A Holistic Approach to ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition with various subtypes. To determine the most effective treatment approach, a comprehensive evaluation is essential. At Wholeness Center, we specialize in a holistic approach that considers the interconnected aspects of body, mind, and spirit.

It’s crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD, which can manifest differently in children and adults.

ADHD is characterized by a range of symptoms, which can include difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Common signs in children might involve being easily distracted, struggling to follow instructions, forgetfulness, and fidgeting or restlessness.

In adults, these symptoms may present differently, such as forgetfulness affecting work or personal life, impulsivity impacting decision-making, or restlessness affecting daily routines.

There are various treatments and therapies available to support individuals with ADHD. One of the key tools in our ADHD assessment toolkit is QEEG brain mapping. This remarkable technology allows us to delve deep into the unique “phenotype” of ADHD within an individual’s brain. By identifying these brain patterns, we can tailor treatment plans that may involve medications, supplements, or environmental adjustments specific to each person.

But we don’t stop there. We also examine crucial factors that influence attention and focus. Our testing includes an exploration of essential nutrients that impact cognitive function and metabolic pathways that, when unbalanced, can hinder concentration. This comprehensive testing approach ensures that your treatment plan is genuinely personalized, addressing your distinct needs and challenges.

A nutritional support plan might include:

• Protein-Packed Breakfasts: We recommend starting the day with a protein-rich meal. This provides a stable source of energy and can aid in sustaining focus throughout the morning.
• Sugar Sensibility: Excess added sugars can lead to energy spikes and crashes, affecting concentration. We advocate for a diet low in added sugars to maintain stable energy levels.
• Eliminating Artificial Dyes: Artificial dyes have no place in a wholesome diet. These chemical additives offer no nutritional value and can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Our plan encourages the elimination of these synthetic substances from your diet.

Supporting individuals with ADHD often requires a multifaceted approach, therefore, therapy can play a crucial role. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, can teach individuals strategies to improve focus, impulse control, and organizational and coping skills, for instance.

Developing coping skills is vital for individuals with ADHD. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Time Management: Using tools like calendars and reminders can assist in staying organized and on track.
• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness exercises can improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help channel excess energy and enhance concentration.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can positively impact ADHD symptoms.
• Support Networks: Engaging with support groups or therapy can provide valuable guidance and a sense of community.
• Stress Management: Learning stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can be particularly beneficial.

ADHD is a condition that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to assessment and treatment. At Wholeness Center, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support for individuals with ADHD. By addressing the unique aspects of each individual’s condition and considering the body, mind, and spirit, we aim to empower our clients to function while maximizing their ability to compensate or cope with any remaining difficulties.

Want to know more about integrative ways to find wholeness? We offer a variety of mental health tools to assist you – including nutritional suggestions. If you live in the Northern Colorado/ Ft. Collins area and would like to learn more about the innovative programs at Wholeness Center, please call 970-221-1106 or email info@wholeness.com.

Nourishing Your Mind and Body

In an ideal world, our food would serve as medicine, negating the need for excessive medications and supplements. Sadly, the reality is that the United States grapples with one of the poorest diets globally, often referred to as the Standard American Diet (SAD diet). This diet is rife with refined sugars, additives, and simple carbohydrates. We find that the relationship with the brain and gut is cyclical and often self-perpetuating – your gut affects your brain health and your brain health affects your gut. But what if we could alter this narrative? What if we could encourage a healthy gut-brain connection through the power of food and stress management?

The foundation of a vibrant gut-brain connection lies in the foods we choose to consume. A diet that embraces diversity is paramount, incorporating an array of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins like lean meats. Rotating our dietary choices with the seasons not only benefits our health but also establishes a strong link between the gut and brain. The inclusion of anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats, such as leafy greens, wild salmon, dark berries, walnuts, and almonds, can not only keep us satiated but also optimize our cognitive function.

It can be hard to discern if our mental well-being is influenced by the foods we eat. The interplay between mental health and dietary choices isn’t always straightforward. During times of stress, our penchant for quick and comforting foods tends to skew towards the less healthy spectrum. The effects often manifest in weight gain, blood sugar fluctuations, and eventually, anxiety and depression. Identifying this connection requires keen self-awareness, and sometimes professional help, allowing us to break free from the cycle of poor food choices that perpetuate mental distress.

The intricate relationship between stress and the gut is undeniable. Stress triggers a physiological “fight or flight” response, releasing cortisol and influencing blood flow, digestion, and gut movement. Prolonged stress contributes to digestive problems, from bloating to irregular bowel movements. Surprisingly, our gut holds a network of nerves akin to a “second brain.” This intricate enteric nervous system communicates bidirectionally with our primary brain. The disruption of this connection under stress can lead to those proverbial “gut feelings.”

Unraveling the gut-brain connection unveils its role in mental health. Chronic stress alters gut microbiota, the microorganisms populating our digestive tracts. This disruption affects neurotransmitter production, ultimately influencing our mood and mental well-being. It’s a stark reminder that stress isn’t confined to emotional turmoil but also molds us physically.

Managing stress and supporting gut health require a multifaceted approach. Therapists offer invaluable tools like mindfulness, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can soothe the nervous system, mitigating stress’s adverse effects on the gut-brain connection. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, including naturopathic doctors, is pivotal when specialized advice is warranted.

Therapists hold the key to harmonizing stress-related gut issues. Through therapy, individuals can untangle emotional triggers contributing to stress’s physical toll. By addressing the root causes, emotional distress and physical symptoms find solace. Therapists serve as guides in developing coping mechanisms, fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure holistic well-being.

The notion of food as medicine carries profound weight when it comes to nurturing a robust gut-brain connection. We hold the reins to transform our dietary choices, aligning our well-being with the harmony our bodies deserve. Through mindful selections and therapeutic support, we pave a path towards vibrant mental and gut health – a journey well worth embarking upon.

Want to know more about integrative ways to find wholeness? We offer a variety of mental health tools to assist you – including nutritional suggestions. If you live in the Northern Colorado/ Ft. Collins area and would like to learn more about the innovative programs at Wholeness Center, please call 970-221-1106 or email info@wholeness.com.

How to Handle Transitions – Back to School Basics for Caregivers

It’s back to school time and with it comes a healthy dose of feelings. This can be a time of excitement and anticipation which might also lead to overwhelm. And regardless of the feelings you and/ or your children might be experiencing, it’s important to learn how to process them so they don’t become a problem for yourself or others.

From kindergarten to college, this time of year can be full of transitions. Change, while inevitable, can be hard to accept. The better we are at acceptance, the more capable we become as collaborative members in our families. First, we must manage our own feelings about change so that we can better help the rest of our family accept and manage their own feelings.

How is it that we can stop and care for ourselves when everything feels so busy and hectic for everyone else? You might be wondering if it’s ok to practice self-care when the focus “should be” on your family. The mental health providers at Wholeness Center are here to tell you anything you are feeling at this time is normal and you are not alone.

Stop and take a minute to identify what you are feeling. Especially when overwhelm creeps in, it’s important to notice what you are feeling and where. Do not bypass your emotions. Give yourself time to fully explore how you are feeling and what is at the root. Notice where in your body you have sensations related with that feeling. And then slowly let the feeling and sensations pass.

Be prepared to cycle through your feelings more than once. Grief, for instance, is not linear. Therefore, you might experience different aspects of grief at different times sometimes skipping ahead, sometimes repeating emotions. This is perfectly normal.

Recognize what is within your control and let go of things that are not. We remind our clients that you are in control of your words, your thoughts and your actions. That’s it. Any outside factors that might have you concerned or scrambling for resolution are just that: outside your control. Rather than focusing outside yourself, ground yourself and recenter. Many of our anxious emotions can be released when we let go of the need to control things outside ourselves.

Find healthy ways to release your emotions. If you notice you are holding onto your feelings find a way to release them so that they don’t harm others. Rather than snapping at your partner, take a deep breath and drink a glass of water. If you feel like you are being a bit clingy with your college age child, go for a run or walk. Make sure you are sleeping 7-9 hours each night to assist with your own stress management. Try to eat comfort foods that hold nutritional value rather than over or under eating to cope with your feelings.

Ask for help. Wholeness Center is an integrative mental health clinic that provides comprehensive, state of the art therapies, using a holistic full body approach. To recognize your unique individuality, we have a top-notch team trained to work together to meet your needs.  Having a collaborative team means that we listen. Really listen. Effective communication and collaborative care are essential elements to a happier, healthier family.

In times of transition or change it is normal to feel overwhelmed with emotion. Using these simple strategies, you can acknowledge and become accountable for your feelings in order to be present as your children manage their own feelings.

Want to know more about integrative ways to find wholeness? We offer a variety of mental health tools to assist you – including nutritional suggestions. If you live in the Northern Colorado/ Ft. Collins area and would like to learn more about the innovative programs at Wholeness Center, please call 970-221-1106 or email info@wholeness.com.

Men’s Mental Health: The Stigma of Treatment

June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about various aspects of men’s well-being. While physical health often takes center stage, it is crucial not to overlook the significance of men’s mental health. We know that mental health is not exclusive to any gender, however, certain issues tend to be more prevalent among men. In fact, men are less likely to seek assistance for their mental health needs than women.

Dr. Scott Shannon writes, when men experience mental health issues that remain unaddressed, less favorable outcomes result from the symptoms which might be:

1. Depression: Although men may experience depression, they are also less likely to recognize and seek help for their symptoms. Men may exhibit different signs of depression, such as irritability, anger, and increased risk-taking behavior, rather than openly expressing sadness or hopelessness.
2. Anxiety: Societal norms of male behavior and the pressure to appear strong may make it harder for men to acknowledge and seek support for their anxiety symptoms.
3. Anger/ Violence: According to research done by Steven Rondeau ND, “Persons with high trait anger often have poor social relationships [12] and are more likely to engage in confrontation [13], aggressive behavior [14, 15] and domestic violence [16].”
4. Substance abuse: Men are more likely to engage in substance abuse as a way to cope with stress, emotional difficulties, or other underlying mental health issues. Substance abuse can magnify and also contribute to mental health problems and addiction.
5. Suicide: Men have higher rates of completed suicide compared to women. Factors contributing to this disparity include socialization norms that discourage men from seeking help, reluctance to express vulnerability, and a higher prevalence of impulsive and lethal suicide methods among men.
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Men can develop PTSD as a result of experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Military service, physical assault, accidents, or natural disasters are examples of situations that can lead to PTSD in men.
7. Body image and eating disorders: Although eating disorders are commonly associated with women, men can also struggle with body image concerns and develop eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. Societal expectations around masculinity and physical appearance can contribute to these issues. “Due to stigma and feelings of shame, men may deny their symptoms and hesitate to seek treatment.”

Understand that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength, and men should be encouraged to reach out to healthcare professionals, therapists, or support groups for assistance. Creating an environment that promotes open dialogue, reduces stigma, and provides accessible mental health resources is essential for supporting men’s mental well-being.

At Wholeness Center we provide several therapies that are particularly supportive of the mental health symptoms men might experience.

EEG Imaging and Neurofeedback is a way to discover new avenues for PTSD identification and treatment.

In the world of mental health, groundbreaking advancements are continually being made. Recent research has unveiled the potential of functional brain imaging in identifying PTSD. By analyzing brainwave patterns, scientists can pinpoint unique neural signatures associated with the disorder, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

Furthermore, the application of neurofeedback as a treatment for PTSD has shown remarkable promise.

The integration of qEEG imaging and neurofeedback brings forth new possibilities for understanding and treating PTSD. This innovative approach offers hope to those affected by the condition, paving the way for more personalized and effective interventions.

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is another supportive therapy for men’s mental health because it helps them realize the level of severity of their PTSD. So much of the motivation for change stems from this awareness. It’s not uncommon for people with PTSD to comment on how less reactive they are to stressors following ketamine treatment. Survival behaviors that once seemed normal begin to fade into the background. When patients realize how far off the mark they have been they begin to give themselves the care and attention they need to heal.

Inclusive Talk Therapy gives people the space to process where they are at with their gender or sexual identity. Issues commonly addressed included navigating the ongoing process of coming out as well as helping people navigate the complex process of pursuing gender-affirming hormones and surgery.

Hormone Testing, specifically the role of testosterone—a hormone predominantly associated with masculinity—can influence men’s mental well-being. While testosterone’s role in physical development is well-documented, its impact on mental health is a subject of ongoing research. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Mood and Emotional Well-being: Studies have shown a correlation between testosterone levels and mood regulation. Low levels of testosterone have been associated with symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and decreased motivation. Additionally, some research suggests a potential link between low testosterone and an increased risk of developing conditions like depression and anxiety. However, it is important to note that testosterone is just one factor among many that can contribute to mental health issues.
• Cognitive Function: Testosterone also appears to influence cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and spatial awareness. Some studies suggest that low testosterone levels may contribute to cognitive decline in older men.

The ADAM questionnaire can be helpful in screening for low testosterone symptoms before testing.

One important thing for men to know is that it is important to also test for estrogen levels when a hormonal imbalance might be suspected.

We would love to tell you more about the amazing work we are doing in the practice of integrative mental health care. We offer a variety of mental health tools to assist you. If you live in the Northern Colorado/ Ft. Collins area and would like to learn more about the innovative programs at Wholeness Center, please call 970-221-1106 or email info@wholeness.com.

SOURCES:

Rondeau, Steven. “Neural Correlates of Violent Behavior: The Role of Anger and Other Psychiatric Disorders as Measured by Electroencelography.” https://www.wholeness.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Revised_-Neural-Correlates-of-Violent-Behavior-WITH-Wholeness-Logo.pdf. Date accessed June 8, 2023.

Sangha, Simrin et al. “Eating Disorders in Males: How Primary Care Providers Can Improve Recognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” American journal of men’s health vol. 13,3 (2019): 1557988319857424. doi:10.1177/1557988319857424

Shannon, Scott. “Trauma in Men and Boys.” https://www.wholeness.com/blog/2022/06/. Date accessed June 8, 2023.

10 Things to Know About Integrative Treatment at Wholeness Center

May is mental health awareness month and we want you to know the Wholeness Center is a leading mental health provider in the Northern Colorado region as well as one of the most innovative mental health clinics in the US. Wholeness offers cutting-edge therapies like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and both brain mapping and training. Take a deeper look at Wholeness Center and what it has to offer. Here are 10 things you may not know about our practice:

1. Our approach to mental health is integrative. Mental health is so much more than each of its parts – natural treatments, medications, and therapy.  Integrative mental health care is a way to approach the care of our patients from different points of view about the pillars of health – nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management. Genuine integrative care starts with the intake process, is maintained through collaboration with providers at Wholeness, and includes you, the patient, as an active part of the team.
2. We assess you as a whole human. One area that sets us apart from other mental health facilities is our ability to do very comprehensive assessments.  At intake, our assessments include brain mapping (QEEG), in addition to other objective tests including but not limited to blood work, food sensitivities, nutrient assessments, biochemical pathway assessments, and genomic assessments. Often these tests are not utilized and contributing factors in mental health diagnoses and treatment are missed.
3. You are the most important person on the team. One of the most effective approaches to mental health is the one in which the person feels engaged and takes an active role in their own recovery. For instance, if you sense that your recovery is going to be aided by taking a dance class and not by an antidepressant, then that’s the plan.
   

4. You can trust that we are highly skilled. Each provider at Wholeness has specialties in one or more areas, having all these amazing brains under one roof is for patients to get the best care available. Our team is exceptional and trained in integrative psychiatry which allows for the most available treatment options for our patients.  
   

5. We offer the most advanced techniques in mental health. Wholeness continues to be a leader in mental health with the most advanced techniques. We offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for a variety of conditions including depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder to name a few. Wholeness is the only clinic in Northern CO that offers all administration routes for ketamine therapy by our team of highly trained therapists. Wholeness is at the forefront of the potential utilization of psychedelic therapy in a holistic model. As this is an emerging field, keep an eye out for additional services that will be offered soon.  
   

6. All your providers are under one roof. Wholeness is much like other mental health and naturopathic clinics out there, except at Wholeness we all work together in the same building. That means Wholeness providers are able to order labs to assess any condition with objective evidence as well as utilize intake assessments from naturopathic doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and counselors to get a comprehensive outlook on each patient’s needs. 
   

7. We practice collaboration. Our team meets regularly to discuss cases and to learn from each other. When our providers meet with clients, they consider how other team members and modalities could be supportive and will make recommendations for holistic care. Most mental health facilities will offer medication management only, which doesn’t address lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, or biochemical analysis of patients who struggle with their mental health. Often, psychiatric practice is limited by not having a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of mental disorders. What is unique about The Wholeness Center is that it offers an integrated approach to mental health.
8. We take away the guesswork and tell you how your brain is actually working. Brain mapping is an essential tool that guides clinicians to a more accurate diagnosis, and provides treatment support through medication mapping, supplement, and botanical options, in addition to lifestyle recommendations that are specific to a patient’s individual brain patterns. Neurofeedback treatments allow for non-medicinal approaches to mental health. And, ketamine therapy offers an uncovering approach to repressed or dissociated aspects of the psyche, rather than the suppressive approach to symptoms, which is primarily used in typical psychiatric interventions.
9. We look at the connection between your gut and brain. Your small intestine is where a majority of your neurotransmitters are made as well as where a majority of your immune system lives. If the small intestine is unhappy, people’s mental and physical health can follow suit and those may be more susceptible to feelings of depression and/or anxiety. Your gut and brain guide one another and are crucial to mental health.
10. We set the standard for mental health in Colorado. An integrative approach to mental health, like the one offered at the Wholeness Center, should be standard. We utilize the best of all medical perspectives – medication management, therapy, and naturopathic solutions. We know medication can offer relief of symptoms for long- or short-term help when patients are struggling. Therapy can help patients dig a bit deeper into their own psyche and understand the “why” of their situations. Naturopathic medicine integrates objective testing and offers help to those who want either an adjunct to their medication management or want to be medication-free. Brain mapping helps us to see patterns within the brain that may point toward depression, anxiety, or ADHD. By utilizing an integrative approach to mental health, we can better direct potential patients to providers who specialize in their individual diagnosis and/ or treatment.

 We would love to tell you more about the amazing work we are doing in the practice of integrative mental health care. We offer a variety of mental health tools to assist you. If you live in the Northern Colorado/ Ft. Collins area and would like to learn more about the innovative programs at Wholeness Center, please call 970-221-1106 or email info@wholeness.com.