Most Impactful Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

It is important to take care of yourself to get the most from life. Whenever we talk about health, our conversations mainly revolve around physical health, totally overlooking our psychological well-being. Huge strides have been made in destigmatizing mental illness and treating mental illness with therapy, medication, and other supportive services over the last decade. Taking care of your mental health goes beyond seeking professional support and treatment, it also means adopting measures to improve your emotional health on your own. Making these changes will pay off in the long run, and making these simple changes to how you live doesn’t cost a fortune or take up loads of time.

Here are some of the most impactful and least intimidating ways to take care of your mental health and wellness, New York City:

Stay Positive- According to research, how you think about yourself can have a powerful effect on how you feel. Avoid self-criticism, and start to value yourself. Make time for yourself, for your hobbies, and broaden your horizons. Surround yourself with people you are comfortable with since individuals with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. There’s nothing like helping someone, volunteer your time and energy to help someone else.

Make A List of Things You Are Grateful For- Gratitude has been linked with improved well-being and mental health. Find something to be grateful for everyday and turn it into a habit to experience long-term benefits.

Live in The Present- You cannot change your past and the future is not in your hands, so be mindful of the present moment which will help you let go of negative or difficult emotions from past experiences that weigh you down. Stop planning too much for the future as you might miss on the great moments that are unveiling right before you. Living in the present will make you happier.

Eat Well- Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and work properly, just like the other organs, so eat a healthy balanced diet that’s good for your physical as well as your mental health. A healthy balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, oily fish, dairy products, wholegrain cereals or bread, and plenty of water. Nutrients from these foods can restore structural integrity to the brain cells necessary for cognitive function.

Keep Active- It’s no secret that exercise also keeps the brain and the other vital organs healthy. According to experts, exercise releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel good, and the body releases stress-relieving and mood-boosting endorphins before and after you work out. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to get the most benefit, and try to do it outdoors.

Seek Help- There’s nothing wrong in asking for help. Talk to your loved ones. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, find a counselor to help you deal with your feelings or make a fresh start.

Contact Us: 

Harlem East Life Plan 

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com      

Telephone: 212-876-2300

Things You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition (mood disorder) that impacts all areas of life, including your energy level, mood, attention and behaviors. Although there is no cure for the disorder, but the symptoms are very treatable. It’s never too late to explore treatment options for the condition but it’s advisable that you seek treatment as soon as you develop this disorder. An individual suffering from bipolar disorder experiences drastic shifts in mood, which is in stark contrast to the usual changes in mood felt by most individuals throughout any given day. Bipolar symptoms can differ significantly between men and women.

The common signs include:

1. Decreased need for sleep

2. Restlessness and agitation

3. Racing thoughts and accelerated speech

4. Impulsive and risky behavior

5. Withdrawal from family and friends, and lack of interest in activities

6. Hopelessness

7. Change in sleep and appetite

8. Problems with memory, concentration and decision-making (during a manic phase)

9. Preoccupation with death and thoughts of suicide

An individual with bipolar has incredibly low periods, so low that they can barely move.

Common signs of bipolar disorder in men include frequent manic episodes, greater aggression, co-occurring substance abuse problem. The difference in symptoms can lead to some men putting off seeking help. Many men are unwilling to go through with treatment because of the stigma associated with men, and they want to insist nothing is wrong with them. Though this holds true for all mental health disorders. But it is paramount to know when something is off so that you can pursue bipolar treatments at the earliest possible time. Seeking treatment for mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, and numerous treatments are out there for those who want help.

The Harlem East Life Plan Intensive Outpatient Program in New York City provides a complete array of mental health intensive outpatient services to individuals experiencing an acute episode of mental illness. HELP IOP is committed to providing an intensive high level of mental health care.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options:

1. Medications- Medication is an important part of treating bipolar disorder with some common categories of bipolar disorder medication being antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.

2. Psychotherapy and psychoeducation

3. Inpatient treatment

4. Dual Diagnosis treatment

5. Intensive Outpatient Program- The Bipolar Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program includes intensive individual therapy, family therapy, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive therapies, art therapy, psychiatric medical treatment, nutritional assessment and therapy, outdoor recreational and activity therapy, regular contact with care support staff.

Contact Us:  

Harlem East Life Plan  

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com     

Full Address:  

2367-69 Second Avenue New York,  

NY 10035  

Telephone: 212-876-2300

Significance and Benefits of Care Coordination

Care coordination has the potential to enhance the effectiveness, safety, and performance of the American health care system. Care coordination approaches encompass teamwork, care management, medication management, patient-centered medical home. Well-designed care coordination that is delivered to the right people can result in great outcomes for patients and providers alike.

The benefits of care coordination programs in New York City are manifold:

Though care coordination benefits and models differ, the core of any approach is the same, which is to identify patients who are in dire need of more coordinated care and help in delivery of the necessary healthcare services sequenced in the most suitable order, at the right time, and in the proper place.

Patient Benefits- The main objective of care coordination is to meet patients' needs and preferences in the delivery of high-grade, high-value health care. Some models of care coordination include a range of personalized services tailored to the needs of each patient that yields improved health outcomes and patient experiences. Patients also get to eliminate unnecessary appointments, procedures, tests, and costs associated with them since the care coordination team works directly with the patient’s healthcare team.

Provider Benefits- Continuous communication between the patient and provider is the main focus of care coordination that ensures access to proper information that informs progress or possible modifications that are required to be made to the patient’s treatment plan. Besides improved patient outcomes, continuous visibility into patient progress and extended care team visits are some added benefits.

Benefits for Employers- Employers should consider care coordination a prerequisite component of their health plan strategy, which can help maintain healthier and more productive workforces, improved cost savings, improved employee satisfaction and productivity.

The bottom line is care coordination- when done right- hugely improves the patient’s experience of care, health outcomes and reduce costs since improved communication between specialists and primary care physicians to maximize treatment plan effectiveness is the cornerstone of care coordination.

Harlem East Life Plan is a multi-faceted outpatient facility offering co-located services of addiction medicine, general medicine and Mental Health.

Contact Us:   

Harlem East Life Plan   

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com    

Full Address:   

2367-69 Second Avenue New York,   

NY 10035   

Telephone: 212-876-2300 

Role of Substance Abuse Counsellors in Managing Recovery

Substance abuse counselors can play a huge role by offering a necessary support system for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol issues, gambling addictions and other behavioural issues. It’s advisable to go for addiction counseling in New York City since counsellors offer the support, resources, and judgement-free guidance that patients can put to use on their road to addiction recovery.

What Role Does a Counsellor Play?

1. It is important on the part of counsellors to create a strong bond with their patients as the decision to seek treatment for addiction can be difficult, and requires a huge amount of trust between patients and counsellors. A strong bond ensures patients view their counsellor’s worthy enough to be trusted, allowing them to feel vulnerable dealing with their problems and work together effectively. Being attentive during sessions, letting your patients know you empathize with their problems, ensuring patients that their best interests are at the forefront are some ways to create strong bonds.

2. It isn’t easy to recover from addiction. Moreover, a patient’s motivation to change has frequently been a source of stress, since counsellors have little or no control over a patient’s desire to change. What counsellors can do is they can adapt their style to help encourage client motivation throughout each stage of their recovery. The responsibility lies with the counsellor to help patients realize problematic behaviours, and empower them to take necessary action and change these behaviours.

3. During addiction therapy treatment, it’s important for the family and friends of patients in recovery to be well-informed of how to handle their family member’s addiction moving forward. Counsellors can play a major role from mediating family therapy sessions to helping them locate a support group. Recovery is a lifelong journey which means having a solid family backing is of profound importance. If family members are informed about the addiction recovery, the chances of success throughout the recovery process are higher.

4. Counsellors should refer patients to programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous which can add another level of outside support and offers an additional layer of accountability to those seeking rehabilitation.

The role of the counsellor in addiction treatment goes beyond simply listening, teaching, and offering advice. They should be able to offer a safe space for patients to openly talk about their struggles with addiction, guide family members through the recovery process, address plans to avoid relapse and more.

The Harlem East Life Plan’s Mental Health Wellness Centre, is an outpatient counselling program that assists an individual in developing a full range of life enhancing skills.

Contact Us: 

Harlem East Life Plan 

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com 

Full Address: 

2367-69 Second Avenue New York, 

NY 10035 

Telephone: 212-876-2300 

Vital Facts About an Intensive Outpatient Program

IOP, the acronym for Intensive Outpatient Program is a primary treatment program that may be recommended for individuals who do not require medically-supervised detox, and can also enable individuals in recovery to continue their recovery therapies following successful detox, on a part-time yet intensive schedule, designed to balance family and work life.

The mission of the HELP Outpatient Intensive Outpatient Program New York City will be to deliver recovery-oriented services to individuals who are experiencing an acute episode of mental illness with the program striving to improve the mental health needs of New York City Residents. HELP IOP is committed to providing an intensive high level of mental health care.

Eligibility for IOP:

This program is ideal for individuals who are struggling with problems associated with addictions, substance use and abuse, or the co-occurring disorders associated with substance use. A clinical/medical assessment is what determines the eligibility for the IOP. According to the initial assessment and follow up, the treatment program is customized for each person.

Many different areas and topics, such as spirituality, relapse prevention skills, ways to manage urges and cravings, advancement of the disease of addiction, post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS, understanding the brain chemistry of addiction, focus on co-occurring disorders and the effects on addiction and recovery, etc.- are covered in the IOP.

Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment:

Speaking of an inpatient treatment facility, you live in a residence area under the rules and governance of the operators of the center with each center being unique with its own set of requirements, but you generally give up control of your day to day life while in treatment, whereas with an outpatient program you continue to live at your own home and remain in control of your own life. You can continue to work or get a job, and start rebuilding your personal life at the same time with help and support you receive from the program. You, in the Intensive Outpatient Program, carry on with your life with support from the local clinical, emotional and peer support systems offered by the IOP.

Call Anthony Pick, LCSW, Clinical Director at HELP Counseling Center, (212) 876-2300 ext.124 for more information.

Contact Us:

Harlem East Life Plan

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com

Full Address:

2367-69 Second Avenue New York,

NY 10035

Telephone: 212-876-2300

In New York City, The Weapon to Defeat Addiction Is Medicine Services

Addiction is a curse to the society. It is too fatal to the addicted person that it may cause death. Yet young generation of New York is getting trapped by the harmful addiction. Addiction of drugs has a tremendous negative impact both on physical and mental state of a human being and to leave the addiction is most difficult attempt for an addicted person. But every problem has a key of solution. Likewise, if anybody wants to come back in the normal life, medical professionals are ready to help the addicted person through specially designed drug and alcohol treatment.

The Dangerous Drugs Available in The Market and Its Effects:

Various kind of drugs are available in the market of New York. It is ranged from street drugs to prescription drugs. Most commonly used illegal drugs are Marijuana, Hashish, Heroin, Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine etc. All these drugs are street drugs which causes cough, frequent respiratory, declination of mental health, hepatitis, HIV, blood pressure, psychosis, violent behavior, panic, irritability etc. Prescription drugs belong to second category of drugs. Few of them are Xanax, Valium, Vatican etc. Overdose of prescription drugs causes severe addition to the patients and as a result a patient encounters depression, insomnia, breathing difficulties, stroke, coma and death.

Medicine Services Offered to Addicted Person:

There are many drug recovery and alcohol treatment centers in New York. The addicted people have the option of recovery starting from the licensed residential treatment to licensed private rehab facilities. The best part of the treatment is medicine. Medical detoxification is the process of annihilating extremely dangerous by- products of drugs and alcohol. Monitoring of the addicted person is highly risky and as well as difficult. When the medical detoxification procedure takes place, horrible withdrawal symptoms are observed. The preparation of mind and body of the addicted person is mostly required as he or she faces the medicinal effects. 24/7 Custom designed and physician approved medical detox procedures are adopted to rescue the addicted people from the hell. Highly skilled doctors and nurses provide instant treatment when the withdrawal symptom gets beyond the tolerance of the addicted person. So specially designed therapies are planned for long-term recovery of the addicted person. Medical detox process is collaboration of both therapies and medications.      

Medicine Services Teach to Live Without Intoxicants:

Prolonged consumption of alcohol and drugs has a worst effect to body and brain of an addicted person. Mental health disorder, changes in brain chemistry, damage of internal organs are the hell like consequences of addiction. To have a better life, medicinal supports are indispensable to the addicted people. Addicted people can freely exist without the help of intoxicants through the medicine services provided to them.

Contact Us:

Harlem East Life Plan 

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com

Full Address: 

2367-69 Second Avenue New York, 

NY 10035 

Telephone: 212-876-2300 

Tips to Use Opioid Medications Safely

The most appropriate time to plan for safe use and disposal of opioids is before you start these medications. Remember, practicing caution can mean the difference between life and death for you and your loved ones. Opioid painkillers are extremely addictive. You’d be surprised to know that after just five days of prescription opioid use, your likelihood to develop long-term dependence on these drugs rises steeply — increasing your risk of eventual addiction and overdose. It is an individual’s medical history, family history and personal history of substance use that help determine whether opioids are safe for you to try since opioids aren't safe to even consider for some people.

Take opioid medication in New York City exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance to physicians for safe prescribing of opioid medications.

You can expect for your doctor or healthcare provider to prescribe the lowest effective dose, for the shortest period needed, when treating acute pain; avoid or delay prescribing opioids for chronic pain; work with you to establish realistic treatment goals; may ask you to sign an opioid therapy agreement before you start a long-term course of opioid medications; schedule regular checkups while you’re taking opioids and help you minimize withdrawal when you stop opioids.

Tips to safely manage your medications:

1. Let all your healthcare providers know about all of the drugs you’re taking since opioids interact dangerously with many medications.

2. Whenever possible, order all your medications through the same pharmacy as pharmacies have systems in place that alert pharmacists to potentially dangerous interactions between the drugs you're taking.

3. It’s extremely important that you read the instructions and warnings on the drug safety information sheet stapled to your prescription as these notify you about potential side effects and help you understand how to check your response to the medication.

4. If you experience any side effects, report it to your doctor right away.

5. Make sure to check the date of expiration on your pill bottle as medication loses its effectiveness after a certain amount of time alongside its effects becoming unpredictable.

Harlem East Life Plan provides quality general medicine and infectious disease care. H.E.L.P. is a multi-faceted outpatient facility offering co-located services of addiction medicine, general medicine and Mental Health.

Contact Us:

Harlem East Life Plan 

https://www.harlemeastlifeplan.com

Full Address: 

2367-69 Second Avenue New York, 

NY 10035 

Telephone: 212-876-2300