Mental Health 101

History of Mental Health

The history of mental health care has evolved significantly over centuries:

• Ancient Times: Mental illnesses were often attributed to supernatural forces or divine punishment. Treatments could include exorcisms or harsh physical treatments.
• Middle Ages: Mental health issues were seen through a religious lens, with care provided by monasteries.
• 18th-19th Century: The rise of asylums marked a shift towards institutionalization. Philippe Pinel and Dorothea Dix advocated for more humane treatment of the mentally ill.
• 20th Century: The deinstitutionalization movement began, spurred by the development of psychiatric medications and a push towards community-based care.

Types of Therapies and Their Creators

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Creator: Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s.
• Purpose: Developed to treat depression, focusing on changing negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Introduction: Gained prominence through research and demonstrated efficacy in treating various disorders.

2. Psychoanalysis

• Creator: Sigmund Freud in the late 19th century.
• Purpose: To uncover repressed memories and conflicts.
• Introduction: Through Freud’s lectures and writings.

3. Behavioral Therapy

• Creator: Based on the work of Ivan Pavlov and later B.F. Skinner.
• Purpose: To modify harmful behaviors through conditioning.
• Introduction: Gained acceptance through successful experiments like Skinner’s operant conditioning.

4. Humanistic Therapy

• Creator: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow in the mid-20th century.
• Purpose: Focuses on self-development and perceptions.
• Introduction: Popularized through writings and the growing movement for personal growth.

Mental Health Professionals and Qualifications

Types of Professionals:

• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
• Psychologists: Provide therapy and counseling, cannot prescribe medication.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC): Offer counseling and support for a variety of mental health issues.
• Behavioral Therapists: Specialize in treating behavior problems with techniques like ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), especially in autism.

Qualifications and Licenses:

• Psychiatrists: MD or DO with a psychiatric residency, licensed to practice medicine.
• Psychologists: Typically a PhD or PsyD, licensed by state boards.
• LCSW/LPC: Master’s degree in social work or counseling, with state-specific licensure.

Questions to Ask When Seeking a Mental Health Professional

• What is your educational and training background?
• Are you licensed, and by which board?
• What is your experience with my specific issues?
• What types of treatments do you offer?
• What are your fees, and do you accept insurance?

Average Costs

• Psychiatrist: $100-$300 per session.
• Psychologist: $80-$200 per session.
• LCSW/LPC: $60-$150 per session. Costs can vary significantly based on location, specialist’s experience, and insurance coverage.

Therapies for Autism and ADHD

For Autism:

• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): Focuses on teaching practical skills and reducing unwanted behaviors through reinforcement strategies.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps to improve daily living skills.
• Speech Therapy: Aims to improve communication abilities.

For ADHD:

• Behavioral Therapy: Helps in managing behavior and improving organization and planning skills.
• Medication: Often prescribed to help control symptoms.

Therapy Impact on Different Areas

• Self and Mental Health: Therapies like CBT and psychoanalysis help individuals understand and manage their thoughts and emotions, addressing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
• Life Skills: Therapies for autism, such as ABA, occupational, and speech therapy, focus on enhancing functional abilities and independence rather than internal psychological states.

This covered a broad range of aspects concerning mental health treatments, providers, and considerations for those with autism and ADHD. When considering therapy options, consider these factors as part of your research.

Understanding Mental Health and Self-Care in Neurodivergent Individuals

Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, especially for neurodivergent individuals who may experience the world differently due to conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These conditions can affect how a person processes information, reacts to stress, and handles emotions, often leading to unique challenges.

Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care

1. Self-Awareness of Negative Loops: Neurodivergent individuals might be more susceptible to negative thinking, feedback loops, or rumination. Being aware of these patterns is crucial as they can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, further impeding cognitive function. Do something with your hands, like knitting or Legos. Give your brain a more enjoyable task that requires focus to help redirect your thinking.
2. Proactive Stress Management: Identifying stressors in your environment and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is vital. These can include stress about finances, social interactions, or sensory overload. Actively addressing these stressors can help maintain mental health and enhance quality of life. The longer you sit in your darkness the harder it will be to remove yourself from it. It will be a huge mountain, so find a purpose to fuel your journey. Make the planet a better place, invent something or improve something. Life is short, but you might have fun.
3. Empowerment and Control: Engaging in activities that foster a sense of control and accomplishment, like learning new skills or crafting, can provide purpose and structure, especially beneficial for those feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances. You are not a slave to your brain. It is a computer … I have shown you. It can be reprogrammed if the correct code is given. Your particular interest or skill is the direction to look – life has no rules. If you are good at gaming, have a computer repair business and work from home. Be tech support. Just the act of trying will give you a sense of control to help reduce your anxiety. It’s just about not knowing what on the other side of things is. But don’t sit! Bored brains go bad. When you reduce your anxiety, you think better!

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

• Increased Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions can be a sign of depression or anxiety.
• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much can indicate mental health issues.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Experiencing extreme emotions or having a flat affect are key symptoms to be aware of.
• Cognitive Difficulties: Trouble concentrating or making decisions can signal that stress or mental health issues are taking a toll.

Practical Self-Care Strategies

1. Routine and Structure: Establish a daily routine that includes time for work and relaxation. Structured time for hobbies or self-interests can also provide a sense of accomplishment and self-achievement. Tell yourself a good job and how proud you are of yourself when you achieve or accomplish even little challenging things.
2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even light activities like walking or yoga can help. Be Mindful not to overdo it! Recovery is taking place not only in the body but also in the mind. The body responds to intense exercise by producing stress hormones like cortisol, which helps to manage the increased strain. However, persistently high levels of cortisol due to overtraining can lead to adverse effects such as sleep disturbances, impaired cognitive functions, mood swings, and decreased motivation​​, which ultimately leads to overstimulation.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help break the cycle of negative thoughts and worry and promote better emotional regulation.
4. Educational and Skill-Building Activities: Free online courses or engaging in skills training can enhance control and lead to potential economic opportunities. If your accommodations and needs are met, it will also provide routine and structure. Otherwise, compensating for impairments to remain in step with your peers could lead to overstimulation.
5. Therapy and Support Groups: Participating in therapy, especially with professionals experienced in neurodiversity, can provide strategies to manage specific challenges. Support groups offer a community of individuals with similar experiences, which can reduce feelings of isolation. Be mindful of therapists or groups not educated about neurodivergence to avoid possibly being triggered by misinterpretation on their part, causing frustration, agitation, and then overstimulation.

History and Understanding of Related Conditions

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Often triggered by a traumatic event, PTSD can lead to flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and severe anxiety.
• Anxiety and Depression: Common in the neurodivergent population, these conditions can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals, affecting their ability to function day-to-day.
• Cognitive Load Theory: This theory explains how excessive stress can overload the cognitive system of neurodivergent individuals, leading to decreased mental capacity and increased difficulty in performing daily tasks.

Conclusion: Embracing Autonomy in Mental Health

Remember, you are the main character in your own life story. Recognizing your mental health needs and taking proactive steps to manage them improves your day-to-day life and empowers you to achieve your fullest potential. It’s important to cultivate a nurturing environment for yourself, tailored to your unique needs and capabilities. Whether developing new skills, engaging in physical activities, or seeking professional help, taking charge of your mental health is a critical step towards living a fulfilling life.