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PYSCHOTROPIC DRUGS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Instantaneous fixes for behavior are highly sought for magical overnight cures.

Society has unfortunately convinced a great number of people to take medication to alleviate their mental health issues…… “heal all quickly”.  

But in fact, healing comes from within which is why I believe in the work I do.

Healing also takes time and in today’s society, not many are willing to make time for even themselves.

Psychotherapy has proven to be a very effective form of treatment for mental health because it allows one to process through their beliefs, challenges and overall value system. However, it is only as effective as the person is willing to explore such vulnerable topics.

Medication may be warranted sometimes after physiological challenges have been ruled out and if the person is presenting a harm to self and or others.  Medication can be helpful in stabilizing mood and harmful thoughts.

In my practice, I have a small referral base of psychiatrists I partner with that share my ethic beliefs with meds and I work in tandem with them and my client to ensure that the client is fully educated on the effects both positive and negative. I encourage my clients to be patient with the process, research and bring that to session for processing.  I advise them to see me regularly to address their core issues and to keep me and their psychiatrist abreast of their med regimen.

More and more studies are showing that psychotropic drugs can be beneficial in treatment of mental health issues if combined with psychotherapy and pyschoeduation.

My advice is:

1) Have a full physical to rule out any other medical issues that may be affecting your mental state.

2) Do your own research if the doctor suggests medication.

3) Ask questions

4) Ask more questions

5) Work in tandem with your doctor and therapist to explore how the meds are affecting your mood

5) Be well  ?

Thanks for reading and tell a friend to follow my blog

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SUPERBOWL RELATIONSHIP GAMES

As I’m watching the Superbowl, I cant help but compare the surprisingly large margin of the score. It reminds me of how relationships can and will take turns we never expect. Touchdowns can be compared to life changes like unexpected births or deaths in the family and interceptions can be viewed as deceptive acts in the relationship or a child illness or a loss of a job. This game has truly not gone as predicted much like a committed relationship never looks quite like it did when you initially go together. The QB clearly will have to go back to training camp to redeem his stats to retire in good standing. Couples often have to go back to the training camp ie counseling, retreats and or workshops to redeem their trust and value for one another.

The final point is simple, unlike the Superbowl which will yield a cut and dry winner and loser and the score and stats will go down in history, we must not accept defeat in our relationships. We must work to redefine and restore trust, integrity, value and love in our relationships. When challenges arise, we must work to find solutions not cut off or be vindictive. We must rally our team (partners and children if applicable) and devise a game plan that includes key plans to aid in a victorious game and when we lose or fail, we go back and review films and playbook to improve in our roles.

Key relationship playbook strategies include Praying daily TOGETHER, forgiving each other, holding each other accountable, giving each other permission to be imperfect and learning to trust and value one another as an individual.

Whichever team you are rooting for tonight, keep your relationship team at the forefront of your thoughts. Root for your relationship and use the playbook strategies to strengthen the ties that hold you together.

Thanks for your continued support. Please follow my blog and tell a friend. Happy Sailing!!!!!!!!

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RESOURCE: LIFE CHALLENGE APP

If you have an iPhone or iPad, I recommend downloading the FREE app called UNSTUCK.   You can also visit the UNSTUCK website ( http://www.unstuck.com) and sign up for helpful emails for areas like procrastination, sparking creativity, career decisions, emotional distress and more. The app takes you through a questionnaire about your challenge area and then compiles practical articles and step by step instructions on navigating through your challenge. You also get information on famous people who have struggled in this same way and testimonials of how they maneuvered through. It’s relatable and practical info.

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NURTURING THE SOFT SIDE OF A STRONG WOMAN

In my journey, I have met many women.  I seem to be drawn to those I share traits like resilience, determination, leadership, poise, class and intellect with.  Many lessons have taught me these are some of the traits strong woman possess.  In the fall of last year, I had a vision of doing a workshop on empowering women in some way.  My sister and I had discussions in the past also about creating an opportunity around the topic.  But in the fall of the year, something was tugging in my gut to develop it more.  I ignored it because I was busy doing other things and quite honestly, FEAR.  By December of 2013, the vision actually awoke me from my rest and this time, it had vivid colors and structure.  I immediately arose and began to write down everything coming through me and thus a mass marketing campaign began to promote, “Nurturing the soft side of Strong Woman 4 part series”.

Last night marked the launching of the first of these workshops.  The workshop was designed to support, empower and teach fellow strong women the importance of self-care.  It’s an intimate gathering and space is limited to no more than 10 woman in a session.  I facilitate the activities but the group leads the journey with the rich pieces they share.  I learn from them as they learn from me.  I designed activities to challenge women to explore more of their core to in turn help them to learn and embrace themselves and the strength they each possess.  Self Compassion, Learning the Origin of our Fears, Being Safe in our Truth and Accepting Compliments were our main areas last night.  The essence of this experience will allow women to appreciate the heart of who they are and to make no apologies for the light that shines brightly within them.  And for some, it will mark the FIRST time they see others who share their traits and are not intimidated or offended by their strength.

Strong woman make life look easy, but make no mistake about it, we cry, we hurt, we worry, we make mistakes and we long for acceptance and support just like anyone else.  In other words, we put our pearls on one at a time just like any other woman.  The challenge is that most don’t see those traits in us.  They get the polished version and they assume we ALWAYS have it together and know what to do.  Truth is………most times we do, but it doesn’t mean we doubt or feel confused at times, we are just determined to figure it out.  And that is what makes us STRONG.

I salute STRONG woman and I am overjoyed to be in touch enough with my spiritual self to listen to my calling and purpose and obey the visions given me to share with others.  Its nothing short of a blessing to see the work He places in you come forth and be confirmed in those you touch.  And lastly, I am so thankful for my CORE group of friends and mentors in Atlanta, Warner Robins and Columbus.  These women challenge me to believe in me and for that I am grateful.  They are fellow Strong Women and we embrace and support one another.  They are each a very valuable part of why I am who I am today.

If you need to do something for you for a change, I encourage you to sign up for the next series which starts on 1/28/14 at our Decatur location.  2532 N. Decatur Rd, Decatur Ga at Scott Blvd Baptist Church.  Please call me at 678-856- SAIL (7245) or email me at shughes@cccgeorgia.org  We appreciate your continued support.  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @justgetdown2it or Facebook at Let’s Just Get Right Down To It

Picture credit:  4 da hard way….friends for over 15 years. ?