Ask the LifeQuake™ Doctor Dr. Toni Galardi
Dear Dr. Toni:
I am the parent of a 17-year-old son. I am also a single mother. My son has been away at boarding school and I found out he was smoking hash while on a field trip abroad last summer. He claims that he isn’t now and actually placed himself in a drug testing program the school administers periodically for kids who want to stay drug free.
Here is the problem: Although his testing has consistently come up clean, he seems to be depressed. How do you tell [the difference] between adolescent malaise and depression? He seems to think that maybe there was something in the drug that is still in his system. His therapist wants to put him on anti-depressant medication but I really would prefer not to do that if possible. What do you suggest?
DebraDear Debra:
Keeping in mind the limits of an advice column, I will say this: he may need a full toxicology screening to see if there is some kind of residue in his system that his body is reacting to. You don’t indicate where you live but I would suggest that you might first try a holistic protocol for the possible depression, do some research and see if there is an ortho-molecular psychiatrist in your area.
An ortho-molecular psychiatrist has at their disposal certain subclinical tests for looking at neurotransmitters along with traditional blood tests for any toxicity or other abnormalities. A Web site to go to is: http://www.acam.org. They provide physician contact information in the field of integrative medicine.
After a psychiatrist who comes from this orientation does thorough diagnostic testing, they may suggest taking certain amino acids and nutritional supplements to detoxify the liver, cleanse the organs, and then nourish and support the brain and nervous system which inform balanced neurotransmitters. One of my colleagues at the Preventive Medical Center in San Rafael, Michael Rosenbaum, M.D. (http://www.drmichaelrosenbaum.com) is this kind of psychiatrist and does phone consults for those who live outside of northern California. Begin educating yourself on this treatment approach.
If a holistic approach to mood disorders is not effective, then it is best to research psychiatrists in your city that specialize in both addiction and adolescent psychiatry.
Good luck!Dear Dr. Toni:
I am a psychotherapist who has been working in the treatment field for 15 years. My practice has started to dwindle and I can’t bring myself to drum up new clients by going to networking functions.
It isn’t the networking I hate so much as I am beginning to think I may be in burnout. This scares me because I don’t know what else to do for a career, and in this economy, it seems insane to give up what I’ve been doing to try something else. I’ve thought about public speaking, but getting up in front of a room full of people scares me, too.
What do you suggest? I am totally confused and starting to get depressed.
JamesDear James:
I completely empathize with you. It does seem like a risky time to make a career transition. However, forcing yourself to go to networking events to promote a business you are in burnout over may be a waste of time.
Energy expands where there is a passionate focus, either good or bad. If you put negative energy on what you don’t want to be doing anymore, you will get more of the same. For three weeks, pay attention to what lifts your energy without trying to figure out how they all connect. At the end of three weeks, either by yourself, with a friend, and/or a coach, analyze the list. See if there are any connections that could be something that supports a new vocation. For example, what are the issues you care about? What in your life or work as a therapist have you learned that you could pass on to others through writing articles or public speaking?
I hear you that the idea of public speaking is scary, but it is for most people until they do it frequently. I still am nervous before I get up to the podium after all these years of doing so myself. I would recommend joining Toastmasters International. It is a safe environment to practice your speaking skills.
When the work we’ve been doing is no longer growing us, boredom sets in. If we don’t begin exploring new ways to express our work, the second stage (outlined in my change model) is often experienced by symptoms of depression. If you still do nothing to change your life, stage three is triggered by a crisis. So, take action and start executing some professional risks so that you can discover your new vocation of destiny and move out of a downward spiral.Dr. Toni Galardi is a licensed psychotherapist, career coach, public speaker, organizational consultant, and the author of the book, The LifeQuake Phenomenon: How to Thrive (not just survive) in Times of Personal and Global Upheaval.
Dr. Toni is starting a group for men going through major life transitions to their health, career, or relationship. Call today for more information.
To submit questions for “Ask the LifeQuake Doctor” or if you would like to consult Dr. Galardi for phone coaching, she can be reached through her Web site at http://www.LifeQuake.net or 310.890.6832.