Stress related problems:
Our bodies are wired to handle stress effectively, problems emerge when stressors continue without relief, or our coping mechanisms fade out. Symptoms of stress could be physical such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, feeling tired most of the time, repeated unexplained infections and body pains, or psychological such as worrying too much, being easily irritated, feeling low along with troubles with sleep and appetite. All that can affect the person’s ability to function at work or school as well as interpersonal problems.
somatization:
It is very confusing, and rather frustrating, when a person is suffering from bodily symptoms that causes real annoyance while physicians in different specialties fail to diagnose his/her condition. It consumes time and effort doing several consultations and investigations. This could be a well known psychiatric condition that is called “Somatization”. The accumulated stress with limited ability of emotional expression may activate a neuronal and hormonal pathway that connect the brain to several body organs and causes these symptoms and dysfunction. Clear example is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic bodily pains. Psychological treatment is effective to end the client’s suffering.
Worries, Fear, and anxieties:
Experiencing worry or fear is inevitable in our lives. With everything that is changing so fast, the overload of information, juggling many tasks all at once and facing incredible amounts of stress, our bodies and minds are forced to stay alert. Problems start when phobias, panic attacks or anxiety disorders set in and start disrupting our social relationships or work performance.
Sadness, depression and mood related problems :
Sadness is a built-in reaction to situations that cause emotional upset or pain. But just like other normal emotions, sadness is temporary and fades with time. Depression, however, differs from sadness. You may find it hard to feel the enjoyment you used to experience doing things you love.
Eating and body-image related problems:
There is more to “eating disorders” than just anorexia, binge eating or stress eating. Difficulties with accepting one’s body-image can present on its own or as a part of this group of disorders. This can range from concerns about weight and shape to a more severe form of disorder. If untreated, these problems can significantly impact the quality of your life.
Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors:
It is important to realize that there is a difference between being a perfectionist — someone who requires flawless results or performance— and having OCD. Obsessive thoughts are a pattern of pressuring and unwanted thoughts or images that cause a great deal of anxiety. To relieve these anxieties, you may start performing repetitive behaviors which are then called compulsions. If your obsessions and compulsions are affecting your quality of life, whether at work or with your loved ones, we encourage you to seek professional help.
Schizophrenia and psychosis:
Schizophrenia is not a disorder of having a double personality as commonly believed. It is a disorder of loss of contact with reality and affects how the brain works. Affected people may start to experience a group of “psychotic” symptoms such as hearing or seeing things that no one else can. They may also have a pattern of disordered thoughts of wrong believes that they hold strongly. This disorder also drives patients to misbehave in a disruptive way. Different treatment modalities include the use of medications, psychotherapy, and social support to family members.
Psychological problems accompanying chronic medical conditions:
We believe that mind and body are strongly connected. Stress comes hand in hand with different medical conditions. They could be temporary or lifelong such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, autoimmune or endocrine disorders. Clients with such conditions could face immense stress from the impact these diseases could have on their life, are more prone to traumatic experiences and may develop anxiety or depression or other mental health problems.
Self-harming behavior and Suicide:
Self-harm is an act of deliberately harming your own body as an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger or frustration. It is not the same as suicide, where a person starts thinking of, planning or attempting to take their own lives. Both conditions are serious and require immediate intervention. If you or a loved one are struggling with self-harming behaviors or suicidal thoughts, please reach out immediately for assessment and prompt management.