The Mental Health Connection
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits.
The travel bug seems to be spreading quickly this summer, and we hope all of you are finding time to explore areas outside of your usual homes. Traveling not only allows us to discover new places and cultures, but it also has a remarkable impact on our creativity. Stepping out of our familiar surroundings and immersing ourselves in new experiences can ignite fresh ideas and perspectives.
We are excited to introduce our new 'Private Billing' service, designed exclusively for our mental health provider partners. This service supports billing for personal clients, those not referred by Help Therapy. Providers can take advantage of Help Therapy's comprehensive range of services while also utilizing the private billing service simultaneously. Limited openings are available at a significantly reduced rate. We also invite providers outside of Help Therapy to join us for a top-notch billing solution. Enhance your practice by contacting our team at providerrelations@helptherapy.com if you are interested.
Warm regards,
Annette Conway
CEO, Help Therapy
June is Alzheimer’s, Cancer Survivor, LGBT Pride, and PTSD Awareness Month Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness It’s estimated that by 2060, 13.8 million Americans aged 65 and older will have Alzheimer's disease. Throughout the month, efforts are made to increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. On June 21, people across the globe come together to fight this debilitating disease. These efforts raise funds and awareness to support the care, research, and assistance efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Cancer Survivor It’s estimated that more than 18 million people in the U.S. are cancer survivors living with and through cancer. Visit the National Association for Cancer Research website for ways you can support cancer research and awareness. LGBT Pride LGBT Pride Month is a platform to advocate for equal rights, dignity, diversity, and self-acceptance. This month, in particular, encourages society to be more aware of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Vibrant parades and peaceful protests, often featuring the iconic rainbow symbol, are organized across many communities. Help Therapy's Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego hosts marches, parades, and ceremonies throughout June. PTSD Awareness While many associate PTSD with veterans, it’s crucial to recognize that this condition affects many people who have experienced traumatic events, including survivors of natural disasters, accidents, and sexual assault. This month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about PTSD and promote the availability of treatment. Consider pledging to spread awareness, participating in a 30-minute virtual walk, or taking a PTSD screening test if you think you may have PTSD.
Aging and Mental Health: Addressing the Needs of Seniors
Mental health problems are common among seniors. In fact, Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over have a mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization. These mental health issues may include affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, and psychosis. Plus, many older seniors also experience cognitive deterioration, Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. Strategies for Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Seniors
Promoting social connections and community engagement
Encouraging older adults to participate in social activities, join clubs or organizations, and maintain relationships can combat social isolation and improve mental well-being.
Improving access to mental health services and resources
Enhancing the availability and affordability of mental health services tailored to the needs of older adults, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, can help them receive the help they require.
Integrating mental health care into primary healthcare settings
Incorporating mental health screenings and interventions into routine healthcare visits can help identify mental health issues early on and facilitate timely treatment.
Approaches to Supporting Mental Health in Seniors
Mindfulness and meditation practices
Practicing mindfulness techniques, meditation, and relaxation exercises can enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity for older adults.
Creative therapies and recreational activities
Engaging older adults in art therapy, music therapy, or social or individual activities such as joining a book club, tai chi class, gardening, or birdwatching can provide avenues for self-expression, cognitive stimulation, and social interaction, promoting overall mental well-being.
The role of family
It’s essential to recognize the vital role family members play in supporting the mental health of older adults, fostering open communication, and providing emotional support and understanding.
Training and education for caregivers
Offering training programs and resources to caregivers can equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize signs of mental health issues, provide appropriate care, and prevent personal burnout.
Our senior population is increasing, yet their mental health needs are not addressed appropriately. Advocating for policy initiatives prioritizing mental health in older adults, including increased funding for research, mental health services, and community programs, can drive necessary systemic changes and improvements in care.
The Influence of Music Therapy on Mental Health Music therapy is a multidisciplinary field drawing from disciplines such as psychology, musicology, sociology, and neurology. Music activates many regions of the brain associated with emotion and memory. The music you’ve heard throughout your life is preserved in your neural pathways and is associated with memories and feelings. Hearing a song that you enjoyed in college can bring up positive memories from your college days. Listening to new music also stimulates your brain and can create new memories and associations. Research shows that music can positively affect several brain chemicals, such as dopamine and oxytocin. Some evidence suggests music can also help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Conditions Music Therapy Treats Although music therapy can be beneficial for just about anyone, some of the specific conditions music therapy is used to treat, include:
Mood and anxiety disorders
Behavior disorders
Trauma
Substance abuse
Cognitive impairment
Chronic pain
Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
This Month’s Tip 3 Ways to Use Journaling for Your Mental Health
Journaling is an effective way to release your emotions, reflect, and reduce stress. It can be done in a physical notebook, an online platform, or through various journaling apps. Many find the physical act of writing on paper to be the most therapeutic. The frequency and length of journaling sessions can vary depending on your preferences and time constraints. Some people prefer to write in their journals every day, while others do it weekly or occasionally.
1. Emotional Release
Journaling can be a safe and private space to release and express your emotions. It allows you to process and let go of negative emotions, reducing their impact on your mental well-being. You can gain clarity and perspective on what you're experiencing by writing down your thoughts and feelings.
2. Self-Reflection
Journaling provides an opportunity for self-reflection and self-awareness. It helps you identify recurring thoughts, behaviors, or beliefs hindering your mental health and empowers you to make positive changes. By regularly writing about your experiences, challenges, and successes, you can gain insights into your patterns, triggers, and personal growth.
3. Stress Reduction
Journaling can act as a stress management tool. When you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed, writing down your worries and concerns can help you externalize them, making them more manageable. Also, journaling about positive experiences, gratitude, and daily achievements can shift your focus toward the positive aspects of your life, reducing stress and promoting a more balanced perspective.
Events
Family Health & Fitness Day
June 10, 2023
See NRPA for more information.
The Longest Day
June 21, 2023
See Alzheimer's Association for more information.
PTSD Awareness Day
June 27, 2023
See PTSD Day for more information.
Partner with us!
Are you a psychologist, LCSW or LMFT? We’re always looking for exceptional mental healthcare providers. Visit helptherapy.com for more information and fill out the quick and easy application.
Do you have something to share?We’d love to hear about your successes and accomplishments! Have you:
Written an article?
Given a presentation?
Have a client success story?
Contact us at info@helptherapy.com.