- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s not a disease. It’s not a sign of a weak personality. And it’s not something to be ashamed of. Sure. Depression drains your energy. Depression makes you sad. Depression makes you feel powerless, tired, less hungry, more anxious. But depression is not always a “bad thing.” And it’s not “incurable.” Everyone goes through some sort of depression. In fact, depression is just part of being human. Of course, everyone experiences it differently, depending on the person, situation and circumstance. For some people, it’s clinical. But there shouldn’t be stigma associated with it. “Do I think it’s derogatory? Absolutely not,” says Donna Phillips, clinical director at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) Psychiatric Day Hospital. “I think you can build strength from it. You can enjoy life and grow from it. Everyone experiences it and we all go through some form of it. You can learn from it. The key in getting better is to know what it is and how you can overcome it.” Learn more about the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults opening in March. What is depression? Depression is a common but serious mood disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating or working. Some forms of depression are slightly different or can develop under certain circumstances, like it happened to Kathy. After battling three cancers for seven years, including one that required a hip replacement after she developed a tumor in her pelvis, and going through a divorce amidst all of it, Kathy closed this chapter in 2015 after completing her leukemia treatment. But in August 2016, she got shingles – an event she says that pushed her over the edge. “I was really sad,” says Kathy, a 65-year-old retiree. “When I was five months into my shingles, the pain was relentless and it was really difficult to deal with.” Kathy wasn’t taking care of herself, only ate two meals a day and slept until noon. One day, she started to feel sick while driving on her way to meet with her sons for lunch. “I only had a tea for breakfast and felt really bad, so I pulled over,” she recalls. After calling one of her sons, she decided to go back home to meet them there. Noticing their mother wasn’t well, they encouraged her to go to the emergency room. “I admitted I wasn’t well and that I was very depressed,” she says. “I couldn’t turn it around myself, I needed help.” Seeking help is not a sign of weakness After an eight-day visit to Sheppard Pratt, followed by a hospital visit where she discovered she suffered from pneumonia, Kathy continued her mental health care at AAMC’s Psychiatric Day Hospital, an intensive day treatment program. “Seeking help is a good thing,” she says. “Sometimes you have circumstances, like I did, that push you into a depression where you need help to get out of it. I was ignoring the signs, not really accepting what has happening.” Kathy spent two weeks in AAMC’s program, which offers several mental health services. The program seeks to provide individuals with the necessary skills so they can continue to manage once they’re done, says Phillips. “A person who suffers from depression feels isolated, but they’re not alone,” she says. “There are a lot of support groups that can help individuals talk about their situation. Our program helps people develop what we call a wellness toolbox. We talk to our patients about the importance of staying active, socially and physically, having a schedule to adhere to, having good sleep hygiene, eating healthy, and being aware of one’s automatic negative thought patterns (cognitive distortions) that provoke depression.” Although it might seem like a simple approach, Phillips says she’s seen many patients overcome their depression and move on in life. “There are a lot of steps people can take to overcome depression,” she says. “But it’s important to note that seeking help when you can no longer cope by yourself is one of the first steps.” Lessons learned during depression apply to life in general Kathy says she since left treatment, things have changed for the better. “They taught me coping strategies that are helpful and now I set up an alarm to get up at 8 am or earlier,” she says. “I make breakfast for myself, I have lunch dates with my friends and now I’m looking to volunteer.” Kathy says the biggest change is that she feels better about herself and her future. “I feel good about my life,” she says. “I have a grandson that just turned one and I realize that I have so much to look forward to.” Although it was a challenging time for her, Kathy credits her faith and treatment for helping her look at things differently. Today, she hopes her experience can help others. She says no one should be embarrassed or afraid to seek help because there are a lot of places and organizations that are willing to help. “Depression is not an end, you can turn things around,” she says. “There is hope and life after depression.” MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A nationwide grassroots advocacy group, NAMI represents people affected by mental illness and offers several support services, including education programs and a HelpLine. On Our Own: A statewide behavioral health consumer education and advocacy group, On Our Own of Maryland promotes equality in all aspects of society for people who receive behavioral health services and develops alternative, recovery-based behavioral health initiatives. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Help is always available. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. Call 1-800-273-8255. AAMC: If you think AAMC’s Psychiatric Day Hospital can help you or a loved one, talk to your doctor. Your doctor must refer you before you can enroll. If you are looking for a doctor who specializes in mental health, call AAMG Mental Health Specialists at 410-573-9000. Originally published Dec. 31, 2018. Last updated Feb. 10, 2020.0
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogEven a tough guy goes to the hospital if a tree falls on his head. So why won’t men seek medical help when their world comes crashing down on them, as it can with depression? Nearly 6 million American men experience depression each year, yet few seek treatment. Perhaps men don’t realize that depression is a disease—not a weakness. Or maybe they’re not aware that successful treatments exist. No matter the reason, depression is a disease that shouldn’t be ignored by anyone—including men. Recognizing depression “The vast majority of people who seek treatment for depression end up feeling better,” says Raymond Hoffman, MD, a psychiatrist and the medical director of mental health and substance abuse at AAMC. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor if you’re experiencing these signs and symptoms of depression: loss of energy or increased fatigue restlessness, anger or irritability a lack of interest in favorite activities sleep problems changes in appetite excessive feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions thoughts of, or attempts at, suicide Your doctor can check to see if physical problems are affecting your emotional health. Plus, he or she can refer you to a therapist or counselor who will work with you to relieve your symptoms. It’s OK to ask for help “It may not be easy to talk about how you’re feeling,” Dr. Hoffman says. “But depression can seriously interfere with your work and personal life. Acknowledging it and getting treatment can help you get your life back to normal.” Originally published Oct. 23, 2014. Last updated May 31, 2019.0
- Men's Health, Women's Health, Wellness, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat Susan Dennis says is most extraordinary about her life now is that it is so ordinary. In the last few months, she’s taken many long walks, gone to a baseball game, flown to Florida on vacation, and walked down the beach in a swimsuit. Nothing that unusual for a 40-year-old woman, except if you are Susan Dennis. Flash back a year, and Susan says you wouldn’t recognize her. She weighed over 300 pounds and had full-blown diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other serious health issues. “I didn’t go out, I didn’t like seeing friends, walking was a chore,” Susan says. “I felt weighed down by myself, by everything. It wasn’t a happy existence.” A Lifelong Struggle Susan has struggled with her weight since she was 16. Over the years she tried fad diets, weight loss groups, even medically supervised prescription diets. But nothing worked. Finally, with her health in steep decline, her endocrinologist suggested bariatric surgery. At first, Susan balked at the idea. “I told her no. I thought it might be the easy way out and that I could do it on my own.” But as her health worsened, Susan finally realized she needed help. The Right Decision Susan decided to have gastric bypass surgery with Alex Gandsas, MD, who leads AAMC’s Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery program. Susan says she liked that the care felt “very personalized.” Dr. Gandsas says it’s essential to have a rigorous bariatric surgery program that addresses the whole person. “We are helping our patients engage in a different life,” Dr. Gandsas says. “The surgery helps them change course and shed weight, but it’s only one component. We want them to have all the tools they need to permanently succeed.” Intensive Help Before, and After At AAMC, weight loss patients begin preparing for surgery six months in advance with medical testing, diet, exercise, and nutrition counseling. And it doesn’t end there. After surgery, patients continue to receive careful monitoring and meal plans. Just 4½ months after her surgery, Susan was doing great. In addition to having lost 83 pounds, her blood pressure was down and her diabetes was fully controlled. What’s more, Susan says she’s happy all the time. “I just feel wonderful, I feel like I can take over the world.” But for now she’s content trying to live her extraordinarily ordinary life. Next on the list: yoga classes. To learn more about bariatric surgery at Anne Arundel Medical Center, please visit www.AskAAMC.org/WeightLoss.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhat do pop star Lady Gaga, NBA legend Magic Johnson and British royal family member Prince Harry all have in common? Besides being famous, they’ve all been speaking up recently on an issue that didn’t use to get much attention—mental health. Our Luminis Health experts say the conversation is coming not a moment too soon. We’re now seeing the value of mental health By sharing their experiences, many celebrities, athletes and other public figures are putting in bold headlines what many people have struggled with quietly for years. Previous generations might have swept mental health problems under the rug for fear of being thought of as “weak,” but we now know that silence can do more harm than good. Developing your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing is a sure sign of strength. It helps you get along well with the people around you and make good choices throughout your day. And working to maintain positive mental health can pay off throughout your life. For example, strong mental health helps us all: Cope with stress Contribute to our communities Feel happy and safe Reach our full potential Work productively When celebrities talk about their mental health challenges, it helps spread the word that it’s OK to speak up when you’re not feeling quite right. And it’s OK to ask for help when you need it. Our minds are just as important to take care of as the rest of our bodies, and just as important to our overall health. We’re learning from the pandemic We’re also talking more about our mental health lately because COVID-19, of course, delivered it such a big blow. So many of us experienced stress, worry, fear and anger and the heavy toll those all can take on our lives and health. In the summer of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a major increase in the number of people reporting behavioral health symptoms. In one survey, one in three people said they were feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression, and one in 10 said they were having serious thoughts of suicide. Those rates are nearly double what the CDC would have expected before the pandemic. Awareness also continues to grow around children’s mental health issues. Pediatric emergency rooms have seen an increase in mental health visits during COVID. The mental health needs of kids and adults will continue, and it’s important to keep talking about how to make sure we address them. We’re talking more about how to cope Thankfully, it has become more common to talk about the everyday ways you can support your mental health. We now know some healthy strategies that can help us all cope in hard times. For example: Finding time to connect with others Getting enough sleep Staying physically active Helping others Trying to stay positive When that isn’t enough, there’s another key step—finding help. New resources are being set up in our communities, schools and workplaces to connect more people to professional mental health resources where and when it’s needed. Luminis Health, for example, recently broke ground on a new mental health facility in Prince George’s County and is taking other steps to meet community needs. Join the conversation Celebrities might have started the mental health conversation trending, but you don’t have to be famous to join in. Check in with your friends and loved ones to make sure they’re truly doing OK and offer your support. And if you’ve been feeling “off” yourself lately and think you might need help, talk to your primary care provider. They can quickly connect you to the right resources to help you start feeling more like yourself again. Together, we can get past old stigmas and shine a new light on how we can help each other. Our mental health is too important to ignore. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. To learn more about the services coming to Prince George’s County this summer, visit Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe’ve been living in a “state of survival” for some time. Life with COVID-19 has taken a toll on us, physically and mentally. Each phase of this pandemic has brought its own set of worries. Now, vaccines are widely available and society has continued to reopen. We don’t need to be in survival mode anymore. But its effects will linger for some time, possibly years. Coping with a traumatic event like a pandemic is hard on all of us, especially those with mental health conditions. That’s why, as we reenter the world after what we’ve experienced, it’s important to keep our bodies healthy, as well as our minds. Be empowered with your mental health Lowering our defenses takes time. The world has changed. So have we. Instead of trying to pick up where we left off before the pandemic, it’s helpful to approach our new normal with caution, positivity and grace. Here’s how you can strengthen your mental health: Find peace, understand that much of the recent challenges were out of your control. You are entitled to your feelings. Accept them. Cut yourself a break. Fuel your body Restrictions are loosening, and gyms are reopening. Take advantage. Physical activity is good for your body. It produces hormones (endorphins) that help you feel good. It also strengthens your mind, giving you a sense of accomplishment. Find an activity that gets you moving and motivated. And focus on eating well. The food you consume has a major impact on how you feel. Many of us turn to food for comfort during traumatic events. Now is the time to concentrate on shaping a diet that supports your mental and physical wellness. Connect with others Concert venues are again welcoming fans, and capacity limits are being lifted. There’s no substitute to physically being with family, friends and new acquaintances. So grab a coffee, play some tennis, or take a walk. Social experiences can help fill any voids you’ve been feeling. Go at your pace You’ve never gone through a global pandemic before. After restrictions, shutdowns and cautious activity, you’re now returning to what was once “irresponsible” or even “dangerous.” Identify your boundaries. Are you comfortable being masked in a movie theater? Are you ready to attend an indoor birthday party? Being truthful with yourself and planning when to draw the line is one way you give yourself control. There is no “right time.” There is only “your time.” And be mindful of others. You may be ready to enjoy an indoor concert, but your friend may not be. Accept that we all move at our own speed and comfort level. Make a list of things you want to do Chances are, you can do more now. Trying new things and going new places pushes you out of your comfort zone and confirms that you can overcome the unexpected. Revisiting your favorite restaurants and entertainment venues can also make you feel comforted and refreshed. Most public gathering places have measures in place for you to enjoy their services safely. Respecting these guidelines helps keep you protected. Limit your news Many people say they felt most powerless over the pandemic when they watched the news. Limiting how much time you spend reading or watching news reports can help you feel more in control. If you’d like to stay informed, check out the highlights, then move on. Ask for help We’ve gotten used to quarantine life, and resuming a more normal life is yet another adjustment to make. Change can be hard, but don’t let fear and anxiety consume you. We continue to process traumatic events after they are over. Reach out to friends and family or seek a trained mental health professional for help. More people are seeking mental health services today than ever. Whether you feel deeply affected by mental illness or you simply need someone to hear your concerns, licensed mental health specialists are committed to helping you process traumatic events and inspiring you to a more peaceful mental state. Authors Eshe Montague is the director of our behavioral health program at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
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