Sleepless in Dubai? Maybe love; maybe it’s AD!
No sleep, no appetite, no enthusiasm for what’s happening around you? Maybe you’re in love, and congratulations are in order! Or maybe it’s not that simple. You have been undergoing stress for a long time, and you’re now displaying symptoms of Adjustment Disorder – in which case it’s better to address it.
“Adjustment Disorder(AD) is a condition wherein your stress reaction has progressed beyond normal levels and reached a point of psychological exhaustion. You body has started reacting differently to continually undergoing stress over long periods of time,” says Dr Shankar Srinivas Kuchibatla, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director at LifeWorks, Dubai.
Stress is universal – it doesn’t differentiate between age, gender and socio-economic status. There’s certainly no dearth of causes for stress, especially in today’s world. From exam stress to peer pressure. From beating the traffic jam to meeting deadlines. From managing finances to keeping your job in these uncertain times. From the isolation that comes from living away from the family to coping with a nagging headache… There’s so much on our plate at any point of time.
In the normal course of things, we find our ways of coping. We study or work extra hours, we swear and honk, we scrimp, save and budget, we take painkillers – and we move on with life. After all, who doesn’t have stress, right?
Then one day, we notice (or someone else points out) that we are reacting differently to people, things and situations around us. We are unable to sleep properly or work up an appetite. We are easily annoyed, and we snap at people around us. Or we begin to tear up unexpectedly, sometimes to our embarrassment. Things that once used to excite us have lost their charm, and life seems long, hard and tiring. We begin to wonder what is happening.
“It’s very likely that you are looking at Adjustment Disorder,” explains Dr Shankar. “The symptoms of AD may seem very similar to those of depression or anxiety disorder. But the condition is different, and if addressed on time may not develop into a Clinical depression or an Anxiety disorder.
AD usually has a trigger – a sudden change of situation, or an event that has in some way derailed a person’s normal life. “A threatened job loss, perhaps, or a financial situation that has suddenly escalated. It could even be a relationship that seems to be heading towards a breakdown or an existing physical condition that has worsened,” as Dr Shankar says.
Adjustment Disorder can be managed effectively by making some lifestyle changes: simple things like exercising regularly, spending time with family and friends, or investing in some ‘me time’. However, if despite all this, the condition persists, then is best to go for an initial assessment/diagnosis. A diagnosis does not imply that you have to have therapy,” Dr Shankar clarifies. “But it can help identify the mental or physiological trigger, so as to manage it more effectively.”
Everyone has to go through their fair (and often unfair) share of stressful experiences, and they do leave a mark on us, for better or for worse. Stress is called ‘the silent killer’ for a reason: it not only affects the mind, but makes our body vulnerable to diseases as well. As Dr Shankar says, “By taking ownership of our emotional well-being in the same spirit as we do our physical wellness, we can live a richer, happier life.”
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD