Take Care of Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

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The holiday season brings different emotions that are often joyous, but for some, it can be a somber time of year. It’s important to consider the impact the holidays may have on your mental health.

Many are still finding difficulties navigating the ups and downs of the season, all the while, they are planning, attending and engaging in activities such as work parties and family gatherings. This may be due to the loss of a loved one, inability to gather as a family, or financial difficulties among other things. However, taking time to focus on the things you can do may help shift your focus.

First Things First – This Is Hard

As we turn the calendar to another December, remember we have been living through a pandemic that caused changes to routines, physical distancing, isolation, loss, and uncertainties for a few years now. With the holiday season here, it may be the first major event with family in a few years, or it could be the first time without a loved one. Try to remember we are all experiencing emotions through this – some similar and some different – but you aren’t alone and that can help you cope.

The Highs and Lows of Holidays

People face a lot of emotions during the holidays. This can be from not having family, having lost loved ones, living far away, or feeling overwhelmed by all the expectations and demands of the season. We should expect these feelings in ourselves and others.

Don’t avoid these feelings, recognize them. We can also expect these feelings to come in waves. The first wave will probably be the biggest, emotionally, and then it can become more manageable from there.

The important thing is to know yourself and expect some ups and downs. But the second most important thing to remember is that it’s best to embrace the feelings and work through them rather than trying to stop these feelings altogether.

Take Action

Knowing yourself is key to the entire process of mental and emotional health during the holidays and throughout the year. Try to understand your triggers – something that can make you feel sad, angry, overwhelmed – and be prepared.

The next step is to have coping skills, or actions you take to deal with the highs and lows. These skills will be a big part of working through things as they happen, even more so to help with holidays and mental health. Some coping skills can include:

  • Talking to someone
  • Making a list
  • Doing deep breathing exercises
  • Going for a walk
  • Or writing in a journal

Another way to be proactive is to notice changes in other people and yourself. Some of the most common changes can be withdrawing from activities, isolating, not contacting people, sadness, and not enjoying hobbies. These can be red flags during the holidays and may spark mental health concerns.

It’s OK to Feel Lonely

It can be very uncomfortable to feel lonely, but it is okay to feel lonely. It is a very normal emotion, even more so when we have expectations of something different.

Dealing with this can happen in a few ways.

  1. Throw out the idea of “should”. For example, don’t continually think or say “I should be able to be with my family” or “I should be going on a trip”. It’s fine, and even good, to mourn a lost holiday or celebration with people you care about, but then take those options out. Think about what you can do and focus on that this year.
  2. Change your expectations. This is a good rule any time of year. We set high expectations of ourselves and of the holidays, which can lead to disappointment. Rethink or lower your expectations to something more realistic.
  3. Use this opportunity to help others who may also be facing loneliness like a neighbor, an elderly friend or family member who has been isolated, or one of your kid’s friends who has family that is working during the holidays. Find ways to show people you care, that they aren’t alone, and make new memories. You will be surprised how much good it does for that person, and for you!

Loneliness is a big factor on holidays and mental health of people everywhere. Efforts in this area can make a big difference.

Know When to Ask for Help

We believe in prevention in healthcare, whether it is physical health or mental health. If you have been struggling, make an appointment with one of NOAH’s counselors or psychiatrists now.

People who are at a higher risk, or who deal with chronic depression or anxiety, should be seeing someone on a somewhat regular basis, especially if holiday stress or loneliness would trigger more emotions. Another warning sign is isolation. If you notice yourself isolating more or see changes in a loved one with their moods or interactions, that is a good time to make or encourage an appointment. Everyone can benefit from counseling.

Find Ways to Enjoy the Season

Now that we are ready to adjust our expectations, embrace the emotions of the season, and know what to expect, we can find new ways to celebrate the season safely for our mental health.

Make your plans – If you want to do a video call with multiple family members, make those arrangements. Remember that some people may not have reliable WiFi or be comfortable using certain technologies so plan accordingly. Making phone calls to loved ones and sending cards are ways to share the season with people you care about.

Remember to also be thankful and show gratitude which is helpful to your mental and emotional health all year. Showing gratitude to your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and even strangers can have a ripple effect. So, hold the door open, smile, give a compliment, or make small talk with the cashier, and you will brighten many people’s day in the process.

If you need a counselor, reach out to NOAH’s team of experts. Virtual visits are common and can fit in your schedule and lifestyle.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Call, text, or chat the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide.

According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five individuals in the United States suffers from mental illness.  Yet, despite how common it is to suffer from this illness, many people feel uncomfortable reaching out for help. Medical providers see many patients struggling to deal with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It is important to see this topic more openly discussed in families and communities.

Mental Health Background

There is no shame around being diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition. There are more than 51 million U.S. adults living with a mental illness, so these individuals are not alone.

Our brains are an important part of our body, and we often forget that it plays a key role in our everyday health. Our brain controls our emotions, and those emotions can impact physical health. People with a serious mental illness are at an increased risk for chronic diseases, metabolic, and cardiac conditions.

Suicide Awareness – Signs and Symptoms

Our emotions can be so strong that they disrupt our daily lives. Sometimes this makes life seem very overwhelming. Someone struggling with their emotions might start to have feelings of worthlessness or start to wish they didn’t exist. When these overwhelming emotions snowball, the person can feel so trapped that they think there is no way out. This can lead to thoughts of ending their own life.

It is important for both the individual experiencing these thoughts and feelings, and those around them to know the warning signs of suicide and act on ways to help. Learn about suicide awareness now to save a life.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call, text or chat the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

For non-urgent needs, consider scheduling an appointment with a NOAH counselor.

Employee Health and Job Burnout

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Work can be a source of pride and excitement, a social network for meeting new people and engaging in like-minded conversations with colleagues. When an employees’ workload is maxed out, it can cause mental health challenges and if employees do not balance work and life effectively, they may become disengaged and less productive. Let’s talk about the importance of employee health and how little or no health maintenance in the workplace can cause job burnout.

What is Burnout?

Job burnout is a type of work-related stress causing physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and a loss of personal identity. Some experts believe the term “burnout” could be caused by depression, however researchers suggest that personality traits and family life may also influence who develops job burnout. According to an Indeed.com study, 52% of people report feelings of burnout from work which is up from 42% before the pandemic began. Expecting to power through like nothing else is going on isn’t realistic; of course it has been hard in recent years due to the pandemic, but, did you know that nearly half of working adults were already feeling burned out before COVID began? Whatever the cause, job burnout can affect your physical and mental health. Being able to identify the symptoms is the key and then, seek help.

Symptoms

  • Finding it difficult to concentrate.
  • Lack of energy and productivity.
  • Being critical or cynical at work.
  • Change in sleep habits.
  • Loss of satisfaction from work accomplishments.
  • Being impatient with coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Using drugs or alcohol to feel better.
  • Unexplained headaches.
  • Stomach or bowel problems.

Causes

Employee burnout is always around. It can come and go. But what everyone experienced during 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic shifted employee stress and burnout to a whole new level. When the pandemic first began, the initial stress of the virus, loss of a loved one, possibility of a loosing your job, and a major shift to virtual working environments began to wear on people and the unknow factors of how long things would last, made it harder to manage.

With the causes of burnout listed below, it is easy to see how the COVID-19 pandemic enhanced these issues. But that isn’t the sole reason burnout may occur. Various other factors can contribute and increase the level in which you may experience burnout such as:

  • Work-life imbalance. If your job takes up too much of your time and effort and you don’t have energy to spend with your family and friends, you might burn out quickly.
  • Lack of control. If you are not part of the team and your voice and ideas are not heard, this affects your ability to participate and therefore you may reduce your productivity. Being micromanaged in areas related to your schedule, assignments or workload — could lead to job burnout. So could a lack of necessary resources you need to do your work. If you do not have adequate tools to effectively complete daily tasks, you are less likely to engage and may experience work-related stress.
  • Unclear job expectations. If you’re unclear about your role and job duties or what your supervisor or others expect from you, you’re not likely to feel comfortable at work. This can affect your overall job performance.
  • Dysfunctional workplace dynamics. If your boss micromanages you or you feel intimidated by leadership, this can contribute to job stress. Being undermined can also affect the way in which you work, possibly leaving you confused or less confident in completing daily tasks, unsure of whether you are doing your job ‘right’ or not.
  • Extremes of activity. Monotony in the workplace where you just plug away at your desk doing the same thing over and over can lead to fatigue in the workplace. Over time, this can create job burnout and in some cases, depression. If your environment is chaotic and ever-changing where you need a constant burst of energy just to remain focused — it can lead to fatigue and job burnout.
  • Lack of social support. If you find yourself feeling isolated at work or in your personal life, you might feel more stressed. After a period of time, this could impact your productivity and lead to burnout.

Additional risk-factors such as working long hours, experiencing a consistent heavy workload with little control or ability to ask for help can not only cause job burnout, but it can affect job performance and decrease productivity. Unaddressed job burnout can cause:

  1. Fatigue, sadness, or anger.
  2. Excessive stress which can lead to health-related issues such as: vulnerability to illness like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.
  3. Alcohol or substance misuse.

How to take action

The first step is to evaluate your situation and make a list of what it is that needs to be changed in order to decrease job burnout. Schedule some time with your supervisor to review your list and work together to change expectations or reach compromises that clarify your role and priorities so that you are successful and confidient in your position. Next, seek support from co-workers, friends or loved ones. Sometimes talking about your work environment helps to flush out areas of concern that you may not even know existed but that were causing work-related stress and burnout. Lastly, focus on you, outside of the workplace by trying some of the following tips to help reduce stress:

  1. Exercise. Try signing up for a yoga or tai chi class. The goal is to increase your level of movement by spending at least 30 minutes per day taking part in some sort of physical activity that allows your mind and body to focus on your well-being.
  2. Mindfulness. Focus on your breath flow and be aware of what you’re sensing and feeling without interpretation or judgment. At work you may try to face situations with openness and patience, and try not to judge.
  3. Sleep. Develop a routine where you are getting up and going to bed as close to the same times each day. Create a space that is inviting in your bedroom so that when it is time to sleep, your body and mind can easily relax. Try not to use electronic devices before bed, instead read a calming and mindful book or spend a few minutes stretching and practice deep breathing.
  4. Diet. According to the Sleep Foundation, most experts recommend eating two to four hours before bedtime. The body takes quite a bit of time to properly digest a meal. People who eat well ahead of bedtime have a better chance of digesting their food which can reduce their risk of poor sleep. Foods to avoid before sleep include:
    • Spicy foods 
    • Foods high in fat
    • Acidic foods
    • Caffeinated beverages
    • Alcohol 

If you are currently struggling in the workplace and believe you are experiencing job burnout, talk to a doctor or a mental health provider about your health. Contact NOAH and schedule an appointment at 480-882-4545 or request an appointment today.

National Youth Suicide Prevention Week

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Did you know suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-24? Youth suicide statistics cannot be ignored as they have greatly increased over the last decade. Ten teenagers out of 100,000 decide to commit suicide. Females attempt suicide at a rate of nearly 3-times that of males. However, males die by suicide at a rate of nearly 3-times that of females. Suicide prevention is a critical health topic for young people in the U.S.

Who is at high risk for suicide?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (also known as ACES) can include neglect, abuse, experiencing violence, substance abuse, divorce, incarceration of a family member, or poverty. Experiencing ACES has been shown to negatively affect physical and mental health over time and can occur across generations. This is particularly troublesome for youth who have had limited access to healthcare. Youth who have one or more ACES are at higher risk for suicide. Populations at a higher risk of experiencing ACES include minority groups, low socio-economic groups, and LGBT groups. Native Americans and Alaskan Indians have the highest rates of suicide by ethnic group.

What are the warning signs?

It is not always possible to recognize the warning signs in those thinking about suicide. Some common signs to watch for include: 

  • Talking or writing about death
  • Expressing hopelessness about the future
  • Withdrawing from family or friends
  • Increased drug/alcohol use
  • Giving away personal possessions
  • Engaging in self-harming behaviors
  • Participating in dangerous activities
  • Significant change in mood or behavior

How to support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts:

  1. Talk with them about their suicidal thoughts as it can help them process their emotions. 
  2. Try to acknowledge their feelings, fears, sadness, or pain.
  3. Provide reassurance but do not dismiss the problem. You may ask if they are thinking about hurting themselves or taking their own life, and if they have a plan.
  4. Be sure the person does not have access to any lethal weapons or medications and immediately inform adults or caregivers. 
  5. Try to avoid panicking or offering too much advice. 
  6. Provide contact information for the crisis line(s) and assist them to call if necessary. 

Professionals like the counselors or psychiatrists at NOAH are great resources for ongoing support and safety planning.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, reach out to one of the following resources for help:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call, text, or chat: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
  • Maricopa County Crisis Line: 800-631-1314
  • Teen Life Line: Call or text 602-248-TEEN (8336)

Should I Enroll in Counseling? By Andres Jaramillo, LPC

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Whether it’s on television, in the movies, or on social media, only ‘certain people’ are seen meeting with a mental health professional. This has led many to think that you have to experience some kind of crisis, be on the edge of a breakdown, or feel like “a crazy person,” to get yourself into counseling but that isn’t always the case. Counseling is not just for those extreme cases. In fact, meeting with a counselor regularly can help develop good mental health habits. Reaching out for help does not have to be a last resort. One of the best ways to maintain your mental health is to find a professional provider that specializes in areas you would benefit from. The question of whether or not you should enroll in counseling is a decision based on how you are feeling at the moment. What signs should you pay attention to that might encourage you to make that call and schedule an appointment with a counselor?

Here are five common signs that might help you decide if you should enroll in counseling.

  1. Feeling “not yourself.” We all have times where our mood is “off,” and we turn to things that help us feel better but when we begin to think, “this isn’t like me,” you may need to take a closer look. Sometimes we feel sad, angry or annoyed with things that happen but when it gets to a point where you conclude that this is out of your ordinary, it could be something more than just everyday emotions.
  2. You can’t do the things you like to do. Having hobbies or activities that you love to do can be a great way to balance your mental health, but it is important to look for signs that the way you are feeling is making it difficult or impossible to do them anymore. Again, if it is unlike you and you find it more and more difficult to get out, have fun or be social then you should reach out to get screened or assessed for possible mental health concerns.
  3. Using drugs, alcohol, food or sex to feel better. Just like having hobbies that can help us feel better, sometimes we engage in unhealthy habits to do the same thing and that is never a good idea. If you find yourself using drugs, alcohol, food or sex to feel better, have the desire to cut back, or it is impacting your daily life then beginning counseling could be helpful to make sure you reduce the long term negative effects.
  4. You’ve lost someone or something important to you. Perhaps your family or culture has certain rituals, traditions or expectations when it comes to the death of a loved one. Human beings adapt very well and sometimes your natural support system are all you need to get through loss, but other times, it could be a good idea to reach out for counseling for support with adjusting to the unexpected change. Remember, loss isn’t just about death. It could be a separation or break up, moving, or losing your job.
  5. Something traumatic has happened. Trauma can be any event that you thought was awful, scary or threatening like an accident, injury, sudden death, abuse, violence, and/or a natural disaster. Experiencing events like these are linked to a higher risk of substance use, chronic health problems, and mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. The sooner you reach out for help to get through events like these the better you will be, but remember it is never too late.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, our expert counseling team at NOAH is here to help. The most important thing to remember is that counseling is for anyone. At NOAH we are trying to stop the stigma that counseling is only for severe situations. Talking to a mental health professional regularly is like going to the gym for your mind. Having someone that you trust, that has professional exerience, and is there for you when you need them is a great feeling. Once you go to counseling a few times, you may begin to notice a positive difference in your mood or even a desire to do the things you once used to love to do.

As always, if you, or anyone has thoughts or feelings of wanting to hurt themselves please reach out as quickly as you can. Remember, through reaching out for help you are just taking care of your mental health, and taking care of your mental health is just as essential as taking care of your physical health. Call 480-882-4545 to schedule an appointment with a NOAH provider today.

Call or text 988 if you are in distress. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and is free to anyone experiencing crisis.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

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By Cody Randel, PA-C | Psychiatric Provider

Disparities in access to healthcare exist across all specialties. This proves to be especially true when it comes to mental healthcare, and even more so among minority populations.

A number of barriers exist for patients seeking mental health services including healthcare worker shortage, disparity of access to appropriate medical insurance coverage, stigma of receiving mental healthcare and the fragmented relationship of medical and mental health services. Healthcare providers/organizations can take practical steps to improve patient access by:

  • Making mental health screenings a staple component of primary medical care.
  • Recognizing the social/cultural aspects of a patient population that may impact a patient’s medical and mental health.
  • Medical organizations can conduct community health needs assessments (CHNA) in their patient communities to identify specific needs and limitations among the minority populations that they serve. In identifying these needs of their communities’ organizations, individual medical providers can help to ensure that patients of minority populations receive quality and affordable mental health services.
  • Working towards a more collaborative approach between medical and mental health practices/providers to reduce barriers to care.

A patient’s care is often more than just medication. The greatest care cannot help unless a patient has support/resources in place to provide them with access to this care and fundamental life necessities. 

For more information on National Mental Health Awareness Month as well as information on general mental health visit the Nation Awareness on Mental Illness (NAMI) or schedule an appointment with a NOAH psychiatric provider here.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month

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By Andres Jaramillo, LPC | Counselor

During the month of June, you may see more color around your workplace or community as the rainbow flag flies in windows, porches, stores, and websites, but why? Pride month.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month

June was first officially declared lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) pride month by President Clinton in 1999. But the real start of this story, woven into the fabric of American history, goes back to the 1960s and before, when brave and thoughtful LGBTQ people stood up to raids, rejection, and harassment, paving the right to be supported and loved.

For some, the image of pride month is only rainbow flags, festivals or parades, which are held all around the world, and a chance for the LGBTQ and ally community to come together and celebrate the historical events and progress in the story. Deeper though, Pride month, and the Pride movement that began decades ago, has a much more important message.

When a person is seen or feels “not normal,” because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the risks of emotional distress, mental health concerns, and even suicide goes up. LGBTQ youth contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of their heterosexual counterparts and are placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. In fact, according to a survey conducted by The Trevor Project, in the last year 41% of LGBTQ youth seriously contemplated suicide and 14% attempted suicide.

Research conducted by GLAAD indicates support for equal rights for LGBTQ people by non-LGBTQ people is now at an all-time high of 84%, up five percentage points from 2021. Additional studies show that while acceptance is growing, the need to continue educating society as a whole is critical with 55% of non-LGBTQ Americans stating they do not understand the dimensions of the LGBTQ community or how to describe individuals that make up the LGBTQ community.

We must choose to accept that what we have been taught or seen as “normal” needs to be challenged for the wellbeing of our family, friends, and neighbors. A recent Gallup poll shows that 7.2% of US adults, or about 18 million adults, identify as LGBTQ, so chances are someone around you identifies as LGBTQ and Pride month reminds us to think about the role we have in their lives. What is normal is to choose to stand by someone’s side and be their support. By doing that you can have a positive influence in their emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing.

Everyone experiences hardships – at work, in our family or relationships, with our friends, with ourselves – and we can all relate to the idea that when we know we are loved and supported, we have more courage, confidence, and flexibility to take on life’s difficulties. It is normal to stand together and support our LGBTQ family, friends, and neighbors. Afterall, we’re all just trying to live our best life.

Happy Pride!

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental or emotional health, consider talking with one of NOAH’s counselors or psychiatrists for help. Contact us for an appointment today.

What to Know About Depression in Women and How to Get Help

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but that’s not all, it’s also the month that we celebrate Mother’s Day. Women of the world that care for children get one day to celebrate their efforts in raising the next generation but in all honesty, women deserve so much more. To care for others, you must care for yourself. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that depression is more common among women than men. This may be due to biological and hormonal factors that are different in women.

Sadness is a normal reaction when life gets tough. Usually, these feelings go away. Depression, however, is real and considered a medical condition. So, what are the symptoms?

What to look for?

  • Persistent sadness.
  • Anxiety that won’t go away.
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness.
  • Appetite changes such as weight loss/weight gain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making sound decisions.
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, chronic aches/pain, or digestive issues.

This Mother’s Day is a perfect time to highlight the importance of proper mental health in women. Let’s start by getting help. There are a few ways to ease the symptoms of depression on your own. Changing your lifestyle can have a positive impact on your mood. This isn’t easy and quite frankly, it’s not something that can be done for two or three weeks until you feel better and then go back to old habits. So how can you change your lifestyle for good?

Tips to Aid in Depression Treatment at Home

  • Exercise – this may improve your mood and reduce aches/pain.
  • Sleep – go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
  • Diet – cut out junk like sugar, fat, and processed foods and focus on the basics like whole grains, lean meats/fish, and fruits and vegetables.
  • Sunlight – spend some time outdoors.
  • Time Out – yes that’s right! This is not just for kiddos; adults need time away from everything too. Even as little as 15 minutes per day can be helpful. Use this time to mindfully breathe, meditate, or stretch.

How to Get Help

These are just a few tips to help combat depression in women. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call/text the National Suicide & Crisis hotline at 988. Treatment for mental illness starts with your primary care provider. Our Behavioral Health Counselors are available to talk in-person or via video call. The first step is to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and ask for help. Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day all year long by creating a healthy lifestyle and sticking to it each day. Don’t let depression get you down, ask for help!

Why Do I Feel Like This? Stress or Anxiety?

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By Nicole Valdez | Behavioral Health Supervisor

Imagine yourself getting ready for your day. As you get out of bed and jump in the shower, do you find yourself thinking about how busy the week has been and all the things that need to be done around the house? Or are you feeling a deep sense of dread, but you can’t quite figure out why? Your stomach feels nauseous, and you haven’t been able to sleep because your mind never turns off? Both stress and anxiety seem similar because they are part of the same response system in our body when dealing with a perceived threat.  How do you know if how you feel is stress or ongoing anxiety? It can be hard to tell. Here are some things to consider.

Stress is most often related to a specific situation or circumstances in your life and is short term. For example, you are in school and have two exams and a paper due in 3 days. You feel pressured and stay up late to study.  During this time, you experience tightness in your neck and shoulders and find yourself more irritable than normal. Once the tests are done and the paper has been submitted, you feel much better and can now enjoy time with your family and friends.

While anxiety can have very similar symptoms to stress, it is usually more generalized (not focused on one specific event or circumstance) and will linger longer than stress. Many times, a person with anxiety will say they don’t know why they feel worried or can’t sleep. Anxiety shows up in a variety of ways and is different for each person. Irritability, upset stomach, difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive worry, and feeling like something bad is about to happen are all symptoms of generalized anxiety.

Everyone will experience stress or anxiety at some time in their life. Here are some quick tips to manage your symptoms. First, know that stress and anxiety can often bring with it a range of unpleasant physical symptoms. If you find your heart beating fast or have trouble taking a deep breath, find a way to slow down that works best for you. This could look like:

  • Focus on breathing with intention.
  • Engage in box breathing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58
  • Talk to a trusted friend/family member.
  • Move your body by engaging in some enjoyable physical activity.
  • Briefly place your face in cold water.

It can be hard to decide when to seek help for your symptoms. A good rule of thumb is if your symptoms are impacting your everyday life or are getting in the way of taking care of yourself. Seek the advice of your PCP or a behavioral health practitioner. Most people experience symptoms of stress or anxiety at some time in their life and both respond well to treatment. Just know that how you feel does not have to take over and you can find ways to take control of your thoughts and feelings!

Get the Facts: Medication to Treat Opioid Addiction

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Five people die from opioid overdose in Arizona every day according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Almost twice as many experience non-fatal drug overdoses. Sadly, the nationwide opioid crisis claims 136 lives per day; accounting for more than 70% of all drug abuse related deaths.  

With 1.27 million Americans now receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT), this method has the potential to change the course of the opioid crisis. Over the past few years, community health centers, like NOAH, have seen an increase of almost 150% in patients receiving MAT for opioid use disorders, but death rates continue to rise. Help us spread the word; talk about it with your friends and family. You never know whose life you might save.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Connie Tucker answers the most common questions about NOAH’s MAT option to treat opioid use disorders.

Q: What is MAT?

A: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medication, in combination with behavioral therapy like counseling to treat substance abuse disorders. NOAH uses MAT specifically for the treatment of the use of opioids including heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Q: What are the symptoms of opioid use disorder?

A: Symptoms of opioid use disorder include:

  • Withdrawal (excessive sweating, shaking, feeling nervous)
  • Weight loss
  • Using medication that is not prescribed to you
  • Using medication outside of the directions given on the prescription
  • Buying street drugs to stop the cravings

Q: What type of medication does NOAH prescribe for MAT therapy?

A: Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.

Q: How does it work?

A: Suboxone stops the opioid cravings and prevents the side effects of withdrawal.

Q: How long does treatment take?

A: Most patients feel better less than one week after beginning the medication. There are many factors that affect the length of treatment; some people may complete treatment in a few months where others may take a year or longer.

Q: Can I get addicted to Suboxone?

A: Addiction to Suboxone is highly unlikely. It is important that anyone on a MAT program use it as directed by your medical provider.

Q: Will Suboxone make me feel sick?

A: Not if you use it as directed by your medical provider.

Q: Do I have to see a behavioral health provider?

A: It is not necessary. You can see either a medical or behavioral health provider who has been trained to prescribe Suboxone. NOAH recommends scheduling regular appointments with a behavioral health provider in conjunction with taking Suboxone for the best long-term results.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Suboxone is typically covered by insurance and you would just be responsible for the regular co-pay. It comes in a brand name and generic (buprenorphine and naloxone) option which is very affordable on a cash-pay plan as well.

Q: How successful is MAT and Suboxone?

A: It is very successful. Most patients feel better in one week and do not have any cravings after one month.

Q: Why does NOAH offer this treatment option to patients?

A: At NOAH, we believe that an important part of whole person care involves offering all methods of treatment to help patients with a substance use disorder in an unbiased way. MAT also provides an option for treatment for patients who are unable to commit to other formal rehab programs.  

Q: How do I know if MAT is right for me?

A: Ask a medical or behavioral health provider if MAT is right for you. Most patients feel it is time to make a change when their opioid use is taking over a lot of what they are thinking about or doing everyday.

To make an appointment to discuss substance abuse disorder questions, or to see if MAT is right for you or a loved one, request an appointment online or by calling 480-882-4545.