Common Challenges

What is Depression?  Depression is known as the common cold of mental illness due to how frequently it occurs.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 11 million adults in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment in 2017.  Clinical depression is highlighted by intense sadness that last for days to weeks and it interferes with your regular day to day functioning.  The main two symptoms are having episodic or persistent low mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.  It is also not uncommon for people to have physical symptoms of depression such as sleep disturbance, body aches, changes with appetite, low energy, slowed movements. 

What is anxiety? Symptoms of anxiety include worry, nervousness or dread. Although having anxiety is uncomfortable, it is natural--it is our body's way of signaling that something is not quite right and can motivate us to complete a task (e.g. work), avoid danger or make important decisions.  However, if the anxiety is pervasive and disrupts functioning at work, family, school or friends, then it becomes a disorder.  Anxiety disorders are very common so much that up to 20% of adults suffer from some type of anxiety disorder each year. Someone who is constantly worried about multiple things may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  

What is PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)?  It is a condition that is triggered by traumatic event(s)--either experiencing or witnessing it.  Most people think that it is related to military trauma but terrifying experiences such as car accidents, being the victim of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, or even repeatedly witnessing trauma (e.g. police or first responders) can lead to developing PTSD. The main symptoms are flashbacks (vivid images), nightmares and hyper-vigilance (e.g. you don't like someone behind you, you are always on the look out or expecting danger around you).  According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7% to 8% of people will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime. 

What is ADHD/ADD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? About half of the children who have ADHD/ADD grow up to be adults with ADHD/ADD and about 4% to 5% of adults in the U.S. have it.  The main symptoms for adults are:  excessive activity, impulsivity, restlessness, poor concentration, disorganization, difficulty following directions, poor planning and time management problems.  If untreated, these symptoms often result in unstable relationships, poor work performance, financial problems, frequent accidents and other negative life outcomes. 

What is a panic attack or panic disorder?  Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These episodes of intense fear or discomfort can strike suddenly and may lead to significant distress lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Often times, individuals experiencing a panic attack think that they are having a heart attack and end up going to the ER.  Symptoms of a panic attack can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, sweating, hyperventilation, a sense of doom, and a fear of losing control or dying. In the United States, it is estimated that about 2.7% of adults aged 18 and older experience panic disorder in a given year. 

What is OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?  Do you engage in rituals or repetitive behaviors such as excessive hand washing, excessive cleaning, making lists, checking and rechecking, fixing things to be lined up all the time, continuous counting and you get very nervous, stressed or anxious if you don't complete them? OCD is a condition that causes repeated unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or the urge to do something repeatedly (compulsions), often times, both obsessions and compulsions occur together.  Common OCD preoccupations fall under the following four categories:  checking, contamination, symmetry and order, ruminations and intrusive thoughts.  The prevalence of OCD in the U.S. is about 2%-3% of the population.  Many celebrities have opened up about their struggles with OCD including David Beckham, Katy Perry, Howard Stern, Howie Mandel.