Mental Illness
Brain-based illness, also known as mental illness, substance use disorders, and forms of dementia all manifest specific symptoms. These symptoms are problematic, impacting daily life. The illness may present in ways that range from mild to severe, in one or all areas relative to your thoughts, mood, behaviors, and sleep. Below are some examples of symptoms. (This is not a comprehensive list.)
THOUGHTS: racing, ruminative, obsessive, paranoid, delusional, self-injuring, suicidal, negative, harm to others, confused, flashbacks, seeing or hearing things that are not there, problems with concentration and focus.
MOODS: labile, depressed, manic, hypomanic, angry, worried, anxious, panic, craving.
BEHAVIORS: high-risk (sexual, drug seeking, stealing), hitting, yelling, ritualistic, obsessional, restricting food, binge eating, inability to sit still.
SLEEP: inability to fall asleep, waking frequently, early morning awakening, sleeping too much, nightmares.
There are a number of different medications that can help you manage symptoms. Michelle’s treatment philosophy is informed using a whole person-centered approach, partnering with you in navigating your course to optimal wellness. This is achieved by using evidence-based best practices, education, medication, support, testing, screening tools, and support from other community-based providers as needed.
Areas of Treatment Focus
DEPRESSION
Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as:
- Persistent depressive
- Postpartum depression
- Psychotic depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Bipolar depression
Looking for help with any of these symptoms?
Take the Assessment
Take a free, no-cost assessment screening for review by Michelle Van Duinen, a Psychiatric Nurse Practioner in Stonington, Connecticut.
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
Looking for help with any of these symptoms?”
Take the Assessment
Take a free, no-cost assessment screening for review by Michelle Van Duinen, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Stonington, Connecticut.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Symptoms may include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Looking for help with any of these symptoms?”
Take the Assessment
Take a free, no-cost assessment screening for review by Michelle Van Duinen, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Stonington, Connecticut.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.
It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.
Looking for help with any of these symptoms?”
Take the Assessment
Take a free, no-cost assessment screening for review by Michelle Van Duinen, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Stonington, Connecticut.
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.
Looking for help with any of these symptoms?”
Take the Assessment
Take a free, no-cost assessment screening for review by Michelle Van Duinen, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Stonington, Connecticut.
SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Drugs and Alcohol
Did you know that addiction to drugs or alcohol is a mental illness? Substance use disorders changes normal desires and priorities. It changes normal behaviors and interferes with the ability to work, go to school, and to have good relationships with friends and family.
Tobacco
Tobacco is another substance associated with addiction and health risks. It can be smoked, chewed or sniffed.
Looking for help with any of these symptoms?”
Take the Assessment
Take a free, no-cost assessment screening for review by Michelle Van Duinen, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Stonington, Connecticut.
DEMENTIA
Dementia is the name for a group of brain conditions that make it harder to remember, reason and communicate. The most common form of Dementia is Alzheimer’s. Other types include Vascular, Frontotemporal and Lewy body. Years ago, dementia was often called “senility”. It was even thought to be a normal part of aging. We know that it is not normal. It is caused by ongoing damage to the brain.
The concepts of mind, body, and spirit and their interconnection to one another has been the subject of debate since the dawn of philosophy. Whole person-centered treatment recognizes that health proceeds from the balance of our physical, spiritual, psychological, and social needs. Our wholeness is dependent upon our relationships with each other, our environment, and that which gives our lives meaning.