It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or out of control at times. But if you find yourself struggling to manage your emotions on a daily basis, it could be a sign of something more. Adult ADHD is a real and treatable condition that affects many Australians. And while medication can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of ADHD, some people with the condition also struggle with emotional regulation.
If you’re someone who constantly feels like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the challenges associated with managing emotions as an adult with ADHD. We’ll also share some tips for coping with these challenges and offer resources for finding support.
The Challenge of Emotional Regulation
One of the most common symptoms of adult ADHD is impulsivity. This can manifest in many different ways, but when it comes to emotions, it often manifests as “emotional outbursts.” People with ADHD may find themselves feeling angry or sad for no apparent reason, or they may have difficulty controlling their reactions in emotionally charged situations. As a result, they may say or do things that they later regret.
This impulsivity can also make it difficult for people with ADHD to stick to their goals. For example, someone who is trying to lose weight may have trouble sticking to their diet because they can’t resist the urge to binge eat when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Or someone who is trying to quit smoking may find themselves lighting up whenever they have an emotional trigger.
Tips for Coping With Emotional Outbursts
There are a few things that you can do to try to improve your emotional regulation skills:
Identify your triggers: What are the things that tend to set off your emotional outbursts? Once you know what your triggers are, you can try to avoid them or have a plan in place for how to deal with them if they do occur.
Practice deep breathing: When you feel yourself getting upset, take a few moments to focus on your breath and breathe deeply from your belly. This will help you relax and may help prevent you from saying or doing something that you’ll later regret.
Talk to someone: It can be helpful to talk about your emotions with someone who understands what you’re going through. Sometimes friends and family mean well but they don’t always have an in depth understand of ADHD. So talking to one of our knowledgeable therapists at Create Balance can be worthwhile. They can help you identify and address the underlying causes of your emotional outbursts and develop healthy coping strategies.
Engage in a coaching program: Feeling out of control in your personal or professional life can be hugely influential on your mental and emotional health. Two of our therapists at Create Balance created an online coaching program for busy entrepreneurs and creatives with ADHD. The course is designed to help each participant to achieve their goals, while helping them build positive mental and emotional health.
If you’re struggling to manage your emotions as an adult with ADHD, know that you’re not alone. There are many people who understand what you’re going through and there are plenty of resources available to help you cope. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it—the sooner you get started on the path to recovery, the better!
ADHD has been in the spotlight lately. Yet it is still a condition that is chronically under-diagnosed. Some health professions believe that up to a third of our population live with ADHD – often unbeknownst to these individuals.
ADHD in women has been particularly overlooked by many, by both health professionals and the women themselves, often being diagnosed with other conditions or causes. A study published in The Lancet found that undiagnosed ADHD may account for as much as half of all cases of “depression” in women.
Why Is ADHD Misdiagnosed in Women?
There are a number of reasons why adult ADHD is so often misdiagnosed in women. First and foremost, the symptoms of ADHD can be very different in women than they are in men. Whereas boys with ADHD are more likely to be disruptive and hyperactive, girls with the disorder tend to be withdrawn and introspective. They’re also more likely to internalise their feelings of anxiety and frustration, leading to symptoms like depression and low self-esteem.
Additionally, the professionals who are responsible for diagnosing ADHD—including psychiatrists, paediatricians, and family doctors—tend to be more familiar with the presentation of the disorder in boys than they are in girls. As a result, they may be more likely to overlook or dismiss the symptoms in girls, attributing them instead to hormonal changes or emotional upheaval typical of adolescence or adulthood.
What Are the Symptoms of Adult ADHD in Women?
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary widely from woman to woman. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that many women with ADHD share:
Chronic lateness or forgetfulness:
Do you find yourself constantly running late or forgetting important appointments? If so, you may have adult ADHD. People with ADHD often have difficulty keeping track of time and managing their schedules effectively. This can lead to problems at work, school, or home.
Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common symptom of adult ADHD, particularly among women. Women with ADHD may worry excessively about their families, their jobs or their relationships. They may also suffer from panic attacks or generalised anxiety disorder.
Low self-esteem:
Many women with adult ADHD struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. They may believe that they’re not good enough mothers, wives, employees or friends. Consequently, they may avoid social situations or withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.
Depression:
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems associated with adult ADHD. Symptoms of depression include sadness, fatigue, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep habits, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to seek professional help.
Problems with relationships:
One-third of all adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder report having difficulties with their spouses or significant others due to their condition. Because people with ADHD often have trouble communicating effectively and controlling their emotions, they may inadvertently say or do things that offend or hurt their loved ones. Additionally, they may have difficulty following through on promises or meeting their partner’s needs. Over time, this can lead to relationship problems such as distance and resentment. If you find that your relationships are suffering due to your behaviour pattern, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Support for Women with ADHD
If you’re a woman struggling with chronic lateness, forgetfulness, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or problems in your relationships, you may have adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, due to cultural stereotypes and a lack of understanding among medical professionals, this condition is often misdiagnosed.
If you think you might have adult ADHD, it’s important to seek a professional from a psychiatrist. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can start to understand yourself and modify your life to work with your strengths and challenges. Whilst medication can make a difference, other supports are often necessary. Many of our therapists at Create Balance work with women who have ADHD to help them overcome their limiting beliefs and manage their emotions.
Create Balance’s own, Shannon and Dan, are also responsible for the creation of ADHD Ambition – an online coaching program that can help entrepreneurs, creatives and go-getters to perform at their peak by helping them master the habits and mindset they need for success. Visit www.adhdambition.com for more information.
A bad dream is known as a nightmare and has been likened to watching a scary movie while you sleep. A nightmare is a disturbing event or frightening fantasy that impacts our sleep and the way we approach the following day. A nightmare leaves us feeling emotionally out of sorts and the effects can remain with us after we have woken up, leaving us with negative thoughts and feelings. The themes of bad dreams differ from person to person, but the most frequent ones are running or falling or feeling lost or trapped. Nightmares can induce various feelings, including fright and anxiety. Everyone who has had a nightmare recognises this. However, children under the age of ten have far more nightmares.
What are nightmares?
Parasomnia is another name for nightmare disorder. Nightmare disorder is a type of sleep issue in which distressing feelings may appear while you sleep. REM sleep phases are when nightmares typically occur. However, it’s still unclear how they are induced.
Nightmare Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has specific DSM-5 criteria for nightmare disorder are as follows: Recurrent bouts of lengthy, severely unpleasant and well-remembered dreams frequently entail efforts to avoid threats to survival or security or bodily integrity. The nightmares generally occur in the second half of a major sleep episode.
What causes nightmares in adults?
There are a variety of issues that can trigger nightmares.Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Nightmares Many people who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience the distressing symptom of nightmares as a result of their traumatic memory or memories. Often the nightmares are directly connected to past distressing events they have experienced. Adults can have recurring nightmares on occasion. They might also be linked to other issues and diseases. For example, people who eat late at night sometimes suffer from nightmares that boost their metabolism and stimulate their bodies to become more active.
What are the health effects of nightmares in adults?
Nightmares have an impact on you and how you feel. For example, a person who dreams may be considerably more stressed than they would have been otherwise, and the experience might even have a worse influence. Talk with your GP about nightmares Although no one can honestly explain the relationship, traumatic nightmares are linked to suicide. Because nightmares might have a significant impact on your health if you have them daily. For that reason, it’s critical that you talk with your GP about them. Sleep deprivation caused by regular nightmares has several negative side effects, including difficulty functioning throughout the day.
How do nightmares present?
The typical duration of a nightmare is two minutes. Nightmares are generally short or long in duration. Nightmares can impact sleep patterns and quality. The episode is usually brief, but it causes you to wake up, and resuming sleep may be difficult. Nightmares are particularly distressing for children and their families. Risk factors Frequent nightmares are sometimes seen more in people who have a family member with a history of nightmares sleep parasomnias. Adult nightmares are common, but it’s not clear whether lack of sleep causes them or if they’re a consequence of having them. While it’s conceivable, nightmare disorder hasn’t been verified as a by-product.
What do Nightmares Mean in Psychology?
Psychology Today states a bad dream, on the other hand, can be a terrifying nightmare—a frightening collection of scenes that generate a little emotional reaction from the dreamer. However, a nightmare might induce feelings of dread, terror, and anxiety; prompting the person to wake up and elicit distressing emotional reactions such as sleeplessness or other sleep problems or even daytime worry.
What causes nightmares?
Nightmares are usually the result of a variety of things. Sleep disorders that disrupt an individual’s circadian rhythm, such as jet lag, can trigger nightmares. Sleep apnoea has also been linked to recurrent nightmares People who use drugs or other stimulants to increase their energy levels might also experience night terrors. The link between nightmares and depression Many people develop nightmares because of depression or other sleep issues, although some people grow out of them by the age of 20. Stress is another possible cause of nightmares in adults. A person can have a nightmare after eating a large meal before going to bed. A person may also experience nightmares after experiencing something unpleasant in their daily lives. According to research, it has been found that people who have been through accidents or catastrophic events are more likely to suffer from night terrors than those who have not. In addition, nightmares are more common in women than men.
Does medication cause nightmares? Medications and other drug use can also be linked to the emergence of frightening dreams. Non-psychological nightmare drugs include high-dose blood-pressure medicines. If you cease taking any medication or begin taking a tranquilliser, you could have unpleasant dreams as a result. People who take certain medications may also experience nightmares when they go to sleep. These medicines include diuretics (water pills) and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (elavil), desipramine (norpramin), doxepin (sinequan), and nortriptyline (aventyl and pamelor). Taking these medications can cause mild depression or excessive drowsiness. They may also have other unpleasant effects on the individual taking them. In addition to seeing your doctor, if you experience night terrors, talk with your friends and family. Everyone close to you should know about it because nightmares can affect the dynamics of your social group. Speaking up about your nightmares is the first step to getting the support you need to treat them.
Treatments for nightmares in adults
Thankfully, your doctor may be able to reduce or even eliminate your nightmares. If a drug causes a nightmare, you can take a lower dose to prevent it. The treatment of insomnia, linked with sleep disorders, may help relieve the symptoms. Treatment such as talk therapy can be beneficial because it encourages the sufferer to talk about the parts of the nightmare that make them feel scared and the areas of their daily life where they experience stress or even traumatic stress. Do not worry if your night terrors are unrelated to medicine or disease, as this is the case with 70% of people who suffer from a sleep disorder such as nightmares.
How can eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) treat nightmares?
EMDR treatment is a phased and focused way to treat trauma in a safe and measured manner by reconnecting an emotionally affected person to images of trauma. It is a natural and effective treatment that focuses on psychological trauma. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy was initially used to treat the effects of war, rape, assault and accidents. However, it has since been found that people who have experienced extreme shock or stress can also benefit from EMDR. Standard benefits of EMDR therapy are:
Reduced symptoms of nightmares
Improved sleep and ability in falling asleep
Improved mood and mental health
Prevention of future episodes of night terrors by addressing their cause in the past.
Emotional benefits of EMDR are:
A reduction in negative emotions
Peace of mind, and a lack anxiety at bedtime, knowing that you’re finally free from nightmares
A sense of relief that your sleep has improved and your
The knowledge that you have returned to life before the nightmare phase began.
EMDR is a non-invasive treatment option for nightmares
One of the best things about EMDR therapy is that it’s natural and non-invasive. The fact that you can use this method of treatment without compromising other treatments or medications, means it’s very safe, especially for seniors, children, and those who may be on other drugs. This paves the way for a comfortable treatment that will hopefully lead you to a more pleasant life experience. EMDR is proven effective for treating nightmares EMDR treatment has been proven effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms, including nightmares because it can help your brain process your traumatic memories efficiently and effectively. Does cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help with nightmares One of the most common methods therapists use to deal with nightmares is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that allows a person to think and behave differently. The goal of this method of treatment is to help you understand why you’re having nightmares, so you can change them from being frightening or stressful. A disadvantage of using CBT for nightmares is that the patient needs to understand why they are having a nightmare in the first place, which can be challenging to work through. For this reason, CBT is not recommended for children.
EMDR treatment in Geelong West
At Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling, our practitioners use EMDR to treat a range of psychological health concerns, including sleep disturbances and nightmares. Clients can feel reassured that their EMDR therapy will not affect any other treatments or medications they are receiving. EMDR is an innovative therapy that is safe, non invasive and risk free. Feel free to click on this link to learn more about EMDR at Create Balance. To make a booking please call us on 0434 415 575 or (03) 5222 1553 or use our online booking form.
Shannon Bowman EMDR Therapist Geelong West
Author Shannon Bowman is director of Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling is leading neuro- auricular methods for EMDR at his practice in Geelong. He has partnered with the Canadian Institute of Auricular Medicine (CIAM) to enhance the dynamic and highly effective treatment for mental health conditions. Shannon’s passion is finding solutions to mental health issues through novel, innovative and complementary and alternative medicine.
Christmas is meant to be a happy time, with parties to attend, family and friends to socialise with and gifts to give and receive. It’s a time when families and friends gather together to wish each other well and spend time celebrating the passing of another year.
But it’s not like that in real life for everyone, especially since Covid landed on our shores and restrictions on gatherings have been in place. Issues such as financial strain, family conflict … where there are uncomfortable feelings present, and the lonely feelings associated with a sense of isolation, are common for many Australians at this time of year. For many, there is little to celebrate during the festive season, especially for those who have lost a loved one and this can lead to what’s known as seasonal loneliness or the holiday blues.
A record number of calls to support services is forecast this year, with Lifeline Australia anticipating an increase in calls of 40 per cent. This reflects the kind of stressors, and the sense of loneliness during the holidays, that is so pervasive at this time of years.
Tips to keep you merry and Bright if you’re doing a Christmas solo
If you’re spending Christmas alone this year, there are things you can do to stave off those lonesome feelings and get through this festive time.
Keep in mind that most of us have coped, rather than thrived, these past two years. More than ever there are people who are living with emotional overload, so you are not alone in that sense.
Managing your expectations is step one in the guide to spending Christmas alone. Even for those joining family and friends to celebrate, unrealistic expectations can get in the way of enjoying the festive season. There’s a big build-up before Christmas Day and the pressure can feel immense, especially if you are already feeling overwhelmed. For most of us it’s just one day in the year to get through, for many it’s difficult spending time with family members, especially when there’s conflict present. Some people prefer not to spend Christmas with family for this very reason. Whatever your situation is remember, it’s just one day. It will come and go and not much else will change.
Avoid social media if you are spending the Christmas period on your own, unless it’s to chat to other people. But if you notice all the posts you’re viewing are other people’s happy Christmas snapshots, STOP and find something else to occupy yourself with.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can make it hard for you to keep things in perspective and can lead you down the path to irrational thinking. If you want to crack open a bottle of something to have with lunch or dinner, make it a small sized one.
Be kind to yourself over the holiday season. Find something special to do for yourself. Plan ahead so you have things to look forward to. You might like to consider the following strategies for making your day relaxing and fun.
Make your own Festive Season
First of all, ask yourself this question: do I really need to spend Christmas alone? Chances are you know of others who are spending Christmas alone, so why not invite them to hang out with you for a bit, even if it’s just for a drink and some nibbles. They might be work colleagues, neighbours or someone in your community or friendship group. Get together and have your own special Christmas party. Check out some tips for organising your own “Friendmas” on the ReachOut website. Another way to have a festive party, if distance is an issue, is to organise a Zoom get together. I once participated in a Zoom Trivia Night that involved 20 guests and it was so much fun.
First things first … sink into a relaxing bath
Start your day the way you plan to end it, with a sense of calm and relaxation. Take a hot bubble bath and listen to meditative music. Light a scented candle then sink into that warm, sudsy tub. Starting the day off feeling relaxed and refreshed will set you up for a day of filled with self-love and self-care.
The gift of self-love
Give yourself a present on Christmas Day. Choose something you really love or want, wrap it up and put it under the Christmas tree (or somewhere you can look at it with anticipation and excitement). If money is tight, buy yourself something small but meaningful or go to the $2 shop and buy a bunch of small, useful items you can open on Christmas morning. Giving to yourself in this way will really cheer you up and keep your spirits high before, during and after the big day.
Plan a fun day just for you
One of the upsides of spending time alone is that you can do exactly what you want without having to consider others’ likes and dislikes. How can that not be a good thing? Organise some fun activities just for you. Choose a couple of new movies, or a series to watch, or rewatch old favourites. There’s no end to the amount of times I can watch The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Let the feasting begin
Plan a delicious menu for lunch and dinner. You can make a single portion lunch or dinner but if you cook for more than one, there’s the added benefit of having leftovers to live on over the next couple of days. Cook yourself a sumptuous lunch and set the table with candles and Christmas decor. Just because you’re spending Christmas alone does not mean you have to go without the feasting. Mind you, don’t over do it and leave yourself feeling like a slug for the rest of the day. Better still, factor in some exercise in the afternoon. A brisk walk will get your blood pumping and make you feel great.
It’s hobby time
This is a great time of year to indulge yourself in a new hobby, such as an art or craft you love. Or maybe you’ve been wanting to paint the laundry for years … now you have time to do that small but worthwhile project. You can use up many hours doing a puzzle or craft activity or reading that new book you just gifted to yourself. The great thing about hobbies is you can induce a meditative state while creating something and see an end result for all your efforts at the end.
Give to others
Helping others in need is a great way to take the focus off yourself and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at this time of year. If you can’t find anything that suits you, you can always buy The Big Issue from a Big Issue sales rep on the street and give them a tip while you’re at it. Or you can deliver pet food to a person with a dog who lives on the street in your city or town. Small acts of kindness and giving help us feel good about ourselves and make us grateful for what we have.
Express gratitude for the Festive Season
This leads to the most important aspect we should focus on when we’re feeling a sense of holiday loneliness … and that is to practice gratitude. Mental health professionals with tell you that a person cannot experience depression when they feel gratitude. And there are many studies that prove this. So make a beautiful list of all the things you have in your life and all the aspects you’re so grateful for. Put your pretty list on the fridge so you’re reminded everyday of all the wonderful things you have in your life and make this a time to celebrate them.
Conclusion
There are high expectations at Christmas but that doesn’t mean you should get caught up in them because all they will do is make you feel more lonely during the holidays. Instead, this can be a time to focus on your own mental wellbeing. The key to getting through this time without feeling isolated is to take special care of yourself by tailoring the day to suit your needs and likes and making it as enjoyable as possible. This will take little bit of planning to ensure your mood stays buoyant. They say that Christmas is a time of giving. What better way to practice this sentiment than to give to yourself, especially if you’re on your own. Yes, it’s a time to feel connected, but feeling connected to yourself is a worthwhile pursuit and one we don’t often get to practice. Now is your chance to enjoy spending time with yourself without experiencing feelings of loneliness. Merry Christmas to you!
Further support should you need it
If you’ve given it your best shot but you still can’t shake those holiday blues, there is extra support you can draw on over the festive season. If this is the case, there is no shame in reaching out to to talk to another human being who will help you combat loneliness and isolation at this time. You might like to try one of the following services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Headspace 1800 650 890
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) 1800 008 774
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Emergency Services on 000.
Create Balance can also help. So if you are not feeling yourself after New Year’s Day, book an appointment with one of our experienced and empathetic counsellors.
In the consumer mental health space, we are seeing a shift in the way clients are treated. Gone are the days where it’s solely pharmacology or talking therapy.
The use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, photobiomodulation and virtual reality is growing because of the clinically measurable results and improvements in treatment benefits and outcomes where these technologies are used.
How technological breakthroughs are changing the future of mental health treatment.
This blog post will discuss some of these new treatments and how they can help you improve your mental wellbeing.
What can I expect from neurofeedback treatment?
Neurofeedback (NFB) and biofeedback (BFB) are two modern techniques for non-invasively influencing human physiological activity in combination with practical cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions.
The first appointment of neurofeedback
The first neurofeedback therapytreatment (also known as mapping) takes 20 weeks. Every session is conducted using a computer EEG machine placed on the scalp. The EEG machine analyses the brain signal for information on a variety of wave spectrums. This software provides feedback to your brain and nervous systems via a video game.
Improve mental health with technology.
These programs show your brain activity, which aids in regulating the brainwave frequencies and helps to improve your symptoms. Brain frequencies influence states of arousal. If someone has a lot of 8-11 Hz (alpha waves) in the right hemisphere, they are most likely to feel calm. They are more likely to feel alert if they generate 15-18 Hz (beta) amplitudes in the left hemisphere.
Brain-focused treatment that sets us apart
Neurofeedback is being used in a wide range of settings and may treat various conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Clinical applications for neurofeedback are effective treatments for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, headaches/migraines, insomnia, stress, and tinnitus. Neurofeedback has proven to be an effective treatment for pain management.
How does Neurofeedback Therapy Work?
Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that determines whether neurophysiological processes may help us live better lives. This approach has been accomplished using computer-based learning sessions that teach our central nervous systems to avoid neurodegeneration, which is the process of aging.
Neurofeedback assesses how well you manage your brain in order to enhance physical and psychological health. Neurofeedback provides the immediate client information on their brain’s electrical activity from various sites in the brain.
After receiving this data, the mind is forced to modify the brain waves it generates. The client is quick to improve the brain waves.
These modifications result in an improved brain wave condition. Following this shift in brain waves, there was a behavioural change and enhanced emotional self-control.
Tech Therapy for Psychological Health Issues
Anxiety is generally associated with racing thoughts, feeling “on edge,” and sleep disturbances.
This may be caused by an overabundance of fast-moving beta waves coupled with a deficit of alpha waves, typically associated with calm and concentration. Neurofeedback can aid in producing more beneficial brain wave activity and the reduction of fast-moving beta waves.
Neurofeedback may help with many issues because it corrects abnormalities in brainwave activity and returns it to optimal functioning.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback aims to teach people how to detect physical indications and symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or hot skin, using visual or auditory feedback.
People who learn how to use biofeedback to manage both the physical and psychological effects of their condition may be able to relax their minds and bodies, as well as better cope with their symptoms.
The objective of biofeedback is to create subtle changes in the body that produce the desired result. by reducing:
Blood flow
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Muscle tension
Pain perception
Biofeedback is a process that allows the patients to reduce their level of stress and change how they feel. It provides information about the body’s functions and can improve health or performance.
This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.
These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time.
Every psychological treatment is based on the idea that mental illness is caused by something in the brain.
EEG biofeedback
This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.
These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time. For example, EEG biofeedback has been shown to decrease symptoms in patients with PTSD or OCD who are not responsive to medication or talk therapy alone.
The benefits of this treatment are measurable and long-lasting – it’s a scientifically proven way to treat mental illness.
Photobiomodulation for Mental Wellbeing
Photobiomodulation uses light to change mental states. It effectively treats conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
How photobiomodulation works is still being studied, but it is thought that light stimulates cells in the brain and enhances cellular function. This therapy will be discussed along with some of its therapeutic uses for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Photobiomodulation and Laser Therapy for Mental Disorders
The photobiomodulation laser therapy technique works by directing infrared and near-infrared light at targeted regions of the body, which then stimulates, protects, repairs, and energises the body on a cellular level.
Systemic Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy
A wrist laser is used in a systemic laser therapy treatment. The near-infrared light passes through your skin and targets circulation. It’s a delicate process since all you have to do is sit back and relax for a few moments. Many individuals report feeling lighter and happier following a systemically administered treatment.
Transcranial Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy
A transcranial laser therapy session is similar to a scalp massage, except that the laser is applied gently to your head. The infrared and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and skull of the head, targeting specific regions of brain tissue. After only 1-2 treatments, many individuals report an improvement in their psychological health.
Auricular Acupuncture Laser Therapy
Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that focuses on the ear’s acupuncture points. These spots are said to be linked to various body and brain sections as well as specific psychological conditions associated with trauma. The infrared and near-infrared lights enable the healing process for the impacted issues when targeted with a laser. Many individuals notice an improvement in their symptoms after 3-4 sessions.
Virtual reality (VR) mental health treatment
Virtual reality is a mental health treatment that uses immersive, computer-generated simulations to produce the desired psychological state. This treatment is often used to treat anxiety, addiction and PTSD.
Virtual reality therapy can be done in groups or individually, depending on the therapist’s preference and the patient’s needs. The use of virtual reality treatment is still being studied, and it has yet to be approved by the FDA as a mental health therapy.
However, many therapists currently use it with good results. Virtual reality therapy, and its therapeutic uses for mental health issues such as anxiety, addiction and PTSD, will be discussed further.
Virtual Reality Treatment for Anxiety and PTSD
Virtual reality treatments allow the patient to interact safely while facing their fears or addictions (i.e., smoking cessation). VR treatment can help reprocess traumatic memories, practice new behaviours and skills in a safe environment, and manage emotions.
Virtual reality is showing great results in helping war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists around the world are starting to see the benefits of including VR in the changing landscape of mental health treatment.
Virtual reality treatment is an innovative way to provide care for those experiencing psychological problems. VR treatments are being used more and more with good results.
The benefits of VR for PTSD treatment:
A patient can face their mental health issues in a safe place.
Intervention trains patients to recognise and cope with emotions they might otherwise avoid.
Treatment is personalised to the patient. No two people will receive the same treatment.
Virtual reality treatments offer an added and innovative way of providing mental health care.
Innovation will be the leader in the mental health crisis
These innovative treatment technologies are being used to address mental health issues more holistically. Using these treatment technologies in conjunction with one another allows for mental disorders to be addressed at a deeper level and for people to recover from mental disorders much quicker.
Neurofeedback is a relatively new and innovative way to provide mental health care. It’s been used in the treatment of patients suffering from DHD, TBI, depression and anxiety and many other mental health issues. If you’re looking for an effective alternative therapy that can help with your condition or if you know someone who may benefit from neurofeedback, then this blog post should be helpful. Subscribe to our blog to learn more about photobiomodulation treatments as well as virtual reality applications for mental health care.
Author
Shannon Bowman is the Director of SJB Clinical Consulting Pty Ltd and Create Balance Psychotherapy & Counselling VIEW HERE.
Create Balance Laser Therapy VIEW HERE
Creator of the ADHD Ambition Course.
Shannon has a clinical interest in treating trauma, PTSD and ADHD. He is accredited as a Mental Health Social Worker AMHSW, psychotherapist and registered EMDR practitioner.
If you’re a woman struggling with chronic lateness, forgetfulness, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or problems in your relationships, you may have adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, due to cultural stereotypes and a lack of understanding among medical professionals, this condition is often misdiagnosed.
There are a variety of issues that can trigger nightmares. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Nightmares Many people who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience the distressing symptom of nightmares as a result of their traumatic memory or memories. Often the nightmares are directly connected to past distressing events they have experienced. Adults can have recurring nightmares on occasion. They might also be linked to other issues and diseases. For example, people who eat late at night sometimes suffer from nightmares that boost their metabolism and stimulate their bodies to become more active.
