Stress and How to Deal

It's no secret that many people lead busy lives. As a result, they often deal with a lot of stress. Work-related stress is usually the biggest cause of stress for people, and it can be challenging to handle because it is so demanding. However, there are ways you can relieve stress and improve your life.

In this article, we list down ways for you to manage work-related stress. Read on below to get started.

#1 - Learn Organizational Skills

Just as a good house needs to be well-organized, so does your work life. Organizational skills are essential when it comes to staying on task. If you want to be productive and handle stress, you need to be organized.

It helps to sort through your tasks and prioritize them according to what needs to be accomplished first. The more organized you are, the less you'll have to worry about forgetting important things.

#2 - Establish Small Goals and Work Your Way Up

It can be hard to focus on your work when you're stressed out. This is why you should break down your overall goals into smaller ones. It's not too hard to see why this can help you feel better and manage stress.

For example, if you have a big project to get done, it can be overwhelming at first. However, if you break it down into small steps, you'll be able to easily tell yourself that you just need to complete the next step to reach your goal.

#3 - Create Earlier Deadlines for Yourself

The more time you have to complete your tasks, the less you'll feel stressed. Your stress levels can also be reduced if you don't give yourself time to finish a job.

For example, if you have an assignment due in two weeks but you give yourself a week to complete it, you'll be able to spend time learning how to cope with stress the right way. On the other hand, if you give yourself two weeks to complete the same task, you may grow impatient and become stressed out.

#4 - Exercise

Exercising is excellent for calming your mood. It also helps you get greater control of your feelings and emotions.

One simple way of exercising is to take a walk outside. Another way is to stretch in your living room before you start working. You can also get a workout at the gym. Regardless of what you do, getting your body moving is an excellent way to relieve stress.

#5 - Set Realistic Expectations

When you expect too much from yourself and your work, you increase your chances of getting stressed out. Your expectations may be too high, which leads to stress when you don't accomplish your goals.

Instead of always set high expectations for yourself, be contented with what you have and what you can comfortably get done. Also, don't be too hard on yourself. This way, you won't feel too much stress on your part.

#6 - Know When to Take a Break

If you're busy and stressed out, it's tempting to keep working until you finish everything. However, you have to know when to take a break. Otherwise, you might just end up making more mistakes.

If you're feeling a bit stressed out, take a break for a few minutes. Have coffee or tea, or take a short walk outdoors for some fresh air. This will help you get rid of stress, and it will also improve your productivity.

#7 - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help

Just because you're an adult doesn't mean that you shouldn't ask for help. If you're in a situation where you're struggling to cope with stress, don't hesitate to get in touch with your supervisor.

Your supervisor might be able to provide some advice on relieving stress in your work life. You can also talk to a counselor about ways to deal with stress in general.

Conclusion

It's easy to say that there are ways to deal with stress. However, it's harder to follow through with these ways. If you're stressed out, you may have a hard time knowing how to deal with stress. You can't expect to become stress-free overnight, so by following the tips and strategies mentioned above, you may be able to relieve some stress and enjoy a more relaxed and present life.

Dr. Coleman provides professional services for ketamine therapy in Los Angeles. Ketamine contains psychedelic properties and can be utilized to support people with burnout, acute and chronic stress, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and more. Contact us today for a consultation!

Ketamine For Depression

Ketamine is an FDA-approved drug for general anesthetic use. However, doctors sometimes prescribe it for "off-label" services, such as managing depression. While it has been a helpful drug for some, others call it out for its potential capacity to worsen psychotic symptoms.

Is Ketamine a Trigger of Psychosis or Mental Health?

In the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, ketamine use was linked to substance use disorders. But the survey doesn't provide any data regarding ketamine as a potential trigger for mental illness.

Why Some Doctors Prescribe Ketamine for Depression

Ketamine is considered a dissociative anesthetic. It acts on the brain similarly to a hallucinogen to produce a state that departs from reality.

Dissociative anesthetics like ketamine interfere with neurotransmitters and neural pathways involved in memory storage. It enables patients to undergo surgery without the pain that comes with it. That also benefits users suffering from depression.

A study published in 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found positive results among the small group of depressed patients that received ketamine infusions. However, the study is not conclusive.

In another study, researcher Jolien K. E. Veraart and colleagues included nine reports of pilot studies and care reports with 41 total patients. Their study's gathered data suggested that short-term ketamine treatment for depression and other negative symptoms among patients with a history of psychosis was generally safe and effective. Some of the patients experienced only mild and self-limiting side effects.

After ketamine was administered for the participants' depression, they did not witness any psychotic exacerbation during the entire observation. They even noticed some improvement or withdrawal of some considered comorbid psychotic symptoms among the patients. 

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is a new treatment for depression that has gained traction among the medical community. Through ketamine therapy, medical providers administer minimal doses of ketamine to patients suffering from depression. This treatment aims to decrease symptoms of depression and allow the patient to experience significant relief from their symptoms for a more extended period.

Ketamine therapy is being offered in medical facilities across the country and is run by medical professionals specially trained in the use of ketamine. It is a relatively new treatment and is not yet available at all medical facilities. If you are interested in ketamine therapy, it is recommended that you schedule a phone consult with Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman and determine if you are a good candidate.

Ketamine therapy is not a cure all and the effects can wear off quickly for some. The integration and/or therapy in conjunction with ketamine can help to provide more sustainable results.

Patients in ketamine therapy frequently have a rapid onset of action, but some people will not see results until 3 or 4 treatments.

What to Keep in Mind

Ketamine is a safe drug, but when used recreationally or in unsafe settings it can be dangerous. If you wish to try ketamine therapy, be sure to only do it under the care of a licensed medical professional.

Conclusion

Ketamine may provide a way for physicians to help patients who suffer from depression and are not responding to traditional treatments. It has been effective in a small percentage of patients studied. However, any drug altering brain chemistry can have side effects, and ketamine is no exception. If you do decide to try ketamine therapy, be sure to do it under the care of a licensed medical professional.

Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman can help you safely transform your emotional pain and regain happiness with ketamine therapy. We conduct detailed medical intake and evaluation to determine the appropriateness of the procedure to our clients. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Effects of Working From Home

Have you been feeling burned out and stressed even as you stay at home? You are not alone. The pandemic has switched almost every aspect of life as we know it, and this sudden shift can take a toll on anyone’s mental, emotional, and physical health.

While it is stressful for those at the frontline, such as healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, grocery store employees, and others, even those who can do their jobs at home are experiencing increased stress as well.

The pandemic has made us lose our concept of time and made the future uncertain. We have also made a sudden switch to communicating and doing our responsibilities electronically. These changes, stress, and uncertainty have led most people to burn out.

This article will talk about the signs of burnout and possible treatments.

Signs of Burnout

While anyone is at risk of burnout, the pandemic has bombarded us with burnout risks. The pandemic has constantly exposed us to financial worries, social isolation, health-related fears, uncertainty, and other concerns.

The stress from these factors accumulates into chronic stress and burnout, impacting our physical and mental health.

Some early signs of burnout include:

• Constant fatigue

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping

• Digestive problems

• Feeling irritable and agitation

• Anxiety and nervousness

• Headaches and other body pains

• Lack of sexual desire

• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to relax

Your self-image, energy, work, and relationships can experience significant changes due to burnout. When left untreated, these symptoms can progress to more severe conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Defeating Chronic Stress with Resiliency

Resiliency is our ability to recover and adapt to uncertain conditions. This allows us to push through the challenge and move ahead.

While there is no specific strategy to build resilience, you can do several simple activities to improve your mental health, such as:

• Regular exercise

• Socializing with friends

• Taking a more intentional approach to checking the news

• Seeking professional help if things worsen

The downside is that these actions and even medication for chronic stress can take weeks or months to become effective. Science has developed a mental health treatment for this problem, especially for people experiencing negative thoughts, diminished sexual desire, and suicidal tendencies.

Ultra-Rapid Resiliency with Ketamine Therapy

The well-known anesthetic agent, ketamine, has been studied as early as the 1990s to block the glutamate receptor in the brain called the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. 

When administered in a mental health setting as psychedelic therapy, this can help severely depressed patients that have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications.

Ketamine treatment has been shown to cause dramatic improvement rapidly. Over time, researchers have collected data showing that ketamine can rapidly improve mood, energy, and resilience, which can help in reversing symptoms of conditions such as:

• Anxiety

• Stress-related burnout syndrome

• PTSD

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

In these conditions, synapses in specific areas in the brain that regulate mood, interest, and vitality become weaker and can be damaged by inflammation or in some cases areas of the brain lead to pathology through overstimulation. Ketamine works by repairing cells in the brain, creating new cells, and making new connects between these cells, neuroplasticity.

Conclusion

The pandemic has bombarded us with stressors that can lead to burnout and other stress-related severe conditions. When administered by a trained and qualified physician, Ketamine-based therapy can help improve symptoms of burnout and other stress-related disorders. 

Are you looking for ketamine therapy in Los Angeles? Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman can support your healing through ketamine therapy services. Schedule a consultation with us today!

How Do You Know If You Have Depression?

People often hear about 'depression' and think of it as either something everybody goes through and just "passes" or as something serious enough to warrant treatment. 

Unsurprisingly, so many do not understand the complexities of depression because it is, in itself, a problematic concept, and often, people mistake its symptoms as the condition itself. 

While it's impossible to explain it all in one go, Stephanie Lyn Coleman MD wants to shed light on the seven common types of depression that more people should be aware of: 

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common types of depression. Those that have this condition will experience the following symptoms:

• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

• Disturbing thoughts of suicide

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Changes in appetite

• Decreased ability to think and concentrate

• Feelings of sadness that last for more than two weeks

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Sometimes, these symptoms can be triggered by a life event perceived as stressful or negative. Some common stressors include:

• Death of a loved one

• Marriage or divorce

• Gaining or losing a job

• Changes in health status

• Accidents or natural disasters

• Retirement

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is also another form of depression that is less severe than a major depressive disorder. Those with this condition will experience the following:

• Depressed mood that lasts for more than a year

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

• Changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels

• Frustration, irritation, or anger

• Low self-esteem

• Thoughts and fears of being a terrible person

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects 2% of the population in the United States. People with bipolar disorder may experience fluctuation in their moods. They may go from feeling unusually happy (manic or hypomanic) to feeling sad or hopeless, and sometimes, they may feel just fine. This is why it's called bipolar.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

• Feeling unusually happy or energetic, spending a lot of money, hypersexuality

• Frustration or irritability

• Agitation or restlessness

• Irritability or feeling easily annoyed

• Flight of ideas or racing thoughts

• Distractibility

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Trouble sleeping

• Excessive talkativeness

•  Odd behavior

Caring for someone with bipolar disorder is tough. Make sure you are aware of the symptoms and try your best to help if you can.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can occur after giving birth. It affects about 3 to 7% of women after giving birth.

Women who have postpartum depression will experience the following:

• Feelings of sadness and emptiness

• Wish to isolate from loved ones

• Feelings of guilt

• Loss of appetite

• Insomnia or oversleeping

• Restlessness

• Lack of attention

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Thoughts of suicide

These symptoms can be tough to manage.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is one of the types of depression that only affects women.

These women will experience the following symptoms before their period:

• Feeling very anxious and irritable

• Feeling hopeless or suicidal

• Feeling that life is meaningless

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feeling out of control

• Trouble sleeping

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during certain times of the year. It usually happens during autumn and winter.

Those that have seasonal affective disorder will experience the following:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Feelings of guilt

• Loss of appetite

• Headaches

• Trouble sleeping

• Irritability

• Decreased levels of energy

• Frustration or anger

• Excessive irritability or sensitivity to criticism

• Feelings of fatigue or loss of energy

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to have your doctor or mental health specialist look at you.

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a form of depression that is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Feelings of sadness

• Overall loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable

• Weight changes

• Constant fatigue

• Loss of sexual desire

• Feelings of guilt

• Self-loathing

Conclusion

Depression is a serious issue, and we can't go without mentioning that. It doesn't just affect the person suffering from it; it also affects the people around them. Many people think that depression is something that one gets over with enough time and effort, but depression, especially the major type, requires mental health treatment. It’s not something that you can simply wait to pass or subside. If you or anyone you love suffers from depression, it is important that you get them the help they need. 

Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman can support your mental health with treatment for depression and other mental health concerns. Contact us today to set an appointment!

Ketamine Myths

Debunking Popular Myths about Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine is a new, life-saving treatment for depression. It has been proven to work and to help stop people from harming themselves. Despite these facts, people often believe myths about how ketamine works and what it can do for them. Let’s clear up these myths so you can be confident about choosing ketamine for your depression.

MYTH #1: Ketamine Causes Psychosis

Fact: You cannot become psychotic or freak out while under the influence of ketamine.

If you experience visuals during ketamine treatment, it’s because you’re completely relaxed, and the effects on the brain allow areas to connect that normally do not talk to each other. This allows you to perceive things that you normally would not or to shift your perspective on things.

In addition, during the ketamine treatments you have on an eye mask and headphones decreasing external stimuli distraction and allowing for more awareness of internal surroundings.

If the sensations or visuals become uncomfortable, frightening or overwhelming there are ways we support you through these experiences and often these can provide the greatest healing potentially if the set, setting, and integration are paid close attention to.

There is a thought that any psychedelic medicine has the potential to induce a psychotic state and therefore those who have a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia may not be best suited for this treatment.

MYTH #2: Ketamine Is Addictive

Fact: Ketamine is not physiologically addictive.

People who take ketamine do not develop a physiologic addictive response to it, and they can stop taking it at any time. Any substance can be “addictive” in a psychological way and this can happen with ketamine as well. If people are using ketamine to escape or become dependent on the feeling they have doing ketamine a psychological addiction can start to occur. This is why it is important to have a full medical evaluation

People do develop a tolerance to ketamine, especially if they are using it frequently and at high doses. This is important to be aware of if ketamine is being prescribed or if it is being obtained illegally. It is crucial to have this conversation with patients and create a safe environment for your patients to share what is going on with them.

Ketamine is also very different from alcohol and benzodiazepines, other depressants. People who have developed a dependency on these drugs can have dangerous and even deadly physiologic effects if they stopped abruptly.

MYTH #3: Ketamine Is a Veterinary Drug

Fact: Ketamine was approved for use in humans before being used in animals.

Ketamine was approved for use in humans before being used in animals because ketamine is so helpful for people with depression.

Ketamine is used in the medical and veterinary settings as an anesthetic and pain reliever and now more recently as an antidepressant in the medical setting. Ketamine is used in both settings because it has proved to be safe, effective, and inexpensive.

MYTH #4: Ketamine Is a Club Drug

Fact: Ketamine is used in hospitals and clinics all around the world.

Ketamine was used on wounded soldiers in Vietnam. It has been around in hospital operating rooms and clinical settings for decades and has been used in humans for decades longer than it has been used in animals.

Ketamine has been and is still utilized as a party drug or recreational drug, but this is often illegally obtained medication. When used in appropriate doses and in a safe, controlled, and intentional setting it has been successful at supporting many struggling with their mental health.

Conclusion

Ketamine has been used for decades in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. Its effects and safety profile have been studied extensively, and it is considered safe for use in people with depression. 

There are many myths about ketamine, but the fact is that it is a safe, effective form of treatment for depression. Ketamine is not just a new treatment for depression; it’s a life-saving treatment for depression.

Stephanie Lyn Coleman is a licensed physician trained in the traditional western medicine and ketamine treatment, but also incorporates a holistic approach to health. Ketamine is effective in helping ease the emotional burden of anxiety, stress, and depression holding people back from truly enjoying their life and feeling happy. Transform emotional pain and regain happiness with Ketamine Treatment today!