health file

A supplement to The Daily Reflector

Mental Health

2 Anxiety, resilience
& mental hygiene

3 Mental health
& your eyes

4 Phototherapy

6 Spirituality

8 Integrated
Pediatric Care

9 Just one conversation

can help save a life

10 How to help socially

isolated seniors

11 Intimate Partner
Violence

July 2018
MENTAL HEALTH
Anxiety, resilience
& mental hygiene
By Dr. Francisco Limon
Behavioral Health Director, Greene County Health Care
W
e have no reported evidence
that the rate of anxiety dis-
orders has changed in recent
years. We do know we can
prevent or easily and effectively treat most
forms of anxiety.
Anxiety symptoms can be mild and very
manageable. In fact, most people with mild
anxiety never seek treatment and get well
or manage on their own. People with more
severe and persistent symptoms might have
issues with daily functioning, both at work
and at home.
People with clinical symptoms of anxiety
often report severe difficulty sleeping, exces-
sive worry, high irritability, and the sense that
something is really wrong with their health.
Anxiety symptoms can easily become phys-
ical. People with more severe anxiety might
experience random pain that is medically
unexplained - chest discomfort, muscle ten-
sion and headaches, among others. Because
anxiety becomes physical, people begin to
believe they have a medical condition. When
health care professionals can’t find the reason
for the physical symptoms, people start believ-
ing they might have a serious, possibly fatal,
illness. That belief and fear then increases the
intensity of the symptoms.
When a person’s anxiety symptoms go
untreated, those symptoms affect how the
person interacts with his or her family, close
friends and co-workers. People with anxi-
ety may become easily irritable, resulting in
a hostile environment and leading family
members, friends and co-workers to dis-
2 Health File: Mental Health — July 2018
tance themselves. Families may begin to
experience more frequent, severe and un-
resolved conflict. Once established, these
family dynamics may last for years or even
generations.
Anxiety can be very costly to the indi-
vidual, their families and their employers.
Besides the immediate cost of treating the
symptoms, individuals with anxiety may be
more distracted, tired, or careless, resulting
in work accidents and the destruction of
property, personal injury and lost produc-
tivity. Highly anxious people tend to miss
more work days than non-anxious people.
The cause could be that they don’t feel well
enough to perform their duties, they attend
more doctors’ appointments, or both.
The good news is that resilient people can
successfully adapt to life stressors and either
prevent stress from turning into anxiety or
recover from anxiety. Sometimes they can re-
cover on their own and sometimes they might
require adequate and timely treatment.
HERE ARE SOME FACTORS THAT MAKE
PEOPLE RESILIENT:
• Good mental functioning - the ability
to make sense of what happens to them
and stop or change irrational thoughts
• The ability to regulate their emotions,
or calm themselves when distressed
• The ability to seek and secure positive
support from people who are important
to them
• A positive concept of themselves
• Optimism
• Selfless concern for the well-being of
THE NUMBERS RELATED TO ANXIETY
others, called altruism
DISORDERS ARE STAGGERING:
• The ability to transform a traumatic
• Costs the U.S. more than $42 billion
experience into productive action a year, says The Economic Burden
• Effective strategies to manage stress of Anxiety Disorders
• $42 billion a year is almost a third
What is particularly important about
of the $148 billion total costs for
these resilience factors is that we can learn
mental health in the U.S
them. You can practice these skills on your
• Estimates show that nearly 34% of
own or you can do it with the guidance of a
the adult population is affected by
skilled professional.
a type of anxiety disorder during
their lifetime
– Dr. Francisco Limon is the Behavioral Health • Nearly 25% of adolescents may
director at Greene County Health Care (GCHC),
which includes James D. Bernstein Community suffer from an anxiety disorder in a
Health Center in Greenville. Dr. Limon holds 24-month period
a PhD in Medical Family Therapy from East
Carolina University.
James D. Bernstein
GC
HC Community Health Center of GCHC
high quality | integrated | affordable care
All new patient appointments are available!
Call 252-695-6352 today for an appointment!
261 Belvoir Highway | Greenville, NC | greenecountyhealthcare.com
reflector.com

but it requires discipline for the care and
use of them. The rewards of seeing properly
enable your child to grow and thrive with
sports interests, the arts, and in academics:
All of which aids in the development of self
esteem and promotes socialization as well
as provides outlets to be creative or relieve
frustrations. For most sporting activities,
protective eyewear is recommended in
general and in particular with contact lens
usage. Protective eyewear can also shield
eyes from UV and blue light.
Your eye doctor is a good starting point
should you notice a change in your child’s
mood, behavior or temperament. Since
the eyes are a direct window to the brain,
mental and behavioral concerns can be
addressed via a holistic approach with an
inclusionary partnership of pediatricians,
sociologists, and behaviorists.
MENTAL HEALTH
than perfect or having serious eye disease,
this change can result in changes in outlook
and behavior. Ensuring that everyone has a
team of advocates around them will often
mitigate changes such as total or partial
blindness, as well as a progressively degen-
erative issue. Finding support groups is a
great way to see how others have dealt with
the issue and assist in finding workarounds
to the day to day activities that are feeling
further removed from what was once nor-
mal.
There is more to an eye doctor’s office
than an optical shop. And there is more to
eye doctors than “better or worse” or “one
or two”. Optometrists, like other profes-
sional physicians, have to look at the whole
picture to adequately make an informed
decision or plan. So the next time you pass
by an eye doctors office, hopefully you will

& your eyes

Children are not the only ones impacted think of them when concerned with your

Mental health by the mental aspect of poor vision. Adults

can also go through bouts of depression
own or a loved ones behavioral or mental
condition.
and social anxiety. As a fully functioning
adult that is suddenly hit with being less – Dr. Jennifer Fishel, Owner, Jennifer Fishel, OD, PA
By Dr. Jennifer Fishel 

T
here is a well-established link be-
tween poor eye health and mental
health. It is important that those
involved with eye care be aware
of this. Poor health in general can be a det-
rimental factor to the health and vision of
your eyes. Starting at birth, nutrition and
vitamin supplements coupled with pediat-
ric care will give your child the best possible
outcome for healthy eyes.
Pediatricians and Optometrists work-
ing with pediatric patients work well to-
gether to discover abnormalities early and
find solutions to correct eye tracking and
strength. Eye turns or weak eyes may be
discovered and corrective measures can
be taken. Other, more serious, eye health
issues such as cancerous moles and tumors
as well as even glaucoma can also be de-
tected and treated. Through programs like
InfantSEE, your baby can be given an exam
around 6 months. Most children by age 5
should have an exam; certainly earlier if
parents notice problems or have concerns.
Establishing a baseline early will serve
a child well when they are school age. If
a child enters the school years unable to
see to their full potential, they may take on
characteristics commonly associated with
ADD, ADHD, Autism and other behavioral/
mental diagnoses. Understanding their vision
and finding ways to correct it could be a quick
and prudent remedy prior to behavior modi-
fication or pharmacological solutions. Label-
ing a child is tough on parents and children.
Having a child erroneously labeled for only
having a vision issue can be traumatic as well.
However, if properly diagnosed and medica-
tion is part of their treatment, be aware that
side effects of medication can cause dry eyes
or blurred vision.
Leaving these issues unaddressed or
wrongly diagnosed, could lead to social
withdrawal and depression. While these are
legitimate concerns, evaluating their vision
will help to unmask symptoms and make
it easier for mental health professionals to
create a true diagnosis and a path forward.
Glasses are often stigmatized by adults
and children. Parents can turn inward and
take the need for glasses as a sign of person-
al weakness and children see it as a way to
tease. Getting your child use to eyewear ear-
ly will often allay such fears and help them
cope with possibly being teased by other
kids. Contacts can be worn by older kids,

reflector.com Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 3

MENTAL HEALTH

Phototherapy:
A new oxide they cannot take in oxygen, and

mental
consequently cannot function properly.
Phototherapy stimulates the mitochon-
dria to release nitric oxide. As a result,

health
the cell can take in oxygen and produce
ATP. ATP is cellular energy which allows
the cell to function properly. When oxida-

treatment
tive stress is relieved, the nitric oxide that
is released from the cell floods the blood
stream, causing dilation of blood vessels

option
and increased circulation.

Phototherapy and
By Alida Lee and Kellie Brown,
Phototechnicians
Mental Health
AdvantageTherapySolutions.com
Photons aimed at the brain relieve ox-
idative stress in the brain. When oxida-

G
tive stress is relieved, a chain reaction of
metabolic effects leads to an increase in
reenville, NC has an exciting blood flow and a reduction in inflamma-
new mental health treatment tory cytokines. According to a 2006 Trends
option with no risk, no pills, in Immunology article “Cytokines Sing the
and no side effects. The Blues”, pro-inflammatory cytokines con-
treatment is called phototherapy. You tribute to the physiological state in the
may have already heard of this therapy brain which fuels depression. In fact, when
under a different name, such as light pro-inflammatory cytokines were admin-
therapy. It sounds too good to be true, istered to healthy patients, 50% developed
doesn't it? Shine light on me and I feel symptoms of depression. It makes sense,
better? Must be snake oil. Phototherapy therefore, that a treatment that increas-
providers use specifically calibrated de- es blood flow and reduces inflammatory
vices that deliver photons at wavelengths cytokines in the brain would also reduce
proven to stimulate a biological cellular depression.
change. Phototherapy has been exten-
sively researched and is proven to be a Cognitive Enhancement
safe and effective treatment for a multi-
tude of mental and physical conditions. Phototherapy improves neurogenesis,
while decreasing oxidative stress and in-
How Does Phototherapy flammation in the brain. It should come as
no surprise, then, that phototherapy im-
Work? proves cognitive function. In 2013, neu-
roscience researchers at the University of
Phototherapy is the use of light emit- Texas at Austin administered transcranial
ting diodes (LED) to stimulate cells with infrared laser phototherapy to healthy sub-
wavelength-specific photons to heal the jects to see if it would improve their cog-
body on the cellular level by relieving ox- nitive function. In this randomized, pla-
idative stress. Oxidative stress is a condi- cebo- controlled study, researchers found
tion in which healthy cells become clogged that phototherapy improved reaction time,
with nitric oxide due to injury, stress, and memory, and emotional functions in their
aging. When cells are clogged with nitric test subjects.

4 Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 reflector.com

Chronic Pain
Management
Chronic pain and depression often go
hand-in-hand. According to the Amer-
ican Pain Foundation, about 32 million
people in the U.S. report chronic pain,
and more than half of those patients also
have depression. Phototherapy providers
treat chronic pain in two ways: reducing
inflammation, and inducing analgesia. In
low doses, phototherapy relieves oxidative
stress in cells, increases blood flow, and
reduces inflammation. In high doses, pho-
totherapy induces analgesia by disrupting
axonal transport in nocireceptors. In other
words, photons interrupt pain signals to
the brain. This is temporary and reversible,
however repeated treatments can lead to
reduced central sensitization.
reflector.com
Working with Mental
Health Providers
It is easy to incorporate this treatment
option into your mental healthcare plan.
Phototherapy can be done in conjunction
with any other mental health treatment
modality already in place. That means a
patient doesn't have to stop any medica-
tions or therapies to receive benefits from
phototherapy.
A Healthy Brain
These therapies have been proven to re-
duce brain inflammation, reduce depres-
sion symptoms, boost cognitive function,
and manage chronic pain. By addressing
biological changes or injuries to your
brain with phototherapy, you can regain
your mental clarity, reduce stress, elimi-
nate pain and react more rationally to the
stresses of aging and life in general. Final-
ly there is an effective, non-inva-
sive, safe solution to even the
most severe mental health
issues. From pain relief
to depression, anxiety,
panic attacks, brain
injuries and more;
phototherapy
can be used to
reverse your
symptoms!
Health File: Mental Health — July 2018
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Al-Anon offers strength and hope to friends & families of problem drinkers. Any adult
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Monday 6pm Alateen (Closed*) Room 202 Thursday 12pm (Open*) Bookworms AFG
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Building B (Large White Building)
Saturday 10am (Closed*)
Tuesday 12pm (Open*) Pitt County AFG Recovery 12 & 12 AFG
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Meeting Room B Enter through center door & turn left
*Open meetings welcome visitors seeking information about Al-Anon as well as
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*Closed meetings are for Al-Anon members and prospective members only. Anyone
who has been affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome at closed meetings.
To find meetings in other places, call 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)
On the Web, visit http://al-anon.org/
5
MENTAL HEALTH
SPIRITUALITY: An important dimension
of well-being (and treatment)
V
isit a bookstore
and examine
self-help books.
Do an online
search on the topic of
health and wellness. Talk
with professionals and
“everyday folks” about how
to live a healthy lifestyle.
It probably will not take
long before the important
role one’s spirituality
“plays” in a person’s life is
mentioned. In fact, religion
and spirituality are often
recognized as critical
components of one’s
health and well-being,
especially in times of crisis.
6 Health File: Mental Health — July 2018
By Janie Taylor, PhD, LMFT
Regional Director, CareNet Counseling East
Why is spirituality viewed as being so
important? In response, this writer would
suggest it is because spirituality provides
structure as well as purpose and meaning
to life and daily activities. It yields an in-
terpretation of morality, faith, love, and
that which is existential. Spirituality of-
fers an explanation for one’s purpose, and
can even offer insight into suffering. More
than that, it helps one gain understanding
of God; and is seen by many as the source
of hope. And when considering recovery,
hope is often viewed as the most important
of all factors. Without it, treatment may
fail. PROMOTING HEALTH
Spirituality is important in many mod- AND WELLNESS.
els used in treating health conditions. The
PROVIDING
biopsychosocial-spiritual (BPS-S) model
FAITH-INTEGRATED
offers a framework which views individ-
COUNSELING,
uals holistically. The interplay of the phys-
PSYCHOTHERAPY,
ical, psychological, social, and spiritual do-
AND EDUCATIONAL
mains of the person are all assessed. Years
PROGRAMS
ago, medical providers began to alter their
focus from symptoms to a framework in
which illness was seen to have social, psy-
chological, and behavioral dimensions. 252.355.2801 for Appointments and Information
GREENVILLE - ROCKY MOUNTH - KINSTON - WWW.CARENETNC.ORG/EASTERN
reflector.com
 RELIGION AND
SPIRITUALITY ARE
Spirituality was included in the model
OFTEN RECOGNIZED AS
nearly two decades later when it was rec-
ognized the human illness experience of-
ten includes and is interpreted by means
CRITICAL COMPONENTS
of the beliefs and meanings ascribed to
it by the patient.
The BPS-S model is not the only one
OF ONE’S HEALTH
which includes spirituality. Twelve-step
programs, such as AA and NA, have been
utilized for years in addiction treatment
AND WELL-BEING,
and are seen as effective. Acknowledging
the existence of a Higher Power is a sig-
nificant tenet in these programs.
ESPECIALLY IN TIMES
OF CRISIS.
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administra-
tion (a branch of the US Department
of Health and Human Services), also
recognizes the important role spiritual-
ity plays in healthcare. Defined as that
which “expands our sense of purpose and FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY
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its multidimensional assessment model.
Many psychotherapists assess the cli-
ent’s spirituality in their daily practices.
They understand individuals desire treat-
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who suffer from depression, anxiety, and Family Medical Supply has the area’s largest selection of medical
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Other practices and techniques, such
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It is the opinion of this writer that
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reflector.com Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 7

MENTAL HEALTH
Integrated Pediatric Care
P
hysical health impacts mental
health and mental health impacts
physical health. This is true for
adults and children. Historically, these
two sides of health care, physical and
mental, have been treated separately. You
may experience this when you take care
yourself or your child to your primary
care provider but are sent elsewhere for
mental health services. This fragmen-
tation in the health care system can be
frustrating, costly, and can hinder pos-
itive outcomes for families. Addressing
the whole person, through mental health
integration, is a way to address the frag-
mentation that exists. Integrated care is
designed to treat mental health conditions
like any other medical condition a patient
may experience.
For pediatric patients, the primary care
setting is the ideal place for mental health
integration. The pediatrician’s office is
where families have established trusting
relationships with pediatric providers and
a place where children feel comfortable,
THE PEDIATRICIAN’S OFFICE
IS WHERE FAMILIES HAVE
ESTABLISHED TRUSTING
RELATIONSHIPS WITH
PEDIATRIC PROVIDERS AND
A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN
FEEL COMFORTABLE,
FAMILIAR, AND SAFE.
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8 Health File: Mental Health — July 2018
familiar, and safe. According to the North
Carolina Center for Excellence more than
half of all common mental health condi-
tions (ADHD, anxiety, and depression) are
treated in primary care settings.
Pirate Pediatrics in Greenville, NC has
had integrated mental health since 2016.
Dr. Page Klitzman Eaker is a pediatric
psychologist seeing children for behavior
and attention issues. She also helps pa-
tients with anxiety, depression, sleep and
bathroom issues. “Dr. K” also leads group
sessions where children of like age work on
relaxation, social skills, study habits, and
coping mechanisms.
At Pirate Pediatrics we believe that inte-
grated mental health has many benefits for
patients and families. Improved access to
care, reduced stigma, increased collabora-
tion between medical providers, decreased
wait times for mental health appointments,
greater convenience and satisfaction for
families are just a few of the benefits Pirate
Pediatrics has seen.
For further information on how Pirate PePe-
diatrics integrates mental health in a pe
pe-
diatric setting or to set up a consultation
with Dr. K please call 252-364-8790 or go
to piratepediatrics.com.
reflector.com

Just One
Conversation
Can Help
Save a Life
T
oday, mental health professionals
are seeing record numbers of peo-
ple suffering from substance abuse,
anxiety, depression, PTSD, child trauma,
risk for suicide, and countless other men-
tal illnesses.
Unfortunately, not everyone receives
the professional care they need, even
though most conditions can be treated
successfully. The key is early intervention.
For busy primary care physicians, this
means they must not only treat each pa-
tient’s immediate need but should also
step back and look at their overall well-be-
ing. Far too many people suffer from early
warning signs that go ignored. In addi-
tion, many physicians feel uncomfortable
discussing mental health concerns. But
how difficult is it for a doctor to simply
ask, “How is everything else going for
you? Any stress or other concerns lately?”
Of course, it is also widely suggested
that the patient start the conversation with
their doctor.
When you get treated for the flu or
some other physical concern, your phy-
sician will naturally focus on the issue at
hand. They may or may not see the signs
of stress, anxiety, or other issues you’ve
also been suffering from in your daily life.
It’s often up to you to ask questions as to
whether or not you might benefit from a
conversation with a mental health profes-
sional. It’s not uncommon for a patient to
ask, “One other thing … I’ve been feeling
a lot of anxiety lately. Is that a concern?”
Your physician should take that as a cue
to ask more questions and get to the heart
of the problem.
If you end up perhaps needing help, the
next step is easy. You’ll contact a mental
health specialist like the professionals
at PORT Health in Greenville. Dr. Gary
Leonhardt, M.D., PORT medical direc-
tor says, “Our mission is simple. We want
reflector.com
MENTAL HEALTH
to improve the quality of life, health, and ing subjected to more stress than any time you save may be a loved one closer than
well-being of every patient. Our number in history. The intense impact of today’s you imagine.
one job is helping people recover as quick- fast-paced, high-pressure world is taking If you observe signs of any mental illness
ly as possible, so they can move forward a toll on each of us. in a loved one or experience symptoms
with normal life.” Are you having more frequent argu- yourself, contact your primary care phy-
ments with your spouse? Have you noticed sician or a mental health professional such
LESS THAN HALF OF AMERICANS
any changes in behavior by your children? as PORT Health at 252-830-7540.
WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS GET
Could another member of your family be
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT.* showing signs of going through a difficult *SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental
Dr. Leonhardt and other mental health time? In today’s world, it is far safer to have Health Services Administration, U.S.
professionals also emphasize that while a simple, caring five-minute conversation Department of Health and Human Services,
treatment is easy to access, far too many than to simply assume all is well. The life www.samhsa.gov, September 17, 2015
people are never diagnosed.
According to a recent survey by the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, only half of all
Americans who experience a mental ill-
ness actually receive mental health care.*
This puts millions of Americans at risk for
potentially severe consequences, including
suicide.
That’s why mental health professionals
like those at PORT Health welcome your
questions and concerns about mental
well-being. There have been far too many
cases where a five-minute conversation at
an early stage could have not only changed
a life, but perhaps also saved one.
A FIVE-MINUTE
CONVERSATION
CAN SAVE A LIFE.
It’s also important to remember that you
not only need to look in the mirror, but
also watch out for other members of your
family. Now more than ever, we’re all be-
Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 9
MENTAL HEALTH

How to help socially isolated seniors

T
he elderly population is on the rise
in many countries. Advancements in
healthcare and a growing emphasis
on healthy lifestyles means people
are living longer than ever before.
Age is often accompanied by wisdom, but men and
women may also find that feelings of isolation, loneliness
and depression may also settle in as they grow older. The
Journal of Primary Prevention published “A Review of
Social Isolation,” which observed how social isolation has
been linked to numerous detrimental health effects in older
adults. Some of these ailments may include increased risk
for mortality, rehospitalization, falls, and dementia.
Individuals looking to give back to their communities
may want to consider helping seniors in their area. Al-
though it can be difficult to see seniors with diminished
physical or mental capabilities, the rewards of interacting
and helping seniors can be immeasurable. There are plenty
of ways to help seniors avoid isolation and continue to live
fulfilling lives.
• Provide transportation. A Place for Mom, a senior
housing placement resource, notes that lack of
adequate transportation is a main cause of social
isolation among seniors. Voluntary or necessary
cessation of driving makes getting to and from
appointments or even recreational outings more
difficult. Where public transportation is unavail-
able or challenging to come by, volunteers can help
shuttle seniors to and from grocery stores, doctor’s
offices and any other places they need to go. Getting
out regularly and seeing new faces can help seniors
overcome feelings of loneliness.
• Participate in hobbies together. Give seniors a sense
of purpose by encouraging them to participate in
hobbies or activities. Book clubs are one activity
that can interest people of different age groups.
• Encourage exercise. Physical exercise keeps the
body fit and improves mental health. Seniors can
benefit from physical activity because it promotes
strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system.
In addition, seniors who enroll in exercise classes at
gyms or local senior centers can meet like-minded
adults, helping them overcome their feelings of
isolation even further.
• Provide meals and companionship. Older adults
may not be getting all they need to maintain
healthy weights and bodily functions. Cooking and
shopping for healthy foods may be difficult. Provide
seniors with healthy meals when possible, and take
the time to share those meals. This can foster con-
versations that keep seniors’ minds sharp and also
may help prevent social isolation.
Seniors can benefit from many different forms of sup-
port, and helping older adults is a worthy volunteer ini-
tiative.
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10 Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 reflector.com

 MENTAL HEALTH

Intimate
Partner
Violence
W
ho could imagine meeting
the seemingly perfect
mate and having them
transform into their worst
nightmare —physically, emotionally,
sexually, or financially endangering
their life or livelihood! Unfortunately,
too many people have this type
ginning with a tension-building phase in violence survivors may find themselves towards the abuser, health or financial
experience known as “intimate partner
which the abuser may be critical, moody, in similar future relationships or find that concerns, threats to take their children
violence.”
or threatening without actually becom- their children are more prone to become or lack of options.
According to the Centers for Disease
ing violent. The survivor responds in a violent or accept violence from a partner Overall, intimate partner violence is
Control and Prevention, intimate part-
nurturing or agreeable way, and feels as if than those that have not been exposed to complicated. Therefore, it may take legal,
ner violence (IPV) describes “physical
walking on eggshells. The tension build- this type of behavior. social, emotional, and financial support
violence, sexual violence, stalking and
ing phase is often followed by an acute (including housing) to begin the process
psychological aggression (including coer- ABOUT 1 IN 4 WOMEN AND 1 IN
explosion in which the violent partner of helping survivors overcome the chal-
cive acts) by a current or former intimate 10 MEN EXPERIENCED CONTACT
hits, chokes, humiliates, beats, or uses a lenges. The Center for Family Violence
partner.” “Intimate partners are those
weapon on the survivor causing them to SEXUAL VIOLENCE, PHYSICAL Prevention offers services related to each
with whom one has a close personal rela-
be protective of self and children (if there VIOLENCE, AND/OR STALKING BY of these areas for clients including court
tionship that can be characterized by the
are any), trying to calm or reason with the services, children/adult counseling, a Safe
following: AN INTIMATE PARTNER
violent partner. Survivors may even fight House, parenting, supervised visitation,
• Emotional connectedness back, call the police, or leave. So, why would anyone remain in a re- anger management, elder abuse program,
• Regular contact After the explosion, the honeymoon lationship in which they or their children abuser treatment, Hispanic outreach and
• Ongoing physical contact and/or phase may begin in which the violent are being abused or witnessing abuse? counseling, and clothing/ home fur-
sexual behavior
partner is apologetic, begs for forgive- There a number of reasons survivors re- nishings via two local retail stores. For
• Identity as a couple ness, promises to never do it again, and main in abusive relationships including assistance, please call 252-758-4400,
• Familiarity and knowledge about even possibly go to counseling or church. not realizing they are being abused, low 252-758-5021 or the 24 hr. crisis line at
each other’s lives.
Many times the violent partner remains self-esteem, beliefs about marriage and 252-752-3811.
These could be former spouses, boy
in denial about his/or her responsibili- family, threats by the abuser to harm them
or girlfriends, dating partners, or sexual
ty regarding their behavior. The abused or others close to them, emotional feelings
partners—both heterosexual and same-
partner becomes hopeful, may agree to
sex couples, not necessarily requiring sex-
stay or return, and sometimes drops le- 5IF
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cio-economic status groups. Unfortunate-
help, the abuse continues and will most Breaking Cycles, Building Lives 5ISPVHI
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and/or stalking by an intimate partner
document the cyclical nature of intimate
and reported an IPV-related impact 150 E Arlington Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858
partner violence. Many times these rela-
during their lifetime.” Intimate partner 



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tionships go through a cycle of abuse be-

reflector.com Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 11

12 Health File: Mental Health — July 2018 reflector.com