Debunking Common Myths in the Treatment of BPD, Anxiety, and Depression

 

Effective management of a mood disorder can be a challenging process, particularly in light of the prevalent misinformation and myths that surround it. Regrettably, many of these fallacies revolve around the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, or depression, casting doubts in the minds of individuals about their eligibility for treatment, its potential efficacy, and the various treatment options available. It is also plausible that you may have landed on this page seeking information on ways to support a friend or loved one struggling with BPD, anxiety, or depression. 

Intensive outpatient treatment for mood and personality disorders is offered by THIRA Health to women and adolescent girls. We believe that countering prevalent myths and providing accurate information is crucial to delivering quality care. This blog has been created to dispel certain myths concerning BPD, anxiety, and depression treatment, and to offer evidence-based options and information to guide you towards the most effective recovery.

Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Myths 

Myth 1: BPD Behavior Is Just Attention Seeking And Should Be Ignored 

FACT CHECK: Behaviors commonly associated with BPD, such as suicidal ideation, self-harming, and impulsivity, are not simply attention-seeking ploys. Neglecting to address such behaviors can have fatal consequences. Regrettably, unfounded myths like this perpetuate the negative stigma surrounding an already widely misunderstood diagnosis. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for BPD. It is highly effective in addressing the root causes of these behaviors and strives to teach individuals with BPD how to regulate emotions and manage distress, so they can lead fulfilling lives free from such disruptions. 

Myth 2: BPD Only Affects Women

FACT CHECK: BPD is a highly stigmatized diagnosis that is often misconstrued as someone being “difficult” or “overemotional.” This leads to more women being diagnosed than men due to stereotyping and biases. However, the truth is that BPD can impact individuals of any gender, and quality treatment is necessary for all. At THIRA Health, we offer intensive outpatient treatment for BPD to women, adolescent girls, and gender non-conforming individuals, recognizing that everyone deserves access to the care they need. 

Debunking Anxiety Treatment Myths 

Myth 1: Distraction Techniques Are the Best Coping Skills for Anxiety

Debunked: Some people believe that distracting themselves or self-medicating will make their anxiety go away. However, while distraction techniques may offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of anxiety. Numbing oneself through alcohol, sleep, or other vices only provides short-term relief. Instead, coping skills that allow an individual to process their emotions and practice different outcomes should be used in conjunction with distraction techniques. 

Myth 2: Anxiety Medications are Addictive and Should be Avoided 

Debunked: While it is true that some anxiety medications, such as Benzodiazepines, can be highly addictive, any medication can be abused. At THIRA Health, our experienced medical professionals focus on creating a sustainable recovery plan for you, not just pushing pharmaceuticals. We believe that medication management when paired with therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, can help you build up a defense against anxiety. 

Myth 3: If You Have an Anxiety Disorder, You Should Avoid Stressful Situations 

Debunked: As human beings, we all experience anxiety at some point in our lives, but for some, it can become a debilitating disorder that affects their daily lives. However, there is hope. Contrary to popular belief, anxiety disorders can be effectively managed and treated without having to sacrifice the quality of one's life. At THIRA Health, we are passionate about helping our clients overcome anxiety, and we believe that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be a powerful tool in achieving this goal. By focusing on distress tolerance skills, DBT equips individuals with practical techniques for dealing with stress in real time. Moreover, by incorporating other skills such as mindfulness and emotional regulation, DBT helps individuals to develop a more balanced and accepting approach to the root causes of their anxiety. We are confident that by incorporating DBT into our treatment plans, our clients can gain the skills and confidence needed to overcome anxiety and reclaim their lives. 

Depression Treatment Myths

Myth 1: Depression is Only Caused by Traumatic Life Events, Such as Breakups or Loss of Loved Ones 

Debunked: Depression is a pervasive mental health issue affecting a substantial number of American adults aged 18 and over. One of the biggest challenges associated with diagnosing depression is that it can be triggered by a multitude of factors, rather than just one specific event. Unlike typical grief reactions that occur in response to a breakup or the loss of a loved one, depression is a distinct condition that requires specialized treatment. Even if an individual has a genetic predisposition to depression, experiencing a traumatic event does not automatically qualify them for depression treatment. It's important to recognize that depression can be caused by a variety of factors, and seeking professional help is key to effectively managing and overcoming the condition. 

Myth 2: Antidepressants Alter Your Personality and Should Be Avoided 

Debunked: This myth can prevent people from seeking out the help they need for their depression. Antidepressants are a safe and effective treatment option for managing the symptoms of depression. They work by balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood. Contrary to popular belief, these medications do not alter your personality or make you a different person. While side effects are possible, the benefits of taking antidepressants often outweigh any potential risks. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. 

Commence intensive outpatient treatment for women dealing with BPD, anxiety, or depression today. 

It is crucial to be equipped with the right information when searching for treatment options for mood and personality disorders such as BPD, anxiety, and depression. At THIRA Health, we specialize in providing intensive outpatient treatment for women and teen girls with these conditions. Our approach focuses on dispelling common myths surrounding these disorders and utilizing evidence-based treatment options to provide effective and sustainable solutions. By partnering with us, you will gain access to experienced professionals who will work alongside you every step of the way to create a brighter and healthier future. If you or someone you care about is struggling with BPD, anxiety, or depression, we encourage you to take the first step and contact THIRA Health today for quality treatment and support.

Source: https://sites.google.com/view/dialectical-behaviour-therapy-/articles/debunking-common-myths-in-the-treatment-of-bpd-anxiety-and-depression?authuser=1

Teen Girls and Self-Esteem

 

This May, many high school seniors will be thinking about graduation and leaving their homes to attend college. Last year looked very different, with school-aged children and teens moving to virtual classrooms and online learning. It was a new reality we all had to adjust to, and it did not come without loss. Teenagers were isolated from friends and people they were used to seeing on a regular basis, they missed out on proms and school activities, sporting events, and end-of-year celebrations with friends. They may have missed opportunities to form romantic relationships, and graduation ceremonies happened virtually instead of in-person with all their peers. These milestones help to define us and contribute to our sense of self and by extension, our self-esteem. 

According to a new study, researchers have found that nearly half of all teenagers experienced a decline in their mental health last year, with more teen girls experiencing anxiety than teen boys. Not only are teens experiencing struggles with their own mental health – which largely stem from disruptions in their social lives – they are also directly witnessing the increased stress of one or both of their parents.  

Adolescence as Formative Years 

Adolescence is one of the most formative periods in a person’s life. It sets the groundwork for maintaining mental well-being, including developing social relationships and identifying values. The teen years are also when we start to see micro-traumas, many occurring in middle school.  

At this age, girls are at a greater risk for experiencing trauma than boys. Their range of experiences often includes things like comments made about their body or the way they dress, unsolicited sexual attention or remarks, boundary violations, insults and put-downs, exclusion, the ending of significant relationships, cyber-bullying and frenemies, and unrealistic expectations for body image found in both social regular media.  

Micro-traumas are: 

• Cumulative and repetitive psychic injuries 
• Often embedded in a relational context and in social situations  
• Undermine a person’s sense of self-worth 

These more subtle injuries, sometimes called “small-t traumas,” build up over time and become chronic. Eventually, if left untreated, these injuries cause harm to a person’s emotional well-being, sense of worth, and feeling of security. If and may have the same effect as a major trauma.  

Trauma can impact a person’s beliefs about themselves and others, the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors, memory and the ability to concentrate, and how we relate to others. Those who experience trauma are also more at risk for depression, anxiety, and developing substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.  

Supporting Teenage Girls Through Difficult and Stressful Times 

The right kind of support is paramount for treating and alleviating trauma symptoms. Sometimes, this means enlisting the help of a trained mental health professional. As mentioned, trauma can disrupt a person’s ability to self-regulate, especially when it comes to emotions. The ability to communicate with others in an easy fashion and observe our own limits can also be adversely impacted.  

The DBT skills listed below can help with emotional regulation:  
 

• Paying Attention to Positive Events – Because of evolutionary developments, our brain latches onto negative events like Velcro and lets positive events slip away like Teflon. Our brain is wired to pay attention to things that could be harmful to us as a survival instinct (it helped our ancestors stay alive to pay attention to the big nasty things that could eat them). After a trauma we are more “primed” to pay attention to threats in our lives. Intentionally paying attention to positive events in our days can shift this vigilance for threats to observation of positives. A gratitude practice like journaling is one way to do this. Meditation, yoga, listening to music that gives us joy, reading – there are a multitude of ways to be positive.  

• Check The Facts – Emotions are not facts, and thoughts are not orders. We do not need to act on everything we feel. We can choose how to behave by letting our feelings inform us. Socratic questioning is a helpful tool to check our interpretation of situations, as well as reflecting on the intensity of our emotions at the time to see if they match the event. Taking a pause to reflect can help reduce the intensity of our emotions.  

• Try The Opposite Action – This one may feel awkward and counterintuitive because feelings feel so real at the time, but research shows that our thoughts and feelings affect our behavior, and vice versa. In DBT, the opposite action skill is a deliberate attempt to act in the way that’s the opposite of your emotional urge. If you’re feeling afraid and your usual reaction is to flee or hide or lash out, try to do exactly the opposite of your “conditioned” urge. You can practice this by confronting your fears – or whatever emotional urge you choose – to desensitize yourself to your normal reaction. In that way, you gain control.  

Reduction in Confidence for Teen Girls 

Research also has shown that before puberty, girls’ confidence levels are relatively equal to boys'. However, by age 14, their confidence dramatically drops. Why? The answer may not be cut-and-dry, but it seems to have to do with a culture of comparison and competition that girls suddenly find themselves in, beginning in their teen years.  

Everyone wants to be seen, heard and loved. As a parent, you want to think about whether you yourself are feeling this way when engaging with your child. Otherwise, your body and mind might be sending you negative messages and, inadvertently, you may pass that negativity on to your daughter.  

Providing teen girls with tools to improve and protect their self-esteem will need to be critical areas of focus in schools, sports teams and clubs, and homes. Studies in this area suggest that as long as there is practice getting out of her comfort zone, confidence will usually result from a process of struggle and mastery.  

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” — Buddha 

To learn more about THIRA’s treatment options, please visit us at THIRA Health

Source: https://www.thirahealth.com/2021/05/12/teen-girls-and-self-esteem/

Is My Teen Daughter Depressed?

 

We understand that as a concerned parent, you may be searching for answers to an important question - whether or not your teenage daughter is experiencing depression. It could be that you have a family history of mood disorders, and are looking to take a proactive approach to your family's mental health. Alternatively, you may have noticed changes in your daughter's behavior or communication that have led you to suspect depression. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed, but rest assured that the first step is to educate yourself about the signs of depression in teenage girls.

Depression And Your Teen Daughter 

First, an explanation is due. We chose to focus this article on teen girls both because it is a specialty of our program and because the research tells us that by mid-adolescence, girls are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder as boys, with the prevalence nearing adult levels at 14 to 20 percent. 

Research in brain scans has confirmed evolutionary theories about the differences in the ways that teen girls and boys are hard-wired to process emotions. Teen girls reach emotional maturity faster—a skill that was once advantageous for nurturing babies—but that sensitivity seems to have made them more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Even as society has adapted to allow for less strict adherence to gender roles, the rate of depression in women hasn’t dropped, furthering the hypothesis that emotional sensitivity is part of a woman’s hard-wiring.  

 

Symptoms Of A Depressed Teen Daughter 

The first thing that parents often notice when trying to discover whether their teen daughter is depressed is withdrawal. At home with your daughter, you may notice that she is spending more time alone in her room. Beyond not wanting to spend time with the family, she is equally avoiding the company of her friends and doesn’t want to engage in activities she previously enjoyed. Of course, you will also need to balance your concern for her changing behavior with the normal development of a teenager’s interests and independence.  

The quality of your relationship with your teen may be another telltale sign of a deeper issue. Both sadness and irritability are common symptoms of depression, although we often forget the latter. Compounded by changes in appetite, energy level, sleep patterns, and academic performance, there may be a real strain developing between you and your daughter as a result of depression. However, because depression is an internalizing disorder, it often takes some of these outward presentations for others to recognize the symptoms for what they are and seek treatment.  

 

Other Symptoms To Look Out For 

One particularly troubling problem that is directly associated with teenage depression is suicidal thinking or behavior. According to the World Health Organization, suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, and we know that teenagers who hide their depression from parents and friends are most at risk. That’s why it’s important to be alert to the symptoms described above, even when your daughter isn’t forthcoming about how she feels.  

Other often overlapping problems associated with depression in teen girls are eating disorders and non-suicidal self-injury or cutting. While the research does not indicate that these issues are borne of the depression, they can become increasingly complicated by its presence.

  

Why Early Intervention Is Critical 

When your teen daughter is depressed, there is more at stake beyond just the occasional moodiness. Symptoms of depression often cause low energy and poor concentration, factors that are likely to significantly impact social and academic functioning during a critical period in your daughter’s life. Adding to challenges in confidence and self-image, these symptoms also have a way of fueling the depressive cycle and creating an even more complicated pattern to escape from.  

Although depression is likely to create a divide in the home, the truth is that your daughter needs you more than ever. She needs you to try to understand her experience, and she needs you to connect her with the help she needs to move through this challenging time. In the words of our medical director here at THIRA Health, Dr. Tuesday Burns, M.D.,  

“Depression lies. It casts a shadow over everything, distorting our perceptions of the world around us and ourselves. Depression is heavy, weighing us down with hopelessness and shame. It separates us from our loved ones, our supports and our sense of self. Depression lies – it will tell you that you’re all alone, that you are un-deserving and that you’ll never be yourself again. With all of this weight and shame and exhaustion, many feel unable to seek out help for their depression. That’s why screening for depression in all-comers is so essential. Depression lurks everywhere, in our families, in our circles of friends, at work and at school. Shining light on depression and offering support reduces the shame and the stigma. Screening for depression can bring help to those that would otherwise still be left alone in the shadows. Screening for depression saves lives.” 

 

After reading this article, if you think that your teen daughter is depressed, reach out to us today to learn more about how THIRA Health can support you and your daughter now and offer treatment to help you secure a better tomorrow.  

 Source: https://www.thirahealth.com/2021/10/06/is-my-teen-daughter-depressed/

Beyond the Plate: Understanding Eating Disorders as Complex Mental Health Conditions

 

Eating disorders are serious psychological illnesses that can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or economic status. These disorders are characterized by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that can deeply affect an individual's relationship with food, body image, and overall mental health. 

Given the complexity of these conditions, eating disorders can be challenging to diagnose and treat. They can manifest in different ways, from extreme weight loss and malnutrition to binge eating and purging behaviors. However, regardless of the specific form, these conditions can have devastating consequences for an individual's physical and mental health. 

Research has shown that eating disorders often arise from a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, personality traits, and environmental triggers. Social and cultural pressures around body image, weight, and appearance can also play a significant role in the development of these disorders. 

What is an eating disorder? 

An eating disorder is a serious and potentially life-threatening mental illness that is characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. These disorders often involve extreme behaviors and attitudes towards food and weight, which can lead to significant physical and emotional health problems. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). 

Eating Disorder Treatment

Effective treatment for eating disorders often involves a combination of psychological, medical, and nutritional interventions. This can include therapy to address underlying psychological factors, medications to manage symptoms such as depression or anxiety, and nutritional counseling to promote healthy eating habits. 

 It is important to note that recovery from an eating disorder is a journey, and each individual's experience will be unique. However, seeking professional help as soon as possible can increase the chances of successful treatment and long-term recovery. 

Eating Disorders as Complex Mental Health Conditions 

Eating disorders are more than just a food issue. They are complex mental health conditions that can have a profound impact on an individual's overall well-being. These disorders are often driven by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that can make them challenging to diagnose and treat. 

At their core, eating disorders involve an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. Individuals with these conditions may engage in extreme behaviors such as restrictive eating, binge eating, or purging in an effort to control their weight or cope with emotional distress. Unfortunately, these behaviors can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences, including malnutrition, digestive problems, depression, and anxiety. 

Given the complexity of eating disorders, effective treatment typically requires a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. This can include therapy to address underlying psychological issues, nutritional counseling to establish healthy eating habits, and medication to manage co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. By recognizing eating disorders as complex mental health conditions and providing specialized care, we can help individuals overcome their struggles and achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life. 

Treatment & Support For Eating Disorders Is Available At THIRA Health

If you or someone you know is grappling with an eating disorder, we want to help. You don't have to go through this alone. Our team offers compassionate support and evidence-based treatments designed specifically to address eating disorders. With our therapeutic interventions, you can begin to transform your relationship with food and cultivate greater physical and emotional well-being. Let us help guide you on the path to recovery, and start living the life you deserve.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us for support. Our team at THIRA HEALTH is committed to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatments that can help you achieve lasting recovery. To learn more, visit our website at www.thirahealth.com or call us at 425.448.8808.