Dr. Goschi's Blog

Stress, Pot and Addiction

Posted on July 16, 2018 at 9:02 pm in Addictions Counseling, Anger Anxiety Counseling Chicago, Anxiety Counseling, Depression Counseling Chicago, Individual Coaching & Counseling, Individual Counseling

Stress, Pot and Addiction

New research in the journal of Abnormal Psychology (May, 2018) highlights how heavy marijuana users deal with stress. Chronic pot smoking leads to an overreaction to stressful situations. Research found that these individuals easily became stressed and unable to problem solve versus moderate consumers. Most pot smokers say they smoke pot to “relax” or escape a stressful job. Perhaps recreational marijuana consumption leads to relaxation but not habitual heavy use.

Researchers Hefner et al from University of Wisconsin in Madison found heightened startle responses to even the anticipation of stress among heavy marijuana users. Heavy pot usage involved daily use sometimes as much as twice a day. This finding contradicts self-reports from fifty percent of pot users that claim marijuana reduces their stress. Why is this important? Because, addiction relapse for many addicts can be traced to the person’s inability to manage stress.

Hefner et al reported physiological responses in abusers. They claim “heavy and chronic (marijuana) use contributes to heightened behavioral and affective response(s) to stressors via central nervous system…” Indeed, these “stress neuroadaptations” result in poor emotional reactions to stress. Maladaptive responses escalate even more when the individual stops using the drug. Heavy marijuana abuse leads to long term changes in the users central nervous system. This implies that the addict won’t cope well with stress going forward until they make some serious and lasting changes to their lives.

The research supports using the word addict to describe the heavy marijuana abuser as they show signs of addiction. Many debates insist that marijuana does not possess addictive properties. Yet, withdrawal from pot shares many similarities to other addictions, “marijuana withdrawal syndrome … involves increased affective symptoms (irritability, anger or aggression, nervousness or anxiety)…” It becomes a viscous cycle for the abuser, one of an inability to cope with stress leading to mounting stress resulting in increased drug usage. Minimal indulgence in marijuana (only occasional use), did not show greater reactivity to stress.

How can individual therapy help the marijuana abuser/addict? Therapists should help the individual identify personal stressors. These events may involve finances, housing and/or relationships. Therapy should target these stressors by teaching better coping skills to minimize the impact of the stressor. Individual addiction therapy helps individuals “reshape” their environment while maximizing lifes predictability. Attending NA meetings and working the 12 steps is enormously beneficial in maintaining sobriety. Individual therapy assists the individual work through fears and anxiety which trigger the addictive response.

If you are struggling with addiction Dr. Goschi can help. Call today to set up your individual appointment at (312)595-1787 or email at barbara@drgoschi.com.

Sunday Scaries

Posted on July 6, 2018 at 3:27 pm in Anxiety Counseling, Depression Counseling Chicago, Money and Power Issues Counseling, Personal growth Chicago
PHOTO CREDIT: heartmanblog.com

PHOTO CREDIT: heartmanblog.com

Sunday Scaries By Victoria Mooncotch

The Sunday Scaries are a relatively new brand of anxiety developing in young adults after the freedom of the weekend. Usually coupled with a hangover and lack of memory from the night before, millennials fuel the Scaries with anxiety about the upcoming week questioning: “What am I even doing with my life?” Like clockwork the first day of the week causes an uproar in online posts that are paired with funny memes or gifs, creating a slight confusion on whether The Scaries are just a comical social media fad or if they should be listed in the DSM-5. Bukowski, a poet widely known for being extremely pessimistic, might have gotten something right when he said “Sundays kill more men than bombs” with this one. If the overindulging causes strife and worry perhaps individual therapy can help curb your alcohol induced anxiety. The joy can stay in Sunday Funday!

Psychology Today online cites anxiety as “anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work. Sometimes, just the thought of getting through the day.” Sounds similar, doesn’t it? The Sunday Scaries are the anticipation of the week to come that is infiltrated with worry, irrational curiosity, and an inability to complete ordinary tasks. This brand of severe anxiety even robs you of your ability to focus. Grandex Labs, who has a once a week podcast on the topic, has described the feeling as “Knowing you can do everything right, but still having a dark cloud of ‘What the hell is going on’ hanging over your head.” This can lead to some major questioning of individual happiness. The key to answering those major questions might just be to outline the difference between anticipation and anxiety. When you lead with anticipation you’re ready to take the Sunday bull by the horns, but when you lead with anxiety you’ll sow self-doubt into everything you do. Again, talking in counseling helps to not only lift your mood but also your self-esteem.

While it might be easier to hide raw emotions behind a funny meme, it’s time to get serious on how we deal with anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the U.S., yet less than 40% receive individual counseling (ADAA). Not to mention a hard night of binge drinking doesn’t really help the issue either. If you are having a hard time identifying what leads you to happiness or a path for knowing what is actually going on, it’s time to seek help! Individual therapy gives you someone on the outside of it all who will help you explore and answer all of those irrational questions Sunday makes you ask. You won’t only feel that dark cloud of the unknown start to dissipate, you’ll also uncover and get through what all that anxiety is really about. Although there may be comfort in knowing you’re not the only one online having a case of the Sunday Scaries, you won’t be alone in facing them with a therapist either. See, Sunday isn’t so scary after all. Dr. Goschi can help call to schedule a meeting at (312)595-1787 or email her at barbara@drgoschi.com

Suicide

Posted on June 14, 2018 at 2:29 pm in Anger Anxiety Counseling Chicago, Depression Counseling Chicago, Divorce and Infidelity Counseling, Individual Coaching & Counseling

Suicide

The focus moves to depression and suicide after Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain took their lives.  But, the suicide rate has been going up steeply since 2008 and no one really talks about it. The British Journal of Psychiatry posted an article on January 2, 2018  written by Reeves, McKee and Stuckler talking about the 10,000 suicides related to the job losses and overall bad economy during the recession between 2008 and 2010. Somehow this disturbing information was mostly ignored.  Stuckler also discussed an alarming trend that talked about all mental health issues rising.

People don’t like to talk about mental health very much until some tragedy occurs.  I’ve seen this avoidant pattern for the 30 years that I’ve been treating couples and individuals.  Seeking individual therapy for depression, anxiety or some other issues can result in the individual feeling ashamed.  Individual’s worry about the stigma of seeking individual psychotherapy.

In this age of eating healthy and working out it still seems like people at large don’t focus as much on mental health.  We should speak more openly and encourage our friends struggling with depression to seek individual treatment. However, it can be awkward to speak with a friend about their mental health issues.  It feels like a boundary intrusion. We might even hope that the pain goes away once the person gains some distance from the seeming catalyst, such as a death or loss of job.

Some people experience unrelenting depression unrelated to a specific catalyst.  Despite the individual’s life seeming wonderful they still cannot experience joy.  Even a bad hamburger in an airport could trigger a relentless depressive episode for Anthony Buordain.  Peter Splendorio quoted Bourdain in his June 8, 2018 Daily news article as saying “It’s a hamburger but not a good one.  Suddenly, I look at the hamburger and I find myself in a spiral of depression that lasts for days.” Clinicians understand this symptom as anhedonia.  Anhedonia is the inability to feel joy over life events which would usually bring one pleasure.

In these instances, family and friends find it hard to be around their loved one who cannot experience joy.  It can be exhausting and stressful to always worry about your family member. If the person tries to put on a happy face in front of everyone it will cause further stress.  The person’s moods come crashing down when they get home. Couples and family therapy help the family members and spouses of such individual’s develop empathy and understanding for toward their loved one.

Our culture demands quick fixes.  Just take a pill and it will alleviate your woes.  Depressive symptoms respond well to medication. However, meds should never be prescribed without the therapeutic relationship to back them up.  Individual counseling augments the beneficial effects of psychotropic meds. If you take antidepressants, for example, you should also see a therapist in individual therapy weekly.  Seriously, no less! Your therapist develops an intimate relationship with you. They have eyes on their patients. The therapist often sees when things start going wrong.

Bottom line is that individual therapy should be encouraged for those struggling with some kind of mental illness, especially depression.  Let’s destigmatize therapy so more individuals reach out for help when needed. Please, if you know someone who needs help or if you are struggling don’t hesitate to seek individual treatment.  If it’s an emergency and you feel like taking your life call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. I’m here to help. Call today at (312)595-1787 or email me at barbara@drgoschi.com

 

Working Out and Mental Health

Posted on May 23, 2018 at 2:34 pm in Depression Counseling Chicago, Family Counseling Chicago, Individual Coaching & Counseling, Licensed clinical psychologist Chicago, Personal growth Chicago

Working Out and Mental Health

Activity leads to a leaner, healthier body. But how much do we really talk about how physical activity affects our mental health. Exercise along with individual therapy helps move you along in the process of emotional regulation as well as a heightened self-esteem. Research now supports what many therapists have known for years – that working out leads to better psychological health.

It’s true that many people participate in physical activity in order to maintain their muscle mass, for a trimmer self, for weight loss or for cardio health. All of these reasons for working out make absolute sense. They provide great results for the individuals participating in the activities.

However, you don’t see or hear advertisements talking about how much exercise benefits your mental health. The drug companies push medication for treating depression and anxiety. These companies don’t say that exercise doesn’t help rather they just don’t mention that in some studies exercise and individual therapy can be as beneficial as some medication regimes. I’m not suggesting here that you dump your meds for marathon training. I would never go against what your doctor has recommended for your treatment. Instead, I’m suggesting that if you’re not already on meds why not try a different route and begin exercising along with individual therapy.

If you already work out I’m sure you’ve experienced the endorphin “high” that can be experienced after a hard workout. This reaction highlights how much a good work out can lift your mood. The positive emotional effects are more than just a one- time response; rather, regular exercise has positive long term implications for one’s mood.

Working out helps ameliorate depression, anxiety and anger alike. The added energy boost helps us face difficult emotional tasks with more energy and a clearer mind. Working out helps to externalize the more intense emotions we feel like anger and anxiety. Physical activity along with individual counseling also helps brighten moods for those who struggle with depression.

The benefits of working out often lasts for the remainder of the day. It can also help us sleep more deeply at night which also assists in mood control. Physical activity in addition with individual therapy works extremely well.

When physical activity isn’t enough to help you deal with your anxiety, depression or other troublesome emotions try adding individual therapy to your weekly schedule. Don’t hesitate to seek help. Call Dr. Goschi today to schedule your first individual therapy appointment at barbara@drgoschi.com or (312)595-1787.

Opioid Crisis and Children

Posted on January 22, 2018 at 7:55 pm in Addiction Counseling Chicago, Depression Counseling Chicago, Family Counseling Chicago, Licensed clinical psychologist Chicago

The Opioid Crisis and Children

This month’s American Psychological Association’s journal “Monitor on Psychology” has an interesting article written by Lorna Collier on the population that is perhaps most profoundly affected by the opioid addiction in our country. Very often kids who grow up in families with one or both parents addicted to opioids often end up in foster homes. “Parental substance use was cited as a factor in about 32% of all foster placements, a rise of 10% from 2005” (Monitor on Psychology, January 2018).

Foster homes although sounding like a safe place for kids lead to further problems for children. These children often move through the system for years. Going from one home to another. The children in foster care may also be separated from their siblings. The “lucky” children stay in one home with foster parents who actually look after their interests and are willing to keep siblings together.

“Lucky” children from addicted households end up with families that grow to love them and eventually want to adopt the child(ren) if parents don’t recover. However, foster homes are not created equal. Some foster homes provide excellent care while others offer the bare minimum. I’ve heard and witnessed so many incidents with foster care children where they feel lost, abandoned and even abused setting them up for life long struggles.

How do we change this problem? Of course, we have to have better treatment for the opioid epidemic in our country. The article in “Monitor on Psychology” has some good ideas. They talk about how a child does far better when they stay with their parents even when those situations are highly dysfunctional. Instead, we should look for ways to provide the families counseling. Perhaps more active participation in the home through home visits and expecting parents to be engaged in active treatment. Children always do better when they stay with their family. Kids advance in life if they learn how to cope with the difficulties facing them at an early age through individual and family counseling. We should be providing them with empathy and warm, nurturing place to talk about their issues while teaching them how to self-advocate. Individual therapy can help these children grow into successful adults.

If you or a loved one is dealing with an opioid crisis please call Dr. Goschi for addictions counseling, individual counseling or family therapy at (312)595-1787. I’m here to help!

Dealing with loss in the New Year

Posted on January 2, 2018 at 7:40 pm in Anxiety Counseling, Depression Counseling Chicago, Individual Coaching & Counseling, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues Counseling, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Dealing with loss in the New Year

Having lost someone in 2017 shapes the way we view the New Year.  We view everything through the lense of loss.  Rather than looking forward to upcoming events we see these functions as sorrowful, even meaningless.  “It’s the first celebration without them.”  Which, of course, diminishes the occasion. 

Feelings of sadness, anger, denial, isolation and sometimes guilt rule our days.  While experiencing these painful emotions can help us move through the grief process we need appropriate outlets so we don’t get stuck in any one of these stages (Kubler-Ross, 1969).  We want to eventually get to a place of acceptance so we can heal and once again tolerate positive emotions.  Guilt over feeling happy can interfere with our receptivity to love and support from others.  Try to open yourself to others kind works and gestures of love.

Normalizing your life helps you get beyond the grief.  Fill your life with plenty of positive activities.  Partaking in exercise, work, dinners with family move us forward.  Look for those situations that allow you to find balance between felling, self-expression and acceptance.  If we dwell only on the loss this keeps us stuck in the process of grieving.

Allow yourself to feel.  We move through various emotions while grieving.  Not surprisingly we feel sad one day and perhaps angry the next.  Embrace the fact that while grieving we feel many complex emotions which constantly fluctuate.

Don’t hesitate to call friends who can offer an empathic ear.  People worry that reaching out too often will burden their relationships.  True intimate relationships have a large capacity for love and empathy.  If you experience rejection when attempting to reach out then you probably need to assess the health of your friendships.

Lastly, be kind to yourself in 2018.   You will find your way out of the emotional fog.  Be patient it takes time to heal.  If you need more help don’t hesitate to call!  Dr. Goschi is here to help (312)595-1787.