Month: March 2019

Sexual Deviance

Kara Mental Health , 0 Comment
Sexual Deviance

Introduction

            Sexual deviance by definition is any exhibition of sexual behavior by individuals that is considered strange and not normal. It is any behavior that moves from the basic normal standards set over time by human. Due to its difference with set standards, these deviances are seen as unacceptable by the publics who play by the old rules. Examples of sexual deviances would include attraction to things such as trees, same sex marriages, fetish behavior and general attraction to inanimate objects. So then who decides what is acceptable and what is not? These standards are set by the moral values in a society, the laws of a land and more so by the medical spheres. This paper therefore seeks to identify this as a social problem and find out ways this sexual deviances effect on the people involved. (Garin, 2009)

            Over time sexual attraction has only been set to solely be defined by an act of two individual of the opposite gender having an attraction for each other. But with the changes in time, this has changed starting with the mild elements of having same sex marriages (which is legal in some countries) to extremes of having attractions to animals and inanimate objects. The individuals involved claim it is an orientation they find themselves in without planning bringing forth the conclusion that it is genetics based while others will argue that it is a process influenced by technology. There have been attempts by medics to try healing some of this deviances but the argument is that the solution does not lie in medicines but on treatment that changes the way the brain perceives things. The same argument lies in the religions, some accepting this deviances and actually embracing the individuals fully while some are still rigid on the same. A good example is with the catholic church whereby originally their priests were not allowed to marry but they split into 2 groups one allowing them to marry. Recently the Catholic Church has again had to handle a major difference on regards to their support or dislike for same sex marriages with numerous cases of priests repeatedly molesting young boys.

            Another major debate brought out to the public on the same case of sexual deviances is in the recently concluded America’s elections. President elect Donald Trump was branded as being against the LGBT community which over time has come to be legalized in the country. This saw numerous street protests some claiming freedom was seemingly at risk but on the reverse a good number supported Trump which just means that the question of sexual deviance still holds numerous opinions on the Americans.

            In media however there has been a steady growth in embracing these groups with such deviances. Initially various show hosts got fired for exhibiting the mildest of same sex attraction behavior but over time the same has come to be embraced. A good example is through the story of popular TV host Ellen DeGeneres. She was fired on coming out as a lesbian but later on taken back and her show now popular hides no fact that she is a lesbian. Hers is actually a celebrity lesbian couple marriage talked about by many.

Conclusion

            It is proper to then conclude that sexual deviances are on the rise and the people exhibiting such behavior find it hard to catch up with the so perceived normal behavior. However, the society is gradually accepting these groups but those with extreme deviances are still viewed as sick and need psychological help.

If Your Close Person Has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Kara Mental Health , 0 Comment
If Your Close Person Has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

How to live or communicate with a person with PTSD

A kind gesture has the potential to reach a wound that only compassion can heal, and the same applies to how we treat PTSD patients. Empathy is critical to help them overcome their situation. Living and communicating with those with PTSD requires us to be more cautious about our words and empathetic. Below is a list of what not to say to people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;

  1. It is time you let go of the past and move forward with your life

This statement blames the victim since implies that the person with PTSD is wishing to remain in emotional turmoil and stuck. We must not forget that there is no time limit to healing. For more details you can read those essays on ptsd.

  • Doesn’t PTSD only happen to war veterans?

The moment someone comes out and reveals that they are experiencing PTSD symptoms, high chances are that they are telling the truth. They understand their pain and experiences, and it is not up to us to decide if they are suffering or not or if they had a traumatic experience.

  • It can only get better from now on.

This is not true. As much as this sounds like an encouraging statement, it is not always the truth. Recovering from PTSD can take years. There are so many behavioral, emotional, psychological, and physical effects which manifest from trauma which all need to be worked through to aid to one’s healing.

  • Can’t you talk to someone about that?

People living with PTSD can definitely talk to someone about their condition, but it is important to remember that not every person can access an adequate PTSD support, mental health professional or even online PTSD support groups. Although someone has a good therapist or social support, this does not automatically mean that the symptoms and all the issues disappear.

Instead of using the above-listed words, communication can engage statements such as; I am here for you, I believe you, what never happened to you was not your fault, you are a good person, you are not alone regardless of the many times you feel alone, and such positive messages. It is therefore vital to ensure that we communicate with empathy to people with PTSD to help them recover.

How to help him overcome the illness

There are many steps and actions we can take to improve our beloved ones overcome PTSD illness, some of which are discussed below;

  • Maintaining a Dialogue

It is vital to keep the communication open. People with PTSD might feel embarrassed asking for help. It is up to us to take the initiative by asking them how you in the inclusion of other team members can help them.

It is vital to use empathetic listening and paying close attention to details of what they say. When they are reluctant to talk, do not force them, but wait for them to open up. Do not interrupt them when they start talking. Be patient, remembering that giving people an opportunity to talk about their concerns can turn out to be therapeutic in itself. If one is more comfortable communicating in writing, converse with them using the email.

  • Offer Training for the Team

It is essential to raise awareness of PTSD and its symptoms within your team; this is likely to inspire members to find new methods to work with anyone with the condition. People living with PTSD may be more sensitive and patient to colleagues’ needs once they understand what they might be going through. Offering training as part of the human resources program is more comprehensive to avoid singling out of people with PTSD.

  • Meeting their needs

If they have difficulty concentrating, offer them a quiet part of the office with few distractions, or offer noise-canceling headphones. In the case of poor memory, create a projects list, providing written instructions on performing each task. Set up an electronic reminder or a calendar which reminds them of approaching deadlines.

With issues to do with project and time management, restructure or break down the tasks into smaller and more manageable steps with goals. To help them deal with stress, try removing any triggers around the workplace which might cause other reactions and flashbacks. Also, allow them to take breaks from work. Giving them positive reinforcement and constructive feedback will help them feel engaged.

Helping them deal with anxiety for instance in the event someone with PTSD is startled by people around them, move their desk of office to a place they can see people approaching them.

Regarding lateness and absenteeism, provide a flexible work schedule. Encourage patients to avoid heated up conversations to deal well with colleagues, as well as speak out once things are calm; this helps improve understanding and relationships within the team.

Summarily, following the advice given above, positive results are possible for the close persons around us with PTSD.

Do Psychologists Go to Therapy?

Kara Mental Health , 0 Comment
Do Psychologists Go to Therapy?

Each and one of us go through emotional struggles, as this is part of life. Evidently, this doesn’t exclude psychologists, who have their share of challenges they have to surpass. As a matter of fact, official information points that physicians are the demographic sector with the highest suicide rates. The rate of suicidal thoughts among psychologist, in particular, is rather alarming – 42 percent of psychologists having experienced suicidal behavior or intention. But why is that?

The Struggles Psychologists Go Through

The very nature of a psychologist’s work exposes him/her to the darkest side of people’s minds. When it comes to burnouts, in particular, psychologists are more inclined to place other people’s needs above their own. More about topic you can read in the why be moral essay.

Therefore, a psychologist must learn how to control his/her emotions regarding traumatic incidents, when discussing with clients about traumas and strong emotions. In addition to that, psychologists have a higher level of sensitivity to people and their environment. Concurrently, psychologists are predisposed to isolate themselves, especially when struggling emotionally.

What is more, the lack of therapeutic success, and the great demands of administrative duties linked to their work can notably contribute to burnout.

Depression is, of course, another triggering factor. The greater majority of psychologists experience symptoms of depression, having the tendency of withdrawing themselves from colleagues and the society. On a different note, there is also the risk of vicarious traumatization, countertransference and compassion fatigue – which are phenomena that affect the health practitioner’s affective, behavioral and cognitive response to clients.

Do Psychologists Seek Mental Help?

In spite of these realities, many psychologists are still resistant to seeking mental help. The main motives worth mentioning include social stigma, fear of emotion, fear of treatment, and self-disclosure. While we could argue that these impediments exist for almost everyone, it would appear that psychologists are mostly influenced by them.

Essentially, the stigma of seeking therapy is a fearful concept for most therapists, considering that family members, friends and even clients could convey them differently. In addition to that, seeking therapy might make certain people question a psychologist’s capabilities as a professional.

In spite of all these obstacles, do psychologists go to therapy? The answer is yes.

Self-Care Is of Utmost Importance

We are all humans – regardless of our chosen profession. Psychologists sit for hours and hours, listening to other people’s problems and traumas, helping them comprehend and deepen their understanding of their own selves, and giving them the resources they need to heal themselves. To be frank, though, psychologists aren’t trained regarding self-care.

Whilst going through emotional struggles, you are expected to be an ethical and efficient therapist, and help your clients thrive. One of the reasons why self-care is even more critical for therapists is that we ought to provide a healthy self to patients. It could be safe to say that safe-care is paramount for maintaining your competence as a psychologist.

Therefore, because I believe self-care is of utmost importance, taking counseling sessions is highly recommended. During counseling someone, you ought to get into their own shoes, you have to carry their most emotional and traumatic struggles in order to truly comprehend them. After a range of intense sessions, we have to detox ourselves, mentally speaking.

Even if, as psychologists, we are fully aware of the damages and emotional struggles we go through with every mental session, there is always the risk of projecting these negative feelings onto patients. Essentially, self-knowledge will help you deter entering this trap. Nevertheless, it is not enough – which is why it’s quintessential for psychologists to seek mental health support.

Compassion Fatigue – An Immense Challenge

What does the term compassion fatigue entail? It goes without saying that psychology is a rewarding profession, but the challenges are noteworthy, as we’ve pointed beforehand. When working with clients that have abuse and trauma history, you could greatly benefit from talking with a professional you can trust. In this way, you can cope with that traumatization, without letting you grow onto you.

If you don’t get it out, this could further impair your capability – as a psychologist, to continue doing that work in an efficient manner. Additionally, I believe that going to therapy is important for assessing our self-care strategies, and pinpointing our innate vulnerabilities to addiction or burnout.

Therapy gives you access to unconditional positive regard, compassion, and assistance in learning how to cope with negative emotions. Knowing all these in theory is good, but therapy grants you palpable compassion and assistance.

In summary, going to therapy shouldn’t be frowned upon – whether you are a mental professional or not. This is my viewpoint of the topic. Going to therapy gives you a chance to open up and to reveal your deepest thoughts and struggles. And sometimes, it is good to ask for help, as even psychologists, with all the preparation they go through, need to look after themselves in order to be capable of helping others.