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Alexander, W. (2012). Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans: Focus on antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic agents. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278188/

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/ocd.html

Everything you need to know about OCD. OCD: Everything You Need to Know | McLean Hospital. (2024). https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/ocd

Learning/modeling. WorryWiseKids.org | Learning/Modeling. (2024). https://www.worrywisekids.org/node/17

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961

Sussex Publishers. (2022). Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/trauma-focused-cognitive-behavior-therapy#how-it-works

Trauma and stress-related disorders. Mental Health Gateway. (2024). https://mentalhealthgateway.org/trauma-and-stress-related-disorders/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

Understanding OCD and how it can affect your daily life. Understanding OCD and How it Can Affect Your Daily Life: The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling: Psychotherapists. (2024). https://www.thesohocenter.com/blog/understanding-ocd-and-how-it-can-affect-your-daily-life

Virginia. (2017). https://vcoy.virginia.gov/documents/collection/018%20Trauma2.pdf

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What are Depressive Disorders?

Depressive Disorders include Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition, Other Specified Depressive Disorder, Unspecified Depressive Disorder, and Unspecified Mood Disorder.

Characteristics of depressive disorders include:

-major depressive episodes

-prolonged sadness

-poor concentration

-irritability

-somatic and cognitive changes

Disorders all differ in duration, timing, or presumed etiology.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder:

-chronic, severe irritability

-temper outbursts

-aggression

-occurs at least 3x a week

Major Depressive Disorder

-at least one major depressive episode

symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks

-loss of interest in all or nearly all activities for most of the day

nearly every day

-changes in appetite or weight

-disrupted sleep patterns

-decreased energy

-feelings of worthlessness or guilt

-distractability

-thoughts of death or suicidal ideation

Severity can be mild, moderate, severe, and with psychotic features

Additional specifiers include anxious distress, mixed features, melancholic features, atypical features, mood-congruent psychotic features, mood-incongruent psychotic features, catatonia, peripartum onset, or seasonal pattern

Persistent Depressive Disorder

-depressed mood for most of the day every day for at least 2 years

-poor appetite or overeating

-insomnia or hypersomnia

-low energy/fatigue

-low sense of self-worth

-distractability

-hopelessness

Severity can be mild, moderate, severe

Additional specifiers include  anxious distress, atypical features, partial remission, full remission, early onset, late onset, pure dysthymic syndrome, persistent major depressive episode, intermittent major depressive episodes, with or without current episode

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

-mood swings

-sudden feelings of sadness

-increased sensitivity

- feelings of irritability or anger

-depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or self-deprecating thoughts

-feelings of anxiety/ tension

-loss of interest in usual activities

-distractability

-fatigue

-change in appetite

-hypersomnia or insomnia

-sense of being overwhelmed

-breast tenderness or swelling

-bloating or weight gain

-symptoms occur in menstrual cycles from the preceding year.

-symptoms cause clinically significant distress or interference with daily functioning

Impact

-disrupted interpersonal relationships

-severe social disruption

-loss of interest in activities

-suicidal ideation

Needs

-psychotherapy

-CBT

-medication: antidepressants, SSRIs, mood stabilizers

-coping strategies

-support

-self care

-psychoeducation

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

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What are neurodevelopmental disorders?

According to the DSM-V-TR, 2022, signs of Neurodevelopmental disorders typically begin in the developmental stages. They can be characterized by a spectrum of developmental deficits or differences in the brain that produce impairments. Deficits can range from very specific learning disabilities or control of executive functioning to global impairments of social skills or intellectual

ability.

Signs and symptoms

-not meeting developmental milestones

-developmental delays or regression

-co-occurring

-academic deficits

-inhibited motor activity

-poor memory

-abnormal body movements

-distractibility

-communication problems

-disorganized thoughts

Communication disorders include global developmental delay, intellectual disability, language disorder, speech sound disorder, stuttering, social communication disorder, and unspecified.

Signs and Symptoms:

-deficits in general mental abilities: reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, academic learning, and learning from experience

-impairments of adaptive functioning

-failure to meet standards of personal independence at home and/or community settings

-impairments in social participation, academic or occupational functioning

-failure to meet developmental milestones

These deficits can be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined as persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple scenarios. People with autism may display the following traits:

-avoiding eye contact

-difficulties with communication

-repetitive movements such as flapping or spinning

-rigid thinking

-emotional dysregulation

-abnormal affect

-socially awkward

-fixation on specific topics

ADHD presents as high levels of inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity to the point of impairment. Other signs and symptoms include:

-distractibility

-off task

-impulsivity

-constant fidgeting

-trouble multitasking

-forgetfulness

Learning Disabilities include deficits in reading (word reading accuracy, reading rate or fluency, reading comprehension) also known as Dyslexia, written expression (spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation accuracy, clarity or organization of written expression), mathematics (number sense, memorization of math facts, accurate or fluent calculation, accurate math reasoning) also known as dyscalculia.

These deficits can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Motor disorders include developmental coordination disorder, stereotypic movement disorder, and tic disorders. Signs and symptoms:

-lack of coordination

-unstable

-stiffness

-falling frequently

-problems with speech

-limited mobility in limbs

Impact

-impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning

-limitations in learning

-impairments of social skills

-higher risk of experiencing ACEs

-higher risk of CS involvement

-higher risk of abuse

Need

-special education assistance in school

-504 plan

-some may need a lifetime caregiver

-physical therapy

-occupational therapy

-support from their families and the community

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

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Perkins Kiara Professional Presentation Educating Others on Feeding and Eating Disorders

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What are bipolar and related disorders?

Bipolar and related disorders are a bridge between schizophrenia spectrum/psychotic disorders and depressive disorders. They are similar in the ways of symptoms, family history, and genetics.

Signs and symptoms (DSM-V-TR, 2022)

Bipolar I

-One manic episode is required

-Hypomanic episodes can occur but are not required

-Major depressive episode can occur but is not required

Bipolar II

-One hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode are required

-There has never been a manic episode

Cyclothymic

-for at least 2 years:

-hypomanic symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a hypomanic episode

-numerous drpressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode

Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar and Related Disorders

Symptoms of bipolar and related disorders appear soon after a substance or medication is ingested.

Manic episodes are defined in the DSM-V-TR (2022), as “a period of abnormally and persistently elevated expansive or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy lasting at least one week and persistent most of the day nearly every day.”

Symptoms include:

-inflated sense of self

-overly talkative

-lack of sleep

-flight of ideas

-distracted

-engaging in risky behaviors

Depressive episodes are defined in the DSM-V-TR (2022) as “periods of either depressed mood or loss of interest. Symptoms must be present during the same two-week period and present a change from previous functioning.”

Symptoms include:

-depressed mood most of the day, every day

-irritability

-significant weight loss

-loss of interest in pleasurable activities

-insomnia/hypersomnia

-psychomotor agitation/retardation

-fatigue

-feeling inappropriate guilt

-inability to think clearly/concentrate

-indecisiveness

-thought of death/suicidal ideation

Hypomania can be described as a milder version of a manic episode. Symptoms do not last as long and are not as intense.

Impact

Bipolar and related disorders can impact someone's daily life significantly. They are most likely impaired in the areas of:

-work

-school

-legal issues

-financial issues

-relationships

-cognitive functioning

These impairments can lead to lower socioeconomic status, strained interpersonal relationships, and legal trouble.

Need (mayoclinic.org, 2022)

Bipolar and related disorders cannot be cured but can be managed with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Medications

-Mood stabilizers

-Anticonvulsants

-Antipsychotics

-Antianxiety

Therapy

-psychotherapy

-psychoeducation

-CBT

-Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)

-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

-family-focused therapy

Hospitalization

-Inpatient or outpatient treatment

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What are Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders?

According to the DSM-V-TR (2022), Trauma and stressor-related disorders include disorders in which exposure to a traumatic or stressful event is listed explicitly as a diagnostic criterion. These disorders include reactive attachment disorder, disinhibited social engagement disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, and prolonged grief disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

According to Mentalhealthgetaway.org (2024), trauma and stressor-related disorders have characteristic symptoms:

Intrusion symptoms are recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories, thoughts, and dreams of the traumatic event. This can include flashbacks, a dissociative experience in which they feel or act as if the traumatic event is reoccurring.

Avoidance symptoms include efforts to avoid internal (memories, thoughts, feelings) and/or external (people, places, situations) reminders of the traumatic event. Preoccupation with avoiding trauma-related feelings and stimuli can become a central focus of the individual’s life.

Negative alterations in cognition and mood include problems remembering important aspects of the traumatic event, depression, fear, guilt, shame, and feelings of isolation from others.

Hyper-arousal symptoms include being jumpy and easily startled, irritability, angry outbursts, self-destructive behavior, problems concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.

Impact

Having a trauma and stressor-related disorder can impact the client's life in many ways, such as:

-medical and mental health problems

-depression

-anxiety

-substance abuse

-attempted and completed suicide

-difficulties with self-regulation, attention, concentration, impulse control

-negative self-image

-aggression/risk-taking

-somatization

-attachment or conduct/oppositional defiant disorder

-sexual interest/activity/avoidance, and/or hypersexuality

(Virginia.gov, 2017)

Need

Treatment for these disorders will most likely include medication and a form of psychotherapy.

Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are mostly prescribed to people with a trauma or stressor-related disorder. These antidepressants help regulate mood, anxiety, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions (W. Alexander, 2012)

Psychotherapy:

According to Psychologytoday.com (2022), Trauma -Focused CBT- there are 5 main features of TF-CBT:

Psychoeducation- teaches the client about normal reactions to traumatic experiences. This can help them reduce feelings of guilt or culpability for what happened.

Coping skills- this includes deep breathing, mindfulness, acceptance, identifying and redirecting thoughts, and other relaxation methods.

Gradual exposure- involves gradually re-introducing the patient to memories of their traumatic experience. The goal is to recondition their response to triggers and ease emotional distress.

Cognitive processing- includes developing skills to recontextualize unhelpful feelings and thoughts, and regulate emotions.

Caregiver involvement- includes rebuilding trusting adult relationships for the child and training the caregiver in how to best be a resource for the child.

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Our bipolar disorder hotline is always here to offer you guidance, support, and empathy. We don't see you as damaged, broken, or beyond assistance. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or think you might have bipolar disorder, we want to guide you to the right treatment.

What Does a Bipolar Hotline Do?

Hotlines, also known as helplines, provide support for people dealing with a particular struggle. In this case, a bipolar hotline is specifically designed to support people coping with the signs of bipolar disorder. This could range from anxiety to anger or psychotic symptoms brought on by mania or self-harm and suicidal thoughts from depression. Bipolar disorder can also cause many personal struggles, such as low self-esteem and relationship conflicts. Friends and family who don't understand your disorder may simply blame you for acting erratically. Without the right support, anyone can feel like they're a burden. We're here to tell you that's not true.

When you call a bipolar hotline, we ask some questions, but we also just talk. What matters most is acknowledging what you're currently feeling and working from there. You could be feeling lonely and misunderstood, need someone to help you calm down, or want to get treatment but don't know how to find a therapist.

Bipolar hotline counselors help you recognize that your symptoms do not dictate your self-worth. We believe that every person can get better if they have access to the right help, and we want to help them find it.

Reasons to Call a Bipolar Hotline

Everyone calls for different reasons, including family members or friends who want to learn how to support someone with bipolar disorder. There are no wrong reasons to call, but if you aren't entirely convinced, here are some of the reasons why you may decide to pick up the phone.

You Suspect You Have Bipolar Disorder

It's one of the earliest questions people ask and the one that starts their path toward getting better. Do I have bipolar disorder? It can be hard to tell in some cases, especially if you've previously thought your symptoms were caused by another mental health condition. In fact, many people are diagnosed with a depressive disorder before they receive a bipolar diagnosis.

While there are shared symptoms among the bipolar population, they can manifest differently depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have and your personality. Some signs to watch out for include:

* Moods that range from extremely happy to miserable.
* Feeling hopeless, worthless, or like there's no point in living.
* Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, and sleeping less than usual.
* Taking more risks when you feel good, including drinking, taking drugs, and engaging in unprotected sex.
* Having explosive fits of anger or sudden anxiety attacks.
* Having moods that feel "stuck" for days or weeks at a time then suddenly change.

If you call a hotline to get help, we can discuss some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder with you in detail. We'll ask about your own experiences and let you know whether they line up with the diagnostic criteria. We can't diagnose you formally, but we can help you understand bipolar disorder better. Then, we can build an action plan to look for a therapist near you and start the next steps.

You Suspect a Partner, Family Member or Friend Has Bipolar Disorder

Talking to a compassionate, trained professional can give you the space you need to ask questions and educate yourself on the signs of bipolar disorder. You may have tried to approach your loved one already and been met with hostility or anger; it's natural to get defensive when you're struggling, and some people may be in the midst of a manic episode where they see absolutely no problem with their mood or behavior. People who are extremely depressed could already be contemplating self-harm, and you understandably don't want to upset them by asking about whether they think they have a mental illness.

Bipolar interventions should be empathetic, supportive, and action-oriented. A hotline counselor can help you get a better idea of what your loved one may be going through and talk about how you can best help them.

You Want to Get Help for Bipolar Disorder

You may want to find a therapist, explore treatment options or think that you need to be hospitalized or receive inpatient treatment somewhere. Recognizing the need for treatment and actively seeking it is a huge milestone, and you should feel proud of yourself for taking that step.

Calling the National Mental Health Hotline will give you the resources you need to find the right treatment model for you. There are different ways to treat bipolar disorder, and every person will find that some therapies are more effective than others. Depending on your history and symptoms, we can make personal recommendations.

We can also help put you in touch with nearby therapists or treatment centers that can provide the level of therapy you need to get better.

You Are in Crisis and Need Help Now

You may be contemplating self-harm or taking your own life. You could feel like you've reached the end of the line or think that you just can't do this anymore. Something may have happened recently that triggered a depressive episode, or you could have been struggling for a while now. When you're in crisis, the most important thing to do is be honest about it.

We are here to help you get through your most difficult moments. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Anyone in emotional distress is welcome. Our crisis hotline is fully confidential, so you can speak freely. Our goal is not to send police or ambulances to your location. Instead, we want to walk with you through your crisis, create a safety plan and figure out what the best next steps are. We want to include you in every step of your safety planning, including the decision to go to the hospital or call for emergency services.

Additional Reasons to Call

You got diagnosed with bipolar disorder but don't know what to do next.

You have questions about bipolar disorder for yourself or someone you know.

Someone you care about is in crisis, and you want to help them.

Your treatment hasn't worked, so you want to look for better alternatives.

What Resources Are Available for Someone with Bipolar Disorder?

In addition to the National Mental Health Hotline, there are many organizations that support people with bipolar disorder. There are also bipolar resources for families that can help you better support a loved one with the condition.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people get through bipolar depression and get access to supportive tools such as group therapy sessions, online seminars, and more. They also offer advice for parents whose minor children have been diagnosed with a mood disorder. If you've been recently diagnosed, the DBSA education center is a phenomenal resource filled with information on treatment options, recovery and more.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helps individuals and families wrestling with substance abuse and mental health problems find help. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common co-occurring mental illnesses; self-medicating may seem like a good idea, but it can actually worsen your symptoms and make it harder to reach out. You can find treatment through SAMHSA to get treatment for substance misuse or addiction and bipolar disorder together.

When to Call

We are available to help anyone with questions about bipolar disorder day or night. The National Mental Health Hotline is always here to listen, offer support and be a guide during difficult times. Feel free to explore our website and learn more about bipolar disorder, depression, and mental health. When you're ready to talk to someone, we'll be here. Call 866-903-3787 today.

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Bipolar Hotline - 866-903-3787 | Mental Health Hotline

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Our bipolar disorder hotline is always here to offer you guidance, support, and empathy. We don't see you as damaged, broken, or beyond assistance. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or think you might have bipolar disorder, we want to guide you to the right treatment.

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If you feel that you are struggling with PTSD, you don't have to struggle alone. You can call The National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 to speak to a professional about PTSD symptoms and get help with mental health resources.
According to 2015 data from the National Institutes of Health, 10% of Americans have a substance use disorder at least once during their lifetimes, but 75% go without being treated. The statistics are shocking. Among patients in treatment for substance use disorder, 75% of men and women report histories of abuse and trauma. A significant 97% of homeless women with mental illness also have a background of severe sexual or physical abuse. Between 12% and 34% of individuals being treated for addiction have PTSD, and 33% of people exposed to trauma develop PTSD.

Given those statistics and the stigma associated with these disorders, it's no wonder people don't want to talk about it. Imagine a hotline that you could call any hour of the day or night with no charge, no insurance information required and no fear of being judged. It's OK if you don't know what to ask. The trained staff at The National Mental Health Hotline can help.

PTSD Hotlines and Resources

The following are national resources that can assist with PTSD struggles:

Crisis Text Line: Text and Online Chat
This is a volunteer-based service offering 24/7 free PTSD help near me support with a textable number at 741741 and an online chat at crisistextline.org.

SAMHSA National Helpline
SAMHSA provides a free 24-hour service for substance abuse-related needs and any mental health problems, including PTSD. The service is available in multiple languages to gather a wider population. If you are looking for PTSD counseling near me or a loved one needs help, reach out through the following:
Text: 435748 Call: 1-800-662-4357 or TTY 1-800-487-4889

NAMI Helpline
The NAMI helpline can help answer your questions and provide guidance for all mental illness topics. Reach out through the following PTSD chat and call lines: Text: 62640 | Call 800-950-6264

Mental Health Hotline is a free, 24-hour service established to provide resources for those seeking help and connect them with appropriate and local care.

PTSD Statistics

As shown from the statistics below, you should never feel alone if you are battling PTSD symptoms. The fact is millions of other people across the country share your journey. The following are some interesting facts about PTSD:

Overall, PTSD affects around 5-6% of the US population or approximately 13 million Americans each year

20% of individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event end up with PTSD

About 36.6 % of adults with PTSD experience serious impairment. Another 33.1% experience moderate impairment and 30.2% have mild impairment.

About 5% of adolescents in the US experience PTSD

PTSD is more common in women than in men. While the prevalence in men is estimated at 4%, PTSD impacts 8% of adult women.

What Can Cause PTSD?

PTSD can be triggered by exposure to a terrifying event that you experienced or witnessed. The situation we find to be traumatic tends to vary from person to person. However, some of the common life-threatening events that might cause someone to develop PTSD include:

Violent assaults

Violent combat

Vehicle accidents

Natural disasters

Sexual assault or rape

Traumatic childbirth

Losing a loved one

Different Types of PTSD and How They Present Themselves

There are different types of PTSD, and knowing which type of disorder you are experiencing can help you find the most effective treatment.

Uncomplicated PTSD

Although it is triggered by a significant trauma, uncomplicated PTSD doesn't deal with multiple events. It can be linked to a specific accident, incident or natural disaster. The treatment for this type of disorder tends to be more straightforward than other types. Symptoms to watch out for include:

Comorbid PTSD

Comorbid PTSD deals with multiple mental conditions. People with this disorder often have substance use problems. Typical comorbid conditions associated with PTSD include:

Complex PTSD

This type of PTSD is associated with multiple traumatic events. Many people with this type of disorder have experienced domestic violence or abuse. It can also be caused by other traumatic events such as unexpected loss, war experiences and community violence. Symptoms of this disorder include:

PTSD Can Be Treated

You should never shy away from seeking help. It's possible for PTSD disorder to be successfully treated, even several years after the traumatic event occurred. Primarily, PTSD symptoms are managed through talk therapy and medication.

Talk Therapies

Talk therapies are typically the first line of treatment when someone has PTSD, and there are several methods available. Most commonly, PTSD is managed with:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals manage their symptoms by changing how they think and act. They use various psychological techniques to help them confront their traumatic event and empower themselves to reframe how they see it.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): During EMDR therapy, the therapist encourages you to recall the traumatic event in detail while making eye movements following the therapist's finger movement. It is a psychological treatment known to reduce symptoms of PTSD.

Medicine

In some cases, your medical provider can use a combination of therapies and medication. Common medications used to treat PTSD in adults include paroxetine and sertraline. Medication could be the most effective option if you suffer from comorbid conditions, such as severe depression.

Get the help you need

Remember, the path to full recovery starts with one courageous step: reaching out for help. We understand that navigating therapy without insurance or financial resources can be overwhelming, but don't let that discourage you. That's where PTSD hotlines become invaluable lifelines.

The National Mental Health Hotline is here for you, ready to provide the support and guidance you need. With compassionate professionals just a phone call away, you can take that vital first step toward healing. Call 866-903-3787 to get help.

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PTSD Hotline - 866-903-3787 | Call for free 24/7 Support

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If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD and need help, call the National Mental Health Hotline

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All services provided to sexual assault and child sexual abuse survivors and their families are free, confidential, and victim-centered.

Legal Advocacy

Trained legal advocates can assist clients with completing the paperwork necessary to obtain Orders of Protection and assist survivors as they navigate the legal system.

Medical Advocacy

Trained advocates respond 24-hours-a-day to local emergency rooms and police departments with information, assistance, and support for victims in crisis.

Case Management

Staff are available to assist clients with obtaining public aid, childcare, housing, education, job services, transportation, and other social services.

Counseling

Individual and group counseling are available. Counselors can help survivors of any age process emotions and reactions relating to sexual abuse or assault, help to develop healthy coping strategies, provide education about trauma and its effects, and provide support in the healing process. All counselors are Master's-level clinicians or higher.

Who can seek counseling?

Survivors - Counselors provide services to any survivor of sexual assault or abuse, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, race, etc. Counselors see clients who have experienced sexual assault or abuse at any point in their lives-whether it is ongoing, occurred yesterday, or happened decades ago.

Loved Ones of Survivors - If your partner, other family member, or close friend was sexually assaulted or abused, you may have questions about how to help. Counselors see significant others of survivors to provide education on trauma and how it may affect their loved one and themselves, as well as healthy ways to provide support as their loved one moves along her/his healing journey.

Group Counseling

Safe Passage provides an ongoing support group for survivors of sexual assault. Groups are closed to preserve confidentiality and build a sense of trust. New clients interested in joining the group may contact a Sexual Assault Counselor to further discuss group expectations and complete the screening process. Occasionally, special topics groups (art therapy, group for significant others, etc.) are coordinated based on client interest. Contact our hotline for more information. Intake is required before group counseling.

*** Intake is required before group counseling. Please contact our hotline (815.756.5228) to schedule.***

*** Counselors are available to have brief phone consultations prior to meeting with new clients in person in order to give new clients a chance to ask questions and address any concerns before starting counseling. If this is of interest to you, please call our hotline to schedule a consultation today.***

Trained staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide emotional support, information, and referrals. Our hotline is a valuable resource for survivors as well as community members. If you have any questions about our services, the dynamics of abuse or violence, or how to be supportive to someone in your life, please do not hesitate to call us.

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All services provided to sexual assault and child sexual abuse survivors and their families are free, confidential, and victim-centered. Legal Advocacy Trained legal advocates can assist clients with completing the [...]

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Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders

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Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders

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What are Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders?

According to the DSM-V-TR (2022),  “Obsessive-compulsive and Related Disorders include obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania, excoriation (skin picking) disorder, substance/medication-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorder due to another medical condition, other specified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (nail biting, lip biting, cheek chewing, obsessional jealousy, olfactory reference [disorder of factory reference syndrome bracket parentheses, and unspecified obsessive compulsive and related disorder.”

Signs and Symptoms

“People with OCD and related disorders may have obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to the rules that must be applied rigidly.” (DSM-V-TR, 2022)

Symptoms may include:

Unable to control obsessions or compulsions even when the person knows they are excessive

Spend more than 1 hour a day on obsessions or compulsions.

Feel temporary from anxiety caused by obsession or compulsions but does not enjoy the actions themselves (nimh.nih.gov, 2022)

Having unwanted thoughts, impulses, or images that occur over and over and which cause anxiety or distress.

Skin picking, hair pulling, body focused repetitive behaviors, hoarding (DSM-V-TR, 2022)

Having to think about or say something over and over (for example, counting, or repeating words over and over silently or out loud)

Having to do something over and over (for example, handwashing, placing things in a specific order, or checking the same things over and over, like whether a door is locked) (cdc.gov, 2023)

Impact

Experience disruptions to daily life and/or relationships because of obsessions and compulsions

Impacts daily life in a negative way

Experience relief from anxiety when performing a compulsion but don’t get any pleasure out of the activity (mcleanhospital.org, 2023)

Can interfere with school and work

Can disrupt relationships

Lead to self harm

Cause low self esteem (thesohocenter.com, 2024)

Need

Obtain an official diagnosis

Therapy (CBT)

Psychotherapy

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Deep Brain Stimulation (surgery)

Medication

Support

(nimh.nih.gov, 2022)

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Additional Resources for Bipolar and Related Disorders

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Additional Resources for Bipolar and Related Disorders

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UPCOMING WEBINARS

Register for Energy Metabolism and Bipolar Disorder: Where We Are and What is Coming here.

Register for Screen Time, Social Media Use, and Developing Brains here.

Register for Cannabis Use in Teens with Bipolar Disorder here.

Register for Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk: Insights from Brain Imaging here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TEEN CHANGEMAKERS ESSAY WINNERS

Read the winning essays here:
1st Place: Petra Dujmic 2nd Place: Charm Evans 3rd Place: Courtney Hughes
UPCOMING EVENTS

Health Fair of American Medical Student Association

Resource Fair, San Diego | April 11, 2020

For more details email info@ibpf.org

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Register for Energy Metabolism and Bipolar Disorder: Where We Are and What is Coming here. Register for Screen Time, Social Media Use, and Developing Brains here. Register for Cannabis Use in Teens with Bipolar Disorder here. Register for Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Risk: Insights from Brain Imaging here.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder Resource Center

In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning.

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, family, and academic life.

For additional information see:
Choose a topic:

1. What causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

2. Does Oppositional Defiant Disorder get better or go away over time?

3. How is Oppositional Defiant Disorder treated?

4. Can Oppositional Defiant Disorder be prevented?

AACAP's Facts for Families provide concise up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.

Coming soon!

Practice Parameters
Considered resources for experts, mental health professional and physicians, AACAP's practice parameters were developed to guide clinical decision making. They show the best treatments and the range of treatment options available to families living with childhood and adolescent mental illness.

Click here for the Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Lifelong Learning Modules Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Meetings and Online CME
US Juveniles With Conduct Problems Face High Risk of Premature Death

AACAP's publications, Your Child and Your Adolescent, offer accessible, comprehensive information about the emotional development and behavior of children from infancy through the teenage years.

Getting help is the most important thing that parents can do for children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder. Parents should try to find a mental health professional who has advanced training and experience with evaluating and treating children, adolescents, and families. It is important to find a comfortable match between your child, your family, and the mental health professional.

A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and, treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and behavior that affect children, adolescents, and their families. Child and adolescent psychiatrists have completed four years of medical school, at least three years of residency training in medicine, neurology, or general psychiatry with adults, and two years of additional training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families.

Click here to find a child and adolescent psychiatrist in your area.
Related Web Sites
Bear in mind that because of the extensive training required, there is a nationwide shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists. To learn more about other mental health professionals and places where families can find help, read Where to Find Help For Your Child.

This program was made possible by a grant from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's Campaign for America's Kids.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder Resource Center

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder Resource Center In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning. All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset.

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National Depression Hotline - 866-629-4564 | Free Crisis Hotline

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Call the National Depression Hotline at 866-629-4564 for free depression help, depression treatment options and support groups. Call 24/7.

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If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911.

Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), you'll be connected with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.

Looking for treatment? Please visit our Treatment Centers page with listings by state.

Looking for research participation opportunities? Please visit the links at the bottom of this page.

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Resource Links - National Network of Depression Centers

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If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), you'll be connected with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.

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There are various educational resources available for understanding and managing OCD. From expert articles, to books and multimedia, view our full list of resources below.

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Additional Resources for Eating Disorders

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Additional Resources for Eating Disorders

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ANAD Helpline: 1 (888) 375-7767
Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CT

National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline: 1 (866) 662-1235
Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm ET

Diabulimia Helpline: 1 (425) 985-3635

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Anxiety Hotlines

There are many ways that you can get more information about what anxiety is and where you can find treatment. One such example is by calling any number of anxiety hotlines. These hotlines can help you identify if you or someone you love is suffering from an anxiety disorder and can help you find ways to get treatment. The Mental Health Hotline, available at 866-903-3787, can get you the information that you need about anxiety. In addition, the representatives that you will speak to can point you toward resources that can help you recover. Don't wait. If you or a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder, you deserve to live a happy life. Call 866-903-3787 today.

Anxiety Statistics

Everyone feels anxious sometimes. In fact, most of our behavior is motivated by anxiety. You go to work because you would get in trouble and not get paid if you didn't show up. Today, you are worried about your anxiety, or that of your loved one, so you are searching online for help. Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, uncertainty, worry, or fear that triggers the body's stress response in reaction to a threat, which may or may not be real. Unfortunately, sometimes, anxiety can grow out of control, taking over our lives and making us so afraid that we have a difficult time functioning. In these instances, anxiety becomes more than just annoying. It becomes a chronic condition that may require medical intervention and treatment. Thankfully, anxiety is no longer a problem that needs to be kept in the dark. Indeed, according to available information, anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million people. This makes anxiety disorders among the most common that Americans endure.

If you are looking for information about how anxiety can be managed, there is good news because a variety of high-quality sources of information exist that can provide you with this information. One perfect example is the National Mental Health Hotline, which provides a wide array of information on what anxiety is, how it can be treated, and where such treatment can be found. You may access the information at The National Mental Health Hotline by calling 866-903-3787.

Stages of Anxiety

No anxiety-of course this is good but sometimes we do have worries or concerns.

Mild anxiety-this is normal and healthy. If you have a job interview or are taking an exam, mild anxiety helps you focus and do the right thing.

Moderate anxiety-in this condition, the person could still function, but their focus is narrower. They may have trouble concentrating and making decisions.

Severe and panic anxiety, "panic attacks" when anxiety gets to this point, the person cannot cope, cannot function, and he or she needs help.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety begins to take over your life and make it extremely difficult for you to function. This is more than just being afraid about a specific situation because that type of fear tends to abate when the situation that you are experiencing goes away. Anxiety disorders are much more significant. There are different definitions for different anxiety disorders, but they all essentially include a persistent, debilitating fear and a fear of becoming more afraid.

Common symptoms of someone experiencing anxiety includ e:

* Physical symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, rapid heart rate, or an upset stomach
* An overwhelming sense of fear, worry, or dread
* Difficulty concentrating, focusing, working, or studying
* A feeling that you are going to lose control or consciousness at any moment, requiring hospitalization or medical attention

Unfortunately, anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with other disorders. For example, anxiety disorders are common in people who suffer from a variety of other mental illnesses, including eating disorders, depression, substance use disorder, and more. These related conditions can make treating the other disease more challenging.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are generally believed to have strong genetic components. Multiple studies have found that there are specific chromosomal characteristics that are found in people who have anxiety. These characteristics are passed from one generation to the next with clear evidence indicating that the related types of anxiety disorders can also be passed from one generation to another. While these genetic markers do not guarantee that someone will suffer from anxiety disorders, it does appear to increase the likelihood that this will happen.

For some disorders, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a specific, real-world trigger is required for someone to experience the disease. However, a genetic predisposition can make an individual more likely to experience anxiety. There is also no question that a variety of negative life events can lead to anxiety disorders. Such occurrences include a death in the family, a loss of a job, or a change in financial status. More than other forms of mental illness, a traumatic event, like an assault or accident, can lead to some sort of anxiety disorder as well. It is also possible that a variety of minor life changes will lead to major anxiety challenges.

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are many types of anxiety disorders. These disorders vary widely and may express themselves in many different ways. They are likely to develop in response to a variety of circumstances and situations that can be very unpleasant. While anxiety and fear are at the core of all of these instances, anxiety expresses itself in different ways. Examples of anxiety include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A Generalized Anxiety Disorder is among the more common anxiety disorders. It is specifically defined as an inability to shake a sense of fear or dread, a free-floating sense of anxiety, and a constant state of worry or concern. It is also defined as being completely unable to relax and living in a constant state of fear or tension. Symptoms of this disorder include a constantly moving brain, fatigue, stress, tension, and having a difficult time relaxing. The severity of the disorder may constantly shift throughout the day; there may be times where it is barely noticeable, and there may be other moments where it is nearly overwhelming.

Panic Disorder

When someone thinks of an anxiety attack or a panic attack, he or she is likely thinking of a panic disorder. Panic disorders are defined as the continued experience of panic attacks. Panic attacks are truly terrifying experiences. They involve an overwhelming sense of dread, fear, or loss of control. Someone who is experiencing a panic attack may feel as if he or she is dying and may believe that he or she will die or "lose control" and have to be hospitalized at any moment. They are also accompanied by a variety of extremely painful and frightening physical symptoms, including accelerated breathing and heart rate, dizziness, an upset stomach, sweating, trembling, and more.

Someone who is suffering from a panic disorder can be treated by addressing the source of the panic and being taught how to talk themselves out of these panic attacks. Medication can also be very helpful for panic attacks, both in terms of preventing an attack from happening in the first place, stopping an attack from occurring, or helping to reduce the overall baseline level of anxiety and enable therapy to work.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders occur when someone repeatedly and obsessively engages in certain ritualistic behaviors. This can occur in many forms, which include counting, ticking, cleaning, or touching certain items. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is considered an anxiety behavior because the behavior itself is usually driven by anxiety over what might happen if the specific rituals are not completed. As a result of this fear, someone is driven to engage in repeated behaviors, believing that this is the only way to make anxiety abate.

Put another way, OCD is defined by a belief that certain behaviors are good and necessary in order to ward off bad thoughts or illnesses. The individual in question knows that these compulsions are problematic, but he or she is unable to stop them. Depending on the severity of the disease, someone may spend hours engaged in a ritual, completely held a prisoner to the disorder. OCD can be debilitating and dramatically impact someone's life. Thankfully, there are a number of treatments designed to help it, including medication and gradual exposure therapy designed to slowly desensitize someone.

We need to differentiate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). With the former, as described above, the condition can be very disabling to the person and they have a lot of problems in their everyday life. With obsessive compulsive personality disorder, the condition is not so disabling. The person with OCPD may be very careful and thorough doing a task or keep their home perfectly clean or always take their medication at 10:00 PM. They do this because they become anxious if they do not keep to their routine. If this lesser obsessive-compulsive malady becomes a problem in the person's daily life, work, or relationships, he or she can consult a psychiatrist or therapist for medication or talk therapy.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common for someone who has experienced a traumatic event. This event can vary and can include being part of a violent event, a sexual assault, a robbery, or other traumatic events. PTSD is tragically common among members of the military who have experienced any number of violent events. PTSD is caused by someone being unable to process his or her traumatic experience and come to any sort of closure with it. As a result, that person's brain will replay the experience over and over again.

Symptoms of PTSD include constant flashbacks and nightmares, intrusive and uncontrolled memories, anxiety attacks, generalized anxiety, and an inability to function. Victims may blame themselves for the experience, noting that if they had just done one thing differently, they may have experienced a different outcome. Thankfully, this form of anxiety can be controlled with proper treatment.

Social Phobia

A social phobia, also known as a social anxiety disorder, is the name for someone who is deeply afraid of being judged by others. As a result of this fear, the person may be less willing, or completely unwilling, to appear in any number of social situations.

This phobia can occur in varying degrees. It may be that someone is unwilling to make a presentation in public because they are afraid of being laughed at. Conversely, it may be so severe that someone doesn't want to ever leave their home and morphs into agoraphobia, which literally means "fear of the marketplace;" this is a diagnosis given to people who are afraid to be among groups of people. Social phobias are common, with an estimated 15 million Americans suffering from them.

How Anxiety Disorders Can Be Treated

Thankfully, despite its varying nature and potentially debilitating symptom set, anxiety disorders are very treatable. Treatment forms can be broken down into roughly two categories.

Pharmacological Treatment for Anxiety

Many people who suffer from anxiety disorders take medication to help them manage their symptoms. A variety of medications can be given for anxiety management. These include antidepressants that can manage serotonin levels, tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and more.

Benzodiazepines are also common for people suffering from anxiety disorders. These are tranquilizers that can calm someone down and potentially help them to ward off or end an anxiety attack. Depending on the dose, these can be very powerful drugs. Unfortunately, Benzos are highly addictive, and the use of these drugs can lead to addiction. As such, individuals need to be very careful with their use of these types of medications.

Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety

A variety of behavioral treatments, when managed by a trained professional, can be hugely beneficial when it comes to coping with anxiety. In fact, for many people, the physical feelings of anxiety can be lessened through learning how to alter and control their own behaviors. Possible behavioral treatments include a number of different therapies:

* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which manages how someone thinks about specific experiences or events, helping to turn those thoughts away from anxiety-producing reactions
* Exposure Therapy, which involves gradual and controlled exposure to the anxiety-producing stimulus
* Lifestyle changes that are designed to reduce anxiety overall, including art therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise, and more

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Anxiety Hotline - 866-903-3787 | Free 24/7 Support Helpline

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There are many ways that you can get more information about what anxiety is and where you can find treatment. One such example is by calling any number of anxiety hotlines. These hotlines can help you identify if you or someone you love is suffering from an anxiety disorder and can help you find ways to get treatment.

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Professional “Take Away” from Reviewing Resources

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Professional “Take Away” from Reviewing Resources

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My biggest takeaway after reading the resources is that you cannot do it all alone. It is important to lean on your colleagues for support. Let people know how you are feeling and reach out for help when you need it.

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Reflection on Importance of Self-Care in the Helping Profession

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Reflection on Importance of Self-Care in the Helping Profession

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As a mental health professional, it is important to take care of yourself first. When I was a flight attendant, we always told passengers to put their oxygen masks on before they helped others. You cannot effectively help anyone else until you help yourself first.

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Identification & Description of Personal Self-Care Strategies

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Identification & Description of Personal Self-Care Strategies

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The two self-care strategies that I use: 1. Taking time to myself, shutting my mind off, putting my phone on silent, ordering good food, and watching good tv. 2. Getting dressed up (or not) and hanging out with my friends.