Seasonal Affective Disorder: Recognizing the Symptoms Posted on January 6, 2025January 8, 2025 by GuardianOwl Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression directly related to seasonal changes. As the days grow shorter and the winter months roll in, many individuals may feel sad, but some find themselves experiencing more than just a case of the winter blues. Though fall and winter is the time of the year that most people associate with this condition, there is indeed such a thing as spring and summer SAD. SAD affects millions of people each year (an estimated 10 million Americans have SAD, along with others that may have a mild case). Fall and winter SAD usually follows a predictable pattern: symptoms start in the fall, continue through the winter, then resolve in the spring and summer. (Vice-versa that pattern for summer-onset SAD.) So unlike other mental illnesses, it comes and goes with the time of year. This mental health condition goes beyond typical mood fluctuations, presenting a complex challenge for those who experience its profound effects.What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?Seasonal Affective Disorder is a specific type of mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms that occur at the same time each year. For many people with SAD, that is during fall and winter months. Unlike other mental health conditions that may persist throughout the year, SAD follows a distinct seasonal pattern. Symptoms emerge and recede with the changing amount of natural daylight. For this reason, phototherapy (light therapy) is a common treatment for SAD. The Science Behind SADAt its core, SAD is intrinsically linked to disruptions in our circadian rhythm. The reduced sunlight during winter months can cause significant changes in our biological clock, impacting several key bodily functions. This disruption affects the production of crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, which play vital roles in regulating mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being.Recognizing the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective DisorderIdentifying the symptoms of SAD is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. While everyone may experience these symptoms differently, there are several common indicators that mental health professionals look for:Emotional and Psychological SymptomsPersistent feelings of sadness or hopelessnessSignificant loss of interest in activities once enjoyedIncreased irritability and mood swingsFeelings of guilt or worthlessnessDifficulty concentrating or making decisionsIncreased anxiety or social withdrawalPhysical SymptomsExtreme fatigue and low energy levelsChanges in sleep patterns (oversleeping or insomnia)Significant weight gain or increased appetite, particularly carbohydrate cravingsPhysical tension or body achesBehavioral ChangesReduced productivity at work or schoolDecreased social interactionsDifficulty maintaining regular routinesIncreased sensitivity to rejectionPotential development of other mental health challengesWho Is Most at Risk?While anyone can experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, certain groups are more susceptible:Women are diagnosed more frequently than menIndividuals living far from the equator with significant seasonal light variations, especially people farther northPeople with a family history of depression or SADThose already diagnosed with other mental health conditions, especially bipolar II disorder. Diagnostic ConsiderationsMental health professionals diagnose SAD using specific criteria. When looking at symptoms, many mental health practitioners look for the following patterns in forming a diagnosis for Seasonal Affective Disorder:Occur during specific times of the year (typically fall and winter)Be more frequent than other depressive episodesSignificantly outnumber non-seasonal depressive periodsFollow a consistent seasonal pattern for at least two consecutive yearsTreatment Options and ManagementLight TherapyOne of the most effective treatments for SAD is light therapy. Patients use a light box that mimics natural sunlight, which helps regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. These bright light devices simulate outdoor light and can be used for 20–30 minutes daily, typically in the morning.Psychological InterventionsCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Talk therapy focused on managing seasonal depressionDeveloping coping strategies for winter monthsMedical TreatmentsAntidepressant medicationsVitamin D supplementsAddressing potential hormonal imbalancesLifestyle ModificationsMaintaining a consistent sleep schedule (for some, the “fall back” clock change can significantly disrupt sleep)Regular exerciseBalanced nutrition (SAD gives some people cravings for unhealthy sweets)Stress-management techniquesMaximizing natural-light exposureWhen to Seek Professional HelpIf symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder significantly affect daily functioning, it’s crucial to consult mental health professionals. Warning signs that require immediate attention include:Persistent feelings of hopelessnessSignificant changes in sleep or eating patternsThoughts of self-harm or suicideComplete social isolationDifficulty or inability to perform daily responsibilitiesCoping Strategies for Managing SADCreate a structured daily routinePractice mindfulness and meditationMaintain social connectionsEngage in regular physical activityOptimize your living and working spaces for maximum light exposureConsider planning vacations or trips to sunnier locations during winter monthsGet Help for SAD from bonmenteSeasonal Affective Disorder is more than just feeling sad during a certain season. This legitimate mental health condition requires understanding, compassion, and proper treatment, which bonmente’s mental health practitioners bring to the table. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate support, bonmente patients can effectively manage SAD and improve their overall quality of life.Remember, experiencing SAD is not a sign of weakness. This condition results from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. With the right support and treatment, you can navigate through the challenging winter months and maintain your mental health and well-being.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, contact bonmente for personalized guidance.
How Social Media Affects Mental Health Posted on January 6, 2025January 8, 2025 by GuardianOwl In the city of Long Beach, California – where bonmente’s physical practice is located – and cities across the globe, social media has become an integral part of many people’s daily lives. Billions of daily or monthly active users scroll through various social networking sites. Social media is a relatively new phenomenon, and much of its impact on mental health is still under question, or else not wholly understood. What negative effects social media has on individuals and families, especially those with histories of mental illnesses like depression, is a major focus of current mental health care research.However, work in the realm of cyberpsychology, which seeks to understand the psychological effects of internet usage, has predated the advent of Facebook (back when there was still the “the” in Facebook, as in “thefacebook”). The idea that “going online” could have a potentially adverse impact on an individual’s mental health has been a concern for psychology researchers – and mental health professionals like psychiatrists – from the dawn of the Internet age. Increasingly, it has become a problem for mental health professionals with patients whose mental health struggles are exacerbated by using social media. In some cases, the use of social media even contributes to the development of mental health issues in patients. For example, an issue that researchers frequently point to is the link between photo-heavy platforms and the development or intensification of body-image issues and eating disorders. For social media users based in certain parts of the United States (specifically, California and Florida) and struggling with mental health issues potentially linked to social media usage, bonmente can help.The Rise of Social Media – and Its Impact on Mental Health The psychological impact of self-objectification and social comparison via media content posted online (e.g., meticulously composed Instagram selfies), along with concepts like the online disinhibition effect, have been research interests long before “Instagram” was “Burbn,” the photo-sharing app for pics of whiskey and bourbon that got retooled into the world’s premiere photo-sharing platform. What is significant about social media in particular is that it brought a wide swath of the population online for longer periods, and more consistently. This widened exposure to the above-named phenomena that cyberpsychology researchers study. In 2024, over five billion people were using social media. That is more than half of the worldwide human population. Consider that in 1995, only 14% of people used the Internet. By 2015, only 13% of people did not use the Internet in some capacity. Since 2012, the average user of social media consistently spends more than 90 minutes a day on social media, and more recently the amount is between two and two-and-a-half hours. Whereas in 1997, fewer internet users existed, with heavy users often engaging in niche topic forums. Such users would go online to discuss some obscure television show or video game that few people in their offline lives knew or cared about. But the “offline” connections were still there to discuss things like the latest news or everyday stressors. In contrast to those niche-interest websites, social media is more like an “everything store” for online conversation—the Wal-Mart of online discourse, if you will. Everything from major world events to small local happenings is a topic of conversation on platforms like Facebook. Hence, the appeal of social media to users. Online or not, it’s important to understand social media’s potential impact on mental health.Unpacking the Mental Health ImpactPotentially Addicting?The potential that social media can be addicting is a topic of study for researchers, and an idea that is familiar to many people in the public. Though a number of psychologists and mental health professionals are wary of claiming that social media can be inherently addicting, the widespread conversation about the potential for addiction is notable. Researchers have pointed to the concept of “intermittent rewards” for explaining why social media can be addicting. Researchers draw an analogy to a slot machine: just as a gambler at a slot machine can occasionally get a reward, the user of social media scrolls through feeds with the same hope of seeing something rewarding (entertaining, informative, relevant or “relevant” to the user, or whatever other qualities the user may value). The crux of the slot-machine analogy is that the user cannot predict when a reward may come. Hence, the motivation to keep scrolling, and keep returning to the platforms, in the hope of getting a reward.Addiction in itself can be a major mental health issue. People can lose social connections, money, lots of time, and overall mental functioning, among other things, to an addiction. Though some researchers believe that “addiction” may not be the right term to use in relation to addictive internet usage (“problematic use” is one suggestion), the fact remains that a problematic relationship to social media can exacerbate or lead to mental health problems. Even if you would not consider yourself to have a problematic relationship to social media, there are some research-backed aspects of internet usage that are relevant to using social media in general. Media Overload, Negative Emotions, and Algorithmic Boosting of Negative ContentMental health professionals have been noting how negative emotions like stress have a link to “media overload.” That can involve seeing an abundance of, for example, troubling news headlines about things like violent crime and injustice and war and environmental problems. The content-selecting algorithms on social media that shape our feeds generally select content based on engagement, rather than whether it would make a user feel positive. That is part of the reason why a typical scroll through a social media feed will feature a mix of “positive” and “negative” posts. Cute cat pictures with tens of thousands of “likes” will be sandwiched between massively controversial posts with a flood of high-emotion comments. Social media marketing is also based on user data, leading to more effective ads, which could potentially exacerbate impulse buying for those who struggle with that.The targeted audience to witness these online social interactions depends on the audience members’ engagement with other posts. The algorithms bring you more of what you are likely to see, whether that is posts about physical activity’s impact on heart diseases or just pictures of cats.That also partly explains why users of Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram, largely) would keep seeing content that encouraged self-harm and disordered eating, even as workers at Meta were aware of this issue, as exposed in a Wall Street Journal report. Social Comparison and Low Self-EsteemSocial comparison involves comparing oneself with other people, be it physically or mentally. Social comparison is universal among humans, although the degree to which one engages in social comparison differs from person to person. So, social comparison in itself is perfectly natural, as it can be a means for learning about the environment, other people, and oneself. Social media facilitates social comparison by providing a given user with a constantly replenishing bounty of information about other people, some of whom the user may know “IRL” (i.e., in real life). The problem here is that on social media, users constantly expose themselves to highlight reels of others’ lives, selected by the very people featured in the highlight reel. People of all age groups share content on online platforms like social media apps. Young people are especially vulnerable, but social media usage can involve social comparison for all users.It would be fair to suggest that a good deal of these posts are self-flattering for the user, even in an unconventional way. For instance, a seemingly casual, ill-lit, even “ugly” selfie of someone may really serve to make the person in the photo appear to have the praiseworthy quality of not caring deeply about superficial appearances. This perpetual exposure to other people’s “best of” compilations, which may consist of everything from flattering photos to funny comments to moral or political commentary (some posts manage to combine all that and more) is really not what our social-comparison mental faculty, primal and genetically inherited from ancestors, was designed to withstand. Overall, social media can be an engine that helps drive low self-esteem in individuals. Social Comparison’s Tie-in to Self-objectification on Social MediaWhat’s especially productive of mentally unhealthy social comparison is that the self-objectification phenomenon observed in cyberpsychology can lead to the false impression in users of social media that they are comparing themselves to other people, rather than media objects of or made by other people. From “Self-Objectification and Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review of the Literature”, a research paper published in Frontiers in Psychology, here is a quick overview of the concept of self-objectification:While self-objectification is often narrowly defined as the adoption of a third-person perspective on the body, the originators of objectification theory define self-objectification as occurring when individuals “treat themselves as objects to be looked at and evaluated” (Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997, p. 177; italics added).According to this definition, the adoption of a third-person perspective on the body is a necessary but not sufficient condition for self-objectification. In addition to the perspectival shift from first-person to third-person, self-objectification requires the adoption of an evaluative, appearance-based self-construal.To evaluate media objects made by other people, under the impression that those media objects can fitfully stand in for other people, not only encourages one to objectify others, but objectify oneself. (“How good can I look in a photograph?”) In the realm of body image, comparing one’s physical features to others’ photos can lead to low self-esteem. These photos are often media objects featuring digital representations of others, selected and sometimes edited by the poster.As far as mental health issues related to body image goes, there has been a wealth of research on the link between the use of social media and body dysphoria and eating disorders, especially among adolescents. Arguably, this extends beyond physical characteristics as well. Self-perception Could Be Affected by More than Just PhotosThe asynchronous feature of computer-mediated communication allows people to take their time in composing and drafting captions, comments, and text posts. Online, you generally don’t need to answer or share information in real time. The result is that online, people have greater control of what they “say” (really, the sharing of media objects created for others to interpret) than they would in a “synchronous” in-real-life conversation. The result is that people can create comments, captions, and the like, that make that person seem smarter, funnier, more insightful, and in possession other positive social attributes than they would have the chance to seem in an in-real-life conversation. Think of those online exchanges where you see a post that you want to respond to, but instead of immediately replying you draft a reply, or even do something else before coming back later to draft a reply. In an in-real-life conversation, people would think you were quite strange if you just froze up or simply walked away while composing a reply to them. Just as social comparisons of self-objectifying posts on social media (now there’s a tongue-twisting clause) can lead to body-image issues centering on feeling physically inferior to other people, it can lead to feelings of social inferiority from social comparisons with posts that make the posters seem smarter, funnier, more morally advanced, and the like. Think of how many users are on social media, and therefore how many posts are there for social comparison. How many “people” (media objects) there are to social-compare with. The Online Disinhibition Effect and Issues with Emotional RegulationIn real life, most of us usually act civil toward strangers. There are obvious reasons for this: you do not know that stranger, and getting on the wrong side of that stranger may lead to conflict that could end poorly for you. Even if you walk or run away, that stranger may run (or drive) after you, continuing the confrontation. Obviously, not every stranger would do this, but you get the point – there are clear motivations to avoid conflict in face-to-face interactions. It does not have to be a potentially violent escalation, either; sometimes the potential for awkward silence or interaction after conflict could be enough to keep people from steering an interaction down a conflict-laden path. The Online Disinhibition EffectOnline, the idea that conflict could lead to something potentially uncomfortable or even dangerous is less of a worry, because you can post from a comfortably “safe” distance from other users. This feeling of safety because of that “comfortable” physical distance may be false, as there is of course a nonzero (if close-to-zero) probability in many cases that a given online stranger could look another user up and track that person down for in-person confrontation. Most people reasonably believe offline conflicts are unlikely to escalate into in-person confrontations.The concept of the online disinhibition effect has something to do with this. Online, we feel “safer” to communicate things that we may not otherwise say to others in person. Those things could be controversial or productive of conflict. In other words, we may start fights online with people we would avoid saying “fighting words” to in real life. Likewise, those things could be vulnerable and “secret”. We may communicate things to an online stranger that we may not share with our closest in-person confidants. In some cases, this can have a positive effect on mental health, in that one feels unburdened of something. Sure, people do this offline as well – confession booths and conversations between strangers at bars lead to such behaviors. But the idea behind the online disinhibition effect is that this lowering of one’s guard is common to internet usage. (You can read an influential paper on this phenomenon here.)Social media users may grow accustomed to sharing or seeing things they wouldn’t normally encounter or express offline. This habit can lead to decreased inhibition and potential problems in relationships or social settings.Conversely, seeing other people get into conflicts online may make one fearful or anxious of fellow humans. (“Are other people really this aggressive? Judgmental? Prone to ostracization?”) That may lead to problematic levels of inhibition, where one feels unable to sincerely speak one’s mind or act as one wishes among even close friends and relatives, out of the fear of being met with aggression or harsh judgment, either from an individual or a group. Loneliness and its risks of mental health troubles can result. Recent research suggests that emotion-regulation difficulties are associated with high online disinhibition, which in turn is associated with uncivil communication. Going full-circle, consider the potentially addicting nature of using social media, which can lead to problematic internet use (PIU), which can lead to emotional-regulation difficulties, specifically emotional dysregulation. Getting Help from BonmenteThis blog doesn’t cover all the ways social media affects mental health but aims to provide a clear overview.Mental health conditions can be affected by using social networking sites, leading to worse mental health problems. If social media use is affecting your mental health, reach out to bonmente for support and guidance.You may have deactivated your social media accounts or simply lowered your usage of a product or service. Long-term mental health challenges may improve with professional care.We treat a wide range of psychiatric medical conditions that negatively affect people’s lives. We provide exceptional mental health care in California and Florida through in-person and telepsychiatry sesrvices.
Telepsychiatry: Mental Health Care Access in the Digital Age Posted on November 1, 2024November 4, 2024 by GuardianOwl Telepsychiatry is increasingly becoming a transformative solution in the mental health care of many patients. From consulting with primary-care physicians to specialized services, video conferencing and other online health care services is changing the healthcare system.In everywhere from public health services to private family medicine, telehealth is here to stay.Telemedicine as a whole is seen as a viable solution for many patients who struggle to get traditional in-person help. It can bridge the gap between patients and psychiatric-care providers through digital technology, such as video conferencing.Sometimes, it is just a matter of location, an actual gap that the patient does not have to physically bridge to get services. Instead, just logging onto a telehealth platform sets up the patient for getting quality care. Telepsych services fall under the broad umbrella category of telemedicine. This innovative approach to mental health treatment has become increasingly vital in ensuring that quality care reaches those who need it most, regardless of their location or circumstances.Part of what makes telepsych so effective is that many mental health services translate well to a digital arena. Talk therapy, for instance, can be through video conferencing or even phone calls. (Although it is recommended to use a camera if possible, as making the patient’s body language visible to the care provider can better the chances of the provider accurately assessing the patient’s mental state.)Read on for more details about telepsychiatry. Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health CareTraditional psychiatric care often faces numerous challenges. This includes long wait times and local limitations. For some patients, struggling with the stigma associated with visiting mental health centers. Telepsychiatry addresses these obstacles by leveraging video-conferencing technology to connect patients with qualified health professionals. This virtual care method has proven particularly valuable in certain areas. In some, access to behavioral-health services is limited or non-existent, such as remote rural areas. Bonmente has successfully integrated telepsychiatry services into our comprehensive healthcare delivery system. This integration allows our patients to receive care for their mental health conditions under one roof, i.e., their own. The convenience of this approach has led to satisfaction among existing patients. It even made care available to patients who may not otherwise have been able to commute to our Long Beach, Ca. office. (Bonmente’s providers are licensed to provide telepsych services to patients anywhere in California.) The Benefits of TelepsychiatryImproved AccessibilityOne advantage of telepsychiatry is its ability to reach patients in remote or underserved areas. Many communities lack access to specialized mental health professionals, and telepsychiatry bridges this gap effectively. Patients who might otherwise need to travel long distances to reach health centers can now receive high-quality care from the comfort of their homes.Reduced Wait TimesTraditional psychiatric care often involves sitting for some time in a waiting room before appointments.Telepsychiatry services offer quick connection to appointments. Also, telepsych expanding the available pool of mental health professionals makes it easier to fit an appointment into patients’ schedules. This reduction in wait times is crucial for patients requiring immediate attention for acute mental health conditions. Care providers such as physician assistants can be on-call to help in such situations.Flexibility and ConvenienceVirtual care offers unprecedented flexibility for both patients and health care providers. Appointments can be scheduled at more convenient times, and the elimination of travel time makes it easier for patients to maintain consistent treatment schedules. Plus, the mitigation of things like unexpected road closures or heavy traffic reduces the chances of showing up late to the appointment. Mental illnesses can sometimes limit people’s ability to reliably transport themselves. This makes them dependent on family members or personal-care professionals. Virtual care can make things easier for all involved in these cases.This convenience factor has led to improved attendance rates and better adherence to treatment plans. Patients just need to make sure their Wi-Fi is working well.Maintaining Quality in Virtual CareWhile telepsychiatry differs from traditional face-to-face interactions, it can deliver effective care for many mental health conditions. Health professionals practicing telepsychiatry have specialized training for providing high-quality care through virtual platforms. This includes:Adapting therapeutic techniques for online deliveryMastering video-conferencing technologyDeveloping virtual-communication skillsLearning to assess patients effectively through digital meansUnderstanding privacy and security protocolsBecoming licensed to practice telepsychiatry, then, involves much more than simply creating a username and password for a telehealth platform. The Role of Technology in Mental Health CareModern telepsychiatry platforms incorporate various features to enhance the therapeutic experience. Secure videoconferencing health systems foster patient privacy while providing reliable communication channels. Many platforms also integrate with electronic health records, allowing for seamless coordination between different health-services providers.Challenges and ConsiderationsPatients should be aware of the following challenges if they wish to begin telepsychiatry:Technical Requirements: Both providers and patients need reliable internet connections and appropriate devices to participate in virtual sessions.Insurance Coverage: While coverage for telepsychiatry services has improved, some insurance providers may have specific requirements or limitations. Bonmente can verify the extent of patients’ insurance coverage with respect to telepsychiatry.Digital Literacy: Some patients, particularly older adults, may need assistance in navigating the technology required for virtual appointments.Assessment Limitations: Certain psychiatric evaluations may require in-person interaction, making telepsychiatry inappropriate for some cases.Telepsychiatry Services Available from BonmenteAt bonmente, we seek to offer our patients the best care possible. We are physically located in Long Beach, California, but are licensed to provide telepsych services to patients anywhere in California. We are also expanding our services to other locations in the United States.We understand what it takes to manage a mental health problem. From nurse practitioners to psychiatrists, the education and training of our staff covers a wide range of issues.If you are seeking mental health care, including virtual tele psychiatry, do not hesitate to reach out. We can even check your health-insurance coverage for you.
The Perks of In-Person Therapy Appointment Posted on September 29, 2023November 4, 2024 by bonmente Modern-day psychiatric care is all about convenience and connection. That’s why we built bonmente to be technology-forward and accessible! The proven benefits of telemedicine have been widely documented and it’s certainly here to stay. But what about those who picture themselves in a cozy therapist’s office, resting on a comfortable couch, having profound breakthroughs during an in-person therapy appointment?We see you!Even in a world of premier virtual care, it’s important to know that in-person therapy appointments are available if that’s what you prefer. In some cases, an in-person appointment can actually enhance your healing journey for many reasons. Let’s explore a few.SHARING SPACE ENHANCES HUMAN CONNECTIONBeing in the physical presence of another person deepens human connection, even if it’s just a reassuring handshake or a friendly smile. In-person appointments bring you face-to-face with your therapist allowing you to feel the warmth of their presence, which can be incredibly comforting. These types of appointments foster a more profound sense of human connection, helping patients feel heard, valued, and supported on their healing journey.YOUR THERAPIST CAN READ YOUR BODY LANGUAGEBody language can reveal a patient’s emotional state. Signs of anxiety (e.g., fidgeting, nail-biting), sadness (e.g., slumped shoulders, no eye contact), or agitation (e.g., restlessness, clenched fists) can all be indications of something more. In-person therapy appointments allow for communication through subtle cues, like knowing nod or empathetic glance, promoting understanding.On the other hand, defensive body language-crossed arms, closed postures, or avoiding eye contact- may signal resistance or reluctance to open up.EXPERIENCE REAL LIFE ‘AHA’ MOMENTSEver had that lightbulb moment when everything suddenly clicks into place? In-person sessions create an environment where breakthroughs feel more tangible. It’s as if the universe aligns with your therapist to make those ‘aha’ moments all the more profound. In-person appointments provide a dedicated, distraction-free space where you can fully be yourself. Think of our beautiful Long Beach office as a safe space for healing.“Sometimes, digital screens can be a portal to endless distractions,” said Ana Jimenez, a mental health provider at bonmente. “In-person appointments eliminate the temptation to check your notifications, allowing you to be fully present in your healing journey.” Our goal at bonmente is to connect patients in need with excellent, highly skilled mental health practitioners. All of the care we provide is convenient, consistent, and comprehensive. In-person or online, we offer appointments to help you focus on getting better from the very start.We have select in-person availability for a few bonmente providers. Reach out to our team today if you or someone you love would prefer an in-person therapy appointment.