulness?

What cognitive skills are needed for cooking?

What is culinary psychology?



Most Common Behavioral Problems Seen In ADHD

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Children who are diagnosed with ADHD are thought to many as having difficulty paying attention. According to Ari Tuckman, PsyD, “People with ADHD tend to feel and express their emotions more strongly.”  But most people – particularly parents – claim that behavior is a major dilemma as well. In fact, most parents think that behavior is a bigger problem than a lack of focus or concentration. Kids with ADHD may be quick to throw tantrums or they can be rebellious when they are asked to do something and they hate doing it. Families have consulted with psychologists about how to handle these behavioral problems, as some symptoms might not be direct because of the ADHD primarily but may be a result of the symptoms.

For instance, rebellion or disobedience is not a direct symptom of ADHD but is a result of the common ADHD symptom, which is the kid’s difficulty following tasks and instructions. These kids are easily bored so if they are given repetitive tasks, they may become restless. Also, tantrums may occur, as they are unable to handle their strong emotions, thus, they lash out.

Why Do They Act Out?

For parents and family members to better understand children with hyperactivity disorder, they must need to know about their history.

ADHD kids are innately inclined to be interested in the things that they aren’t supposed to do, and this is often why they argue or defy their parents. And because they are hyperactive and impulsive, they can’t stay put. They feel the need to stand up and check out the kitchen of your neighbor’s house where you’re spending dinner. Or they just go ahead and run around the park while you’re outdoors. The end result: a very stressed and worried parent. But know that they never intend to do that to you.

Emily Griffiths, LPC

Why Do They Throw Tantrums?

Children with ADHD find boring or repetitive activities quite difficult, particularly when they are asked to stop doing something that they want to do, like playing video games. This is why making their homework or sleeping early may be really challenging for some kids like them. As a consequence, they defy or throw tantrums. A psychologist says that if they do make an outburst and the likely result they get is a change in the task so that it will be easier for them, then the behavior tens to be repeated.

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Make sure to teach your child to practice self-love. Kirsten Brunner, MA, LPC says that “ Self-care is any activity or choice that allows a person to replenish, rejuvenate or reserve energy.”

Some Discipline Techniques May Not Be Effective

When children with ADHD develop certain negative patterns, the discipline technique that may work normally for others may not work for them. Losing one’s temper is one of those techniques. For a kid who doesn’t always misbehave, he is often affected by his parent’s raised voice. However, for a kid who habitually disobeys or rebels, yelling a lot may mean it’s the way all parents are. They’d think that people in their home or in school often yell at them, so why listen to them at all?

Additionally, punishing them may become less effective. If kids with ADHD are punished all the time, it won’t matter anymore. They’ll get used to the punishments and similarly feel that it’s how the world works.

Discipline Techniques That May Work

Hyperactive kids tend to listen when the instructions are clearer and more organized. Experts suggest that parents must help their kids determine which behaviors are unacceptable and which ones are. Praise and gratitude are among the most powerful discipline techniques that parents should practice. Establishing a positive relationship through these techniques, and showing more affection, understanding, and love will help break the negative emotions and reactions that hinder good behavior.

Clinicians have a term for this proactive kind of structuring, one which they call ‘scaffolding.’ Children who are having difficulty in managing their own behavior will do better in a family environment that is capable of helping them regulate their behavior externally. The parents provide this structure as a way of a model that kids ought to learn to develop and improve their character and minimize their negative behavioral patterns.

Source: flickr.com

Final Thoughts

For children with ADHD, there are actually prescription medications that can decrease their symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and decreased focus. Anti-psychotics such as Abilify and Risperdal are examples of these commonly used medications. However, even when they are taking medications, experts suggest that they should always be combined with parent training for best outcomes. Always remember that what you do as a parent is important. Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC says “Work is incredibly important but that is not the central focus of life. Your family, your social life, ability to parent, all of those are incredibly important.”



How Acne Impacts One’s Mental Health

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When you have blemishes or acne, it can be very frustrating. It’s not supposed to, but, yes, it is. Perhaps because they appeared at a bad time, or because there are too many that came at the same time, or maybe because you feel like you’re just too imperfect to still have acne at this time and age. Whatever your reason, the truth is that acne definitely affects our emotions, thoughts, and ultimately our physical and mental health – the impact is skin-deep. Continue reading 



5 Ways To Take Good Care of Your Health

Caring for your health, both physical and mental, must always be your number one priority. Take note that failure to do this can have adverse effects on your part. As such, it is crucial to follow the necessary tips and tricks that will help you live a healthier and fit lifestyle. Keep in mind that you have to start today so that you will not have a hard time adjusting to all the things that you have to do to accomplish your goal of becoming fit and healthy.

 

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In this article, we are going to provide you with the list of top strategies that you must do if you want to become healthier than ever. Remember that the focus is not only concerning your physical condition but also to your mental state. Kendra Kubala, PsyD said “A simple but often overlooked question to ask is: “Would you like to stop engaging in this behavior?” It means that you must work hard to continue improving these two aspects of health. Here are some of the tips and tricks to remember:

 

Listen To Your Body

 

As much as possible, do not ignore everything that you feel in your body. Whenever you think that something is wrong, make sure to take the necessary steps to clarify what it is. Do not just sit in the corner and wait for your health to deteriorate. Remember that the secret to having a healthier body is to avoid exhausting yourself. Whenever you start to notice that you are always tired or sleepy, then look at it as an indication that you have to rest. Avoid depriving yourself of the break it needs, especially in stressful situations. Karen Mallin, PsyD says “The link between skin and stress is becoming better understood in the medical community. Psychodermatology is a field that addresses the impact of an individual’s emotion as it relates to the skin.”

 

Eat Right At All Times

 

Being fit does not mean skipping on essential meals of the day. What you need to remember at this point is the significance of knowing the right foods for you. Keep in mind that it is still possible to eat many times a day as long as you know your food intake. Never make the mistake of choosing food items that are high in cholesterol, fat, and sugar. The best option for you is to read the food labels before buying the items or eating them. In so doing, you can help your body become fitter and healthier.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Get Enough Sleep

 

Did you know that severe lack of sleep can affect both your physical and mental health? If you have insufficient sleep every night, then it would be difficult for you to get on with the entire day. You will experience challenges in staying awake and focus for days because your mind would wander to someplace else. At the same time, it can also prevent you from becoming productive since a big part of your body wants to hibernate. As such, be sure to get enough sleep every night. Follow a strict bedtime schedule and avoid bringing gadgets in your bed so that you can sleep earlier.

 

Be With The Right People

 

Another significant thing that you must take note of is the value of finding the right people in your life. You always have to remind yourself that there is no need to beg anyone for love and affection. You deserve to be with the people who will respect and accept you for who you are. Remember that being with toxic individuals can only increase anxiety and stress in your life. If this situation continues to happen for a long time, then there is a good chance that you will suffer from it until you develop other mental health problems or physical illnesses. Be happy. Take note that Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD says “Sadness over loss is not depression. Grief must be experienced, not stifled or medicated. The misconception is that grieving should be brief, not too obvious, and quickly dispensed with.”

 

Make Exercise A Part Of Your Routine

 

The last tip or strategy to keep in mind is to exercise regularly. It does not mean that you have to go to the gym every single day. Take note that it is still possible to be physically active when you are just at home. You can always try home exercises that you can download from smartphone apps or watch via online video channels. All you need to do is to allocate at least thirty minutes of your time to be active. Once exercise or physical activities become part of your daily routine, your body will start to crave for sweat. Eventually, you will end up having the desired weight, which is perfect for your age and height.

 

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Being healthy is not just about joining the latest trends in the health and fitness industry. It is more about who you want to become and how you want others to see you. Keep going!

 

 

 



Family-Centered And Child-Inclusive Divorce

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Kim Bowen, LPC says “Marriage is risky business. Divorce is a real threat to EVERYONE who says “I do.”

A broken family is one of the primary reasons that could impact a child’s development as they grow older. We can only count on two results, negative and positive but never the neutral. For some, the separation of their parents might be one of the driving factors to become a better person and learn from their mistakes. But on the other side of the fence, the effect is too devastating and unbearable. We can never empathize with these situations unless you are a product of such circumstances; however, there are professionals out there who specialize in these cases (for therapy) and could help both of the parties involved in the divorce process which mainly includes the child. Pat Skinner, LPC says “When a biological parent finds a new partner, the children are often expected to show love and respect for that new partner right away”

Continue reading 



Family Issues That Cause Mental Illness

It’s understandable that a lot of us are carrying tons of issues with our family that we want to get rid of our chest. However, the process of confronting these vital individuals is a bit complicated, especially when they assume that you are trying to overreact only to grab their attention. Some would accuse you of trying to get too emotional only for recognition. A family member might say that you’re too crazy for having wrong and ridiculous thoughts. With that said, they don’t understand the struggle of wanting someone to be there in times of sorrow and pain.

Source: wikimedia.org

Continue reading 



Social Anxiety Disorder – The Things You Need To Know

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you don’t do anything but all of a sudden you feel the pressure of anxiety? You feel like your heart is raising so fast, your mind starts to black out, and you experience uneasiness in your chest and stomach. And the more you fight it, the more badly it gets. So from there, you start thinking about stuff because you don’t want other people to notice you being anxious. You struggle in remaining cool. Your anxiety gets triggered due to the negative limiting beliefs. It reads social situations as something that either puts you off-guard or in an alert mode.

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According to Christina Furnival, LPCC, “When we are anxious our bodies and brains can enter ‘fight or flight’ mode, leaving us to feel on edge with a small frustration-tolerance window.”

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

When you see the anxiety in the situation you are in, especially in front of a lot of people, you begin to filter a possible danger. There’s a hyper-alert that’s going on in your brain because you think that at any moment, something terrible might happen. Things like embarrassing yourself, worries about other people’s criticisms, and different unavoidable scenarios that put you in a state where you can no longer function. All of these social anxiety signs are the result of the brain’s activated survival response called the fight-flight-freeze response. It pumps the adrenaline through your veins, it rushes blood away from your head, your throat tightens up, and it upsets your digestive system out to your outer limbs.

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Technically, when fight-flight-freeze response gets activated, it puts your whole over-all function in survival mode. It makes you choose between hiding and running from the dangers of what your mind interprets. So when anxiety seems to be the problem you are trying to get rid of, it’s entirely not the real issue, or at least not the only thing that you need to worry about. The real underlying problem is the unsafe environment and social situations that your subconscious inputs in your head. And because it sees danger everywhere, you automatically respond with anxiety symptoms.

John R. Montopoli, LMFT, LPCC says “Be gentle with yourself. Remember the famous saying, “it’s progress, not perfection.” Keeping with these skills will help reduce brooding and post-event rumination.”

Anxiety In Social Situations

Since social anxiety is the result of the mind’s firing-up from danger, the effort in focusing alone on removing it won’t work at all. Therefore, the only action you can do is deal with what activates the fight-flight-freeze response. There’s a need to put the subconscious mind in focus of diversion. It needs to think differently and believe that there’s no danger in social situations. Because when the mind believes that you are safe in any social setting, there’s going to be no trace of anxiety symptoms.

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The mind reacts through these limiting beliefs that activate the fight-flight-freeze response which mainly brings anxiety. So to be able to change that perception of harmful elements in your head, there must be neutralization of the limiting beliefs. By thinking that you are unique, you accept yourself, that you are more than good enough, and people can like you, you’ll genuinely attract the positive thoughts. And once you finally neutralize the compilation of your negative limiting beliefs, the subconscious mind sees you safe from the social environment.

Make sure to be around the right people. According to Marni Goldberg, LPC, “However, again, being around people who care about you is a valuable source of support.”

 




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