Raleigh Archives - Freedom Psychiatry

Around this time of year, many people have abandoned their New Year’s resolution. But the good news is whether it’s January 1st or August 31st, you can make the decision to change. Each morning you have a choice. A choice to give into negative energy or choose to live with positivity.

Better Conflict Resolution

One of the many benefits of therapy and holistic healing is that it can teach you news ways to respond to conflict. You can learn new ways to look at situations that have caused you far too much stress, and new ways to nurture peace and contentment within yourself.

Identifies Malfunction(s)

Adult holistic psychiatric care is needed at times to address the parts of yourself that malfunction. It can help reduce anxiety so you can think clearly and make good decisions. Therapy helps build your confidence and improve your daily function by helping you remove obstacles that prevent your ability to enjoy your life.

Positive Change

Therapy helps create positive change in all areas of your life to strengthen your happiness and wellbeing. These changes can happen through your diet, exercise, and perhaps even your communicational skills. They may need to include your activities, to ensure you make time for yourself, or to improve intimacy and trust in your marriage.

Above all, adult holistic psychiatric care can help you turn your mental, emotional, relational, and functional self around. If you suffer from a psychiatric disorder, Dr. Madaram can help with medications that help you live your best life. Holistic treatment takes into account your entire world!

Life can be better, and you can feel better. Just reach out.

Your morning alarm blares from the night stand next to as you scramble to turn it off. It’s the beginning of a new day and immediately your mind races with thoughts of meetings, deadlines, and “to-dos”. Notifications from Twitter, Facebook, and your E-mail come flooding in only to add to your tension.

It’s only 6am and you’re overwhelmed…sound familiar?

For many people, this routine is normal.

Thanks to technology and our inability to disconnect, it feels like there’s no break from stress. We’ve come to accept stress as
part of our culture. In fact, some people wear it like a badge of pride because stressed out people are successful, hard-working people-right?

Maybe. But, you don’t have to let stress lead you down the path to exhaustion and mental burnout in order to be successful. Even though stress might seem harmless, it can have a big impact on your health and wellness.

Some stress is good stress.

Stress has been a part of life since the dawn of time-literally! Our human ancestors developed the fight-or-flight response for safety. They used it to escape danger or fight off predators. It was, as the name suggested, associated with survival situations where you could fight or flight.

We all still have the fight or flight response. It’s part of what keeps us safe from dangers even today. It’s through the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, the ‘fight or flight’ response has rapid effects on multiple bodily systems. Increased heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, sweat, and loss of focus are just a few physical symptoms.

These symptoms are usually temporary and sometimes essential for our wellbeing. What if you accidentally walked into a cross walk and a car zoomed by? You might experience all of the physical symptoms because of the hormone release, but you jumped back (without thinking) because of your flight-or-fight response. This type of temporary stress is normal and is not considered an illness.

How much stress is too much?

When your stress response becomes prolonged (or chronic), it has a much different effect on your body. Consequently, long-term stress can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure,forgetfulness, weight gain, and a variety of other negative conditions. Unfortunately, people who experience long-term stress are more likely to experience increased anxiety and depression. Stress can impact the way you deal with emotions and behaviors.

PTSD and Stress

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur in people who’ve experience a traumatic event. PTSD can cause stress, anxiety, and the build up of many other physical and mental health conditions.

One small exposure to trauma can lead to PTSD.

Something that might seem like a “small trauma” to one person could lead to PTSD in another. This is why it’s essential to receive a personal evaluation so you can get on the road to wellness.

Dr. Madaram is here to help you navigate life’s challenges. He takes a holistic approach to healing that will help you manage stress in your life. Call today!

Is trauma really about personal resilience?

How much vs. how little exposure?

Are some people just stronger than others in the wake of trauma?

Understanding Small Ts and Large Ts

The truth is, someone doesn’t have to experience an overly distressing event in order for it to affect them deeply. In fact, the build up of smaller, everyday experiences can really take a toll. Trauma, whether big or small, can linger and affect your everyday life.

The “Large Ts” are usually the experiences most people think about when it comes to trauma. Military combat, sexual abuse, and natural disasters are commonly fall under the category of “Large Ts”. These types of trauma are the ones often associated with PTSD and leave people feeling powerless.

On the other hand, “Small Ts” can also interfere with your mental wellness. They too can disrupt emotional functioning and cause people to feel depressed and hopeless. Small traumas include situations such as family conflicts to financial stress, or divorce/ infidelity. Small traumas can accumulate and take an even bigger toll over time.

Who Gets PTSD & Who Doesn’t?

PTSD is a complex diagnosis. Trauma affects people differently. Factors like your past, perception of the event, and personal tolerance all matter. Also, not all combat service members are diagnosed with PTSD. The difference between developing trauma-related symptoms (or not) also has to do with how individuals process the trauma. Avoidance can lead to PTSD which is why it’s so important to heal.

Whether large or small, the way you perceive trauma is not a sign of weakness. Your journey to healing starts with self-love and acceptance. Dr. Madaram has a special interest in military personnel and veterans who suffer with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other disorders that interfere with their lives. He’s here to help you heal from all types of trauma in order to live your best life. Call today 919-802-1417

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in those who’ve experienced trauma, a dramatic situation, or dangerous event. It’s natural to feel scared, shocked, and anxious after a traumatic event. In fact, the body’s ‘flight-or-flight’ response is meant to protect a person from harm.

There’s a wide range of reaction to trauma.

A lot of people recover from trauma naturally but, for those who don’t, PTSD might develop. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misconceptions surrounding PTSD and those who suffer. Here’s what you need to know.

Time Heals All

Trauma Trauma can linger for decades beyond the initial experience. It can interfere with your daily life and growth. For some, untreated trauma can become part of their identity over the years. Someone with symptoms of PTSD should not rely on time as a healing mechanism.

Only The Weak Develop PTSD

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Though it’s unknown why some people develop PTSD and other don’t, inner strength has nothing to do with it. PTSD is a disorder that should be treated by a qualified professional.

I Should Be Able To Control This Alone

Wrong! This type of thinking adds to the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. You wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for a broken ankle, and you shouldn’t hesitate to get help for PTSD either.

Certain groups are more reluctant to reach out than others-especially men. No one should suffer alone. Dr. Madaram is a member of the military himself. He has a special interest in military personnel and veterans who suffer with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other disorders that interfere with their lives.

The holidays are known as the most wonderful time of the year!

A time meant for relaxing and spending time with the people you love. However, in reality, the holidays are filled with stress of all varieties. Many of us are out of our daily routines and overloaded with sugar and other holiday treats. Add to that the stress of gift giving, decorating, entertaining and it’s no wonder people develop holiday burnout.

Here are some ways you can stay healthy, happy and enjoy the holidays more this year…

Say “NO”

Don’t be afraid to say “no” so you don’t overcommit. There’s a lot of stress associated with holidays from attending events to buying everyone a gift. Overcommitment in these areas of your life can lead to burnout. Instead of attending the entire party, try staying for an hour. If finances are a strain, give gifts of love and gratitude that don’t cost a penny.

Maintain Routines

Long nights, poor diets, and lack of exercise can really impact your mental health and mood. Focus on staying grounded in your healthy routines. Overeating, drinking, and excess sugar this time of year can all affect your mood. Be mindful and enjoy the holidays responsibly.

Prioritize

Society puts a lot of pressure on us this time of year! There are so many things we are supposed to do this holiday season that might not be part of what you actually want to do. Forget about decorating, baking, and caroling if they don’t make you happy. Prioritize your health and happiness. Make a “to do” list and create a plan that allows you to tackle a little each day.

Most importantly, slow down and take it all in. Don’t give into the pressures of stress and perfection we see this time of year. If you need help finding mental or emotional freedom for you or a loved one, Dr. Madaram can help create a wellness plan for you.

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