- 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.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has partnered with Sheppard Pratt Health System to lead the expansion of AAMC’s behavioral health services and address the growing need for accessible, high-quality mental health and addiction services in Anne Arundel County and its surrounding communities. Sheppard Pratt and AAMC have selected Rod L. Kornrumpf, FACHE, to serve as vice president of behavioral health at AAMC to help lead the management of the new 16-bed mental health hospital, partial hospitalization program, and Pathways business operations. Kornrumpf will also help oversee the associated clinics, facilities, and staff. He previously served as the regional executive director for behavioral health for the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health/Union Hospital joint partnership. “The partnership with Sheppard Pratt reflects our commitment to bringing the best resources to our community,” said Sherry B. Perkins, PhD, RN, FAAN, president of AAMC. “Sheppard Pratt has been a trusted resource of ours for many years, and we look forward to partnering with them to meet the growing behavioral health needs in our community.” “The mental health needs in our communities continue to grow with each passing year. Ensuring greater access to mental health and addiction services is a priority for our health system,” said Harsh K. Trivedi, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Sheppard Pratt Health System. “We are pleased to collaborate with Anne Arundel Medical Center to oversee the expansion of their behavioral health services and provide the necessary expertise and resources to meet the unique needs of those in the community and deliver quality care.” “Few health care needs are more misunderstood than those involving mental health,” said Kornrumpf. “Through the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, we are not only increasing critically needed mental health services in the region, but we are signaling a new era in which mental health is recognized as essential to overall health and is a true health care priority. I’m honored to be a part of this legacy.” The behavioral health services offered in the new mental health hospital will include: inpatient mental health care, a psychiatric partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient programs, residential and outpatient substance use services, and referral and care coordination to community-based treatment and support services.
- Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn today’s era of the increasingly health-conscious consumer, you may view processed foods with fear and disgust. They are often associated with the obesity epidemic, high blood pressure and the rise of Type 2 diabetes. But processed foods are more than boxed macaroni and cheese, or chips. In fact, most foods in your standard grocery store have been processed in some way. When people refer to processed foods, they’re usually talking about heavily modified products that contain a long list of ingredients, such as snack foods, sweets, frozen-prepared foods, packaged meats and boxed items. These foods often have little to no nutritional value. We encourage limiting these foods in your diet. Not all processed foods are bad for you The key is to distinguish between foods that have been lightly processed versus heavily processed. Here’s a quick guide to help you: Minimally processed foods, such as bagged spinach, cut vegetables and roasted nuts, are often pre-prepped for convenience. They are fine to include on your menu when you want to prepare homemade meals, but need a little extra help to make cooking dinner realistic for your busy schedule. Foods processed at their peak to lock in nutritional quality and freshness include canned beans, canned tomatoes, frozen fruit and vegetables, and canned tuna. These are better alternatives to eating out and help make meal prep convenient. Some ingredients like sweeteners, spices, oils, colors and preservatives are added to foods for flavor and texture. These foods include jarred pasta sauce, salad dressing, yogurt and cereals. While they’re helpful in recipes, many of them have long lists of ingredients. So, comparison shop and look for foods with simple and few ingredients. Ready-to-eat foods, such as crackers, granola, deli meat, TV dinners, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, frozen pizzas and desserts, are the most heavily processed. It’s a good idea to limit these foods in your diet. Processed foods can be beneficial to your diet. For instance, milk and some juices are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and breakfast cereals may have added fiber. Canned fruit (packed in water or its own juice) is a good option when fresh fruit is not available, or grocery trips are irregular. In efforts to make nutritious food readily available and more convenient for you, minimally processed foods offer shortcuts to avoid the alternative of eating out, or last minute fixes. Generally, you should avoid foods that you cannot recognize in their original form, like potato chips, muffins, or foods that are not naturally occurring, such as sodas, donuts, cookies and candy. These foods are major contributors of added sugars, salt and fat in our diets. To keep processed foods to a minimum, be sure to look at the nutrition facts and ingredient list before purchasing. Do more cooking and food prep from home to maximize control over what you put in your body. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published May 8, 2017. Last updated Jan. 27, 2020.
- 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.
- Behavioral Health, Men's Health, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3Blog“Put on your oxygen mask first” might sound cliché, but it’s the best metaphor for self-care. How many times have you felt burned out but continued to push yourself past your limits? How many times have you put your needs on the back burner for your family despite being exhausted? And how many times have you said “yes” when really what you wanted to say was, “no, not today”? Being a parent is a beautiful gift. By nature, you begin to let go of your priorities to take care of your children. You can’t help but give them your all, even if that means coming home after a busy day and continuing to pull energy from a tank that otherwise feels empty. Your children need you. Now more than ever before as the discussion around mental health is at an all-time high. The statistics are eye opening. One in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have a serious mental illness at some point during their life, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Another finding shows that suicide is the third leading cause of death in ages 10-24. You play a crucial role in your child’s wellbeing and mental health, but caring for your child can have an impact on your health too. To best care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. Here are some steps you can take: Practice self-care. No, you’re not being selfish — this is important to remember. Self-care has become a trendy term but most people don’t put it into practice. A good way to start is to first give yourself permission to do it and focus on yourself, even if just for a day. Identify replenishing activities that work for you. Scrolling through your phone, being on social media or watching TV are activities that occupy your time but do not replenish you. Instead, try taking a walk, going for a jog or sitting somewhere surrounded by nature. Savor doing activities that replenish you and look forward to doing them. Know your limits. It’s OK to ask for help or delegate chores and responsibilities to others when you don’t feel like you can take on more. Not being able to do everything by yourself is not a sign of weakness. It is realistic to know your limits and to prioritize self-care. Look at the big picture and re-center. Centering helps you be a consistent and stable parent for your children. If you’re always involved in a frenzy of activities, you won’t be able to do this. Practice mindfulness — being present in the moment with full awareness and without judgment of thoughts and feelings — instead of being distracted by what’s next on the list. Engaging in self- care activities and reminding yourself of core values can help with centering. Set realistic expectations. Don’t compare yourself to other parents. Parenting is not a competition. What might be a priority for you might not be for another parent. Identify what is important to you and your family. Is it spending more time together? Sharing more things? Going out to the movies? Set your own goals and expectations, and focus on those. Schedule alone time. Yes, you’re allowed to do this! Listen and take care of yourself. Meditate/relax. Take a break from the “motor mind” by deep breathing, being a witness to the thoughts in your mind, or listening to music that uplifts you. This is a good way to relax, be present and unwind from your hectic day-to-day. Ask for help. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. — 43.8 million — experiences mental illness in a given year, according to NAMI. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or talk to your doctor about issues you may be experiencing. By taking care of your own physical and emotional health, you’ll be better equipped to serve as a role model for your child and/or handle the challenges of supporting someone with a mental illness. Neglecting your own emotional needs can lead to depression or anxiety down the line. Don’t forget that your children are watching and will learn from you how to deal with stressful situations. Be in tune with yourself. You can’t live a life that’s fulfilling and meaningful if you’re always focused on others. Like they tell you on an airplane, you can’t help the person next to you if you don’t have your oxygen mask on first. Authors Raymond Hoffman, MD, is medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Mental Health and Substance Use services. To reach him, call 410-573-9000. Aruna Gogineni, Ph.D., LCSW-C, is a mental health practitioner and researcher at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists. To reach her, call 410-573-9000. Originally published Jan. 21, 2019. Last updated Jan. 13, 2020.
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