Treating ADHD The Ethical & Thorough Way Posted on January 31, 2023November 7, 2024 by bonmente When you have ADHD, getting through the day can sometimes feel like you are wrestling a mythical beast. And if simple tasks disguised as Herculean feats weren’t enough to contend with, finding an ADHD treatment that works for you can leave you feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. Many medical professionals often take the inflexible approach to treating ADHD, not considering individual symptons or personal history. This approach can lead to ineffective treatment plans that don’t address the unique needs of each person.BUT YOU ARE NOT JUST A NUMBER.You have special strengths and powers waiting to be unlocked by a treatment plan tailored to your needs.At bonmente, we believe it’s time to move beyond ‘one size fits all’ solutions. We explore conscientious ways to treat ADHD through comprehensive assessments and tailored treatments the thorough and ethical way.WHAT IS ADHD? AND WHY DOES ASSESSMENT MATTER?Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition often linked to genetic factors. And while the exact origin may be unknown, proper diagnosis plays an integral role in safe and successful treatment. For this reason, it’s crucial to obtain an accurate evaluation from qualified providers who can understand your personal history and determine whether any other causes are potentially responsible for your symptoms.During the assessment process at bonmente, we will gauge how long you have been dealing with symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness, how much interference they cause in everyday life, and how best to target intervention with individualized strategies.TRADITIONAL TREATMENT VS. OUR APPROACHWe understand the temptation to reach for stimulant medications when faced with an ADHD diagnosis. They work. But they can also lead to dependence, increased anxiety, and heart problems. Our top priority is your well-being. Instead of automatically handing out prescription drugs as a solution, we’ll take time to review your situation and consider more holistic approaches.Our mission? To find what works best without compromising safety or putting you at risk.So, in addition to lifestyle changes and routines such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, we encourage our patients to explore options like therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically, shows tremendous promise in helping ADHD patients restructure their thought processes to manage their symptoms better.And while optimal treatment for ADHD is usually a combination of therapy and medications, holistic approaches like these can get to the root of troubling symptoms in a way that medications cannot. By leveraging the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), patients can take steps to break free from a lifetime of self-critical thinking. CBT can help by replacing harmful cognitive distortions with healthier ones that pave the way for more positive emotions.Bottom line: If you have been treated for ADHD before, we’ll thoroughly review your history, symptoms, and medical records to find what works … (and what doesn’t.)GET THE HELP YOU NEED.Living with ADHD can feel like you’re living in a never-ending obstacle course, sometimes exciting, sometimes scary, always a challenge. With the right combination of personalized treatments, you can harness your ADHD brilliance and unlock your unique strengths. This allows you to channel your potential effectively and build the confidence needed for a fulfilling life.If you are seeking ADHD treatment in Long Beach, CA, contact bonmente today.
How To Navigate Holiday Stress & Family Conflict Posted on November 23, 2022November 7, 2024 by bonmente The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, love, and peace. But for many of us, the stressors of the holiday season get in the way of merry making.From buying gifts, attending holiday parties, and dealing with family conflicts, the holidays can be tough to get through unscathed. We don’t have the official handbook on navigating holiday stress (and family drama), but these tips from our team can help you manage holiday stress without losing your mind.CREATE A BUDGET… AND STICK TO IT.There may be many things we want to do and people we want to please around the holidays. But when it’s all said and done, our bank account doesn’t give a hoot about the holiday spirit. So how do we manage our financially-triggered holiday stress and stay within our budget?“Before filling up your holiday calendar or shopping cart, sit down and create a budget you can stick to,” says Rachel Jumonville, PA-C, a bonmente provider. “Following a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on gifts. It might mean being mindful of spending, getting creative with gifts, or scaling back on some of your party plans.”And if you’re feeling guilty about saying no to people or not buying a gift for your great-uncle Bob, don’t worry! Putting your needs first during the holiday season is okay, and the people who love you will understand.TAKE PLENTY OF MENTAL BREAKS & ME TIME.One of the best ways to manage holiday stress is to take regular mental breaks. Step away from the holiday bustle for a few minutes here and there to clear your head. These little check-ins help you decompress and offload some of the chaotic energy that comes with the season, making you better equipped to handle stress when it comes.If you’re feeling especially stressed, take a quick walk or do some simple exercises to get your blood flowing. It’s amazing what a few jumping jacks can do… If the family conflict starts to heat up, give yourself permission to walk away and take a few deep breaths.SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS & BOUNDARIES.The holidays are a time when family dynamics can come into sharp relief. If you dread spending time with certain family members or friends, set some expectations and boundaries. For instance, if you know that nosy Aunt Susie will pry into your love life or that Uncle Ralph will have one drink too many and talk politics with anyone who will listen, mentally prepare yourself ahead of time. Then, communicate your needs and limits clearly and firmly.This doesn’t mean you have to create a big drama – in fact, setting boundaries can help everyone enjoy the season with less of it. And that’s something everyone can be thankful for. Set realistic expectations to avoid feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. And by maintaining boundaries, you can protect your time, energy, and generosity before other people or triggers have a chance to take advantage of it.REMEMBER, YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TEAM IS JUST A CLICK AWAY.Telepsychiatry is a flexible and convenient option if holiday stress or family conflict is becoming too much to handle on your own. At bonmente, our team is experienced in helping people healthily manage their stressors and other mental health concerns that can be especially triggering this time of year. For this reason, we offer extended hours and Sunday appointments so that you can get help and support when you need it. We’re here for you.
