Mind Above

Give the gift of counseling! Purchase of a gift card allows for the recipient to utilize as credit towards counseling services provided by Mind Above, PLLC. This allows for the recipient to use the credit anonymously at their discretion.

This gift card never expires!

Gift card purchase is a digital download that is sent to the recipient with details on how to utilize the amount as credit towards services. Gift card only to be utilized as credit towards counseling services provided by Mind Above, PLLC to include individual, couples, and group counseling. The gift card is only usable as credit towards recipient receiving counseling services and is not redeemed for cash.

Give the gift of counseling! Purchase of a gift card allows for the recipient to utilize as credit towards counseling services provided by Mind Above, PLLC. This allows for the recipient to use the credit anonymously at their discretion.

This gift card never expires! The recipient will inform Mind Above, PLLC that they have a gift card to use and it will be redeemed as credit on their account.

If you think that veterans are characterized by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and physical wounds of war, then I’ve got news for you; veterans are much more than medals and scars.

In this Veterans Day post, I’m going to provide perspective about MYTHS & TRUTHS associated with veterans and PTSD. Not only will I discuss the most common myths regarding veterans and PTSD, but I’ll share some insight into truths.

"Veterans are much more than medals and scars."  -- Jeremy Fusco, LCSW

PTSD has been around since…

MYTH - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder has been an official diagnosis since the Vietnam War.

TRUTH - In the 1970s, post-traumatic stress disorder became a recognized grouping of psychological concerns for veterans returning home from war in Vietnam. PTSD became an operational diagnosis in 1980 with the publishing of the American Psychiatric Association’s third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). Prior to this, the term “shell shock” was used to describe symptoms we now view as signs of PTSD. Shell shock was a term that was accredited to Charles Myers, an English Psychologist who first wrote about it in a 1915 publishing of The Lancet (he later admitted to not crafting the term himself). Initially, the symptoms of shell shock were contributed to the physical damages that affected soldiers that were exposed to bombardment in the trenches of World War I. It was within World War I that the term transitioned to describe a state of psychological concerns including debilitating anxiety, persistent nightmares, and physical afflictions ranging from diarrhea to loss of sight. These symptoms were appearing in soldiers who had never been directly under bombardment so the meaning of the term was broadened to include the psychological effects resulting from the experience of combat.

PTSD is only connected to combat

MYTH - Post-traumatic stress disorder is only experienced by those exposed to combat.

TRUTH - PTSD can result from exposure to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence to include the following way(s)

Direct exposure

Witnessing the trauma

Learning of or indirect exposure to aversive details of the trauma, usually in the course of professional duties (medics, first responders)

People experience traumatic events that include circumstances such as car accidents, sexual assault, combat, workplace mishaps, and school violence. These events can be troubling for those who experienced it directly or vicariously.

PTSD vs. Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD)

MYTH - PTSD always leads to negative consequences in relationships and emotional dysregulation.

TRUTH - PTSD relates to a single traumatic episode. This can result in additional struggles due to increase worry and hyper-vigilance. C-PTSD relates to chronic or recurring exposure to threats or harm. Complex-PTSD (also known as complex trauma disorder) is distinct from PTSD since a distortion of a person’s core identity and emotional dysregulation can occur.

With PTSD, the main criterion include:

Sense of threat

Avoidance

Re-experiencing

With C-PTSD, the main criterion include:

Interpersonal disturbances

Negative self-concept

Affect dysregulation

Sense of threat

Avoidance

Re-experiencing

C-PTSD is commonly seen in:

Chronic sexual, psychological, or physical abuse

Intimate partner violence

Kidnapping & Human trafficking

Neglect

The way symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD manifest is important to help distinguish the differences in each. PTSD is heavily guided by the post-traumatic symptoms to include nightmares, flashbacks, hyperarousal, startle response, paranoia, and burst of emotions. C-PTSD includes all of the aforementioned symptoms and changes in self-concept; how one sees themselves, their morals, and even their faith in others or their spirituality.

PTSD & Suicide

MYTH - PTSD leads to suicide since there is no hope. Suicidal people can’t cope and you can’t ask them if they might harm themselves.

TRUTH - PTSD can disrupt lives, but there is hope for a better tomorrow. PTSD alone doesn’t drive people to suicidal thoughts or actions, it is often an amalgamation of stressors - real or perceived - that may contribute to this state. This can include financial troubles, relationship difficulties, drug abuse, isolation, or loss of a friend/loved one. Suicide is something to be taken seriously and there is much work to be done to help those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Often times, simply listening to a person and providing them understanding (to the best of one’s ability) to encourage them to receive help. It is okay to ask if someone feels that they may harm themselves. It is okay to let them know you aren’t sure what to do but that you will do your best and also let them know that you might need help to better assist them. By supporting them embracing their healing through supportive treatment such as speaking with a professional, there is an increased chance for restoring hope in their lives. Take time to learn about resources that are available Nationally, Regionally, and Locally. Also know of services that are available 24/7 such as:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (confidential & free)

1-800-273-8255 (Option 1 for Veterans)

Lifeline Options For Deaf + Hard of Hearing

For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

In conclusion, PTSD & veterans…

PTSD and C-PTSD can be experienced by anyone. Often, PTSD is made synonymous with veterans through societal narratives that usually reflect only one piece of the whole person. Celebrate veterans on Veterans Day and be an advocate for healing. Your kindness might comfort them now or in the future.

Mind Above - Spectrum News 1 feature with Lupe Zapata

Purchasing this digital gift card creates a unique code. The gift card recipient can enter this code at checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total.

"There should never be any shame in treating mental health, because caring for the mind is as important as seeking treatment for any other part of the body."  -- Jeremy Fusco, LCSW

A few months ago, I was contacted by a writer (Tracey New) who wanted to speak to me about my Veteran status as well as my perspective as a mental health provider who has worked extensively with Military, Veterans, and their families. I provided some insight from my own experience transitioning from the U.S. Air Force when medically retired and openly discussed the importance of mental health. If you have time, check out the full article which also features Judge Dominique Collins and Scott Smith of Dallas County Veterans Treatment Court.

The article was meant to be a meaningful discussion on how to address mental health and encourage taking action to heal.

A few things to address for accuracy:

My work history: Regarding my time at the Department of Veteran Affairs, I was with the VA Vet Center - an outpatient mental health clinic for combat/warzone veterans and their families, not the main VA hospital system. The time that I worked at the VA occurred in Dallas, Texas and previous work experience was with other agencies to include non-profits and hospitals.

Providing care to Veterans: I am a VA Community Care Network and Tricare approved provider for mental/behavioral health. This means I am able to provide care to Military members, their families, and Veterans utilizing their VA or Tricare coverage. I do see clients who may not qualify for VA benefits in addition to those with service connected disabilities and/or Active, Guard, or Reserve status.

Providing care to ALL: I provide mental health care to adults with unbiased support and understanding. Mind Above, PLLC is a place for healing with equity, equality, and empowerment for all regardless of race, orientation, identity, creed, or socioeconomic status. I am in-network with most major insurance plans and also accept self-pay for those seeking counseling without the use of insurance.

Thank you for your support and I wish you success on your journey to healing!

In these unprecedented times, the demands place on healthcare workers and professionals is ever-increasing due the rapid spread of the Coronavirus. In support of healthcare workers on the frontlines of an epidemic, Mind Above will cover co-pays for online therapy sessions throughout 2020.

As a mental health provider, social worker, and veteran it is important for me to do whatever I can to support those working tireless to save lives and heal the sick. That’s why I have made the decision to cover co-pays for healthcare providers seeking individual counseling for the rest of 2020.

- Jeremy Fusco, LCSW

The stress on healthcare systems is more than the infrastructure, it’s also the people providing the care who are doing the best they can with what supplies they have on hand. It is the tireless work and selflessness of healthcare workers and professionals including technicians, care managers, doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, researchers, and more that are tasked with facing an invisible enemy. The level of need will continue to rise across the U.S. and Globally.

Self-care as an essential worker living in a quarantine world might be difficult to maintain. Many of the places that provide refuge from work life are not available as the community is faced with stay at home and shelter in place orders. There is a need for increased support and alternative solutions that are readily available whenever and wherever healthcare workers might be able to take time for their own care.

A modality that meets these needs for mental wellness and coping is online therapy (telehealth). Access to an unbiased resource that listens intently, aides in developing understanding, and is committed to healing are vital to those facing adversity at work. I encourage other mental health providers, if able, to make provisions to alleviate any barriers to care for those serving the community’s health. We all have a part to play and I hope to see more providers taking care of their own well-being just as they take care of others.

It’s global. It’s concerning. It’s affecting our daily lives significantly. The Novel Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 has been gaining momentum as it spreads. There is a great deal of stress and anxiety surrounding it especially as it has transitioned from a concerning news story in a far away land to becoming something that has us quarantined at home. Schools and businesses closed indefinitely and many of us navigating working from home while trying to keep kids engaged can be a challenge. Others may not be able to transition their jobs to “work from home” status like those working in the entertainment and service industries.

For many, this is a bittersweet reminder to take stock of what matters most in our lives as we seek alternative solutions to subdue panic and cabin fever. What is taking us from our daily routine is also providing us an opportunity to connect with others in more meaningful ways. We are able to slow down long enough to play with children to engage them with discussion and creativity (pillow forts, re-watching Star Wars, Lego builds, tea parties, dance-offs, and more). We are using technology in caring ways as opposed to endless scrolling of social media by using Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime to speak to friends and family “face-to-face” to lend support and also feel connected while being disconnected. We are addressing to-do lists like Spring cleaning and home repairs that have been on the ever-revolving “I’ll get to that eventually” position of our priorities.

What we know is this invisible enemy has humbled industry, education, and our daily lives. What we can do is follow guidance from respected resources to maintain health and adhere to best practices. What we want is a timeline for recovery even though we may need to accept that there is no specific answer, yet. What we need is to be honest with ourselves and others about how we are doing and what we are feeling. What we gain from these trying times might be the initial steps in changing our behaviors and thoughts on what we value most.

If you are experiencing stress and anxiety, please reach out to trusted supports such as family and friends to speak with openly. If you or someone you know is experiencing continued worry and intrusive thoughts, please contact a mental health professional or qualified health provider. We help each other and ourselves by accepting that we may need help to cope with our circumstances.

The commitment we make to bettering the lives of others is an opportunity to serve those in need.

As a mental health provider and private practice owner, I am adapting my practice to serve clients online through telehealth. This allows for a secure video connection to engage in therapy in a format similar to Skype, FaceTime that works on laptops, desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. Being available to assist existing and new clients is a priority as the health and safety concerns may have us feeling isolated and alone. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule time to discuss your concerns. Mind Above is an in-network provider for most major health plans and able to serve anyone residing in Texas. If you are outside of Texas, please seek providers that can accommodate telehealth. Personally, I recommend asking if the provider’s video connectivity is HIPAA compliant as some may not have the capability to provide a secure connection.

All online services provided by Mind Above including telehealth and client portal messaging features are HIPAA compliant and encrypted/secured to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

The use of unsecured video platforms that are not HIPAA compliant is currently being temporarily waived by US Dept of Health and Human Services in response to the growing demand for access to care while quarantines are in place*

This might be important to note for some while others may not mind the difference in requirements. The waiver period will be temporary so clients and providers should plan accordingly if using unsecured video platforms.

Recommended places to research providers:

Psychology Today

Mental Health Match

Your insurance provider’s find a provider search tool

Asks friends and family for recommendations

Most of us have been affected by #crisis or #suicide personally or know of someone that has lost their life to suicide. I challenge you save this info, share it, and most importantly use it. Seek out additional #support from reputable organizations. Please review the information below including multiple organizations with contact info listed. You can call to help yourself, a loved one, or a friend to deal with whatever the circumstances might be.