May 2024

By Ericka Biggs

I always say, “I didn’t just choose social work; it also chose me!” The love I have for mental health was inspired by my son and his continual struggles. He was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) at age 5, and this was challenging for me. Not only did I have to be his mother, but also his therapist and advocate. Undoubtedly, this fueled my desire to better understand him and my passion for helping other parents, guardians and children/adolescents. My primary areas of focus are children and adolescent disorders like ADHD, ODD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavior/conduct disorder, mood disorders and trauma.

As a mental health professional, my mission is not only to help people develop a better vision and see their lives through a wider lens, but to also create the same opportunity for others to see them from a broader perspective. Life can become blurry when you’re struggling with variations in mental functioning.

WHAT IS NEURODIVERISTY?

Neurodiversity is a term characterizing variation in brain function. Neurodivergent individuals have diverse perspectives and responses to the world, which substantiates the premise that there’s no particular “right” way for the brain to work. Neurological or developmental disorders like ADHD and ASD are included under the term neurodivergent.

Some symptoms of ASD include difficulties in social communication and restricted and repetitious behaviors. ADHD symptoms include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, while ODD symptoms include angry moods, defiance, and struggles with authority. Many times, symptoms can overlap with one another, causing complexity for diagnosing.

Those diagnosed with neurodivergent conditions often are misunderstood and misconceived by their parents, teachers and peers. It is time to respect and celebrate the differences in the neurodivergent community instead of automatically concluding that “something is wrong.”

WHAT IS PATHOLOGICAL DEMAND AVOIDANCE?

Which brings me to the mention of pathological demand avoidance (PDA), an intricate and rare neurodiverse profile that can overlap and interact with other neurodiverse conditions. Although PDA is not formally identified as a mental illness by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it nonetheless can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to function. PDA has characteristics like demand avoidance and challenges with social cues and creating/maintaining relationships that overlap with ASD and ODD.

Accepting neurodiversity and promoting understanding can create a more inclusive world where everyone can lead a successful life, regardless of his or her neurological profile

Ericka Biggs, licensed master social worker, works for Catalyst Counseling and Therapy Services and can be contacted at (228) 284-2644 or at www.catalystcounselingandtherapy.com.

By Mavis A. Creagh

I laid my head on my desk and began to weep as tears streamed down my face.

I was strong and fearless — but extremely tired. I was signed up to do just about everything, putting in 14-plus hour days on top of being a full-time single mom. However, this year, I have a new motto: Busy to balanced.

I understand that other factors can contribute to tiredness, but those who say “yes to everyone else and don’t take care of themselves are my focus.

I am not saying balance happens overnight, but sometimes you must make hard choices. Other aspects such as self-care, coping and stress relief play a role in becoming more balanced, but reducing obligations is extremely beneficial for your mental health and wellness.

This new season did not come without opposition, even internally, because I was used to always saying “yes.” One of the questions I ask myself now is, “Are you able to take on anything else, and can you let something go?” One of the pitfalls about lacking balance is that you suffer physically, emotionally and spiritually.

My new mantra this year: “I don’t have the capacity.” It’s short, sweet, honest and to the point.

Here are some helpful reminders that support a more balanced life.

1. You matter. Take care of yourself because there is only one you.
2. It’s okay to say “no,” and it doesn’t make you a bad person.
3. Boundaries are essential for establishing what is acceptable in relationships and crucial for your wellbeing.
4. Do the inner work. Healing is a process that begins with you.
5. Rest — your body, mind and spirit need a break.
6. Clear vision and established goals help with better attention and a more focused lifestyle.
7. Meditation — being able to quiet my mind and spirit has helped me be more at peace.
8. Pursue peaceful encounters. Position yourself naturally and emotionally in places that aid wellness.
9. Good company is key. Surround yourself with positive people who enhance your wellbeing.
10. Make a point to set aside time for yourself. Empty cups pour no juice!

This is all new for me, but I prefer balance over busyness any day.

Mavis A. Creagh is executive director of the nonprofit R3SM, Inc. (Recover, Rebuild, and Restore Southeast MS). She is president of NAMI Pine Belt (MS) affiliate. Reach her at mavis.creagh@r3sm.org, or learn more about NAMI Mississippi at namims.org.

By Kay Daneault

We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate. About half of Americans can remember a time when we were not constantly connected and could more easily tune out the noise of the world, while the younger half can’t imagine life without the internet.

Modern life can significantly impact our mental health — for better or worse. The disturbing imagery we are exposed to in the media can be deeply unsettling. At the same time, our current technology also allows us to mobilize and provide collective support more efficiently in times of natural disasters or injustice.

While our devices make us more connected than ever, loneliness is an increasingly serious public health concern. We can have conversations with friends and family on the other side of the world in real time. However, we also may know that we were not invited to a friend’s party down the street.

While our devices make us more connected than ever, LONELINESS is an increasingly serious public health concern.

Finding a sense of calm and focusing on wellbeing when you are having mental health concerns can be daunting in our fast-paced, tech-driven society. It can be especially challenging to know where to start.

May is Mental Health Month, and the Mental Health Association is raising awareness of the significant role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging members of the community to act now to protect their mental health and overall wellbeing.

This May, the Mental Health Association will focus its efforts on helping members of the community to:

• LEARN how modern life affects mental health, with new resources to navigate our changing world.
• ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions and challenging situations.
• ADVOCATE to improve mental health for themselves, their loved ones and their community.

Mental Health America has created a toolkit to help individuals determine where to start. The toolkit provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health. Visit mhanational.org/may to learn more.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, you can take a free, private mental health test at msmentalhealth.org to determine the next steps.

It’s important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. By focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis. For more information, call (228) 864-6274.

Kay Daneault is executive director of the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi. Reach her at kdaneault@msmentalhealth.org.