Super Specialty Parent
It's time to speak up, reach out and break the stigma. Let's make your mental health a priority.
CRISIS CARE: If you're in crisis, reach out for help.
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the 24/7 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.
Not quite sure which type of care you need? See the best option for your situation.
We know mental health and substance use challenges and emergencies are scary and overwhelming. Not only for the person going through them, but for family and loved ones, too. We're a guiding light to get you through some of your darkest and most confusing times.
Mental health and substance use concerns range from mild, passing conditions to severe, life-altering illnesses. And they're often present at the same time as medical issues, like cancer and chronic pain.
No matter what you're dealing with, we're here to help.
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General Page - Tier 2
Integrated Care Pathways Please use the links below to navigate to our Integrated Care Pathways, which include clinical materials, patient resources, and clinician resources. For your convenience, the CME slides are available as a resource. However, to receive CME credit you must complete the course through CloudCME CloudCME ., Expert Clinical Recommendations Please use the links below to navigate to our Expert Clinical Recommendations. Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Achieving Ambulatory Control of Hypertension Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Addressing Hypoglycemia Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Services Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Diabetes Control Download PDF Diabetes Control Patient Card Download PDF Prediabetes and Management with a National Diabetes Prevention Program Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Deprescribing Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Diabetes Sick Day Management Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Generic Prescription Utilization Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Gun Safety Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: HCC Coding Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Low cost options for treating Type 2 Diabetes Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Lung Cancer Screening with Low Dose Chest CT scan Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Metformin ER Recall Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Pediatric Depression Screening and Tools Download PDF Adolescent Depression Screening PHQ-A Form Download PDF CCN Expert Clinical Recommendation: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Substance Abuse Treatment "SBIRT"
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Behavioral Health
General Page Tier 3
Prejudice and Mental Health
Blog
Over the past few months, many people are talking about race relations in America. Those conversations are hard at times, awkward and even uncomfortable. For those who experience prejudice and discrimination based on religion, race or gender identity, the effect on your mental health can be devastating and long lasting.
The day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jane Elliott conducted her now famous “blue eyes, brown eyes” exercise with her third grade class. She separated the class into two groups based on eye color. She told one group that they were superior and had special privileges. Meanwhile, she told the other group they were inferior and didn’t give the same praise and privileges as the superior group. Eventually, the kids who were ‘superior’ soared in confidence and felt they were smarter. The kids in the ‘inferior’ group, on the other hand, started making mistakes that they would not normally make, became timid and were angry.
This experiment only lasted for a couple of days.
Now, imagine if every day of your life felt like Mrs. Elliott’s third grade classroom. And, imagine you are always in the inferior group. Even if no one ever overtly says you are inferior. When people experience prejudice, they may feel that they are not wanted or don’t belong. This causes feelings of mal adjustment that takes a dangerous toll on mental health.
Ways Experiences of Prejudice can Affect Your Mental Health
Depression
If you are constantly in an environment where you are experiencing prejudice, it’s normal to experience feelings of depression. You may start feeling emotionally drained, isolated or lonely. You may also start feeling physical exhaustion, leading to fatigue or insomnia or feelings of low motivation and feelings of wanting to quit.
Anxiety
If you are feeling judged, whether at work, school or in the community, this can lead to feelings of generalized or social anxiety. For example, you may feel nervous about starting projects or taking risks around others in their daily environment. You may also experience worry about what other people think. This can then lead to negative self-talk and low sense of self.
Low self-worth
You may question your own worth. For example, you might wonder, “Am I good enough?” or, “Do I even belong here?” Questions like this lead you to start questioning your own value. You will wonder what will you have to do to be treated differently because nothing will ever appear to be good enough. You may feel the effects of imposter syndrome and start to question your own intelligence, your value and your skill level as a result.
Feelings of hopelessness
You may start to wonder, “Will things ever get better?” or you may start to feel like all hope is lost for change. At this point, you may begin to internalize feelings of being in an inferior group. Then, you may stop demanding for things to change, stop using your voice and accept negative treatment because of a lack of equality.
How You can Overcome the Effects of Prejudice
We have to pay attention to our internal selves and listen to our mind and bodies. Then, we can start to take care of ourselves.
Self-care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Before you can take care of anyone else, you have to take care of yourself first. Take a step back from the TV and social media. Engage in a hobby that you enjoy or spend time with your loved ones.
Breathe
Take time during the day to just breathe. Set breathing interval times throughout the day so you can remember to clear your mind. Relax your body and decrease stimulation that can feel overwhelming.
Positive self-talk
Use daily positive self-talk to help increase your self-esteem and self-worth. Tell yourself that you are good enough and you deserve the best from any position that you are in. By reminding yourself that you are worth it, you will believe that you belong when others may want you to believe otherwise.
Increase self-awareness
Know that you are not the problem. Understand that prejudice exists on many levels in society. When people are able to acknowledge that a greater issue exists, then they can increase self-confidence and be a voice for positive change.
The impact of prejudice can be devastating to a person’s mental health. The repercussions can last a lifetime and those feelings can be passed through generations. It is important for all people to continue to have those uncomfortable, difficult conversations about prejudice in society. When we take the time to listen to each other, we will feel like we are making a change. And when there is change, we will notice a positive effect in mental health based on inclusion and equality.
Author
Jennifer Williams, MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000.
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Specialty
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Behavioral Health
General Page Tier 3
Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Blog
When someone is experiencing depression, anxiety or substance misuse, it doesn’t just impact them – it impacts their family and their community. We all can do our part to watch for signs of mental health struggles in family and friends. But how do you know when you or a loved one is in a mental health crisis and needs to see a professional? Let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms that can indicate a need for treatment.
Here are a few symptoms that indicate depression and substance use:
Persistent sadness: A prolonged period of feeling sad, empty or hopeless.
Loss of interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
Change in sleep patterns: Insomnia or lack of energy.
Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
Difficulty concentrating: Reduced ability to focus, make decisions, or remember details.
Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits.
Irritability: Unexplained mood swings, increased irritability, or restlessness.
Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
When it comes to substance abuse, there are several signs that indicate a person needs help:
Changes in behavior: Sudden and unexplained shifts in personality or actions.
Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or family obligations.
Social withdrawal: Isolating from friends and family, preferring to be alone.
Tolerance buildup: Needing more of the substance over time to achieve the same effects.
Withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological reactions when substance use is reduced or stopped.
Loss of control: Inability to cut down or control substance use.
Continued use despite consequences: Continued substance use despite negative impact on health, relationships, or job.
Secrecy with use: Hiding substance use and being dishonest about its extent.
Financial issues: Experiencing money problems due to spending on substances.
Legal problems: Getting into trouble with the law related to substance use.
It’s important to understand that each person’s experience is different, and you may not experience or see every symptom on these lists. But if you read these lists and think it sounds like something you or a friend or family member are going through, it could be a mental health crisis so please contact a behavioral health professional. A provider can give an accurate diagnosis and provide guidance on treatment options.
At Luminis Health, we offer a wide range of mental health services, including:
Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care – for moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms that need to be addressed in less than 24-72 hours
Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who are able to wait for a scheduled appointment. Telehealth options are available.
Inpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who need 24 hour treatment
Please visit https://Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth to schedule care.
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