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Providing natural relief It is totally normal to feel sad from time to time; people cannot control the outcomes of certain life situations. However, it is not normal to feel sad all the time; this is known as depression and it should be treated immediately. Most people begin taking medication to treat their symptoms; however, this only masks the problem and does not treat it. Proper treatment for depression is more effective, lasts longer and is healthier than medication.   Causes and Effects of Depression The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports, depression is one of the most common mental health disorders among Americans; in fact, over 14 million people suffer from its symptoms. Medical experts believe depression is caused by brain functioning, genetics, family history and immediate environment.   Brain Functioning Scientists use positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and functioned magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Providing relief for mental ailments Every year, the statistic of those who suffer from mental health disorders continues to rise. Because of social stigma, people are ashamed to seek treatment for their ailments and they continue to suffer causing even more damage to their mental and physical health. Sadly, because less and less people are receiving treatment, many mental health treatment centers are closing down around the nation. Even though most people are not receiving treatment, there are those who actually want help and unfortunately they cannot find the resources they need, which is why mental health treatment centers are in high demand.   In Texas, one county is working with government officials and state representatives to boost mental health care. The Center for Health Care Services has offered to purchase land for the construction of new mental health treatment centers that can easily treat over 3,000 patients at one

Different treatments for different conditions There are many different substance addictions and mental health disorders that people can develop and sadly, millions of Americans suffer from the symptoms of either one or both conditions. Not one person will suffer exactly the same as another, which is why treatment centers across the nation offer different program options to cater to each patient’s unique and specific needs. Acute rehab is designed for people with severe addictions or disorders, while subacute rehab is effective for those with less severe disorders. Differences Between Subacute and Acute Rehab Before beginning treatment, patients undergo a thorough assessment that determines their mental and physical well-being. Depending on the results, patients will either begin an acute or subacute rehab program. Acute rehab is for patients who have severe symptoms and will need extensive treatment and continual monitoring. During the acute, or inpatient, treatment, patients will detox, attend therapy

Learning to control stressed behaviors Over 70 percent of adults have experienced some sort of traumatic experience in their lifetime, and unfortunately, 20 percent of them will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result. PTSD causes people to feel like they are in danger or encounter extreme stress in situations that remind them of their traumatic experience. Treatment for PTSD is beyond important in order to help those who suffer live healthy and happy lives free from the symptoms of their disorder.   Diagnosing PTSD According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in order to be diagnosed with PTSD, people must have all of the following for at least one month: One or more re-experiencing symptoms At least one avoidance symptom Two or more arousal and reactivity symptoms At least two cognition and mood symptoms Re-Experiencing symptoms: These symptoms are characterized by flashbacks, bad dreams and frightening

Calm environments help calm nerves Most people feel nervous or anxious when they are faced with a job interview, test at school or a problem at home; however, there are some people who experience those feelings regardless of what the situation is. Those people suffer from an anxiety disorder and unfortunately, most mask their symptoms through medication. There are ways to properly treat anxiety and it is important to know that anxiety disorder treatment is the best option. For those who suffer from anxiety, their feelings get worse over time and begin to interfere with daily activities. Most of them seek help from a psychiatrist first, where they are prescribed medications in order to ease their symptoms. While medication helps, it does not treat; it only temporarily provides relief and overtime can cause more harm than good.   Treatment versus Medication Medication is known to help relieve symptoms of anxiety;

Healing the mind, body and soul   Panic disorder is a form of anxiety; it is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Those who suffer from this disorder will often isolate themselves because they fear they will experience some sort of panic attack at any moment and in any place. If panic disorder is left untreated, it can lead to many negative effects on both the mental and physical health. There are ways to safely and naturally treat this disorder; in fact, panic disorder treatment is more powerful than medication.   Recognizing the Signs of Panic Disorder Panic disorder causes people to experience periods of intense fear, feelings of being out of control, intense worries about when the next panic attack will happen and fear or avoidance of places where past panic attacks have occurred. Most people who suffer from panic disorder will isolate themselves or become recluses because

Keeping athletes in peak physical condition   When people think of someone who needs drug and alcohol treatment, they almost always picture a low-life, bum with no job and no teeth; however, substance addiction can affect everyone, even athletes. In fact, athletes struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as an addiction to performance-enhancing drugs (PED’s). Regardless of the sport’s anti-drug policy, many athletes continue to abuse certain illicit substances that do not help, but harm their performance. Drug and alcohol treatment centers help rehabilitate athletes in order for them to regain their peak physical condition and continue entertaining their millions of fans.   Most recently, Josh Gordon, wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, checked himself into an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center after violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Gordon admitted to having an alcohol problem after getting caught drinking on a team plane, as well as being

On May 12, 2013 my younger sister Sophie died from a drug overdose from oxycontin. She was 23 years old. I will never forget that morning because me and my family members lives changed forever. One of the worst aspects of the pain due to her loss was she had so much going for her. She was an amazing dancer, genuinely cared for others, and smart too. Many times I saw her light up a room when she entered. It tortures me to think what she might have accomplished with her life. Growing up in Southern California it is easy to feel the glitz and glamour emanating from Hollywood. Sophie often talked about living in Los Angeles and pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Whether it was dancing, acting, or writing Sophie had a flair for it all and I am sure she would have been a huge success.

Drug intervention saved my life. There really is no other way to put it. My story is one that I am not proud of but I accept. I only hope that in telling it, my story resonates with someone who might need help, or is questioning if an intervention is the right route for a loved one. I was a drug addict for years before I was saved. I must use the word saved because I was lucky enough to have loved ones cared for me and would not let me be my own worst enemy. I am not sure when I lost control over my behavior. When I was younger I had lofty goals. I wanted to make a name for myself, yet still be apart of something bigger than just me. Drug use dissolved those dreams from my life goals, and replaced them with drug seeking behavior. When

A letter written to express concern surrounding Ricky Williams failed drug tests and ongoing substance abuse.

Covering some insights into tragedies like Brittany Murphy’s unfortunate drug related death.