Author: Colony Care Behavioral Health

With the challenges of daily life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Financial stress, social isolation, and general uncertainty can take a toll on mental well-being. While there’s no single solution to managing mental health, one of the most well-documented and accessible ways to improve mood and resilience is regular physical activity.

The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Health

Scientific research has consistently shown that exercise plays a significant role in mental well-being. Engaging in physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall emotional resilience. The connection between physical activity and mental health is rooted in biological and psychological mechanisms, including the release of endorphins, the regulation of stress hormones, and improved sleep quality.

How Exercise Supports Mental Health

Exercise benefits mental health in several key ways:

• Regulation of Brain Chemicals – Physical activity influences levels of serotonin, endorphins, and stress hormones, which play crucial roles in mood regulation.
• Improved Sleep Patterns – Regular movement can lead to better sleep, which is essential for emotional and cognitive health.
• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Coping Skills – Setting and achieving fitness goals can foster a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy.
• Distraction from Stressors – Exercise provides a break from negative thoughts and worries.
• Opportunities for Social Connection – Group activities or outdoor workouts offer a chance to build social support, which is a protective factor for mental health.
• Healthy Emotional Outlet – Physical activity can serve as a constructive way to channel stress and frustration.
  Getting Started with Exercise

You don’t need to spend hours at the gym to experience the benefits of exercise. Simple activities like walking, jogging, swimming, gardening, or dancing can make a meaningful difference. The key is to choose activities you enjoy and aim to engage in them at least three times per week. Even small changes, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or stretching during work breaks, can contribute to improved mental and physical well-being.

For more information on building healthy habits, or to find personalized strategies for those struggling to implement them, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health. To get started, request an appointment through our secure online form today.

We all deal with worries, anxieties, and feelings of fear and dread at times. A panic attack is a severe reaction to a fear that may or may not be real or have a trigger. Maybe you or someone you know has only had one panic attack, or maybe it happens frequently with recurrent attacks. Regardless, it is important to know how to recognize a panic attack and what to do.

What Happens During a Panic Attack?

Someone experiencing a panic attack not only has emotional reactions but physical ones as well. Their heart may start pounding, or they may become flushed or develop the chills. There is often no real threat to health or safety, but the attack feels very real to that person.

The Two Worst Parts of a Panic Attack

You never know when you will get a panic attack. They come without any warning and can occur in a second. You might be sitting in a business meeting, relaxing at home, waking up from a nap, or driving your car. You may never know when it will happen.

Panic attacks can cause worry and fear as someone wonders if or when it will happen again.

How to Recognize a Panic Attack

Everyone is different but there are some common symptoms of a panic attack.

They include the following:

• Fear of death
• Feeling of impending doom or danger
• Rising heart rate
• Chills or hot flashes
• Dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Trembling and shaking
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Nausea or abdominal cramping

How to De-Escalate a Panic Attack

De-escalation is best accomplished with another person–particularly a professional–yet you can try these skills yourself.

If You Are Having the Panic Attack

If you are the one having the attack, focus on the following:

• Slow your breathing down and recognize you are experiencing a panic attack. That may help ground you.
• Tell yourself it will pass and try to br on this idea.
• Focus on something in the distance. Look at fall leaves out the window, rain falling, or cars driving by. Keep looking without moving your eyes away.

If You Are Witnessing a Panic Attack

If you are helping someone else having an attack, the following can help:

• Stay as calm as possible. You don’t want to intensify their fears.
• Do not be judgmental, criticize, or be condescending.
• Encourage them to breathe, and do it slowly together.
• Encourage them to focus on something else they can see. Have them name five or six objects and repeat them.
• Whatever you are asking them to do, do it yourself with them.
• Lastly, when symptoms have passed, encourage and support them to seek help.

If you or a loved one is struggling to manage panic attacks, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health for treatment options and help in Massachusetts. We have clinics in Wellesley, Yarmouth Port, Arlington, and Weymouth and offer telepsychiatry for patients throughout Massachusetts. To get started, request an appointment through our secure online form.

Do you know the power of play for youngsters and teens? Promoting mental health through recreation and leisure is even more relevant now than it has ever been with the epidemic of smartphones, the internet, and handheld devices to keep kids inside, preoccupied, and by themselves. It’s time we encourage our kids to go outside to play, be with others, and enjoy life.

The Power of Play: You Are Their First Playmate

As a parent playing with your child, you can reap endless benefits not only for your little one but also for you. Being joyful with your child will bring you closer together. In addition, you are laying a foundation for their future wellbeing.

The Power of Play and Stress

When your child sings, dances, and plays games, their body releases endorphins which promote a feeling of wellbeing. It can help protect children from stress and encourage physical and mental health.

The Power of Play and Working Through Difficult Emotions

Children can express many different emotions through their play. They may not be able to talk about it, but can play it out with dolls or other figurines. Witnessing an argument between two people may stay with them until they play it out. Losing a loved one like a grandmother can help them cope in their playtime through creative expression.

As a parent when you play with your children, you can learn what is bothering them, scaring them, or worrying them.

The Power of Physical Play

Not only does physical play outside help them develop motor skills, it also helps prevent obesity, along with building confidence. Sliding down a playground slide for the first time by themselves builds self-confidence, and they can learn teamwork when introduced to organized sports.

Playing outdoors:

• Improves a child’s attention span
• Lets children use their senses to learn balance
• Studies show the more outside play time, the more academic success

The Power of Play and Extra-Curricular Activities

Teen recreation in nature helps the brain to de-stress and encourages endorphins to stimulate the brain.

Teens who participate in after school activities like sports and art (especially girls) have better mental health while spending less time online, on phones, and social media. A study stated taking part in these activities and other leisure activities is associated with higher levels of optimism and life satisfaction. It also promotes lower levels of depression and anxiety. Consequently, they will be less likely to become involved in risky behaviors.

The Power of Playing Team Sports

It’s true, playing sports boosts mental health. Taking part in team sports has a higher impact on mental health than playing individual sports.

More thoughts on this topic:

• A study in Norway found that teens who played team sports were less likely to smoke cigarettes or marijuana.
• Exercise improves symptoms of depression. In some circumstances, it can be comparably effective to some medications.
• Playing team sports can lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Team sports can enhance resilience, empathy, and confidence
• Some studies show children and teens have improved sleep, which is essential for mental health, after participation in team sports.
• Whether a child is playing tag or a teen is playing sports on a team after school, these are all beneficial activities to promote mental health through recreation and leisure activities.

Mental Health Therapy for Children and Teens in Massachusetts

Contact Colony Care Behavioral Health if your child or teen is showing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Certain clinicians are specially trained and offer play therapy for children and adolescents. We can help. To get started, request an appointment through our secure online form. We have clinics in Wellesley, Yarmouth Port, Arlington, and Weymouth and offer telepsychiatry for patients throughout Massachusetts.

How does stress from parenting affect mental health? Even the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy knows that parents are stressed. He recently stated that 50% of parents feel “overwhelming stress” compared to 25% of adults without children. It is important because, “We know that the well being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the wellbeing of their children,” remarked the Surgeon General in his recent advisory. So what’s to be done?

Measuring Up the Stressors

When you add together all the stressors of today’s parents—finances, inflation, crime, and all the worries around social media and its effect on young people and teens—it is no wonder parents are stressed. Social media dangers are a relatively new issue and most parents are aware of how it can affect their kids. Bullying and sexual predators are just two such dangers.

They worry they are not measuring up to their peers or to their own parents. These feelings of guilt can lead to depression. Many of today’s parents both work to make ends meet and then they come home to care for children and sometimes their own parents. A parent can lose quality time with their spouse, lose needed sleep, and have no time for themselves to de-stress. Their parental demands are endless.

A Real Public Health Concern

Mental health challenges of parents are a real public health concern so stated the Surgeon General. Anxiety and depression felt by parents is felt by their children. You can try to hide it, but it gets communicated in multiple ways.

A child’s healthy development depends on the parent. It is hard to give care to a child when you are depressed, worried, or lonely.

Contact Colony Care Behavioral Health in Massachusetts for help if you are experiencing stress as a parent.

Moving Toward Parenting as a Priority

The Surgeon General is pushing for our society to make parenting a priority for the reasons already stated.

Some suggestions include the following:

• Paid family and medical leave programs
• Access to mental health programs
• Flexible work schedules from employers

You Are Not Alone

It’s easy to think you are the only one feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Of course this is not true. However, the following is true; a child’s healthy development depends on the parents.

• Find a social support system.
• Talk with other parents and friends about the stress of being a parent in today’s world.
• Self-care is important. Take time for yourself once in a while.
• Seek mental health support when you need it.

One good source is the CDC and positive parenting tips.

If you are feeling stressed from parenting, worried, and feeling inadequate as a parent, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health for help. To speak with a clinician, request an appointment through our secure online form.

Whether you are seventeen or seventy years old, you may be one of the 5 billion social media users across the world. Regardless of your age, social media can affect your mental health. The average person spends over two hours on social media everyday. Many people feel positively after reading posts and watching videos from people across the world, yet many others feel differently. Social media can negatively impact mental health by causing feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and increase the risk of certain symptoms of common mental health conditions like ADHD. Let’s look a little deeper at how social media can affect your mental health.

Our Social Media Addiction

Addiction is a term that is used differently depending on the context. It is important that clinical terms clearly communicate current understandings of disease. It is especially true that the word “addiction” is clearly defined given the stigma associated with substance use disorders and other addictions. Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.

The term social media addiction is used by individuals to describe their own behavior, in news publications, and even in some clinical research. While social media addiction is not a recognized medical condition according to the DSM-5–the diagnostic manual for mental health professions–compulsive or problematic use of social media can affect anyone, yet more commonly, teens and young adults.

Up to 95% of teens ages 13 to 17 report using a social media platform, and more than a third admit to using it “constantly.” Although most US platforms regulate their users to be at least 13 years of age, 40% of kids ages 8 to 12 use it anyway. The use of social media can have a variety of effects on the adjustment of young people, yet high social media use is most problematic. People who use social media in a harmful way are more likely to be depressed, anxious, have low self-esteem, be more socially isolated, have poorer sleep quality, and have more body image dissatisfaction.

However, even when someone spends hours on social media, it can be difficult to know when or if the use becomes harmful. Trained clinicians can work with an individual to explore social media use patterns to determine if the use is harmful or problematic and to address any negative effects from social media use.

Pros and Cons of Social Media for Young People

The Negative Effects of Social Media

Worrisome negative effects of too much social media can lead to the following issues in young adults and teens.

• Depression and anxiety
• Lack of adequate sleep
• Low self esteem
• Poor body image
• Eating disorders
• Social isolation
• Lack of exercise
• Illicit drug use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Unsafe sexual practices

The risks seem to be higher for girls. Teen years are a vulnerable time of development, and 44% of all internet users say they have been cyberbullied and have experienced online harassment.

If you notice these signs and symptoms in yourself or your child, reach out to Colony Care Behavioral Health for help.

The Positive Effects of Social Media

• Staying in touch with friends and relatives and finding new connections online is beneficial for young people.
• Can become an opportunity for creativity
• Can encourage interaction with the community
• Can help foster learning by exchanging ideas and learning materials
• Expands access to information and services
• Can be a form of entertainment

Parents can provide some boundaries for teens by limiting time online. They can model responsible social media behavior and facilitate face to face conversations without phones at home. As of late, some schools prohibit the use of cell phones at school.

How Social Media Can Affect the Mental Health of Adults and Seniors

Adults may perceive social media connections differently than real world connections. They may use their smartphones for work and find they can be distracted by the social media interruptions. Many of the same positives of social media apply for adults too, yet keeping online communication at a reasonable level is the key.

If you think you may be experiencing negative feelings due to excessive social media, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to speak with a licensed clinician about your feelings and behaviors.

Older adults are also vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media, especially if they live alone. Social media can exacerbate negative feelings of loneliness, feeling left out, feeling isolated particularly if living alone or far away from relatives. Older adults who participate on social media, and many do, are at risk of experiencing worsening symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.

Nonetheless, a simple, “Great to hear from you,” response to a like or comment on Facebook or another platform can make all the difference in a senior’s life. As an older person loses friends and spouses pass away, social media may be their only outlet and connection. Using social media in a healthy and balanced way can support individuals in their efforts to stay in touch.

When to Seek Mental Health Care

If you feel that you, or someone you love, is using social media in a way that is problematic, reach out for some professional help.

Contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to request an appointment through our secure online form if you are worried about excessive social media in your life or in the life of someone you love.

Access to mental health care is crucial for overall well-being, yet navigating the complexities of insurance can be daunting. Many potential patients are deterred by the perceived hassle of dealing with insurance companies, co-payments, and deductibles. However, companies that bill insurance on behalf of patients significantly enhance access to mental health services, providing a unique and invaluable benefit in the marketplace.

Understanding Your Mental Health Benefits

When considering mental health services, one of the first steps is understanding your insurance benefits. This involves verifying your mental health coverage, which can usually be done by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card or checking your insurance company’s website. While federal law prohibits health plans from imposing barriers on access to mental health or substance use disorder benefits that do not apply to medical and surgical benefits, sometimes benefits differ or are managed by different plans.  Here’s a breakdown of some common terms and concepts to know:

• Mental Health Benefits: These refer to the specific services covered by your insurance plan for mental health care. Coverage can vary widely, so it’s important to check what is included in your policy.
• Copayments: This is a fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service, usually at the time of service. Copayments for mental health services might differ from those for other medical services.
• Deductibles: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Mental health services may have a separate deductible from other medical services.
• Coinsurance: After you meet your deductible, coinsurance is the percentage of costs you pay for a covered service. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you pay 20% of the costs, and your insurance covers the remaining 80%.
• Member Services Number: A phone number typically listed on the back of an insurance card where an individual can reach a representative of their insurance company to ask questions.

The Benefits of Insurance Billing Services

A company that handles insurance billing on behalf of patients offers a substantial benefit by streamlining the process and reducing the financial burden at the time of service. Here’s how:

1. Reduced Upfront Costs: Instead of paying the full cost of services upfront, patients are only responsible for their copayments or coinsurance, which are generally much lower than the full cost of services. If a patient has not met their deductible, they might owe the in-network cost of the appointment, which is typically a much lower, discounted rate compared to out-of-network providers.
2. Simplified Process: Navigating insurance claims can be confusing and time-consuming. A billing service takes this burden off the patient, handling all the paperwork and communication with the insurance company. Without this service, a patient may be expected to individually seek reimbursement from their insurance company or pay the cost in full.
3. Increased Access to Care: By lowering the financial barrier and administrative hassle, more people can access the mental health services they need. This is especially important in encouraging those who might otherwise avoid seeking help due to financial concerns.

Patient Responsibility and Insurance Determination

It is mandatory for providers to collect any copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles at the time of the appointment. This ensures compliance with insurance policies and prevents misunderstandings about payment responsibilities. However, it’s important to understand that any out-of-pocket costs are determined by your insurance company, not the clinicians or billing services. These costs are based on the specifics of your insurance plan, which is why verifying your benefits ahead of time is crucial.

Spotlight on Colony Care Behavioral Health

At Colony Care Behavioral Health, the emphasis is on providing comprehensive, accessible mental health services tailored to individual needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Diverse Range of Services: Colony Care offers a wide array of mental health services, including individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, psychiatric medication management, diagnostic evaluation, and integrated, holistic psychiatry. This allows patients to receive holistic care tailored to their specific needs.
• Experienced Clinicians: Colony Care affiliated clinicians are individually licensed, highly trained, and experienced professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists,- nurse practitioners, social workers, and mental health counselors. Their expertise spans various specialties and focus, allowing them to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues.
• Insurance Billing: Colony Care handles insurance billing directly, reducing the financial and administrative burden on patients. This service allows patients to focus on their treatment without worrying about upfront costs. By managing insurance claims, Colony Care ensures that patients can access the care they need without unnecessary delays or complications.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Colony Care Behavioral Health is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care. This approach begins by gathering information directly from the individual seeking care in order to support them to find in-network care from a clinician that can meet their clinical needs. Each clinician practices with a commitment to understanding each patient’s unique situation and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.

A Unique Benefit in the Marketplace

The ability to have your insurance billed directly by a provider is not only convenient but also a key differentiator in the marketplace. This service alleviates the immediate financial strain and administrative burden on patients, making mental health care more accessible. As mental health becomes increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of health care, services that reduce barriers to access are more important than ever.

A significant portion of mental health clinicians, including therapists and psychiatrists, do not accept insurance. Approximately half of psychiatrists in the United States choose not to participate in insurance networks, and the lack of participating clinicians is comparable among other license types.  This reluctance is largely due to low reimbursement rates and the administrative burdens associated with insurance billing. Such factors make it challenging for many providers to maintain financially viable practices while accepting insurance.

This situation significantly impacts access to mental health care. Patients often face higher out-of-pocket costs, longer wait times, and difficulty finding in-network providers. Choosing a provider like Colony Care Behavioral Health, which manages insurance billing, ensures patients can focus on their mental health journey without being overwhelmed by financial and administrative concerns. This unique benefit not only increases access to essential services but also promotes a healthier, more accessible approach to mental health care for everyone.

In conclusion, if you are considering mental health care, choosing Colony Care Behavioral Health can make a significant difference for you by increasing access through insurance billing. It ensures you can focus on your mental health journey without being overwhelmed by financial and administrative concerns. This unique benefit not only increases access to essential services but also promotes a healthier, more accessible approach to mental health care for everyone.

References

Anthem. (2021, April 29). Mental health treatment and health insurance: What you need to know. Anthem. Retrieved from https://www.anthem.com/blog/your-health/mental-health-treatment-and-health-insurance/

Arora, V. S., & et al. (2021, November 4). Why don’t more therapists accept insurance? Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-dont-more-therapists-accept-insurance

Cantor, M. (2020, August 3). Can’t find a psychologist who accepts insurance? Here’s why. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/202008/cant-find-psychologist-who-accepts-insurance-heres-why

Kanagaraj, M. (2020, December 15). Here’s Why Mental Healthcare Is So Unaffordable & How COVID-19 Might Help Change This. Perspectives in Primary Care. Retrieved from https://info.primarycare.hms.harvard.edu/perspectives/articles/mental-health-unaffordable

Mann, B. (2021, September 21). Nearly half of psychiatrists do not accept insurance. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/09/21/1039325296/nearly-half-of-psychiatrists-dont-take-insurance-and-it-s-getting-worse

Weiss, C. (2019, January 25). Mental health visits are five times more likely to be out of network. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/25/health/mental-health-out-of-network-insurance.html

When you’re ‘down and out’, or ‘feeling small’, will self-care act like a bridge over troubled waters? Forgive our music comparison, but exactly what part does self-care play in helping us overcome the stresses in life? Some say it’s a cure-all, while others are less enthusiastic about how much help it actually provides. May is Mental Health Awareness month and a great time to learn how to effectively use self-care for improved mental health.

Continue reading “How to Effectively Use Self-Care this Mental Health Awareness Month” →