- Behavioral Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere is a sense of comfort that comes with the feeling of certainty. As humans, we like to be in control and know what is happening at all times and when it’s happening. And when things feel uncertain or we don’t feel safe or in control, we feel stressed or anxious. This reaction is designed to protect us – like with a fight-or-flight response. But, it can cause mental havoc and ignite conflicting information around us that aggravate anxious feelings. With the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s natural for many of us to feel stressed or anxious. But it’s also important to remember that, although you might not be in control of everything happening around you, you can always choose how you decide to respond. Focus on what you can do. Identify what is in your control and what is not. There are many things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus your energy on those. Wash your hands often, and remind others to wash theirs. Practice social distancing and limit your news consumption, as this can increase stress and reduce your overall wellbeing. Keep a healthy routine. Your immune system weakens when you’re stressed, making you more susceptible to illness. It’s important that you continue to look after yourself. Follow a consistent sleep schedule, consume a balanced diet, exercise, wash your clothes after coming back from outside and take warm showers to help you relax. Stay connected. Isolation doesn’t need to equal loneliness. Although it can be challenging to keep the dialogue going with your child when the day has been long for both of you, try these easy-to-remember conversation starters to help and plan for fun things you can do together. Set up virtual gatherings with friends and family or watch a movie through a Netflix Party. You can also find different ways you can get involved in your community, such as by showing your appreciation for health workers or helping your local hospital. Practice what feels right to you. Do what works for you, not others. Everyone has a different coping mechanism, so it’s important that you don’t compare yourself. It’s okay if you want to read a book all day or do a home workout because it gives you a sense of safety. Enjoy the fresh air. Being locked inside all day can make you feel trapped. Try opening a window, standing outside your balcony or going for a walk around your neighborhood to get some exercise and vitamin D. Be in the present. With so much uncertainty around us, it’s easy for you to worry about what is happening and start projecting into the future. Be mindful of when you catch yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet to slowly bring yourself back into the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences around you at that moment and start naming them. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded when things feel beyond your control. Help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. We are in this together. Author Daniel Watkins is the director of substance use services at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. You can reach him at 443-481-5434.0
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center has broken ground on the construction of its mental health hospital. During the groundbreaking ceremony, held Wednesday, June 20, hospital officials also announced the facility will be named the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center. The McNew family has been connected to AAMC for nearly 50 years. The late Nancy McNew was an AAMC nurse from 1970 to 2006, first as a cardiac care nurse and then as the first nurse leader of Infection Control. Kent McNew served on the AAMC Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2012. To commemorate the groundbreaking, longtime supporters of the project, including Congressman John Sarbanes, Congressman Anthony Brown, Maryland Secretary of Health Robert Neall, Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch, Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, and the offices of Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, joined AAMC President and CEO Victoria Bayless and Board of Trustees Chair Gary Jobson. READ MORE: CEO Message: Mental health hospital approved The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center will be located on Riva Road next to Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment facility. It is scheduled to open in summer 2020. The 16-bed facility will double Anne Arundel County’s inventory of mental health beds and serve up to 900 patients a year who would otherwise be transferred out of the area. When complete, the campus will provide: Inpatient mental health care A psychiatric partial hospitalization program Intensive outpatient programs Residential and outpatient substance use services Referral and care coordination to community-based treatment and support services AAMC currently provides many of these services in locations throughout the county. Offering a full spectrum of services at one location will allow for coordinated care and improved patient outcomes.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt won’t be long before your kids are back to school, and while you’re making sure they have new clothes and all the supplies they need, be sure to take stock of their mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that one out of every six students ages 6 to 17 has a treatable mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. Like with physical health issues, early identification and intervention can help prevent mental health issues from affecting your child’s academic performance and personal development. What causes mental health issues in children? Various factors contribute to mental health issues among students, including: Academic pressure: High grades, tests, and college admissions can create anxiety and chronic stress, impacting emotional health. Some levels of stress are normal, but chronic stress can lead to burnout and emotional distress. Encourage your children to take a balanced approach to schoolwork. Social dynamics: Positive peer interactions boost self-esteem, while bullying can lead to severe consequences like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Promote healthy relationships for your child and take immediate action if bullying is suspected. Technology: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can foster loneliness and cyberbullying, necessitating healthy digital habits. Monitoring online activities can help mitigate these risks. Home environment: Supportive families build resilience, while stress or conflict can magnify mental health issues. Overscheduling: Encourage free time for rest and creativity to prevent overscheduling, allowing your kids the space to rejuvenate and explore their creativity without constraint. Developmental changes Each academic phase presents unique challenges: Elementary school (kindergarten to grade 5). Younger children may experience separation anxiety, difficulty with social skills, and adapting to structured environments. Middle school (grades 6 to 8). Pre-teens face the pressures of puberty, identity formation, and increased academic demands. Social acceptance becomes more important to them, and bullying or peer pressure can significantly affect their mental health. High school (grades 9 to 12). Teenagers deal with the complexities of preparing for adulthood, including higher academic expectations, romantic relationships, and career planning. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety often emerge during these years. Mental health resources Schools can’t do it alone. Luminis Health recently received a grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission to partner with Prince George’s County Public Schools to implement comprehensive support services at six high schools. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, Luminis Health is deploying mental health providers directly to the schools, collaborating with school counselors to offer vital support to students and parents. These embedded providers will rotate through the schools, providing education and training to students, parents, and teachers, ensuring access to evidence-based screening tools for identifying individual needs and strengths on an ongoing basis. Support Strategies Here’s how to bolster your child’s mental health: Regular check-ins. Talk regularly with your child about their feelings and experiences. Creating a safe space for those discussions can help you identify issues early. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Help your child explore the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques as ways to not manage stress and anxiety, but also to foster a deeper spiritual connection within themselves. Physical activity. Regular physical activity, such as sports, yoga, or even walks, can help improve your child’s mood and reduce stress. A healthy lifestyle. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet and gets enough sleep. Limiting their screen time can have a positive impact on mental health. Professional support. Do not hesitate to get professional help when needed. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of a student's overall well-being. Understanding the challenges K-12 students may face daily and implementing supportive strategies can help ensure they have the resources and resilience to succeed academically and personally. If you, or your children, need mental health support, the Luminis Health Behavioral Health Urgent Walk-In Clinic in Lanham is available for anyone ages 4 and older. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm for non-life threatening behavioral health needs. No appointment is necessary. Authors Joy Hudson is the clinical director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- Women's Health, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a source of anxiety for many. And if you’re pregnant, it’s likely you’re worried about your health and your baby’s wellbeing. That anxiety you may feel is a normal response to a threatening situation. Changes around doctors’ office visits and hospital policies have affected the pregnancy experience for most women. But, it’s important to keep in mind that these changes are being done to protect you and your baby. Your obstetrician’s goal is always safe mom and safe baby. Your obstetrician also can reassure you that the hospital is a safe place to come—whether it’s for delivery or other urgent health care concerns. Attention to safety is any hospital’s number one priority. This makes hospitals a safer place than most anywhere else you’ll visit during this pandemic. We are careful and constantly evaluating the effectiveness of our safety. And while you continue to progress through your pregnancy journey, there are several options you can consider to ease your anxiety during this pandemic. Take virtual classes. There are many interactive and informative virtual options available. Most hospitals offer their own virtual opportunities, including tours, support groups, prenatal exercises (like yoga), newborn care and breastfeeding support. These are now offered through online platforms and apps that focus on self-care and wellness throughout pregnancy. Share your worries. Share them no matter how small you may think they are. Talking to trusted friends, family and even your physician can be beneficial. Keeping your worries and anxieties to yourself can create additional anxiety. Enjoy some fresh air. Never underestimate the healing power of sunshine and the outdoors. Fresh air can help decrease anxiety and create a renewed sense of calm. Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis has proven physical and emotional benefits. It can benefit your immune system, lower your blood pressure and regulate your body’s reaction to stress and fatigue. These are all very important during pregnancy, especially during this time. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation and mindful breathing outdoors. Disconnect. Take a break from social media platforms for a few days. Also, try minimizing your exposure to news coverage. It is important to be informed. But, it’s more important to find a healthy balance of reliable information without triggering anxiety. Be positive. Create a mindset to focus on all of the positives. Center your mind. Try following the daily/weekly development for you and your baby. Also, try creating positive affirmations. Hang these on the refrigerator as reminders. Make an effort to let the positives of pregnancy outweigh your worries. With good practice, minds are very capable of resetting. This will help you to focus during this worrying time. Be easy on yourself, no matter where you are on your pregnancy journey. Know that anxiety is a very normal and expected emotion in any pregnancy. Even before COVID-19 existed. Anxiety is certainly higher than usual. Especially during our new normal. But, don’t forget, there are many ways to help decrease your anxiety and worry. Reach out for mental health support if you get to a point that your anxiety is getting in the way of your daily routine. This can include impacting your appetite or sleep patterns, or by increasing your feelings of hopelessness or nervousness. Many mental health services are now virtual. If you need to, you can reach out for help within the privacy of your own home. Author Cindy Radovic, MA, BSN-BC, is clinical director of Emergency and Inpatient Mental Health Services at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with her, call 443-481-3519.0
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogToday (9/23), the Maryland Health Care Commission voted to approve Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center’s (LHDCMC) Certificate of Need (CON) application for a 16-bed adult inpatient behavioral health unit. This is an incredible step forward for expanding access to critically needed mental health care in our community. Building on the legacy Luminis Health has established with mental health care in Anne Arundel County, this new behavioral health unit will allow LHDCMC to expand comprehensive and integrated mental health care right here in Prince George’s County. Today’s positive vote means we can move forward with our plans to begin construction of the inpatient unit this fall, with doors opening to our community in the winter of 2022. This is in addition to the construction of our outpatient programs, which is expected to be complete in spring 2022. Across both areas, our new behavioral health pavilion will include inpatient psychiatric care for adults, outpatient therapy and medication management, walk-in urgent care, psychiatric day treatment programs (partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient), family support services, prevention programs, and care coordination with community-based support services. These programs and services would be impossible without the support of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the county council and health department and their commitment to the needs of our community. We continue to work in close partnership to deliver these much needed services. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your support. Many of you have been with us from the beginning, and provided impactful letters of support as part of our application. The support of everyone in our Luminis Health family and our community has helped bring this approval for much needed inpatient behavioral health services. I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. Thank you, Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center0
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