I knew it will get rough but my goodness! I still expect things to get worse because well NO ONE is tending to our domestic issues!! This post is mainly about surviving. I still think we’re in a depression and maybe I’m exaggerating but it’s not getting better anytime soon. Here are some personal considerations:
- Don’t Rely on Mainstream Media: regular Americans are giving us better insights, tips, and awareness of industries, costs, etc., however, caution -like the news it’s also negative but at least you hear the reality and nothing sugar-coated. I list some helpful YouTube channels in the prior post and another channel that I’ve been watching is Snyder’s Report but yes the near-future is going to be bleak. I usually the videos if I have a break or charting to not think about this when I’m done with the day or going to bed. If you still struggling with sleep then watch the videos early in the day or only on the weekends but unfortunately we have to have means to stay inform with this war/economy.
- BE NICE: this is not the time to fight each other. I have love ones, co-workers, and patients, that voted for President Trump and they truly believed he was going to do something right. I remained neutral because overall, I don’t want to argue… but this is definitely not the time to fight. Some still believe the president will help and do something good… the cope is no joke and I feel sorry for them since our political system is basically failing everyone. Don’t kick people when they’re down or having remorse, be mindful that the guilt and shame can cause SI thoughts. We just all have to do better and focus on not making anything worse.
- Make everyday easy for yourself: I’m primarily working from home and if you’re not, make a separate budget for transportation, gas, car repairs even if you stay close to the job. These things will go up so if there’s an option to work from home or do public transportation, continue to make the something more affordable. Also, making a separate budget is important for the tax write off. What made things easier for me was making myself a corporation/company, and just hoping for the best but for normal people, yes have a CPA.
- Support Our Troops/Vulnerable Populations: I try to make my services more affordable for single mothers, elderly, veterans, special needs, etc. Our social programs are drying up and after the Iraqi War, I was informed that the access to care is also impossible if it was ever acceptable. I don’t know if people notice, but usually around VA hospitals the people that hang out there is um let’s just say it’s not the most functional people laying out… it’s also a taboo: if someone in the military disclose any psych issues they risk getting kicked out and losing everything that they’ve worked hard for … many suffer in silence. Again, pay attention to males or people going off the deep end.
- Continue to Evolve (more complexities are coming): One of the many conflicts in psych is how we have to be mindful of medical issues. People are having a hard time finding specialists, getting referrals, wait lists, affordability/insurance issues… however, after the pandemic there’s an uptick in autoimmune and rare conditions that’s causing “anxiety/brain fog/depressive symptoms” when it’s really undiagnosed medical conditions.
According to Chat GPT:
Top 25 Medical Conditions Mental Health Clinicians Should Rule Out
Thyroid Disorders
- Hypothyroidism – depression, fatigue, slowed thinking
- Hyperthyroidism – anxiety, irritability, insomnia
Vitamin and Nutritional Deficiencies
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency – depression, psychosis, memory problems
- Folate Deficiency – depression, irritability
- Vitamin D Deficiency – depression, fatigue
- Iron Deficiency Anemia – fatigue, poor concentration
Neurological Disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury – personality change, mood instability
- Alzheimer’s Disease – memory loss, behavioral change
- Parkinson’s Disease – depression, hallucinations
- Multiple Sclerosis – depression, cognitive dysfunction
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy – anxiety, psychosis
Sleep Disorders
- Sleep Apnea – depression, irritability, cognitive issues
- Insomnia – anxiety, mood instability
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
- Diabetes Mellitus – mood swings, confusion
- Cushing’s Syndrome – depression, irritability
- Addison’s Disease – fatigue, apathy, depression
Infectious Causes
- Lyme Disease – anxiety, depression, brain fog
- HIV/AIDS – cognitive impairment, mood disorders
- Syphilis – psychosis and personality changes (neurosyphilis)
- COVID-19 – depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment
- Long COVID – fatigue, brain fog, mood changes
Autoimmune Disorders
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – psychosis, depression
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – depression, brain fog
- Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis – severe psychosis, agitation
Substance or Medication Related Conditions
- Alcohol Use Disorder – depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment
- Substance Use Disorder – psychosis, mood changes
Common Lab Work Often Ordered in Mental Health Evaluations
- TSH / thyroid panel
- CBC
- CMP
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Vitamin D
- Iron studies
- HbA1c or glucose
- RPR (syphilis screening)
- HIV screening
- Urine drug screen
- Don’t Rely on AI: Yes it’s helpful but it can’t replace humans or their experiences. Evolving also includes using the brain more often… with Chat GPT/AI the responses are usually generic… It doesn’t make it completely wrong but it can only help so much in making complex medical decisions. It’s also getting more banned in schools because more children are struggling to read and write let alone understand concepts. I also think Autism is over-diagnosed but that’s another issue. I was going to do a post about it, but I’m sure it was going to offend too many people. So I just mentioned to people, computers can’t replace parenting or the care provider.
- Be Careful with Politics/Sensitive Topics: I understand the grievances in this political climate but as long as I have a mortgage, I’m not acknowledging any type of World War 3. If you have a family, bills, rent, etc. do not crash out or say/do things illegal, hostile, threats, racists, or anything questionable. The government is creating a system (AI) that is going to track everything and keyboard warriors can send whatever to your employer and that can cause you to lose a job, limit your resources, destroy educational opportunities, or have crazy people show up at your house. It’s not worth the risk and it’s sad when someone has their life turned upside down for free speech, when nothing in life is free. The risks aren’t worth it for most people.
In Conclusion
I wasn’t expecting to make a post today, but wanted to mention since this war started, I hope people continue to stay level-headed. It’s not because I don’t want to go scream somewhere, but I want to make people aware that you are being watched. Not just with big brother, but especially The YOUTH and yes make it a priority to give them hope and understanding. Millennials have been through countless threats, crisis, natural disasters, and problems… it’s never been right since 9/11, but it doesn’t matter, put on a united front and direct the youth on how to handle themselves in a manner that’s expected. Continue to not smoke or drink or at least not in their presence, do healthy planning/activities, watch educational content, ask about their hobbies or start one, go over money and finances, ask about their future plans… or validate their concerns, it’s a scary world to them as well and being their advocate and providing guidance is crucial right now. I still recycle, support local businesses, clean eating… My sibling recently called me Mother Teresa, but he’s always sarcastic and annoying BUT he watches me like a hawk and I don’t get offended. I try to be a positive influence, but if patients are stubborn, obnoxious, argumentative, or fussing -let them vent, discontinue services, find another provider, go ghost or come back… I just act like nothing has happened and go back to the drawing board/helping them have (mental) stability. Remember our MAIN job is to keep people from hurting themselves or others, not to fix everything. I tell patients, my job is to hopefully prevent you from being institutionalized. I don’t want anything to get worse, but I’m realistic and know a person can only help so much. Continue to stay grounded out there and focus.
