WELCOME TO OUR BLOG
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND HELPFUL ARTICLES
Welcome to this space dedicated to providing helpful information to support you in your health and wellness journey.
Stubborn Depression? TMS or Spravato treatment may be the solution
Depression that does not respond to 2 or more antidepressant medications of therapeutic dose for at least 6 weeks is what I call “sticky depression” or more formally, treatment resistant depression. Luckily it does not have to be treatment resistant anymore because I have 2 major weapons against “sticky depression” - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine nasal spray). Luckily, both are very safe, FDA approved/cleared, and are covered by most major insurance plans. Often, the biggest challenge is deciding which treatment is best for my individual patient because most patients are great candidates for both treatments.
Feelings Are Not Facts: A Psychiatrist's Perspective
We encourage you to have a different and more mindful perspective, a different approach to how you respond to stress. You are free to choose how you react to the stimulus instead of being a victim and simply just reacting to your environment. You are free to question assumptions, analyze resources, problem solve, and strategize. Your life can and should be dictated by you. You can choose to react differently to stress. You don’t have to be a victim anymore. We want to teach you about proactive coping, stress reduction, and living a principle-centered life.
Are you struggling with postpartum depression? Top tips to get you feeling well
You are not alone. The majority of our clinicians at Sweetgrass Psychiatry are mothers, and we know it is tough right after having a baby. There is nothing like it and no one can quite prepare you for what to expect. It can be very challenging to determine what is normal after pregnancy vs. postpartum blues vs. postpartum depression. That is what we are here for.
What are the Differences Between Therapy Dogs, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals?
In recent years, the use of animals in therapeutic and support capacities has gained significant traction. Whether it's a dog helping someone navigate a busy street or a cat providing comfort during tough times, animals have proven to be indispensable allies for many individuals. However, there's often confusion surrounding the terms "therapy dog", "service animal", and "emotional support animal." Let's delve into the differences.
Is Your Phone Making You Miserable? Part 2: Reconnecting with Life: Balancing Your Relationship with Technology
Recognizing the potential pitfalls of excessive tech use is the first step towards a healthier relationship with technology. In the end, the challenge of finding balance with technology is an ongoing journey, and one's attachment to their devices can be deeply rooted. It is essential to explore these feelings and motivations and understand why we feel so attached to our screens and notifications. By doing so, individuals can take meaningful steps toward regaining control over their digital lives, fostering a healthier and more fulfilling existence in this tech-integrated world.
Is Your Phone Making You Miserable? Part 1: The Digital Dilemma: How Phone Use Impacts Mental Health
In today's digital era, technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. It connects us with the world, makes tasks more convenient, and keeps us entertained. Yet, amidst the constant stream of notifications and social media, many find themselves feeling increasingly miserable and disconnected. How did we reach this point, and more importantly, how do we strike a balance?
Quitting is the hardest thing to do: How to stop smoking
Seriously! Quitting smoking is the most challenging habit to stop - we get it. Tobacco cessation is also one of the best decisions you can make for your health, your wallet, your relationships, and your vanity. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. I have had many success stories among my patients over the years thanks to their will power, a little encouragement, a little medications for some, and psychotherapy for some. There is no one size fits all. With the right plan, tools, and support, we believe you can do this!
Adults Need a Bedtime Too: Diagnosing, Managing, and Treating Insomnia
Sleep can be challenging and elusive yet necessary for your best mental health. It is often the first symptom / warning sign of mental health problems and can trigger and/or exacerbate underlying mental health problems. First, you need to characterize your sleep problems and sleep patterns. For example – is it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or are you waking up too early? If you wake up at night, is it difficult to fall back asleep. We recommend keeping a sleep log next to your bed or on an app on your phone.
To best address your issues with sleep, is essential that you and your healthcare provider identify the cause of your sleep problems, which may involve a physical examination, laboratory studies, and additional testing. It is essential to develop and implement behavioral, psychological, and social solutions to improve your sleep. Lastly, you may require interventions such as a Cpap machine and/or medications to improve your sleep quality.
Do you need couples counseling / marriage therapy?
Couples counseling is a type of psychotherapy that can help couples with a variety of concerns or areas of stress in their relationship and life. Many areas of a romantic relationship can be confusing or stressful to manage, such as communication, finances, roles, beliefs, emotional and physical intimacy, chronic illness, relationships with family, child rearing, and more. Therapists can help couples build healthy habits and skills with one another, increasing relationship satisfaction and functionality of the relationship and family.