Robin Williams: Brings Attention to Suicide & Depression Help

 With the recent news of Robin Williams, we thought it important to share some resources for those dealing with depression. When addiction and depression run together they increase the odds for suicide.

Depression can look different in different people. The severity of symptoms can vary and a person might not experience every sign.

You cant always tell when someone is depressed. For many their inner world is masked by a variety of coping skills: smiles, joking, distance, anger, drinking, and chaos. Unresolved pain can overwhelm a person. Many suffer in isolation. Sharing our truth can be healing.

Signs of depression can include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms

 If you or someone is considering self harm, there is help. Dont be afraid to talk about it and don't hesitate to ask for help. A great resource to talk to someone at anytime is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Talking to someone can be the life raft that a person needs. Medications can also be a part of managing depression. Natural tools for helping with depression  can include: walking or increasing your physical activity, petting a loved dog or cat, calling a trusted friend, yoga, prayer, orgasm with a partner or alone.

Is Fido the answer to your stress?

"Dad, dont make me wear the witches hat!"

 "Pet a dog and call me in the morning", might just be the next prescription you get from your doc.



Moko ready for Halloween

Lilly, Moko and Mitchie, our doggie greeters, are more than just slobbery tail waggers. There is science behind those furry little bundles of love. Canine assisted therapy makes for good results, especially for guarded patients who see therapy as foreign, painful or challenging.
But these benefits go beyond our office. Finals are just around the corner for students and who doesnt have a lil stress each and every day. A little doggie love can be just the destressor you need. Petting a dog increases a human’s level of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces anxiety and blood pressure.

Others have also reported how schools are using dogs to help students prepare for testing Get your "Fur Fix".

Turner Professional Group Partners with New Psychotherapist: Mary Bradley

Mary Bradley, LSCSW/LCSW

What an exciting week... GREAT professionals keep joining our holistic practice. Turner Professional Group is excited to announce that Mary Bradley, LSCSW/LCSW is beginning private practice, starting Monday August 15th. What a fabulous way to end the week! Please help us 'Welcome' her to our space! Mary comes to us with a wealth of clinical and life experience that is sure to benefit our patients. Mary has an easy-going, serenity about her that informs her work and makes for a relaxing therapeutic environment.

Mary has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas (2005), and is clinically licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.  She has had the opportunity to work with individual and families as a medical social worker in hospice and home health care. More recently, she had the privilege of providing social work services to refugees from war-torn countries and human trafficking victims.  Mary has provided caregiver education, stress reduction and mental health education for seniors at the Landon Center on Aging (KUMC) and throughout the community.  She also has worked with HIV-positive women and survivors of domestic violence. Mary’s therapy practice specialties include: healing trauma, addiction therapy, grief and loss, and depression and anxiety.  She works with adults (including seniors and caregivers), children and couples in therapy to realize and respect one’s core self, and to resolve issues that impede one’s life satisfaction and functioning.

Mary can be reached at (913) 710-9480.  E-mail her at mbradleytherapy@gmail.com.