This four-page paper provides a discussion on the topic of mental health and the insurance industry. The writer uses several jumping off points to explore the benefits and the process for receiving mental health care nationwide and then focuses on some of the problems and issues that are key to the state of Arizona. There were five sources used to  complete this paper. (more…)

Despite the increasing awareness, education, knowledge, treatment, and understanding of psychological disorders, there is still no clear-cut, quick fix, and uniform method available to diagnose and/or eliminate (or at least reduce) mental illnesses and psychological disorders.  Anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder are two of the most common mental illnesses that prevent an individual from functioning normally.  While most individuals may arguably prefer to remain ignorant of the existence of anxiety disorders and/or bipolar disorder, the fact is that more than 23 million individuals suffer from anxiety disorders (Harvard, 1) while more than 3 million individuals suffer from bipolar disorder (Hollandsworth).

This paper analyzes and examines anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder.  Part II discusses the various types of anxiety disorders and the treatments available for such disorders.  In Part III, bipolar disorder and the treatments available for such disorder is evaluated.  Lastly, this paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing and improving the awareness, knowledge, treatment, and understanding of anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder. (more…)

We will be attending the NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs) annual conference in San Diego, California this week. We are proud to be co-hosting a Referent dinner with The Menninger Clinic, for about 25 professionals.

If you believe you suffer from bipolar disorder, or know someone that does, you know first hand the kind of havoc that it can cause. It not only affects the individual, but also friends, family, teachers and coworkers. Left untreated, it’s a devastating disorder with devastating consequences.

But being diagnosed with bipolar disorder does not have to mean that your life is over. In fact, with the right treatment, you can greatly minimize the effects of bipolar disorder to the point where you can start to live your life again.

What is bipolar disorder? Those with bipolar disorder have trouble controlling their moods. One day they are full of energy and creativity and nothing can get them down. Then a few days later they can’t get out of bed and feel depressed and overwhelmed. But it is much more serious than an up and down cycle. When they are on their up cycle (called a manic phase), they make poor decisions and exhibit a dangerous invincibility. And when they hit their low cycle (called a depressive phase), they can get so depressed that they start having thoughts of suicide. (more…)

Pasadena Villa will be co-hosting the Second Annual Rome Conference on Emotional Well-Being in Rome, Italy in March 2010. This event will be in conjunction with St. George’s British International School and Ohana Counseling Center of Rome. More information and details are forthcoming.

There are always the cliches about schizophrenia- usually involving people with uncharacteristic behavior, perhaps homeless and destitute, wandering the streets, hearing voices, or shouting unrecognizable words at invisible enemies. Mental illnesses, including schizophrenia do not always meet it’s typical stereotype. In fact, as this particular article points out, schizophrenia is not uncommon among college students. “Studies show that the incidence of mental; illness on college campuses is rising, and a new survey of 2,785 college students indicates that more than half of the students with significant symptoms of anxiety or depression do not seek help” (U of Mich. 2007 para. 1).

One cannot fault the University of Michigan, where this study was conducted, since they offer all kinds of mental health screening, counseling, and, where and when needed, medical intervention. The problem, which this article only really hints at, is that while mental illness among young people is rising in the U.S. it is so stigmatized that young people would rather suffer than admit they are mentally ill. (more…)

by: ADD Coach Jennifer Koretsky

There is a common misconception in the world that having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a bad thing. While the ADD-wired brain certainly presents some challenges, it also offers some incredible benefits. The following is a list of characteristics that I consistently see in my clients, friends, and colleagues with ADD.

1. Compassion
People with ADD have a tremendous power to connect with other people. But it goes a step further than that. We also have an advanced ability to empathize with others, and to see many different perspectives.

2. Creativity
I’ve never met an ADDer who wasn’t creative! Writers, painters, musicians, film makers, designers, sculptors, comedians – the list goes on! Artistic talents are abundant. Composers Mozart and Beethoven are believed to have had ADD. (more…)

While not always taken seriously by those who have never suffered from it, severe depression is a debilitating problem, ruining marriages, taking the joy of raising children, killing such simple pleasures as eating and watching the sunrise, fostering alcohol and drug dependency, and even sparking such terrible acts of violence as suicide and murder. To combat this terrible burden, which most clinical psychologists now call a disease, many look to prescription drugs. While this can be a viable last-ditch solution, there are other, healthier, more practical ways to go about ridding yourself of depression.

The first step to ending depression is to radically alter your diet, especially when it comes to snacking. Cut out junk foods such as ice cream, snack cakes, candy bars, and potato chips, choosing instead healthy alternatives such  as fruit, nuts, raw veggies, and wheat toast with peanut butter. When you go out to eat, pick a place that sells soups and sub sandwiches, not greasy burgers and fries. Not only will this make you healthier, more confident, and more energetic, it will make you feel better about yourself in general, and it will give you something to focus on other than how depressed you are. If you already eat healthy, set other self esteem-building goals, such as finally reading Moby Dick or learning how to play the guitar. (more…)

November 17, 2009 – RHG president George Kachmarik hands the keys of Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge’s first of a fleet of new Suburbans to Fleet and Facility Manager Paul Orr. SML takes every measure to ensure the safety and comfort of our residents. These new vehicles are the ultimate in style and safety, and are ideal for excursions into the adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All SML vehicles that transport residents are 4 Wheel Drive, and equipped with the latest safety features, including OnStar system, GPS navigation, Stabili-Trak advanced computer controlled vehicle stability and traction enhancement system, and new generation advanced multiple front & side impact air bags. We also provide “green” transportation by using E85 bio-fuel in our Suburbans.

Bi-Polar Depression is an insidious disease that can alter one’s life significantly.  Unlike clinical depression or other types of mental illness, Bi-Polar robs one of the ability to make rational decisions regarding his/her life or the lives of others.

Sometimes termed manic depression, Bi-Polar disease has its own set of symptoms as opposed to other serious depressions.  These include extreme fluctuations in mood.  On the manic side, one might become extremely happy and euphoric or extremely agitated. This high energy spell may last a few hours to a few months.  The person does not seem to need as much sleep and sometimes experiences auditory or visual hallucinations.  Racing thoughts and an increase of the rate of speech are other signs of mania.  Sometimes a person’s sex drive will increase and he or she may become quite promiscuous.

During the depressive stage of bi-polar, the symptoms are similar to those of other depression disorders:  Sadness, loss of enjoyment in things that once gave pleasure, excessive sleepiness, lethargy and loss of energy. Sometimes extreme weight gain or loss occurs.  Loss of libido and feelings of apathy are typical.  Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness overwhelm the depressed individual.  Suicidal thoughts and often, attempts, are signs of severe depression.

Bi-Polar depression can be difficult to diagnose.  Only a board certified psychiatrist can make the determination.  Often, this diagnosis is made only after a person has exhibited such irrational behavior that someone else insists he or she get help.  If a person is in a state of euphoria,

Pasadena Villa is an innovator in residential, transitional and support services for adults with cognitive, emotional and social disorders. Our Social Integration Model provides a unique approach to immersing patients into real life activities within the community. To get help for someone suffering from bi-polar depression contact our facility today by calling 877-845-5235. Pasadena Villa believes that every person can live a happy, productive and healthy life and that every patient has the ability to learn, grow and recover.