Stress is a response to a specific trigger and is generally short-term or situational, while anxiety can be more persistent, affecting individuals even in the absence of a clear stressor.

Symptoms Associated with Stress and Anxiety

Exploring these symptoms and their root causes is crucial in addressing stress and anxiety effectively. We will always consider this through the lens of a holistic approach, as each individual’s experience is unique and requires tailored strategies for management and relief.

Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of being overwhelmed, irritability, restlessness, feelings of apprehension and panic.

Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating/focusing, racing thoughts, fear of losing control, and constant worry.

Physical Symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sweating, increased heart rate, GI problems, trembling, and sleep changes.

Behavioral Symptoms: Changes in appetite, withdrawal from/avoidance of social activities or situations, compulsive and/or obsessive behaviors, and increased use of alcohol or drugs.

Common Causes of Stress

Life Changes: Major life transitions such as moving, changing jobs, or relationship challenges.

Work Pressure: Job responsibilities, deadlines, and high expectations can lead to chronic stress.

Environmental Factors: Noise, overcrowding, and financial pressures can contribute to elevated stress levels.

Health Issues: Chronic illnesses, physical injuries, and mental health conditions can induce stress.

Persistent stress: Can lead to the development of anxious conditions

Common Causes of Anxiety

Genetic Factors: Family history of anxiety disorders may increase individual risk.

Traumatizing Experiences: Past trauma or significant stressors can trigger anxiety symptoms.

Chemical Imbalances: Neurotransmitter irregularities in the brain may contribute to anxiety.

Substance Use: Alcohol, caffeine, and certain drugs can exacerbate or induce anxiety symptoms.

Please refer to the Controlled Substance Policy which notes that no controlled substances, including benzodiazepines for anxiety, will be prescribed.

Depression is a common, yet complex mental health disorder that can affect an individual's thoughts, behaviors, and physical health. Depression can occur in episodes or as a chronic condition, and it is important to recognize that it is not simply a feeling of sadness. It can disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms Associated with Depression

Exploring these symptoms and their root causes is crucial in addressing depression and mood dysfunction effectively. We will always view your story through the lens of a holistic approach, as your experience is unique and requires tailored interventions and strategies to empower you in navigating your mental health journey more with intention.

Persistent Sadness: A continuous feeling of sadness or emptiness that doesn’t seem to go away.

Loss of Interest: A noticeable decrease in interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable.

Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite.

Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia/sleeping too little or sleeping too much are common.

Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or loss of energy, even with adequate rest.

Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty concentrating/focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: A pervasive sense of inadequacy or excessive guilt over past actions.

Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or digestive issues, can also be present.

Suicidal Ideation: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which require immediate attention and intervention.

Common Causes of Depression

Biological Factors: Changes in brain chemistry, hormonal imbalances, and genetic predispositions can all increase vulnerability to depression.

Psychological Factors: Personality traits, such as low self-esteem or a tendency toward pessimism, can make individuals more susceptible to depressive episodes.

Environmental Stressors: Life events, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, or financial troubles, can trigger depressive symptoms.

Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease may contribute to the onset of depression due to the stress and limitations they impose.

Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug misuse can both cause and worsen depressive symptoms.

Trauma and Abuse: Experiencing trauma, whether in childhood or adulthood, can lead to long-term impacts on mental health, including depression.

Executive dysfunction is a common challenge for individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It affects a range of cognitive processes that are essential for managing daily tasks, making decisions, and regulating emotions.

Symptoms Associated with Executive Dysfunction associated in ADHD

Exploring these symptoms and their root causes is crucial in addressing executive dysfunction in ADHD effectively. We will always view your story through the lens of a holistic approach, as your experience is unique and requires tailored interventions and strategies to empower you in navigating your mental health journey more with intention.

Difficulty with Planning and Organization: Individuals may struggle to create effective plans for tasks, leading to missed deadlines or incomplete projects. They often have trouble organizing their thoughts and materials.

Inability to Initiate Tasks: Starting tasks can be a significant hurdle. Even when the individual understands what needs to be done, they may find it hard to begin.

Poor Time Management: People with ADHD often underestimate the time required to complete tasks, leading to procrastination or a rushed final outcome. They might also be late to appointments or forget to meet deadlines.

Difficulty Maintaining Focus: Sustaining attention on tasks, especially those that are lengthy or tedious, can be challenging. Distractions may easily pull their focus away from what they are supposed to do.

Impulsivity: Individuals may act on impulse without considering the consequences, leading to hasty decisions or interruptions in social situations.

Emotional Regulation Issues: Executive dysfunction can impact the ability to manage emotions effectively. Individuals might experience intense frustration or anxiety when faced with challenges.

Problems with Working Memory: Retaining and manipulating information in their mind can be challenging. This may include forgetting instructions or losing track of what they were doing mid-task.

Difficulty with Flexibility: When situations change or new rules are introduced, adapting becomes difficult. This rigidity can lead to frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed.

Challenges in Task Prioritization: Individuals may find it hard to determine which tasks require immediate attention versus those that can wait, leading to inefficient use of time and resources.

Please refer to the Controlled Substance Policy which notes that no controlled substances, including stimulants for ADHD, will be prescribed.