Count on the Top Mental Health Treatment Center in Newport Beach

Anxiety is an innate human condition, which is part of adaptive biology, that generates feelings of fear, dread, or uneasiness in a variety of situations. Feelings and emotions generated by anxiety may include discomfort, or feelings of threat.

Although this is a human condition, anxiety can get out of control in some people, causing different disorders, and emotional, social, and family problems. In such cases, the wisest thing to do is to seek anxiety treatment at a top mental health treatment center in Newport Beach. You should know more about anxiety disorders so that you will know if you or someone you love requires professional assistance.

What Are the Top-5 Major Anxiety Disorders?

1. Generalized Anxiety: people experience persistent feelings or worries about general issues, such as the economy. They live with a constant feeling that something bad is going to happen. These fears and worries are very real for these people, and prevent them from functioning normally.
2. Panic Disorder: This condition involves sudden feelings of terror and dread. The feelings are very intense and unprovoked, and sufferers tend to develop phobias towards different situations or things. Many times they even limit their activities simply by avoiding the next panic episode, which may require anxiety and depression treatment.
3. Phobias: this is a marked or uncontrollable fear of particular things or situations. People may develop specific phobias, such as towards an animal, heights, enclosed spaces, or situations such as flying in an airplane. Individuals may also have social phobias that have to do with being in certain places or social situations.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: this condition includes a series of persistent feelings, thoughts, or emotions (obsessions). These are uncontrollable and unwanted, and in many cases, these thoughts are accompanied by routines or rituals (compulsions) that people do to free themselves from them. Most anxiety disorder treatment centers provide support for this condition.
5. Trauma Anxiety: Many people suffer from physical or emotional trauma, which generates high levels of uncontrolled anxiety. These can be sudden events, such as an accident or natural disaster, or repeated situations such as abuse or violence.

Why Is it Important to Treat Anxiety?

It is essential to get help from a leading mental health treatment center when it becomes chronic. Keep in mind that a chronic anxiety disorder is much more than feelings of panic or stress. People with a sudden panic attack can suffer heart attacks, for example. Most people who suffer from anxiety have problems in some areas of their lives, such as family, work, or social life. In the most severe cases, despair can lead to a person attempting thei own life.

Get Help at the Best Mental Health Treatment Center

If you or someone you love suffers from anxiety disorders, we are here to help. LIDO Wellness Center is the premier mental health treatment center in Newport Beach, with the best professionals, the best anxiety, depression, and detox treatment programs, and the best facilities to help you regain your wellness. Call us to learn more about our mental health treatment services.

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.

The term “high-functioning Autism” is not a clinical one in use anymore. It once was more common, and some people still use it as a way to help themselves have a deeper understanding of the broad spectrum of autism. All that said, we will use it in this article to refer to someone who seems to have fewer apparent communication and behavioral difficulties than someone with severe autism symptoms.

For those with high functioning autism, the colors and patterns of their processing approach to the world may differ from the typical, but the beauty of their story remains undeniable. Here we will explore the world of high functioning autism and mental health, with a look at the importance (or effectiveness) of counseling for autism and the support that can truly make a difference.

Understanding the Intersection of Autism and Mental Health

Autism and Mental Health: These two facets of human existence often intertwine in intricate and unexpected ways. To truly comprehend the significance of mental health help for individuals with high-functioning autism, we have to unlock a some of the unique challenges they may face.

The Silent Struggle

It is difficult to keep from generalizing in looking at this topic. So there will be a bit of that. However, individuals with high functioning autism often grapple with heightened sensitivity to their environment, social challenges, and a profound desire for routine and predictability.

This combination might not even be apparent to those on the outside. Many people with less severe symptoms of autism have learned their needs and may even have an understanding where it may clash with social situations. But that doesn’t mean they don’t feel it. Sometimes this disparity between how they process the world and the unpredictability of situations can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Many individuals with high functioning autism employ a practice known as “masking” to navigate social situations. This involves concealing how they might feel about certain situations to fit into social norms. While masking can be a valuable coping mechanism, it can come at a cost, leading to exhaustion, burnout, and a degree of stress.

Statistics of Interest:

• According to research, autistic individuals who frequently engage in masking behaviors are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues.
• The prolonged use of masking techniques can lead to a phenomenon known as “autistic burnout.”

Counseling for Autism: A Beacon of Hope

In the journey toward mental well-being, counseling for autism emerges as a powerful option. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through the fog, counseling provides a steady and reliable source of support for individuals with high functioning autism. Here are some of the ways counseling for people with autism can be helpful.

1. Understanding the Individual

Counseling for autism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is a nuanced process that takes into account the unique needs and challenges of each individual. A skilled therapist can delve into the depths of a person with ASD helping them unravel their thoughts and emotions.

2. Navigating Social and Emotional Challenges

One of the primary focuses of counseling for autism is helping individuals navigate social interactions and emotional regulation. Therapists work with their clients to develop strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and the sensory sensitivities that often accompany autism.

3. Embracing Neurodiversity

In the realm of counseling for autism, the emphasis is not on “fixing” or “changing” individuals. Crucially, it is on celebrating neurodiversity and helping every person thrive in a world that may not always understand their unique perspective.

4. Building Coping Skills

Counseling equips individuals with high functioning autism with valuable coping skills. These skills empower them to manage stress, communicate effectively, and cultivate healthy relationships.

There Is Hope and Joy

People on the autism spectrum and those who love them know that their story is expansive. There are highs and lows. But the full story of high functioning autism and mental health can be one of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Through counseling for autism, individuals with high functioning autism can find the support they need to navigate the complexities of their world and embrace their unique place in it.

In the words of John Steinbeck, “We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome.” Counseling for a person with autism offers a path to bridge the gap between the world and the individual, a path toward connection, understanding, and healing. And with help and connection each of us may come to realize, again in the words of Steinbeck, that “You’re not as alone as you thought.”

Embrace the Journey to Wellness at Lido Wellness Center

At Lido Wellness Center, we understand the intricate interplay between high functioning autism and mental health. Our commitment is to be your steadfast companion on this unique journey, offering compassionate and tailored support to help you thrive.

If you or a loved one is seeking counseling or mental health help in Newport Beach, we invite you to take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future. Reach out to us today at 949-541-8466 and let us be your beacon of hope.

One of the beauties of childhood is the new creation. The blossoming personhood that grows from every new experience, joy and sorrow alike. Reactive Attachment Disorder is a haunting testament to the profound impact early relationships have on a child’s emotional and psychological development.

But before diving deep into this topic, let’s first understand what RAD is and what it isn’t.

What Is Reactive Attachment Disorder?

Reactive Attachment Disorder occurs in children who have not formed a healthy emotional attachment to their primary caregivers during their early years. It could be a result of neglect, abuse, or frequent changes in caregivers. Whatever the reason the bonds are not created between the child and their parents (or caregivers).

RAD does not occur intentionally on the child’s part. It’s not like the child is intentionally getting revenge or feeling like they are wronged, its more about understanding that when a child’s basic needs for comfort, affection, and nurturing aren’t met, they learn to protect themselves by distancing from others.

But what does this really look like in the real world? It’s not the emotional tantrums we all sometimes feel like throwing. It’s more complex than that.

Spotting Reactive Attachment Disorder

It’s easy to label a child as “difficult” or “misbehaving” when they show signs of RAD, but beneath that exterior is a cry for connection. Some common signs to look for include:

• Avoiding comfort: A child with RAD might recoil from touch or resist being comforted, especially during distress.
• Failure to smile: They might not show genuine joy or happiness, even when it’s expected.
• Not engaging in social play: While other children might enjoy playing with their peers, a child with RAD might prefer to be alone.
• Being watchful: They seem to be always on guard, as if expecting something bad to happen.

Interesting statistics that throw light on this issue include:

• An estimated 1-10% of children in the foster care system in the US have been diagnosed with RAD.
• Studies suggest that children with RAD have higher rates of co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
• Early interventions and treatments can make a significant difference in the outcome for children with RAD.

What Happens When a Child With RAD Grows Up?

Though RAD is not typically diagnosed in adults, many of the maladaptive behaviors and feelings can persist and present as other types of relational or personality disorders. Here’s how some of the unresolved symptoms of RAD may appear in adults:

1. Difficulty with Emotional Connections: Adults who experienced RAD as children might have difficulty forming close, personal relationships. They might either avoid closeness or become overly dependent on a relationship, fearing abandonment.
2. Mistrust and Suspicion: A fundamental lack of trust in others can continue into adulthood. They might be continually suspicious of others’ intentions, making it hard for them to form stable relationships.
3. Impulse Control Issues: Some adults may engage in impulsive behaviors, which might include sudden decisions without thinking of consequences or understanding why they did something.
4. Issues with Intimacy: They might struggle with intimacy, both emotionally and physically, often stemming from a deep-seated fear of rejection or abandonment.
5. Anger and Control Issues: Unresolved feelings from childhood can manifest as anger and aggression or a need to control situations and people around them.
6. Chronic Feelings of Emptiness or Sadness: A pervasive feeling of being “empty” or “lost” can be common, with bouts of sadness that might be difficult to explain or understand.
7. Difficulty Showing Authenticity: They might wear a “mask” in various social situations, making it hard for them and others to understand their true self. This can be a defense mechanism from their childhood when they might have felt the need to adapt rapidly to different caregivers or environments.
8. Avoidance of Social Situations: Social interactions can be overwhelming, leading them to prefer isolation or limited interaction.
9. Challenges with Parenting: When becoming parents themselves, they might struggle with how to form attachments and bonds with their children, repeating cycles unless intervention and support are sought.
10. Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Adults who had RAD as children may also be more susceptible to conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders.

Treating Reactive Attachment Disorder

Knowing the signs is only half the battle. The journey of healing is a long, winding road but with the right steps, a child (or adult) can be guided back to the realm of connection and love.

Here’s what that path might look like:

• Therapy: This is the cornerstone of treating RAD. A child therapist specializing in attachment disorders can help the child learn to form healthy relationships. Family therapy might also be recommended to address relational dynamics.
• Parenting strategies: Parents or caregivers can be educated on techniques to foster a sense of safety and security in the child.
• Consistency in care: Children with RAD need stability. Regular routines, consistent caregivers, and predictable environments can be immensely beneficial.

For an adult that suffered with a reactive attachment disorder:

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) offer a structured therapeutic environment that can be particularly advantageous for adults who once had Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) in their childhood. These programs provide the rigor of regular and intensive therapy sessions without necessitating the 24-hour care found in inpatient services.

An integral component of IOPs is group therapy, which becomes a conducive space for individuals with RAD to hone their social skills, draw from shared experiences, and practice forming attachments under safe conditions. Alongside this, individual therapy sessions in IOPs delve into personal histories, traumas, and behavioral patterns, helping to unearth and address the lingering impacts of RAD.

The sense of community fostered in an IOP is invaluable. Connecting with peers facing similar challenges offers not just understanding but also the solidarity of shared experience, making the journey toward healing less solitary.

In the beautiful, messy journey of life, Reactive Attachment Disorder is a testament to the raw human need for connection. It’s a reminder of how vital those early relationships are and the ripples they send through a lifetime. At Lido Wellness Center Reactive Attachment Disorder doesn’t have to be a life sentence. There is still potential for profound growth, understanding, and deep, lasting connections.

If you need help understanding RAD and its effects,  don’t navigate this journey alone. Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Call us today at 949-541-8466.