Tips to minimize Holiday Blues

December 2, 2017 Shushan No Comments

For some, the holidays represent a time of love, family and celebration. For others the holiday season may spark an overwhelming feeling of stress and depression. There are many factors that contribute to holiday depression: Self esteem, financial issues, unemployment, memories of deceased loved ones, relationship status, loneliness and much more. So, how do we minimize holiday blues?

If you find yourself feeling overly fatigued, frustrated, lonely, sad, or wanting to be isolated, there’s a good possibility you are suffering from holiday blues. This is a period of depression and will usually go away after the holiday or winter season, but should still be taken very seriously! If your feelings become too overwhelming, talk to a therapist to figure out your options.

Try these tips to help you feel better:

Accept your feelings. The very first thing you want to do is accept and acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. Similarly, if you are having financial issues and you are not happy about it, accept how you are feeling at the moment and realize that it is temporary.
Be open to change. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or the same like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. Be open to the possibility that not every holiday season will go according to how you imagined and wanted. You may have a limited budget and you may need to spend accordingly.
Stick to a routine and get enough sleep. Holiday parties, and other events may make it difficult, but it is extremely important for your mental health to stick to your normal routine of eating and sleeping well.

Try these suggestions:

Categories: Holiday Blues Tags: Tags: anxiety, depression, holiday blues, mental health, sadness, suicide, therapy

Happy Thanksgiving

November 23, 2017 Shushan No Comments

Thanksgiving, a widely celebrated day dedicated to acknowledging the goodness in our lives.

We stop to reflect on things and people we are thankful for. Being thankful is strongly linked with both mental and physical health. Thankfullnes can help relieve stress, depression and addictions, among other conditions. Various studies link counting one’s blessings to health. The simple act of expressing gratitude on a consistent basis has been shown to positively impact key areas in a person’s life. These areas include: relationships and connectedness, emotional well-being, and better physical and psychological health. Better psychological health means that people are more likely to engage in health-promoting activities and to seek medical help when it needed. Of course, it’s possible that mentally healthier people feel that they have more to be grateful for, which may explain some of their extra thankfulness.

Those who are struggling with mental health issues may find it difficult to find positivity in their lives.

The reality of Thanksgiving for some Americans is filled with family tension, arguments, sorrow and loss. Others face the stress of hosting, or the dread of being asked questions about their lives that they are not ready to answer. In a recent online poll conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Read More

Categories: Happy Thanksgiving! Tags: Tags: anxiety, depression, health, love, mental health, ocd, stress, thanksgiving, thanksgiving message, what are you thankful for

Importance of Mental Health

November 18, 2017 Shushan No Comments

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

Categories: Anxiety, Depression, Health / Illness / Medical Issues, Mental Health Tags: Tags: addiction, anxiety, depression, medical costs, mental health, mental health treatment

Love and Mental Health

March 13, 2016 Shushan 6 Comments

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

Categories: Love Tags: Tags: anxiety, depression, love, mental health, Shushan, Shushan Khachatryan, therapy

4 Red Flags of a Relationship Going Downhill

February 10, 2016 Shushan 14 Comments

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…

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.

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

Categories: Relationship Tags: Tags: communication, divorce, family, love, marriage, mental health, psychology, red flags, relationship, Shushan Khachatryan, therapist, valentines day

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children

June 2, 2015 Shushan 12 Comments

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.

Categories: Domestic Violence Tags: Tags: alcohol, anger management, anxiety, chronic illness, clinical depression, communication, depression, depression test, divorce, domestic violence, family, feeling depressed, feeling sad, fights about money, mental health, poor communication, psychotherapist, relationship, Shushan Khachatryan, signs of depression, sleep, stress, symptoms

Symptoms of Depression

May 21, 2015 Shushan 8 Comments

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

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.

Categories: Depression Tags: Tags: anger management, anxiety, chronic illness, clinical depression, communication, depression, feeling depressed, feeling sad, friends, insomnia, marriage and family therapist, mental health, psychotherapist, relationship, sadness, Shushan Khachatryan, signs of depression, stress, trust

Shushan Khachatryan speaks on Domestic Violence

March 12, 2015 Shushan 10 Comments

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

Categories: Domestic Violence Tags: Tags: anxiety, couples, depression, domestic violence, family, help, mental health, physical abuse, sexual abuse, violence, women

Rise To The Challenges

January 25, 2015 Shushan 1 Comment

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

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

Categories: Mental Health Tags: Tags: alcohol, anger management, anxiety, anxious people, chronic illness, chronic pain, clinical depression, communication, coping skills, couples, depression, depression test, divorce, domestic violence, eating habits, excercise, family, feeling depressed, feeling sad, fights about money, finances, friends, healthy eating, infidelity, invertility, Los Angeles Therapist, marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapy, medical condition, medications, mental health, MFT, poor communication, psychotherapist, relationship, self esteem, sexual abuse, sexual orientation, sexually faithful, Shushan, Shushan Khachatryan, signs of depression, sleep, sleep apnea, spouse, stress, symptoms, trauma, trust, victim

Top 3 Causes of Divorce

December 19, 2014 Shushan 4 Comments

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.

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.

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.

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

Categories: Divorce, Family Problems Tags: Tags: couples, divorce, family, fights about money, finances, infidelity, marriage, marriage and family therapy, money, poor communication, sexually faithful, spouse, trust