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Understanding Panic Disorder
Understanding Panic Disorder 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

A panic disorder is an intense mental and physical event. Just under 5% of adults will experience a panic attack at some point in their lives, and it can be a deeply unpleasant experience. But some people experience panic attacks multiple times. This is panic disorder. Considered a type of anxiety disorder, panic disorder can cause recurring panic attacks. They might happen in response to particular triggers or randomly, severely disrupting your life and causing you to fearfully await the next attack. Fortunately, panic disorder usually responds well to treatment. Knowing what the symptoms you are experiencing indicate and what…

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Why the “High Functioning Addict” is a Myth
Why the “High Functioning Addict” is a Myth 2560 1056 Aware Behavioral Health

When you or a loved one is dealing with substance use disorder, successfully managing work, school, relationships, and other responsibilities while using substances or drinking can make you feel like there is no problem. Contrary to common depictions of those struggling with addiction which can show them hurting their careers and families. This has led to the myth of a “high functioning addict” who is dependent on substances but otherwise unimpacted. While a person who is able to maintain these areas of their lives may not feel like they are struggling, any reliance on alcohol or other substances can be…

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How to Help a Teenager After a Traumatic Event
How to Help a Teenager After a Traumatic Event 2560 1707 Aware Behavioral Health

Experiencing a traumatic event is a challenge for anyone and it can be a struggle to deal with the emotions and memories that follow it. But recovery after trauma can be yet more challenging for teenagers in many instances. Many teenagers are still developing emotionally and may not yet have the mental capacity to process their experiences effectively. The teenage years can often be isolating as well, causing a teen to feel particularly alone after a traumatic event. But because dealing with trauma can be challenging for everyone, it can be difficult to know how to respond and give your…

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Prioritizing Your Mental Health Over the New Year
Prioritizing Your Mental Health Over the New Year 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

We’re in the early stages of 2023. Many of you are likely trying to figure out what this year is going to bring and how you can experience a year that is more personally fulfilling. Texas, especially the DFW area, are also going through a lot of changes culturally, economically, technologically, and socially, and you’re tasked with trying to navigate it all while managing your family, friends, work, and obligations. It’s challenging. But the truth is that you do deserve to have a wonderful year, no matter who you are or what you’ve experienced in the past. Most of the…

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Why Do Depression and Anxiety Often Occur Together?
Why Do Depression and Anxiety Often Occur Together? 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

When it comes to a dual diagnosis, depression and anxiety are two mental health diagnoses that will often occur together. It is common for someone with major depression or another mood disorder to develop anxiety, or for someone with an anxiety condition, like generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or OCD, to begin to experience depression. These two challenges may also occur independently of one another but manifest at the same time. Living with both anxiety and depression simultaneously can be significantly more challenging for your mental well being, but as these two separate conditions often occur together, they remain extremely treatable.…

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The Difference between Stress and Anxiety 
The Difference between Stress and Anxiety  150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

The terms stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably to describe the experience of something that encompasses your focus. This is because the two share similarities in their symptoms. Both have an activation of the fight or flight response, causing several different physical sensations. But the cause of the symptoms and the most effective treatment when either stress or anxiety becomes a more lasting challenge mental health challenge will differ. Causes of Stress versus Anxiety  When you are feeling stressed or anxious, your body will activate its fight or flight response. This releases different neurotransmitters in the brain, like adrenaline…

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How to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder
How to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder, often called SAD or seasonal depression, is a form of depression that develops for a limited period of time, most often in the winter. About 3% of people experience seasonal affective disorder which can have all the same symptoms as clinical depression, making it difficult to go about your everyday life and leaving you feeling extremely unhappy. Because seasonal depression can have an intensely negative effect for several months of the year, having strategies to prevent them and knowing how to respond if you feel the onset of SAD can help you keep your moods more balanced…

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Medication Assisted Therapy: What to Know About Psychiatrists vs. Psychotherapists
Medication Assisted Therapy: What to Know About Psychiatrists vs. Psychotherapists 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

There are many ways to approach treating your mental health, and many treatment providers that can support you during your recovery process. One reason that many people in the Dallas metro area choose psychiatrists is because only psychiatrists are able to provide both mental health medication and therapy to provide more complete support for your treatment. Some primary care doctors provide mental health medication, but this is not advised, as they’re not always trained to recognize the signs of mental health and the medications that a person may need. They also cannot provide therapy. Psychologists can provide therapy, but they…

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Neurotransmitters and Happiness: How to Influence Your Brain Chemistry
Neurotransmitters and Happiness: How to Influence Your Brain Chemistry 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

Your body’s functioning is controlled by hormones. This includes the emotions you feel as well. When these hormones are present in the brain, they are called neurotransmitters and they play a role in making you feel happy, sad, stressed, and angry. The four neurotransmitters tied to happiness are serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. When something good happens, these neurotransmitters will flood your brain, making you feel content. Over time, the brain will reabsorb these neurotransmitters and the feelings will dissipate. When you can increase how often and how much neurotransmitters are released in the brain, you can often increase how…

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How to Be Happier – According to Science
How to Be Happier – According to Science 150 150 Aware Behavioral Health

Happiness is not a long term state, but rather one that fluctuates day to day, and even throughout the day. It is also not an emotion that is completely out of your control. While there are some factors of happiness that you cannot change, such as genetics and environment, about 40% of happiness is completely within your control. You can start changing your emotional state and working towards being happier by identifying what you can change and making alterations. These small steps – backed by scientific research – are easy ways to improve your happiness. Quick Ways to Be Happier …

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