Ellen Miller Kwon, Psy.D.

Hotlines and Emergency Numbers

• Child Abuse Hotline
  1.800.540.4000
  
• Rape Hotline                                        626.798.0907
  
• LA Suicide Prevention Crisis Line     1.877.727.4747
  
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline                        1.800.273.TALK
• Veterans Suicide Prevention Lifeline  1.800.273.TALK press 1
• Haven House (Domestic Violence)      323.681.2626
• Elder Abuse Hotline                                           1.800.992.1660
• Rape, Abuse, Incest National Hotline   1.800.656.4673

Web Links

• Suicide/depression information 
  
• Panic Disorder Information
• Anxiety/Panic Disorder Information
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Information
• American Psychological Association
• San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association
• Fuller Psychological & Family Services
• Fuller Seminary
• Rosemead School of Psychology
• Taylor University
• California Psychological Association

What is Trauma?

If you have come face-to-face with the possibility of death, or serious injury, abuse, or if you have witnessed sudden unexpected scary events in the past, you may have some trauma symptoms. Trauma symptoms can linger on far after the event is over, sometimes years later. Some symptoms include: anger, mistrust of your surroundings and others, difficulty relaxing or sleeping, nightmares, avoiding situations that remind you of your trauma, or feeling like you are emotionally reliving the situation. The mind and heart do not always just naturally heal themselves of these terrible events. You can get help, and over time, take the sharp sting out of these memories. 

What is Panic?

Panic is extreme anxiety that can be mistaken for a heart attack or other physical problems. You may have gone to the doctor or emergency room thinking you are going crazy, or having a heart attack. Doctor's may have told you that it is stress, anxiety, or a panic "attack." Panic is very uncomfortable and can be debilitating to your life! Some of the symptoms can include: racing heart, sweating, wobbly legs, chest pain, breathing rapidly, or feeling like you are going to lose control of yourself. The causes of panic are not fully understood by psychologists at this time, but there is likely a biological and psychological link. Medication can help, but behavioral changes also need to be made. You can get help with panic symptoms and take back control over your life by learning new ways of relaxing your mind and body.  

What is Depression?

Depression can be explained many ways: a dark emotional cloud that will not lift, hopelessness and sadness, a complete lack of energy or motivation, or a hatred for yourself. Difficult losses in your life can lead to brief periods of depression, but sometimes the feelings last longer than they should and you become a prisoner. When this happens it often feels like everything and everyone, including yourself, just aren't good enough. For some, fighting depression is a long-term battle, and for others it is a season in life. Whatever your particular sitation, you do not have to fight depression on your own.