Posts in anxiety treatment
The Risks of Home-Administered Ketamine for Depression: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Ketamine, originally known as a powerful anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects by acting on the NMDA receptor and modulating glutamate in the brain. In controlled clinical settings, ketamine has proven efficacy in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. However, the growing trend of using ketamine at home, often without medical supervision, raises significant concerns.

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Feelings Are Not Facts: A Psychiatrist's Perspective

We encourage you to have a different and more mindful perspective, a different approach to how you respond to stress. You are free to choose how you react to the stimulus instead of being a victim and simply just reacting to your environment. You are free to question assumptions, analyze resources, problem solve, and strategize. Your life can and should be dictated by you. You can choose to react differently to stress. You don’t have to be a victim anymore. We want to teach you about proactive coping, stress reduction, and living a principle-centered life.

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Are you struggling with postpartum depression? Top tips to get you feeling well

You are not alone. The majority of our clinicians at Sweetgrass Psychiatry are mothers, and we know it is tough right after having a baby. There is nothing like it and no one can quite prepare you for what to expect. It can be very challenging to determine what is normal after pregnancy vs. postpartum blues vs. postpartum depression. That is what we are here for.

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What are the Differences Between Therapy Dogs, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals?

In recent years, the use of animals in therapeutic and support capacities has gained significant traction. Whether it's a dog helping someone navigate a busy street or a cat providing comfort during tough times, animals have proven to be indispensable allies for many individuals. However, there's often confusion surrounding the terms "therapy dog", "service animal", and "emotional support animal." Let's delve into the differences.

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PRECISION PSYCHIATRY: Using Genetic Testing to Guide Medication Treatment Decisions

Neuropharmagen® enables providers to identify the safest psychotropic medication protocol for patients based on their genetic markers and other relevant factors. Finding the right medication for mental health conditions can often be challenging for patients and providers. Being able to quickly discern specific treatments and dosage amounts for antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs may increase a patient’s adherence and chance for a positive outcome.

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Mindfulness Educational Course for Teens and their Parents with Anxiety

Sweetgrass Psychiatry is proud to offer an educational mindfulness course about how teens and parents of teens can manage anxiety using evidence based mindfulness techniques. This educational group is specifically for teens and their parents to help foster improved communication and a positive, healthy relationship. Using an evidence-based combination of intentional focusing, nervous system regulation and self compassion, participants will be equipped with realistic skills to more effectively handle the stress in their lives.

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Dudes Expressing Feelings: A Literature Review of Major Depressive Disorder in Young Adult Men

Men suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are diagnosed at half the rate of women but die by suicide 3 to 4 times as frequently (Swetlitz, 2021). Researchers argue that one of the key reasons behind this phenomenon is how societal gender processes affect how men and boys present depression and that “male-typical” symptoms of depression should be incorporated when assessing a diagnosis (Swetlitz, 2021). This literature review will cover the background and significance of MDD, how it affects young adult men, and how counselors can appropriately support this population. It will also focus on the role of other identity layers, such as culture, race, and economic status, in young adult men with MDD. In the results, one will find several critical influences behind why gender-role cultures create a bias toward men being underdiagnosed with depression. This will also cover how men suffering from this disorder can present in ways that might not be seen as a traditional diagnosis for MDD.

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How Do I Know If I Found the Right Therapist?

One of the most effective ways to treat depression and anxiety is through psychotherapy. Research continues to show that it is not the type of therapy that matters most in treatment outcomes - it is the relationship you build with your therapist. I compare finding your therapist to like dating - it has to be a “fit.”

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How to Handle Uncomfortable Thoughts

Sometimes we may find that our thoughts feel overwhelming, we get wrapped up in them, or that they may tend to dictate how our day goes. We may find that our thoughts change the ways we behave, which may lead to a cycle of negative behavior or feelings. Uncomfortable thoughts may be seen in people experiencing anxiety, depression, and a variety of other mental health concerns. It is possible to find detachment from our thoughts with the practice of cognitive defusion.

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Just do it! What is Behavioral Activation to treat depression?

Behavioral Activation (BA) is a therapy skill that can be done with or without Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy highlighting how thinking, behavior, and feelings are all inter-related and directly involved with one’s mental health. BA specifically focuses on the behavior portion involved in our mental health.

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Why do I keep pulling out my hair? Hint: It's called Trichotillomania

One condition that we treat regularly at Sweetgrass Psychiatry is trichotillomania. It can be debilitating and we are passionate about helping people with this relatively common condition. Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. It can be common for affected individuals to spend hours per day hair pulling. Treatment for trichotillomania typically includes a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication.

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Charleston Area LGBTQIA Resources

At Sweetgrass Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves the best mental health care treatment and a seat at our table regardless of gender identity, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, religion, age (we are working on providing more services for children), abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic level (which is why we proudly take insurance), and educational status.

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South Carolina / Charleston Area Sexual Assault Resources

At Sweetgrass Psychiatry, we firmly believe no one deserves to undergo sexual assault. If you have been a victim of trauma, we are here to help and support you. We want you to reclaim your body and reclaim your life. You deserve to live free from fear and anxiety. You were made perfectly and beautifully.

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