Importance of Mental Health

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mental health

When we are free of depression, anxiety, excessive stress and worry, addictions, and other psychological problems, we are more able to live our lives to the fullest.

Many research studies have shown that when people receive appropriate mental health care, their use of medical services declines. People with untreated mental health problems visit a medical doctor twice as often as people who receive mental health care. For example, let us look at anxiety. Excessive anxiety and stress can contribute to physical problems such as heart disease, ulcers, and colitis. Anxiety and stress can also reduce the strength of the immune system, making people more vulnerable to conditions ranging from the common cold to cancer. Read More

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Love and Mental Health

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There is a great value and importance of maintain loving relationships since love has a positive effect on mental health.

Love has been defined in various ways and I am curious as to how you would define it. Please feel free to comment and/or send me a private message on your thoughts. But for now, according to science, love is more than just a unique feeling.  There is evidence that when we are involved in loving relationships various neurotransmitters and hormones in our bodies play a role that affect us systemically.   Read More

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4 Red Flags of a Relationship Going Downhill

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Valentine’s Day is around the corner. It is suppose to be happy times for you and your partner however, things are going worse and worse day to day. That love you had towards your partner is becoming annoyance, hate, anger… dead end

 

Is it a dead end to your relationship or can you save it? Try exploring these 4 red flags and if all or most apply to you, I suggest contacting a therapist to give you a helping hand.

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1. Lack of Communication

Do you feel your conversations are becoming shorter and shorter? That’s not a good sign. Here are some things to look for when you and your partner are exchanging words.
a) Bitter Language: This is when unconsciously or consciously you or your partner use words that are offensive or words that project accusation and criticism.
b). Negativity: This occurs when majority of your talks are negative. You only speak to one another when there is something negative to point out. You only see the flaws of your partner and fail to recognize the positive traits and actions.
c). Not Letting Go: You hold on to arguments and negative experiences however, you tend to forget the positive and happy moments in your relationship. When the right time comes, you use the past against your partner. Read More

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Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

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Watch this short video to learn about the effects of domestic violence on children. Understand the signs and symptoms children may exhibit, what type of support they need, and how to prevent trauma.

 

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Symptoms of Depression

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Symptoms of Depression

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. Read below to learn about some signs of depression and so that you know when it’s time to seek help.

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Insomnia, early morning awakening or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide attempts
  • Restlessness, irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

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Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. But no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.

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Shushan Khachatryan speaks on Domestic Violence

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb0a7xb84FQ

Watch this short clip to learn about signs of a possible abusive relationship and what you need to do if you are a victim of domestic violence.

Domestic violence victims face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress. The first step in getting help is to tell someone you trust. Do Not wait. Speak up against domestic violence.

It can be hard to recognize or admit that you’re in an abusive relationship — but help is available.

Sincerely Yours,

Shushan

Happiness

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Rise To The Challenges

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Hello,

I am a psychotherapist providing therapy to Individuals, Couples, Families, and Adolescents in Los Angeles area. I can help you cope with life’s challenges such as, death of a loved one, domestic violence, addiction, family/relationship problems, marital conflict, infertility, abuse, chronic illness, unemployment, etc..

My goal is to assist you in your journey of working towards your potential and improving your well-being, as well as build on your strengths and attain the personal growth you are committed to accomplishing. It is my passion to help individuals move from suffering and hardship to a place of happiness and comfort.

I provide a caring, safe and professional environment for my patients where everything is kept confidential. My experience and areas of specialty include but is not limited to the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, addiction issues and, anger management.

If you feel that I may be a good fit for you, contact me to schedule a session by clicking on the link below. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely Yours,

Shushan

Happiness

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Shushan_Khachatryan_MFTI_Encino_California_210953

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Top 3 Causes of Divorce

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In Western cultures, more than 90 percent of people marry by age 50. Healthy marriages are good for couples’ mental and physical health. They are also good for children; growing up in a happy home protects children from mental, physical, educational and social problems. However, about 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce. The divorce rate for subsequent marriages is even higher.

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There can be multiple reason why couples choose divorce however, I will focus on the few that seem to be on the top of the list.

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1. Poor communication. This is one of the major reasons why divorce happens. Suppose that you didn’t drive a car before and that you used to think that when the fuel pointer points to the E (or empty) then this means that the car needs to be washed! What do you think will happen? Of course the car will stop leaving you in the middle of the street. But do you know what your fault was? You didn’t read the car’s manual. When two people live together they should be able to recognize the different signals that they both send. Both lack of self understanding and lack of understanding of people can cause a horrible communication gap between couples and so lead to divorce.

Distance is created quickly if you don’t share your feelings, don’t tell your partner what’s happening, and keep your feelings to yourself. A successful relationship constantly keeps the lines of communication open.

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2. Finances. Arguing about money is the top predictor of divorce. Fights about money are actually fights about deeper issues in the relationship such as power, trust, jealousy, etc. If these deep issues in the relationship are problematic, then the couple may be more likely to divorce. We all have deeply held beliefs about the best way to use money. Sometimes spouses’ beliefs differ and so they come into conflict. Imagine a spouse who feels that money is best used for status. On the other hand, the other spouse believes money is best used for security. This couple would then probably have more conflict.  If money becomes a consistent topic of disagreement, the road to divorce is certain. Read More

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Understanding Insomnia, its Symptoms, and Causes

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Do you struggle to get to sleep no matter how tired you are? Or do you wake up in the middle of the night and lie awake for hours, anxiously watching the clock? Insomnia is a common problem that takes a toll on your energy, mood, health, and ability to function during the day.

What is Insomnia?

People who have insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia is the inability to get the amount of sleep you need to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired
  • Waking up frequently during the night
  • Trouble getting back to sleep when awakened
  • Exhausting sleep
  • Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Daytime drowsiness, fatigue, or irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day

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Not Feeling Like Yourself? Try This Quick Depression Test To Find Out If You May Be Suffering From Depression.

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Everybody feels down or sad at times. But it’s important to be able to recognize when depression has become more than a temporary thing, and when to seek help.

The following are a list of the signs and symptoms that may be experienced by someone with depression.

  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
  • Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
  • Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
  • Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
  • Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
  • Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
  • Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
  • Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
  • Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
  • Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

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