Blog

September 22, 2023,

 

Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health

 

Everyone experiences their own reproductive journey. During this process, however, individuals may have unexpected challenges that impact their lives.  These can include infertility, perinatal anxiety or depression, pregnancy loss, postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms, and neonatal trauma and loss. 

While women often experience mood fluctuations postpartum (the time after birth up until 1 year), 1 in 5 experience postpartum depression.  1 in 10 men also suffer from postpartum depression. If you find yourself in an unexpected place anywhere along your reproductive journey, being able to talk about your struggles can be beneficial and help you to feel less isolated. The goal of therapy is to help support you along your journey, help you feel more confident, and learn new ways to manage your symptoms.

 

Unsure if you need help? Call us to schedule an intake appointment and discuss what you are experiencing. We’re here to help support you.  

Call us at (866) 887-6864

We have some exciting news to share!

Beginning Saturday, April 23rd at 8am we will be starting a new group “Compassionate Recovery Group” for professionals seeking to support their recoveries. This group is tailored both in the time offered and content for medical/behavioral health, law enforcement, first responders seeking to have a confidential place to share, connect and improve overall wellness. Florence LaPorte who has utilized this model over the years will be facilitating the group at our Farmington Location at 270 Farmington Ave Suite 332 Farmington CT across from UCONN Health Center. 

The mission of the group is as follows: 

In our daily lives, we have a tendency to get carried away with our thoughts, emotions and perceptions about the past and the future. Compassionate Recovery is a guide to returning to our present self, to reanchor and collect our mind to our daily lives. 

Each member is participating in their own personal journey. The content of compassion is defined to support acceptance of differences and how they bring about healing to each as an individual. This acceptance brings one to being here, fully alive and fully aware of their present.

The group will utilize mindfulness, therapy strategies including those focused on trauma in addition to addressing coping mechanisms. The group tends to have participants for a long period of time and as a support for those who may not be as comfortable with other community groups. 

We are in network with BCBS, AETNA, HUSKY for this group. For out of network clients the group would be 60 per week and we could submit to their insurance carriers on their behalf. 

 

 

Substance abuse and co-occurring issues impact not only the individual but the whole family system. Often when issues become significantly problematic in early adulthood, a parents’ fears, emotions and innate drive to protect their adult child kicks into overdrive often leading to unhealthy codependency in an attempt to “fix” the issue and by taking control now that the issue has become “out of control”. 

Recovery is a process, it has to be lead by the individual who is seeking to make the changes and only that individual can ultimately decide if they would like to move forward with whatever treatment approach they would like to attempt. Adults over the age of 18 have to be the ones to initiate this process to “book an appointment” and they can dictate whether a parent has “consent” to be involved or have no involvement what so ever. This is dictated by Federal law which all providers must adhere to in order to protect the confidentiality of individuals seeking care whether in counseling practices like us, hospitals or inpatient programs. 

Parents in duress sometimes take very drastic measures to circumvent systems in place in order to “onboard” their loved one with starting counseling or going to an inpatient program. They are often disappointed and sometimes angry when programs realize they are not the actual client seeking care or that their loved one doesn’t want to follow through with an appropriate program for their needs that the parent had spent significant time finding and communicating with. Individuals with “active” substance abuse disorders may manipulate, lie, tell half truths, avoid, delay or miss appointments in an attempt to not engage with a program with the goal of  staying in the good graces of a loving parent who may be supporting them in some way.

Parents’ should not go through this alone and fortunately resources are available in the community and often times at no cost. Al anon www.al-anon.org , Nar-anon www.nar-anon.org  provide free supports for parents’ and loved ones going through the same experiences using the 12 step model of recovery that many individuals use in substance recovery. If a group format is not your ideal approach you can seek out a Licensed Professional with an expertise with substance abuse issues to help educate, guide and process the emotions happening in the family system.                                                   

                                                                                                                             

Thank you to the Talk of CT and Gary Byron for having Jim Moutinho on today to discuss the mental health system during COVID, alcohol use and upcoming changes to the marijuana laws. #talkofct @talkofct

Click below for the segment

https://fb.watch/626w3mARC0/

Counseling for Adolescents and Young Adults

Calming The Anxious Mind During COVID19

 

The current presence of COVID-19 has created increased chaos, and many of us are left wondering what is going to happen as a result.  Our mind has a tendency to wander around and jump to various conclusions, but there are alternative ways to think and behave that might  help us feel better.  When I find myself getting stuck in my own mind or thinking negatively about a situation, I often think “what can I do to change the feelings related to this thought process”.  I will share some techniques I use and why I enjoy them, and I would also like to share some techniques for you to try in case my ideas aren’t of direct interest.  Being outdoors has always provided a sense of enjoyment because fresh air, exploring nature, and learning how the world works without human involvement is fascinating.  Sometimes I like to take it a step further and ride my ATV in the woods to explore different land structures or wildlife.  I usually do this with my cell phone only being used in case of emergency so I am not distracted and can enjoy the moment.  I also think we need to learn how to “disconnect” from the world temporarily, which includes putting down our phones and feeling a sense of freedom from social interaction.  Utilizing video games could be another way to disconnect from the world for a little while and put energy into a virtual world of achievement.  Some other helpful techniques to reduce anxiety/stress are:  

 

1:  Guided meditation - Utilizing this technique allows us to be present in the moment, which helps minimize stress, anxiety, and depressed mood.  I have found this technique to be helpful in the evenings when trying to sleep because it allows our mind to calm down and not focus on struggles of daily living during a time when relaxation is needed.  Starting out with a 3 or 5 minute guided meditation is most helpful because it allows the mind to build focus and understanding.  Give this a try for approximately 7 days and see if there is a change in your sleep pattern, mood, or overall stress level.

 

2:  Journaling - I have found this to be a helpful technique when we aren’t able to make sense of several thoughts or a situation.  Writing down information allows me to better process what is happening and develop a plan to either continue with success, or to create a plan to change for the better.  It also works as a form of emotional release if you are feeling as though there is no possibility of expressing yourself to someone else.  Making the journal a bit decorative and unique can help you feel as though “this is my personal location for my thoughts and feelings and only I am allowed to know what is written”.

 

3:  Exercise - This doesn’t necessarily mean going out to run 5 miles every day, which is how some people define “exercise”.  Exercise can be as simple as mild movements, like stretching for example.  Stretching helps relax tension within our muscles, which allows mental energy to flow better through our body.  Movement also begins to release endorphins, which are “feel good” chemicals our body naturally produces to say “hey I like what you’re doing”.  This also gives us the reinforcement to continue doing these behaviors to feel more positive about our well being.  Getting a planner could be helpful with this activity  because you can write down different exercises or stretches and develop a time frame to complete them.

 

These skills take practice to achieve satisfaction, so it’s okay if you’re not right where you want to be when you get started.  Give yourself some time to develop a pattern of behaviors that work well for you and I think you’ll be surprised with what your mind is capable of teaching.  The more practice you put into these activities, the more automatic your responses will become because your mind and body will recognize the positive aspects of your new journey.  Throughout your exploration you’ll be able to find activities that work right for you. 

Stay safe,

Bryan

 

About the author:

Bryan Schon, MA, LPC, NCC is a Licensed National Board-Certified Counselor helping teens and adults overcome anxiety and stress in Farmington, CT.

https://www.advancedtreatmentsolutions.net bryan@advancedtreatmentsolutions.net

866-887-6864 extension 816

11/14/2019

Jim Moutinho was a guest today on the Brad Davis with Gary Byron discussing how to help loved ones suffering from depression or mental health issues. For the full interview go to www.talkofconnecticut.com 

On May 31, 2019, Jim Moutinho appeared on the Brad Davis Show The Talk of Connecticut 1360am to discuss responsible alcohol use and the family. Topics included alcohol use in society, evaluating what is problematic drinking versus responsible drinking, discussing topics with children and family, and upcoming family outings where alcohol is present. 

go to www.talkofconnecticut.com to listen to the broadcast.

 

 

On April 26th, 2019 Jim Moutinho joined Paul Pacelli of the Talk of Connecticut 1360am to discuss the risk of increased use of Benzodiazepines in adolescents and adults. Topics include what they are, addiction potential and alternative treatment options. Go to www.talkofconnecticut.com or subcribe to the Talk of Connecticut Podcast for all the latest topics impacting Connecticut. 

 

On March 29, 2019 Jim Moutinho, Founder/Director of Advanced Treatment Solutions stopped by the Talk of Connecticut WDRC 1360 and spoke to Brad Davis about the opiate crisis and best practices for treating individuals struggling with opiates. Topics include overdose, evaluations, Medication-Assisted Treatment options, and counseling. Click above for the entire interview.