Tag Archives: depression and poor sleep

Nurses Underpayment consequences today

May 24, 2016
Nurses Underpayment consequences

Nurses Underpayment consequences in most clinics today is worrying going by the number of nurses leaving the profession

Nurses Underpayment consequences today: Nurses frustrations

Like it is with all other professions, nursing profession also needs to be rewarded for the effort they are making in health delivery. Many are agreeing that the nursing profession is one where a lot of work is done for very minimal pay. The nursing job in many instances my not be very specific in terms of time. Even though many nurses work for approximately 12 hours a day, this sometimes is over stretched beyond the 12 hours depending on the circumstances. Each time nurses underpayment issues comes up the consequences to that effect is downing tools. This has been a serious problem and has caused major exodus in the profession. Nurse’s job is full of emotional attachment than physical; and because of that many nurses feel that they are underpaid for their contribution in their areas of operations. I will agree that nurses are under paid in most instances despite the magnitude of their work. Talking about the magnitude of the work, it may interest you to note that unlike in other profession where weekends are a resisting days, this is not the same with the nurses. This is the only profession where a lot of sacrifices are made. Take for instance, nurses often forgo their holidays, weekends, and even very important family events to attend to their long and ever changing schedule.

Nurses Underpayment consequences today: Little sacrifices nurses make in the line of duty

The public notion that nurses work schedule is ideal is irrelevant and immaterial. Why do I say so? It may be true that nurses in most states work for a twelve hour shift for three long working days a week and then qualify for long vacations and that this is an advantage to the nurses. I disagree with this school of thought and ask, the bottom line is at what cost do they do that? If anything nurses underpayment consequences has nothing to do with the vacations, it is all about not being rewarded appropriately for the services they render to the communities.

To respond to the concern “But at what cost?”

We have to appreciate that even though it is perceived that nurses are famous for picking up extra shifts on their day off because they feel like they are being paid not nearly enough for the work they do. Nonetheless and according to the most recent Minority Nurse annual survey, the results established that currently and on average, the nurses in the United States of America are being paid a salary of about $67,980 which is considered to be average for any middle class income earner in America. This may be seen to be average but what is not being seen as an accompaniment to this pay is the quantity and quality of work done by men and women in this profession.

Nurses Underpayment consequences today: Nurses frustrations

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Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse

July 29, 2015

Depression and the connection to substance abuse: Understanding the two conditions

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse are realistically dangerous in any human life

We are at it again and this is because of the ever increasing concerns raised across the globe about the significance of depression and the connection to substance abuse. Professionals at the home of experts (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) are very concern at the effects of clinical depression and how it can take a toll on the body, mind and spirit causing physical health problems as well as a profound sense of hopelessness and despair. This is one health element that can ruin a whole society if not addressed in good time. And because of the increasing demand for health information about this two unique problems, we are going to be discussing this topic yet again to further give insight of the precautions that you can take to be safe of this devastating health condition.

According to doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) a veteran expert in addiction and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the effects of depression can be felt primarily on a physical level in the form of sleeplessness, weight changes, inactivity and substance abuse. Doctor Akoury is confirming that from the available statistics it is true that the problem of alcohol consumption and drug abuse are more common with depressed individuals than in the general population. Besides that we can further make some confirmations from different bodies who are researching on the possible links between depression and addiction, like for instance according to QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, men diagnosed with major depression are nearly three times more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol, while women with depression are over four times more likely to become alcohol-dependent.

Depressive disorders affect the health and productivity of the general population as well as the life of the individual. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that major depressive disorder affects almost 7 percent of American adults and that is almost 15 million people, while dysthymic disorder affects 1.5 percent, and yet again the World Health Organization has also noted that depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the globe further giving us more reason to act swiftly. The expert’s at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are reporting that if not addressed promptly, substance abuse can worsen the course of depressive disorder by increasing the risk of outcomes such as:

  • Drug or alcohol addiction
  • Psychiatric hospitalization
  • Suicide attempts
  • Accidental or intentional overdose

Individuals who are diagnosed with depression and a substance use disorder are more likely to drop out of conventional substance abuse treatment programs before they finish rehab. They are also more likely to relapse once they start a treatment program. Therefore it is important that the treatment for these co-occurring disorders should be done effectively and must target both conditions in order for the patient to achieve long-lasting recovery.

Depression and the connection to substance abuse: Recognizing depressive disorders

When dealing with situations like the two before us, it is very important that we are well informed of each of them so that we are able to make a distinction. Therefore the question that follows would be “how can you distinguish between depression as a psychiatric disorder and the blue moods that we all experience at times?” This is very necessary because with clinical depression, the severity of these moods is more intense, and symptoms last for longer periods of time. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, the individual must experience at least five symptoms of depression for two or more weeks. The following are some of the typical depressive symptoms to watch over:

  • A predominantly low mood on most days of the week
  • Lack of interest in favorite activities
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Unwanted weight loss or gain
  • Sluggish thinking or movements
  • Dwindling to focus on important tasks
  • Contemplations of death or suicide
  • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness

Dysthymic disorder, a milder form of depression, is characterized by less severe symptoms persisting for two years or more. People with dysthymic disorder may seem chronically unhappy, irritable or sullen. While the symptoms of this disorder may be less noticeable than major depression, however the effects can persist for years. One of the major challenges about this situation is that many individuals who are struggling with dysthymic are actually not aware that they have a psychiatric disorder. It is therefore important to note that when faces with such circumstances, then only a qualified professional either a clinician, a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist can make an official diagnosis of major depressive disorder. However, by learning to recognize the symptoms of this debilitating condition, you and your loved ones can prevent serious consequences like self-isolation, addiction and suicide. We understand that some of these problems may not go down well with many of us and that is why we are open always to offer our professional help to all members of the public of all walks of life. You can call doctor Akoury on Tel:  843 213 1480 to schedule for an appointment with her for a more consultative season and have all your concerns addressed professionally.

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse: How does depression begin?

It is common knowledge that ignorant is a very costly affair meaning that in our case study we must get all the information we need about depression and addiction for us to be able to understand and make the right decision. While addressing the question “how does depression begin?” Doctor Akoury registered that depressive disorders can arise from a number of different sources or from a combination of factors. And the following are some of the most common contributing causes for your consumption:

  • Stressful situations that aren’t easily resolved, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or a serious injury or illness
  • Physical health problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or alcoholism
  • A genetic predisposition to depression, or depressive moods in close family members
  • An imbalance of chemicals that regulate mood and energy levels, such as serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
  • Structural abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate mood and memory

Finally imaging studies have shown that depression is linked to specific regions of the brain, and that these areas appear to be different in people with depressive disorders. Harvard Medical School points out that the hippocampus amygdala and thalamus may be smaller or function less efficiently in people with depression. We will however continue with this theory of Harvard Medical School in our subsequent discussions but in the meantime, if you or any one you know is struggling with depression or substance abuse, then it is important for you to seek for immediate help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center today without delay.

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse: Understanding the two conditions

 

 

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Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically

July 21, 2015

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: The best ways of managing pain and depression

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically is a sure way of restoring the comforts of life for absolute happiness and life enjoyment to the fullest.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically can be a tall order for many people owing to the many life demands and challenges. But all the same we must all do something about these two conditions despite those known challenges. That is why we as professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury we are on the front in creating awareness to all people about depression and chronic pain so that people can take timely actions to defeat all the consequences that comes with late responses of these conditions. Therefore it would be very important for all of us to appreciate that depression doesn’t only affects our brains and behavior but it also affects our entire body. Doctor Akoury says that depression has been linked with other health problems like chronic pain and therefore if we have to address depression, then it would mean that we will be dealing with more than one health problem at a time which can be very difficult at times, but all the same it must be done professionally for timely treatment. Besides these it is important to note that depressive disorder or depression is a serious mental illness which can interfere with your daily activities, life and routine by impacting negatively on the quality of your life.

Pain on the other hand can also come in different kinds. The major types of pain we have include acute and chronic pain:

Acute pain – this kind of pain can be intense and short-lived, in which case we call it acute pain. Acute pain may be an indication of an injury however when the injury heals the pain usually goes away.

Chronic pain – this sensation lasts much longer than acute pain. Chronic pain can be mild or intense (severe). Therefore knowing how to deal with these conditions is very important and to get more about the approaches to take, we are going to respond to some of the questions that have been raised so that we can be up to speed with the modalities of dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically as we progress into the discussion.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: Is there a whole-life approach to treating pain and depression?

Like we had mentioned before, chronic pain and depression can affect a person’s entire life. Consequently, an ideal treatment approach addresses all the areas of your life that are affected by chronic pain and depression. Because of the connection between chronic pain and depression, it makes sense that treatments for these conditions overlap.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: How do antidepressants help both chronic pain and depression?

Because chronic pain and depression involve the same nerves and neurotransmitters, antidepressants are used to treat both chronic pain and depression. Antidepressants work on the brain to reduce the perception of pain. There is adequate evidence of the effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and doxepin. However, because of side effects, their use is often limited. Newer antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Cymbalta, Effexor), on the other hand, seem to work well with fewer side effects.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: How can physical activity help both chronic pain and depression?

Many people with chronic pain avoid exercise. But, if you don’t exercise, you get out of shape and have an increased risk of injury and worsened pain. Consult with a physician to design an exercise plan that’s safe and effective for you. Remember that exercise also helps in easing depression by releasing the same kind of brain chemicals that antidepressant medications release.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: Why is taking control important for healing?

Chronic pain affects your ability to live, work, and play the way you’re used to. This can change how you see yourself sometimes for the worse as you feel victimized by the pain and depression. Getting busy and taking control of your life is important. Working with a health care provider who refuses to see you as a helpless victim but sees you as a healthy person with pain is important.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: How does talk therapy help chronic pain and depression?

Research clearly shows that, for many people, certain kinds of mental training can help improve chronic pain. Like for instance, cognitive therapy is one approach. In cognitive therapy, a person learns to notice the negative “automatic thoughts” that surround the experience of chronic pain. These thoughts are often distortions of reality. Cognitive therapy can teach a person how to change these thought patterns and improve the experience of pain. Besides that cognitive therapy has also been proven as an effective treatment for depression and can reduce symptoms of anxiety in those with chronic pain.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: What’s the best way to manage chronic pain and depression?

The best way to approach managing chronic pain is to consult regularly with a pain specialist or even your family doctor to create a treatment plan. When chronic pain and depression are combined, the need to work with a doctor is even greater. When you visit your doctor’s office, tell him/her that you want to gain control over your chronic pain and depression. As you develop a plan, keep in mind that the ideal pain management plan will be multidisciplinary, which means it will address all areas of your life that are affected by the pain. Therefore empower yourself by tapping into available resources such as the American Chronic Pain Association, the American Pain Foundation, and the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. It is important that when you’ve started the treatment process, you must stay committed to the treatment plan until you feel in control of your pain and depression and can fully live your life, doing the activities you enjoy.

Finally to defeat this problem, don’t wait for too long but find a cognitive therapist near you with experience in the treatment of chronic pain. If you are in doubt then you can locate one by contacting AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center or alternatively you could settle for any of the cognitive therapists’ professional groups mentioned above.

Dealing with depression and chronic pain specifically: The best ways of managing pain and depression

 

 

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The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction

June 24, 2015

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction: Why this association must be discouraged

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction are real and not to be taken lightly

For a couple of times we have been discussing the effects of stress, depression and anxiety in relation to substance abuse and we were able to look at certain health conditions including, cancer, heart diseases, stroke and the effect of these problems on immunity. From the study, it was very evident that stress is a very long bridge that connects the body to various illnesses. Without leaving any stone unturned, we want to progress on that discussion sighting the dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction. Our focus is going to be on the following health conditions:

  • Gastrointestinal Problems
  • Eating and Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Pain
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunction
  • Memory, Concentration, and Learning

These are not conditions that anyone would wish to associate with more so when the individual is also struggling with drug addiction of any level. I know that a lot is being done to salvage the situation and the prevalence of addiction, but even as those efforts are being made, what is you individual contribution to those efforts? If you put substance abuse aside for a while you realize that these listed health conditions are not friendly to humanity yet they are much more resonated by stress, depression, anxiety and drug addiction. On our part as professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, we are working with like minded people in this fight against the scourge of addiction. We would wish that if we are to win this fight, then we all need to pool together and join forces to deliver the much needed victory to ourselves, families and the society. Therefore if you are struggling with any of the conditions named, you may want to start the journey by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery.

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction: Gastrointestinal Problems

The brain and intestines are closely related, and are controlled by many of the same hormones and parts of the nervous system. Indeed, some research suggests that the gut itself has features of a primitive brain. It is not surprising then that prolonged stress can disrupt the digestive system, irritating the large intestine and causing diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and bloating. Excessive production of digestive acids in the stomach may cause a painful burning.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Irritable bowel syndrome (or spastic colon) is strongly related to stress. With this condition, the large intestine becomes irritated, and its muscular contractions are spastic rather than smooth and wave-like. The abdomen is bloated, and the patient experiences cramping and alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea. Sleep disturbances due to stress can make irritable bowel syndrome even worse.

Peptic Ulcers – It is now well established that most peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori bacteria or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen). Nevertheless, studies still suggest that stress may predispose a person with H. pylori to ulcers.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Although stress is not a cause of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), there are reports of an association between stress and symptom flare-ups.

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction: Eating and Stress

Stress can have varying effects on eating problems and weight like for example:

Weight Gain – Often stress is related to weight gain and obesity. Many people develop cravings for salt, fat, and sugar to counteract tension. As a result, they gain weight. Weight gain can occur even with a healthy diet, however, in some people who are exposed to stress. In addition, the weight gained is often abdominal fat, which increases the risk of diabetes and heart problems.

The release of cortisol, a major stress hormone, appears to boost abdominal fat and may be the primary connection between stress and weight gain. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid. These hormones, along with insulin, appear to be responsible for stress-related food cravings. Evidence suggests that hormonally induced cravings for “comfort foods” may have a biological benefit for managing stress. Eating comfort foods appears to reduce the negative hormonal and behavioral changes associated with stress, which might lessen the impact of stress on an individual. Carbohydrates in particular may increase levels of tryptophan and large neutral amino acids. This leads to more production of the chemical messenger serotonin, which might improve mood and performance under stress.

There may be a “reward-based stress eating” model. In this theory, stress and tasty, high-calorie foods cause the brain to make chemicals called endogenous opioids. These neurotransmitters help protect against the harmful effects of stress by slowing activity of a brain process called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, thus weakening the stress response. Repeated stimulation of the reward pathways through stress-induced HPA stimulation, eating tasty food, or both, may lead to changes in the brain that cause compulsive overeating.

Research findings indicate that overeating may be triggered by different stressors in men and women. However women tend to put on extra pounds when dealing with financial and work problems, as well as strained family relationships. Men gain more weight from lack of decision authority at work and difficulty in learning new skills on the job.

Eating Disorders – Chronically elevated levels of stress chemicals have been observed in patients with anorexia and bulimia. Some studies, however, have not found any strong link between stress and eating disorders. More research is needed to determine whether changes in stress hormones are a cause or a result of eating disorders.

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction: Diabetes

Stress can exacerbate existing diabetes by impairing the patient’s ability to manage the disease effectively. Therefore when stress management is becoming a problem to you, then you stand a greater risk of contracting some of these health conditions we have discussed and even those that we are yet to discuss. I don’t know what you may be going through but if this article is describing your situation then you need not to lose hope because help is right before you. The formation of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center was intended for you. Take this opportunity and call 843 213 1480 doctor Akoury today for professional advice on all that you may be going through in relation to the dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction and she will be able to help you in the most professional way to have your life and comfort back.

The dangers of stress and anxiety in addiction: Why this association must be discouraged

 

 

 

 

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How Cancer affects your emotional health

April 30, 2015

How Cancer affects your emotional health: Depression and cancer

How Cancer affects your emotional health

How Cancer affects your emotional health is one thing you can avoid by being physically active

It is never fun to be told that you are suffering from cancer. When such news is broken to the patients, devastation, pain and anguish sets in not just to the patient but even to the relatives and loved ones. For sure most patients, families, and caregivers expresses some degree of depression, anxiety, and fear when cancer becomes part of their lives. These feelings are normal responses to this life-changing experience. We want to settle into the discussion of how cancer affects your emotional health and what you can do to help. We will be guided by the help of doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center where a lot of cancer preventive treatment are done. You can also be part of the many experiencing life transformation with the professionalism approach doctor Akoury is applying in the treatment of her clients.

Like I have just mention cancer is life threatening and people struggling with cancer will have the feelings expressed above which can be caused by many things, including changes in their families’ roles and even assignment at their work stations. A cancer patient is likely to feel the loss of control over life events, and bear the burden of dealing with changes in their body image. They might feel grief at the losses and changes in their lives that cancer brings. There may be fear of the eventualities like death, suffering, pain, or all the unknown elements that lie ahead. This may not be limited to the patients only but even the family members and caregivers may have these feelings too. It is possible that they will be afraid of losing their loved one. Anger of knowing that cancer is affecting their loved ones will be another concern especially with the knowledge that cancer is genetically inherited. This will in many ways cause both the patient and their loved ones frustration and stress that they are either not doing enough to help or that they have to do more at home.

In all these, it’s important to remember that people with cancer, as well as their friends and family, can feel distress about these things at any time after a cancer diagnosis, even many years after the cancer is treated. And as the cancer situation changes, they all must cope with new stressors along with the old, and their feelings often change, too. For instance, people dealing with cancer that’s spread and is making the person feel worse may have more emotional distress than those dealing with early-stage cancers.

People who have physical symptoms such as pain, nausea, or extreme tiredness (fatigue) also seem more likely to have emotional distress. Most of the time, physical symptoms can be controlled with medicines but it could take more than one try to find the right drug or combination of drugs. Doctor Akoury emphasizes that because of this, patient must keep consulting closely with their doctors and with their cancer team. This way they can help with these kinds of symptoms before you feel overwhelmed.

Take note that this link is tailored to equip you with health information that can help your families, friends, and caregivers to know what feelings and behaviors they might expect from their loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. It is also to help you understand what isn’t normal and when more needs to be done like getting outside help. Besides, it can also help you recognize when you or others need outside help. Remember that everybody is vulnerable to cancer and all these things can happen to anyone including your caregivers, friends, and family members too. Anyone affected by cancer theirs or a loved one will need help in dealing with the emotions that result.

How Cancer affects your emotional health: Depression and cancer

It’s normal to grieve over the changes that cancer brings to a person’s life. The future, which may have seemed so sure before, now becomes uncertain. Some dreams and plans may be lost forever. But if a person has been sad for a long time or is having trouble carrying out day-to-day activities, that person may have clinical depression. In fact, up to 1 in 4 people with cancer have clinical depression. The effects of clinical depression is alluded to great distress, impairs functioning, and might even make the person with cancer less able to follow their cancer treatment plan. In all these, there is still hope and the good news is that clinical depression can be treated. Therefore if you know of anyone who has symptoms of clinical depression, you can be their link to the much help they need, encourage them to get help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. There are many ways to treat clinical depression including medicines, counseling, or a combination of both. With good and timely treatments, you can reduce your rate of suffering and improve the quality of your life.

How Cancer affects your emotional health: Symptoms of clinical depression

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the time
  • Being slowed down or restless and agitated almost every day, enough for others to notice
  • Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (not just fear of death), suicide plans or attempts
  • Continues sadness, hopeless, or “empty” mood for most of the day
  • Extreme tiredness (fatigue) or loss of energy
  • Trouble focusing thoughts, remembering, or making decisions
  • Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
  • Major weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain
  • Trouble sleeping with early waking, sleeping too much, or not being able to sleep

Remember, some of these symptoms, such as weight changes, fatigue, or even forgetfulness can be caused by cancer and its treatment. However when five or more of these symptoms happen consistently daily for 2 weeks or more, or are severe enough to interfere with normal activities, it might be assign of depression. If this description fits your situation, then you need to be checked for clinical depression by a qualified health or mental health professional. If the person tries to hurt him- or herself, or has a plan to do so, get help right away.

How Cancer affects your emotional health: What to do

  • Promote physical activity, especially mild exercise such as daily walks.
  • Reassure the person that with time and treatment, he or she will start to feel better – and although changes to the treatment plan are sometimes needed, it’s important to be patient.
  • Help make appointments for mental health treatment, if needed.
  • Provide transportation for treatment, if needed.
  • Remember that it’s OK to feel sad and grieve over the losses that cancer has brought to their lives, and to yours.
  • Realize that being pessimistic and thinking everything is hopeless are symptoms of depression and should get better with treatment.
  • Engage the person in conversation and activities they enjoy.
  • Encourage the depressed person to continue treatment until symptoms improve, or to talk to the doctor about different treatment if there’s no improvement after 2 or 3 weeks.

If you suspect you may be depressed, schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today.

How Cancer affects your emotional health: Depression and cancer

 

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