Mental Health Programs (5)
Brookhaven Retreat offers treatment for women who have experienced trauma that has led to emotional and mental health conditions. Women suffering from the effects of sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence or post-partum stress often become chemically dependent or have coexisting psychiatric diagnoses. AS a fully licensed dual-diagnosis treatment center, our team of medical and clinical professionals can effectively work with you on all fronts and develop a path to wellness specific to your recovery needs that addresses your unique life experiences and medical history.
Not understanding your mental health issues is like living in a cocoon, a very restricted and limited life. ON the journey at Brookhaven Retreat we teach you to thrive. Secrets and lies are often what keep women emotionally and mentally sick but it is possible to recover from the emotional breakage that result from trauma. Our clients find the camaraderie of an all-woman facility to be a worthwhile support as they begin their recovery.
We are proud of our program and the treatment we provide, and we welcome questions as you begin searching for a treatment center. We are available at all hours of the day to provide you with information about Brookhaven Retreat, as well as specific information about the focus and approach of our programs.
Anxiety or panic symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with a woman’s daily life. She may feel excessively nervous or shaky or overwhelmed by tasks that were easily done in the past. The feelings of panic can become so overpowering that she may feel like she is having a “nervous breakdown” or even feel like she is dying.
Women who suffer from anxiety are often so embarrassed or frightened by the feelings of panic that seem to come from nowhere that they are often hesitant to seek help or not even aware that help is available. Compounding the issue is a tendency to withdraw from family and friends out of fear that a panic attack might strike, which makes the anxiety only worse and further erodes away at enjoyment of normal pleasures. Other symptoms of anxiety or panic that may interfere with a woman’s ability to function include:
- Racing heart or feeling “shaky inside”
- Trouble concentrating or thinking straight
- Feeling like running away
- Having so much nervous energy that she has to pace constantly
- Fear of leaving the house or a particular room of the house
- Fear of being around crowds or excessive noise
- Trembling hands, feeling smothered, or being unable to breathe
- Trouble finding the right words to explain how she feels
- Feeling overwhelmed by activities of daily living
- Losing track of time or having trouble managing time
- Flashbacks about traumatic or upsetting experiences
- Having trouble sleeping or having nightmares
Treatment for anxiety can be complicated because the source is not always clear. Recent changes in life circumstances may trigger a severe episode of anxiety or such feelings may be a post-traumatic reaction to past stress or trauma experiences. The most effective treatment is through a comprehensive approach factoring in life circumstances, medical history and an understanding of the underlying reason for the problems. At Brookhaven Retreat, our medical and clinical staff can are adept at assessing a woman’s experience of anxiety or panic and tailoring treatment to her particular needs. If you think you or someone you care about is having trouble with feeling excessively nervous, frightened or panicky, please call us and let us help.
Also called manic-depressive disorder, bipolar is characterized by extreme mood swings. Women experiencing this may feel like they are on a constant roller coaster. The manic phase of bipolar disorder is the “up” side and the depressive phase is the “down” side of these severe mood swings. Swings from high to low may occur in rapid cycles, even within the same day, or each phase may last for weeks or months. This instability of mood can be devastating for women and their families.
A woman may feel on top of the world or out-of-control during the high-energy manic phase and then will swing into an extreme state of depression. Often, frustration with such out-of-control feelings leads to episodes of rage or aggressive outbursts.
Treatment for bipolar disorder can be complicated because of resistance to stay on medications. A woman with bipolar disorder may have difficulty finding an experienced bipolar therapist who is able to address life circumstances, medical history, the severity of symptoms and the disorder’s impact on daily life. Medication management differs from that of depression because some anti-depressant medications can trigger a manic episode rather than stabilize mood. Social support is so valuable to a woman experiencing bipolar disorder yet so often their extreme mood swings cause alienation and shame.
Brookhaven Retreat psychiatrists and therapist work together to assess depressive and manic symptoms to provide bipolar disorder treatment in a compassionate and non-judging environment. If you think you or someone you care about is having trouble with mood swings, we can help you determine the best route to get bipolar treatment.
Mania is the “up” side of severe mood swings characteristic of manic depression. It can be an extremely elevated mood or a time of very high energy. A woman may feel on top of the world or out-of-control. Frustration with such out-of-control feelings may also lead to rage episodes or aggressive outbursts. Whether the woman’s manic experience feels wonderful or scary, the episode ultimately ends in burn-out or a swing to an extreme state of depression.
Mania may also be reflected in excessive shopping/spending, gambling or sexual behaviors. Inability to make good judgments about personal safety may be especially problematic. During a manic episode, a woman may not recognize manic behaviors as dangerous or problematic and may have to depend on family and friends to recognize the “red flags” of a potential manic episode, such as:
- Disorganized thinking or an inability to focus
- Excessive talking or rapid speech
- Filled with nervous energy that she has to pace constantly
- Not being able to sleep or not wanting to sleep
- Shopping or gambling sprees
- Sexual promiscuity or heightened interest in sex
- Driving too fast
- Obsession with grandiose and unrealistic ideas
- Not taking prescribed medications
Treatment of mania depends on several factors that include life circumstances, medical history, severity of symptoms, and their impact on daily function. If you or someone you care about is having trouble with manic symptoms, please contact us and take the first step toward getting help.
For the women that come to Brookhaven Retreat, depression is much, much more than just sadness or unhappiness. Depressional has no age limit. The ladies that come to Brookhaven Retreat have had a depressed mood symptom lasting for most of the day for a number of weeks or months, and in some cases years. Many of the women who are depressed have a number of other symptoms they are dealing with everyday.
For depressed women it is very important that you learn, understand and know what depression does to your life and how that impacts the ones you love. At Brookhaven Retreat depression is treated as the illness it is.
While in residential treatment you will go on a journey of self-exploration along with full medical diagnosis and support. As women we are often taught not to listen to ourselves, but rather to the needs of others and our community. We know depression destroys self-esteem and confidence. Guilt and shame are one of the reasons many women do not get the correct help for the illness of depression and yet when we begin to listen to ourselves and trust our own emotions we find hope.
WE use a holistic approach bringing together careful diagnosis, medication management and therapy to re-establish a living rhythm that is right for you.