Private Blog Network – Begin the New Year by prioritizing your mental health with expert advice from local providers. Mental well-being is as vital as physical health, and reaching out for help can make a significant difference.
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, start by consulting your primary care physician. Treatment plans often combine medication and behavioral health therapy to address emotional challenges effectively.
Dr. Catherine Marmillo, a family medicine physician at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, encourages individuals to seek assistance without hesitation. “Many people feel embarrassed about going on medication, but more than 10% of patients take mood medications at some point,” Dr. Marmillo explained. “There’s no shame in getting help. We have the tools and expertise to support you.”
Crisis Management: Expert Tips to Regain Control and Reclaim Calm
Knowing how to manage crisis-related stress is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being. During a crisis, the sympathetic nervous system activates, triggering the fight, flight, or freeze response. While this mechanism helps us respond to immediate danger, its effects can linger long after the crisis has passed.
Persistent stress can manifest as headaches, a racing heart, fatigue, confusion, withdrawal, or intense anger, explained Molly Lotz, a licensed clinical social worker and crisis support counselor at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. “Living in that heightened state can be incredibly challenging,” Lotz noted.
Practical Steps for Relief
Simple actions can help regulate your nervous system and bring calm back into your life. These include:
- Connecting with a trusted friend or loved one.
- Drinking a cold glass of water.
- Squeezing the back of your neck gently.
- Spending time outdoors.
- Practicing deep breathing exercises.
“If we’re in fight, flight, or freeze, our body restricts deep breaths,” Lotz explained. “Cueing the brain to breathe deeply signals safety and helps us regain composure.”
When to Seek Help
If stress symptoms begin to disrupt your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Early intervention can make a significant difference in restoring balance and well-being. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness, and ensures you have the tools to navigate future challenges effectively.
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How to Build a Positive Relationship with Food: Tips for a Healthier and Happier You
Starting the year with sustainable health goals begins with fostering a positive relationship with food. Skylar Weir, a clinical dietitian at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, advises against focusing solely on weight loss and instead encourages individuals to approach food with a neutral mindset.
“Labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ creates unnecessary guilt,” Weir explained. “Instead, view them for their benefits—carbs as energizers, vegetables as supporters, proteins as builders, and fats as protectors.”
Weir encourages adopting a “nutrition by addition” approach rather than focusing on food restrictions. For instance, enhance meals with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, or proteins to increase overall nutrition. By focusing on what can be added rather than removed, individuals may find greater satisfaction and better health outcomes.
This balanced perspective not only improves physical health but also enhances emotional well-being. “People often tell me they feel more energized, their mood is better, and they’re more present in their daily lives,” Weir shared.
Weir emphasizes that joy is an essential part of nourishment. “Food is a big part of being human, and it’s important to allow yourself to experience joy from it,” she said.
Prioritizing Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of immense change, and it’s essential to monitor mental health throughout the journey. Depression and anxiety can occur during or after pregnancy, but these challenges are no longer hidden in silence. “People are much more open to talking about it now, and we want them to realize they are not alone,” said Miranda Salky, a certified nurse midwife at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic in Steamboat Springs.
Postpartum depression affects approximately one in eight parents. Symptoms can include overwhelming sadness, difficulty completing daily tasks, persistent anxiety, challenges bonding with the baby, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Salky stresses the importance of patients sharing concerns with their healthcare providers to ensure timely support and care.
“While some factors can increase the risk, postpartum depression can affect anyone, and there’s no shame or judgment in experiencing it,” Salky said. “Acknowledging and discussing what’s happening during pregnancy is a critical first step toward receiving help.”
Healthcare providers can guide patients through treatments, such as counseling, support groups, or medication, depending on individual needs. By fostering open communication and addressing mental health concerns, families can ensure a healthier and more positive experience during pregnancy and beyond.
Salky encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to seek help without hesitation, emphasizing that early intervention and support can make a significant difference for both the parent and the baby.