Tag Archives: depression

Depressants and Substance Addiction:

Depressants and Substance Addiction:

Depressants are substances that slow down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to a calming effect. They include substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and some opioids. While they can be prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, such as for anxiety, insomnia, or pain relief, they have a potential for misuse and addiction, especially when used excessively or outside of prescribed guidelines.

How Depressants Lead to Addiction:

Tolerance: Over time, with repeated use, the body becomes accustomed to the effects of a depressant, meaning the user needs higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can lead to physical dependence.

Dependence: The body becomes reliant on the substance to function normally. When a person stops using the depressant suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe depending on the substance.

Psychological Addiction: Many people may also develop a psychological craving for the effects of depressants, especially if they are using them to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain.

Neurochemical Changes: Long-term use of depressants can change the brain’s chemistry, affecting neurotransmitter systems (like GABA and dopamine), which can make the person feel the need to continue using the substance to maintain a sense of well-being.

Risks of Addiction:

  • Health Implications: Prolonged use of depressants can cause serious physical health issues, such as liver damage (alcohol), respiratory depression (opioids), and brain damage (barbiturates).
  • Social and Emotional Consequences: Addiction can affect relationships, career, and overall life satisfaction.
  • Overdose: Depressants, especially when mixed with other substances (like alcohol and opioids), significantly increase the risk of overdose, which can be fatal.

Treatment and Recovery:

  1. Medical Detoxification: Often the first step, especially for individuals who are physically dependent on a depressant. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment.
  2. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic techniques can help address the underlying reasons for addiction and help individuals build healthier coping strategies.
  3. Support Groups: Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer community support to help people in recovery.
  4. Medication-Assisted Treatment: In some cases, medications may be used to help reduce cravings or prevent relapse.

Shervan K Shahhian

Multiple Drug use and abuse are more likely to cause Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Major Depressive disorder, and Personality disorders, why:

Multiple Drug use and abuse are more likely to cause Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Major Depressive disorder, and Personality disorders, why:

Multiple drug use and abuse can increase the risk of mental health disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and personality disorders for several reasons:

Neurochemical Imbalance: Drugs alter the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which regulate mood, thought patterns, and behavior. For example, substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogens can overstimulate the brain’s reward system or affect the serotonin and dopamine systems, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. Over time, this disruption can increase the risk of developing conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Genetic Vulnerability: Some people may be genetically predisposed to mental health disorders, and substance abuse can act as a trigger or exacerbate underlying vulnerabilities. For example, individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be more likely to develop these conditions if they engage in heavy drug use.

Chronic Stress: Drug abuse often leads to a stressful lifestyle, with financial, relational, and legal problems. Chronic stress can trigger or worsen mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Prolonged exposure to stress can damage brain areas involved in emotional regulation and cognition, further increasing the risk of mental health disorders.

Cognitive Impairment: Drugs, especially when used in combination, can impair cognitive function, such as memory, concentration, and decision-making. Long-term drug use can lead to changes in brain structure and function that mimic or trigger the symptoms of certain mental health disorders.

Hallucinogens and Psychosis: Drugs like LSD, PCP, or synthetic cannabinoids can induce hallucinations and delusions, which may mimic or trigger psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. In some cases, prolonged use of these substances can lead to persistent psychosis, even after the drug is no longer in the system.

Mood Regulation: Drugs like alcohol, marijuana, and stimulants can have a direct effect on mood, either by elevating it (euphoria) or causing depressive episodes. Substance-induced mood disorders can evolve into long-term conditions, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, especially when the individual is using drugs to cope with underlying issues.

Personality Changes: Chronic drug use can affect personality and behavior, often leading to erratic or impulsive actions. Over time, this can lead to personality disorders, especially when combined with environmental factors like trauma or unstable childhoods.

In summary, the combination of neurochemical changes, genetic vulnerability, stress, cognitive impairment, and mood dysregulation associated with drug abuse can significantly increase the risk of developing serious mental health disorders.

Shervan K Shahhian

Cultural Biases in Mental Health:

Cultural Biases in Mental Health:

Cultural biases in mental health refer to the ways in which cultural factors — such as values, beliefs, norms, and traditions — can influence the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.

These biases can manifest in various ways, such as:

Diagnostic Practices: Certain mental health conditions may be interpreted differently based on cultural norms. For example, in some cultures, behaviors that are considered normal or even desirable may be labeled as disorders in others. For instance, certain forms of emotional expression or family dynamics might be seen as abnormal in Western cultures but perfectly acceptable in other cultural contexts.

Treatment Approaches: The type of therapy or treatment considered effective can be influenced by cultural views on health and wellness. Some cultures may prefer spiritual healing or community-based practices over psychotherapy or medication. Cultural biases in mental health professionals can lead to misunderstanding or dismissing the validity of these practices.

Stigma and Perception: Mental health stigma varies greatly across cultures. In some cultures, mental illness may be seen as a personal weakness, shameful, or taboo, which can lead to individuals avoiding seeking help or facing discrimination.

Cultural Adaptation of Tools: Mental health assessment tools, like questionnaires or scales, are often developed with a specific cultural context in mind. If these tools are used outside that context, they may not be valid or reliable. For example, a mental health assessment designed in a Western context may fail to accurately assess mental health in non-Western populations.

Language Barriers: Different cultures may have distinct ways of expressing emotions or psychological distress. When mental health professionals are not aware of these differences, they may misinterpret the symptoms or fail to communicate effectively, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses or ineffective treatments.

Cultural Competence: Mental health professionals who lack cultural competence (the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures other than their own) may unintentionally perpetuate biases that affect the quality of care.

Addressing these biases involves cultural competence training for mental health professionals, developing culturally appropriate diagnostic tools, and creating more inclusive treatment models that respect diverse cultural perspectives on mental health.

Shervan K Shahhian

Schema Therapy, how does it work:

Schema Therapy, how does it work:

Schema Therapy is an integrative form of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, and Gestalt therapy to address deep-rooted patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving known as schemas (or early maladaptive schemas). It was developed by Jeffrey Young primarily to treat personality disorders, chronic depression, and other long-standing emotional difficulties.

How Schema Therapy Works:

Identifying Maladaptive Schemas

  • Schemas are deeply ingrained patterns of beliefs and behaviors that develop in childhood or adolescence due to unmet emotional needs.
  • Examples include abandonment, mistrust, emotional deprivation, failure, unrelenting standards, and more.

Understanding Schema Modes

  • Schema modes are momentary emotional states and coping responses triggered by schemas.
  • Common modes include the Vulnerable Child, Angry Child, Detached Protector, and Punitive Parent.
  • Therapy aims to weaken maladaptive modes and strengthen the Healthy Adult mode.

Healing Core Emotional Wounds

  • The therapist uses experiential techniques (e.g., imagery rescripting, chair work) to help the client reprocess painful memories and experiences.
  • This helps rewrite negative beliefs developed in early life.

Cognitive Restructuring

  • Clients learn to challenge and change self-defeating beliefs tied to schemas using cognitive techniques.
  • This involves recognizing irrational thoughts and replacing them with healthier perspectives.

Behavioral Pattern Change

  • Clients work on breaking unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., avoidance, overcompensation) and developing healthier behaviors.
  • Role-playing and real-life assignments help reinforce new patterns.

Therapeutic Relationship (Limited Reparenting)

  • The therapist provides a corrective emotional experience by acting as a nurturing, supportive figure.
  • This allows the client to experience unmet childhood needs in a safe therapeutic environment.

Who Benefits from Schema Therapy?

Schema Therapy is particularly effective for:

  • Personality disorders (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder)
  • Chronic depression and anxiety
  • Relationship difficulties and attachment issues
  • Childhood trauma survivors
  • People who struggle with self-sabotage and emotional dysregulation
  • Shervan K Shahhian

Can winter negatively affect a person’s mood:

Can winter negatively affect a person’s mood:

Yes, winter can negatively affect a person’s mood, primarily due to factors like reduced sunlight, colder temperatures, and shorter days. This phenomenon is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues.”

Here are some key reasons why winter might impact mood:

Reduced Sunlight:

  • Less exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and reduce serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation.
  • Low sunlight can also decrease the production of vitamin D, which plays a role in mood and energy levels.

Shorter Days:

  • Limited daylight hours may lead to feelings of lethargy or increased sleepiness.
  • People may spend more time indoors, which can lead to reduced physical activity and social interaction, both of which are vital for mental well-being.

Cold Temperatures:

  • Cold weather may discourage outdoor activities and exercise, which are essential for maintaining a positive mood.
  • Some individuals may find the harshness of winter isolating or stressful, especially if it impacts daily routines.

Psychological Factors:

  • The end-of-year holidays can heighten stress or loneliness for some people, particularly if they experience financial or social pressures.
  • Persistent gray or gloomy weather can exacerbate feelings of sadness or fatigue.

Coping Strategies

  • Increase Light Exposure: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours or use a light therapy box.
  • Stay Active: Engage in regular physical exercise to boost endorphins.
  • Socialize: Maintain connections with friends and family to combat isolation.
  • Nutrition: Ensure a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support mental health.
  • Seek Help: If feelings of sadness or depression persist, consulting a mental health professional can provide tailored strategies or treatments.

If you think this might be affecting you or someone you know, seek professional help and pay attention to these factors can help mitigate the effects of winter on mood.

Shervan K Shahhian

Can winter negatively affect a person’s mood:

Can winter negatively affect a person’s mood:

Yes, winter can negatively affect a person’s mood, primarily due to factors like reduced sunlight, colder temperatures, and shorter days. This phenomenon is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues.”

Here are some key reasons why winter might impact mood:

Reduced Sunlight:

  • Less exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and reduce serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation.
  • Low sunlight can also decrease the production of vitamin D, which plays a role in mood and energy levels.

Shorter Days:

  • Limited daylight hours may lead to feelings of lethargy or increased sleepiness.
  • People may spend more time indoors, which can lead to reduced physical activity and social interaction, both of which are vital for mental well-being.

Cold Temperatures:

  • Cold weather may discourage outdoor activities and exercise, which are essential for maintaining a positive mood.
  • Some individuals may find the harshness of winter isolating or stressful, especially if it impacts daily routines.

Psychological Factors:

  • The end-of-year holidays can heighten stress or loneliness for some people, particularly if they experience financial or social pressures.
  • Persistent gray or gloomy weather can exacerbate feelings of sadness or fatigue.

Coping Strategies

  • Increase Light Exposure: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours or use a light therapy box.
  • Stay Active: Engage in regular physical exercise to boost endorphins.
  • Socialize: Maintain connections with friends and family to combat isolation.
  • Nutrition: Ensure a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support mental health.
  • Seek Help: If feelings of sadness or depression persist, consulting a mental health professional can provide tailored strategies or treatments.

If you think this might be affecting you or someone you know, paying attention to these factors can help mitigate the effects of winter on mood.

Shervan K Shahhian

Extreme Stinginess is it a Mental Disorder or a Personality Disorder:

Extreme Stinginess is it a Mental Disorder or Personality Disorder:

Extreme stinginess, often characterized by an excessive reluctance to spend money or resources even when it is reasonable to do so, is generally not classified as a standalone mental or personality disorder. However, it can be associated with certain mental health conditions or personality traits depending on its severity and context. Here are some considerations:

1. Personality Traits

  • Frugality or parsimony is a personality trait that exists on a spectrum. Extreme stinginess could simply be an exaggerated expression of these traits, without crossing into disordered behavior.
  • It might reflect underlying values, cultural norms, or personal experiences, such as growing up in poverty.

2. Mental Health Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Extreme stinginess may manifest in individuals with OCPD as part of their rigidity, perfectionism, and preoccupation with control.
  • Hoarding Disorder: While primarily about collecting and retaining items, some individuals with hoarding tendencies might also be excessively frugal, fearing they might waste resources.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Fear of financial insecurity could drive stingy behaviors, especially if tied to generalized anxiety or trauma-related fears.

3. Behavioral and Emotional Roots

  • Fear of Scarcity: Deep-seated fears about running out of resources can stem from past experiences, such as poverty or economic hardship.
  • Cognitive Distortions: Overvaluing money as a symbol of safety, control, or self-worth may reinforce stinginess.

4. Impact on Life

If extreme stinginess begins to interfere with an individual’s relationships, quality of life, or ability to function, it might warrant psychological intervention. For instance:

  • Neglecting basic needs or health to save money.
  • Damaging personal or professional relationships due to excessive frugality.

When to Seek Help

It’s important to differentiate between a personality quirk and a behavior driven by deeper psychological issues. If stinginess causes significant distress or impairment, consulting a mental health professional can help identify underlying causes and provide strategies for change.

Here’s a more detailed look at addressing extreme stinginess, focusing on understanding its root causes and strategies to manage or change it effectively:

1. Understand the Root Causes

To address extreme stinginess, identifying its underlying drivers is crucial. Consider these possibilities:

  • Past Experiences:
    Reflect on early life experiences or financial struggles. Did past hardships, like poverty or family teachings, create a fear of scarcity?
  • Underlying Emotions:
    Fear, insecurity, or anxiety about the future might fuel stingy behaviors. Identifying these emotions is a key step.
  • Personality Traits:
    Some people naturally lean toward caution or frugality. Extreme behaviors might amplify these tendencies.

2. Assess the Impact

Determine how this behavior affects your life and relationships:

  • Are basic needs or health being compromised?
  • Are loved ones or colleagues frustrated by the behavior?
  • Does the stinginess cause guilt, shame, or anxiety?

3. Cognitive Behavioral Strategies

If stinginess stems from irrational fears or distorted thinking, cognitive-behavioral techniques can help:

  • Challenge Negative Thoughts:
  • Write down fears or beliefs about money. Are they realistic or exaggerated?
  • Replace thoughts like “I’ll never have enough” with evidence-based reassurances.
  • Exposure Exercises:
    Gradually spend money on small, meaningful items. Reflect on how it feels and build tolerance for spending.

4. Develop Balanced Spending Habits

  • Create a Budget:
    Allocate money for essentials, savings, and discretionary spending. A clear plan may reduce anxiety around spending.
  • Prioritize Joyful Spending:
    Spend on experiences or items that bring happiness or improve well-being. Remind yourself that money is a tool for quality of life.
  • Track Spending Patterns:
    Keep a journal of your expenditures to identify where and why you’re hesitant to spend.

5. Address Emotional and Relationship Strains

  • Communicate with Loved Ones:
    Share your feelings and struggles with trusted people. Their perspectives can help highlight how stinginess affects relationships.
  • Seek Social Support:
    Consider financial workshops or support groups that foster healthy financial habits.

6. Professional Help

If stinginess causes significant distress or stems from deep-seated issues:

  • Therapists or Counselors:
    Work with a mental health professional to explore emotional roots and develop healthier behaviors.
  • Financial Advisors:
    A financial planner can help create a spending plan that feels secure but encourages balance.
  • Support Groups:
    Joining a group like Debtors Anonymous (even for non-debt issues) can help with emotional aspects of money management.

7. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance:

  • Practice Gratitude:
    Regularly acknowledge what you already have. This reduces fear of “not enough.”
  • Focus on Long-Term Gains:
    Remind yourself that balanced spending improves life satisfaction and strengthens relationships.
  • Visualize Success:
    Imagine a life where financial decisions bring happiness, not stress.

Shervan K Shahhian

First Responders, PTSD, Trauma and Suicide Prevention

The issue of first responders experiencing high levels of stress, PTSD, and the subsequent risk of suicide is a serious concern. There are several solutions that can help address and mitigate these challenges:

Increased awareness and education: Promote awareness about the mental health challenges faced by first responders, including the risk of PTSD and suicide. Educate both first responders and the general public about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to seek help.

Comprehensive mental health support: Develop and implement comprehensive mental health support programs specifically tailored for first responders. This includes providing easy access to confidential counseling services, peer support groups, and specialized mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by first responders.

Mandatory mental health screenings: Implement regular mental health screenings as part of the standard protocol for first responders. This can help identify individuals who may be at risk and ensure they receive the necessary support and treatment.

Peer support programs: Establish peer support programs within first responder organizations to create a culture of support and understanding. Peer support groups allow individuals to share their experiences, provide emotional support, and offer guidance to one another. This can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage early intervention.

Resilience training: Provide resilience training and stress management techniques to help first responders cope with the challenges of their profession. This can include mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and training on how to recognize and manage stress effectively.

Improved working conditions: Address the underlying factors contributing to high levels of stress and burnout among first responders. This can involve improving shift schedules, reducing overtime hours, providing adequate staffing levels, and ensuring access to necessary equipment and resources.

Organizational support and leadership: Foster a supportive organizational culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being. This includes promoting open communication, destigmatizing mental health issues, and providing leadership training to supervisors and managers on how to support their team members effectively.

Collaboration with mental health professionals: Foster partnerships between first responder organizations and mental health professionals to ensure that individuals receive appropriate and timely care. This can involve developing referral networks, training mental health professionals in first responder-specific issues, and establishing collaborative care models.

Research and data collection: Invest in research to better understand the causes and risk factors for PTSD and suicide among first responders. Collecting data on mental health outcomes and using that information to inform evidence-based strategies and interventions can help improve support systems.

Legislative support: Advocate for legislation that supports the mental health needs of first responders, such as expanding access to mental health services, ensuring insurance coverage for mental health treatment, and providing workers’ compensation for mental health injuries.

Remember, addressing the issue of first responder mental health requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach involving the cooperation of government agencies, first responder organizations, mental health professionals, and the community as a whole.

Shervan K Shahhian

Psychotherapy, a great explanation:

An overview
Psychotherapy is a non-specific term for treating mental health issues by seeing a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professionals.

During psychotherapy sessions, one can learn about their condition and moods, issues, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help a person to learn how to take control of ones life and how to respond to difficult situations with proper coping skills.

There are multiple forms of psychotherapy, each with its own system. The type of psychotherapy that’s right for a person depends on their specific situation. Psychotherapy is also called talk therapy, therapy, psychosocial therapy, and counseling.


Psychotherapy can be helpful in improving many mental illness problems, including:

Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder

Addictions, such as alcoholism, drug dependence or compulsive gambling
Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia

Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or dependent personality disorder

Schizophrenia or other disorders that cause detachment from reality (psychotic disorders)


Not all who may benefit from psychotherapy has a mental disorder. Psychotherapy may assist with a many of life’s conflicts, and stresses that can affect any person. As an example:

Resolving conflicts with a persons partner, wife, husband, boy friend, girl friend, co-workers, and so on.
Relieving anxiety and stress due to work issues and or other situations.
Cope with major life ups and downs, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, break ups, divorce.
Learn to ways to manage improper actions, like: as road rage or passive-aggressive behavior.
Understand, excepting acute, or serious medical health problem, such as cancer, long-term (chronic) pain, Parkinson’s, dementia, diabetes.
Recovering from rape, sexual abuse or witnessing violence, physical or
Cope with sexual issues, whether they’re caused by psychological or physical.
Sleep disorder: if one has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; hypersomnia or insomnia.


In certain cases, psychotherapy can be as helpful as psychotropic medications, like: antidepressants. It all depends on ones specific situation, psychotherapy by it self may not be enough to lessen the issues of a mental health problems. One may also need psychotropic medications or other treatments protocols.


What are the risks:
Possibly, there is little risk getting psychotherapy. But it can open up painful issues and past experiences, one may feel emotionally unstable at times. But, many risks are lessen by working with a professional psychotherapist who can put together the type of therapy that can help.

The coping techniques that one can learn may help manage and over coming negative thoughts, feelings and phobias.


How one can get started:

First find a good psychotherapist. one can get a referral from a their medical doctor, checking with the health insurance plan, asking friends or family. Many companies do offer counseling services or referrals through to help their employees . One can also find a psychotherapist on their own, as an example, searching the Internet.
Checking the costs. If one has health insurance, finding out how much coverage does it offers for psychotherapy. Some health insurance plans cover only a certain number of psychotherapy sessions each year. Also, one can talk to their psychotherapist about payment options.


Before ones first psychotherapist appointment, they should think about what issues they would like to work on. While one also can sort out these things with their psychotherapist, having some ideas in advance can provide a good starting beginning.


When Checking the Psychotherapists Qualifications:
Before seeing the first appointment with a psychotherapist, one can check his or her certification, licensing, specialization, background, education. The term psychotherapist could be the person’s job title or indication of their specialization, education, training or licensure.

Trained psychotherapists can have a number of different job titles, depending on their education and role. Most have a master’s or doctoral degree with specific training in psychological counseling. Medical doctors who specialize in mental health (psychiatrists) can prescribe medications as well as provide psychotherapy.

Examples of psychotherapists include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, or other licensed professionals with mental health training.

Make sure that the therapist you choose meets state certification and licensing requirements for his or her particular discipline. The key is to find a skilled therapist who can match the type and intensity of therapy with your needs.

What you can expect
Your first therapy session
At the first psychotherapy session, the therapist typically gathers information about you and your needs. You may be asked to fill out forms about your current and past physical and emotional health. It might take a few sessions for your therapist to fully understand your situation and concerns and to determine the best approach or course of action.

The first session is also an opportunity for you to interview your therapist to see if his or her approach and personality are going to work for you. Make sure you understand:

What type of therapy will be used
The goals of your treatment
The length of each session
How many therapy sessions you may need
Don’t hesitate to ask questions anytime during your appointment. If you don’t feel comfortable with the first psychotherapist you see, try someone else. Having a good fit with your therapist is critical for psychotherapy to be effective.

Starting psychotherapy
You’ll likely meet in your therapist’s office or a clinic once a week or every other week for a session that lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. Psychotherapy, usually in a group session with a focus on safety and stabilization, also can take place in a hospital if you’ve been admitted for treatment.

Types of psychotherapy
There are a number of effective types of psychotherapy. Some work better than others in treating certain disorders and conditions. In many cases, therapists use a combination of techniques. Your therapist will consider your particular situation and preferences to determine which approach may be best for you.

Although many types of therapies exist, some psychotherapy techniques proven to be effective include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones
Dialectical behavior therapy, a type of CBT that teaches behavioral skills to help you handle stress, manage your emotions and improve your relationships with others
Acceptance and commitment therapy, which helps you become aware of and accept your thoughts and feelings and commit to making changes, increasing your ability to cope with and adjust to situations
Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapies, which focus on increasing your awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing new insights into your motivations, and resolving conflicts
Interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on addressing problems with your current relationships with other people to improve your interpersonal skills — how you relate to others, such as family, friends and colleagues
Supportive psychotherapy, which reinforces your ability to cope with stress and difficult situations
Psychotherapy is offered in different formats, including individual, couple, family or group therapy sessions, and it can be effective for all age groups.

During psychotherapy
For most types of psychotherapy, your therapist encourages you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what’s troubling you. Don’t worry if you find it hard to open up about your feelings. Your therapist can help you gain more confidence and comfort as time goes on.

Because psychotherapy sometimes involves intense emotional discussions, you may find yourself crying, upset or even having an angry outburst during a session. Some people may feel physically exhausted after a session. Your therapist is there to help you cope with such feelings and emotions.

Your therapist may ask you to do “homework” — activities or practices that build on what you learn during your regular therapy sessions. Over time, discussing your concerns can help improve your mood, change the way you think and feel about yourself, and improve your ability to cope with problems.

Confidentiality
Except in rare and specific circumstances, conversations with your therapist are confidential. However, a therapist may break confidentiality if there is an immediate threat to safety (yours or someone else’s) or when required by state or federal law to report concerns to authorities. Your therapist can answer questions about confidentiality.

Length of psychotherapy
The number of psychotherapy sessions you need — as well as how frequently you need to see your therapist — depends on such factors as:

Your particular mental illness or situation
Severity of your symptoms
How long you’ve had symptoms or have been dealing with your situation
How quickly you make progress
How much stress you’re experiencing
How much your mental health concerns interfere with day-to-day life
How much support you receive from family members and others
Cost and insurance limitations
It may take only weeks to help you cope with a short-term situation. Or, treatment may last a year or longer if you have a long-term mental illness or other long-term concerns.

Results
Psychotherapy may not cure your condition or make an unpleasant situation go away. But it can give you the power to cope in a healthy way and to feel better about yourself and your life.

Getting the most out of psychotherapy
Take steps to get the most out of your therapy and help make it a success.

Make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist. If you don’t, look for another therapist with whom you feel more at ease.
Approach therapy as a partnership. Therapy is most effective when you’re an active participant and share in decision-making. Make sure you and your therapist agree about the major issues and how to tackle them. Together, you can set goals and measure progress over time.
Be open and honest. Success depends on willingness to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences, and to consider new insights, ideas and ways of doing things. If you’re reluctant to talk about certain issues because of painful emotions, embarrassment or fears about your therapist’s reaction, let your therapist know.
Stick to your treatment plan. If you feel down or lack motivation, it may be tempting to skip psychotherapy sessions. Doing so can disrupt your progress. Try to attend all sessions and to give some thought to what you want to discuss.
Don’t expect instant results. Working on emotional issues can be painful and may require hard work. You may need several sessions before you begin to see improvement.
Do your homework between sessions. If your therapist asks you to document your thoughts in a journal or do other activities outside of your therapy sessions, follow through. These homework assignments can help you apply what you’ve learned in the therapy sessions to your life.
If psychotherapy isn’t helping, talk to your therapist. If you don’t feel that you’re benefiting from therapy after several sessions, talk to your therapist about it. You and your therapist may decide to make some changes or try a different approach that may be more effective.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease.

Shervan K Shahhian

Psychiatrist and their field:

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They are trained in both medicine and psychology, allowing them to understand the complex interactions between physical and mental health.

Psychiatrists are licensed physicians who have completed medical school and obtained a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.). After medical school, they undergo specialized training in psychiatry during a residency program, which typically lasts four years. During their residency, psychiatrists gain practical experience in various psychiatric settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.

As medical doctors, psychiatrists are qualified to assess the overall physical and mental well-being of individuals. They can conduct thorough evaluations to diagnose mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder), schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and more. Psychiatrists are trained to differentiate between psychological conditions and medical conditions that may have psychiatric symptoms.

Once a diagnosis is made, psychiatrists develop and implement treatment plans for their patients. They can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers, to help manage symptoms. Additionally, psychiatrists may provide psychotherapy or recommend other non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychosocial interventions.

Psychiatrists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counselors, to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health concerns. They may also work in research, academia, or administration, contributing to advancements in the field of psychiatry and mental health.

It’s important to note that while psychiatrists are mental health professionals, not all mental health professionals are psychiatrists. Other professionals in the field include hypnotherapist, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors, each with their own training and scope of practice.

Shervan K Shahhian