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John Cobb, MD is a Psychiatrist working with Addiction Disorders, Opioid Treatment with Suboxone, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder, Mania, Hallucinations, Delusions, Psychosis and other psychiatric conditions.

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ANXIETY AND MINDFULNESS

Anxiety and Mindfulness: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotional state that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It can range from mild to severe and can be a result of a stressful event or a chronic condition. Anxiety can be debilitating and affect a person’s daily life, making it difficult to function normally.

Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment and accepting thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. It has been shown to be an effective tool for managing anxiety and reducing stress levels.

Here are some ways to practice mindfulness to manage anxiety:

  1. Breathing Exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm your body and mind. Focus on breathing in and out, counting each inhale and exhale.
  2. Meditation: Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and sit or lie down comfortably. Focus your attention on your breath and allow your thoughts to pass by without engaging with them.
  3. Body Scan: Lie down or sit comfortably and focus your attention on each part of your body, starting from your toes and moving upwards. Pay attention to any sensations or feelings you experience in each area.
  4. Mindful Movement: Engage in physical activity that requires your full attention, such as yoga, tai chi, or dance. Focus on each movement and sensation in your body.
  5. Gratitude Practice: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on things you’re grateful for. Focus on the positive things in your life and allow your thoughts to drift towards feelings of happiness and contentment.

In conclusion, anxiety can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, but with the help of mindfulness practices, it’s possible to manage symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself, and to seek support if needed.

MENTAL HEALTH AND MINDFULNESS

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BIPOLAR DISORDER AND STOICISM

Bipolar Disorder and Stoicism: Understanding the Connection

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, ranging from depression to mania. On the other hand, Stoicism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of reason, self-control, and resilience in the face of adversity. While they may seem unrelated, there is a connection between bipolar disorder and Stoicism that can help individuals with the condition to better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and mania, which can last for days, weeks, or even months. During a depressive episode, individuals may feel hopeless, sad, and have a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. During a manic episode, individuals may feel excessively energized, have racing thoughts, and engage in risky or impulsive behaviors.

Managing Bipolar Disorder with Stoicism

While medication and therapy are the primary treatments for bipolar disorder, incorporating principles of Stoicism can also help individuals better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Stoicism teaches individuals to focus on what they can control and to accept what they cannot control. This approach can be particularly useful for individuals with bipolar disorder, as it helps them to develop resilience and maintain a more positive outlook during difficult times.

Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of self-control and emotional regulation. Individuals with bipolar disorder often struggle with regulating their emotions, particularly during manic episodes. By incorporating Stoic principles, individuals can work to develop greater emotional stability and reduce the intensity of their mood swings.

Finally, Stoicism teaches individuals to live in the present moment and focus on their thoughts and actions, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder, who may struggle with negative thoughts and feelings during depressive episodes. By focusing on the present moment, individuals can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and maintain a more positive outlook on life.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder can be a challenging condition to manage, but incorporating principles of Stoicism can help individuals better cope with their symptoms and improve their quality of life. By focusing on what they can control, developing emotional regulation and resilience, and living in the present moment, individuals with bipolar disorder can cultivate a more positive outlook and lead a fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and provide support and guidance along the way.

MENTAL HEALTH AND STOICISM

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DEPRESSION AND STOICISM

Depression and Stoicism: Understanding and Coping with Negative Emotions

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in life. Depression can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities and relationships.

On the other hand, Stoicism is a philosophical approach to life that emphasizes accepting what we cannot change and focusing on what we can control. The Stoics believed that negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and sadness are caused by our perceptions and beliefs about events, rather than the events themselves. By changing our perceptions and beliefs, we can reduce the power of these emotions.

The principles of Stoicism can be applied to depression to help individuals cope with negative emotions and improve their mental health. Here are some ways to use Stoicism to manage depression:

  1. Accept what you cannot change: Acceptance is a key component of Stoicism. When faced with depression, it’s important to recognize that some aspects of the condition are beyond our control. This can include the onset of symptoms, the severity of the condition, and the length of time it lasts. By accepting what we cannot change, we can reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany depression.
  2. Focus on what you can control: The Stoics believed that we have control over our own thoughts, emotions, and actions. When dealing with depression, it can be helpful to focus on what we can control, such as our thoughts and behaviors. This can include engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure, practicing self-care, and seeking support from friends and family.
  3. Practice mindfulness: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and being mindful of our thoughts and emotions. When dealing with depression, it can be helpful to practice mindfulness by focusing on our breathing and being aware of our thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can help us to become more aware of our negative thought patterns and break the cycle of depression.
  4. Cultivate gratitude: The Stoics believed in the importance of cultivating gratitude for what we have in our lives. When facing depression, it can be helpful to focus on the things we are grateful for, such as our health, relationships, and accomplishments. This can help shift our focus away from negative thoughts and improve our overall well-being.

In conclusion, depression is a challenging condition that affects millions of people. However, by using the principles of Stoicism, individuals can learn to manage their negative emotions and improve their mental health. By accepting what we cannot change, focusing on what we can control, practicing mindfulness, and cultivating gratitude, we can build resilience and find meaning in life despite the challenges posed by depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and provide support and guidance along the way.

MENTAL HEALTH AND STOICISM

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FEES

Our practice does not accept any form of insurance at this time. We are happy to provide our patients an itemized bill they can submit to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. We cannot provide an itemized bill to those who have Medicare as our providers are opted-out of Medicare services.

Payment is due in full at the time of the appointment and we accept cash and credit cards.

Our fees are as follows:

  • Adult psychiatric initial evaluation: $400
  • Adult psychiatric follow-up appointment: $100

HOMEPAGE