Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

KEEPING THE MIND OF COLLEGE ATHLETES HEALTHY

January 21st, 2016

The National Collegiate Athletic Association released last week new guidelines7537117_s on dealing with the mental health of college athletes, an issue that remains a top concern for the association’s chief medical officer, Brian Hainline.

“Concussions may be the elephant in the room, but mental health is really, I think, going to be a game changer for the NCAA,” he said. “My hope is that mental health is going to become as accessible to every student-athlete as an ankle sprain, and the NCAA is going to take a leadership role in telling the rest of the United States of America how to move away from the pathetic way it handles mental health. And it is pathetic.”

Hainline spoke on Thursday at the NCAA’s annual meeting where he emphasized the importance of mental health. Earlier this month, the NCAA’s Sports Science Institute released a new set of guidelines directing institutions on how to manage the mental health issues surrounding college athletics. Behavior on and off the field are all part of the overall well-being of an athlete.

The new guidelines outline four best practices for the mental health care for college athletes and 24 different mental health agencies weighed in and helped to create the strategies.

The guidelines suggest that colleges implement procedures and clear action plans for dealing with mental health issues including a push for annual mental health screenings for athletes, evaluation of athletes by licensed practitioners and education that will help athletes to recognize symptoms of mental health disorders. The guidelines also address substance abuse and aggressive and risky behaviors that according to a study by the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment, says that athletes demonstrate more aggressive behavior and risky behavior than non-athletes.
I think the study and the new guidelines are a vital step in the right direction.

LINKS
Mental Health of College Athletes

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

THE FINAL SHOT – MENTAL ILLNESS

December 11th, 2015

A USA TODAY story out yesterday said, “At a time of heightened concern over police shootings, a new report estimates that people with mental illness are 16 times more likely than others to be killed by police.”

10411781_sWhy is this? The problem is a lack of treatment for those with mental illness, and I also think a lack of training of law enforcement to recognize it. Mental illness is still something that carries a stigma. People, in general, don’t want to talk about it. For years now, the main thing driving the conversation about mental health has been the mass shootings. People are arguing that mental illness is the reason behind the mass shootings.

Now, a new study out from the Virginia-based Treatment Advocacy Center is saying that about one-in-four fatal police encounters involve someone with mental illness. This study is moving beyond saying that not just those who decide to shoot others in a mass shooting have some mental illness, but that many victims of shooting by law enforcement may also have mental health issues that made them do something illegal that got them killed.

I agree, and this is why we need more dialogue and more solutions on how to help those with mental illness. There are over 8 million people in the United States who have a mental disorder that can alter their thinking and perception of the world around them. From paranoid syndromes to fear, loneliness and anger there are plenty of emotions, disturbances of judgement and other issues that are associated with mental illness that can cause a person to act out or sometimes simply not understand laws or social constructs. And, the disorders themselves ranging from bipolar disorder to schizophrenia to various personality and substance abuse disorders that increase vulnerability often go undiagnosed. For many, even if they are diagnosed, some just stop taking their medications and other forms of treatment.

So what’s the answer? Well, I think that Mayor de Blasio and #ThriveNYC is a start. I believe that having a dialogue and trying to develop programs that can help those suffering from mental illness is a good place to start. Look, people with mental illness are no more violent than others. A better understanding by all will help many to seek and get the help they need. America has to embrace this conversation before change can ever really take hold.

Join me on Facebook and let’s have a conversation about this. Ideas and change come from collaborative thinking and open discussion.

LINKS
“I Called the Police for Help, Not to Kill My Son”
Groups call on Congress to reform mental health system

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

THRIVENYC EXPECTED TO TRANSFORM A CITY

December 3rd, 2015

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced new mental health initiatives for New York City. On November 25, the Mayor and his wife, First Lady Chirlane McCray, appeared on NPR’s Morning Edition to discuss ThriveNYC and how they hope it will transform their city.

De Blasio told host Linda Wertheimer, “We have a fundamental health problem in our city, in our nation, in New York City, as one-in-five New Yorkers are affected by some form of mental illness. And this requires a very comprehensive response, and it begins with making sure people can get access to mental health services.”

An $850 million program, ThriveNYC aims to hire 400 mental health clinicians for high-need communities and provide mental health training to a quarter-million New Yorkers.

18498229_sThe initiative will launch with mental health screenings for postpartum depression. “Despite the great benefit it provides, screening for postpartum depression has not been part of a woman’s routine care,” said McCray in an interview with the Huffington Post last week.

According to the Mayor’s office, the city’s Health and Hospitals, which runs 11 hospitals and Maimonides Medical Center — which together handle a quarter of the city’s births — have pledged to make the depression checks universal for pregnant women and new mothers within two years. It is estimated that one in ten new mothers, meaning 12,000 to 15,000 cases a year in the city, suffers from some sort of post-partum depression. The city’s eventual goal is universal screening.

20018847_sHomelessness is a big part of this program. “The key is to make sure that people who are suffering – people who have a mental illness – don’t go on the street to begin with – that they are treated.” McCray told Wertheimer.

This is a step in the right direction for New York. I’m sure there will be details to work out as the initiatives unfolds but you have to start somewhere. I think that Mayor de Blasio and his wife are making a great start. Let’s support them.

Get a full copy of the ThriveNYC report (PDF). Understanding New York City’s Mental Health Challenge here. For more details on the initiative visit https://thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/.

LINKS

Huffington Post The Important Thing Hospitals Have Pledged To Do For New Moms

NPR NYC Mayor Unveils Ambitious Plan To Combat Mental Health Illnesses

 

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY – WHO INVITED YOU TO THANKSGIVING?

November 25th, 2015

Thanksgiving has always been a day for families to get together and be thankful.  It is also the official opening to the holiday season, and with that comes a lot of anxiety, stress, and yes for many, depression.

18735815_sFor many, the holiday season is an emotional roller-coaster.  It can be a very fun and joyous time for many, but for others it is stressful and lonely. As we enjoy our holidays, let’s keep in mind those that may find this holiday season a difficult time. Those who are grieving, dealing with divorce or struggling with addiction. Those who have lost their job and are stressed about making ends meet. Those who have loved ones serving overseas and those who are dealing with illness.  And those who are anxious and scared as America deals with the possibility of another terrorist attack on the homeland.

Some thoughts for making this holiday season easier:

  1. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, hospital, hospice or even the ASPCA.  Volunteering is a great way to establish new friendships and to make a difference for something you believe in.
  2. Relax and have realistic goals and expectations.
  3. Take some time and get out for a walk or a drive.  It is amazing what a little fresh air and sunlight can do.
  4. Watch what you eat. It’s easy with all the pies and goodies to eat too much of the wrong things.
  5. Stick to your daily routine.  If that means exercising in the morning – than do it. If it means eating a healthy diet – stick to it.
  6. Reach out to a support group either online or locally.  It helps to talk with others who are dealing with similar feelings.
  7. Stick to your budget.  One of the biggest holiday stressors is worrying about finances.
  8. Make sure to get sleep.  Your body needs a good night’s sleep.
  9. Do less and enjoy more!  We tend to go overboard with our planning for the holidays and our expectations can be unrealistic.  Make a plan and share it with your family and friends.

This year in particular, many people will be wondering how to even muster up some holiday spirit when the world is in such chaos. Well, remember the real meaning of the holidays. It is a time to be thankful, to pray for peace, to give, and to reach out to those in need.
Happy Thanksgiving!

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

47 AND COUNTING!

October 15th, 2015

I never thought that I would be writing a blog about 47 school shootings in one year. And, it’s not even the end of the year, yet, we still have more than two months to go!

39846362_sAfter the Oregon shooting last month, President Obama said, “This is becoming the norm.” The norm? Are we going to say this is the new norm in America? Not for me and I don’t think it’s “the norm” for many of you, either.

In 2014 after the shooting at Reynolds High School in Oregon that left one student dead, the President said at a forum hosted by Tumblr, “We’re the only developed country on Earth where this happens. And it happens now once a week. And it’s a one-day story. There’s no place else like this.”

So how do we change this? The politicians from all parties have shown us their unwillingness to truly take on the mighty NRA (National Rifle Association). But, as the President said, we also have to bear some of that blame ourselves. Are we motivated enough to pressure our members of Congress into making a change? Do we hold them accountable when they don’t? Do we allow time to make us complacent? Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this issue isn’t going to be resolved overnight, but we have to remain vigilant. We need to be nipping at the heels of our elected officials reminding them that we DEMAND change!

What I found fascinating was the response to President Obama’s speech after this last shooting at Umpqua Community College. A speech that was so rooted in reality and so sensible. He talked of common sense about our country and the possession of almost 300 million weapons and the correlation with domestic violence. If common sense means the sense of what we have in common with others, then it becomes obvious that there is a little commonality of sensibility on this issue.

After the President had spoken, immediately politicians and pundits went on the war path politicizing the issue while yelling that the President was doing just that. I thought most sensible people would agree with the President about the senseless freedom in the USA to acquire guns, but that would be wrong. This country has little sense of commonality of purpose. We are a nation in conflict, notably about gun control, but much else as well. The conflicts seem irreconcilable at this time. That is until more seasoned, mature politicians are elected by the people. I wait with guarded hope, but I’m not too optimistic after the recent Republican debates.

What I did see recently was the love and joy pouring out during the visit of Pope Francis. I saw the hunger of people wanting peace, compassion and love. Those sentiments are still alive and well, and I hope and believe it is that source that will eventually win out.

A Breakdown of the 47 School Shootings So Far This Year

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?

September 28th, 2015

20639318_sThe discovery last week of who “Baby Doe” is has been bittersweet.  Her name is Bella Bond, and she was just a little over two years old.   After many months and millions of views online finally this week someone recognized this little girl was killed and did the right thing and notified the authorities.  There is relief in knowing that this child has a name.  There are disbelief and anger as the details of her death unfold.

This is a situation where we have a neglectful and abusive couple who used drugs.  Some may question whether the drugs are the reason for the neglect and abuse, but whatever the reason the outcome is that this child was abused and that abuse led to her death.

Michael Sprinsky, who said he had lived with the mother, her boyfriend and Bella, finally put the pieces together about the disappearance and called law enforcement.  CNN reported that Sprinsky said “he had briefly lived with the couple and was disturbed by how they yelled at the girl, demeaned her, spanked her and, on two occasions, locked her in a closet for 30 minutes to an hour.”

To make matters worse, the mother’s boyfriend thought the child was possessed by demons, so he killed the little girl.  The mother helped to cover it up, and so became an accessory to murder after-the-fact.

Why would any mother cover up such a horrendous crime? In many cases like this dependency is the main reason. Many such women I have examined have been highly dependent on their abusive boyfriends, and she might have stayed with him to fulfill these dependency needs, and to avoid abandonment, to avoid punishment and also for drugs.  News reports say she is also dependent on Heroin. Apparently her judgment was impaired-her dependency and drug use are powerful judgment destroyers.

When it comes to the death of Bella, the lingering question in people’s minds is how did the State Department of Children and Families Services (DFS) miss this?  After all DFS handles investigating allegations of child abuse and the agency had dealt with this mother before.   She was known to have drug problems.  She had two other children taken away from her, and she had already been investigated twice for neglecting Bella.  I’m certain that this investigation will look at the policies and practices of DFS and whether-or-not the agency responded appropriately in this case.

When it comes to child abuse each State has a system to receive and respond to reports of possible abuse and neglect. Professionals and concerned citizens can call statewide hotlines, local child protective services, or law enforcement agencies to share their concerns.

Childhelp® is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with professional crisis counselors who have access to a database of 55,000 emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous.

Links:

Death of Bella Bond: Blame game begins CNN

In a Year, Child-Protective Services Checked Up on 3.2 Million Children

2.5 million of those kids were declared ‘non-victims.’ Another 686,000 were ‘abused’ or ‘neglected.’ And an estimated 1,640 kids died as a result.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

SNAP WHAT?

June 22nd, 2015

40346551_sSnapChat is a video messaging application that allows users to take photos, record videos and add text and drawings to messages that they send to their personal lists. The appeal? These conversations are disposable and temporary. The fact that the message “self-destructs” after seconds is what is so appealing to teenagers. How appealing? According to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, he said at the 2013 All Things D Dive into Mobile conference that “…there are about 150 million photos shared via Snapchat daily.” Wow! And that was in 2013!

Snapchat is all about pictures and conversations. Snapchat always starts with a “flash.” Simply, you take a picture. You add text. You set how long before the picture self-destructs – between one to ten seconds. You choose recipients from your private list. You hit send!

But, something that appears so simple has raised a lot of questions and concerns for parents and educators. Social media is a parents’ greatest online fear. We all know that bullying, sexting, sexual predators are just some of the dangers that immediately come to mind when we think about kids and social media. In response to the growing concerns, Snapchat created the Snapchat Safety Center. I highly recommend that you check it out.

Parents should be aware that in accordance with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) that the minimum age for using Snapchat is 13 years old. If a child younger than 13 tries to access the system (assuming they put in their real birth date), they will be redirected to a kid’s version called SnapKidz. This allows the users to save their photos only to their devices and doesn’t allow for them to send them.

40187911_sTeenagers are drawn to Snapchat because of its ease of use and the fact that the photos do NOT live online forever. Something that not only teens, but all of us should think about when posting online. Never assume that something has truly vanished forever. Reports stemming back to 2013 confirm that you CAN retrieve deleted Snapchat’s on Android devices. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Look, I always recommend to parents to keep the line of communication open with their kids. So, talk with your kids about Snapchat. Let them know that you know about it and that you have concerns about their safety. Talk with them about what is appropriate to “snap” and what isn’t. Let them know they should report inappropriate use that they see (i.e. bullying, sexting, etc.) either to you or to a school official or another adult they trust. As much as it is fun to “live in the moment” there are precautions to take.

For more on safe guidelines for Snapchat visit A Parent’s Guide to Snapchat.  Here is also a link to COPPA and links to the Forbes stories that explain both SnapChat and SnapKidz.

What is Snapchat and Why do Kids Love it and Parents Fear It?  Forbes 2013

Snapchat Creates SnapKidz — A Sandbox For Kids Under 13 Forbes 2013

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

 

SIGNS YOUR TEEN IS TAKING CLUB DRUGS

June 12th, 2015

23564752_sThere are a lot of club drugs being used on the Rave dance scene. As a parent it is important to know what a Rave is (click here for more on that) and what drugs are available at Raves and the dangers of them. Rave clubs seem to be attracting adolescents and young adults in their mid-to-late 20’s to a place where there is plenty of dangerous substances and drugs. For a list of those drugs you can click here. Read on for the signs that your teenager may have taken club drugs and what you should do.

Signs that your teenager or loved one is using club drugs include:

  • Severe memory problems
  • Pronounced lack of coordination
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Chills and sweating
  • Slurred speech
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Bizarre speech or behavior
  • Fainting

What to do:

  • Most important is to let your teen know that you are informed about these drugs and let them know what the dangers are in detail.
  • Make sure you have a way to contact your teen when they go to a club, party or rave. Call them at regular intervals and set a curfew. Know where your child is going and with whom.
  • If your teen returns and appears to be under the influence of any drug, don’t scold but instead monitor the symptoms closely and if the symptoms appear to be severe seek medical help.
  • If drug use continues seek therapeutic and/or drug counseling. These drugs can be addictive.

Here is a link to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. There are also drug and substance abuse coalitions in many communities throughout the United States. Here are a couple that I found informative:

© Power To The Parent
Metropolitan Drug Commission

POPULAR RAVE DRUGS

June 10th, 2015

What substances are being used on the Rave dance scene? Rave clubs that seem to be attracting adolescents and young adults in their mid-to-late 20’s are known to be connected to a variety of substances and drugs. Here is a list of some of the most accessible and dangerous drugs often available at a rave.

4692114_sEcstasy is the most popular and well-known club drug. It is also referred to as “Molly”, E, X, “Adam” and “clarity”. It is a synthetic drug similar to amphetamines and mescaline (a hallucinogen). It both stimulates and causes psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects. It is most popular in a tablet or capsule form, and its effects typically last for three to six hours. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, and because it enables its user to dance all night, it often causes dehydration. Ecstasy can lead to heart and kidney disease, brain damage, and in rare cases can cause a marked muscle breakdown, high body temperature, heart attacks, strokes and seizures.

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is also known as “G”, liquid ecstasy, and “Georgia Homeboy”. It is a very common drug at Raves that is often made with mail-order ingredients. It is ingested as a liquid, powder, tablet or capsule. GHB is both a sedative and a euphoriant. This is a drug that effects the central nervous system causing its user to feel relaxed and sedated. At high levels, it can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels. Overdose with this drug can occur quickly and be fatal. GHB is often used with alcohol, and this can be a deadly combination.

Rohypnol, in the same family as Valium and Xanax, is known as the “forget me pill”.  It is usually taken orally and is easily slipped into drinks. Rohypnol is a popular date rape drug because it causes memory loss from the moment it is taken. It lowers blood pressure, causes dizziness and confusion, as well as urine retention.

Methamphetamine is known as speed, meth crystal, glass, “Tina” and “Chalk”. It is very common at Rave parties. It acts as a stimulant and causes memory loss, uncontrollable aggression and violence, psychosis and nerve damage. It is an extremely disinhibiting drug and its users frequently engage in unsafe sex that often exposes them to sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Ketamine, also known as “special k”, “vitamin K” and “new ecstasy” is also known as angel dust. It is similar to the dangerous drug PCP. It is sometimes snorted or smoked with marijuana or cigarettes. Some people inject it, too. It causes serious neurological, blood pressure and breathing problems.

LSD, familiar for decades, is also known as acid. It wreaks havoc with your perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. It is taken as a pill, liquid or on a saturated blotted paper. LSD can cause severe psychotic reactions that can last long afterwards.

I’ll discuss what to do if you suspect that your child is taking these drugs in my next blog.

My Teen Wants to Go to a Rave.  What’s a Rave?

Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

MY TEEN WANTS TO GO TO A RAVE! WHAT IS A RAVE?

June 5th, 2015

If you’ve got a teenager in the house than you need to know about “raves.” A rave party is typically an all-night, ear-splitting underground party that features electronic music. Ever heard of Daft Punk? Now Grammy Award winners, they got their start as a “rave” band.

23354899_sThese raves are held in places like warehouses, rental halls, barns, and open-air spaces where kids go crazy and, almost always, find drugs in abundance. The drugs available at raves may not be familiar to you, but they ought to be. Their effects are alarming and potentially life threatening.

The rave party phenomenon has been around for more than 20 years. It started in the UK and quickly spread to the US; particularly to the West Coast. It didn’t take long for it to spread across the country. The drugs offered at the raves primarily keep kids (yes, they are marketing to kids) energetic and dancing all night. Club drugs, as they are known, are dangerous, and parents need to know what they are and what the signs are that their kids may be taking them.

Most of the club drugs are made illegally, come from unknown sources, and are made with various mixes of unknown chemicals. On their own or mixed with alcohol and other drugs, they can be catastrophically toxic and sometimes fatal. Adding to their danger is that little is known about their toxicity making it difficult to treat overdoses.

Many of these drugs are colorless, odorless and tasteless posing a serious threat for young unsuspecting teens. Since some of these drugs cause amnesia, date rape and unrecalled sexual assault is one frequent outcome. Teens who take these drugs may often engage in risky sex that they don’t remember, and that exposes them to contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and Hepatitis C.

Research has shown that club drugs have long-lasting effects on muscle tissue and the brain, especially memory functions. Combined with alcohol, as they often are at rave parties, their effects become potentially fatal. In 2013, there were four deaths linked to the club drug Molly. These deaths opened a nationwide dialogue about the use of illegal stimulants at concerts, raves and electronic dance music shows. It also shed some light on the music venues and the difficulties encountered by organizers to keep those substances out.

Last year, I wrote about the club drug Molly and its dangers. I will highlight some of the other drugs (cocaine, meth, LSD, etc.) that are popular with teens in my next blog. I’ll also discuss what to do if you suspect that your child is taking these drugs.

Learn more about Molly: 

Molly: Why the Club Drug is so Dangerous
Club Drug ‘Molly’ Eyed in Four Deaths
There’s Something about Molly

Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.