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Inside this issue:
- Is Society Sicker than Ever?
- A Page From My Playbook: Inspiring words from a former client
- Loaded Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Assault with an Eggly Weapon: From Breakfast to Battery Faster than Flipping a Pancake
- Our First Ever Pet Photo Competition
- Rossen Law Firm Happenings - See what we've been up to the past few weeks...
Cover Story:
Is Society Sicker than Ever?
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and in light of recent tragedies, such as the Parkland shooting, we sat down with licensed mental health counselor, certified addictions professional and national certified counselor, Liza Piekarsky to discuss the current state of mental health awareness and treatment in this country.
“The population is probably struggling more now than it was when I first started practicing 12 years ago, and that’s a direct result of both social media and the instant gratification society we live in,” says Liza.
According to Liza social media forces too much comparison between people. Social media platforms like Facebook give people the freedom to portray whatever persona they want, which in most cases is one of having a fabulous, happy, and fulfilling life. When people are continually exposed to images and posts of their “friends” living some sort of glorious life, they start measuring their own against it, which is never a good idea.
“What’s being shown as the norm on social media, particularly in terms of looks and popularity, is unattainable and puts too much pressure on people. And the inability to achieve this “norm” in turn is causing anxiety, self-esteem issues and depression.”
Social media and technology have also negatively impacted the way we interact with each other.
“The more connected we are to social media, our phones, watches, etc., the more disconnected we are as humans. There’s not enough communication between human beings anymore.”
Despite social media causing new problems, there has been some forward progression in effecting positive change in mental health. Society has come a long way in terms of lifting the stigma surrounding mental health/ illness.
“Back when I first started practicing, in many cases seeing a therapist was something you didn’t want anyone to know about. It was kept very hush hush. Now people are much more comfortable talking about it. The stigma has been somewhat lifted.”
Access to treatment has also improved, with more programs available in schools and workplaces. But unfortunately insurance companies are still putting up a barrier to effective long term treatment.
“Insurance companies are not client driven; they’re money driven. They dictate treatment too much by limiting coverage, especially when many people cannot afford to pay out of pocket rates to continue treatment.”
With many different areas of mental health treatment still in dire need of improvement, we asked Liza what improvements could be made in the short run that would make the most difference right now.
“Screening and assessment are probably the two biggest areas to improve upon. Therapists need to assess clients better in order to determine the best course of action and treatment plan that will get them good results in the long run. For example, if you have a client who needs additional services outside of therapy, such as parenting classes, or a nutritionist, use your community resources to help get them these additional services. Incorporate them into the treatment plan because that’s what’s best for the client.”
For more information about Liza and her private practice, visit www.TherapyWithLiza.com
3 Simple Things You Can Do Right Now to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
- Exercise Get those endorphins flowing!
- Balance Your Diet Aim for nutrient-rich foods that will energize you.
- Sleep Give your body the rest & recovery time it needs.
