Does this sound familiar?

• ADHD can feel like your mind is continually running without an OFF switch in sight. This constant stimulation makes it challenging to narrow your focus to just one task.

• This leads to challenges with organizing and completing tasks, constantly misplacing items, and forgetting important meetings or appointments.

• The struggles that come with such an active brain can be extremely frustrating to the person with ADHD.

• They often struggle to understand why these things take so much more effort for them, which can lead to increased anxiety and even depression.

How Can We Help?

‍ ‍Despite the diagnosis including the words "deficit" and "disorder," we do not view ADHD as a deficit or disorder. Instead, we see ADHD as a unique and distinct pattern of brain and nervous system development with associated challenges and advantages.

‍ ‍We would love to work with you, as a team, to develop an individualized approach that addresses your challenges, builds on your strengths, and helps you find a treatment plan to calm your mind and improve your overall functioning.

• To put it simply, the autistic brain and nervous system are wired differently, which can result in challenges when living in a world designed for a “neurotypical” brain. No two people diagnosed with autism are the same due to the wide spectrum of symptoms and associated needs of support. People diagnosed with autism see and experience the world differently.

• Autism can affect communication, social interactions, focused behaviors or interests, and sensory input and processing.

What does this look like?

Socially

• Difficulty engaging in conversations with topics that don’t interest you, yet easily and excitedly communicate about a topic you find interesting.

• You may have a narrow area of interest in which you have developed a near-expert level of knowledge, which may also include collecting and organizing associated objects.

  • Examples: specific TV shows, movies or books, airplanes, trains, mechanical objects like engines, animals, reptiles, bugs, dinosaurs, numbers, historical periods, stamps, coins, rocks, gems, fossils, etc.

• Some social situations may be confusing or overwhelming; it may feel like everyone else is following a set of unwritten social rules or cues—such as knowing when to make eye contact, how to join a conversation, or when it’s their turn to speak. It’s as if there’s a “secret manual” for social behavior that everyone, except you. This can make it difficult to know what’s expected of you or how to respond in certain situations, which can lead to anxiety or feeling like you don’t quite belong.

Desire for Sameness

• The autistic brain and nervous system thrive on routines and predictability. Sudden changes in plans, a different route to school, or even a small change in the order of daily activities can feel very unsettling and overwhelming. This may result in intense anxiety, frustration, or distress, which may appear as an emotional outburst or social withdrawal.

Sensory

• Sensory input and processing differences may appear as increased or decreased sensitivity to: pain, everyday sounds, lights, textures, smells, and tastes. Some sensory inputs can feel overwhelmingly intense or even painful.

  • Things like a buzzing fluorescent light, the texture of certain fabrics on your skin, or the background noise in a busy room can leave you feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated.

“Picky” Eating

• The alteration in sensory processing associated with autism can include the sensory properties of food, such as texture, consistency, taste, smell, and appearance. As a result, certain foods may be perceived as overwhelming, unpleasant, or even painful, which can lead to selective eating behaviors that are commonly described as “picky” eating.

• Texture and consistency: Strong preferences or aversions based on the texture and consistency of food are common. For example, preferring crunchy or smooth foods while avoiding lumpy, mixed, grainy, or sticky textures. 

• Taste and smell: Foods with unfamiliar or strong flavors or odors may be rejected due to heightened sensitivity to taste and smell.

• Appearance: The color or presentation of food can also influence acceptance or rejection. Visual aspects of food, such as color or presentation, can also influence acceptance or rejection. Some people prefer foods of a certain color or avoid foods that look different from what they are used to.

• Temperature: Preferences for food to be at a specific temperature, either hot or cold, can result from sensitivity to temperature.

How Can We Help?

At Rebirth Mental Health Services, we view autism as a brain and nervous system development that is unique and distinct, rather than disordered or deficient. We will work with you, as a team, to develop an individualized approach to address your specific challenges and enhance your everyday functioning.

• Trauma can come in many forms and is not limited to acts of war or violence. The brain and nervous system interpret the experience of and the perceived threat of serious injury, violence, assault, or death equally as trauma.

  • Some examples include: Combat or military service involving life-threatening situations. Sexual assault or abuse. Natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods. Serious car crashes or other accidents. Witnessing trauma, learning of trauma to a loved one, or repeated exposures to traumatic details through work are all interpreted by the brain and nervous system as trauma.

• In some people and situations, this exposure to trauma disrupts normal stress processing and rewires the brain and nervous system, resulting in a persistent state of fear, hyperarousal, dissociation, and intrusive memories.

• Not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD; the risk of PTSD development increases due to genetic factors, pre-existing mental health difficulties, prior traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, underdeveloped coping skills, and a lack of social support.

What does this look like?

• PTSD can feel like you are always on high alert, as if danger could appear at any moment—even when you logically know you’re safe. This constant sense of vigilance can make it difficult to relax, concentrate, or feel at ease in everyday situations.

• You might experience reliving distressing memories, avoiding certain places, people, or conversations. You may be easily startled or feel jumpy. Sleep can be disrupted by nightmares or racing thoughts. Your relationships may feel strained by irritability, outbursts, or emotional numbness.

• The struggles that come with living in a state of heightened awareness (hyperarousal) are exhausting and can be isolating.

• Many people with PTSD wonder why it’s so hard to move past what happened, which can increase feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression.

‍How Can We Help?

At Rebirth Mental Health Services, we do not view PTSD symptoms as personal failings or weaknesses. We understand PTSD as the mind and body's natural response to overwhelming or threatening experiences—an attempt to protect you during times of crisis or danger. We recognize that these symptoms are not a reflection of your character, but rather the result of your nervous system remaining on high alert (being stuck in “ON” mode), as if the threat is still present.

Do not give up hope; through a variety of treatments and therapies, the rewiring that occurs in PTSD has been shown to be reversible, allowing for normalized fear circuitry, improved emotional regulation, and recovery.

We provide trauma-informed care as we work with you to develop an individualized approach to address your specific challenges, build your resilience, and help you develop a plan to restore your sense of safety and improve your overall well-being. We look forward to showing you that yes, it can get better, and no, you do not have to live like this forever.

What is Anxiety?

• Anxiety is a state of amplified alertness that is triggered by areas in the brain and nervous system, which detect and respond to perceived threats.

• When anxiety becomes chronic, it can alter certain brain circuits and cause certain areas of your nervous system to become stuck in survival or fight-or-flight mode.

Does this sound familiar?

• This heightened alertness can make it difficult to return to a state of calm. You experience this through physical symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.

• Anxiety can feel like your mind is always bracing for what might go wrong, making it hard to relax or feel at ease—even in situations that seem safe to others. This persistent worry or sense of unease can make it challenging to focus, enjoy activities, or feel confident in your decisions. Everyday tasks can feel overwhelming, and the constant “what ifs” can be exhausting.

How Can We Help?

Now here is the wonderful news: we have a variety of treatment options and therapies that can help you train these systems, restore balance to your nervous system, and reduce your anxiety symptoms.

At Rebirth Mental Health Services, we recognize that anxiety is not a form of weakness or some personal flaw; it is simply your nervous system running wild. We can work with you to create an individualized approach to help you regain control over your nervous system, reduce your symptoms of anxiety, and improve your overall well-being.

What is Depression?

• Depression can be complex due to the variety of factors that can influence its development. It is not as simple as a lack of serotonin, but rather is often the result of a combination of factors. More accurately, there appears to be impaired neurotransmitter (brain chemicals) functioning in several areas of the brain that when combined with other factors such as chronic stress and negative thinking patterns, may contribute to depression.

• We have additionally found evidence that immune system dysregulation and inflammation contributed heavily to depression in some people.

What Does Depression Feel Like?

• Depression can sometimes feel like a heavy weight has been draped over you, draining your energy, motivation, and making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It can be hard to find joy in things you once enjoyed, or you may feel disconnected from others or even from your own sense of self.

• You might struggle with persistent sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of hopelessness. Even when you want to feel better, it can seem impossible to “snap out of it,” which can add to feelings of guilt or frustration.

• The struggles that come with depression can be deeply isolating and exhausting. Many people with depression wonder why it’s so hard to feel better, which can lead to increased anxiety or self-criticism.

How Can We Help?

At Rebirth Mental Health Services, we understand that depression can be complex and challenging due to the many factors influencing its development. We also understand the substantial impact it can have on every area of your life.

We are committed to working with you, as a team, to thoroughly examine the factors contributing to your depression so that we can develop a holistic and individualized treatment approach to help you regain your mental wellness and improve the overall quality of your life. We are committed to not only improving your symptoms but also exhausting all options to help you achieve remission.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

• Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, ranging from periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) to episodes of depression.

• Bipolar I and Bipolar II are two types of bipolar disorder that both involve episodes of depression and periods of elevated mood, but they differ in the intensity of those mood changes.

  • In Bipolar I, a person experiences at least one episode of full-blown mania, which is a period of extremely elevated mood, energy, or irritability that can be severe enough to cause significant problems in daily life or may require hospitalization.

  • In contrast, Bipolar II involves episodes of hypomania, which are milder periods of elevated mood that do not reach the intensity of mania, and may go unrecognized due to the predominant symptom being significantly longer and more frequent depressive episodes. This can often be misdiagnosed as treatment-resistant depression.

• Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood and can recur throughout life, sometimes making daily life and decision-making challenging. Without appropriate treatment, episodes can increase in intensity and duration with time.

• However, with appropriate treatment—including mood stabilizing medications, adequate sleep, and other therapies—many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

What Does Bipolar Disorder Feel Like?

• Bipolar disorder can feel like your mood and energy are on a rollercoaster, with periods of intense highs and deep lows that can be difficult to predict or control. These shifts can make it challenging to maintain routines, relationships, jobs, or a sense of stability.

• You might experience times of increased energy, creativity, or impulsivity, followed by episodes of sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness. The unpredictability of these changes can be confusing and disruptive, both for you and those around you.

• The struggles that come with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming and sometimes isolating. Many people with bipolar disorder wonder why their mood and energy fluctuate so dramatically, which can lead to frustration, anxiety, or self-doubt.

How Can We Help?

At Rebirth Mental Health Services, we recognize that you are not simply a list of symptoms or the sum of a diagnosis, but rather a unique individual with your own hopes and dreams for the future.

We believe in working with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to address your unique needs, desires, and goals. We will work together to find the medication best suited to you and your preferences while also ensuring a holistic treatment plan to help you achieve and maintain mental wellness.