Dr. D’s Blog

Thank you for visiting me at Dr. D’s Blog. Here I will be responding to your most frequently asked questions and comments. I am unable to answer individually e-mailed questions. All submissions mailed are the property of Mindsupport, LLC and can edited for length and clarity.

I hope my blog will be a forum for my readers to address their ideas and concerns about a wide range of issues related to mental health issues.

Dr. D’s Blog does not render medical advice. Readers should make their treatment decisions based upon the advice of their own physicians. This information is to be used as a reference only and should not replace or be considered a substitute for the advice rendered by your health provider. You should discuss any conflicts with your own physician and should rely on the advice of your physician.

Please sign up for my blog using the field above to make sure you are the first to know about my latest posting, which will occur periodically. As a psychiatrist, I am on the front lines of mental health issues.

We are almost through the month of February 2010. Have you kept up with your goal of self care? As a psychiatrist, I have watched many struggle to maintain a state of mind that is obvious to others. Why is it so hard to take time to nurture yourself? I realize it is often complicated, based upon inner messages obtained in childhood and sealed in relationships and situations encountered in the life journey.

So how do you start? Well, let’s start with your physical health. If your body is talking to you with unexplained fatigue, pain or just not feeling right, go visit your health provider. I have treated quite a few patients with serious health issues who minimize their body signals as “stress.” Most individuals are unaware that the brain controls most bodily organs. For instance, nightmares can be a signal of high blood sugar for those at risk. Many convince themselves they have no available free time to see a health provider. Nonetheless, they will spend all day worrying about the potential consequences of their unattended body signals.

After you have determined your physical status, what is next? Consider how you nourish your body. What do you eat and what time of day do you eat? I have met many individuals who regularly skip breakfast. They often complain of tiredness and lack of energy. Well, if you do not give your body nourishment, where will it get the energy needed to walk the steps of your office? There is a simple solution: eat the appropriate amounts of required fats, carbohydrates and protein.

How can you get an inexpensive energy boost? Exercise is a cheap midday rocket fuel! Many erroneously believe that an hour is required for an exercise activity. Just start with ten minutes and increase it gradually. Can you walk around your house or office building? Can you park your car at a distance at the grocery store? Can you walk instead of using the elevator?

All of these changes require your emotional endorsement. Doesn’t your body deserve good treatment? Many times those unhappy with a particular body part will punish their whole body. Being unhappy with your legs, arms, stomach or hair can ruin the desire to take care of all of you. Body image is big in the world of poor self esteem and self value. In addition, many believe that self care time is not important. They acquired a belief that making time for themselves is wasteful and self indulgent.

Social scientists frequently remind us of the way in which relationships influence decision making. The health consciousness of your partner, close friends and associates can be a positive motivation. The simple task of opening up your circle of friends can lead to a healthier life style.

We all know that thoughts are powerful. If your inner voice states “you can,” then “you will.” If your thoughts are constantly doubting, critical and negative, positive change will never occur. It becomes vital to change your attitude. If you have mood issues, see a mental health provider. The mind is your Powerhouse. If you hear negativity, it will limit you.

Remember: Brain Power in 2010!

Related Links

www.nutrition.gov, www.fitness.gov

A New Year promise is often a new life direction. Freshly minted life goals offer a new you, a new day, and for some a new circumstance and personal destination. These redesigned life goals are supported by the media in the form of advertisements for diets, financial plans, vacations, and credit cards. Guideposts for new directions are everywhere. January is always the highest membership month for health clubs and weight management companies. This energy as the year begins creates a flurry of activity for the anti-clutter and organizer industry. Everyone is getting busy! Life seems to be starting fresh again with this change in attitude.

As the year proceeds, life happens…Many of those newly minted plans lose their momentum. The exercise equipment becomes a clothing rack. The balance of competing responsibilities and the extra steps needed for organizing, healthy eating, and stress management become too much. Somehow the battery of the personal GPS directional tracking system malfunctions.

Why does this happen? As a psychiatrist, it is clear to me that most people do not respect their brains. Signals of feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and emotionally distressed are often disregarded. The need for consistent stress management and quiet time for reflection is often minimized. The importance of setting clear boundaries for those who are emotionally draining is discounted. The cost of inattention to body signs is forgotten.

So my New Year message is to respect your brain. Treat it like you would your heart or any other vital organ. Make the time to treat it well and often your problematic brain symptoms can be better controlled. Always remember that your lack of interest, lack of energy, lack of focus and concentration are often your brain signals. The key in starting the New Year is to acknowledge your brain as king or queen of your body. All bodily organs are under the direction and command of this executive organ. The brain gives loud and clear signals when disrespected.

So Brain Power to you in 2010!

Related Links

www.nimh.nih.gov, www.healthfinder.gov

Reading the headlines of the “tell all” publications has been quite interesting. The supermarket check out counter always provides free entertainment. The mishaps of the Tiger Woods’ affair have mesmerized the popular press. As a psychiatrist, observing the reaction of the nation is fascinating. Tiger Woods is a golf icon, period. In his brief time on the golf course, he has surpassed most contenders and established records, period. Do his stellar accomplishments in golf translate to life? Obviously not; he is human with issues.

Tiger Woods has been known for his control of the media. Perhaps this is now contributing to this media frenzy. The current news about Tiger is now not only out of his selective control, but it is headline material with sex, affairs, and a host of beautiful women.

Tiger is a celebrity who is paid to play golf and advertise products. Because of his example, many now aspire to fulfill their golf dream. Does that make him the “One” to follow as a spiritual and moral leader? Well known pundits write about their disappointment in their role model. True unbelievable feats on the golf course made him appear to be superhuman. His unquestionable sports achievement permitted many to fantasize about Tiger the man. Now, his acknowledged transgressions are a gentle reminder that you have to be yourself.

Living your life through the perceived life journey of a celebrity invariably creates disappointments. Celebrity role models often remind us that reaching your dream is possible. However, individuals following a celebrity’s journey as a secure path to life success will eventually be let down. Press secretaries are paid big bucks to create the celebrity’s brand image. Self esteem is about achieving your goal, not following another in your imagination.

Related Links

www.webmd.com, www.mayoclinic.com/health

Bipolar Disorder remains a scary diagnosis. Over my years in psychiatric practice, patient reactions to this diagnosis have ranged from stunned and total disbelief to immediate acceptance. In the laypersons’ world, Manic Depressive illness is considered a severe problem. In my world, mental illness and its treatment is just another chronic medical problem. Most patients can find relief for their symptoms. Nonetheless, stability of emotional illness, as with physical illness, requires both lifestyle changes and attention to symptom triggers.

In my opinion, the most challenging aspect of treatment is acceptance. It takes awhile to acknowledge the body’s reality and surrender control of it. As with any advice, most doctors’ recommendations are heard as valid but lifestyle changes are not always immediate. Directives to lose weight, exercise, and change diet are problematic. Despite direct medical communication and ominous consequences to not cooperating, many do not accept the program. It is human nature to make light of potential risks.

The Wall Street Journal of October 17, 2009 included the article, “In Praise of the Crack-Up.” The title was eye catching but a disservice to the brilliance of the many artists and writers with bipolar and depressive illnesses who were cited. Alvin Alley, the dancer and creative director of the Alvin Alley Dance Troup, was one of those listed. His creative genius had an extraordinary vision and he was a legend in his time. I recall the audience at New York City’s Lincoln Center being mesmerized by the creative interpretation of his classic piece “Revelations.” I have vivid recollections of the stage coming alive with colors, flowing gowns, and dancers’ movements.

However, legend has it that Alvin Alley had a very dark side. His Bipolar illness, like all chronic illness that is unattended, worsened in time. Nevertheless, he was a brilliant man who left a remarkable legacy in the world of dance. His talents allowed him to break the color barrier of segregation despite the emotional drains of his Bipolar Disorder.

Alvin Alley is my gentle reminder to my patients of their potential. Current treatments are better that those of yesterday. Every year there is a new treatment discovered for Bipolar Disorder. No, the treatments are not perfect. Yet if you consider historical custodial care that was offered in asylums, we have obviously come a long way. Thank goodness for research and its funding. It is so professionally satisfying for a patient to tell me that they are well in their world.

Related Links

www.nami.org, www.nimh.nih.gov