Category Archives: Mental Health

Two hands engaged in a tug-of-war, symbolizing the struggle between mental health and substance abuse.

Co-occurring Disorders Newport Beach

There is a lot of data showing that millions of people living in the United States have some mental disorder. The truth is that substance use disorders (SUD) directly impact mental health. Therefore, it is best to look for a center that deals with co-occurring disorders in Newport Beach to get the right level of care.

Who Develops Co-Occurring Disorders?

An interesting study presented information that over half of the millions diagnosed with co-occurring disorders are male. Studies have also shown that people suffering from anxiety will more than likely abuse substances compared to the general population. Additionally, those with untreated anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are also at risk for substance abuse.

Q: What is an example of a co-occurring disorder?

A: There are many types of co-occurring disorders that someone may have that go hand-in-hand with alcohol or drug abuse. These include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood or personality disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more.

Q: What is the most common co-occurring disorder with mental illness?

A: It is difficult to pinpoint the most common co-occurring disorder with mental illness. There can be many emotional issues that impact someone’s addiction problems. This may include guilt, grief, lowered self-esteem, and anger management issues. However, these issues generally get categorized as symptoms rather than disorders. It refers to the actual diagnosis that brings on the symptoms mentioned when speaking of disorders. For example, someone with bipolar disorder may present with several symptoms.

Q: How do you identify co-occurring disorders?

A: To get a successful diagnosis, you need to work with a facility that is also a co-occurring disorder treatment center. Dual diagnosis may have to do with anxiety, depression, undiagnosed psychological traumas, biochemical influences, and more. The initial steps in diagnosis include looking at the different signs and symptoms. Someone may have erratic behavior, mood swings, forgetfulness, and many other characteristics, unlike their usual behavior.

Q: What is the best treatment for co-occurring disorders?

A: It all starts with finding a facility that deals with co-occurring disorders in Newport Beach. This means a center with specialists on staff to diagnose and treat people with dual-diagnosis. The treatment methodologies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), medications, family therapy, 12-step programs, stress management, community support, and more.

When you start to notice the signs and symptoms that you or a loved one is developing a substance abuse problem, you need to look for help. Here at LIDO Wellness Center, we work with each of our clients to ensure they have the tailored treatment plan they need to get on a path to recovery, wellness, and sobriety.

Do you want to know more about co-occurring disorders in Newport Beach and how we work with patients to get them the right level of care? We are always here to address any questions or concerns at LIDO Wellness Center. Give us a call at your earliest convenience at (949) 541-8466 to speak with a member of our team about our substance abuse and mental health treatment services.

This entry was posted in Mental Health on by .
Woman on couch checking toddler's temperature with a thermometer, illustrating Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome.

Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome

We are going to cover a topic that is not very fun. It is messy and filled with difficulty. Be aware, we are not going to go into details, but this is essentially a child abuse issue. So please be aware we will cover parts of this topic. This article/discussion touches on themes of child abuse, medical trauma, emotional manipulation, and mental health issues. Please proceed with caution if any of these topics might be triggering for you.

That said, let’s look at Munchausen by proxy syndrome.

It’s one of those bewildering and painful corners of the human psyche, a space where love and harm are tragically entangled.

MBPS Is Child Abuse

Munchausen by proxy syndrome, often abbreviated as MBPS, is a form of child abuse. Here, a caregiver, usually a mother, either exaggerates, fabricates, or induces physical or psychological symptoms in someone under their care. While the motivations can vary, one commonly believed reason is the caregiver’s need for attention, validation, or sympathy. The “sick” individual (often a child) becomes a conduit for these needs.

Now, if you’re raising your eyebrows or thinking, “Who would do such a thing?”, you’re not alone. It’s important to remember that people are layered, intricate puzzles. It’s easy to think of villains and heroes, but when we start labeling, we close the door to deeper understanding.

Here’s a brief sketch in numbers:

  • Few and Far Between: Only about 1,000 of the 2.5 million child abuse cases reported annually in the US can be ascribed to MBPS.
  • Motherly “Love”: Approximately 85% of the perpetrators are mothers. And this isn’t because mothers are inherently sinister. It’s possibly because they’re traditionally the primary caregivers and are more closely scrutinized in medical settings.
  • Shadowed by Mystery: It’s estimated that up to 10% of cases in pediatric chronic illness might be cases of MBPS, but we really don’t know for sure. It’s a tough condition to diagnose.

Who Has the Syndrome?

It’s not accurate to say the child “has” MBPS. Instead, the child is subjected to the behaviors and actions stemming from the caregiver’s manifestation of MBPS. The caregiver, on the other hand, is the one with the disorder. They are causing the harm or fabricating the symptoms for various reasons, often related to a need for attention, sympathy, or control.

So, in essence, the caregiver manifests MBPS (or Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another – FDIA), and the child is the one being harmed or made to appear sick by the caregiver’s actions.

So, the direct and most profound suffering is experienced by the child, who is subjected to unnecessary medical procedures, emotional distress, and a distorted sense of health and well-being. They might grow up with a skewed perception of their own health, facing potential long-term psychological and physical consequences.

The Whys and How’s of Munchausen by Proxy

It’s important to note that the adult perpetrator, while responsible for the abuse, may also be suffering from psychological issues or disorders that lead them to this behavior. Their actions are certainly harmful and inexcusable, but it’s possible that their own mental health struggles play a role in the manifestation of MBPS. It’s a complex issue that intertwines the mental well-being of both the caregiver and the child. Here are some potential underlying causes:

  • The Need for the Spotlight: We all crave attention. But imagine a need so profound that it eclipses reason. Caregivers might be seeking the emotional satisfaction derived from the attention and sympathy of doctors, nurses, and others who express concern.
  • Playing the Savior: There’s an addictive high that comes from appearing knowledgeable, competent, and necessary. The caregiver feels vital in the medical setting.
  • Control and Power: Inducing illness can be a way to control a child, to keep them dependent.
  • Unresolved Past Trauma: Some caregivers might have faced trauma or neglect in their past. This behavior can be an unconscious attempt to resolve that past pain.
  • Mental Health Issues: Some perpetrators might have underlying disorders like borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder.

Understanding MBPS requires us to face the shadowed alleys of the human heart. It’s about realizing that sometimes, the lines between love, pain, and attention can blur into a heart-wrenching shade.

Seeking Light in the Shadows?

If you or someone you know is navigating the intricate maze of mental health challenges or Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach offers a place to find clarity and work towards healing. You don’t have to walk this path alone; Lido is here to guide, support, and uplift. Call today: 949-541-8466.

This entry was posted in Mental Health, trauma on by .
Man shielding his face from intense campfire flames, visually representing signs of anger issues.

Signs of Anger Issues: When Flares Become Fires

Life can be a sea of unpredictability and we’re all trying to stay afloat, preferably on a sturdy raft, without any punctures, and with some chocolate chip cookies. Some days, the waters are calm; on others, it’s as if the sea is personally offended by our existence.

But anger … anger is like the unexpected squall that takes us by surprise. The suddenness of its arrival, the ferocity, and, sometimes the aftermath can leave us wondering: “Where did that come from?”

In the idyllic world of our imagination, we’d like to believe that anger is just the warm fire on the camp that keeps the mosquitos away. But sometimes, that small fire flares up, scorching everyone around.

Signs That Anger May Be Signaling Deeper Issues

The point is anger happens. To be human is to get angry once in a while. And we even hurt people out of anger. But when is the anger too much? When are the apologies too frequent? What are the signs of anger issues? Here are a few points to consider.

  • Sudden, explosive reactions to minor provocations.
  • Regret or guilt after an angry outburst.
  • Consistent feelings of being misunderstood or unappreciated, leading to resentment.
  • Physical symptoms, such as tension, tightness in the chest, or headaches when angered.
  • Avoidance – friends or family subtly distancing themselves due to your anger.
  • Consistent use of alcohol or drugs to suppress or deal with emotions.
  • Issues at work or school resulting from confrontations or suppressed anger.

Anger Issues By the Numbers

Now, while all of us feel anger from time to time, some statistics shed light on its more extensive presence in society:

  • Around 9% of adults in the U.S. have a history of severe, impulsive angry behavior.
  • 1 in 10 U.S. adults have regular outbursts but don’t seek the help they need.
  • Those with anger issues are 5 times more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease.

Alright, breathe. We’re in this together. If the fire is burning a little too brightly inside, the universe (and modern psychology) has some answers.

What Disorders Are Associated with Anger?

Anger can sometimes be the tip of the emotional iceberg, hinting at deeper issues lurking below the surface:

  • Depression: It’s not just sadness. Many people experience anger, irritability, and frustration.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Chronic anger can often be a coping mechanism for underlying anxiety.
  • Bipolar Disorder: Manic phases can manifest as periods of intense irritability and anger.
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Characterized by sudden, unwarranted episodes of anger.
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Intense anger episodes, often in response to perceived rejection.
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impulsivity and frustration can lead to angry outbursts.

Therapy: A Torch in the Dark

Does therapy help? Emphatically, yes. Just like we might need a guide in an unknown forest, therapy provides a roadmap for navigating the complex paths of our minds.

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It helps individuals recognize patterns of thinking that lead to anger and teaches coping strategies.
  2. Anger Management: Structured programs providing tools and strategies to control anger.
  3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Focusing on the present, grounding us, and giving space between stimulus and reaction.
  4. Talk Therapy: A safe space to discuss and process emotions, often revealing underlying issues.

What to Do About Signs of Anger Issues

So, when does anger signal deeper problems? When it’s chronic, when it’s hurting you or others, when it’s affecting your health, or when it feels uncontrollable. Recognizing that you’re not alone is the first step. Seeking help, the second. You need a reset—someone who can come beside you and help you reconfigure how you understand yourself.

Lido Wellness Center: Your Harbor in the Storm

Life sometimes paints outside the lines. But just as every tempest needs its lighthouse, every soul deserves its sanctuary. Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach has an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that understands the waves you’re sailing on.

When the waters get rough, when you feel adrift, remember that anchors exist. This is your call to the harbor, where dedicated professionals await with open hearts, a listening ear, and therapeutic tools that have guided countless souls back to the sunlit shores of hope.

Reach out to Lido Wellness Center. Let the journey to calm waters begin.

Phone: 949-541-8466.

This entry was posted in Mental Health on by .
A heart-shaped puzzle with interconnected pieces representing emotions, symbolizing emotional intelligence and its role in building meaningful connections and fostering personal growth.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Understanding the profound impact our emotions have on our lives is always fascinating. They are the threads that weave through the tapestry of our lives, coloring every experience and shaping who we are at our core.

They reveal our deepest truths, helping us understand our vulnerabilities, joys, and fears. Our ability to embrace and appreciate our emotions with courage and compassion truly determines the depth of our human experience. Emotions are not to be suppressed or ignored but to be embraced as valuable guides on our journey. Understanding emotional intelligence is the key that unlocks the door to understanding and managing these powerful forces within us.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EQ or EI) is the ability to understand and manage your emotions to communicate effectively, empathize with others, relieve stress, and overcome challenges. Dr. Daniel Goleman, among others, has contributed significantly to our understanding of emotional intelligence by delving into two crucial facets: interpersonal intelligence, which focuses on our ability to perceive and respond to others’ emotions, and intrapersonal intelligence, which revolves around self-awareness and understanding our values and beliefs.

Interpersonal intelligence: A person’s ability to detect and respond to the mood, motivation, and desires of others.

Intrapersonal intelligence: A person’s ability to be self-aware and attuned to their values, beliefs, and thinking.

The Value of EQ

Developing emotional intelligence is a game-changer in both personal and professional spheres. It fosters meaningful connections with others, fuels success in work and education, and helps us steer through stressful situations with grace and resilience.

EQ emerges as an essential leadership skill in the workplace, fostering improved communication, problem-solving, and management. It allows individuals to fully understand another’s perspective even when it contradicts one’s opinion.

Signs of Emotional Intelligence

The four primary attributes of emotional intelligence include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

Demonstrating empathy, taking responsibility for mistakes, recognizing personal strengths and limitations, and effectively expressing ourselves are hallmarks of emotional intelligence.

The key signs of emotional intelligence include:

  • An ability to show empathy towards others
  • Accepting responsibility for mistakes
  • An understanding of personal strengths and limitations
  • Ability to express oneself clearly
  • Managing difficult situations successfully
  • Self-confidence

IQ vs. EQ

The intelligence quotient (IQ) measures your ability to solve problems, think logically, and communicate complex ideas. While IQ refers to intellectual capacity, EQ measures an individual’s social and emotional competencies. Some experts believe EQ is more important than IQ and is essential for success.

Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health

High levels of emotional intelligence are associated with positive mental health and reduced anxiety and depression. EQ helps us grasp potential stressors. In the case of anxiety, EQ can reduce anxiety by making the world less threatening and allowing them to return to a calmer state more easily. A person suffering from depression can maintain their ability to fully process painful losses by learning to acknowledge their emotions.

Emotional Intelligence and Relationships

In relationships, emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of authentic and meaningful connections. It allows us to embrace our vulnerabilities and hold space for others to express theirs without judgment. We can listen with empathy and respond with compassion, fostering a safe and nurturing environment where trust can grow.

At the heart of emotional intelligence lies the power of self-awareness, which helps us recognize our emotional triggers and patterns. This awareness empowers us to pause and reflect before reacting, fostering healthier and more constructive responses to our emotions and those around us. Understanding our emotional landscape allows us to communicate more effectively, conveying our thoughts and feelings with clarity and openness.

As we journey further into emotional intelligence, let us embrace its profound implications for our lives, hearts, and minds. Understanding and nurturing our EQ allows us to chart a course toward a more fulfilling and connected existence.

Develop Emotional Intelligence at Lido Wellness

At Lido Wellness in Newport Beach, we help people journey towards cultivating emotional intelligence and nurturing their mental health. Our outpatient mental health services offer a unique opportunity to foster EQ in a supportive and flexible setting.

Through outpatient care, you can develop a deep understanding of your emotions, build resilience, and forge meaningful connections while maintaining your daily life’s comfort and familiarity.

Our compassionate team of professionals is dedicated to walking alongside you, empowering you to communicate authentically and navigate life’s challenges with grace. Together, we can unlock the profound power of emotional intelligence and embark on a path of healing and personal growth. Your journey begins here.

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