Lexapro Side Effects

/in

In the rollercoaster ride that is mental health, finding the right treatment can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – at night, without a flashlight. Enter Lexapro, a prominent medication in the world of antidepressants. But, as with any medication, it’s a bit of a dance—one step forward, two steps back, and occasionally stepping on your own feet.

What Is Lexapro For?

Lexapro is sometimes referred to as the sunshine pill.

Lexapro, known by its scientific name, escitalopram, is primarily used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Wit does this by helping restore the balance of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. This is why some say it’s like a ray of sunshine in pill form.

The Good: Effectiveness

For many, Lexapro does a fantastic job of turning down the volume on life’s worries and woes. It can be the difference between lying in bed, staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., and actually getting a good night’s sleep. When it works, it can feel like the clouds parting after a relentless storm.

The Other Side: Potential Lexapro Side Effects

When you start a mental health medication like Lexapro, it can sometimes feel like a yo-yo with your mood and personality. One important approach when dealing with Lexapro side effects is to remember: take it slow.

So, why are there physical Lexapro side effects? It’s like throwing a new ingredient into a complex system—the body needs time to adjust. Lexapro works by tweaking the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that influences our mood, sleep, and appetite. When you adjust it, our body needs time to catch up. Here are a few Lexapro side effects you might encounter (of course each person is unique and you should never take Lexapro without the guidance of a medical doctor).

1. Nausea

First up, nausea. This happens because serotonin has a further reach than just the brain; it’s also in the gut. When you mess with serotonin levels, the gut feels it and sometimes responds with nausea.

2. Headaches and Dizziness

Then there are the headaches and dizziness. Your brain is used to a certain serotonin rhythm, and Lexapro changes that tune. Your brain needs a moment to adjust to the new levels.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances come next. Serotonin is like the conductor of your sleep-wake cycle. These disturbances are most likely the brain trying to synchronize with the new rhythm.

4. Sexual Side Effects

And then, the delicate topic of sexual side effects. Serotonin plays a role in sexual function, so when you adjust its levels, it can lead side effects in the bedroom. They might include decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.

It Takes Time

But here’s the good news: it gets smoother time. Most of these side effects are the body’s initial reaction to a new influence. Over time, as the body gets used to the new rhythm, these effects often move to the background.

Remember, starting Lexapro is a step in your mental health journey. Always stay in close touch with your healthcare provider, be patient with your body’s response, and don’t forget the power of therapy.

Counseling and Programs

Medication like Lexapro can be a fantastic support, but it’s rarely the most important part of your mental health treatment. It’s best paired with some form of therapy or counseling – because let’s face it, a pill can’t teach you how work through life’s challenges or guide you through your trauma.

Therapy is where you learn how to navigate your mind, to understand your patterns, and to change your behaviors. It’s where you get to talk, cry, and even laugh about the things that weigh you down. Medication can help lift the fog, but therapy is where you learn to navigate through it.

Call Lido Wellness

If you are taking Lexapro or if you’re contemplating starting, you may want to talk to us about supporting your medication with IOP or outpatient therapy. Call us today for a free consultation: 949-541-8466.

 

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder

/in

Once upon a time, in a land of social media and reality TV, the word “narcissist” started getting thrown around with surprising frequency. But Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) isn’t just a TV trope or being selfie-obsessed or having a slightly inflated ego. It’s more like living in a hall of mirrors where every reflection is a distorted version of reality. And it is an actual personality disorder that should be treated as one.

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

So, what does NPD look like? It’s not just about loving your reflection a bit too much. People with NPD often have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. But beneath this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

Imagine a friend who not only thinks they’re the life of the party but also gets offended if not everyone agrees. Or a partner who seems charming and confident but can’t handle you disagreeing with them. It’s like walking on eggshells, except the eggshells have egos.

The Causes of NPD: It’s Complicated

Narcissistic Personality Disorder doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It’s more complex, more nuanced.

Let’s start at the beginning. Family. It’s where we learn to love, to bond, and apparently, where some of us learn to fall a little too in love with ourselves. For some, the story of NPD begins with parenting that’s extreme one way or another—either too hot or too cold.

On one hand, you have excessive pampering. Think of a child treated not just as special, but so special that the sun might as well rise and set just for them. On the other hand, there’s excessive criticism—never being good enough, always being compared to someone better.

In both cases, the message is warped. The child learns that love and worth are tied to achievements, appearances, or pleasing others—a recipe for a fragile ego dressed up as a giant ego.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Emotional Trauma

Sometimes, NPD stems from emotional trauma. This could be abuse, neglect, or even just unpredictable parental care. It’s like the child puts on armor to protect themselves, and this armor is made of narcissistic traits. It’s a way of saying, “I’ll never let myself be vulnerable again.”

It reveals a need for control, the lack of empathy, the sense of superiority – it’s all a way to shield that inner, wounded self.

Nature’s Role

Genetics can play a part, as well. While there’s no “narcissism gene” per se, personality traits do have a way of being passed down the genetic highway. So, if you’re thinking, “Well, Uncle Joe always did love a mirror,” there might be something to that.

Society and Culture

Lastly, let’s talk about the world we live in. A society that often rewards self-promotion, material success, and personal achievement can be a breeding ground for narcissistic traits. It’s like adding fertilizer to our narcissism seed—it just helps it grow all the more.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment

There’s no magic pill, but there’s hope.

Treating NPD isn’t like fixing a broken arm. There’s no cast you can put on someone’s personality. But there is therapy – and it doesn’t involve sitting in a room surrounded by mirrors. Treatment typically involves talk therapy (psychotherapy). It’s about gently challenging the person’s belief systems, exploring the reasons behind their behaviors, and teaching them better ways to relate to others.

It’s not a quick fix. Change requires the person to first acknowledge there’s a problem, which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a Catch-22 when it comes to narcissism. But with patience, persistence, and professional help, people with NPD can develop healthier ways of understanding themselves and relating to others.

NPD and Getting Help

Narcissistic Personality Disorder isn’t a fairy tale; it is a legitimate personality disorder, and it doesn’t have a magical ending. But understanding and treatment can lead to a better life—not just for those with NPD, but for everyone around them.

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, reach out for help. It might not be a journey filled with rainbows and butterflies, but it’s a journey worth taking. After all, the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves—and sometimes, that relationship needs a bit of professional help.

More questions? Call Lido Wellness Center a call at 949-541-8466. Nestled in Newport Beach, our program is all about understanding and healing, not just pointing fingers. It’s a safe space to untangle the knots, one gentle pull at a time. Remember, seeking help isn’t a weakness; it’s the bravest thing you can do.

IOP Treatment Newport Beach

/in

Here at LIDO Wellness Center, we offer an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for mental health in our Newport Beach Facility. Our mission is to educate families and those struggling with mental health. If you have any questions about our IOP treatment in Newport Beach, here is a list of frequently asked questions about our services.

What is IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program is a treatment program that provides education, group therapy, skill-building, and family support. Here at LIDO Wellness Center, our program offers professional care, counseling, and peer support that allows our patients to keep their daily routines and live at home.

How can an IOP help me?

Intensive outpatient programs can help you in several ways. It provides a safe and secure environment that prevents further damage and develops a plan to cope with crises. Besides that, you will receive more extended care and be exposed to more treatments to help you cope with your health problems.

How do I know if an Intensive outpatient program is right for me?

An intensive outpatient program is not the right level of care if you are unsafe and pose a risk of danger to yourself or the people around you. If you feel moderate to severe symptoms and have difficulties functioning, IOP might not be the right level of care. However, if you are feeling mild to moderate symptoms and can function without problems, IOP might probably be the right level of care for you.

What happens after IOP?

After completing the intensive outpatient program, we’ll always check our patients for the first few months. We strive to support the progress of all our patients. You can easily opt out if you don’t want us to reach you. However, we strongly encourage continued contact from our health care professional since it’s linked to positive improvements.

Does insurance cover IOP?

Most insurance plans now cover mental health disorder treatment. Here at LIDO Wellness Center, we’ll help you determine the out-of-pocket cost once we have your insurance plan information if your provider doesn’t cover the service. We can also help you arrange a flexible payment plan if you have a large deductible.

Do you only work with patients in Newport Beach?

We see many folks in Newport Beach and the surrounding area. Our medical professionals are always ready and available to help you; it doesn’t matter where you are from, provided you can access our Newport Beach facility.

How do I get started with IOP treatment?

Getting started with Newport Beach IOP treatment is very simple. We only need your full name, address, phone number, date of birth, and insurance plan information. We’ll review some information with you during your appointment and collect your medical history.

We schedule most treatment sessions in the morning and afternoon. If our schedule doesn’t work for you, we will try to accommodate yours.

To get started with our IOP treatment in Newport Beach, please get in touch with us at 949-541-8466.

Dissecting Nomophobia and Mental Health

/in

Have you ever felt that tiny heart attack when you can’t find your phone in your bag, or when the battery icon turns red? Welcome to the club of Nomophobia – yes, that’s an actual term now. It stands for “no-mobile-phone phobia.” It sounds like something out of a modern-day Dickens novel. But this is where we are, glued to our little screens as if they were life support.

Nomophobia Symptoms

First, let’s diagnose the problem. Do you feel anxious, restless, or downright panicky when you’re away from your phone? Does the thought of being unreachable or missing out on social media updates make you sweat more than a hot yoga class? If your phone is your security blanket, and losing it feels like losing a part of yourself, you might be experiencing Nomophobia.

It’s Okay, We’re All a Bit Weird Here

We’re living in an age where being phone-less feels like being stranded on a deserted island. When we leave our phone at home, we end up spending the whole day twitching like a squirrel on espresso.

But what if this clingy relationship with our phones is more than just a bad habit? What if it’s entwined with other anxieties and disorders? Here are some ways that nomophobia could overlap with various mental health issues.

Nomophobia and Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are like that background noise that never quite goes away. Add Nomophobia to the mix, and it’s like turning up the volume on a bad song. If you’re already prone to anxiety, the constant need for digital reassurance can be like fuel to a fire. Every buzz could be a potential crisis, or worse, no buzzes could mean you’re being ignored or there’s an apocalypse happening and you’re the last to know.

Nomophobia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

For those with OCD tendencies, the phone becomes a ritual. Check the news, scroll through social media, check the news again—it’s a loop that feels impossible to break. It’s like having a mental itch you can’t stop scratching. The fear of missing out (FOMO) or the need for constant updates can turn your phone into a digital pacifier.

Depression and Phones

Let’s talk about depression. It’s that heaviest of blanket that makes it hard to get out of bed. In the paradoxical world of depression, your phone can be both a window and a prison. It connects you to the world, but also amplifies the feeling of isolation. Seeing others’ curated lives can make your own world look grey. Nomophobia adds to this by making you fear disconnection, even when connection feels painful. Here are more ways social media affects our mental health.

Nomophobia and Social Anxiety

For those with social anxiety, the phone can be a safe harbor. It’s a way to be present without the terror of actual interaction. But this harbor can turn into a trap. The fear of real-life interactions grows, and the phone becomes a crutch you can’t put down. Nomophobia in this case is the fear of losing your shield against the world.

More Than Just Turning Off Your Phone

Treating this tangle of Nomophobia and other mental health issues isn’t as simple as going on a digital detox (though it’s not a bad start). It’s about addressing the underlying issues. Therapy, support groups, mindfulness—these are your tools. And humor, let’s not forget humor. Sometimes, you have to laugh at the absurdity of being held hostage by a device that fits in your hand.

Nomophobia Treatment

Treating Nomophobia doesn’t mean throwing your phone into the ocean. It’s about finding balance. Start by setting boundaries—maybe declare one meal a day as a phone-free zone. Watch how the world doesn’t end when you don’t instantly respond to a text.

Mindfulness and meditation can also help. Sit quietly for a few minutes each day, just breathing and being. Notice how your thoughts are like hyperactive puppies, and gently guide them back when they start running towards thoughts of your phone.

If all else fails, humor is a great medicine. Laugh at the absurdity of feeling attached to a tiny, beeping gadget. Write a break-up letter to your phone. Go wild—creativity is your ally.

It’s a Journey

Remember, dealing with Nomophobia is a process. You’ll have good days and bad days, like with any addiction. Yes, addiction—let’s call a spade a spade. But with patience, humor, and a few mindful practices, you can learn to see your phone as just a tool, not a lifeline.

If your phone feels like an extra limb and you’re nodding along to everything you’ve read, it’s time for a chat. Call us at Lido Wellness Center: 949-541-8466. Located in Newport Beach, we offer an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that understands the tightrope walk of modern life and mental health. It’s not about giving up your phone; it’s about finding balance.