Ron Parks, MD, Author at Integrative Psychiatry Online, Ron Parks, MD

Model of two hearts fitting nicely together in a birds nest

Relationships, Conflicts, and War

Written by Ron Parks, MD on March 14, 2022. Posted in Commentary on Health and Well-being, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, holistic mental healthcare, Holistic Views on Mental Health Issues, Meditation/Mindfulness, Non-duality, Recovery, Relationships, Spirituality & Health, Trauma.

A prospect for healing and peace for individuals and countries

Ron Parks, MD Feb 25

A Holiday with Meaning

Valentine’s day that passed recently reminds me that there are more profound realities than myself and related busyness. The holiday about love and relationship almost got overlooked, with my over-involvement and preoccupation with what I was doing. Luckily, my wife and something in the news gave a subtle reminder of Valentine’s Day coming. After reflecting on the day’s special significance—love, relationship, and our mutual interdependence—I went into action with roses and a special day together.

Unfortunately, the loveliness of the holiday was diminished by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The dynamics of relationship and choice-making become even more poignant when seeing the tragedy of another war unfolding. I reflected on the relationship between an individual’s emotional and mental functioning and extension to one’s social group, society, or country.

woman doctor checking patient's blood pressure -Copyright: rocketclips / 123RF Stock Photo

High Anxious Blood Pressures and Drug Dilemma

Written by Ron Parks, MD on February 7, 2022. Posted in Anxiety & Panic, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, holistic mental healthcare, Trauma.

Elevated blood pressure readings in doctors offices and the decision process

Anxiety, fear, and stress can increase your risk of many different illnesses and degenerative diseases. There is a decision-making process that relies on advice, obtaining reliable well-sourced information, and the input from our developed inner wisdom or what I call the internal guiding narrative. The inner guide, of course, needs our attention and awareness. It is influenced by experience and develops in each of us throughout our lives. Ron’s personal story about reliance on his inner guidance to make a difficult choice follows.

Shocked by a high blood pressure reading

I took the BP readings with a manual sphygmomanometer and stethoscope at home when not feeling well. My blood pressure was elevated. I was worried to the point that…

A beautiful butterfly in a harmonious natural environment

The Wisdom from an Editor

Written by Ron Parks, MD on January 27, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized.

The perilous journey through core beliefs, entrapment, realization, and liberation.

Sometimes our life appears to be guided by a developed personal inner story—an inner voice thought narration that runs in the background and captivates our mental life. Jacqui, a very talented editor, shares her personal story of getting ensnared with some mental health issues on her path to realization, restoration, and change.

Her story led me to explore our constant need to be self-aware, mindful of our influencing beliefs, and alert to early signs of mood disturbances. Editing and modifying any self-defeating, inner stories or ideas, is essential to maintain flow and healthy well-being.

Jacqui story

Jacqui’s Mantra “Anything other than first is a fail.” This was my mantra from the time I was very young. Strangely enough, it wasn’t my parents that pushed me...

The Burned Tea Kettle

Written by Ron Parks, MD on January 26, 2022. Posted in ADD/ADHD, Commentary on Health and Well-being, holistic mental healthcare, Holistic Views on Mental Health Issues, Meditation/Mindfulness, Trauma.

The Risk of Distraction and a Familiar Tale of Woe

We all experience what seems like a bit of inattention that leads to a disaster—a disruption in the flow and harmony of daily life. A burned tea kettle incident led to the exploration of the deeper operations of our inner psychology, its related outer expression, and the different levels of awareness and personal meaning of possessions.

My wife and I had sat down to watch a recent movie about a family with turmoil and conflict. After the first short segment, we suddenly became aware and jumped up. We had forgotten about the tea kettle…

Befriending the Inner Voice

Written by Ron Parks, MD on November 14, 2021. Posted in Commentary on Health and Well-being, Depression, Happiness, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, holistic mental healthcare, Holistic Views on Mental Health Issues, Integrative Therapies, Meditation/Mindfulness, Mood, Public Health Issue, Recovery, Spirituality & Health, Trauma, Viral Pandemics.

The willingness to challenge our firmly held beliefs and established narrative identity is a gateway for change, gaining wisdom, and better adaptability to life’s challenges.

Simon’s Story

I’m Simon, and I have bipolar disorder. I like to joke that I was a late bloomer, very tongue in cheek, because that was far from the truth. I was in my mid-forties when I physically collapsed. Life and everyone in it just became too much and my mind and body had come to a place where something had to give, or in my case, both gave way at the same time.

I spent a long time in bed thinking that the heart palpitations, cause by my excessive drinking, were killing me. Eventually, I took a stupid Am I Bipolar? test in a magazine, and found that I ticked all of the boxes. That led me back to my GP, who set me up with an appointment with Arno, my first psychiatrist. Within an hour, and with prescription in hand, I entered life after diagnosis and the circus show that comes when dealing with extended family and friends. Luckily, I had Jax to help me...

Surviving Anxiety and Trauma

Written by Ron Parks, MD on November 9, 2021. Posted in Anxiety & Panic, Depression, Grief and Loss, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, holistic mental healthcare, Holistic Views on Mental Health Issues, Integrative Therapies, Meditation/Mindfulness, Mood, PTSD, Spirituality & Health, Trauma, Viral Pandemics.

Unexpected Fall

Dr. Sid—endearingly just called “Sid” by his peers, colleagues, and fellow healthcare workers—made his way through the city in the early morning darkness. For fifteen years, he’d traveled this way, but the ordinarily busy city was now quiet, a sad reminder of the pandemic’s impact. He cranked the heater as a shiver crept up his spine at the thought of what lay ahead of him.

Storms and Mental Health

Written by Ron Parks, MD on September 26, 2021. Posted in Addiction, Anxiety & Panic, Bipolarity, Coronavirus, Depression, Grief and Loss, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, holistic mental healthcare, Integrative Therapies, Meditation/Mindfulness, Mood, PTSD, Public Health Issue, Recovery, Spirituality & Health, Trauma, Viral Pandemics.

Mary’s Challenges

Mary¹ had a history of mood swings, depression, anxiety, and PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. Her years growing up were in a chaotic and disruptive home, especially after her alcoholic father deserted her and her mother. She had experienced a hard time growing up with parental neglect, physical, and emotional abuse. Her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) returned after the hurricane with a vengeance.

Yoga & Eastern Influence on Holistic Healthcare

Written by Ron Parks, MD on August 16, 2021. Posted in Addiction, Anxiety & Panic, Bipolarity, Commentary on Health and Well-being, Depression, Grief and Loss, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, holistic mental healthcare, Holistic Views on Mental Health Issues, Integrative Therapies, Meditation/Mindfulness, Mood, Spirituality & Health, Trauma. 1 Comment

An Awakening Fall

As a nine-year-old boy, while enjoying the warmth of the midday sun, I was easing my way out onto a branch of a wild apple tree. It was in a deserted field with the sweetest green apples I had ever tasted. These weren’t like the shiny red ones you can buy at the local store. The tree’s singular presence in an untamed field of weeds and wildflowers made it an even more tempting challenge to climb.

Man contemplting shooting self with gun with alcohol, depressed

Gun Deaths, Mental Health, & Laws

Written by Ron Parks, MD on July 13, 2021. Posted in Death and Dying, Depression, gun violence, Hate Crimes, Public Health Issue, Trauma, Uncategorized. 1 Comment

The Harsh Reality of Gun Deaths

I remember the day I first experienced tragedy as if it were yesterday. What happened left a deep sense of sadness within me. My best friend, Tony, and I met on the school bus. It was on the first morning of our 6th-grade year in rural Maryland and we were both wary of the bigger kids. We hit it off immediately and as the year progressed, we took to hanging out at each other’s house. I used to enjoy visiting his house, as his mother used to make us peanut butter cookies and lemonade. It was the happiest of times.

Childrens’ Essential Need

Written by Ron Parks, MD on May 11, 2021. Posted in ADD/ADHD, Anxiety & Panic, Asperger Traits, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Children's Mental Health, Depression, Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Recovery, Mood, Trauma.

A child at risk can easily go unrecognized!

Sam was lagging in his school work and was falling asleep on his school desk. His grades were failing. He was getting into fights, according to his principal. Other kids were bullying and picking on him. At home and school, he was often moody and irritable. He avoided social activities and liked to play by himself or watch TV. The school called his mother to make an appointment. What happened next totally caught everyone off guard. Help had come too late. [i]

Author: Ron Parks, MD