Holiday Joys, Holiday Stresses

As the holidays approach focus on ways to make this time a joyful one despite the inevitable stresses and worries. Be realistic, don't expect everything to go as planned, and take time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Remember that it is more important to open your heart, than open your pocketbook.

Best Wishes to All from Psychological Health Roanoke

ADHD & Holiday Spending

During the hustle and bustle of the season, we are bombarded with messages encouraging us to buy everything in sight. For many, this leads to overspending, which results in stress and other problems when the new year rolls around and the bills come in.

While this problem plagues many people, holiday overspending can be an especially acute issue for some adults with ADHD. Holiday spending pitfalls can be avoided through knowledge, planning, setting limits, and implementing appropriate strategies.

For more information- www.chadd.org/

Turkey & Pigskin

The culmination of the Fall season lies at the intersection of Friday Night Lights and the Thanksgiving Turkey. The Pilgrim born festivities we have embraced for centuries have become interwoven with America’s Games of Autumn. As distinct as these phenomenon might first appear, both are very much a part of the American spirit. What we celebrate in one way at the dinner table, we embrace in another on the field of play. Enjoy the abundance of it all, be thankful – and have some turkey.

Remembering Veterans

Medal of Honor recipients are speaking out about the needs of today's combat veterans, with the message:

Don't let the enemy defeat you at home -- if you return from combat and have concerns about your mental health, the tools and resources are here now. So make use of those resources and stay strong.

To hear this message in the words of the Medal of Honor recipients: http://www.medalofhonorspeakout.org/home

National Stress Øut Week, November 8-14

For many people, a glass of wine with dinner or a few drinks at a party is no cause for concern. However, people with an anxiety disorder who use alcohol or other substances to alleviate their symptoms may actually make their anxiety worse. And it can be a vicious cycle: The symptoms of one disorder can make the symptoms of another worse.

During National Stress Øut Week, November 8-14, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) encourages you discover the difference between everyday stress and an anxiety disorder; take time to relax and unwind; and find help for anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders.

For more information- http://www.adaa.org/

New Poetry from Charlie Finn

The Mastery of the Thing! Transcendence in Counseling and Sports is Charlie Finn’s newest book of poetry. Charlie defines transcendence as “rising above or triumphing over negative or restrictive circumstances, going beyond the limits of ordinary experience. ” Speaking to both the world of sport and the world of counseling, he explores the refusal to give in to adversity or discouragement that most defines us as human and allows us to grow.

Copies are available directly from Charlie ($10) at Psychological Health Roanoke
(540-777-7086 or cfinn@psychhealthroanoke.com)

For more on Charlie Finn’s poetry: http://www.poetrybycharlescfinn.com/

Roanoke Small Business Awards

Psychological Health Roanoke was recognized by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce at the 24th Annual Small Business Awards held at the Hotel Roanoke on October 5. Nominated in the "Businees-to-Consumer Services" category, PHR was among a diverse list of companies. We would like to congratulate all the nominees and category winners as well as the Roanoke Small Business of the Year, Magnets USA.

For more about the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce incluing interviews with the 2010 nominees -- http://www.roanokechamber.org/

The Wounded Warrior Project

Dr John Heil spoke on "Sport Psychology for the Wounded Warrior" at a USO sponsored conference for soldiers and their families, held at Fort Bliss Army Base in El Paso, Texas. Also on the program were nationally recognized personal trainer,Robert Reames, wounded Viet Nam veteran and motivational speaker, Dave Roever, and Drew Dix, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for service in Viet Nam.

For information about the USO: http://www.uso.org/
For more about the Wounded Warrior Project: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

VT Psych Practicum

PHR continues to sponsor a Practicum for VT Psychology students. Jennifer Davis offers comments on her experience below.

This past semester I was given an incredible opportunity to intern at Psychological Health Roanoke. The clinicians were always so willing to help and taught me so many things that I never would have learned in school. Getting to sit in on different therapy sessions each week was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The rest of the staff was always pleasant to be around and so helpful with everything. The internship made me positive that Clinical Psychology is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/resources.html

Consumer Reports on Psychotherapy

Consumer Reports, the largest independent consumer and product testing organization world-wide, has taken a look at psychotherapy. The July 2010 issue reports on a survey of 1,500 people who had sought help for depression and anxiety. Results indicate that those who completed at least 7 psychotherapy sessions reported as much improvement as those who had taken medication alone. The best outcomes were found when medication and "talk" therapy were used in combination.

The same article also reports on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (that should be fully in effect by 2014) which is expected to increase the afforability of mental health care.

Reported by Dr. Bruce Sellars

For more information: http://www.consumerreports.org/

Art as Meditation

Billy Bob Beamer uses art as a means of dealing with chronic pain and the stress, describing his work as a “quiet active meditation". As part of his evolution as pain sufferer and artist, he has begun to teach others how they also might merge art and meditation. Billy Bob has exhibited in over 60 art shows throughout the USA and at the Ancient High House Museum, Staffordshire, UK.
For more about Beamer:
http://thenevicaproject.com/Gallery%20Artist/Artist/gallery_artist_Billy.htm
For an in-depth look at his thoughts on art as therapy: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/BBeamerArt%26Pain.pdf

Youth Sport Injuries

With few exceptions sport has thrived at all levels through the recent economic downturn. Such is the power of the sport enterprise – part profit machine, part field of dreams. But all is not well in the games of our youth. The increasingly seductive rewards of success at the highest levels, and the misapplication of professional sports ethics and expectations threaten the integrity of the youth sports movement. One of the greatest concerns is injury – which is happening at increasing frequency as the young are pushed too hard, too soon. This threat to well being is the focus and mission of STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention).
For information about STOP: http://www.stopsportsinjuries.com/

For a look at childrens' perspectives on injury: http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/ppChildInjuryLoberg.pdf

Infidelity

From the time of Moses’ wandering in the desert to our age of celebrity indulgence, tales of infidelity continue to perplex and distress, and to tear at the fabric of family and community. Distressingly common and potentially devastating, there are identifiable causes and potential solutions. For insights, see the most recent Advantage EAP Newsletter by Steve Strosnider http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/April2010-Infidelity.pdf.

Jennifer Davis on VT Psychology Practicum

This past semester I was given an incredible opportunity as an undergradute intern at Psychological Health Roanoke. The clinicians were always so willing to help and taught me so many things that I never would have learned in school. Getting to sit in on different therapy sessions each week was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The rest of the staff was always pleasant to be around and so helpful with everything. The internship made me positive that Clinical Psychology is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Barbara Horton on Greg Mortenson

Greg Mortensen, author of "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones into Schools," spoke in the Hollins University's Distinguished Speakers Series. An engaging, down to earth speaker, he makes a convincing case that schools, not bombs should lead the peace initiative in the Middle East, as well as the rest of the world. Drawing on both scientific research and anecdote, Mortensen notes that when girls are educated, birth rates decline, health in communities improves and people find peaceful means of employment. He explained that when a man goes on a jihad, or spiritual quest, he must first obtain permission from his mother –- and that more highly educated women are less likely to support jihads that are linked to terrorism.
"Three Cups of Tea" is endorsed by highly ranked members of our military, including Generals Petraeus and McChyrstal, who advocate building relationships in communities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more information, go to http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.

Dorene Fick at Lewis Gale Behavioral Health

The Mental Health professionals at Lewis Gale Behavioral Health Pavilion are a dedicated work group, challenged by the rapid turnover of patients and the fast pace of their day-to-day clinical environment. Dorene Fick, LCSW, has been guiding the staff in the development of a Peer Supervision Group which focuses on both professional development and clinical service. Meeting monthly, the group engages in dynamic case management through collaborative feedback and critique, and builds expertise via topical presentations and article reviews.

For more about Lewis Gale Medical Center Behavioral Health: http://www.lewis-gale.com/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=59AC5D6C-0C89-11D4-A2CB-00508B1245EF

Quitting Smoking

We all know the devastating health consequences of smoking. Legions have quit the habit. Yet many others continue to succumb to this potent addiction. Even though there are more and more medical technologies to enable the will of those who would be smoke free, the struggle goes on. Sometimes it all comes down to capturing the moment that is ripe for change. Maybe that moment is NOW.
Our current Advantage EAP Newsletter on quitting smoking is at
http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/March2010-SmokingCessation.pdf

Ron Salzbach on Music as Therapy

Watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show at 12 years old, I knew I had to learn to play the guitar. By age 14, I started up a band with 3 neighborhood friends. My dad bought a station wagon to haul the equipment, and we started making a little money in the latter part of the exciting 1960’s. When it became clear that we were not going to become The Beatles, we moved on. My love for all types of music continues. It’s my therapy.
For a look at Ron back in the day go to http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/RSalzbachMusicJan10.pdf
And - Some of Ron's music is availble in the Resource Section of our website

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Barbara Horton, LCSW, spoke on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Borderline Personality Disorders in February to the Lewis Gale Pavilion Peer Supervision Group, lead by Dorene Fick.

DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington in 1993. This two year program teaches daily use of personal coping skills that are typically lacking in Borderline Personality Disorder. These include: mindfulness, dealing with personal crises, managing emotional swings, and interacting with others in a less volatile and more constructive manner. This program has shown favorable results where conventional approaches to psychotherapy have failed.

For more information:
http://behavioraltech.org/index.cfm?CFID=25880723&CFTOKEN=46361464

Winter Olympics

The quadrennial Winter Olympics are here again for a brief wisp of time as athletes curl, swirl, ski, skate and slide their way to joy and glory. These Games continue to move to the forefront of sport consciousness swept along by a growing Gen X & Y mentality. The most recent tag of "NASCAR on Ice" speaks to their expanding reach. The higher, stronger faster dimension of the snow and ice games is palpable and an inherent part of their appeal.

For insight on the risk taking mentality in sport & efforts to help athletes compete safely, go to:
http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/risktakingfinal(3).pdf

Disposing of Unused Medications

When the medicine cabinet is full to overflowing, what is the solution? For all their remarkable benefits, medications carry certain risks and responsibilities. Old medicines may go out of date and lose their effectiveness. Leftover pills may provide a means to self-medicate for a new problem without a doctor’s advice, a fairly common but still potentially dangerous practice. And certain medications, for example “pain pills,” may pose a temptation to the recreational drug user.
The February Advantage EAP Newsletter summarizes advice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on proper disposal of medications
FDA guidelines for the safe disposal of a broad range of medications are available at http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

Health Care Legislation & Mental Health

Without proper health care, the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are gradually eroded. The American Psychological Association is actively at work in the health care reform legislation that is now in Congress. APA’s efforts in advocating for quality health care have focused on the mind-body connection in health and mental health disorders.

For information on the status of the proposed health care legislation and mental health initiatives go to http://www.apa.org/health-reform/

New Year's Resolutions Revisited

As January grinds forward, the cold may chill your will to keep those new years resolutions going forward. To help keep yourself on track with a good start to 2010 take a look at the January Advantage EAP Newsletter on setting realistic goals and making healthy new ways a part of your lifestyle. The newsletter is available at http://www.psychhealthroanoke.com/Resources/January2010NewYearNewYou.pdf

PHR Clinicians Receive Bedside Manner Awards

Congratulations are due to all the winners of the 3rd Annual Bedside Manner Awards, sponsored by Ourhealth magazine. We would like to recognize those at Psychological Health Roanoke who have been honored, including Alison Allsbrook, Lola Byrd, Emily DeFrance and Cathy Taylor. Special kudos to Steve Strosnider for his 1st place award.
A full list of honorees can be viewed at http://www.ourhealthvirginia.com/