- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCue the shocking emoji: A staggering 90 percent of teens aged 13 to 17 are using social media. When used correctly, there are benefits to social media, but the negative impacts are contributing to this country’s historic mental health crisis. Excessive use can lead to cyberbullying, low self-esteem, addictive behavior, peer pressure and unrealistic expectations of how their body should look. Dr. Rakesh Goyal—a psychiatrist at Luminis Health—estimates that nearly 70 percent of his young patients have experienced a negative impact to their mental health because of social media. It’s become such a problem several Maryland school districts are now suing social media companies alleging their addictive platforms are contributing to mental health problems among teens. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy even issued a warning recently, calling the impacts of social media on children an “urgent crisis.” It should be a wake-up call for all of us. That’s why we’re here to help. Pros of Youth Social Media Use Let’s first begin with the positive aspects of social media. Teens can stay connected with friends, meet new ones with shared interests, find a sense of community and feel more accepted, as well as explore and express themselves. Of course, each child is different, and you know your child better than anyone. It’s important to realize the impacts of social media can depend on what they do and see online, their preexisting strengths or vulnerabilities, and their living environment. Those between the ages of 10 to 15 years old are especially vulnerable to the influence of social media because their brains and emotions are still developing. Growing Brains and Evolving Emotions The brains of preteens, typically between the ages of 10 to 12 years, undergo changes that make social rewards start to feel much more satisfying. Receptors for oxytocin and dopamine—our “happy hormones”—increase, making young teens extra sensitive to attention and admiration from others. At the same time, adolescents are passing through a stage of psychological development in which they give a lot of importance to acceptance and validation from their peers. The number of views, likes and shares are often important to social media users. It can cause small bursts of dopamine in our brains. Young people especially crave more and more of the “happy hormone” release. At the same time, a hurtful comment or being ignored by others can cause negative self-esteem and extreme sadness. Protecting Your Child There are steps you can take with your child to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips: Delay the age at which your child can use social media to 13 and above. Educate your child about the risks, pitfalls and red flags of social media use, especially about sharing personal information online. Monitor your child’s social media accounts and let them know beforehand that you’ll be doing so. You can mute accounts that are inappropriate. Set reasonable limits on how much time your child can spend on social media each day; include parameters about what time of day they are allowed to use it. Remind them to treat others on social media the same way they would treat others in person. If they wouldn’t say something out loud, they shouldn’t say it online. Be an example of healthy social media use for your child and report problematic content. Social media is here to stay. But we must ensure teenagers enjoy the its benefits while protecting their mental health. If your teen is feeling depressed and needs immediate help, Luminis Health has a dedicated Behavioral Health Urgent Walk-In Care at our Lanham campus. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. No appointment necessary. Learn more about our services here. Author Rakesh Goyal, MD, is a psychiatrist at Luminis Health specializing in children and adolescents.
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLosing weight can be tough for most of us. You’ve seen the buzz about weight loss drugs, especially the constant speculation that some of the world’s most rich and famous are using them to drop large amounts of weight fast. But are weight loss drugs right for you or is this just another craze? And how do these drugs compare to weight-loss surgery in terms of effectiveness and safety? Can the two be used together? Here’s what you need to know: Weight Loss Drugs A weight-loss drug called Ozempic has been receiving the bulk of hype in the news and on social media. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Ozempic as a medication for treating diabetes in 2017. Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide, which the FDA approved in 2021 to treat obesity. Similar new medications are expected soon. Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone that is responsible for sending signals to our brains that say, “I’m full.” This allows you to burn calories and fat without feeling hungry. It also reduces the speed at which food passes through your digestive system, helping maintain a feeling of fullness longer. Semaglutide is designed to be injected once a week under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm. Semaglutide is not a miracle drug and it’s not for everyone. You should consult your doctor first, beware buying the drug online, and be mindful that it might not be covered by insurance for losing weight. Side effects can include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. Because these drugs are fairly new, there are still a lot of unanswered questions, such as: When people come off weight-loss drugs after a set number of months, will they maintain their weight? Or will they have to take the medications for the rest of their life? Weight Loss Surgery Here in the United States, weight loss—also known as bariatric—surgery continues to be a popular option to help people lose weight and manage conditions related to obesity. There are various surgical procedures for weight loss, and all of them help you lose weight by limiting how much food you can eat and working on a hormonal level to assist with sensitivity to sugars and feeling full. Weight-loss surgery has been around for a long time with established and proven success.After weight-loss surgery, eating habits must be adjusted, with smaller portion sizes and a focus on protein since it is a building block of all cells in our bodies. In addition, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be eaten, with the goal of avoiding added sugars. Combining the Two If you are preparing for weight-loss surgery, it’s common to take weight-loss medications beforehand. Whether taking these medications for Type 2 diabetes or specifically for weight loss makes no difference: Losing extra pounds before surgery will help make the surgery safer. Weight-loss drugs may also help patients lose weight if they’ve gained a few pounds after weight-loss surgery. Final Thoughts Both weight-loss surgery and weight-loss drugs are only part of an overall treatment plan you should create with your healthcare provider. An effective weight-loss plan will also include nutrition, exercise and mental health care. It can be challenging at times, but we are here to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Remember, there are no quick fixes, obesity is a chronic disease that must be monitored and managed for the rest of your life. To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit Luminis Health’s website or call 443-481-6699. We also have free webinars scheduled in July and August to start your weight loss journey. Click here to register. Authors Jilian Nicholas, DO, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Luminis Health. Nowreen Haq, MD, is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health who focuses on cardio metabolic outcomes, complex diabetes, obesity and transgender endocrinology.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s officially law. After approval from voters, Maryland becomes the latest state to allow the adult use of recreational marijuana. Starting July 1, 2023 anyone in Maryland aged 21 and older can legally purchase marijuana—also known as cannabis—for recreational use from licensed medical cannabis dispensaries. Before visiting one, it’s important to know the facts, especially the possible impacts of marijuana use. Unregulated Potency First, read the label. Because the potency of legal marijuana is not yet regulated, you must read a product’s label to know how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is in a marijuana product. THC is one of the main substances—called cannabinoids—in marijuana that makes people feel “high.” By law, marijuana product labels must list the concentration of cannabinoid compounds they contain. The higher the percentage of cannabinoids, the more potent the product is and the stronger its effects. You may be surprised to hear the concentration or strength of THC in marijuana products is increasing. A study of marijuana samples from 1995 to 2014 found that its potency had almost tripled. This is important to know, as the more potent a drug is, the more likely a person is to develop a substance use disorder from it. Responsible Use If someone aged 21 or older uses recreational marijuana, it is important to buy only from licensed dispensaries. This helps avoid unknown contaminants that can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially fentanyl. These factors are also crucial: Don’t drive while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. It’s unsafe and illegal. Don’t combine cannabis with other drugs, including alcohol. The effects may be unpredictable. Inform your doctor about your marijuana use so they can tell you about any possible interactions with your prescribed medications. Keep marijuana out of the reach of anyone under the age of 21. Don’t use marijuana if your job doesn’t allow it or if you are on-call for a job, caring for someone who is sick or taking care of children. Don’t use marijuana while pregnant or nursing. Potential Risks Marijuana use—especially if it is frequent and in high doses—can sometimes cause people to be disoriented and have unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia. People who use marijuana are more likely to develop temporary psychosis, which means they don’t know what is real, hallucinate and can be paranoid, in addition to other symptoms. Marijuana users are also more likely to develop long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might have delusions and hallucinations, among other things). A just released study from the National Institutes of Health reveals young men are at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis addiction. Smoked marijuana can harm lung tissue and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels, regardless of how it is smoked. Cannabis smoke has many of the same toxins, irritants and cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke. Adolescent Use The human brain stops developing at around age 25. Use of cannabis by adolescents and young adults may cause harm to the growing brain, including serious problems with learning and feelings. Cannabis Use Disorder You also run the risk of developing marijuana use disorder, which means you are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and relationship problems. Signs of marijuana addiction include: Using more marijuana than intended Trying but failing to quit using marijuana Giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana Using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving Continuing to use marijuana despite physical or psychological problems Needing to use more marijuana to get the same high Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use You should refrain from using marijuana recreationally if you already have a diagnosed mental health condition or are in recovery from a substance use disorder, as the risk increases for developing cannabis use disorder or returning to the substance you were previously addicted to. In Conclusion Remember, just because it will be legal for those over the age of 21 to use recreational marijuana does not mean that it’s always safe. Do it in moderation, avoid daily use or large amounts.Treat marijuana use the same way that you treat alcohol use—if you would not drink in certain situations, you also should not smoke or consume cannabis in similar situations. If you are using marijuana for the first time, start at lower potencies and increase slowly until you know how it will affect you. And it bears repeating: Purchase your marijuana legally, so you know exactly what you are consuming and eliminate the risk of accidental overdose by exposure to fentanyl. Author Aliya Jones, MD, is the Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTo help fulfill Luminis Health’s mission of enhancing the health of the people and communities it serves, Bowie Mayor Timothy Adams and his wife, the Honorable Sheila Tillerson Adams have personally donated $100,000 to Luminis Health’s behavioral health services in Prince George’s County. Tori Bayless, chief executive officer of Luminis Health, and Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, joined members of the Adams family for a ceremonial check presentation inside the new Behavioral Health Pavilion in Lanham. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) opened the Behavioral Health Pavilion in the summer of 2022 to meet the growing needs of mental health services in Prince George’s County. The Pavilion currently offers a broad continuum of services including: Outpatient Mental Health Clinic to provide therapy and medication management for adults and adolescents Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care for non-emergent behavioral health concerns for ages four years old and up. This service is available Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Psychiatric Day Treatment Program which includes a mental health partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program for adults and adolescents A 16-bed Inpatient psychiatric unit for adults “Since 2019, Luminis Health, a locally formed health system, has invested $85 million at our Lanham campus, including expanding behavioral health services,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “The Adams’ generosity and commitment to our community warms my heart tremendously. Their financial support will provide access, treatment and programming to Prince Georgians who deserve high-quality care close to home. It is my sincere hope these much needed services will help end the stigma of receiving mental health and substance use treatment.” This summer, we anticipate opening an 8-bed addiction residential services followed by a substance use disorder intensive outpatient treatment program. Major funding for the new Behavioral Health Pavilion was made possible through a $20 million grant from Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and the Prince George’s County Council.
- 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.
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