9 Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions

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The new year can sometimes be difficult for people experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. There are plenty of potential reasons why the new year might trigger disorders or even more severe episodes, such as manic bipolar episodes. Before we get into the mental health New Year’s Resolutions, here are some common reasons you might be struggling.

  1. Expectations: The new year is often associated with high expectations and the pressure to make resolutions and achieve goals. This can be overwhelming and may even lead to feelings of failure or disappointment.
  2. Loneliness: The holiday season can be a time of increased social activity, but once the holiday season is over, people may feel lonely and isolated.
  3. Financial stress: The holiday season can be financially stressful, and the start of the new year may bring financial concerns such as credit card bills and budgeting.
  4. Cold weather: The winter months can be tough for some people due to the colder weather, shorter days, and lack of sunlight, which can contribute to feelings of sadness and depression.
  5. Relationship strain: Holidays could mean family gatherings (or friends). With all the above things in mind, these gatherings have the potential to be relationship napalm. This can mean you are starting the new year on shaky psychological ground.
  6. Substance abuse: Holidays are often when we let loose a little and use drugs or alcohol to higher levels. This alone can present problems, but if it means a relapse for a person with a substance use disorder, the aftermath will be broad.

9 Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions

The first thing to remember is to set realistic goals. Whatever you decide to concentrate on for your mental health new year’s resolutions, make them achievable and specific. This will help you stay motivated and avoid disappointment or failure. Here are 9 resolutions to consider and decide what works for you.

1. Stay Positive

Focusing on the positive things in your life can help to improve your mood and overall well-being. Make a list of things you’re grateful for, and incorporate more positive thinking into your daily routine.

2. Reflect

The new year is a great time to reflect on the past year and to think about what you’d like to focus on moving forward. Take time to journal or meditate on your goals and priorities for the new year.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is not about clearing your mind of all thoughts or reaching a state of enlightenment. It is about developing a new relationship with your thoughts and emotions, observing them rather than getting caught up in them. This can involve setting aside time each day to focus on your breath, thoughts, and feelings.

4. Practice Self-care

Taking care of yourself is vital for your overall well-being. Make sure to prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

5. Set Boundaries

Learn to say “no” when you need to and prioritize your well-being.

6. Practice Gratitude

Make a conscious effort to focus on the things you are grateful for in your life.

7. Connect With Others

Make an effort to spend time with friends and loved ones, and consider joining a support group or club.

8. Seek Out New Experiences

Stepping outside of your comfort zone can help boost your mood and confidence.

9. Seek Support

If you’re struggling with sadness or depression, it’s important to reach out for support. Talk to a friend or family member, or consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

Going Beyond New Year’s Resolutions

Resolutions are always a good start. But there are times when we should look deeper than making lifestyle tweaks at the beginning of the year.

There are several reasons someone might need an outpatient or partial hospitalization program for mental health.

They may be experiencing severe symptoms that require more intensive treatment to manage, or they may have tried resolutions before—even other forms of treatment that have not been effective. PHPs can also be helpful for people who are transitioning from inpatient treatment to regular outpatient care, as they can provide a higher level of support and structure during this time.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient mental health programs provide structured treatment for people with mental health conditions. PHP programs typically involve a full day of treatment, several days a week, and are designed to provide a high level of support and structure while allowing people to continue living at home.

PHP programs can be helpful for a variety of reasons. Here are a few:

Structure: PHP programs provide a structured daily schedule of treatment activities, which can benefit people struggling to manage their symptoms.

Support: PHP programs provide a high level of support from mental health professionals and peers, which can be helpful for people who are working to make positive changes in their lives.

Skills building: PHP programs often teach skills and strategies for managing mental health symptoms and improving overall well-being. This can include skills such as stress management, communication, and problem-solving.

Continuity of care: PHP programs provide ongoing treatment, which can help ensure that people continue to progress and maintain the skills and coping strategies they have learned.

Call our admissions team today to learn more about our specialized mental health program at Lido Wellness Center.

Holiday Blues and “Christmas Depression”: What Is It?

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It’s supposed to be the time of year where everyone and everything is cheerful, right? Says that are merry and bright. The most wonderful time of the year! Tis the season to be jolly. There’s no place like home for the holidays.

It begs the question: why are so many people sad during the holidays? If you are feeling sad during the holiday season, you are not alone.

Christmas depression, also known as the “holiday blues,” is a type of depression that some people experience during the holiday season. This can be due to various factors, including increased stress, financial worries, and feelings of loneliness, loss, or isolation.

Some people may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to have a perfect holiday or they may be dealing with the lasting devastation of losing a loved one. There may be relationship problems or work-related stress.

For many reasons, the holiday season can be tough. This is something that is felt my many people around the world.

When Are the Holiday Blues More Than Sadness?

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It’s a natural response to life events such as losing a loved one, breaking up, or disappointment. Sadness is a passing emotion that comes and goes, and people can usually cope with it and move on.

Depression, on the other hand, is a more severe and persistent form of sadness. It’s a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Depression can also cause physical symptoms, such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. And it may require depression disorder treatment in Newport Beach.

What Causes “Christmas Depression”?

Depression can be severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to carry out their daily activities and can last for weeks, months, or even years. It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of depression that are persistent and interfere with your daily life.

Sometimes the holidays are enough to make a person aware of a depression that has been in their life for a while. Here are some common causes of depression.

  1. Genetics: Depression can run in families, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
  2. Brain chemistry: Depression may be caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit messages in the brain.
  3. Environmental factors: Stressful life events, such as a loss or trauma, can trigger depression. Even the difficulties that come with the holiday season can be an environmental trigger.
  4. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as a thyroid disorder or cancer, can cause depression.
  5. Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug abuse can contribute to depression. And the holidays are often trigger events for people with substance use disorders. Relapse may occur and this can contribute to depression and a dangerous cycle of drug use.

It’s important to note that depression is not a sign of weakness, and it’s not something that a person can simply “snap out of.” If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

CBT Treatment Options for Depression or Christmas Depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is often used to treat depression because it can help people to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to their depression.

During CBT for depression, a therapist will work with the individual to identify their negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, and the world around them. They will then help them challenge these thoughts and beliefs and to replace them with more realistic and positive ones.

CBT for depression may also involve teaching the individual coping skills and strategies for managing stress and negative emotions. This may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and strategies for improving social support and communication.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be done in a one-on-one or group setting, even on Zoom or over the phone. The number of sessions needed will depend on the severity of the individual’s symptoms and their progress in therapy. CBT sessions are typically held weekly and may last 30-60 minutes.

TMS for Christmas Depression

Something you might not have thought about or even heard of before is something called TMS.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is typically used as a treatment option for people who have not responded to other forms of depression treatment, such as medication and therapy.

During a TMS treatment for Christmas depression, a device is placed against the person’s scalp, and it generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field activates the neurons in the targeted area of the brain, which can help to improve symptoms of depression. If you are interested in TMS treatment for depression in Newport Beach, CA, Lido Wellness Center can help.

If you’re experiencing Christmas depression, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that it’s okay to seek help.

Many resources are available to support you, including therapy, support groups, EMDR, and outpatient mental health treatment. If you think you need help with your depression, call us today. Our team can explain all these options and help you decide the best route for your wellness.

The Types of Bipolar Disorder

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What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by dramatic emotional swings. The swings can include—without warning—depression, anger, anxiety, paranoia, and bouts of mania that can last for weeks or months. This condition can interfere with interpersonal relationships and daily responsibilities.

An example of a bipolar experience could be when a person experiences a manic episode—they feel thrilled, energetic, and productive. They may have racing thoughts, might be easily distracted, and possibly engage in impulsive or risky behavior. They may also have difficulty sleeping and may chatter quickly.

This may be followed by a period of depression—very low, hopeless, and exhausted. They may have difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is likely to last a lifetime. At worst, symptoms of bipolar disorder can bring on suicidal thoughts, self-harm, unwanted thoughts, and a loss of touch with reality that can lead to suicide. While the high-and-low episodes can cause havoc in a person’s life, there are often recognizable bipolar disorder triggers that can be managed.

However, bipolar disorder is a treatable condition. There are several effective options available. Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication and therapy.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, but 4 main ones including bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I

Bipolar I is the most common and often surfaces in teens and young adults, with most developing the disorder before the age of 50. Those with bipolar one have experienced at least one emotionally elevated manic episode that can induce psychosis, followed by one low depressive episode.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II involves at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, a milder version that lasts a few days instead of weeks. Those with bipolar II usually never experience a manic episode.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is rare and an outlier from Bipolar I and II. It is considered a category, as hypomanic and depressive episodes are less stringent than those of major depression and bipolar disorder. In adults, it involves at least two years of several hypomanic and less severe depressive symptoms and at least one year in teens. Symptoms can be chronic, vary throughout a person’s lifetime, and may increase aggression.

Unspecified Bipolar Disorder

Unspecified bipolar disorder is most akin to cyclothymic disorder but does not meet the criteria of the previous types enough to be official. Those who suspect it reports having experienced bipolar symptoms at some point in their lives. Yet, unspecified bipolar symptoms parallel the others and tend to follow less of a pattern.

Getting Help for All Types of Bipolar Disorder in Newport Beach

Outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder, available at Lido Wellness Center, typically involves attending therapy sessions and taking medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Outpatient treatment can provide support and structure for people with bipolar and can help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health.

Outpatient mental health treatment can include a variety of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help people with bipolar disorder to better understand and manage their symptoms. Therapy can also provide a supportive environment in which people with bipolar disorder can work through any challenges they may be facing and develop coping strategies.

In addition to therapy, medication can also be an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed to help control the extreme mood swings and other symptoms of bipolar disorder. These medications can help to prevent manic and depressive episodes and can make them less severe when they do occur.

Overall, outpatient mental health treatment can be an effective way to manage bipolar disorder. Call our experienced team at Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

Trauma Treatment Center in Orange County

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Trust the Best Trauma Treatment Center in Orange County

In life, sudden or repeated events can occur that can create mental disorders for some people. Exposure to these experiences can cause thoughts, feelings, and emotions that significantly affect an individual’s normalcy.

These conditions are known as trauma and stress-related disorders. If a person suffers from these diseases, the wisest thing to do is to seek specialized help at a top trauma treatment center in Orange County, such as Lido Wellness Center. You should learn more about these conditions so that you will know if you or a loved one requires PTSD and trauma treatment.

What Are Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders?

They are negative psychological reactions that occur in an individual after exposure to a particular event. The event may be sudden, such as a death, accident, or natural disaster, or repeated, such as physical abuse or violence. In the case of the latter, the traumatized person is not necessarily the victim, but witnessing these violent acts causes trauma that severely affects their life.

What is the Cause of the Disorder?

Actually, the event itself does not cause trauma, since two people can witness or live the same situation and one can be affected and the other not. The psychological condition is generated by the individual’s perception of the event, which is usually one of helplessness or vulnerability. The more unprotected or vulnerable the person feels, the greater the impact, and therefore the more severe the psychological condition.

Types of Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders

  1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): an event can be frightening, causing the feeling that the world is not safe. The person may relive it in dreams and nightmares, or when experiencing similar situations. Requires a PTSD treatment program.
  2. Adjustment disorders: the person reacts emotionally or behaviorally to a life-changing event, such as a move, death, or separation. Causes high levels of stress or depression, and needs support from one of the top trauma and PTSD treatment centers.
  3. Acute stress disorder (ASD): occurs within the first four weeks of exposure to a traumatic event and can cause anxiety, intense fear, helplessness, or re-experiencing the event.
  4. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD): occurs when an infant or child does not develop stable attachments to primary caregivers. The child has trouble controlling their emotions and is extremely fearful of their parents or guardians.
  5. Disinhibited social engagement disorder: occurs in children who have difficulty forming emotional attachments with others. They are outgoing and friendly, but the interpersonal relationships they form are short-lived.

Symptoms of  Trauma

Different symptoms may vary from one individual to another, but in general, the person tends to be unfocused, has trouble sleeping or has nightmares, suffers from depression, has feelings of guilt, has drastic changes of mood, has anxiety, panic, stress, hypersensitivity, exhaustion, or muscle tension, among others.

Several types of therapy can help treat trauma disorders, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to their symptoms.

Exposure therapy involves helping individuals confront and work through their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapy that uses eye movements, or other forms of bilateral stimulation, to help individuals process and resolve their traumatic memories.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a therapy that teaches individuals skills to help them regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and manage stress more effectively.

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CB helps people who have experienced trauma. It combines elements of CBT with other interventions to help individuals process their traumatic experiences and develop coping skills.

It’s important to note that different types of therapy may be more or less effective for different individuals, and it may take some trial and error to find the right approach for you. Working with a trained mental health professional with experience in treating trauma disorders is also essential.

Count on LIDO Wellness Trauma Center

If you’re looking for the leading trauma & PTSD treatment in Orange County, you’re in the right place. At Lido Wellness Center you will find the best team of professionals, the best trauma treatment facilities, and the best therapeutic methodologies to successfully overcome any of these conditions. Call us to learn more about our mental health treatment services.