- Behavioral Health, Community, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogJohn and Jill DePaola of the Bo DePaola Family Foundation hosted the inaugural Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament at South River Country Club on May 23, 2016, in memory of their son Bo DePaola. It raised funds to support a behavioral health nurse navigator position for AAMC’s Pathways, outpatient mental health clinic and ER. As part of AAMC’s family-centered care, nurse navigators advocate for patients and their families. They remove barriers, coordinate activities to meet patients’ needs, and identify ways to improve the patient journey and enhance patient and family support during a complex diagnosis. “This was a tribute to our beautiful son, Bo, who left this life early but will continue in spirit to do great things for the community. He is doing his part to help other families who are going through the uncertainty of living with mental illness,” said John DePaola, Bo’s dad. Bo’s Effort’s mission is to break the stigma of mental illness with education and guidance. Through partnerships with Anne Arundel Medical Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Anne Arundel County, and valued community partners, the event is raising awareness. Mark your calendars for the 2017 Bo’s Effort Golf Tournament on Monday, May 22.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLife can be tough. There are the daily stresses, unexpected events and relentless responsibilities that can all be challenging. At times, we can feel overwhelmed and may need a little extra support. It may surprise you to hear one in five experience a diagnosed mental health condition each year. How can you help a loved one, friend, co-worker or family member who may be going through a hard time? Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s give you a mental health first-aid kit of sorts. Recognizing the Signs One way to provide support is to acknowledge when someone is going through a difficult time. Here are some common signs of mental health challenges: Excessive worrying or fear Feeling extremely sad or low Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning Severe mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” Persistent or strong feelings of irritability or anger Avoiding friends and social activities Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite Overuse of alcohol or drugs Vague and ongoing “aches and pains” without an obvious cause Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress How to Approach Difficult Conversations If you suspect that a friend or loved one might be going through a rough patch, trust your gut. Speak to them one-on-one. Start by saying how much you care, followed by your observations. You might say, “I care about you, and I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. You seem more frustrated than you’ve been in a while and I’m wondering how you’re doing.” Tell the person you understand and it’s normal to ask for help. If it’s a child or teenager, ask them who you should talk to because you should never handle someone else’s mental health crisis on your own. If granted permission, enlist help from someone they trust, such as a parent, caregivers, older siblings, other relatives or a teacher, even a coach. Is Your Loved One in Danger? Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide. Here are some warning signs: Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or getting a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live If someone you care about shows these behaviors, you should call or text 988 right away or call a mental health professional. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone who is thinking about suicide, concerned about a loved one or needing emotional support. Helpful Resources The National Alliance of Mental Illness is a nationwide grassroots organization that offers support for those with mental illness and for their friends and loved ones. They have a number of helpful support groups, including some in Prince George’s County. Maryland Coalition of Families supports families who have loved ones with behavioral health conditions. In addition, Luminis Health offers Pathways Family Wellness Workshop, a program that brings together family members (such as parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who is considered family) for an educational session, group therapy and personal growth. The program equips family members with communication skills, relapse prevention strategies and coping mechanisms for ongoing recovery. To register for an upcoming workshop, call 443-481-5449. Take Care of Yourself, Too If someone you are close to is working through mental health challenges, both you and the person in crisis are not alone. Reach out for support for yourself if you need it. Remember that it’s important to maintain boundaries between someone else’s experience and your own. You can empathize with what someone else is going through without owning responsibility for their experience.0
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFeeling down? Anxious? A little “off?” You’re not alone. The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% increase in anxiety and depression around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Now, as the threat of airborne illness remains, everyone — from seniors to teens — are feeling the effects. Isolation, stress, and worry about our families and loved ones can take a toll on our physical and mental health. But knowing what resources are available and where you can access them can make a big difference. Whether you’re looking for talk therapy, a support group or any other kind of mental health care, these options can help you decide what you need and where to find it. Counseling and Psychotherapy Bad days are normal. But when feelings of anxiety, burn out, or “the blues” become constant, the help of a doctor may help you feel better. Counseling or psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”) is one of the most widely used treatments for mental health. A mental health professional will meet with you — either one-on-one or in a group setting — to discuss how you’re feeling and ways to make it better. Talk therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone experiencing: A long-term mental health condition Anxiety Depression Interpersonal issues Life challenges Talking to a licensed mental health professional may be a good place to start if your symptoms are causing distress or affecting your daily functioning. Or, if you’re seeking help for trauma or a mental illness. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist. Or you can search your provider directory for the counselor who is right for you. You may also be able to access mental health care for low- or no cost through a local community center, church or hospital. Substance Abuse Prevention or Treatment Programs If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Reaching out right now could save a life. Out-patient therapy, support groups and stays at in-patient facilities assist individuals managing substance dependence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers resources to help people begin their recovery journeys. Use this anonymous treatment services locator to find services and facilities. The SAMHSA National Helpline, available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), can connect you to even more treatment options, referrals and information. Mental Health Crisis The World Health Organization defines “mental health” as a state of being in which an individual can work, thrive, cope with life stressors and recognize their own value. During a mental health crisis, coping becomes extremely difficult. Here are some signs that you or someone else might be experiencing a mental health crisis: Extreme mood swings Dissociation Hallucinations Paranoia Poor hygiene Self-harm or self-injury Self-imposed isolation Severe agitation Significant despair Feelings of helplessness Hopelessness If you suspect that someone is in crisis, call the SAMHSA National Helpline anytime at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or dial 988. You can also visit a walk-in urgent care center or emergency room (ER) for immediate care. In Case of Emergency When a mental health crisis escalates, it can become an emergency. And a mental health emergency is a life-threatening situation. During this kind of emergency, a person may threaten to harm themselves or someone else. They may appear disoriented or “out of touch” with reality. Dangerous activities and out-of-control behavior may be signs of an emergency. If you or your loved one is in danger or threatening to hurt themselves or someone else, call 9-1-1. That way, you or your loved one can get the help you need right away. Learn more about Luminis Health’s behavioral health services. We offer comprehensive care across outpatient therapy and medication management, substance use programs, inpatient treatment and partial hospitalization. Authors Maria Winters is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Luminis Health.0
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA child’s brain is like a sponge. From the moment they are born to approximately age six, a child’s brain can soak up infinite amounts of information. During adolescence, the brain is still developing, making young children susceptible to the information they receive. In fact, the teenage years are a critical time of vulnerability to substance use disorders due to the brain’s malleability, according to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Adolescents have creative and innovative minds, but unless you teach them about things they need to protect their mind, it is easy for them to fall into a trap of destructive decision-making behavior. The young people I know are curious, eager and ambitious. They are drawn by things that can give them instant gratification and are eager to invent new things. This is not a negative, and as parents, we can use this energy to help our children grow and make better choices. Learn more about the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults opening in March. Communication and education are two of the most important keys in the fight against adolescent drug misuse and abuse. Parents are going to have to boost their efforts and get more comfortable with talking to their children about drugs. Here are some steps you can start with: Be in the know. Take time to educate yourself on the drug trends in the community and on the internet. Learn about drugs on the market and where they are sold. If you understand the effects of drug use and know the facts, you can give your child helpful information and clarify any doubts or questions. Know their social circles. Know the people your child is hanging out with and where they live. Kids who hang out with friends who use drugs are likely to want to try it out themselves, especially those who feel socially isolated and are trying to fit in. Show interest in knowing your child’s friends and their parents. Talk to your kids daily. Engage in conversations and pay attention to how your child is feeling. Create an environment of trust where your child does not feel judged. Make it clear that you’re available and willing to sit down to have an open conversation and listen. Encourage good decision-making skills. Let your child know his or her opinions are important and interesting. Praise all efforts and guide your child through things that he or she doesn’t know about but believe to fully understand. Be supportive. Recognize when your child is going through a hard time and show him or her that you have their back. An accepting environment, where your child feels like he or she can talk without fear of punishment or reprisal, increases the chances of your child turning to you for help and advice. Knowing this information will prepare you to start a conversation with your child. Parents are often surprised how comfortable a child is talking about drugs. Many kids are actually bothered by friends using drugs and have questions for their parents but they just don’t know how to approach parents or are too scared to do so. READ MORE: The power of parents in preventing substance abuse Make talking and communicating with your child a regular part of your day. The earlier we can teach our children about the dangers of drugs, the better the chances we have of them not wanting to try them. At least by the time they can choose for themselves, they will be able to make an informed decision. Author Keshia Brooks, BSPH, MBA, is supervisor of Prevention Education and Family Wellness at Pathways, Anne Arundel Medical Center’s substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. You can reach her office at 410-573-5422. Ask questions, find resources and learn more at askAAMC.org/HealthyMinds. Originally published May 8, 2018. Last updated Jan. 21, 2020.0
- Behavioral Health, Senior CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNearly one third of older people in the U.S. take sleeping pills. These drugs are called “sedative hypnotics” or “tranquilizers.” They affect the brain and spinal cord. “Doctors prescribe the drugs for sleep problems,” says Ira Weinstein, MD, a pulmonologist who specializes in sleep disorders. “The drugs are also used to treat other conditions, such as anxiety or alcohol withdrawal.” Usually older adults should try non-drug treatments first. According to the American Geriatrics Society, there are safer and better ways to improve sleep or reduce anxiety. Here’s why: Sleeping pills may not help much. Many ads say that sleeping pills help people get a full, restful night’s sleep. But studies show that this is not exactly true in real life. On average, people who take one of these drugs sleep only a little longer and better than those who don’t take a drug. Sleeping pills can have serious or even deadly side effects. All sedative-hypnotic drugs have special risks for older adults. Seniors are likely to be more sensitive to the drugs’ effects than younger adults. And these drugs may stay in their bodies longer. “The drugs can cause confusion and memory problems that more than double the risk of falls and hip fractures,” says Dr. Weinstein. These are common causes of hospitalization and death in older people. They also can increase the risk of car accidents. The new “Z” drugs also have risks. Most ads are for these new drugs. At first, they were thought to be safer. But recent studies suggest they have as much or more risk than the older sleep drugs. Try nondrug treatments first. Get a thorough medical exam. Sleep problems can be caused by depression or anxiety, pain, restless leg syndrome, and many other conditions. Even if an exam does not turn up an underlying cause, you should try other solutions before you try drugs. Over-the-counter drugs may not be a good choice. Side effects of some drugs can be especially bothersome for seniors: next-day drowsiness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. Avoid these over-the-counter sleep drugs: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, Nytol, Sominex, and generic) Doxylamine (Unisom and generic) Advil PM Tylenol PM When to try sedative hypnotic drugs “Consider these drugs if the sleep problems are affecting your quality of life and nothing else has helped,” says Dr. Weinstein. “But your healthcare provider should watch you carefully to make sure that the drug is helping and not causing bad side effects.” Kinds of sleeping pills (sedative-hypnotics) All of these pills have risks, especially for older adults: Barbiturates Secobarbital (Seconal and generic) Phenobarbital (Luminal and generic) Benzodiazepines for anxiety Alprazolam (Xanax and generic) Diazepam (Valium and generic) Lorazepam (Ativan and generic) Benzodiazepines for insomnia Estazolam (generic only) Flurazepam (Dalmane and generic) Quazepam (Doral) Temazepam (Restoril and generic) Triazolam (Halcion and generic) “Z” drugs Zolpidem (Ambien and generic) Eszopiclone (Lunesta) Zaleplon (Sonata and generic) Tips for better sleep Exercise. Physical activity helps people sleep better. But avoid vigorous activity for several hours before bedtime. Keep a routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day, even on weekends. Try not to eat right before bedtime. Eat three hours or more before going to bed. Avoid caffeine after 3 p.m. Some people need to avoid caffeine even earlier. Limit alcohol. Alcohol causes sleepiness at first, followed by wakefulness. Create the right environment. Keep the bedroom peaceful. And avoid mental excitement before bedtime. Avoid bright lights. Watching a bright screen can make you stay awake. Control pets. Pets disrupt sleep if they are on and off the bed, taking up space, or wanting to be let out. If you don’t fall asleep soon, get out of bed and do something that will make you sleepy, such as reading. Return to bed after you start to feel drowsy. Source: ChoosingWisely.org.0
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