Trinity Behavioral Health

02/14/2022

We’re going to deviate slightly from our normal posts. Before we begin, I want to state that we’re doing this due to the struggle we’ve seen lately with families and individuals being able to pay for their medications. These medications are critical to the overall quality of life and – in some cases – the extension of life for not only our clients but their family members and friends.

We’ve seen the profits of pharmaceutical companies balloon over the past decade. Billions of dollars have flowed into their coffers while struggling families have been forced to make hard and damaging choices concerning buying needed meds, or – in some cases – paying rent. We’re not going to dig into this, because that is not what our purpose and mission are for Trinity Behavioral Health. However, supporting the community and people at large is our mission and purpose. To that extent, we have recently discovered an amazing option for those on a budget – or people who are just cost-conscious – and want a break from the exceedingly exorbitant cost of prescription drugs. We are in no way, shape, or form endorsed, affiliated, or financially compensated by this company or any of its leadership. The company is, www.costplusdrugs.com

CostPlus deals only with generic medications, and they currently do not accept any insurance, but you can use your FSA or HSA account to pay for the prescriptions. When you consider the extremely low costs compared to what you could pay even with insurance, this may be a viable option for those struggling to keep up with rising healthcare costs.

For example, Tamiflu normally runs about $96 to $115 per prescription. Through Cost Plus Drugs, you can purchase the generic version called Oseltamivir for $3.60 – that is a huge savings! The company also has generics for Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, and Zoloft as well as hundreds of other pharmaceutical categories. The information for how to register and what they offer is located on their website.

The company is associated with investor Mark Cuban and CEO Dr. Alexander Oshmyansky. Fulfillment is handled by Truepill and there is a $5 to $15 charge for shipping. You can read their Mission Statement and see the cost breakdown of each supported medication on their website.

Again, we don’t endorse, nor are we supported by, this company, but we do recognize the stress many families have with meeting their medical bills and provide this as a resource to consider.

02/01/2022

It’s the universally hated question, “… where do YOU want to go eat …” and the indecision begins there. Of course, that is normal indecisiveness that we all face – sometimes every day. It is frustrating to be sure, but we inherently know that we are going to eat and that we will ultimately make a decision.

Life is full of uncertainty. We never know for absolute certainty what the next moment will bring. We work under the presumption that things will go well, and that everything will turn out positively. For example, we never operate under the presumption that when we’re traveling, and drive through an intersection, that another vehicle will collide with us. But it does happen. Everyday people experience that type of probable outcome.

Now imagine living a life where due to your uncertainty and your indecisiveness, you were paralyzed with fear. Fear of making any decision because you couldn’t be certain of the outcome and the question, “… what if …” is so dominating in your consciousness that you’re frozen in place. This goes far beyond anxiety into the realm of phobias. In the past, this severe type of fear would be called ‘xenophobia’ – which today we use in the description of a fear of strangers or foreigners, but in the original meaning it was much broader in covering a fear of the ‘unknown.’

There is a saying which goes something to the effect of, “ … any decision is better than no decision …” I don’t necessarily agree with that saying all of the time, but I do recognize the necessity of making a decision and following through with it. We all know that choices have consequences – some are good, and some are bad – yet perhaps the worse consequence is remorse due to inaction. Again, that “… what if …” question comes into play. Unfortunately, the’… what if …’ becomes, ‘… if only …’ Such as, ‘… if only I had asked her to dance …,’ ‘… if only I had gone to that seminar …,’ ‘… if only …’. The whole phrase bemoans regret and missed opportunities that could leave lingering psychological scars depending on the magnitude of the loss.

We want to always be aware of dangers, bad consequences, and potentially disastrous possibilities, but we do not want to contrive a poor outcome in our minds to the point where even a slim change of failure suspends our ability to choose or act. When we – or those around us – notice and point out that our ability to make decisions has become chronically impeded, it is time to seek help.

Our friends, doctor Martin Seif and Sally Winston have a wonderful article that addresses the anxiety which comes from making decisions in the link below. It’s an insightful read and can be very helpful.

How anxiety makes even trivial decisions torturous.

10/12/2021

This month we’re focusing on Mental Health and Getting Back to Nature. There’s no denying the many benefits of spending time outdoors in Nature. But, with the current situation, everyone is facing around the world, there will be some who see venturing out as a ‘risky endeavor.’ So over the course of this week, we’re going to examine the benefits, concerns, and views around how mental and behavioral health can be enhanced, bettered, and reenforced by spending some time in Nature.

Right off the bat, let’s address the “elephant-in-the-room” – SARS-CoV-2 or, better known as “COVID-19.” As we continue to face a world dominated by information, news, allegations, political jockeying, sensationalism, and misinformation – on all sides of the topic – surrounding this virus, we know one thing to be absolutely certain … our mental health has taken a dramatic and detrimental hit because of it.

The vast majority of immunologists, virologists, and geneticists agree that Coronavirus has always been around – and COVID-19 is something that we will have to live with forever. It is never going to go away. There will be variants, new strains, changes in intensity … but … most scientists and doctors studying the virus agree, that it is here to stay. That being said, increasing research and reliable data shows that proper care, natural immunity, and immunity therapy treatments will lessen the effects and dramatically mitigate terminal cases of infection. Included in that proper care, is a positive mental outlook and spending time outdoors in Nature.

Think back to the last time you went outside to enjoy and bask in the sunshine. The smile that came across your face as you soaked in that energy. Think back to the last time you took a walk in the park or down a wooded trail. Remember the last time you stopped and listened to the birds singing outside or watched bees buzzing around some flowers. If you pause for a moment, and intently remember those events, you’ll remember the sense of serenity and joy that you felt. The calm and connected emotions that washed over you. The peace of Nature.

It is universally acknowledged that we live in a world moving too fast for our minds to adjust to. Today’s society is too stressed, too busy, too quick-to-judge, too focused on “Likes” and “Selfies,” too wrapped up in who’s-doing-what and Celebrity. We post – oftentimes – fake photos of us living our best life (… look, if it takes more than two attempts to get the perfect photo, you’re faking it …), we posture about where to be seen, and we are petrified to leave the house without our phones. All of this is a detriment to our emotional, mental, and behavioral health. Evolutionists and sociologists will tell you that it is not our natural state. In short, we’ve lost touch with something essential to wellbeing – communion with Nature.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “… here we go, another tree-hugger …,” what we’re saying is there is a direct scientific correlation between mental health in humans and connection with Nature. Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki is the author of the book, ‘Shinrin Yoku’ and is a leading researcher in the links between modern man, nature, and the mental health connection. His research has shown that being in Nature – especially forest environments – has a positive effect on our stress reduction levels. He calls the results of his research, Forest Therapy – although the direct translation to English calls it, “Forest Bathing.” (Japanese doesn’t always translate well to our English hearing ears.)

Dr. Yoshifumi Miyazaki states that the three major global trends of our time are urbanization, stress, and the rise and influence of digital technology in our daily lives. Getting outside, however briefly, is a powerful antidote to all three, as it allows us to “lower our base state.” Being outside makes us happier, less stressed, more creative, and more socially connected. It can improve short-term memory and focus, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, fight against anxiety and depression, and boost our overall immune systems. Plus, access to fresh air and natural light supports healthier respiratory function and more balanced circadian rhythms, supporting better, deeper sleep. People who exercise outside report feeling happier, more confident, and more energetic than those who opt to exercise indoors.

As this week of attention to mental health continues, we will be posting and presenting additional articles and contacts for everyone who has questions or is suffering the impacts of situations associated with Mental and Behavioral Health struggles.

In the attached article, Dr. Miyazaki Yoshifumi discusses the Healing Power of the Forest and how he came to see Nature as a component of good mental health and relaxation.

Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bathing,” is a Japanese term that means relaxing in the forest to improve health. The term was first coined in the 1980s, but is now attracting increasing attention around the world. Miyazaki Yoshifumi has been researching shinrin-yoku for three decades and is the...

10/11/2021

01/11/2021

Sometimes the path is blocked. Obstacles hamper our progress and we're blinded by either the darkness ... or the glare of the Sun. Yet, we must persevere. We must not simply stop and sit ... to 'give up' is not an option. We must push on.

There will be times that quitting the journey seems like the most logical thing to do. But ... what then? Do you just remain in the moment? Do you just allow the pain and challenges you've already faced to ... linger? Do you allow them to become your "new normal?"

I submit to you that doing so is NOT the answer. It isn't an option. You're better than that. Yes ... you've struggled. Yes ... you've suffered loss and damage. Guess what ... so has everyone else. They are no better - or less - than you are. You are unique. There isn't another one like you. To simply quit and deny the world of everything. you have to offer ... well ... that truly would be a waste.

So, take a breath. Lift your head and focus your eyes on the path. Start with one step ... then the next. In time, the place you are NOW ... will only be a memory. At that point, you'll see why not giving up was the only decision all along.

10/07/2020

https://nyti.ms/2sdT34a

Social distancing ... no human contact ... fear of human-to-human interaction. These are the bellwether of today's reality. But, why is it no one is openly discussing the serious consequences of all this isolation? If we read the latest columns from the print media, we're told that we can only protect our wellbeing by avoiding human contact at all costs. The broadcast media derives gatherings of any type as selfish and social maleficence. Yet, it was not too long ago that both were lauding the scientifically proven benefits of social interaction and the need we as humans have to bond, communicate, and gather to ensure we have a long and robust life.

Don't get me wrong, there is a virus and for some, it is potentially deadly, but looking at the current numbers and statistics, so is social isolation. Since February of 2020, we've seen an increase in the number of teen and young adult su***des. In fact, young girls aged 11 to 22 have seen the largest increase in suicidal ideations by 84% by this time over last year. To put it another way, by the time you finish reading this article, 3 people will have died from su***de and an additional 4 will have considered taking their lives. Pause and think about that for a moment. Seven people will have attempted su***de and three will have succeeded. And the primary reason for this is a deep sense of hopelessness and loneliness. From February to September 2020, a full 47% of su***de survivors attributed the isolation and fear around the pandemic as the primary reason for their attempt. We've also seen increases in domestic violence, child abuse, and animal cruelty. All of these increases are directly and unquestionably tied to factors around the pandemic and social isolation.

From a physiological health perspective, we've seen an increase in mortality rates from patients who - out of fear - are delaying or forgoing treatments because of anxiety surrounding the contraction of the virus. We've also seen a marked decrease in the general health of our populous due to a lack of outdoor activity and general social contact. When we are around other people, we transmit germs, bacteria, and - yes - viruses that our immune systems build resistances to. This is how the body works and it actually boosts our systems - not unlike going to the gym to exercise. The more the body does of both - fighting with the immune system and exercise - it builds a fortification to handle periods of time when it is under stress, duress, and strain. Without that human-to-human contact and social interaction - or partaking in exercise - the body degrades or loses those important abilities. Thus, in the degradation or loss, we can experience serious consequences.

In the media, we're hearing that we should social distance and avoid crowds. While this is true to an extent, there must come a time when we begin to question and weigh the benefits against the drawbacks. We're not suggesting that anyone should unnecessarily expose themselves to a situation that is detrimental to their wellbeing. Far from it. But what we are suggesting is that prolonged isolation and distancing from other people can be just as damaging in the long term. This is especially true for our children and young adults.

We know that children continue to learn and mimic the actions and behaviors of their parents well into their later teens. These behaviors and patterns of thought, sometimes do not reveal themselves until well after the individual has reached adulthood - and in most cases, the unsupported ability to change these behaviors by one's self has been lost. Our children are resilient, but their emotional states are not. Fear, anxiety, depression, and physiological deterioration have been an important study since March of this year on our youths. While the study is ongoing, what the current research has shown, is that our next generation - ages 9 to 23 - are experiencing an 18% deterioration in physiological wellbeing and a 41% deterioration in their behavioral and mental wellbeing. The contributing factors are varied, but the single largest two components are fear based uncertainty and social isolation.

Decades of research and peer-reviewed studies cannot be undone by our current condition of the past 10 months ... humans need social interaction - not digital or video, but human to human contact and interaction - to be well-balanced, healthy, and stable. It wasn't so long ago that the media was touting how we should put our devices down and get together for more social interactivity. Even CEOs and leading tech executives strictly limit or disallow the use of electronics and social media with their own children. All of them have also stated that having their children and themselves involved in social interaction is a priority in their lives. (... haven't we all seen the photos of Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple leaders on the beach, at the park, and on trips with other people? ... just pointing that out to you.)

The virus is real. It is going to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future, but we have to also understand the balances between safety precautions and the behavioral, mental, and physiological toll that nonhuman and lack of human-to-human interaction is having on ourselves and our families.

In the end, you have to decide. Logical, practical, and critical thinking skills must be applied. You have to make the final decision. It is a weighty decision. Make sure that final decision is based on well researched and logical facts. Questioning what you're being told isn't a bad thing. We were once told Pluto was a planet, that nothing would ever replace Newton's Laws, and that there was no water on Mars. We questioned, we learned, and we reasoned. We didn't just watch the news and believe without questioning. Perhaps, we should do the same now.

Below is an article the New York Times posted just 3 short years ago. It's an interesting read and provides scientific verification for what we've given you today.

Having friends is a critically important contributor to good health and longevity.

08/31/2020

Happiness is elusive. Especially in our current situation. Life seems ... less ... for many, many people. They reflect on what is missing and what they feel has been lost. This often leads them to unhappy or remorseful states of mind. In truth, that is easy to do. If you turn on the television, you are almost immediately reminded of death tolls, rising numbers of sick, political dissent, and a host of businesses and family legacies being obliterated. Of course, our advice is not to watch the news or to at the very least limit what mainstream media you consume. With all of that being said, there are things to be thankful for. There are things to take joy in. There is a multitude of things to stoke your fires of happiness.

In this post, we'll discuss our second segment on the Happiness Factor - Gratitude. If you've read our posts previously, you'll know that gratitude is scientifically proven to 're-wire' the brain, increase your health, and give you a more positive, abundant, and fulfilled life. Gratitude is powerful. But, it is like anything else worth having ... it takes work to become proficient at. Changes do not happen overnight. It takes being thoughtful and consistent in your practicing of gratitude to see results - but, I can attest to you that if you are ... they will come!

Normally, it isn't appropriate to be personal in these posts. However, with this topic, I think the best way for me to start you out on this journey is to relate how gratitude has personally changed my views and - to a large part - my life. My journey began slowly. Most people who know me would say I was a 'realist' (... with perhaps a bit of pessimism, for good measure ...). After several personal setbacks in life, I began to wonder what it was going to take for me to turn the corner. What was it going to take to find ... happiness? For every step forward, there were several steps backward. Over time, it was easier to see the wrong and the darkness than to hope for the light. It was during a particularly low time that a friend reminded me of all of the things I had to be thankful for. Of course, my response was not exactly positive to that seemingly perfunctory advice. I thought to myself (... and may have said to them in a not so kind, outwardly voice with several colorful metaphors ...), this person doesn't understand the situation or the emotions I'm feeling, otherwise, they'd have never suggested that I had things to be 'thankful' for.

But ... I was wrong. As I sat there dwelling in my misery, I kept going back to what they had told me. Replaying in my head the list they gave me of all the things I had to be thankful for. At first, I was angry that they'd suggested them to me. Then, I became frustrated over the advice. Finally, after several hours, I became ashamed. I was trained in psychology. I knew the studies and research - from a purely scientific point of view - but I was allowing myself to become consumed with sadness, anger, and disappointment over my situation. They had been right, and I was wrong. I did have things to be thankful for - even if those things seemed limited by my current mindset. A day (... or maybe a week ...) passed before I was able to admit openly that I had been wrong. I called my friend and told them and asked for their forgiveness. I had taken the first step, but I promised myself it would not be my last.

The next day I committed to myself from that moment forward, I would find three things each morning and three things each evening to be 'thankful' for. I would begin to practice gratitude as a way of 'being,' and not just as words thought, said, or written down. But I did begin by simply saying the things I felt gratitude for out loud. Each morning, as soon as I woke up, I would think of three things I was grateful for. They were simple things - a pillow to sleep on, hot water to shower with, transportation to get to work in. At night, as I lay down to sleep, I would again find three other things to be grateful for - that I made it home safely, that I had a home to go to, that I had friends. I said these gratitude statements each day - every day - for three weeks. More importantly, I FELT the sincere and deep gratitude when I said them. I made sure to understand that there were people out there who DIDN'T have the things I was being grateful for. I didn't just go through the motions (... well, maybe I did the first few times, but after that I ensured I FELT what I was saying ...) I believed. I felt thankful. I experienced the gratitude in my mind and more importantly in my heart. That's when I was rewarded with the first change.

A colleague approached me and said that they'd noticed a change in me. They said I seemed much more relaxed and not as stressed as I had been in the past couple of months. Another coworker said that I was always smiling now, and how wonderful it was to see me happy. Both of these comments made me pause. I considered the compliments as I drove home. The reality was, I did feel happier. I also felt healthier and more relaxed. During the previous weeks, I had also begun the conscious practice of being grateful to clerks at supermarkets and stores, greeting strangers as I passed them when appropriate, opening doors and holding elevators for other people, and generally being mindful of my actions and civility towards other people. All of those things brought back a positive response to me that emboldened me to do it more and more.

As time has passed, I’ve continued these practices and added a Gratitude Journal to my routine. What I’ve discovered is my mind and emotions no longer look to the dark or to the negative, but to the possibility of positive and light. That does not mean that everything is sunshine and rainbows. I still have ‘those days,’ when I get frustrated, disappointed, and – yes – angry. However, what I’ve discovered is that I am much quicker to recover from those mindsets and that they do happen much less often. My finances haven’t changed, where I live hasn’t changed, what I drive hasn’t changed, the people whom I deal with on a daily basis haven’t changed … I have changed. I’ve become more positive and my resilience has increased. Things don’t trigger me as much as they used to and the little things aren’t an annoyance any longer. That doesn’t mean they have suddenly vanished, what it means is that my ability to ignore them or not allow them to impact my emotions and mindsets has been strengthened. I contribute that to my practice of gratitude. There have been other positive changes and as you read the other segments of our series on the Happiness Factor, you'll see how those changes have a cumulative impact on 'being happy.'

Still, need more evidence? The Health Department of Harvard University has put together some interesting research that might give you a little more confidence in how gratitude and happiness are linked. Check it out and we strongly encourage you to add gratitude to your day.

November kicks off the holiday season with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Certainly, major depression or a severe anxiety disorder benefits mo...

08/26/2020

Have you ever seen the smile that comes across someone's face when you do something small, yet considerate for them? Opening the door for someone, saying the clerk's name as you go through the check-out lane, or stopping to pick up papers someone you don't know has dropped. Those are all acts of charity and they make a difference. Think about how you felt when you did that. About the way you felt when you saw the reaction the recipient of your kindness displayed.

Today we're going to address Charity. It's the third segment in our Happiness Factor series. When most people say or think of charity, images of writing checks or dropping money into a jar, plate, or case comes to mind. And, while those are forms of charity, they pale in comparison to the giving of your time, effort, and attention. Most importantly, giving someone money doesn't necessarily make us 'happier' for doing so. Often times we seem annoyed or coerced to perform that type of charity. I'm not saying it won't make a difference, but I am saying it is impersonal and at times feels hollow.

Charity is defined as the voluntary giving of help to those in need. The keywords are voluntary and 'in need.' Being, 'in need' may not be readily observed by someone's appearance. Often times, we're in need of something as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, an act of encouragement, or a simple smile. When we give any of those we have chosen the act of charity. And, if you've ever done that, you've gotten a rush after doing it. An indescribable sense of joy and a rush of ... happiness.

Simon Sinek tells the story of how if you tell friends, "... I gave $100 to charity today ..." the sarcastic response of, "... good for you. You want a medal? .." is usually the response. But if you tell someone you went to a homeless shelter and worked or you painted a home for charity, the response is completely different. At that point, you become an inspiration. You gave of YOURSELF ... and therefore you gave more than money could ever mean. That is the charity we're speaking of. (By the way, if you haven't done so yet, you should really watch Simon's videos on YouTube.)

Charity of the giving kind will initiate the greatest feeling of accomplishment and happiness you can imagine. This is because we form bonds to other people when we do this. And if we begin to make this type of charity on a regular basis, we develop a happiness factor that triggers each time we do it. And you'll want to do it more and more.

So, does charity bring happiness? Yes ... very much so. Should we all do it - at least a little - absolutely and by doing so we not only make ourselves happier and more fulfilled ... we make our world a little better each time and we, in turn, inspire others to do the same thing. Don't believe me ... try it and see what happens.

Our friend Dr. Art Markman, Ph.D. has a little something to say about how repeated charity feels good and how that feeling never gets old. He has a podcast you might want to check out too, Two Guys on Your Head is produced by K*T Radio in Austin, Texas and Dr. Markman is the co-host.

When you give repeatedly to others, the joy doesn't diminish much over time.

08/26/2020

In our 4th segment on the Happiness Factor, we're going to discuss how journaling contributes to happiness.

If you've followed us for any amount of time, you'll know that we strongly encourage journaling. Journaling is a fantastic way to get the 'stuff' that's floating around in your mind, out. What science and research have proven is that journaling can help lessen the impacts of depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, PTSD, and trama. It can increase the sense of accomplishment, achievement, clarity, focus, confidence, and mindfulness.

In short, journaling is a positive way to increase your sense of well-being and happiness. It is a great creative outlet for anyone and - perhaps most important - there are no set rules for journaling.

Our Director of Clinical Services often tells clients, that journaling has no set rules. You don't need to follow a specific set of instructions or format. In fact, you can use a crayon if you want and you shouldn't worry about spelling. Write about what you feel. Write what you think. Write your fears, hopes, emotions, or anything that comes to mind. Doing this allows your mind and physical actions to connect with your emotional side. With journaling, they all work together and in most cases leads to amazing healing. We heal emotionally, mentally, and - in turn - physically by releasing our pent-up thoughts and feelings onto paper.

As we journal and release the pressures, stresses, and anxieties of life, we gain a sense of peace and acknowledgment that we've addressed what we might have been hesitant to face in our own minds. That type of 'healing' leads to happiness.

With journaling, we also can write down things that are positive and fulfilling in our lives. We've all heard of a gratitude journal - where you write down what you're grateful for each day and, perhaps more important, why you're grateful for them. This type of journaling promotes a positive and thankful sense of fulfillment in the individual for all of the blessings - even if they're small - in their life. It shows that everything isn't as terrible and dark as we sometimes allow ourselves to think.

Best of all ... you can do BOTH of these types of journaling together. You don't need different notebooks or journals and reams of paper. Do them in the same notebook. That's the beauty of true journaling - there are no rules. Say what you want, express exactly what you're thinking, be mindful of your true feelings, and write them down. Not every single day is going to be super fantastic or apocalyptic. Most days are somewhere in between, but that's the key, isn't it? Life can be good and bad on the same day or the same hour. How we respond - not react - is what defines our life ... and our happiness.

Writing in a journal brings happiness by releasing the stress, acknowledging the positive, and providing us a needed outlet for our hectic minds to empty itself of what we have trapped up there.

Susanna Newsonen, MAPP has some amazing and helpful ideas on 5 ways to Journal your way to happiness. In the main, that writing heals ... and healing leads us all to a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

The research confirms it: Writing heals.