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With therapists in short supply, group counseling offers alternative

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With therapists in short supply group counseling offers alternative
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If it seems like a good fit, try a few sessions. Pay attention to how the interactions between the clinician and the other group members feel.

In the pandemic, Angela Lundberg’s mental health plummeted.

“I became anxious and depressed, and it disrupted my life,” the 43-year-old Minneapolis substitute teacher says. “I lived in a constant state of fear and worried that everyone I loved would die.”

Lundberg’s struggles are far from unique in the coronavirus era. Her decision to try group therapy might offer a way forward for others, as well.

Initially, Lundberg, who is also a freelance writer, worried about “sharing my personal life with strangers,” but she says she decided to give group therapy a try. “I was desperate to feel better,” she says, and group therapy has helped.

Since 2019, America’s mental health needs have climbed. “More than four out of 10 adults, 43 percent, told a Census Bureau pulse survey in November 2020 they suffered from anxiety or depression,” The Washington Post reported last year. From late August 2020 through Feb. 1, 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans reported “symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder increased significantly,” from 36.4 percent to 41.5 percent.

Unfortunately, many mental health professionals are too busy to accommodate the rising demand, says Vaile Wright, the senior director of health-care innovation at the American Psychological Association (APA). “We had a shortage of providers before the pandemic began, and it’s even worse now,” Wright adds.

One possible solution, she says, is to find more innovative ways to reach people, including telehealth, support groups and group therapy.

For some, the idea of group mental health care might generate worries. A 2021 study found that social anxiety, anger from others and fear of humiliation kept people from trying it.

But a 2021 meta-analysis found that group therapy for mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder were more effective than individual therapy and could be just as curative as taking medication.

Groups also foster benefits that individual therapy cannot, says psychologist Nicole Cammack, a clinical advisory board member for Sesh, a mental health platform that offers therapist-led support groups. “Not everyone is comfortable opening up right away, even to their own therapist,” Cammack says. In a group, however, people can hear from others facing similar struggles.

What is group therapy?

Like individual therapy, group therapy is led by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist, trained to provide “competent group therapy,” Wright says.

Group therapy is often structured around a specific theoretical orientation. For instance, research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy can help alleviate social anxiety. In contrast, interpersonal groups can help address relationship concerns including asking for help, expressing emotions and working through conflict.

Group treatment can also help people overcome eating disorders, depression and substance use, all of which have increased since the pandemic began.

Lundberg’s group met three times a week via Zoom for several months. “The main benefit was being part of a caring group of people,” she says. “I looked forward to seeing them each week, and it helped me feel less alone.”

Lundberg, who has an autoimmune illness and worried about becoming seriously ill if she caught covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, says the group therapist taught coping skills such as mindfulness, breathing work and self-care tools that have been clinically proved to help manage stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Another potential takeaway is that group therapy gives members the chance to receive feedback from many individuals. “This can lead to a broader perspective to solving life’s troubles,” Cammack says.

But although groups offer many positives, Wright cautions that they are not the first line of treatment for people having thoughts of self-harm or in a crisis. In those cases, group therapy might be used in conjunction with individual therapy, she says.

What is a peer support group?

Unlike group therapy, peer-led groups are not managed by a mental health professional. Instead, they’re led by people who have faced challenges the group members are also experiencing.

After her mother died many years ago, Barri Leiner Grant, 56, a certified grief coach in Chicago, played host to a group event for motherless daughters. “I realized that we don’t ‘get over’ grief; we learn to live with the loss,” Grant says. Recognizing the need for more support, Grant was inspired to start “the Memory Circle,” a grief group for anyone coping with loss.

Even though peer-led groups such as Grant’s don’t deliver psychotherapy, they can still soothe emotional pain and ease stress. One study found that these groups can increase resilience and help people feel more empowered and hopeful about the future.

Although each peer group differs, Wright says the underlying goals tend to be similar. “Peer support seeks to validate people’s emotions, help them feel less alone and create community,” she says.

In her groups, Grant does not set out to change anyone’s beliefs or behavior: “We do not join together to fix one another, but to hold space and time to experience grief.”

Teri Brister, the chief program officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), says peer groups can be a good fit for anyone looking for personal support and to learn from others.

How to find a group

Health-care professionals including doctors and nurses can provide peer support and group therapy referrals. Online directories run by Psychology Today and the American Group Psychotherapy Association provide lists of therapy groups.

Nonprofit organizations such as NAMI offer peer-led groups for people living with mental illness. And for new parents in search of support, Postpartum Support International provides support groups for mothers struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety.

Before signing up for a group, Wright recommends reviewing your health insurance and, because group therapy is not always covered by insurance, inquiring about costs upfront. Lundberg’s group was offered through the University of Minnesota as part of an intensive outpatient program; most hospital-based programs accept insurance.

Telehealth companies including Sesh and Circles provide support groups, but it’s important to read the fine print. Cammack says Sesh operates on a confidential platform, but not all telehealth apps follow these guidelines.

In the U.S., there’s no regulatory body overseeing mental health apps, making it hard to determine what’s ‘good’ and what’s not,” Wright says.

To ensure confidentiality, check out whether your health information is sold, and if there’s a data breach, what recourse members have.

Also, ask who leads a group and whether they’re a trained mental health professional, Wright suggests. In some but not all cases, support groups (not peer groups) will be led by therapists.

If group-based mental health seems like a good fit, try a few sessions. Pay attention to how the interactions between the therapist and the other group members feel. Witnessing other people’s suffering often presents an opportunity to extend empathy and altruism to someone else, which can also be healing, research shows.

In the end, Lundberg says her experience was invaluable.

“Before covid-19, I never pictured myself trying group therapy or seeing a psychiatrist,” she says. “However, it was a great source of support at a very unpredictable and frightening time.”

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4 Common Types of Construction Accidents in Albany

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March 21, 2023

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Although construction errors and accidents happen all the time, there are some that stand out. These accidents can sometimes be fatal and cause costly damages. Therefore, it is essential to seek the legal assistance of Albany construction accident lawyers if you are injured in a construction accident in Albany.

A construction accident lawyer will be able to provide help in understanding your legal rights and can provide the best advice on how to move forward with the accident claim. They will also assist in taking care of your needs, whether it is medical, financial, or other matters. When you retain a construction accident lawyer, they will look out for your best interests during the process and ensure that you are taken care of.

Construction accidents can occur at any place, workplace, or vehicle during which you or another person might suffer injury. The following are some of the common types of construction accidents in Albany.

  • Vehicle accidents while at work

Anyone in the construction industry is faced with the risk of being injured. Even if you are a crane operator at a construction site, you are still at risk for a vehicle accident. These may be caused by numerous reasons such as:

  • Distracted driving
  • Weather conditions, such as fog, rain, and snow
  • Space congestion
  • Vehicle malfunctioning
  • Mechanical failure of the vehicle

  • Explosions

Explosions are a common occurrence in buildings, mines, and industrial areas. These accidents can cause injuries to whoever is around the explosion site and even fatalities. You should consult a construction accident lawyer if you are injured in any such accidents. A lawyer can help you with your claim and the necessary paperwork to ensure that you receive deserving compensation.

  • Falls from heights

As part of your work, there is a possibility that you might fall from a height and suffer injuries or even be killed. This can be prevented by using fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, and safety lines to secure workers to the job site. However, if this does not work out due to laxity on the contractor’s part, then you are entitled to compensation for the injury caused.

  • Welding accidents and machinery defect accidents

People fall ill with an occupational disease from the misuse of welding equipment and other machinery. In cases where the injuries are severe, you might be able to obtain compensation for your medical bills if you were injured in a welding accident at the workplace.

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Forms of Injuries Often Suffered in Slip-and-Fall Accidents

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March 21, 2023

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Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents frequently happen in Oilfield. Land proprietors who are responsible for upkeep fail to fulfill their obligation. A wet or improperly cleansed floor surface, a broken or hazardous staircase, or a cracked or uneven parking area or pathway to a building or house are all examples of owner neglect.

Slip-and-fall mishap victims may experience a variety of injuries and severe health issues that necessitate costly, time-consuming, and uncomfortable treatments. Managers and insurance companies frequently attempt to escape responsibility or place the onus on the sufferer. An Oilfield accident lawyer New Mexico can assist you in seeking financial compensation for your injuries and damages and ensure you get the deserving compensation. 

 

Typical Accidents From Falling

Even though every mishap case is unique and needs to be handled differently, some injuries are more frequent after a victim slides and falls than others. The following are some of the most frequent accidents caused by falls:

  • Elbow and Hip Problems

Complex body parts like the hip and shoulder joints are readily hurt in any kind of abrupt mishap, like a fall. Seniors are particularly susceptible to this, which leaves them open to hip and shoulder problems.

For older individuals, broken bones can be more severe and even fatal. Falls can result in fractures and other types of hip and elbow dislocations.

  • Other fractures and dislocations of the bone

While hip and shoulder injuries are the most frequent, other bones, including the wrists, ankles, palms, and toe bones, are frequently fractured in slip-and-fall mishaps.

Ribs are readily cracked, and arm and limb bones are especially prone to fracturing. The muscles that encircle the rib cage frequently hold the rib bones in position, causing a painful injury that is challenging to heal.

  • Cervical and Back Pain

Due to their fragility, the back and spine are particularly vulnerable to injury from any sudden force or impact. Whiplash is a common type of back and neck injury in other mishaps, like car collisions.

  • Injury to the spinal cord

In the most difficult situations, the spinal nerve within the back and neck’s spinal column may be harmed. Vertebral fractures or injury to the spinal cord’s nerves are two examples of this harm. In the worst scenarios, the spinal cord may be severed, which will make the sufferer paralyzed from the injury site downward.

  • Other traumatic brain injuries besides concussions

Frequently, a fall or slip can cause a severe impact on the cranium. A concussion or inflammation and swelling of the head’s surrounding regions may result from this direct-force trauma. Both transient and lasting brain damage is possible.

 

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The perks of having a good physician for patients

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2 weeks ago

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March 7, 2023

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You must be brilliant and driven to be admitted into medical school. As students progress toward becoming licensed physicians, they continue to acquire traits that will help them succeed. Deciding on your future profession is essential. You must conduct an extensive study before deciding what to do. So, take a look at the benefits good physicians offer patients.

 

  1. Having firsthand care

The American Academy of Family Physicians states that a primary care physician is “responsible for providing a patient’s comprehensive treatment.” Regular appointments with the same physician foster a relationship that benefits the patient. The primary care physician gradually builds up a thorough picture of the patient’s health, which aids in making more precise diagnoses of disorders. A primary care physician also works with other medical practitioners and healthcare specialists to track any special care a patient receives.

 

  1. Medication Management

Approximately 35% of Americans use at least one prescription medication. According to Consumer Reports research, persons who use prescription medication typically take four. There are potential adverse effects when the pharmaceuticals interact because different doctors frequently administer other medications. A primary care physician can act as a gatekeeper by keeping track of all the medications a patient takes and noting any changes in dosage or frequency that could have unfavorable side effects.

 

  1. Preventions

The more informed a doctor is about your overall health, the more probable they will be able to spot health issues before they arise. Your primary care doctor can propose testing to find out whether you’re at risk for getting diabetes, heart disease, or cancer by having access to your overall health profile. If you have a high risk of developing a disease, your primary care physician can suggest lifestyle adjustments you might need to adopt to help lower your risk.

 

  1. Behavioral Health

Throughout the patient’s therapy, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other behavioral health specialists will have the chance to consult with their primary care provider and the social worker assigned to them. Medication for depression, anxiety, or another ailment may be prescribed, along with counseling for behavioral health.

The scope of a primary care physician’s comprehensive treatment includes keeping an eye on a patient’s psychological well-being. At direct care office visits, it is advised to check for depression in adults and children older than 12. Every time a patient at Baptist Health sees their primary care physician, they will be questioned about their mental health.

 

Having a physician is essential as they can help you significantly. A prime example of this is Doctor Dave Nayak. He is a doctor with a good heart and allows each individual according to merit. Dave runs free asthma and allergy clinic that offers the uninsured supplementary specialty medical care. He believes in the growth of a community and is progressively working to achieve it.

He wants to be a good neighbor to suffering people, including the ill, the hungry, and those going through trauma. He appreciates the chance to develop scalable programs that benefit his fellow Midwesterners in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding states.

 

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